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The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) received two zero-emission, battery-powered electric GILLIG buses, a first for the JTA fleet.

“This delivery is a major milestone for the JTA and brings us closer to achieving our long-term sustainability goals,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer, Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “Through an initial pilot program, we will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of electric buses to serve an expansive Jacksonville service territory.”

The JTA’s Transit Operations Division is working on route planning, testing and commissioning of the buses for revenue service. Although not finalized, the JTA expects to place the electric buses in service along different routes, including Route 82; the Amazon Shuttle, which goes between the JTA’s Armsdale Park-n-Ride; and the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Northwest Jacksonville.

The buses are built by GILLIG of Livermore, California, in collaboration with Cummins of Columbus, Indiana, who designed and manufactured the electric propulsion system for the vehicles.

“It’s an honor to work with the JTA as they take a major step toward electrifying their fleet with the latest in battery electric bus technology,” said Bill Fay, GILLIG Vice President of Sales. “They are enhancing the quality of life for their communities by providing innovative, safe and efficient transportation.”

Each 40-foot bus can seat up to 38 customers*. The buses include standard customer amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, digital on-board monitors and contactless payment through the MyJTA app. *Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, occupancy on JTA buses is restricted to 25 passengers.

Equipped with six onboard batteries, the buses are powered by 100% renewable energy. The JTA installed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure on its Myrtle Avenue Operation Campus in 2020. Each bus has a battery capacity of 444 kWh, providing an estimated range of 150 miles. The buses feature a direct-drive traction motor with peak torque of 3500 Nm (2,582 lbs.-ft.), and utilize energy recovered from a regenerative braking system.

Built on the Low Floor platform, the GILLIG battery electric buses ensure parts and training commonality with the JTA’s existing GILLIG fleet. Powered by the state-of-the-art Cummins electrified powertrain, the buses have access to full local service support at Cummins nationwide service centers.

About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent state agency serving Duval County, with multi-modal responsibilities. The JTA designs and constructs bridges and highways and provides varied mass transit services. These include express and regular bus service, monorail, ferry and on-demand services. The JTA serves the largest city in the continental U.S. in terms of landmass. An integrated transportation network is a critical element in any community to properly manage growth, provide mobility and offer a good quality of life. Learn more at www.jtafla.com

About GILLIG LLC

GILLIG is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States. We offer a portfolio of clean energy propulsions including zero-emission battery electric, diesel-electric hybrid, near-zero emission compressed natural gas and clean-diesel, all designed on the proven GILLIG Low Floor platform to maximize fleet commonality. Since 1890, our dedicated employees have been supporting customers and delivering on promises to improve quality of life through transformative mass transit solutions. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built by American workers in Livermore, California, who are committed to building and supporting the safest and most reliable transit buses in the United States. GILLIG buses are known for their unmatched quality and have earned their reputation as the lowest-cost buses to maintain and operate. Our products help reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment and provide mobility to all. GILLIG is also proud to create American jobs and recycle tax dollars back into the community to further support public transportation. Further information about GILLIG can be found at www.www.gillig.com.