The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) has partnered with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to deploy six 40’ battery electric buses (BEBs) replacing six diesel-fueled buses that have been in service for over 17 years. CTA was the only transit agency in Illinois to receive 2021 Low or No Emission (Low- No) funding from the Federal Transit Administration. The award also included funding for charging infrastructure in the form of two Heliox/Siemens Flex 180 kW depot chargers and six pantograph chargers. CTA’s BEB deployment project will support upgrades to its Southside bus depot and associated bus routes, reducing emissions and improving public health in surrounding areas which have among the highest rates of chronic illness in the city.
CTE is providing project management and technical support to CTA in its “pilot project” as the initial step in transitioning to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. This goal is in alignment with the “Charging Forward” comprehensive strategic plan issued by CTA in 2022. Specifically, CTE is assisting CTA with the replacement of conventionally fueled buses with BEBs procured through a Request for Proposals (RFP). CTE is collaborating with CTA in developing a bus specification to inform all future procurements. The RFP is expected to be issued in fall/winter 2024.
CTA’s project partner, Transit Capital Partners, is leading planning, design, and construction management for the infrastructure buildout. CTE is leading monthly meetings to coordinate with project stakeholders, monitor the project timeline, and provide technical support as needed. Facilities construction is scheduled for tentative mobilization in spring 2026 with an estimated completion date of spring 2027.
CTE will monitor the bus procurement, contracting, and build progress throughout the project lifecycle. CTA and CTE will conduct a pre-production meeting with the selected bus original equipment manufacturer to review scope, specifications, and associated workplans for the bus build. Once the buses are delivered, CTE will conduct performance validation testing on the buses. For a year following deployment of the buses, CTE will collect and report on key performance indicators for the electric buses.
