Iowa City streets will soon have four new electric buses, thanks to $3.3 million in assistance from the Federal Transit Administration and Iowa Department of Transportation grants.
The buses, set to hit the road beginning Jan. 24, will be able to travel over 300 miles on a single charge. They also run more quietly than a diesel bus, drastically reducing noise pollution, according to a press release.
In alignment with the IC’s Climate Action plan, the electric buses are being implemented to reduce greenhouse emissions to help meet climate goals. As of the most recent greenhouse gas inventory, 22% of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation.
“This addition provides the improvements needed to make Transit more attractive for the community, while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Transportation Director Darian Nagle-Gamm. “We’re really excited to move Iowa City Transit forward to the future.”
Iowa City adopted targets of a 45% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050 in April .
After downloading the Transit app, interested riders can receive predicted arrival times and service messages for their routes.
Federal mask requirements, which require passengers to wear a face covering while traveling on public transit vehicles, are expected to be upheld while riding on one of the buses. This rule has been extended through March 18.
