ZEBRA Roundtable in Rochester: Advancing Hydrogen for Zero Emission Bus Fleets
Key Ideas
- The Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA) held a roundtable in Rochester, focusing on hydrogen for zero emission buses.
- Representatives from bus agencies in the U.S. and Canada gathered to discuss transitioning to zero-emission bus fleets using hydrogen.
- Hydrogen was highlighted for its shorter refueling time compared to electric buses, offering longer ranges and improved daily operational efficiency.
- The event aimed to facilitate smoother transitions to environmentally friendly transportation options in the region.
The Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA) recently hosted a roundtable in Rochester, New York, with a focus on advancing hydrogen technology for zero emission bus fleets. The event, held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, brought together dozens of representatives from bus agencies in the United States and Canada to explore the use of hydrogen as a viable alternative to electric buses. The roundtable aimed to address the challenges faced during the transition to zero-emission bus fleets and share innovative ideas to streamline the process. Hydrogen emerged as a promising option due to its quicker refueling time—approximately 10 minutes with liquid hydrogen—compared to the long charge times of electric buses. RTS Public Information Officer Tom Brede highlighted the advantages of hydrogen, noting that its range is comparable to diesel buses, allowing buses to operate efficiently throughout the day. While RTS had previously adopted electric buses in 2020, the discussion at the roundtable emphasized the potential of hydrogen as a more efficient and practical solution for sustainable transportation. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry players to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly bus fleets in the region, marking a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable public transportation system.