Via Launches First Fully Electric HOP Bus

BOULDER, CO -- Earlier this year, HOP bus #15 was sidelined with a broken engine and staring down a potential final trip to the landfill. With the help of Lightning Systems, a Loveland-based global developer of zero-emission solutions for commercial fleets, ol' number 15 is back on the road–with something new under its hood. The bus is now fully electric, and according to a press release from its operator, Via Mobility Services, it represents the first full re-vamp of its kind.

Via estimates that with this technology the entire HOP fleet could be converted in 2 to 4 years, while it would take as much as ten years to source and purchase a full arsenal of new electric vehicles at three times the cost. The transit operator has leveraged several local grants integrate renewable power sources into the mix for its 63rd Street station, and Via's ultimate goal is to have a fully zero-emission fleet powered by renewables.

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“We envision a future in which a resilient and robust community transit network uses electric and other clean energy vehicles to serve all of the transportation needs of our public,” said Frank Bruno, Via CEO in a statement. “Via has already positioned itself at the table, and in the coming years, we plan to be a leader in the effort towards a more equitable energy future.”

The HOP bus connects CU, downtown, and the 29th Street Mall, and it is a City of Boulder service operated by Via.

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