Governor Ralph Northam and Virginia Transportation Secretary Shannon Valentine were in Alexandria on Monday to help unveil a team of new zero emission DASH electric buses.
The new battery electric buses were so quiet that they could hardly be heard running during their unveiling outside City Hall. DASH has committed to having an electric-only fleet by 2035.
Northam congratulated Alexandria for being progressive, innovative and inclusive city.
“Alexandria and DASH are the first to commit to 100% zero-emission buses by 2035,” Northam said. “We believe in global warming, we believe in climate change, and we also believe the quicker we can wean ourselves from carbon the better we will be.”
Valentine said that the unveiling of the electric buses in Northern Virginia represents a critical step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“Incorporating these buses into our transportation network will allow so many Virginians to have a reliable, safe and clean option for generations to come,” Valentine said.
Mayor Justin Wilson said that the vehicles will cut down on hundreds of tons of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions that are generated on Alexandria’s streets.
“This is a very exciting day. You can feel the electricity in the air,” Wilson quipped.
DASH CEO Josh Baker said that the day marks the beginning of the transit agency’s journey toward a zero emission fleet.
“This is a true testament to our community’s passion and commitment to environmental sustainability,” Baker said.
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Photos by Eli Wilson
