Chicago Transit Authority Electric Bus Launch and Initial Expansion
Budget: $40M
In 2014, Marc launched the first two electric buses into service at CTA. These were the first New Flyer Electric Buses in the world. Marc led the planning, funding, and bidding effort for the expansion of electric buses along Route #66 (Chicago Ave) with charging stations at Chicago Garage, Chicago/Austin Terminal, and Navy Pier Terminal (one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions)
In 2018, Proterra was selected to provide electric buses and chargers for the expansion. Andre’s Proterra Energy team was responsible for the deployment of the charging infrastructure. At Chicago Garage, Proterra installed Rhombus Plug-in Chargers for the maintenance bays and one (1) 450 kW Heliox with SAE3105-1. At Chicago/Austin Terminal, a new building was constructed for all electrical components to support up to 3 En-Route Overhead Chargers with two 450 kW Heliox chargers installed. At Navy Pier, a new enclosed substation was also constructed for all electrical components to support up to 8 En-Route Chargers.
The tourist operations of the pier were never impacted. The project delivered the largest charging capability in Chicago at the time. Additionally, Navy Pier is located at a Superfund site and is also a pathway for the largest fresh water pipeline feed in the city. Working closely with multiple City agencies, the project was completed on time.