Companies Move the Needle on Sustainable Zero-Emissions Travel with 100% Electric Motorcoach Passenger Service and Test Rides at Special Event in Seattle, WA.

Winter Garden, FL – August 4^th, 2022, ABC Companies a leading provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transport equipment in the USA and Canada, together with partners MTRWestern and Proterra are recognizing another significant step towards zero emissions travel. As part of the ABC Companies “Zero Emissions Tour”, MTRWestern put into operation an industry leading 75-passenger Proterra-powered battery electric Van Hool TDX25E double-deck motorcoach. Piloting the use of this industry leading motorcoach, which can travel in excess of 260 miles between charges, MTRWestern is bringing zero emissions travel to many of its clients in the U.S. and Canada. The program culminated with a celebration of select stakeholders, environmentally-focused businesses and government officials, highlighting “firsts” for MTRWestern and the ABC Companies Zero Emissions Tour including –

• The first-ever zero-emissions international revenue service route with cross-border service between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C.
• Zero-emissions travel options for several charter and scheduled service routes carrying up to 75 passengers.

Celebrating Sustainable Transport in Motion Today.

The partners co-sponsored a reception event on July 27 at the Victor Tavern at Denny Triangle, in Seattle where guests had the opportunity to network and learn more about the “tour” and how MTRWestern is utilizing the zero-emissions Van Hool TDX25E in scheduled fleet operations on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border. Special guests included Washington State Senator Christine Rolfes, Washington State Representative Nicole Macri, Howard Wright, Chairman of Seattle Hospitality Group (SHG) as well as leaders from regional big tech and energy provider organizations. Also in attendance, Mr. Michael Mann, Executive Director for Clean & Prosperous Washington, addressed the importance of reducing carbon emissions to improve health and job outcomes and propel a stronger more competitive economy in Washington State. During the event, guests were invited to enjoy a first-hand experience aboard the TDX25E as part of a vehicle demonstration including a test drive. Earlier in the day, the bus traveled to the Seattle Center for photo ops showcasing iconic Seattle landmarks including the Space Needle, The Amazon Spheres and the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture.

“The gathering allowed key zero emissions advocates to discuss the significant progress and readiness of the unique electric vehicles available today featured in the ABC Zero Emissions Tour, while also bringing attention to the growing challenges presented by limited publicly available chargers for commercial passenger vehicles.” Said Thom Peebles, VP of Marketing ABC Companies. “These vehicles are available and in market now and not only operate with zero emissions but also remove up to 75 vehicles from the roadways per trip while in operation.  The significant impact they can make is what we are trying to raise awareness of within the ABC Zero Emissions Tour. They should be a priority in infrastructure planning.”   

“The Zero Emissions Tour provides an unprecedented opportunity to show customers, along with industry and government leaders on both sides of the US/Canada border, our commitment to literally building a bridge to sustainability”, said Jeremy Butzlaff, President MTRWestern.  “We are proud and pleased to be the first U.S. operator to connect riders to two of the most beautiful cities in North America in a zero-emissions transport experience”. 

The integration of all electric options into MTRWestern services, signals the progress and multitude of benefits zero-emissions ground transportation brings to fleets and the communities they serve. MTRWestern and Proterra’s involvement in the ABC Companies Zero Emissions Tour, is key to educating stakeholders and lawmakers about the critical role high-capacity passenger vehicles like the Van Hool TDX25E motorcoach play in reducing greenhouse emissions in the transportation sector. Recent tour stops in the Northeast have already attracted the attention of the media and elected officials who see this as a tangible example of growing infrastructure needs to address vehicles that are in service today. 

“We’re excited about the continued tour rollout, and the opportunities it offers operators like MTRWestern to raise awareness about our industry’s significant contribution to environmental sustainability in transforming our local and regional communities, while also having an impact on global carbon reduction”, said Roman Cornell, President and Chief Commercial Officer ABC Companies. “Through the Tour and with the growing number of electric vehicles ABC Companies has sold and currently supports, companies like MTRWestern are pioneering the many benefits of zero emissions transportation in their communities and with their customers”.

“MTRWestern is aligned with the goals for the ABC Companies “Zero Emissions Tour”. We want our customers and communities to understand that zero emissions travel is a reality now, even as technology and infrastructure are still growing”, said Butzlaff. “As part of our participation in the tour, we are excited to give our passengers a rare opportunity to experience zero-emissions travel firsthand that will lead a transformation that is top of mind with the public and our government”.

“This tour gave stakeholders an opportunity to literally kick the tires of innovation”, explained Michael Mann.  “We saw that the technology exists to squeeze the pollution out of our transportation system. Now, we simply need policy makers to get the incentives right to make it happen.”

Through the Zero Emissions Tour initiative, ABC Companies is committed to supporting the net-zero sustainability goals of communities, municipalities and regional operations throughout North America. The company’s diverse portfolio of EV commercial ground transportation vehicles integrate world-class technology, technical expertise and aftermarket support that focus on bringing zero emissions solutions to passenger transportation providers. To learn more about ABC’s Zero Emissions Tour visit https://abc-companies.com/abc-companies-zero-emissions-tour/

About ABC Companies 

ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment along with transit specialty vehicles including battery electric vehicles. ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after sales service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from strategically placed locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company’s financial services group – one of the largest financial service providers within the industry. For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit the company web site at www.abc-companies.com

About MTRWESTERN 

MTRWestern is the Pacific Northwest’s leading bus, motorcoach, and corporate transportation provider. The company’s clients include colleges, businesses, sports teams, entertainers and tour operators. Seattle-based MTRWestern is owned by SHG, which also has interests in Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Pike Brewing Company, Kenmore Air, and several affiliated hotels and resort properties.

For more information about MTRWestern, please visit MTRwestern.com.

About Proterra

For more information, please visit www.proterra.com