Miami-Dade County Announces Plan For Electric Bus Fleet

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — Miami-Dade County officials on Wednesday met up at the Vizcaya Metrorail Station to show residents what to expect when the county rolls out its new fleet of Proterra electric buses.

The county pledged in October 2019 that it would purchase at least 33 of the buses, along with chargers, for its Department of Transportation and Public Works.

On Wednesday, the county announced the buses will be batter-powered ZX5 models designed by Proterra. The county's electric bus pilot program is expected to kick off in early summer 2021.

In a news conference at the metrorail station, County Mayor Carlos Giménez said the buses are designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,700 tons over 12 years.

"They’re much quieter than a diesel bus; they accelerate 1.5 times faster than a diesel bus; they’re more comfortable with a better ride for both the driver and the passengers," Giménez said. "They have better weight distribution, they’re easier to maneuver between lanes, and they’re more reliable."

The county's mayor said the buses never need oil changes and, overall, will cut the county's bus maintenance costs by $237,000 compared to the lifecycle of a diesel hybrid bus.

In a statement, county commissioner Daniella Levine Cava said the buses mark a milestone in the county's goal to reduce emissions.

"We are racing against the clock to confront climate change and make our community more resilient, and investments like battery electric buses help us get there faster," she said.