The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is working with Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) to deploy six 35’ GILLIG battery electric buses (BEBs) as the first zero-emission vehicles in RMTD’s fleet. A successful deployment will inform future plans for the procurement of additional BEBs. The new alternative energy buses replaced aging diesel buses serving the city of Rockford and the surrounding areas. RMTD’s goal is to transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2036.
RMTD received funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation to support a charging infrastructure buildout for transitioning to a zero-emission fleet and to accommodate future faculties expansion. CTE created a project schedule in coordination with the project team based on timelines and details of the charging infrastructure buildout and bus deployment. CTE is monitoring project risks, requirements, and scheduling during the initial bus deployment.
CTE conducted route modeling for RMTD. For analysis inputs, CTE used bus and charger specification data, RMTD’s current service plan, and GPS data collected from five GILLIG 35’ buses running blocks on specified routes. The results of the modeling determined that the GILLIG BEBs will be most efficiently deployed on weekday service routes for eight-hour blocks. CTE also conducted rate modeling and charge modeling analyses to determine RMTD’s charging requirements, optimal fueling windows, and estimated fuel cost.
CTE has conducted testing to validate the performance of the GILLIG BEBs and charging with a temporary eSkid charger from ChargePoint; as of May 2024 RMTD is now using permanent ChargePoint chargers after building infrastructure required to meet fire suppression concerns from the local fire department. CTE is currently providing key performance indicator data analysis services for one year after initial deployment.
