Business View Magazine - Mar 2024

public transit, contributing to a reduction in the community’s carbon footprint. Facility upgrades across both Ada and Canyon Counties reflect a comprehensive approach to sustainability and operational efficiency. These projects are crucial for supporting the transit system’s expanding capabilities, from repaving bus depots to modernizing administrative and maintenance buildings. The organization’s focus on paving underscores the importance of durable infrastructure to withstand the rigors of daily bus operations, ensuring longevity and efficiency. In Canyon County, Clegg is exploring an innovative approach to sustainability through the potential use of renewable natural gas (RNG) derived from dairy waste. “Canyon County is a major dairy- producing region, and converting methane from dairy waste into RNG presents a unique opportunity for sustainable bus fuel,” she notes. This exploration into RNG represents a significant potential win for environmental sustainability while offering economic advantages. CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS AND PROMOTING PUBLIC TRANSIT Personal vehicle ownership remains robust in many “We have installed 12 chargers and 18 dispensers at our bus depot maintenance facility, with the infrastructure to support an expansion to 18 chargers and 36 charging stations,” she shares. This development paves the way for electrifying nearly the entire fleet in Ada County, marking a pivotal shift towards green energy utilization within the organization’s operational framework. The commitment to enhancing rider experience while adhering to environmental standards is evident in the upgrades to the downtown Boise underground station. “We are installing on-route chargers to support our electric buses on longer routes,” Clegg explains. This initiative ensures that electric buses can operate throughout the day without the risk of depleting their charge, a testament to the organization’s innovative approach to sustainable transit solutions. Capital improvements extend beyond electrification, with Clegg detailing investments in bus stop amenities and facility upgrades. A grant facilitates the transformation of the State Street #9 route into a rapid transit light model featuring high- frequency service complemented by high-amenity bus stops and improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Such enhancements not only improve service delivery but also encourage greater use of 157 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03 VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSI T