In addition to the environmental benefits, the new electric buses will also have a positive impact on SamTrans' bottom line, since they require less energy to operate and reduce maintenance costs. Over their 12-year lifetime, the 10 Proterra buses will result in maintenance and operations cost savings projected at nearly $4.5 million. The purchase of these new buses is fully funded by a combination of federal, State, Bay Area Air Quality Management District and SamTrans funds. "Proterra is designing and manufacturing the batteries that will be powering our new electric bus fleet just 20 minutes away from us," said SamTrans CEO/General Manager, Jim Hartnett. "We are proud to partner with Proterra as the company enables us to make this zero-emission vehicle commitment an easy call."