Electric Future
In November 2018, the Santa Barbara MTD Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt an ambitious goal of a 100 percent zero-emissions fleet by the year 2030.
Santa Barbara MTD has long been a forerunner in the battery-electric bus space, having run the first battery-electric bus fleet in the United States back in 1991. MTD still boasts the second largest active electric bus fleet in California with 14 fully battery-electric buses out of a total fleet of 113.
Making Progress
MTD has placed its first order for 4 40 foot battery-electric buses from New Flyer Industries.
“We are committed to making this happen. The whole team at Santa Barbara MTD is proud of our pioneering work in battery-electric transit, and we look forward to continuing to lead the industry towards a zero-emissions future.”
JERRY ESTRADA, GENERAL MANAGER, SANTA BARBARA MTD
“We salute the MTD board for adopting a 100% electric bus goal. Diesel pollution causes cancer, asthma and contributes to climate change. It is particularly important to show a commitment to carbon-free transportation now as California grapples with a year-round fire season driven by climate change. By setting this goal, MTD can plan this transition, build the necessary charging infrastructure, send a market signal to bus manufacturers, and set Santa Barbara on the path to 100% clean, quiet electric buses powered by 100% renewable energy.”
KATIE DAVIS, CHAIR, SIERRA CLUB, SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER
“Community Environmental Council congratulates Santa Barbara MTD for continuing their electric bus leadership with this 100% electric bus goal. Zero emission electric buses powered by renewable energy will be cleaner for our air, quieter for our neighborhoods, and show the world we can lead on climate change solutions. CEC hopes MTD’s leadership will spur other fleets and the public to consider electric vehicles, which are now surprisingly affordable and available in dozens of models.”
MICHAEL CHIACOS, DIRECTOR OF ENERGY AND CLIMATE PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
“Meeting this goal will be a challenge, but our partners in the region and in the transit industry have made a commitment to helping us get there. The MTD Board of Directors knows that it is the right thing to do for our agency, our community, and our planet.”
DAVE DAVIS, CHAIR, SANTA BARBARA MTD BOARD OF DIRECTORS