Fully electric buses unveiled by Valley Regional Transit

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Valley Regional Transit unveiled four new 40-foot electric buses that will hit the streets in October.

“Battery-electric buses offer a quieter, smoother rider experience and a more sustainable transportation solution,” said Kelli Badesheim, Valley Regional Transit executive director. These buses can reach up to 65 mph and take about three hours to recharge.

The new electric buses highlight Boise Mayor Lauren McLean's goal to cut down on carbon emissions.

"As we imagine what a carbon-neutral city looks like in 2050, we know it will have to include clean public transit options," McLean said. "These electric buses will be an incredible asset to the VRT fleet."

About 80 percent of VRT's vehicles are low-emission. VRT says that as older buses are phased out, no-emissions vehicles will replace them. VRT is scheduled to get eight additional electric buses in the coming months.

Funding for the buses and charging stations came from the Federal Transit Administration.

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