‘Electrifying The Island’s Public Bus Fleet’ Report

November 1, 2024 | 13 Comments

RMI and the Department of Public Transportation released a report “detailing Bermuda’s transformative journey in electrifying the island’s public bus fleet.”

A Government spokesperson said, “Today, in partnership with RMI, the Department of Public Transportation released a comprehensive report detailing Bermuda’s transformative journey in electrifying the island’s public bus fleet. With the fleet growing to 70 electric buses by December 2023, this has significantly enhanced public transportation operations while yielding substantial economic and environmental benefits.

Graphic extracted from the report:

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“The report explores the planning and implementation phases of the electric bus [e-bus] initiative, shedding light on the lessons learned and challenges overcome. It offers best practices that can serve as valuable insights for other island nations pursuing similar transit electrification efforts.

“This shift not only modernizes the island’s public transit system but also replaces outdated diesel buses, contributing to an expected annual savings of over $400,000 in fuel costs and the avoidance of 800,000 litres of imported diesel fuel.”

Minister of Transportation Wayne Furbert said, “Bermuda’s electric buses exemplify the benefits of electric mobility—they are quieter, more economical, and emit far fewer pollutants than their diesel predecessors. We hope Bermuda can serve as a model for other island communities in their own electric transitions.”

Graphic extracted from the report:

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The Government spokesperson said, “The success of the e-bus deployment has inspired the Government to expand its clean transportation initiatives, including the electrification of government fleet vehicles. These efforts align with Bermuda’s goals to enhance resilience against climate change and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Coupled with an increase in locally generated renewable energy, Bermuda is poised to lead in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

“Bermuda embarked on this electrification journey in 2018 through a collaboration between the Department of Transportation and RMI, focusing on creating a more energy-efficient and resilient public transportation system. RMI provided technical support and strategic insights throughout the project. This helped facilitate the acquisition of 30 e-buses in April 2022 and an additional 40 in December 2023.

“The RMI report is available for download here.”

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Comments (13)

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  1. Ok says:

    Nonsense. You have ignored all the downsides.

    Belco generate electricity to power the buses using fossil fuels,

    The cost of electricity, Bermuda highest electricity cost in the world.

    Battery disposal hasn’t even been mentioned. These are huge batteries.

    The additional weight impact on roads, and the non environmentally resurfacing of roads processes have not been included. Oh that’s right, just don’t resurface the roads..

    Please do a comprehensive report, not one that just looks at upside and is the equivalent of a high school project,, you sound like a freaking salesman trying to make us by into your nonsense.

    • Joe Bloggs says:

      Now, now, Ok. Let’s mention those inconvenient facts.

    • George Smith says:

      Clearly you didn’t bother reading the report!

      GS

      • Hey says:

        Am not signing up to download a report. This is a public report and should not have barriers.

        Where the front page in the press release has positive it should also include the negatives, otherwise it is manipulative. You hear that…manipulative, clearly the aim of this is to manipulate us.

      • Ringmaster says:

        The report was produced by the company that recommended the buses to Government. Not exactly an independent entity.
        Ok is correct. added to which the savings in fuel has to be set aside to pay for the replacement batteries. They don’t last for ever. Unfortunately such a radical concept is lost on the PLP.
        EV vehicles have a nasty habit of catching fire. Does the Bda fire service know, or have the equipment and foam to control, such an outcome? Highly unlikely if the results of the fire in St George’s boatyard last year is to go by.

        • Hilarious says:

          The BFS is not trained or equipped to put out an e-bus battery fire. Nor even a ministerial e-sedan! BFS refuses to answer my emails on equipment and training.

    • Red Pill says:

      Wasting more of the peoples money.

  2. Observer says:

    Don’t mention cost savings. We see considerable amount of damage to the new e-buses already. Disgusting.

  3. Hilarious says:

    Follow the money and apply common sense to anything RMI says.

    RMI was blasted in the US Congress for pushing a debunked “study” to ban gas stoves in the US. Would Bermudians give up their gas stoves? RMI has a large presence in China, and a member of their Board is a Chinese national with dubious political ties to the CCP. So, based on RMI’s recommendations, let’s buy 70 Chinese electric buses! Then buy more!

    What about all the thousands of underage African children slaving away mining rare earths for EV batteries? Would any Minister allow their children to work in those mines? The UK papers have run great stories with many photos of the child workers. Governments worldwide know what is going on but say nothing. Many reports have been written. Imagine the outrage if these children were working in oil fields.

    12% to 15% of electrical energy is lost for various reasons during recharging, but taxpayers are paying for that energy. Imagine putting gas in your car and paying 12% to 15% extra without getting the gas! There is no doubt that additional energy costs are not included in any alleged cost savings in the non-released spreadsheets. Why is that cost not publicly stated?

    RMI and the government did not release spreadsheets on anything. We have no idea how much it costs to run a MAN diesel bus vs a Chinese e-bus, let alone any maintenance records.

    What is the cost of upgrading our third-world roads to handle the extra weight of e-buses and e-cars? What is the environmental impact of the particulate matter from the special EV tires? CRICKETS!

    How much evil fossil fuel was burned to create electricity to charge the e-buses? No CO2 from that, right? Crickets.

    Old comments: Were you aware that RMI, the company the Government is using to consult on EVs, claims one reason for Bermuda to go all in for EVs is for “bragging rights” for implementing an EV policy? These same consultants said you could charge your EV when you get home from work, just like a smartphone.

    Not one RMI consultant mentions the cost of a home charging station, that most car owners do not have a garage, running a 120V or higher extension cord from your home to the EV is impracticable, the cost to build an EV charging infrastructure for every apartment complex, etc. etc.

    RMI also brokered the EV bus selection and purchase from China. The buses had a problem when wet. RMI has direct connections to China with an office, employees, and a Board member. RMI has pushed for banning gas stoves in the US using a debunked study.

    China is behind the push to eliminate gas stoves and push people to be 100% electric. China is building more coal plants than every country in the world combined. The Chinese Government has stated that renewables are unreliable while pushing countries to go green, which drives up the energy cost in those countries with green policies.

  4. Ringmaster says:

    Does the report cover the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the manufacture of each bus in China? Another inconvenient fact that is kept quiet.

  5. Triangle Drifter says:

    In fairness to the buses, poor driving by the drivers has nothing to do with whether the buses are EV or diesel.

    A question about availability of parts for damaged buses is valid however. How many are out of service due to crashes and what is the time out of service?

    With the record of this Government not taking care of things best guess is that there are more than a couple of new buses parked i a back corner of the yard somewhere, awaiting repairs or simply forgotten.

  6. Just Saying says:

    It uses just as much carbon footprint. You all fell for the global warming hoax. SMH!

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