The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has opened Rhode Island’s first in-line pantograph charging station for electric buses.
This new charging station is located at the southern terminus of the R-Line, which connects Providence, Cranston and Pawtucket. It can charge up to four electric buses simultaneously.
The charging station is the first of its kind in the Northeast region. It also features driver restrooms and an on-site snow-melt system.
The site will power RIPTA’s first electric fleet, consisting of 14 New Flyer Xcelsior XE40 battery electric buses to serve the R-Line.
The new buses are equipped with an energy storage system totalling 320 kWh. They will be deployed later this month to reduce transport emissions and enhance air quality in Rhode Island.
RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Durand said:At RIPTA, we are proud to lead by example when it comes to battling climate change. The completion of the electric bus in-line charging station marks a significant achievement for RIPTA and Rhode Island. This innovative facility, located along our most frequently-used route, represents our commitment to cleaner, sustainable transportation. The introduction of our first fully electric fleet will not only reduce emissions but also enhance the quality of air and life in the communities we serve.
This 7.6 million USD design-build project was led by BOND Civil & Utility Construction, Inc., working closely with Rhode Island Energy to ensure that electrical power and a high-pressure gas line were available for this project.
The project was funded by Volkswagen Settlement Funds and the Federal Transit Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
