Marble Valley Regional Transit District, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
VTrans, VEIC and Green Mountain Power Partner for the Pilot Program To Cut Carbon & Other Costs
Vermont Business MagazineGovernor Phil Scott and Green Mountain Power announced today that public transportation in Rutland County would be cleaner due to the arrival of two all-electric transit buses. These electric buses are now being operated by the Marble Vale Regional Transit District, MVRTD.
Two diesel-powered buses will take approximately 15,660 gallons of diesel off the roads per year. This is the equivalent of 46 cars being taken off the road.
The grant provided nearly $1.5 million for the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund, which also included additional support from Green Mountain Power through clean electric incentives. This was to reduce carbon emissions and lower costs for all customers.
Marble Valley Regional Transit District, with support from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), also provided funds to the e-buses.
This is the future, so we are so excited about being part of this pilot project. Electric transportation is more efficient, cleaner, and more cost-effective than traditional modes of transport. MVRTD’s executive director Ken Putnam said that being able to access funding from the state allowed us to go electric years earlier than we would have otherwise. It is amazing to hear how excited riders are about the buses and how quiet they make them feel. The buses are easy to drive and have a lot of power.
The electric buses currently run a route betweenRutland & MiddleburyWith plans to open a route to Killington in the spring,
Joe Flynn, VTrans Secretary, stated that the two electric transit buses are part and parcel of the Agency’s commitment to moving to electric vehicles. These buses improve operational efficiency and offer quieter transit services, while also contributing to Vermont’s plan to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. The Public Transit Program currently has 18 electric buses on the road or in order. We plan to continue to replace internal combustion engines by electric vehicles whenever possible.
VEIC will administer the pilot program for the Agency of Natural Resources and will track performance to expand clean public transportation in Vermont.
Agency of Natural Resources has a compelling vision of how to use the VW settlement funds for electrifying public transportation and reducing diesel fuel. We are grateful to have the opportunity to manage this pilot, stated Rebecca Foster, CEO at VEIC. We congratulate Marble Valley Regional Transit District on their exciting addition to the bus fleet. We also thank our partners VTrans and GMP, who helped to make emission-free transit a reality in Rutland.
GMP also provided incentives for electric buses. The switch to electric transit and heavy-duty vehicles will open up new opportunities to strengthen the grid. The energy stored on the wheels acts as a battery and can be used to recharge buildings or reduce costs by not having to buy power when it’s most expensive.
GMP is committed to helping Vermonters electrify their transport. Mari McClure, Green Mountain Power president, and CEO, said that individual cars are part of the solution, but so is improving public transportation options. We were delighted to partner with others in getting these buses out there, as well as expanding our network for fast charging stations. We look forward to deploying these stations across Vermont. McClure is also on the board for the World Resources Institute Electric School Bus Initiative.
About VEIC
VEIC, a sustainable energy company, is on a mission of generating the energy solutions the world requires. VEIC has been working in North America for more than 35 years to provide clean energy services that bring about immediate and long-lasting change. VEIC offers innovative solutions to the market with its expertise in energy efficiency and building decarbonization. VEIC is nationally known for developing pilots, programs, and other initiatives that optimize energy consumption, reduce the energy burden for low-income customers, advance new technologies, and improve energy efficiency. VEIC is a full-service consultancy firm that also administers three large-scale sustainability energy programs: Efficiency Vermont (EFV), Efficiency Smart (ESWU), and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility(DCSEU).https://www.veic.org/
About the Agency of Natural Resources
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resourcesis responsible for managing Vermont’s natural resources on behalf of Vermonters. They aim to build on the Vermonters’ shared ethic for responsibility for our natural environment. This ethic encompasses a sense and quality of place, community, and a recognition that we are all part of the environment and that we must all be responsible stewards of it for future generations.https://anr.vermont.gov/.
About the Agency of Transportation
The Vermont Agency of Transportation plans and develops, implements and manages a statewide transportation system, which includes roads, bridges and railways, airports and park-and-rides, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, as well as public transportation facilities and services. The Agency’s mission is to provide safe and efficient movement for people and goods through excellent customer service.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power is a partner with 270,000 Vermont residents and businesses. GMP provides integrated energy services to meet the needs of customers. This includes reducing carbon and costs while still generating reliable, clean, and cost-effective power in Vermont. GMP is the world’s first utility to receive a B Corp certification. This means that it meets rigorous social, environmental and accountability and transparency standards. GMP also pledges to use business as an instrument of good. GMP was named to TIME’s list of 100 most innovative companies in 2022. Fast Company named GMP as one of the five most innovative companies in North America in 2022. GMP also landed on Fast Company’s list of the most innovative companies in the world in the energy sector for four consecutive years. GMP was honored by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), as a national leader for energy transformation in 2021.
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor 4.18.2022