DART to launch electric buses in 2017

DART demonstrated a prototype electric bus that the Delaware Transit Corporation hopes to put in service over the next 14 to 18 months.

Spokeswoman Julie Theyerl said DART is using a $2 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to acquire six buses that will start running in Dover. She said the goal is to use electric buses in Sussex County shortly after their debut in the state capital.

Theyerl said the buses, manufactured by Proterra, will be 35 feet long and can run 35 miles on a charge, taking five to seven minutes to recharge. She said the buses are 100 percent electric with no emissions. The buses are cleaner and will help save on maintenance costs, Theyerl said. RYAN MAVITY PHOTO