Providing a roadmap for a more sustainable transit fleet

Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) Zero Emission Bus Master Plan

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, or CARTA, is Charleston’s transit service provider. With an eye on a more sustainable future, they initiated their commitment to green transportation with an initial pilot program of six battery electric buses (BEBs). They sought guidance from us for the continued expansion of their BEB fleet and charging capabilities, so we’re developing a comprehensive roadmap for CARTA’s transition to a future 100 percent zero-emissions bus fleet.

Getting to work, we analyzed potential service changes to evaluate the impact of the relocation of a transit hub. Through public engagement events at the old transfer center and online surveys, we provided a clearer picture of ridership and how to best transition to the new transit center while maintaining service levels. Determining bus fleet requirements in a conversion to a 100 percent BEB fleet—as well as establishing what would be needed for additional charging infrastructure—we performed a complete bus performance and energy analysis of all CARTA fixed-route buses. We modeled each route to determine its ability to adopt BEB technology.

Using a combination of charging infrastructure, both on-route and at the operations and maintenance facility, and by implementing blocking and scheduling changes, we developed plans to make the transition feasible including a fleet management plan to schedule future bus purchases.