Phoenix Transit #1901

#1901 in 2025

Background

Specialty Vehicle Manufacturing Corporation was a California company specialized in building custom vehicles for niche customers. In the early 1990s several California cities experimented with electric and hydrogen powered buses. Santa Barbara led the charge with a fleet of all-electric battery buses in 1990 provided by SVMC. Soon after, the company offered the bus to several American cities for trial runs on short, urban-centered routes, including Phoenix, Arizona.

1995 Arizona Republic photo of #1901

Service History

Phoenix Transit purchased #1901 in 1991 for its Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) service. EV technology was still in its infancy, and the bus required two charges per day in operation. It was ultimately retired in 2001 after just ten years of service.

Similar buses still operate today in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

1990 map of the Downtown Area Shuttle in central Phoenix

Post-Service History

#1901 was acquired by OPT in 2004 for preservation.

Restoration Status

Interior and exterior are sun-weathered, but intact. Status of batteries is currently unknown. No restoration work has begun.

Ownership Snapshot

Original Owner: Phoenix Transit #1901
Acquired From: Phoenix Transit in 2004 with original battery charger unit
Current Livery: Phoenix Transit #1901

Technical Specs

Year Built: 1991
Manufacturer: Specialty Vehicle Manufacturing Corporation, CA
Model: unknown
Serial: unknown
Powertrain: 220 volt battery-powered
Body: unknown
Length:
Width:
Seating: