Project Overview
Lawrence Transit competed for and was awarded three consecutive federal Low-No Emissions Program grants for electric buses in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The first grant secured five buses to be deployed in 2022, the second grant secured two buses to be deployed in 2023, and the third grant secured four buses to be deployed in 2024. Seven buses are Gillig 40’, two buses are Proterra 40′, and two buses are VMC Optimal cutaways. Lawrence Transit is seeking an additional Gillig 40′ bus through the Non-Defense Appropriations process in FY2025.
Ultimately, Lawrence Transit plans to transition its entire bus fleet (50 buses) to zero-emissions by 2035, following sustainability goals set by the City.
Status + Timeline + Next Steps
Status
In Progress
Timeline
Project Start: March 2020
Project End: December 2035
Milestone 1: Phase 1 Grant Application Submission – Mar 2020 – Completed
Milestone 2: Phase 1 Planning, Procurement, Delivery, Installation, Acceptance – May 2020-Jun 2022 – Completed
Milestone 3: Phase 1 Deployment & Performance Monitoring – Aug 2022-Dec 2023 – Completed
Milestone 4: Phase 2 Grant Application Submission – Apr 2021 – Completed
Milestone 5: Phase 2 Planning, Procurement, Delivery, Installation, Acceptance – Sep 2022-Feb 2024 – Completed
Milestone 6: Phase 2 Deployment & Performance Monitoring – Estimated Aug 2023-Dec 2025 – In Progress
Milestone 7: Phase 3 Grant Application Submission – May 2022 – Completed
Milestone 8: Phase 3 Planning, Procurement, Delivery, Installation, Acceptance – Sep 2022-Jun 2024 – In Progress
Milestone 9: Phase 3 Deployment & Performance Monitoring – Aug 2024-Dec 2026 – Not Started
Milestone 10: Zero Emission Transition Plan development – Estimated Apr 2024-January 2025 – In Progress
Milestone 11: Phase 4 Non-Defense Grant Application Submission – Mar 2024 – Completed
Next Steps
Phase 1 implementation is underway, as five, 40’ Gillig electric buses have been accepted into the fleet as of July 2022. Electric buses are used in regular service for partial days and full days, depending on operational needs. All five buses are fully deployed into service and are being tested on different routes for performance.
Phase 2 and Phase 3 planning and contract work has begun.
Completed + Supporting Documentation
Project partners
- Project management: Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE)
- Bus manufacturer, Phases 1 & 2: Gillig
- Bus manufacturer, Phase 3: Proterra, VMC-Optimal
- Charging manufacturer: ChargePoint
- Construction & Engineering: KU Facilities Planning & Development, BG Consultants