PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Port Arthur's city council approved the purchase of six electric buses for its transit department on Monday.
City leaders say they're committed to holding true to the city's name by being the 'Energy City' with the purchase of six new electric buses.
Along with the buses, the city approved a new transit facility to house them.
The entire project is being paid for with money from a grant according to city officials. Council members decided to go with the zero emissions buses, run completely from batteries.
The move will be good for the environment, and officials said it'll save the city money when it comes to fuel costs.
Port Arthur's new city manager Ronald Burton said they'll keep the old buses for back up.
"You know, it's definitely a plus for the city of Port Arthur because we do not have to dig in the general fund to have it funded. It's a good move," Burton said. "We're looking forward to the point were we become a more energy efficient city."
A Port Arthur Transit Department spokesperson said they don't anticipate that the cost to ride the bus will increase.
It's a move that's been years in the making.
The buses are expected to arrive by spring of 2020.
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