Phoenix City Council approved a pilot program for electric buses last month at the same time it was supposed to vote to authorize city staff to buy five years’ worth of gas- or diesel-powered replacement buses. Council delayed that vote, wanting to reduce the contract to a shorter term in hopes of quickening the city’s shift to electric buses.
Many council members during the Nov. 17 meeting pointed to the council-passed Climate Action Plan in October, which sets a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the city by 2050.
Phoenix Public Transit Director Jesus Sapien noted the city would not commit to the full five years of funding, totaling $145 million, and staff could opt out at any point of the contract.
