Lawton’s new transit complex will be crafted for hybrid buses

When Lawton’s mass transit system begins replacing the buses in its fleet, officials will look at hybrid vehicles.

That’s the decision members of the City Transit Trust made earlier this month when discussing design plans for a new LATS facility that will give riders an indoor transfer center for the first time in the system’s existence.

That indoor facility — which will offer services ranging from ticket sales to a weather-proof waiting area to a break area for bus drivers — is part of a larger complex being designed by Wendel Associates for a site at Southeast D Avenue and Railroad Street, directly south of the Lawton Public Safety Center. Wendel Associates was awarded a contract in 2023 to design what will be a transfer center, storage, maintenance and administrative complex. LATS Director Ryan Landers said the design firm needed a decision on what kind of fueling/charging stations were needed in the fleet storage yard.

And City Transit Trust/City Council members had multiple factors to weigh as they made that decision because the new LATS facility needs a fueling system that matches the buses in its fleet.

LATS’ existing fixed route buses are diesel, relying on traditional tanks when it is time to refuel. But Landers said the federal government has a definite preference for low-emission and zero-emission vehicles when providing transportation funding to offset bus purchases, meaning funding in future years will be restricted to electric buses and hybrids (vehicles that use traditional fuel and electricity). That means weighing the cost of lower-priced traditional fuel vehicles, versus the pricier electric and hybrid.

“The most federal money is going to low- or zero-emission vehicles,” Landers said, adding federal transportation funds will offset the vehicle’s purchase price: 83 percent for a full electric vehicle, versus 75 percent for hybrids.

Landers has said a number of LATS buses are nearing or past the end of their lives, and it is time to replace them. With federal funding moving toward low-emission (hybrids) or zero emission (electric), it makes sense for LATS to begin converting its fleet now, he said. Another note: hybrid vehicles run about $100,000 less than do full electric buses, which range from $900,000 to $1 million.

Landers said the decision on buses is important for reasons beyond fueling. For example, electric buses are longer, a minimum of 35 feet in length while the buses LATS is using today are 30 feet long. That means they need larger storage and bay space.

Landers compared the two types of vehicles before making his recommendation: hybrid.

While each contributes less vehicular pollution than do traditional fuel buses, electric and hybrid vehicles need special systems to connect to and recharge.

While electric buses may be the most environmental friendly, there are only two manufacturers on the market: Gillig and New Flyer. There are more manufacturers making hybrid buses, Landers said, explaining that means a shorter wait time between order and delivery.

There are decided advantages for electric buses, including a lower maintenance and operations cost because they have fewer moving parts than do internal combustion engines. The cost of electricity also tends to be more stable. But, they rely on an expanded electric infrastructure to recharge, a time-consuming process, and cold weather will have an effect on their battery.

Hybrids don’t need the same extensive refueling capacity as full electric, Landers said, of a battery system that typically recharges itself during daily operations. Therefore, they can use slower charge portals which are less costly than the fast charge portals electric buses need.

Landers said his staff is still exploring the issues associated with full electric, including exactly how far you can drive on one charge.

“That is a concern for transit systems like us,” he said, adding that is among the reasons he is recommending hybrids. “Electric checks all the boxes, but there are only two bus manufacturers on the market. Hybrid is the best way to go.”