Actually - electrification in the 40's and 50's drove innovation for 50 years in every part of the country. Surface fleet mass transit, in line with pedestrian traffic innovation like bike lanes and streets with limited traffic are the beacons of modernity implemented by this change.

Combustion engines pollute the air we breathe but also create congestion and unsafe vehicle traffic. Electric fleets, transportation fleets, sanitation fleets and maintenance fleets grow the idea of accelerated use of viable modern technology. Costs, in the time of war and health emergencies should not cause us to abandon modernity. We should embrace modernization. I ask you to embrace the idea that innovation in our city has always led to fantastic benefits. From the docks to factory infrastructure to industry development, our cities infrastructure leads to massive efficiency. Electrification of our mass transit systems are only part of the grand vision. We should move forward. I should hope innovation also provides better safety and convenience as the fleets mature.

Right now, you can time your bus to the minute. Combustion engines are part of the past. Full steam ahead, to the future.