The new electric bus glided to a stop on Central Avenue at 6:51 Sunday morning with a soft, descending, treble whine rather than the usual baritone growl.

Inside, it looked like any other TARTA bus. The seating layout, door position, and color scheme were the same. Its power train was slightly quieter than that of the diesel models, though the body produced the same creaks and thumps and the tires emitted the same moan as they carried the 16 to 18-ton vehicle over the pavement.

Brandon Harris was at the wheel, driving the 20 route. He’s a relatively new driver, on the job since January.

“The biggest differences are the sound and the acceleration,” he said, comparing the diesel and electric models. “Passengers like it. It’s not as loud — especially outside.”

Steve Wise, TARTA’s senior

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