Contact: Cindy Baker, Director of Marketing
(816) 346-0209
KCATA ADDS ALL-ELECTRIC, ECO-FRIENDLY TRUCK TO FLEET
(Kansas City, Mo. — April 12, 2011) The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) today dedicated its first all-electric maintenance vehicle and the 95th & Troost Park-and-Ride.
The Smith Electric Vehicle will be used to service and clean Troost MAX and Main St. MAX stations, along with other Metro stops. The 95th & Troost Park-and-Ride includes a charging station for the maintenance truck. KCATA expects to save more than $100,000 on fuel and maintenance over the life of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49 tons a year.
KCATA’s new bus rapid transit line, the Troost MAX Green Line, travels from downtown to 95th & Troost and along Bannister Road. Troost MAX made its debut January 1, 2011. The new Troost MAX route also brought Kansas City’s first hybrid-electric buses, the first pervious concrete parking lot in Kansas City, Mo., and KCATA’s first rain gardens.
The new all-electric truck is part of KCATA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
“KCATA’s commitment to the environment is more than a one-day celebration,” said KCATA General Manager Mark Huffer. “Our business is cleaner transportation, and we’re excited to be able to make this improvement to our maintenance fleet.”
95th & Troost Park-and-Ride
The 95th & Troost Park-and-Ride is a joint project of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and KCATA, and is located on the periphery of its employee parking lot.
"GSA is proud to support the KCATA in their efforts to green the bus fleet and increase public transportation options in the area. This is a great example of how the city is investing in a clean energy economy," said Jason Klumb, Regional Administrator to the U.S. General Service Administration's Heartland Region.
About the vehicle
The Newton truck is powered by the latest Lithium-Ion batteries and a 120kw electric motor, has a top speed of 50 mph and a range of 100 miles on a full charge. It is designed to operate effectively in urban environments that demand heavy stop-and-go driving. The Newton truck was launched in the UK by Smith Electric Vehicles in 2006. It is produced in North America by Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, based in Kansas City, Mo.
KCATA purchased the truck as part of the Troost MAX bus rapid transit line, which was funded by a federal grant. In addition to saving money on fuel, the electric truck helps reduce carbon emissions while reducing noise.
Green features on Troost MAX
The Troost MAX Green Line includes several environmentally friendly features that are already garnering local and national recognition.
MAX buses have clean diesel engines to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Five of the MAX buses are hybrids, using battery power from start-up to 25mph. When the clean diesel engine takes over, it also recharges the batteries. These are the first full-size hybrid buses to operate in the Kansas City region. They are expected to increase fuel economy by 30%.
Rain gardens are designed into 30 stations to capture and filter water run-off, reducing flooding, erosion and pollutants in rivers and streams. MAX stations include energy-efficient LED lighting. New solar lighting has been installed at Troost local stops. Benches at Troost MAX stations are made of Ipe wood, a more sustainable hardwood from Brazil.
Pervious concrete is used to absorb water and reduce runoff. The 31st St. Park-and-Ride is the largest pervious concrete facility in Kansas City.