Karsan Delivers Electric Minibuses to Santa Maria

Karsan delivered 14 electric e-JEST minibuses to Santa Maria, California, enhancing microtransit with flexible booking and real-time tracking on weekdays.

Bursa, Türkiye - Karsan Otomotiv Sanayi veTicaret A.S (Karsan)., a Turkish commercial vehicle manufacturer, continues its rapid North American expansion. Following its introduction of the first electric minibuses to the region in 2022, Karsan recently delivered 14 units of  e-JEST minibuses to Santa Maria, California. These vehicles will enhance the city's microtransit service, operated by Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT), marking a significant step in innovative urban mobility.

CEO Okan Baş said, "We are taking the journey we kicked off in 2022 with our first 20 feet electric minibus in North America one step further with our first electric minibus deliveries in the city of Santa Maria. This microtransit service offers passengers a contemporary mobility solution that allows flexible and on-demand uninterrupted booking opportunities through a smartphone app. In this project, where real-time tracking is possible, the Karsan e-JESTs used are the most crucial complement to the microtransit service with their designs suitable for smart technologies and compact sizes that enable smooth movement in narrow streets. Karsan has once again proven its success in the global arena with its vehicles fit for cutting-edge projects."

The Santa Maria Microtransit Project is transforming public transport with flexible booking, real-time tracking, and fare integration via a smartphone app. Karsan’s e-JEST minibuses play a key role, offering low emissions, quiet operation, and easy navigation through narrow streets.

At the delivery ceremony for Santa Maria Regional Transit's Microtransit pilot project, Karsan's e-JEST minibuses were introduced by CEO Okan Baş and CCO Deniz Çetin. The project aims to expand transportation access to areas underserved by fixed-route buses, offering flexible and cost-effective travel. Karsan's fully electric e-JEST minibuses will reduce emissions and support a cleaner, more sustainable transport system. CEO Okan Baş highlighted Karsan's continued innovation, stating, "In 2022, we entered North America with the e-JEST, the first 20-foot electric minibus. Now, we've delivered the first electric minibuses to Santa Maria. Our vehicles are now in service at 10 locations across the USA and Canada, including Santa Maria."

Okan Baş added, "Passengers can book their trips whenever and wherever they wish via their smartphones. Karsan e-JESTs are the backbone of this project. They are the most accurate solution partners in such innovative applications, owing to their constructions compatible with smart technologies, and compact designs."

The Microtransit project in Santa Maria will initially operate as a pilot from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays, with plans for expansion based on demand. Karsan, recognized for its innovative projects, operates over 1,100 electric vehicles in 23 countries and is making significant strides in North America. This service highlights Karsan's commitment to enhancing public transport efficiency and sustainability through eco-friendly solutions. CEO Okan Baş remarked, "Our e-JESTs being chosen for this project underscores our strength in the global market. We are paving the way for smart cities with our electric vehicles." Karsan continues to lead in sustainable mobility with its innovative urban transportation solutions.