The City of Davenport will add four electric buses, charging infrastructure and related workforce training as part of a federally funded project, Jeff Wolf, transit operations supervisor, told council during a management update. Wolf said the buses are expected to enter service in November if charging equipment comes online as scheduled.

"We are getting 4 electric buses, the charging infrastructure to run those buses, and training for mechanics and drivers," Wolf said, describing funding that covers a large share of vehicle and infrastructure costs through a competitive federal grant program. He said the federal share covers about 85% of bus costs, 90% of charging infrastructure and 80% of remaining costs such as workforce development. Local contributions from the RDA and MidAmerican helped cover the local match.

Nut graf: City staff said the electric-bus rollout and an accompanying transit route optimization study aim to reduce fuel costs and emissions while targeting improved service across Davenport and neighboring municipalities. Wolf estimated fuel-cost savings of 30%–40% and an annual reduction of about 147 metric tons of CO2. The city also contracted AECOM to lead an 18-month regional transit study, funded by a $125,000 award, to identify route changes and service expansions.

Supporting details: Wolf said the city started applying for the federal competitive grant in 2019 and was selected in 2022 after several application rounds. The installation of charging infrastructure is slated to finish this month, and trainers are on site to train drivers and mechanics. City testing included loading buses with sand and running air conditioning to simulate heavy use and verify battery math under strenuous conditions.

Wolf said Gillig, the vehicle manufacturer, guarantees the buses for 12 years or 600,000 miles, whichever comes first, and that a mid-life battery replacement (around six years) is included in the procurement price; Gillig will take back replaced batteries. "If there does need to be a 6 year swap out that is included in the price that we have paid for them, and then Gilling just takes the batteries back," Wolf said.

Council members asked technical and operational questions. Alderman Tim Dunn asked about battery longevity and disposal; Wolf said manufacturers and staff have addressed corrosion and weather concerns and that the systems are sealed. Alderman Kelly asked about fleet size; Wolf said the city has 21 buses in its fleet and typically runs 15 on an average day.

Transit study: Wolf said Davenport led a multi-city grant application with Bettendorf, Eldridge and LeClaire and received $125,000 in July to study route optimization. The city awarded the contract to AECOM and plans public outreach (on-bus intercepts, online surveys, stakeholder meetings and in-person municipal meetings). Wolf said the study will identify existing conditions and expected changes; staff expect recommendations in February or March 2027.

Ending: Staff said the buses will be phased in as confidence grows and operations are monitored. The transit study will engage riders and large employers to shape recommendations; any council decision to expand service beyond current funding would return to council for approval.