TriMet expands electric bus fleet on Portland roads [Video]

TriMet plans to expand its fleet by adding 24 new electric buses this year.

PORTLAND, Ore. — TriMet is expanding its electric bus fleet. The agency plans to triple the number of e-buses it has picking up riders on Portland-area roads.

TriMet marked Earth Day on Monday by introducing five of the new 24 battery electric buses it plans to put into service this year. The buses will join 10 battery electric buses already in service.

The buses are zero emissions and powered by renewable energy. “They’re not contributing in any way to greenhouse gas emissions,” said TriMet Public Information Officer Mark Miller. “On this Earth Day, this is a really great example of just how TriMet is improving our environmental quality and living out our commitment of sustainability in the region.”

The buses have extended battery charge capacity and flexible charging capabilities.

“We estimate that these buses will be able to get at least …