Marin Transit Embarks on Zero-Emission Pilot Project
Marin Transit is taking a significant step towards cleaner transportation by introducing battery-electric vans to its paratransit and shuttle routes. The agency’s governing board has approved the purchase of two zero-emission vans for a pilot project, with a budget of up to $250,000. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 tons annually.
The decision aligns with Marin Transit’s commitment to reducing emissions, as outlined in its 2016 short-range transit plan. The agency aims to replace its gas-powered buses with all-electric or other zero-emission vehicles by the state’s 2040 target. Currently, Marin Transit operates seven electric vehicles, including six buses and one Chevrolet Bolt for staff use.
The new Ford E-Transit vans are equipped with 89.9-kilowatt-hour batteries, offering a 120-mile range. They can accommodate one wheelchair and four passengers, featuring rear lift wheelchair access. These vans will be used for local paratransit services, including the Muir Woods shuttle and Marin Access shuttle programs. The Muir Woods shuttle operates seasonally on weekends and holidays, while the Marin Access shuttle primarily serves seniors and people with disabilities.
The vans are being procured through a cooperative agreement with Basin Transit and CalACT, fully funded by the state Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). Delivery is expected in November, with the vans potentially entering service by the end of the year.
The pilot project will involve testing the vans on shuttle routes to assess their performance and determine whether to replace the remaining gas-powered vehicles in the fleet with the Ford E-Transit model. Each van is expected to be driven 20,000 to 25,000 miles during the pilot period, allowing Marin Transit’s operations and maintenance teams to evaluate the vehicles’ limitations and advantages.
This initiative follows a similar approach taken by Marin Transit when transitioning to electric buses, where they purchased two units as a pilot before making further acquisitions. The results of this pilot program will be presented to the board and used to update the agency’s vehicle replacement plan.
