CapMetro Opens Two Terminals With Overhead Chargers For Rapid Bus Lines

CapMetro has opened two new park-and-ride facilities in Austin, each equipped with overhead pantograph charging systems for electric buses. The Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center terminals began operating alongside the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 routes this week. These sites were first announced in June and now serve as endpoints for the lines, offering passengers improved amenities while enabling on-route battery replenishment.

The charging infrastructure extends a network that begins at CapMetro's main bus depot. Infrastructure partner Camber Charging installed two 1,440 kW charging systems at the depot. These units connect to 48 industrial dispensers, creating a total capacity of 2.9 MW. The setup is designed to charge up to 48 electric buses simultaneously overnight.

Andy Skabowski, CapMetro's Chief Operations Officer and Executive VP, stated that the on-route charging strategy significantly increases the duration buses remain in service. He noted that while a typical bus holds eight hours of charge, the new system extends that window to 20 to 22 hours. Skabowski explained that every time the pantograph drops, the bus recharges, making 10 to 15-minute service intervals feasible.

The vehicles operating on these routes are built on the Xcelsior battery-electric transit platform by New Flyer. The manufacturer indicates the platform can offer up to 660 kWh of available capacity. The buses deliver up to 320 all-electric horsepower with full torque available at 0 rpm, a specification suited to stop-and-go traffic conditions. Specific battery details for the Austin fleet were not included in the agency's release.

Camber Charging manages preventive maintenance, charger and energy management software, and remote diagnostics across the three charging locations. The agency's goal is to support a growing fleet of electric buses serving the city by reducing range concerns during return trips.

The new terminals represent the latest expansion in CapMetro's electric transit infrastructure. The system currently supports the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 lines. No additional routes or facilities are scheduled for opening in the immediate term according to the release.