Proterra Continues its March into New England as Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Acquires its First Battery-Electric Proterra Buses

BURLINGAME, Calif., Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Proterra, the leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, announced its newest customer in the Northeast, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). PVTA has purchased three 40' Catalyst FC buses, two fast chargers and one depot charger. Serving 24 member communities that rely upon its fleet of 186 mass transit buses, PVTA is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts. The Proterra Catalyst FC buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, with each bus eliminating 243,980 pounds of CO² annually for every diesel bus replacement. Its innovative carbon-fiber-reinforced composite body and battery technology have proven capable of weathering the Northeast's harsh weather and temperature conditions.

The buses will serve communities along PVTA's Route P21E in Holyoke and Springfield.  In addition to state-contributed funds, PVTA purchased the Proterra Catalyst FC buses with funds from the Federal Highway and Transit Administration.

"As part of our vision at PVTA, we are committed over the next 10 years to expand upon projects that reduce energy consumption and increase access to clean, efficient mass transit.  The integration of our first electric buses into our routes is a big step in making this happen," said Mary MacInnes, PVTA administrator. "Today, marks an important milestone, and we're pleased to embark on this partnership with Proterra, as the company helps PVTA achieve our transit goals."

PVTA is the second Massachusetts transit agency to acquire Proterra buses.  Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) began deploying Proterra vehicles into its fleet in 2013. 

To date, Proterra buses have completed over 2.6 million miles of revenue service, displacing more than 540,000 gallons of diesel, and eliminating nearly 10 million pounds of carbon emissions across the United States.

"We're pleased to expand our footprint in the Northeast with Pioneer Valley Transit Authority," said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. "To date, Proterra buses have demonstrated reliability and durability, proving impervious to some of the harshest winters on record with our first Massachusetts customer, WRTA. Today, we look forward to equipping PVTA communities with the highest performing buses on the road and supporting their transit vision."

About Proterra:
Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles that enable bus fleet operators to eliminate the dependency on fossil fuels and to significantly reduce operating costs while delivering clean, quiet transportation to the community. Proterra has sold more than 312 vehicles to 35 different municipal, university, and commercial transit agencies throughout North America. Proterra's configurable EV platform, battery and charging options make its buses well suited for a wide range of transit and campus routes. With unmatched durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous U.S. certification testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in America, with offices in Silicon Valley, South Carolina, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit: http://www.proterra.com and follow us on Twitter @Proterra_Inc. 

About the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts with 186 buses, 144 paratransit vehicles and 24 participating member communities. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority was created by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 161B in 1974 as a funding source and to provide oversight and coordination of public transportation within the Pioneer Valley region. The 24 member communities throughout the Pioneer Valley include; Agawam, Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Granby, Hadley, Hampden, Holyoke, Leverett, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Northampton, Palmer, Pelham, South Hadley, Springfield, Sunderland, Ware, Westfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Williamsburg.

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SOURCE Proterra

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