Zero Emission Program | Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District

Zero Emission Bus Technology Analysis

Sustainability at AC Transit

Youth Innovation Challenge

Since 1999, AC Transit has been at the forefront of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transit vehicles. Thanks to our innovative approach and willingness to take risks, we are on track to achieve a 100% tailpipe emission-free fleet ahead of California’s 2040 mandate. Our trailblazing journey began with a single hydrogen-powered bus, and over the past 25 years, we have expanded our fleet to include hydrogen fuel cell electric and all-electric buses.

In the process, our maintenance protocols have ensured the longevity of zero emission propulsion systems beyond manufacturer specifications, we have developed a comprehensive manual for zero emission bus maintenance, conducted a Stanford University-supported study on all existing industry propulsion systems, and now we lead in zero emission training. What began as a small vision has blossomed, with 10% of the buses operated by AC Transit being zero emission. To track our progress and gain more insights into our zero emission advancements, please refer to the 2024 Zero Emission Program Annual Progress Report.

Welcome to Zero Emission Bus University (ZEBU)

At the core of ZEBU is AC Transit’s renowned workforce development program, recognized by the state of California and the federal government for excellence in technical training, career development, and apprenticeships. We have also launched the nation's first transit-collegiate partnership with Chabot College, paving the way for innovative learning in zero emission transit.

Continue reading to learn more about how AC Transit is leading the future of zero emission technology and transit workforce training.

A key feature of ZEBU is its strategic partnerships, notably Progress in Action (PIA), a leadership collaboration between AC Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192. Thanks to the efforts of the PIA, a groundbreaking partnership with the Chabot–Las Positas Community College District now allows AC Transit Maintenance Trainers to serve as instructors of record for the college district. This unique collaboration enables apprentices to earn half of the credits required for an Associate of Science degree, supporting both their vocational and academic growth.

For two consecutive years—2023 and 2024—the FTA has championed AC Transit’s decades-long dedication to reducing and eventually eliminating our greenhouse gas emissions through two Bus and Low- and No-Emission Grant Awards (Low-No Grant). The 2023 award of $25.5 million is pivotal in transitioning our bus fleet to fuel cell-electric buses. This includes $16 million dedicated to reimagining our 1980s-era Training and Education Center into the new, state-of-the-art Zero Emission Bus University, along with an additional $1.275 million awarded for workforce development.

The 2024 award of $15 million continues this commitment by facilitating the replacement of diesel buses with zero emission buses and expanding hydrogen fueling infrastructure, with an additional $750,000 dedicated to workforce development, essential to building a skilled and adaptable workforce that can meet the evolving demands of modern transit systems.

2023: $25.5MM Low-No Grant

2024: $15MM Low-No Grant

Benefits

Zero Emission Buses on the Road

Funding

Funding for AC Transit’s Zero-Emission Bus program has come from various programs provided by the Federal Transit Administration and Department of Energy on the federal level, the California Air Resources Board, the California State Transportation Agency on the state level, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Metropolitan Transportation Commission on the regional level. We are fortunate to have received significant funding to purchase zero-emission buses as well as design and construct hydrogen fueling stations and battery charging infrastructure to power the buses. The grants have enabled us to establish our Zero Emission Bus program and set us firmly on the path towards our goal of having a fully zero emission fleet by 2040.

Zero Emission Program: 2024 Annual Progress Report

The Zero Emission Program Annual Progress Report expands on the two-year industry-leading Zero Emission Bus Technology Analysis, known as the 5x5 Study. The study includes the District's ZEB Program capital investment since inception and the financial forecast needed to deliver the complete fleet transition. Find our 2024 Annual Progress Report in the link below.

2040 Zero Emission Goal

In 2019, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed the Innovative Clean Transit Regulation, requiring all public transit agencies to transition to zero emission technologies by 2040. AC Transit is leading the way to a zero emission future by utilizing both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology as we expand our fleet of zero emission buses. Learn how we are moving to a 100% zero emission fleet by 2040.

History of Leadership

AC Transit has a proud history of embracing environmental technology in our efforts to better serve our neighborhoods and has long been a recognized leader in this field, both nationally and internationally. Our first hydrogen fueling facility was opened in November of 2002 at our Richmond Division to operate a single 30-foot fuel cell electric bus. In 2006, we launched our first-generation fuel cell electric bus pilot program, operating three vehicles and a station out of our East Oakland Division. In 2010, we added 13 second-generation fuel cell electric buses to the fleet and opened a second hydrogen fueling station at our Emeryville Division. A solid oxide stationary fuel cell was added to our East Oakland Division in 2013. Then, the following year, we opened a new hydrogen fueling station on the site. In 2017, our fuel cell power plants surpassed the Department of Energy and Federal Transit Administration’s target numbers of 25,000 hours of operation.

Then in 2019, AC Transit embarked on a true side-by-side comparison—incorporating five battery electric buses and seven charging stations into our expanding fleet of ZEBs. We will be running hydrogen and battery electric vehicles in identical service to collect real-world performance data for comparison—and to determine which technology performs better to meet the needs of our service as we move towards a complete zero-emission fleet by 2040.