Roam Charges Ahead on Road to Zero Emissions

The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission (BVRTSC) is thrilled to add Banff’s first three battery electric buses to the Roam Public Transit fleet. Built by Proterra, these climate-friendly buses will service popular destinations in Banff, including the Banff Gondola, the Banff Springs Hotel, and the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds, as well as downtown Banff year-round.

“This is a watershed moment for Roam Public Transit and for our community. We see these new electric buses as a significant step towards achieving our long-term environmental and transportation strategies within our tourism-based destination,” says CAO of BVRTSC Martin Bean. “These buses are leading the way to zero emissions in the Bow Valley.”

The three buses were acquired with two thirds Government of Alberta funding support through the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP) and they will be stored in the new Roam Transit Operations and Training Centre, which has two 125Kw charging control units, leading to 4 plug-in charging dispensers.

FAQ

How loud are they?
Electric buses are quieter than diesel buses. Diesel buses produce sound between 75 and 80 decibels, which makes them a little louder than a vacuum cleaner. The Proterra-built electric buses generate 45 to 50 decibels, which our friends at Edmonton Transit Service like to say is quieter than a conversation.

Are they cost effective?
The electric buses are approximately 30 per cent less expensive to maintain than current diesel buses.

How long does the battery last?
An electric bus can cover up to 350km on a charge and the battery itself lasts about 12 years.

Ok, but do they work in winter?
They have been tested and work in winter, as well as in rain and in cloudy weather.

Ride one yourself starting June 11, 2021 when they make their grand debut!