Fairfax Connector

CONTACT INFORMATION: Call center open 5AM-10PM M-F, 7AM-9PM Sat-Sun
703-339-7200 TTY 703-339-1608
4050 Legato Road, Ste 400, Fairfax, VA 22033
Dwayne Pelfrey
Chief

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Fairfax Connector's Battery Electric Bus Fleet

BEB

Fairfax Connector introduces its first fleet of Battery-Electric Buses (BEBs). This pilot program is part of Fairfax County's commitment to sustainability and green innovation. These BEBs help reduce air pollution and combat climate change, paving the way for future alternative-fuel vehicles in Fairfax County. 

Welcome to Cleaner, Smarter Mobility. 

Battery-Electric Bus Pilot Program: 

  • In Fall 2023, Fairfax Connector debuted eight BEBs at the West Ox Bus Garage. To support this initiative, four 150 kW dual dispenser chargers were installed. BEBs

Expanding the BEB Fleet:

  • Currently, four more BEBs are in production for the Huntington Bus Garage, with the installation of eight 62.5 kW chargers already underway. Additionally, another four BEBs are in the pre-production phase, scheduled for delivery in 2025, showcasing our dedication to expanding the electric fleet.

Fast Facts:

  • Up to 250 miles on a single charge.
  • 39 passenger seats.
  • Full ADA accessibility. 
BEB BEB

Key Steps in the BEB Building Process.

Assembling the sub-frame. 

EBE Bus Frame
Assembling the sub-frame of the BEB.

Welding bus frame.

BEB Bus Frame
Wielded bus frame.

Floor and side panel installation.

BEB Floor and Panel
Floor and side panel installation. 

Wiring installation. 

BEB Wiring
Wiring installation. 

Front mask installation. 

BEB front
Front mask installation. 

Roof battery pack (ESS) installation.

BEB Roof Battery Pack
Roof battery pack (ESS) installation.  

Overhead charge rails.

BEB Overhead Charge Rails
Overhead charge rails. 

Rear ESS compartment.

BEB Rear ESS Compartment
Rear ESS compartment.

Rear battery pack (ESS).

BEB Rear Battery Pack
Rear battery pack.

Final bus.

BEB Final bus
Final bus!

  • Electric buses contribute to improved air quality in urban areas, as they do not emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. This can lead to better health outcomes for residents and a reduction in respiratory diseases.
  • A 40-foot electric bus can avoid up to 135 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) annually, which is what a traditional 40-foot clean diesel bus would emit per year.
  • These buses help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, making the Northern Virginia region more energy independent.

Over the long term, electric buses often have lower operating costs than their diesel or gasoline counterparts. They have fewer moving parts, require less maintenance, and benefit from lower fueling costs when charged with electricity.

Electric buses are quieter than traditional diesel or gasoline powered buses. This results in reduced noise pollution, making them ideal for urban environments where noise reduction is a priority.
 

  • Our sustainability efforts extend beyond buses. Fairfax County is transitioning support vehicles to electric and installing chargers in Fairfax County garages.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the FCDOT Fleet
  • Fairfax County is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) with 14 sedans and chargers in the FCDOT fleet at Legato offices. Two more EVs have joined the Fairfax Connector support fleet, with six chargers being installed at the Herndon Bus Garage to accommodate the FY2024 allocation of EV County vehicles.
Green Facility Initiatives
  • Fairfax County is making strides in green facility initiatives, including photovoltaic panels on the Stringfellow Transit Center. Upcoming installations in the Monument and Springfield Parking Garages align with the Park Smart certification for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly structures. Several other County buildings have incorporated solar systems and energy-efficient features to achieve NetZero status.
Promoting Alternative Transportation
  •  FCDOT's Active Transportation Section actively encourages pedestrian and bicycle commuting, featuring bike racks and storage rooms at multiple transit facilities. There is an ongoing expansion of Capital Bikeshare stations across the County, promoting alternative modes of transportation.

Looking to the future, the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, set to launch in 2031, will feature 21 60' BEBs out of WMATA's Cinder Bed Garage. This marks the nation's first shared-use facility for BEBs, supported by a substantial grant to electrify the garage. Click here for more details about The One.

The One BRT

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