GDOT Annual Report 2017

G R E E N S B O R O T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y

The Future Is Electric

In the early 1900’s Greensboro relished its use of modern-day transportation technology with the deployment of electric powered trolleys and trolley- buses.

decision. It is estimated that over the 12 year, 500,000- mile useful life of a bus, Greensboro will save $325,000 per bus in total life cycle costs. The electric buses cost more to purchase up front, but require less maintenance and much lower fuel costs when compared to diesel or hybrid buses. With the need to replace up to 50 buses over the next seven years, the $325,000 savings will go a long way. The fact that there are zero emissions and reduced noise are added benefits.

Million Mile Couple In June, GTA celebrated the drivers who have driven one or two million passenger miles without a Almost a century later, Greensboro is set to embark on another foray into electric power with the purchase of new electric-powered transit buses. The decision to go with all electric buses was a business prestigious honor – including a husband and wife. Stephen and Liz McKinnon have served the riders of Greensboro for more than three decades each. Hailing from High Point, Stephen McKinnon attributes his safe driving record to utilizing all of the skills developed through training classes and longevity As the original “green” transportation mode, these electric vehicles, operated by Duke Power, served passengers with low noise, no emissions, and unlimited fuel supply for daily transit services. However, the buses and trolleys were limited in movement to the vicinity of the overhead catenary wires. They went where the wires went. Trolley-buses had a little wiggle room to move around a stalled car or a stubborn mule. It had one path, and if that path was blocked, you just had to wait. Call it traffic congestion, 1940s style. preventable accident. Twenty- five fixed-route and paratransit operators earned the

behind the wheel. Liz McKinnon, born in Greenville, SC, was Greensboro’s first African-American female bus operator. She describes her key to safe driving as “A.G.K.L.M.” – Aim high in steering; Get the big picture; Keep your eyes moving; Leave yourself an out; and make sure they see you. Those are valuable goals for all drivers, but especially for those at the helm of a 40- foot transit bus. The new generation electric bus, expected to enter service by fall 2018, does not rely on the restrictive overhead wires or a continuous connection to the electric grid. Its propulsion will come directly from an electric motor powered by on-board capacitors – or batteries – with the equivalent of up to 105,000 AA batteries.

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