Moving towards sustainable transportation: Transportation District celebrates introduction of electric bus fleet to South Lake Tahoe

The Introduction of a Sustainable Electric Bus Fleet and Mobility Hub at Lake Tahoe Community College

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and its local partners celebrated the inauguration of a new electric bus fleet and mobility hub at Lake Tahoe Community College. This project, which was approved in 2018, reached its completion five years later with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable transportation solutions and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Partnerships for Sustainable Transportation

The celebration commenced with Carl Hasty, District Manager for TTD, expressing gratitude to the partners who contributed to the realization of the electric bus fleet. Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor for Placer County and representative of the TTD Board, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of sustainable transportation solutions in addressing climate change and population growth. Gustafson highlighted the need for diverse modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, ride shares, micro-mass transit, and electric buses, to promote sustainable mobility (SDG 11).

Creating Accessible Sustainable Transportation Hubs

Gustafson emphasized the significance of establishing central hubs for sustainable transportation in the South Lake Tahoe community. These hubs ensure consistent accessibility to various modes of transportation, encouraging community members to utilize sustainable options and contribute to environmental preservation (SDG 13).

Environmental Impact of Electric Buses

According to data compiled by the TTD, the electric buses in their fleet have already made a substantial environmental impact. In their first year of operation, these buses covered 66,861 miles and saved an estimated 13,372 gallons of diesel fuel. Furthermore, the use of electric buses has resulted in the elimination of 300,068 pounds (136.11 metric tons) of CO2 emissions, contributing to the preservation of Lake Tahoe’s environment (SDG 13).

Gustafson expressed her gratitude to the extensive network of partners involved in the project, which extends beyond local and regional government entities. Nonprofits, local businesses, community groups, educational institutions, and the public all played a crucial role in making this sustainable transportation initiative a reality. Foundational partners include the TTD, Lake Tahoe Community College, Liberty Utilities, and the Federal Transit Administration (SDG 17).

The Role of Liberty Utilities

Lindsay Marunic, Senior Director for Liberty Utilities, highlighted the importance of the new mobility hub for the South Lake Tahoe community. She emphasized the efforts made by Liberty Utilities to upgrade their power grid to support the project’s megawatt capacity. Despite challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marunic praised the collaborative spirit of the community in bringing this important initiative to fruition (SDG 7).

Impact on Lake Tahoe Community College

Jeff DeFranco, President of Lake Tahoe Community College, expressed gratitude for hosting the mobility hub and acknowledged its transformative impact on students and staff. The hub’s convenient bus schedule has improved accessibility and transportation options for the college community, demonstrating the power of partnership in driving local movement (SDG 4).