Business View Magazine - January 2024

electric vehicles, there isn’t a statewide push for electrification like in some other states. He mentions the Governor’s focus on developing hydrogen fueling stations, not just for transit but also for other heavy- duty vehicles. “New Mexico doesn’t have general funding for public transit systems, which somewhat limits our ability to transition rapidly,” he observes. Regarding the financial aspects, particularly in the context of the zero-fare policy and the potential of hydrogen or electric buses as revenue generators, Bartholomew is pragmatic. “These initiatives are more about providing what the community desires rather than being significant revenue sources,” he states. The focus remains on fulfilling community needs, understanding that such services, though essential, may not always be significant revenue contributors. ADAPTING TO EMERGING TRENDS IN TRANSPORTATION In an era where transportation trends are rapidly evolving, RoadRUNNER Transit is not just a passive observer but an active participant in adapting and implementing new technologies. Hanway discusses the various alternative fuel options that have been considered for RoadRUNNER’s fleet. “While evaluating our system, we looked beyond just following trends. Our focus was on what would be most efficient and cost-effective for Las Cruces,” he explains. The team considered compressed natural gas (CNG) but ruled it out due to the prohibitive cost of infrastructure development. “Eventually, we settled on battery electric buses as our preferred choice,” Hanway notes, underscoring the decision’s practicality given the city’s context and needs. Hanway acknowledges their advantages regarding hydrogen fuel cells but also points out the challenges, particularly the lack of local fueling stations and the higher costs compared to battery electric buses.“Our routes don’t necessitate the extended range that hydrogen fuel cells offer, making battery electric buses a more viable option for us,” he adds. Hanway then explains the logistics of operating electric buses. “We initially considered in-route charging with overhead charge rails,” he says. a testament to how rapidly technology and priorities have evolved in the transit sector. The pursuit of this project involved extensive planning, including securing federal grants and local funding. However, with the shift towards electric buses, the team faced the need to redesign the facility to incorporate charging infrastructure. “This adjustment not only accommodates our current fleet of battery electric buses but also sets the stage for the future expansion of our electric vehicle fleet,” Bartholomew explains. Addressing the broader state-level focus on electrification, Bartholomew notes that while many transit agencies in New Mexico are exploring 246 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01