Orange County Approves Purchase of 50 Zero-Emission Buses for Greener Transit Future
Key Ideas
- Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) approved the purchase of 40 hydrogen fuel-cell buses and 10 battery-electric buses to transition the bus fleet to 100% zero-emission technology by 2040.
- The move aligns with California Air Resources Board's rule mandating all public transit agencies in California to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2040, starting with 25% by 2023.
- New Flyer of America Inc. will provide the new buses equipped with advanced safety features under the Zero-Emission Bus Pilot Program, where OCTA tested both fuel-cell and battery-electric buses.
- The purchase, funded through a combination of Federal Transit Administration and California Climate Investments, includes leveraging strategies to reduce costs and meet state mandates for a cleaner transit future in Orange County.
The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors approved the purchase of 40 hydrogen fuel-cell buses and 10 battery-electric buses to make the OC Bus fleet completely zero-emission by 2040. This decision marks a significant step towards a greener future, complying with the California Air Resources Board's 2018 rule for zero-emission vehicles. These buses, equipped with advanced safety features, will replace current compressed natural gas buses. The purchase, estimated at $77.5 million, was funded through Federal Transit Administration and California Climate Investments. The Zero-Emission Bus Pilot Program allowed OCTA to test the buses in real-life conditions, gaining operational experience. New Flyer of America Inc. will provide the buses, ensuring a cleaner transit future for Orange County. Additionally, 11 battery chargers will be installed at the Santa Ana bus base to fuel and maintain the new battery electric buses. The buses are expected to be operational by late 2026, improving public health and the environment while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.