SunLine tests world’s first all-electric coach
“While I’m on the bus I can rest, I can read, I can have Wi-Fi so I can check my mobile devices and so I can be productive as well I’m on my commute.”
Janice Esch drives from her home in Cathedral City to the SunLine Transit Hub on Varner Road at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The bus departs at 4:50 a.m., and drops Esch off two blocks from her office at the county building in Riverside two hours later.
“It’s cost savings, there’s less stress on your body, it’s very convenient,” says Esch with a sense of calm.
Daily, on average, about 13 people take Commuter Link 220 from the Coachella Valley to downtown Riverside, with stops in Cabazon, Beaumont, and Moreno Valley. Two busses leave early in the morning, and return later in the afternoon.
Through Friday, July 17th, SunLine Transit Agency is offering this route for free.
“It’s important for residents of the Coachella Valley know they do have options,” says Norma Stevens with STA. “The commuter link can take you to Riverside but there are also many, many connections along the way.”
Riders who travel to Riverside before July 17th will get to ride on the plush, fully-electric BYD Company Ltd. model BYD C9 — a battery-powered bus with no use for gas. It runs up to 190 miles without a charge.
“It’s comfortable to ride in, and it’s beautiful. Everyone should ride this bus to see what the future looks like,” says La Quinta resident Mike Mason, who took the journey because, he says, it is free and he has the time to explore Riverside.
The bus is on a test run with SunLine. STA is evaluating battery electric buses for future use in its revenue fleet. SunLine could potentially run the electric buses from energy collected through solar and stored in battery energy storage – which further reduces costs and eliminates harmful emissions.
Still, Esch says the regular busses have perks, too, and feel luxurious. She cites the free Wi-Fi and low cost.
“To ride the bus on a monthly pass is $150,” she says, “and you certainly can’t buy gas and wear and tear on the car and increase in insurance and add mileage for that price.”
For more information on the Commuter Link 220, visit www.sunline.org.
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Here’s the breakdown of fares from STA:
Zone 1 = Riverside – Cabazon Zone 2 = Palm Desert – Rancho Mirage
ADULT / YOUTH = ZONE 1 OR 2
$3.00 ADULT / YOUTH = ZONES 1 & 2 $6.00
SENIOR 60+ / Child 46″ or less *** = ZONE 1 OR 2 $2.00 SENIOR 60+ / Child 46″ or less *** = ZONES 1 & 2 $4.00 TRANSFER TO/FROM SUNBUS 25
