AC Transit secures $144 million for hydrogen infrastructure and zero emission bus fleet

The Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) has awarded AC Transit $144 million to further revamp the transit agency's hydrogen fueling infrastructure, introducing all-new zero emission buses, and implementing a comprehensive workforce development plan by 2035.

For more than two decades, AC Transit has pioneered zero emission bus deployment, even developing the industry's first academically supported roadmap for bus fleet transition and maintenance.

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.

“Our goal has been to reimagine public transit in California, which requires shattering the old models and creating an all-new framework," said AC Transit General Manager and CEO Michael Hursh.  "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. 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.