The Maryland Board of Public Works on March 9 approved a contract to purchase eight new zero-emission battery-electric buses to serve travelers at Thurgood Marshall International Airport in Baltimore/Washington. The electric buses will provide a shuttle service between the BWI Marshall terminal and the airport car parks. The Public Works Board, with Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford as Governor Larry Hogan’s chairman, and including Treasurer Derek E. Davis and Comptroller Peter Franchot, approved a $6.86 million contract for the purchase of eight batteries of 40 foot electric buses.
“The purchase of electric buses is an important part of our statewide strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Hogan said. “Maryland is investing in a future that serves the public with the latest technology and environmental responsibility.”
Designed and manufactured by New Flyer of America Inc., the zero-emission buses will feature 24 seats with luggage racks to comfortably accommodate airport passengers. The battery-electric shuttles do not have a combustion engine, so passengers will enjoy a smooth and quiet journey between the airport terminal and parking lots. Bus batteries are designed to provide a range of over 200 miles per charge. Additional customer service features include USB charging ports. The new electric buses are expected to be delivered to BWI Marshall in about a year.
“These innovative electric buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, while improving the passenger experience,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director of BWI Marshall Airport. “The new buses represent an important step in our efforts to promote sustainability.
“BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is known for its excellent customer service and modern, clean facilities. These new shuttles reinforce our commitment to providing the best possible service to travelers,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary James F. Ports, Jr.
Last month, BWI Marshall Airport received Voice of the Customer recognition from Airports Council International (ACI), recognizing its work collecting and analyzing passenger feedback during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, BWI Marshall was named the best North American airport in its size class in the ACI annual awards, and in June the airport earned Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accreditation for facilities clean and safe public.
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