| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.49 |
| Liaison | Elizabeth Swiman |
| Submission Date | March 15, 2023 |
Florida State University
IN-47: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Elizabeth
Swiman Director of Campus Sustainability Facilities |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
In 2019, Florida State signed a 10-year contract with StarMetro, the city of Tallahassee’s public bus system, to operate an all-electric university bus fleet. FSU replaced 15 diesel-powered buses with revolutionary battery-electric models that are more environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate.
The buses are custom-built by Proterra, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty electric vehicles based in Burlingame, California, and they are designed to meet specific usage needs around FSU’s campus. The FSU model is the 35-foot Proterra Catalyst XR+ Series with a seating capacity of 28 people. It releases zero greenhouse gas emissions, uses no liquid fuels, requires no oil changes and operates with 30 percent fewer parts than a traditional bus.
Each year, Florida State’s new bus fleet is expected to eliminate more than 5 million pounds of carbon emissions. Over the fleet’s lifespan, it is projected to save about $10 million in fuel and maintenance costs.
The electric buses, constructed with lightweight and durable carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, cover all routes on FSU’s Seminole Express and Nite Nole transit services. The models comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and include an ADA-sanctioned wheelchair ramp.
Florida State’s new fleet is designed to operate up to 18 hours a day with recharging throughout the day. Proterra installed two fast-charging power stations on campus, one near Doak Campbell Stadium and another on Stadium Drive, that deliver a recharge in minutes. Proterra has studied all of FSU’s bus routes and tailored the vehicles to meet the schedule. The routes are organized to allow each bus to get a recharge several times a day.
Florida State’s all-electric bus fleet will expand in the future. In the fifth year of the contract, FSU will add three more buses, bringing the total number to 21. After seven years, another four will join the fleet.
This transition to electric-vehicle technology paves the way for Florida State to meet changing transportation needs on campus, while cultivating a healthier environment for the FSU community with clean, quiet buses.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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