BYD | Ride showcases battery-electric link transit bus at WSTA

BYD | RIDE showed off its world-renowned battery-electric transit solution this week at the 47th Annual Washington State Transit Association (WSTA) Public Transportation Conference, Vendor Expo, and State “Roadeo.” 

On display was a K8M, one of 11 BYD buses recently added to the Link Transit fleet in Wenatchee, Washington. Link Transit serves Chelan and Douglas counties, operating twenty-three buses in all. 

“We are very grateful for our partnership with Link Transit and for their continued support,” said Patrick Duan, BYD’s Senior Vice President and RIDE Co-CEO. “WSTA was a great opportunity for us to showcase how Link Transit is helping improve air quality by providing its passengers with clean transportation alternatives.” 

The K8M, which was displayed at WSTA, can seat up to 32 passengers, has a working range of up to 196 miles, and is equipped with the industry’s safest battery. The 35’ bus gave guests an opportunity to see how BYD | RIDE is redefining the future of transportation with its innovative technology. 

The buses are purpose-built by members of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation (SMART) Workers Union, Local 105, at the BYD Coach and Bus Facility located in Lancaster, CA. BYD is the only battery-electric bus manufacturer that has both a unionized workforce and a Community Benefits Agreement, which sets goals for hiring veterans, single parents, second-chance citizens, and others facing hurdles in obtaining manufacturing employment.