Electric buses are set to cruise once again on Chapel Hill's roads after a brief safety hiatus. In early March, the town's transit authority plans to reintroduce seven of its ten electric vehicles. This decision follows a period of scrutiny and inspection, all sparked by a fiery incident back in December 2024 when one of these high-tech rides caught ablaze. As per a statement obtained by Town of Chapel Hill's official website, the Chapel Hill Fire Department pinpointed the combustion epicenter: the bus's batteries, though, fortunately, there were no injuries.

The trio of electric buses grounded indefinitely share a kinship with the ill-fated unit—they're all powered by the same brand of battery. The other seven, however, boasting different battery pedigree, have undergone a meticulous safety dance, and they're ready to embrace the roads and passengers once again. "In the last few weeks, the seven buses we’re returning to service have undergone thorough and rigorous safety inspections by both our team and their manufacturer," Brian Litchfield, Chapel Hill Transit Director, announced with an assurance of their safety on the Town of Chapel Hill website.

Gillig, the company behind these electric behemoths, has been playing a supportive role in the backstage. Not only are they donating a replacement for the charred bus, but they're also flipping the bill for the third-party investigation that's still trying to unravel the mystery behind the December flames. Chapel Hill Transit's fleet reboot doesn't just signify a commitment to eco-friendly transport, but also to passenger and community safety.