Bus Electrification
To reduce our carbon footprint, we’re converting our bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles over the next several decades. This aligns with our policy of managing our energy resources efficiently and responsibly.
Our commitment to building a more sustainable transit system will require significant time and financial investment. This is our plan to modernize our bus fleet:
- Replace our nine bus maintenance facilities to accommodate BEBs and related charging infrastructure
- Build these expanded and modernized facilities at the rate of one every two to three years
- Integrate charging stations throughout our bus network
- Invest $100 million annually (as facilities become ready) to build our fleet of BEBs
As an initiative of the Better Bus Project, this program meets the following goals:
- Reduced carbon footprint: BEBs reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help mitigate the MBTA's carbon footprint
- Equity: Investing in our bus facilities and fleet ensures improved transit access for our riders, especially along some of our busiest routes
- Service flexibility: Upgraded facilities expand service capacity to allow for more frequent departures
- Service reliability: Modernized work environments for maintenance staff and updated buses bring our fleet and facilities to a State of Good Repair—this reduces maintenance costs and supports safety and reliability
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Our Plan for a Zero-Emissions Fleet
Our goal is to transition to a zero-emissions fleet that improves service flexibility, capacity, and equity over the next several decades. This will require changes to the system as a whole, and must be coordinated to avoid disruptions to service.
Our strategy targets three project focus areas. Each of these areas presents a unique set of challenges and potential solutions:
What We’re Doing Now
We’re taking a phased approach to purchasing additional vehicles and upgrading the facilities that will support BEBs.
Currently, we’re evaluating opportunities and planning projects that move us more quickly toward a zero-emissions future:
| Project | Definition | Status | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Silver Line BEB Pilot | Definition | A fleet of five 60-foot BEBs purchased in 2019 is teaching us more about the technology | Status | In progress |
| Project | Fleet State of Good Repair | Definition | A strategic purchasing plan to replace our oldest buses first to maintain safe and reliable service | Status | In progress |
| Project | Quincy Bus Facility | Definition | An all-new facility that can accommodate BEBs and expand system capacity | Status | In construction |
| Project | Arborway Bus Facility | Definition | An all-new facility that can accommodate BEBs and expand system capacity | Status | In design |
| Project | North Cambridge Route Conversion | Definition | Conversion of the North Cambridge Bus Maintenance Facility (Routes 71 and 73) from electric trolleybuses to BEBs—this will improve reliability, flexibility, and operations | Status | In construction |
| Project | New Technology Testing | Definition | Ongoing tests to evaluate how we can integrate these vehicles into BEB-ready facilities | Status | In progress |
Past Events
Downloads
Presentations to the Board
- MBTA Bus Fleet and Facility Update (April 26, 2021)
- Modernizing Our Bus Fleet and Facilities (November 9, 2020)
- Battery Electric Bus Performance (September 14, 2020)
Resources
MBTA Bus Electrification Plan (May 2022)
Key Takeaways of the Cost-Benefit Analysis for Trolley Buses and BEBs (December 6, 2021)
MBTA Approach to Overcoming Winter Range Challenges with Battery Electric Buses (September 30, 2021)
MBTA Bus Electrification: Emissions Reductions Analysis (Spring 2021)
Contact Us
For other questions and comments related to bus electrification, please contact engineering@MBTA.com.
Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.