WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (December 7, 2023) — The City of West Palm Beach’s public transit system might be getting a boost of positive energy. The City is exploring the possibility of adopting a small fleet of small, electrified minibuses as the newest way of moving people—not just cars—on the main lines of City transportation.
On Wednesday, a small group of public transit and mobility enthusiasts joined the city in “test riding” a minibus for consideration for local transit use. Made by Damera, the closed vehicle features a modern design, capacity for 15 passengers, ADA accessibility, and air-conditioning. Operating on electricity, the vehicle is also “green” and produces zero carbon emissions, in line with the City’s strategic sustainability goals.
Departing from City Hall on Clematis Street, two groups of 15 passengers rode through downtown West Palm Beach streets, north to 25th Street, and south to Belvedere Road. The vehicle maneuvered nimbly
through, sometimes, narrow streets thanks to its compact size. The 8.2-mile trips ran 41 minutes. The ‘test riders’ provided comments and written feedback for City consideration.
“The electric minibus is yet another option for communities seeking safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation options to ease congestion, expand access to jobs, and improve quality of life,” said DDEC principal Uyen Dang, P.E. DDEC is a traffic engineering firm assisting the City of West Palm Beach with traffic engineering solutions and implementation of its Mobility Plan.
The City is exploring the electric minibus as a replacement for the blue vans, which locals will remember, replaced the iconic red trolley as a means of free public transport within the City. If the electric minibus is considered a viable alternative, it could move forward with purchasing 6 – 8 of the vehicles and a spare.
Ultimately, the City hopes to provide either on-demand or fixed-route service. A potential North-South fixed route, informed by three years of community input, is being given consideration. The potential
route would connect Northwood Village, downtown, and Belvedere Road. Destinations could include Northwood Village, Palm Beach County Government Center, Clematis Street, West Palm Beach City Hall, Norton Museum of Art, El Cid, and the Publix on Belvedere Road.
For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit https://www.wpb.org/.
