AC Transit - Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis
The Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis (ZETBTA) is designed to meaningfully analyze the various transit bus technologies that AC Transit operates. This report, Volume 3, is the third edition of the study which includes results from the fuel-cell electric bus (FCEB), battery electric bus (BEB), diesel hybrid bus, and conventional diesel bus technologies control fleet. There are five different technologies being evaluated: two different fuel-cell electric system designs, along with the other technologies. Five of each bus technology types are included in this study; hence the original nickname of the report was the 5X5 Transit Bus Technology Analysis. While AC Transit recognized the value of operating five different transit bus technologies by the same agency on the same routes in the same service environment, we realized that over 20 years of experience operating zero emission bus (ZEB) technologies afforded the opportunity to go much further. We integrated lessons learned and best practices gleaned from our extensive experience in deploying ZEB technologies, including developing innovative workforce training programs and data integration and management. When selecting cost and performance data to include in this analysis, AC Transit carefully considered key performance indicators (KPI) that align with our Strategic Plan and ZEB Rollout Plan to guide the implementation of ZEB fleets. This approach provides data results that help assess which ZEB technology can best meet the operational requirements of the District while being financially efficient and sustainable.
Volume 3 of the Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis report is an enhanced version from the second publication. The additional results presented in this reporting period include the following that are key takeaways from the previous report:
- Workforce development moving forward with a mixed reality system that re-invent and re-invigorates the District’s training program and engages staff with a real-time learning process.
- Information on the battery charging communication issues.
- Capacity increase from 65 to 85 buses per fueling window with the dual piston pump hardware for future hydrogen station investments.
- Expired Low Fuel Carbon Standard credits that offset the hydrogen fuel costs.
- Increased costs for the diesel, hydrogen, and electricity energy sources.