Charging Ahead: Main Street Station buses to relocate during electric charger installation

The project will modernize transit, diversify VRT’s bus fleet, provide resiliency for VRT’s charging infrastructure, and support a new generation of zero-emission buses.

Starting June 9, 2025, VRT will temporarily relocate buses boarding downstairs at Main Street Station to install new overhead electric charging infrastructure. The passenger waiting area, restrooms, and Customer Service desk at VRT’s primary transit hub in downtown Boise will remain open throughout construction. Buses will board from relocated stops until construction wraps up, anticipated later this year.

This project is a major step in VRT’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and more reliable service. The new on-route charging infrastructure will let electric buses stay on the road longer, avoiding trips to the Orchard Maintenance Facility for recharging.

Temporary Boarding Locations

During construction, boarding will move to the following nearby areas:

• Main Street: Routes 2*, 7, 8, 9, 10*, 16*, 17, 40
• 9th & Grove: Routes 3*, 4*, 5*, 29*

*moving from downstairs

Bus stop signs along Main Street will be updated to reflect the temporary route shifts. Temporary signs will be posted along 9th Street, and parking will be blocked to ensure safe access for passengers. Customer Service will also be available at Main Street Station to help riders navigate the temporary changes.

Main Street Station hours during construction

• Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

How On-Route Charging Works

Each electric bus will be equipped with rooftop charging rails, which connect with a pantograph charger that lowers from the station ceiling. These fast chargers will allow buses to “top off” their batteries during layovers at Main Street Station, keeping them in service longer without needing to return to the garage.

“This project is a big leap forward in our mission to deliver cleaner, smarter transit,” said VRT CEO Elaine Clegg. “It demonstrates the benefits of a strong local and federal partnership for better buses. This investment in electric infrastructure provides resilience in our charging system and allows us to use our fleet more efficiently to move toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”

Project Funding

This work is primarily funded through a $17.4 million Low or No Emission Grant Program award that VRT received in 2022. The funding also supports the purchase of eight new electric buses from U.S. bus manufacturer Gillig, expanding VRT’s current Ada County fleet of twelve electric and 30 compressed natural gas (CNG) fixed-route buses.

Main Street Station bike locker

Construction will limit access to the bus bays, which includes the bike lockers at Main Street Station. Make sure to grab your bike before June 9th! If you have questions about accessing the locker or want to update payments, please contact Customer Service.