Environmental groups ask for plans after controversial city bus vote (WSOC-TV)
A rare tie-breaking vote cast by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles ensures the city will not hit its goal of having an all-electric fleet by 2030.
After a deadlocked 5-5 vote on Feb. 13, Lyles broke the tie to authorize the purchase of 30 new Charlotte Area Transit Authority buses. Of the 30 buses, 15 will be diesel-electric and 15 will be all-electric.
On Thursday night, environmental leaders sent a letter to city leaders asking for plans to transition the CATS fleet to zero carbon and ensure the air quality in the underground station is as good or better than the fresh air at the light rail station.
“Transitioning to a CATS zero-carbon fleet as soon as operationally feasible and investing in good air quality at the (Charlotte Transit Center) will set Charlotte on the path to being a leader in climate justice and health equity among U.S. cities,” the letter stated.