PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s public transportation agency has its first electric buses.
Gov. Gina Raimondo joined federal and state officials Monday to unveil the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s three new zero–emissions, electric buses.
The Democratic governor called it a “major step toward a cleaner and greener future.”
The leased buses will be tested and staff will be trained in the maintenance and charging of the vehicles before they are put in service.
The $14.4 million plan includes replacement of aging diesel buses with the purchase of 16 to 20 electric buses starting in 2021, as well as installation of a charging infrastructure in the state for private electric vehicles.
The state’s portion of the settlement with Volkswagen over its emissions testing scandal will help pay for the program.
