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Kyle Clark
Transportation
FSU ditches gas-powered buses
Florida State’s campus-wide transportation system is going all electric. Earlier this year, the university signed a 10-year contract with StarMetro, Tallahassee’s public transit system, to operate an electric-powered bus fleet.
Scheduled to begin rolling this fall, the electric buses will replace 15 diesel-powered vehicles and are projected to transport more than 700,000 passengers throughout FSU’s Tallahassee campus each year. The university currently operates three all-electric buses.
“We are looking forward to rolling out these cleaner and quieter buses later this year because they will provide better service and enhanced efficiencies,” says Kyle Clark, vice president for finance and administration. “The new fleet will help create a more environmentally friendly campus and assist Florida State’s efforts to continue to be a national leader in university transportation.”
The buses will be able to travel up to 18 miles on a single fast charge. They release no greenhouse gas emissions, use no liquid fuels, require no oil changes and operate with 30% fewer parts than a traditional bus.
Over the next decade, the fleet of 18 electric buses is projected to save the university about $10 million in fuel and maintenance costs.
Says Elizabeth Swiman, director of FSU Sustainable Campus: “The new fleet will be a great physical representation of Florida State’s dedication to create a campus that serves as a living model of sustainability.”
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