Nearly 100 electric buses, purchased with public funds totaling $96 million, are now sitting idle and abandoned in South Florida, according to a report by Local 10 News.
These electric buses, funded by taxpayer money, have been out of operation for over a year. While some are collecting dust at a landfill, others are lined up at the Homestead Air Reserve Base.
The buses, manufactured by Proterra, were bought by Miami-Dade and Broward counties just three years ago and heralded as the future of public transportation.
Miami-Dade Transit invested in 69 Proterra buses at a cost of $61.8 million, utilizing federal, state, and local funds. Meanwhile, Broward County purchased 31 vehicles, each priced at about $1.1 million, and has them stored at a landfill near U.S. 27.
In Miami-Dade, numerous buses remain parked at the Homestead Air Reserve Base and the Northeast Bus Facility, close to Miami Gardens Drive.
Issues emerged shortly after deployment. The buses faced frequent mechanical failures, persistent breakdowns, and a scarcity of spare parts.
Coree Cuff Lonergan, the executive director of Broward County Transit, highlighted the recurring problems: "They could only complete part of a route before failing, necessitating mechanics or towing back to one of our two garages. This was a constant issue."
Lonergan also noted that the problems weren't exclusive to Proterra buses: "We received two additional buses from another manufacturer, and they don't work either."
The situation worsened when Proterra declared bankruptcy in August 2023, leaving both counties without technical support or a reliable supply of parts. Although a successor company acquired Proterra's assets, technical service remains scarce.
Further complicating matters are federal funding regulations. The Federal Transit Administration mandates that heavy-duty transit buses stay in service for 12 years or 500,000 miles. Removing them prematurely could force counties to return a portion of the federal funds received.
In light of this, Broward County has formally requested a federal waiver. "Our application to the FTA seeks an exemption to avoid repaying the funds provided and to allow us to dispose of these buses," stated a county representative.
Understanding the Electric Bus Dilemma in South Florida
Why are the electric buses not in service?
The electric buses are not in service due to frequent mechanical failures and a lack of spare parts, exacerbated by the bankruptcy of the manufacturer, Proterra.
What are the financial implications for the counties?
The counties may have to return federal funds if they retire the buses before the federally mandated service period of 12 years or 500,000 miles, unless a waiver is granted.
What steps are being taken to resolve the issue?
Broward County has applied for a federal waiver to avoid repaying funds and to dispose of the buses, while both counties face challenges due to the lack of technical support from Proterra.