COLLEGE PARK — As part of its clean energy initiatives, the University of Maryland has unveiled its first two all-electric Shuttle-UM buses powered by a Pikachu. The electric-type Pokemon has been working around the clock to provide the university with a renewable energy source that officials describe as “both sustainable and extremely adorable.”

Darryll Pines revealed that at least half of the $40 million grant from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration went towards affording Pikachu’s services. The electric type Pokémon can be seen in the driver’s seat of this new vehicular fleet, along with Pichu and Raichu.

As part of the deal, the university has invested an additional one million dollars in grant money towards Charjabug-based batteries. Members of 17 for Peace and Justice, a student organization at UMD focusing on environmental justice, are responsible for championing the three-year-long proposal, and have nominated Pikachu as their president in honor of the change.

“Because we’re still managing logistics, these new bus routes are not listed on the Transit app,” a representative from UMD DOTS said. “Students looking to take advantage of our new electric transportation alternatives are encouraged to call out ‘Pikachu, I choose you’ to hail these buses.” 

Several students have attempted to follow official university guidelines, but are unable to locate the new eco-friendly buses, with some unsure whether the program has officially launched. 

“Are we sure it’s an electric type? Pretty sure it’s acting more like a ghost type,” joked junior public policy student Mimi Kyu.

Administrators emphasized that the initiative represents “a visible commitment to sustainability,” regardless of current ridership levels. “In fact, if you’re one of the few students able to find our sustainable buses, you’ll receive a limited-edition Pokémon hoodie,” a DOTS spokesperson added. 

When we asked Mimi Kyu about her luck finding the new Pokemon merchandise, a crowd appeared instantly at the word “limited-edition.” As she sprinted in the opposite direction, witnesses claimed the group had already commandeered Shuttle-UM 105 to chase her down. Kyu reportedly muttered, “Great, now the scalpers have figured out how to use the Transit app.”

Reporters at The Hare tracked down a computer engineering major who was wearing one of these limited edition hoodies to ask how he was able to find the new buses.

“Turns out, all you have to do is get to the bus stop,” said the student. “Just take the Shuttle-UM 104 to the College Park Metro Station. Then take the Red Line. Transfer to the Blue Line. Hack the mainframe. Trace the geolocation packet. End up at Poni Island. Learn Japanese. Make your way to the Altar of the Moone. Then, you just need to say ‘Pikachu, I choose you.’ Eventually, the buses will find you and get you to your destination.”

Despite ongoing confusion, DOTS remains optimistic. “This is just the beginning,” one official said. “By 2030, we hope to expand into a Charizard-powered aviation program, pending FAA approval.”

Image Credits: Kenlynn Ingham