Electric Buses

Photo of an electric bus pulling into a bus stop. The University of Georgia has more than 30 electric buses! These 40-foot electric buses emit no pollution and have lower operating costs than existing diesel powered buses, representing a tremendous step forward in reducing emissions and increasing opportunities for experiential learning and research. UGA Transportation & Parking Services plans to continue to provide sustainable transportation well into the future with a long-term goal to become a completely electric fleet.

In 2019, UGA TPS purchased 20 Proterra Electric buses as a part of the universtiy’s strategic plan to advance campus sustainability. UGA received a competitive grant from the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) for $10 million, which was matched with $7.5 million from Auxiliary Services. The University of Georgia was also awarded $7.46 million under the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program to purchase an additional 13 electric buses. The funding, along with UGA’s 30% matching share, grew the university’s fleet to 33 electric buses in 2021.

Approximate energy costs for the new zero-emission buses total approximately $10 per bus per day, while the current diesel buses cost approximately $100 per bus per day. Yearly maintenance costs has decreased from $22,000 to roughly $7,500 per bus.

TPS has several local partners that have contributed to this massive project, including the Office of University Architects, Office of Sustainability, Georgia Power, Facilities Management Division, and the Department of Geography. UGA Auxiliary Services has also partnered with the College of Engineering to work with four student teams as they complete capstone projects related to electric bus technology and live field data. These projects have the potential to advance electric bus technology and improve lives through better transportation worldwide.