VIA rolls out all-electric buses across San Antonio

The first all-electric buses in VIA Metropolitan Transit’s fleet hit the streets of San Antonio beginning June 5.

According to a news release, VIA acquired eight electric buses from California-based manufacturer Gillig in December.

VIA officials said the eight buses are initially being rotated across four routes, one of which carries passengers to and from stops along Blanco Road between Loop 1604 and US 281 near Stone Oak and downtown San Antonio.

The release states the 40-foot buses have no tailpipe emissions, can sit 38 riders, can be fully charged in four hours or less, and feature amenities, USB charger ports at every seat.

The new buses are nicknamed “Arc” for arc discharge, referencing the electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge, VIA officials said.

According to the release, the new electric buses are included in VIA's sustainable vehicle fleet totaling nearly 500 buses fueled by compressed natural gas.

VIA officials said data collected from how the electric buses perform on their routes will be analyzed to determine future routes and maximize usage in the fall and beyond.