Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) has been recognized as the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) Large Transportation System of the Year and has completed its transition to a fully battery-electric fleet.
With the delivery of six new GILLIG Battery Electric buses this October, SMRT now operates 40 zero-emission vehicles, marking the successful completion of a four-year initiative to convert its entire system to electric power. This milestone makes SMRT one of the first small-city transit systems in the United States to achieve full electrification, reflecting the agency’s deep commitment to sustainability and innovation.
A Model for Smart and Sustainable Transit
The CTAA award highlights SMRT’s leadership in advancing sustainable, community-centered transit. The agency’s focus on innovation, safety, and financial stewardship has made it a model for how cities can modernize their fleets while delivering reliable, environmentally responsible service.
“Our efforts reflect our commitment to financial prudence and long-term stability,” said Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Services Manager for SMRT. “By converting to an all-electric fleet, we are moving SMRT toward greater independence from global fuel markets and potential supply chain disruptions. We are also saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in operating costs. This investment in our community’s future is a practical step toward fulfilling our goals of being a Smart City and a Safe City.”
Financial Savings and Energy Independence
SMRT’s move to a 100 percent electric fleet provides benefits that extend beyond environmental impact.
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Lower Operating Costs: Electric buses require less maintenance and eliminate the need for costly, fluctuating diesel fuel. The agency expects to save about $400,000 annually in operating expenses.
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Supply Chain Resilience: With up to 75 percent fewer moving parts than traditional diesel buses, electric vehicles reduce exposure to parts shortages and help maintain consistent, reliable service.
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Technological Modernization: The new fleet offers advanced safety features, artificial intelligence capabilities, and modern interiors designed for both comfort and performance.
The transition includes SMRT’s fixed-route, paratransit, microtransit, and support vehicle operations, supported by a robust network of charging infrastructure. While a few diesel buses will remain in limited use until they reach their federally defined useful life, SMRT now has the capacity to operate exclusively on electric power.
Partnerships that Power Progress
The project was made possible through funding from the State of California and the Federal Transit Administration, along with the support of trusted partners such as GILLIG. The newest buses in their electric fleet represents GILLIG’s latest generation of zero-emission technology, built for performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
A National Example for Modern Transit
Santa Maria Regional Transit’s achievements demonstrate how a community-focused agency can successfully transition to cleaner technology while maintaining fiscal discipline and high service quality. Its recognition as CTAA’s Large Transportation System of the Year underscores the national significance of its success.
With a fully electric fleet now in service, SMRT is setting a new standard for what’s possible in public transportation, showing that sustainability, innovation, and practicality can move forward together.