Metro Transit purchased fully electric buses for use on a bus rapid transit (BRT) route from downtown Minneapolis to the Brooklyn Center Transit Center (BCTC).
For overnight charging at the Heywood Garage Maintenance Facility, SRF designed the electrical distribution system for eight permanent depot chargers. In addition, two overhead fast charging stations were installed at the BCTC site for on-route supplemental bus charging. SRF coordinated with the local utility for a new 1,500 kVA transformer and a 480V/2000A switchboard service dedicated to the charging system. We designed the system for communication capability for the chargers to connect to the Metro Transit IT network. We also provided construction administration.
As the first use of all-electric buses for Metro Transit implementing cutting-edge charging technology, the project was very fluid, requiring adaptations on the fly to assure timely design turnaround and construction milestones. SRF coordinated with the bus and charger manufacturers, utility company, and contractors – we were flexible in meeting their requirements and completing the project per Metro Transit’s deadlines. Metro Transit’s first fleet of electric buses are now serving the public.
