The route from Bryn Mawr to Haverford just got quieter and cleaner – environmentally, that is. The newest Blue Bus is a Thomas Jouley C2 electric bus. Wrapped in a blue and red design representing both schools, it arrived on campus on February 7 and made its first trip bright and early on Monday, February 12.
The third electric vehicle in Bryn Mawr’s fleet, following two electric utility vans purchased last spring, the acquisition of the bus is a signal of the college’s commitment to alternative-fuel vehicles, with the goal of replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric or other alternative fuel vehicles whenever possible moving forward.
“The electric bus is a beautiful demonstration of Bryn Mawr and Haverford's commitment to sustainability initiatives on campus and our environment,” says Sakinah I. Rahman, director of administrative services.
The bus has a dedicated fast-charging station in the Batten House parking lot and will be charged nightly. Because there is no gasoline engine, the bus will never require gas, oil changes, spark plug replacements, or other costly maintenance, and the students and drivers can enjoy cleaner air from the lack of emissions and pollutants.
The bus cost $500,000 to purchase and wrap, with the cost split between Bryn Mawr and Haverford and partly supported with $100,000 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant.
"I am excited, and I know the students will be excited, about the colleges' commitment to alternative fuels,” says Steve Green, director of transportation.
Transportation had been interested in electric buses for some time, but until recently the battery technology wasn’t efficient enough to support the required mileage range for Bi-College vehicles.