(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
A fleet of Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD’s electric buses are now rolling through the streets of Indianapolis as part of IndyGo’s new Red Line transit system.
IndyGo’s Red Line began service on September 1, 2019, and feature a 31-strong fleet of BYD’s 60-foot buses that travel along bus-only lanes.
The buses have a stated battery range of 275 miles, but in 51 tests that included Indianapolis’s frigid winter weather, the buses fell short of that performance level. In response, BYD, which has an association with Momentum Dynamics, agreed to provide wireless charging platforms at either end of the route in order to boost the buses’ charge level throughout the service day.
The Red Line is the first of IndyGo’s Bus Rapid Transit systems, providing increased frequency, reliability, comfort, and convenience at a fraction of the cost of light rail.
Unlike far-spaced light rail, the permanence of BRT infrastructure all along the corridor supports increased private investment, contributing to increased economic opportunity and quality of life.
Running for 13 miles, IndyGo’s new Red Line is billed as a milestone in improved capacity, comfort and comprehensive accommodation for every rider’s experience.
The Red Line corridor is the densest corridor of both residents and employers within Marion County.
BYD and Berkshire Hathaway
In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.
For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.
© 2019 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.