AC Transit Secures $144 Million for Hydrogen Infrastructure and Zero Emission Bus Fleet

For more than two decades, the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) has pioneered zero emission bus deployment, even developing the industry's first academically supported roadmap for bus fleet transition and maintenance. We are therefore honored that the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) has awarded AC Transit $144 million to further our commitment to revamping hydrogen fueling infrastructure, introducing all-new zero emission buses, and implementing a comprehensive workforce development plan by 2035.

In July, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ARCHES unveiled a landmark $12.6 billion agreement to establish a clean, renewable Hydrogen Hub in California. This hub will create a network of hydrogen production sites aimed at reducing fossil fuel use across the state, with the goal of cutting carbon emissions from public transportation, heavy duty trucking, and port operations by 2 million metric tons annually.

To mark this historic agreement, ARCHES hosted a special event on Friday at the TrueZero Hydrogen Fuel Station in Oakland, featuring DOE's Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla.

“California has led the nation with ambitious, innovative goals to combat the climate crisis, and today, we’re showcasing the promise of California’s renewable hydrogen-powered future,” said Senator Padilla. “From the ports, to our state’s population centers, to our rural communities, ARCHES will catalyze the clean hydrogen economy in California.” 

“Our goal has been to reimagine public transit in California, which requires shattering the old models and creating an all-new framework. So, AC Transit is extremely proud to have collaborated with Stanford's Precourt Institute for Energy on a study that provides transit agencies worldwide with a practical guide to transitioning to zero emission buses,” said AC Transit General Manager and CEO Michael Hursh. “With ARCHES' support, we can accelerate our zero emission infrastructure transition, and importantly, this funding for workforce development ensures our employees are equipped with the essential skills to operate and maintain these advanced systems for years to come.”

Earlier this year, AC Transit was awarded $15 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Low- and No-Emission Grant Awards. This coveted award allows us to acquire 25 cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, replacing traditional diesel engines and accelerating us toward CA's requirement to be fully zero emission by 2040.  

AC Transit currently operates 58 hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles. Learn more about our zero emission program and initiatives: actransit.org/zeb.