MARTA goes green with new electric bus tour

ATLANTA— The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is going green with an electric bus pilot program. The 40-foot Proterra Catalyst bus is on loan to MARTA as the authority explores cleaner transportation options. MARTA’s General Manager/CEO Keith Parker will lead a tour of the new electric bus on March 17 at 10 a.m. at the Authority’s headquarters.

Currently, MARTA’s bus fleet is inclusive of both diesel, hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. “MARTA continues to consider options to diversify our fleet by testing a range of alternative fuel innovations to greatly reduce our overall carbon footprint while enhancing the safety and comfort of our passengers,” Parker said.

The Catalyst holds up to 40 seated passengers and can travel more than three hours on a single charge. MARTA Operations has outfitted the test routes with periodic rapid charging stations. The Catalyst fully recharges in approximately 10 minutes.