AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Augusta Transit will be hosting a ribbon cutting for the official launch into regular service of battery electric buses.

It’s the first transit agency in the CSRA with electric transit buses.

This is all a part of Green Augusta initiative, transitioning twenty percent of its non emergency vehicles to zero emission by 2030.

There will be five battery electric transit buses used in Augusta, providing cleaner air, lower operating cost, better performance and improved riding experiences.

The drivers are specifically trained to drive these buses for more efficient battery use.

Augusta Transit’s deputy director says the buses won’t run out of battery because they are monitored at all times.

“It’s monitored in real time. I’d be up to monitor it. We have dispatch staff who’ve been monitoring it transmits a lot of information. One of the information it transmits is the how it’s using the battery, how the driver, the bus operator was actually operating the bus,” said Dr. Oliver Page.

He also, said only four routes will be initially taken to begin with.

“We have assigned four routes. Route three, the Gold Line, East Augusta. Route five, the Green Line, Washington Road. Route seven, The Pink Line, Augusta Mall. And Route eight, The Orange Line, Barton Chapel.”

These buses will begin its routes starting Monday October 20th.

The ribbon cutting will be held here at Augusta Transit today at noon.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new Augusta Fire survey is out for you to provide feedback on the future of the department.

Some of the questions ask the following:

• If you trust the department to protect your family and property
• If they respond quickly to calls
• If their emergency response is effective and if they educate

The survey will be open until Saturday, Oct. 18, at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N7LRSRQ

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Jewish community is expressing cautious optimism following Monday’s hostage and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, marking what many hope could be the beginning of the end of a devastating two-year conflict.

At Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, where congregants were celebrating Sukkot — a holiday to both celebrate and remember lost loved ones — the news of the ceasefire deal has brought a mixture of relief and continued concern.

“We pray for Israel, we pray for peace in Jerusalem, multiple times a day, every day,” said Rabbi David Sirull, who leads the synagogue where the war in Gaza has remained a constant focus over the past two years.

The rabbi described the hostage release as potentially significant for the region’s future.

“I want to call it the beginning of the end,” Sirull said. “We would certainly like to see peace in that region forever.”

The impact of the potential end of the war is being felt in Augusta, where the Jewish community has maintained daily prayers for peace throughout the conflict. However, Sirull acknowledged the complex emotions surrounding recent developments.

“We’re happy at the moment, but we’re also very mindful of the sadness associated with all of it as well,” he said.

Throughout the two-year conflict, Sirull said the broader Augusta faith community has provided support to the Jewish congregation.

“This community has always been very special to me, very welcoming,” said Sirull. “I’m very grateful for the relationship that we have with the faith community at large.”

The Adas Yeshurun congregation has incorporated prayers for Middle East peace into every service over the past two years. Even with the recent hostage release, Sirull said those prayers will continue.

“The national anthem for Israel is known as Hatikvah, and that word in Hebrew means hope,” said Sirull. “So we’re commanded to be hopeful, and so we certainly do hope that this will usher in a new era, a peaceful era.”

The Augusta Jewish community plans to continue praying for peace while mourning those lost throughout the ongoing conflict.

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