Santa Maria Bus Transits will have two electric buses by the end of this year

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The Santa Maria Regional Transit will begin its transition to electric buses by 2024.

“It’s a good step forward. Our busses cause a lot of pollution. They leave a light in the air and electric busses will definitely help reduce that drastically", said bus passenger Fernando Rojas.

The transit division will be able to use roughly $22 million in federal and state funding to purchase 15 electric buses, of which two were already ordered.

“Moving from a fossil fuel engine to a zero-emission vehicle is significant and that again improves the air quality for our area", said Regional Transit Manager Gamaliel Anguiano.

Busses will have passenger amenities and the latest air management.

“There are a lot of benefits in this transition to electric vehicles. From an operational standpoint, it’ll save the program over $300,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs. But certainly, the most important part is the improved experience for the rider", said Anguiano.

The transit grant was part of a $1.66 billion grant nationwide.