FLYER’S NEW HYDROGEN FUEL CELL BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS WILL ARRIVE ON JUNE 1-2
The Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest public transportation provider, is committed to clean transportation and is developing a transition plan to reach zero emissions by 2040. As part of that plan, GCTD selected hydrogen fuel cell technology for your preference. choice of zero emission fuel. En ese esfuerzo, GCTD organizará una demostración de un autobús de pila de combustible de hidrógeno el 1 y 2 de junio.. El autobús, fabricado por New Flyer, estará en el sitio de operaciones y mantenimiento de GCTD para realizar pruebas en varias rutas durante esos dos días.
While GCTD’s Zero Emissions Transition Plan is still in development, GCTD must strategically decide what type of technology would work best under local operating conditions. There are currently two types of zero-emission buses commercially available: battery electric vehicle (BEV) buses and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. After a thorough analysis of routes and terrain provided by project consultant Stantec, Inc., GCTD decided to go with the hydrogen fuel cell electric bus due to its range capability and fueling process.A hydrogen fuel cell bus can travel up to 350 miles on a single charge of fuel and requires no external electrical recharging.
Unlike buses that run on fossil fuels, a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus runs on two of the most basic building blocks on earth: oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen through an electrochemical cell similar to a battery to produce electricity, water, and small amounts of heat. The electrical current is used to power the batteries that ultimately power the buses.
“We are excited about the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology and look forward to testing the bus for a few days so our employees and passengers can get a glimpse of our zero-emissions future.” said GCTD General Manager Vanessa Rauschenberger.
In 2018, GCTD adopted its zero emissions policy, which directs staff to prioritize zero (and near zero) emissions when replacing vehicles. GCTD is currently developing a grant application to obtain funds to purchase five (5) hydrogen fuel cell buses and upgrade its current facilities to incorporate hydrogen fuel through the Federal Administration’s Bus and Bus Facility Program. (FTA) of low or no emissions. If awarded, the grant will also provide funds for extensive safety and technical training for GCTD employees in zero-emission heavy-duty technology, hydrogen safety, fueling, and operations and maintenance.To date, staff have collected 29 letters of support from local elected leaders, stakeholders, businesses, and community organizations throughout the county.
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