Sen. Merkley Test Drives an LTD Electric Bus
United States Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) visited Lane Transit District’s Glenwood Campus in Springfield, Oregon where he was briefed on the operation and maintenance of the District’s 30 battery electric buses.
“Curbing air pollution from transportation is key in our fight against climate chaos, and LTD’s electric fleet is charging Lane County communities forward to a clean energy future,” Sen. Merkley said. “It was great to test drive one of these cutting-edge new buses, and I’ll keep working to support sustainable mass transit that improves public health while getting Oregonians to where they’re going.”
After the technical briefing by LTD’s Matt Imlach and Jordan May, Senator Merkley drove one of the District’s 40-foot New Flyer heavy-duty transit buses. The electric buses, including chargers, were funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No-Emission fund and LTD general funds.
“We are flattered Senator Merkley came to LTD to learn more about how zero-emission electric buses are serving our communities,” said Jameson T. Auten, LTD’s Chief Executive Officer. “LTD is committed to identifying innovative mobility management technologies that align with the District’s Climate Action Policy and Fleet Procurement Goals.”
LTD’s zero-emission electric buses and other environmentally conscious measures it takes has helped the District to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 77%, while continuing to fulfill its mission to provide safe, clean, reliable, convenient, transportation options for the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon metro area, and surrounding communities.
Community leaders attending the briefing included Oregon State Representative Nancy Nathanson (D-Eugene); Michelle Webber, LTD Board Member (Subdistrict 2) and Springfield City Councilor; Victoria Doyle, Springfield City Councilor; Susan Cox, Vice Chairperson of LTD’s Board of Directors (Subdistrict 7); Kelly Sutherland, LTD Board Member (Subdistrict 4); and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU 757) Executive Officer Bill Bradley.