LIHUE — Starting today, the County of Kauai Transportation Agency will be operating two electric bus demonstrations on the Kekaha and Hanalei mainline routes free of charge.
LIHUE — Starting today, the County of Kauai Transportation Agency will be operating two electric bus demonstrations on the Kekaha and Hanalei mainline routes free of charge.
“This electric bus demonstration is part of our initiative to create a healthier community, while promoting renewable transportation,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “An electric bus is just one way we will create a better future for our children and reach our clean energy goals.”
Originally scheduled to run on Wednesday, June 20, the buses will begin their demonstration today allowing the Transportation Agency further preparation to allow safe and efficient rides for all bus riders.
Two 40-feet battery electric buses from different bus manufacturers (Proterra and BYD Motors) will run parallel to the existing Kekaha and Hanalei routes:
• Public route 200 from Hanamaulu’s Kalepa Village out to Kekaha at 8:30 a.m., returning on route 100 from Kekaha to Hanamaulu at 10:30 a.m.
• Public route 500 from Kauai Community College to Princeville at 8:25 a.m., returning on route 400 from Princeville to KCC at 10:22 a.m.
A Kauai Bus will be trailing the electric buses, functioning as a feeder route to inaccessible stops.
Transportation Agency staff will be onboard the electric buses, insuring passengers get to their destinations.
Kauai Bus staff will also be present on the buses to ask riders to provide feedback in order for the Transportation Agency to gain data for the potential of the buses future use.
Well, gee, …..how much more expensive are they? How much do they cost to repair/overhaul? Long term cost analysis?
“healthier community”? Fossil fuels are still generating the most electricity.
Healthier for my wallet in all the tax money you need for this??
Whoa, what next is up the sleeves of our corporate overtakers! pretty big machine for such horrible highway! guarans broke one week!
Our buses run at between 5%-40% capacity now and what do they want to do? Get even BIGGER buses! You guys so smart!!
Rode the electric bus today. Not impressed. Buses are too big for Kauai and because half the bus was racks don’t seat any more. Bus was very loud inside and stiff. Cheaply made out of plastic.
Hope taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for this boondoggle. Cheaper to give every resident an electric bike or scooter.