Schaumburg Launches Electric Paratransit Fleet for Inclusive Mobility
On October 1st, 2025, Schaumburg Township, located in Illinois, showcased its commitment to sustainable transportation by launching its first fleet of electric paratransit buses. This initiative came to life through a collaboration with Polara, a company well-known for its expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure. The festive event attracted community members, local officials, and partners, including Micro Bird, the bus manufacturer, and ComEd, an energy provider, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in advancing public transit options.
This significant milestone marks not only Schaumburg's entry into the realm of public transit electrification but also represents Polara's inaugural turnkey project in the state. This electric bus system is supported by a state-of-the-art charging infrastructure featuring five 60 kW fast chargers and an energy management unit. The integration of Polara's Cleo platform on each charger enables efficient remote monitoring and energy optimization, ensuring the fleet operates effectively. Currently, four electric buses are already in service on the roads of Schaumburg Township, providing much-needed transportation solutions while minimizing environmental impact.
The ramifications of this electrification initiative extend well beyond the immediate environmental benefits. By introducing electric paratransit services, which cater specifically to residents with disabilities, the Township has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing community inclusivity. Supervisor Tim Heneghan noted that this project sets a precedent for other local governments in Illinois to follow regarding the addition of electric buses to their public transit systems. He emphasized the importance of thoughtful fiscal planning, partnerships, and expert collaboration in taking steps toward sustainable mobility.
Polara's President, Sébastien Fournier, expressed pride in helping the township achieve this milestone. He mentioned the social impact of the project, noting that it supports the essential needs of residents while fostering a sustainable and innovative transportation model. Similarly, Éric Boulé, CEO of Micro Bird, stressed the importance of this project in aligning quality and innovation with community requirements.
Schaumburg Township remains devoted to providing social services to over 140,000 residents, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The electric paratransit buses are positioned as part of the township's broader social service offerings, which includes various transportation services to ensure independence for older adults and those with disabilities.
Overall, this project reflects a significant step forward in the journey toward sustainable urban mobility, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful advancements in public transportation and community health. As more municipalities embrace electric transit solutions, initiatives like Schaumburg's can serve as a model for others across the country, inspiring collective action towards a greener, more accessible future.
This significant milestone marks not only Schaumburg's entry into the realm of public transit electrification but also represents Polara's inaugural turnkey project in the state. This electric bus system is supported by a state-of-the-art charging infrastructure featuring five 60 kW fast chargers and an energy management unit. The integration of Polara's Cleo platform on each charger enables efficient remote monitoring and energy optimization, ensuring the fleet operates effectively. Currently, four electric buses are already in service on the roads of Schaumburg Township, providing much-needed transportation solutions while minimizing environmental impact.
The ramifications of this electrification initiative extend well beyond the immediate environmental benefits. By introducing electric paratransit services, which cater specifically to residents with disabilities, the Township has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing community inclusivity. Supervisor Tim Heneghan noted that this project sets a precedent for other local governments in Illinois to follow regarding the addition of electric buses to their public transit systems. He emphasized the importance of thoughtful fiscal planning, partnerships, and expert collaboration in taking steps toward sustainable mobility.
Polara's President, Sébastien Fournier, expressed pride in helping the township achieve this milestone. He mentioned the social impact of the project, noting that it supports the essential needs of residents while fostering a sustainable and innovative transportation model. Similarly, Éric Boulé, CEO of Micro Bird, stressed the importance of this project in aligning quality and innovation with community requirements.
Schaumburg Township remains devoted to providing social services to over 140,000 residents, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The electric paratransit buses are positioned as part of the township's broader social service offerings, which includes various transportation services to ensure independence for older adults and those with disabilities.
Overall, this project reflects a significant step forward in the journey toward sustainable urban mobility, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful advancements in public transportation and community health. As more municipalities embrace electric transit solutions, initiatives like Schaumburg's can serve as a model for others across the country, inspiring collective action towards a greener, more accessible future.
Topics Auto & Transportation）
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