CARTA Set To Launch One Of Nation's 1st Full-Size All-Electric Transit Buses

  • Friday, June 22, 2018

ARTA has taken delivery on one of the nation's first full-size all-electric transit buses.

Officials said the bus may be ready for the road in about two weeks after some final touchups, including adding a radio.

Only one other city - in Washington state - has this type bus on the road.

Chattanooga will be the first in the country with three of the models.

Two others are on order, but are expected here soon.

The 32-passenger bus has few moving parts so there is very little maintenance, including no oil to change. Its hundreds of small batteries are expected to last the 14-year life of the bus.

The new all-electric bus has a range of about 140 miles.

It will be charged overnight by plugging it in at the Wilcox headquarters. That takes about five hours. For a quick charge on the road, the bus can drive over a charging mechanism at the Shuttle South garage by the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

The bus has a "kneeling" mechanism that drops it low to the ground so wheelchairs can get in easily.

Breaking News
Sheriff's Office Asking County For $1.9 Million Budget Increase; HES Seeks $634,000 Rise
  • 5/8/2024

The Sheriff's Office is asking for a $1.9 million increase in the upcoming budget, along with a $1.8 million request to increase video storage at the jail at Silverdale. Ron Bernard, chief ... more

Around $16,000 In Stolen Merchandise Recovered After Pursuit On April 29
Around $16,000 In Stolen Merchandise Recovered After Pursuit On April 29
  • 5/8/2024

Two people were arrested on April 29, after a high-speed chase ended on I-75. Warrants have been issued for a third person. During the stop, Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies observed several ... more

2 Sides Debate STVRs Ahead Of June 5 County Commission Vote
  • 5/8/2024

Two sharply divided factions on Wednesday morning debated whether or not there should be Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) in residential areas in the unincorporated county. The County Commission ... more