City buys 12 new electric vans for Roseville Transit

The city of Roseville is spending more than $2.4 million in federal funds for 12 new electric transit vans. City officials agreed last year to buy the Ford 350 E-Transit vans. The Roseville City Council approved an amendment to the deal last week for extra options included.Eight electric vans will replace Roseville Transit's current diesel-powered microbuses, which are past their useful lives, said Zachary Presley, Roseville transportation planner. The four new vans are necessary to deal with the limited range of the electric vans, according to the report. When the deal was first brought to the City Council last year, staff said van options were still being finalized and not included in the total cost. Some optional items included an on-board camera system and an exterior finish. As the 15-person vans have made their way through custom production, Roseville staff worked with A-Z Bus to prepare an updated quote for options of about $10,000 per vehicle, or a total increase of $120,000. The price increases for the 12 E-Transit Vans remain funded through Federal Transit Administration grants. Roseville is using a federal low-emissions grant for the eight replacement vehicles, and other federal monies for the four extra vans. Local Transportation Funds will be used for matching on both. The purchase will have no impact on the Roseville General Fund, Public Works Director Jason Shykowski said in the report. The former "Dial-A-Ride" program featuring light buses is now called "Roseville Arrow." Roseville rides are $3.75 for the general public, $2.50 for ADA and discounted patrons, and free for ages 4 and under, according to the city website.