In San Diego's South Bay, the inauguration of the first all-electric bus route signals an advancement in local transportation. Today, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) introduced the novel Rapid Route 227, aiming to connect the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and Imperial Beach with a fleet of twelve emission-free electric buses. Promising a superior travel experience, these new vehicles are slated for quicker, quieter rides, benefitting over 5,000 daily commuters, as per NBC San Diego's report.
In places such as Otay Mesa, where countless 18-wheelers traverse each day, the air quality impacts by these electric buses are truly significant. Echoing the environmental and noise pollution reduction merits of the all-electric fleet, MTS Board Chairman and San Diego City Councilman, Stephen Whitburn stressed its advantages in a recent NBC San Diego article.
Coming from New Flyer, these advanced electric buses replace older compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, offer zero tailpipe emissions and improved passenger comfort, accords to the MTS website. With a goal to fully transition its 750 buses to electric by 2040, San Diego showcases Rapid Route 227 as a significant move toward minimizing its carbon emissions.
We had a great day celebrating the launch of Rapid 227 today 🚍⚡️ When it launches Sunday, Rapid 227 will operate the first 60-ft electric buses in our fleet. Plus, it will have approx. 4x the trips & 600 more hours of service than existing route 950! pic.twitter.com/x02qws9Az1
— San Diego MTS (@sdmts) October 13, 2023
Nevertheless, there are formidable hurdles in this transition. An individual 60-foot electric bus comes with a whopping price tag of nearly $1.7 million, significantly more expensive compared to a similar CNG bus worth $1 million. There is also additional expenditure for setting up the required electric charging infrastructure as cited from an NBC San Diego piece.
Rapid Route 227's unveiling has created a buzz among the public, particularly cross-border commuters who anticipate the upcoming expansion of pedestrian lanes at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, expected to finish by early 2024. This new limited-stop bus service rides from the border to the Trolley on the UC San Diego Blue Line at the Iris Avenue Transit Center within 15 minutes, clocking a frequency of 7.5 to 15 minutes during peak travel hours, according to the MTS website.
In celebration of the launch, MTS has announced free rides on Rapid Route 227 from October 15 through 31. This initiative allows passengers to experience the city's premier all-electric bus route offerings, as highlighted by MTS.
