Proterra, SEPTA, and PECO are promoting democracy-supportive transportation at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Philadelphia has always been a relatively pedestrian- and transit-friendly city. As much of the nation turns its eyes to Philadelphia for the historic 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC), the city is stepping that up a notch. Philadelphia’s innovative transit agency (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA) is offering fully electric and free transit for attendees, in collaboration with Proterra (an American fully electric bus manufacturer) and PECO (an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation).
From a press release on the news: “The project is one component of Philadelphia’s commitment to hosting the most sustainable national political convention ever.”
Attention residents, delegates, and visitors, please take advantage and enjoy the quiet, smooth rides and fresher air that results from an electric bus ride. I wish I was back in my old stomping ground near SEPTA headquarters at 1234 Market Street to enjoy it all.
“In addition to the tour and demonstration, SEPTA will debut a new lobby exhibit showcasing the evolution of SEPTA’s bus fleet over the years…. Those interested in seeing the bus, or taking a ride, can learn more about the event by using #SEPTAINABLE on Twitter.“
Here are some more green highlights from the press release:
- SEPTA, one of the largest transit agencies in the United States and operator of one of the greenest bus fleets in the nation, serves as a model transit agency and case study for the economic and environmental advantages of going electric.
- To better serve the 3.9 million residents across the five counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, SEPTA was awarded a $2,585,075 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase 25 Proterra Catalyst buses and five overhead chargers that will begin operating on two routes in South Philadelphia in 2017.
“SEPTA is looking forward to adding 25 emission-free electric buses from Proterra,” said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon. “SEPTA already has one of the greenest bus fleets in the nation, with over half of our vehicles operating diesel-electric hybrids. The addition of electric buses furthers our commitment to a sustainable future for our riders and local residents.”
Take note, DNC — I keep hearing talk of people voting Independent and writing in Bernie. Please drive or ride in an EV to the convention, show what you are really made of, and back stronger progressive policies than even the Obama administration rolled out. We want to see EVs used for federal agencies, the police, the secret service, and more.
It is nice to remember that the Clintons have/had a vegan chef.
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Images by Proterra and Joe Brusky (some rights reserved)
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