The used bus market is difficult to navigate as well, though the county did purchase 10 used buses out of North Carolina that will be transitioning to electric and 12 hybrid buses from WMATA. Pelfrey also noted that obtaining buses has been increasingly difficult between supply chain issues and manufacturers not being ready to “pivot” to producing electric vehicles. That, in turn, could push potential riders back to single-occupancy vehicles, negating the emission reductions that many hope electric buses will provide. Coupled with potential issues with cold weather and hills, like Alexandria experienced late last year, electric buses may not completely meet the needs of the Fairfax Connector just yet. There are also technology limits to consider and whether the electrical grid will meet the energy requirements needed for large bus fleets.Īccording to the county’s Chief of Transit Dwayne Pelfrey, two thirds of current Fairfax Connector routes exceed the battery capability of electric buses. Several supervisors noted during the meeting that slower service, a reduction of routes, or constant maintenance taking buses offline could lead to fewer riders. Staff identified several challenges that they will closely monitor, including ensuring there’s no reduction in service as a result of the transition. This deadline is based on the county’s established goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. The hope is to transition the entire Fairfax Connector fleet to 100% zero emission buses by 2035. Planned routes for the Fairfax Connector electric bus pilot (via Fairfax County) No exact timetable was given for how long the pilot program is anticipated to last, but it will likely follow other neighboring localities and run about two years. Phase two is expected to begin in 2023 and will include four additional buses on routes in the southern portion of the county. Initially, electric buses will be tested on four routes. Phase one of the pilot program will run out of the West Ox bus division, which serves routes in the western and central portion of the county. The county-run bus service plans to introduce eight electric buses by December, according to a presentation to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ transportation committee last week. ![]() A Fairfax Connector bus leaves the Dunn Loring Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)įairfax Connector is set to start its electric bus pilot program by the end of the year.
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