The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has selected BAE Systems, a UK-based maker of hybrid and electric drive systems, to supply electric power and propulsion systems for the transit agency’s buses. BAE’s Series-ER system will operate on 68 SFMTA buses.

San Francisco plans to create nine zero-emission “green zones” in densely populated neighborhoods throughout the city. BAE’s Series-ER system allows buses to switch to electric drive when they enter designated areas.

Series-ER technology is already being used in cities such as Boston, Louisville, Montreal, Nashville, and Seattle.

Steve Trichka, VP of BAE’s Power and Propulsion Solutions business, said, “This technology helps San Francisco get one step closer to full zero-emissions operations, improving the health of the city’s environment and its residents. With Series-ER, buses are programmed using global positioning software to turn off the bus engine once it enters the green zone and operate solely on electric battery energy.”

Source: BAE Systems