Next-gen buses by GILLIG shipped to Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island counties
In a significant stride towards sustainable transportation, the counties of Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island in Hawaii have received the latest generation of battery-electric buses (BEBs) from GILLIG, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States.
The delivery of these 35-foot buses, built on GILLIG’s proven low-floor platform, was marked by an event titled "_Driving Hawai'i Forward_" at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 29. Four buses from each county were displayed side by side, symbolising a shared vision for reliable and efficient public transportation.
These zero-emission vehicles, equipped with 686kWh of onboard energy storage, offer over 35 percent more storage than previous models, enhancing range and operational flexibility. John Nouchi, Deputy Director of Transportation Services for the city and county of Honolulu, hailed the event as a "quantum leap forward" in the state's commitment to green and sustainable transportation.
The buses, engineered to outperform and outlast, have been tested in Hawaii's challenging climate, including corrosive environments. They have proven their reliability and durability, setting a new industry standard for zero-emission vehicles.
The funding for the multi-county procurement includes $11.2 million from the Federal Transit Administration and $3.53 million from the Hawai'i State Energy Office via Volkswagen Settlement funds, with additional county contributions.
The delivery of these buses is part of Honolulu's pursuit of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. The city anticipates adding up to 78 of these next-generation battery-electric buses in the coming years.
The first electric bus delivered by GILLIG in 2020, which was put to the test in Hawaii, exceeded all expectations in terms of performance. According to John Nouchi, it was able to traverse every corner of the island and tackle the most demanding routes, averaging up to 200 miles per day.
Hawai'i County Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed optimism about the future of transportation on the Big Island, stating that the collaboration with GILLIG is incredibly meaningful. Similarly, GILLIG's CEO, Derek Maunus, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support safe, reliable transit in Hawaii, where the company has been working for over 40 years.
This transition towards sustainable transportation is not just a step towards reducing emissions but also a significant move towards a greener and healthier future for the islands. The new battery-electric buses will replace 12 diesel buses on Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island, marking a significant step towards achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.
Scientists in the field of environmental science are eager to study the performance of these new battery-electric buses in Hawaii's challenging climate, as they could potentially pave the way for greener technology in public transportation. Meanwhile, the financial impact of this transition is being monitored closely by those in the field of finance, given the significant investments made by the Federal Transit Administration, the Hawai'i State Energy Office, and the counties themselves.
