Zero-Emission Future: Orange County Invests $77.5M in 50 New Green Buses
Key Ideas
- Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) purchases 50 new green buses, including 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 battery-powered vehicles, to replace old buses as part of a zero-emission initiative.
- To comply with state goals, half of OCTA's new buses must be zero-emission by 2026 and all by 2029, with the agency securing a reduced price of $77.5 million for the buses through negotiations and state tax exemptions.
- The initiative demonstrates a positive step towards a sustainable future, reducing emissions and promoting cleaner transportation in Orange County.
- The move also aligns with California's efforts to combat opioid overdoses by offering free fentanyl test strips at LA County libraries to address public health issues associated with drug abuse.
In Orange County, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has made a significant investment in transitioning towards a more sustainable future by purchasing 50 new green buses. This purchase includes 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 battery-powered vehicles, aiming to replace the older compressed natural gas buses currently in operation. The OCTA Board of Directors voted on this decision to align with state goals of achieving zero-emission technology by 2040, with intermediate targets set for 2026 and 2029. The total price for the 50 buses was negotiated down to $77.5 million from an initial price of $84.4 million by leveraging state tax exemptions for zero-emission vehicle sales. This move not only demonstrates a commitment to cleaner transportation but also contributes to reducing emissions and promoting sustainability within Orange County.
Furthermore, in efforts to address public health concerns, LA County libraries are offering free fentanyl test strips as part of a wider initiative to combat opioid overdoses. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The availability of these test strips at libraries on Wednesdays aims to detect the presence of fentanyl and prevent overdoses, underscoring the importance of public health initiatives in the community. These combined efforts highlight positive steps taken by local authorities to improve public transportation and address critical public health issues.