The Capital Region will kick off the new year with an electric bus that's as quiet as it is efficient.
The battery-powered bus will hit city streets for a trial run in January, as BC Transit gets a feel for its range and maintenance requirements before committing more to the fleet.
Officials say the modernized vehicle is powered by a 324-kilowatt hour battery that can go 250 kilometres on a single charge, and can be fully recharged in three to four hours.
A typical city bus travels between 300 and 400 kilometres per day.
It's not the first time BC Transit has rolled out an electric bus, but the company says it is the first time one will be put into regular service.
It says the bus will not only cut down on fossil fuels, it will also help throttle back noise pollution when it's operating.
The trial will last for six months, and transit employees will provide feedback to the vehicle manufacturer.
