By: Diane Benjamin
New article from Wyoming: https://dailycaller.com/2023/09/27/electric-bus-proterra-bankrupt-wyoming-teton-operation/
Connect Transit bought Proterra buses even though there was plenty of evidence other cities had problems with them, some abandoned them.
In June CT bought $7,507.10 in parts from Proterra. In July they bought $3,799.64 more. In August they spent $1,334.80 on parts and tools. Keep in mind the electric buses are relatively new. https://www.connect-transit.com/file/1782/09%2026%202023_BoT%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf
How long before the CT electric buses become “indefinitely inoperable”? Send pics if you see a disabled bus!
Excerpts from the article:
A Democratic enclave in Wyoming purchased electric buses to reduce emissions, but the buses are indefinitely inoperable after their manufacturer went bankrupt earlier this summer, the Cowboy State Daily reported.
Jackson, Wyoming, and Teton County formed the Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) system, which bought eight electric buses from Proterra to add to its fleet of 31 diesel buses, the Cowboy State Daily reported. Proterra, which itself was at the center of a conflict of interest controversy including Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, went bankrupt in August, and START’s eight e-buses are now out of commission given that the manufacturer can no longer readily supply the parts needed for repairs.
The last of the START Proterra buses went out of service two months ago, according to the Cowboy State Daily. In fiscal year 2021, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) gave the Wyoming Department of Transportation $1.1 million in taxpayer funds to buy e-buses for START, according to the FTA website.
The buses had operational problems before the company went bankrupt, according to the Cowboy State Daily. In the cold winter months, the battery range of the buses would significantly decrease, especially given that more energy is drained to heat the interior of the buses, according to the Cowboy State Daily. When cold weather drained the batteries, the electric buses reportedly needed to go back into their depots for charging while diesel-powered buses were used to ferry people around as the electric buses regained power.
It seems like Connect Transit is being PRO-active and preparing for a breakdown…..(see what I did there)
If the Connect Transit Board did not know this before the purchase they did not perform due diligence and shame on their incompetence.
If the Board performed due diligence , then it proves they are in on the future replacement grift.
Surely Mgr. Gleason knew or is he in on it too ?
#NeverUnderestimateTheOtherGuysGreed
Someone needs to stand up and rub the Connect Transit folks nose in it. Green policy failure can’t be censored again and again. Diane you do what you can and thank you, but this needs to be run up the main flag pole and people need to have their day in front of the spotlight of public examination.
Explain how and why this failure happened, what will be done about it, and how can it be prevented in the future. This is our hard earned money being squandered. Where is the Republican organization on this?
Tax payers are suffering under progressive run away spending. Not addressing the Greenies failure perpetuates it.