WTA to bring electric bus to campus Thursday

Whatcom Transportation Authority is now “test driving” an all-electric bus, on loan from BYD Motors Inc.  The public is invited to ride the electric bus on one of WTA’s regular routes.  All rides are free on the electric bus.

The bus will be on Western Washington University's campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, between Carver Gymnasium and the Fine Arts Building.

Representatives from BYD Motors Inc. have been traveling around the state in recent months, giving several transit agencies the opportunity to test drive the bus.

According to BYD Motors Inc., their all-electric bus offers the industry's first environmentally-friendly, fire-safe battery chemistry.  This 324 kilowatt, non-toxic, iron-phosphate battery can power the bus for up to 250 miles on a single nighttime charge. The battery is expected to last beyond the average 12-year life of a bus and can be reused in non-transportation applications.

Other facts:

• Battery lasts up to 250 miles
• Charges in 2 to 4 hours
• No transmission or internal-combustion engine
• Battery is disposable and pollution-free
• Zero emissions
• Built in the United States
• Currently in service at Stanford University and Antelope Valley Transit

For more information, call 360-527-4718.  For route and schedule information, call 360-676-7433 or visit www.ridewta.com .