Juneau's new electric bus, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 8. Photo by Anna Frazier Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Capital Transit unveiled its new all-electric bus at a small celebration on Thursday, April 8. The event was called "Running on Rain," a nod to Juneau's hydropower electric generation.
The Proterra ZX5 will be the first fully-electric bus owned by a public transit agency in the state, according to a release from the City and Borough. It marks the beginning of a transition from diesel to electric-powered buses that Capital Transit is undertaking.
"It'll be one of seven here shortly" said Juneau Mayor, Beth Weldon, in an interview with News of the North as she rode on the inaugural drive of the new bus. As the older vehicles age, the city plans on replacing them with electric versions. So far, funding has been secured for seven additional buses, out of the 18 total in Juneau's fleet.