10 electric buses to hit Lincoln streets this year

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Residents in Lincoln will soon see some of the city’s new fleet of electric buses on the streets.

The first of 10 electric buses bought to replace older diesel-powered buses will begin operating yet this spring, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. Three of the new buses arrived last week, and a fourth was set to arrive this week.

The electric buses generate electricity as they brake and will be able to run for a full, eight-hour shift, StarTran Transit Manager Mike Davis said. Fully charging a bus will take about three hours.

Riders won’t notice much difference from the old diesel buses, other than the ride will be quieter, Davis said.

Lincoln used $1.45 million in federal grants to help cover the $3.8 million cost of the four electric buses and two electric charging stations.