CapMetro Activates Overhead Chargers To Extend Bus Shifts To 22 Hours

CapMetro, the transit authority for Austin, has opened two new park-and-ride terminals equipped with overhead charging infrastructure for electric buses.

The facilities, designated Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center, became operational alongside the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 routes. Both locations were announced in June and now function as endpoints for these electrified lines. The addition supports the agency's expanding fleet of battery-electric vehicles.

The charging system relies on pantograph-style equipment installed at the terminals. This setup allows buses to recharge their batteries at the end of each run. The on-route charging eliminates range limitations for the return trip, allowing vehicles to remain in service for extended periods.

Andy Skabowski, CapMetro's Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President, stated that the new approach increases daily operating hours. He noted that while standard charging supports eight hours of service, the on-route method extends that window to 20 or 22 hours. Skabowski explained that frequent top-ups via the pantograph make it possible to maintain service intervals as short as 10 to 15 minutes.

The network is anchored at CapMetro's main bus depot. Infrastructure partner Camber Charging installed two 1,440 kW systems at the site. These units connect to 48 industrial dispensers, creating a total capacity of 2.9 MW. The configuration is designed to charge up to 48 buses simultaneously during overnight hours.

The vehicles operating on these routes are built on the Xcelsior battery-electric platform by New Flyer. The manufacturer states the platform can provide up to 660 kWh of available battery capacity. The buses generate up to 320 all-electric horsepower and deliver full torque at zero rpm. These specifications are intended to accommodate the stop-and-go traffic patterns common in Austin.

Camber Charging provides preventive maintenance, energy management software, and remote diagnostics for all three charging locations. The company manages the technical upkeep of the chargers and monitors system performance across the depot and the two new terminals.