C-TRAN's Green Transition: Embracing Hydrogen for Zero-Emission Public Transit
Key Ideas
  • C-TRAN in Clark County aims for a fully zero-emission fleet by 2043, with initial success from the rollout of 10 all-electric buses receiving positive feedback on ride quality.
  • To accelerate their transition, C-TRAN is turning to hydrogen as a greener fuel option, citing its ability to provide more zero-emission energy than electrification, with plans to open a hydrogen fueling station in 2026.
  • The fueling infrastructure project, led by global design firm Stantec, will offer supply resiliency, flexibility in purchasing either liquid or gaseous hydrogen based on cost, and potential benefits for other local municipalities and agencies.
  • The broader Pacific Northwest region, including Washington, Oregon, and Montana, is set to receive significant federal funding for establishing hydrogen fueling centers, aiming to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by 1.7 million metric tons annually.
C-TRAN, a public transit agency based in Clark County, is on a path towards achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2043. The agency recently introduced 10 all-electric buses, which have been well-received by both operators and riders for their smooth performance. In a bid to expedite their transition to green energy, C-TRAN is venturing into hydrogen fuel technology. The agency is collaborating with Stantec, a global design firm, to construct a hydrogen fueling station at their hub in Vancouver, set to open in 2026. The move towards hydrogen is supported by its ability to provide more zero-emission energy compared to traditional electrification methods. This shift enables C-TRAN to diversify its fuel sources, enhance supply resiliency, and potentially reduce commodity costs by choosing between liquid or gaseous hydrogen based on market prices. The hydrogen initiative extends beyond C-TRAN, with plans for other local municipalities and agencies to benefit from the fueling station and adopt zero-emission vehicles. TriMet, another transit agency, is also considering incorporating fuel cell buses in their fleet. Additionally, the Pacific Northwest region is poised to receive substantial federal funding for establishing hydrogen fueling infrastructure, with the aim of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the area. This initiative could potentially lead to the removal of over 400,000 cars from the road annually, demonstrating the significant environmental impact of transitioning to hydrogen-based transportation systems.
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