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Edmonton to be one of first Canadian cities to test electric transit buses

Read More: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...641/story.html

Edmonton is bringing in two electric buses this spring to become the second Canadian city to test the new technology, Edmonton Transit manager Charlie Stolte says. Earlier batteries needed to be recharged too frequently to be practical, but new versions can run for about 200 kilometres, he said Wednesday.

The vehicles are apparently cheaper to operate, quieter and have less environmental impact than diesel buses, but Stolte hopes the nine-month project shows how well they perform in the cold. --- “The major concern is adaptability to Edmonton and the price point. We aren’t going to go out and buy an exorbitant amount.” --- The electric buses, being supplied by the Chinese company BYD, cost $700,000 to $800,000 each, compared to $430,000 for conventional diesel.

Stolte will try to convince other municipalities in the region to share the $120,000 cost of the pilot project, expected to start in May. Electric buses are being tried in Montreal. They’re also in use or being tested in several U.S. cities, including New York and Los Angeles, and overseas.

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Seattle Great Wheel developers propose downtown gondola line

Read More: http://mynorthwest.com/11/2470892/Gr...e-gondola-line

It sounds a little pie in the sky, but the folks behind Seattle's Great Wheel have unveiled an even grander project: a gondola between downtown Seattle and the waterfront. The Griffith family announced the official launch of the Union Street Gondola Tuesday, which would run between the Washington State Convention Center and the waterfront down Union Street.

It's something the Griffith's have talked about for several years. But developer Kyle Griffith says they're finally ready to begin making the dream a reality. --- "We've partnered with the best local architects and engineers and traffic consultants and people who've worked with the city on a regular basis," Griffith says. --- Griffith unveiled initial design concepts and introduced key partners at a launch event, including what he says is the most recognized engineering firm in the world.

The gondola line would carry up to 1,800 people an hour in the eight-passenger cars, which would depart every 16 seconds. The trip would take five-minutes to complete, Griffith says. --- "We've been meeting with property owners all along Union Street," he says. "We've been able to use the feedback a lot to change the way it operates and looks."

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