In a unanimous vote, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors has approved the purchase of 50 new zero-emission buses in an ongoing effort to transition the bus fleet to 100 percent zero-emission technology by 2040. The purchase includes 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 battery-electric buses, replacing buses running on compressed natural gas. This move aligns with the California Air Resources Board's 2018 Innovative Clean Transit Rule, mandating a full transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. The purchase cost of $77.5 million, sourced from Federal Transit Administration funds and state funds, was reduced through negotiations and leveraging tax exemptions. The new buses will be equipped with advanced technology and safety features. The initiative aims to create a cleaner transit future and improve public health and the environment. The buses are expected to be operational in late 2026, contributing to a more sustainable public transportation system.