SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced Oct. 8 the purchase order of a dozen 60-foot battery-electric buses to provide service on the new 100 percent electric Iris Rapid. This new route is intended to provide fast, limited-stop service in the South Bay area, from Otay Mesa to Imperial Beach via state Route 905, and Coronado Avenue. It is scheduled to open in early 2023. “The purchase of these buses for the first all-electric Rapid route in our region is a huge leap forward towards a greener future, environmental justice, sustainability, and better air quality,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS board chair and chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “MTS will also put five new 40-foot electric buses into service over the next few weeks, adding to its existing fleet of eight electric buses. When the Iris Rapid comes on line, MTS will have 25 electric …