February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
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County Transit Getting ‘Charged Up’: All-Electic Bus Unveiled at Buellton Ceremony Local officials praise new vehicle, the latest in the Clean Air Express fleet By Mike Chaldu
news@santaynezvalleystar.com
C
ity, county and state officials seemed to be “charged up” Jan. 28 in Buellton, and they hope passengers who take the Clean Air Express to Santa Barbara and back will be also, after a new electric-powered bus was unveiled at a press conference. The new 45-foot battery-electric commuter vehicle was shown off in front of the Buellton Visitors Center as the newest in the Clean Air Express fleet, which picks up passengers from as far north as Santa Maria and takes them to their employment locations to South Santa Barbara County and back. “We are ‘charged up’ this morning, aren’t we?“ said Marjie Kirn, executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Association of
Photos courtesy SBCAG The new all-electric Clean Air Express bus can go 220 miles on a single charge, more than enough to make a round-trip between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.
State Senator Monique Limon and Congressman Salud Carbajal cut the ribbon for the new all-electric Clean Air Express bus during the ceremony in Buellton.
Governments (SBCAG) in kicking off the event. She went on to describe the new vehicle as “a zero-emissions, battery powered all-electric intercity bus.” SBCAG partnered with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to purchase the $850,000 bus, made possible through a $500,000 grant from the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. A few elected officials had the chance to speak about the new bus, including Das Williams, SBCAG chair and Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor, who said the new bus and the Clean Air Express has many advantages for the county. “You can save money, save time, save productivity using this fleet,” he said. “It’s no secret transportation is the largest contributor to climate change in California. (This is) a switch to a cleaner, quieter, more productive option, and it’s a switch in the right direction.” Salud Carbajal, 24th District representative who represents Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, also pointed out how this new bus helps out more than just the environment. “Since leaving county government, it has been a goal of mine to ensure that we conCHARGED UP CONTINUED TO PAGE 23
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