THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
This item supports the Board's vision of "A sustainable system of world-class intermodal transportation, infrastructure ... complementing and balancing our natural resources and environment", and it's values "Cooperatively delivering an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network", "Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection", and "Consistently delivering responsive, efficient, quality services to the public and internal customers."
On December 27, 2018, the Purchasing Division issued Request for Information (RFI) No. GEN2118257F1, Electric Bus Manufacturers solicitation, seeking Electric Bus Manufacturers to provide free of charge 40-foot Transit style and 45-foot over the road coach buses capable of being operated in either express or local service for up to a 30-day demonstration per bus for the Transit Division (BCT). Through this demonstration project, BCT will be able to evaluate the most recent advancements and technologies for future electric bus purchases.
On January 14, 2019, the County received four responses to the RFI from potential vendors, indicating an interest in participating in the demonstration with 40-foot and 45-foot buses. Vendors that responded include Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Build Your Dreams Motors, Inc. (BYD), New Flyer of America, Inc. (New Flyer), and Proterra, Inc. All four bus manufacturers indicated that they can provide a bus, with BYD, New Flyer and Proterra being able to provide a bus immediately. MCI will be able to provide a bus in the Spring of 2020.
Staff is requesting that the Board approve the demonstration project to conduct testing and evaluation of these newer technology electric buses during our most demanding time period on an electric bus battery--the summer. It is the intent to execute mutual agreements with the corresponding bus manufacturers for the 30-day demonstration period, subsequent to Board approval of this item. The Purchasing Director, in coordination with the County Attorney's office, will be responsible for the drafting of the mutual agreements with the bus manufacturers.
As background, on June 14, 2016, (Item No. 8), the Board approved an Electric Bus Demonstration Project, at no cost to the County, with three bus manufacturers, Build Your Dreams Motors, Inc. (BYD), New Flyer of America, Inc. (NFA) and Complete Coach Works (CCW), in response to RFI No. V2111285F1, during the summer recess. NFA never provided the Transit Division (BCT) with an electric bus for testing and evaluation. During August and September 2016, BCT tested and evaluated two buses provided by CCW and BYD. The CCW bus was a remanufactured bus. Proterra was unable to provide a bus for that RFI, but expressed interest in future projects.
Besides reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, all electric buses will also significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs. These buses do not require fuel, engine oils, transmission fluids, antifreeze, emission control equipment, and the associated filters and costs to dispose of used oils, fluids and filters are eliminated. The buses are all ADA compliant and meet all Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, as well as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Florida Motor Vehicle standards. In addition, proposers are to provide all equipment & parts necessary to charge the vehicles as well as maintain them during the testing period and also provide a qualified technician/trainer free of charge during the testing period.
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