RTD Unveils Five New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses

On October 23, San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) proudly celebrated the launch of its five new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. This move marks a pivotal step in RTD's commitment to transitioning 100% of its bus purchases to zero-emission vehicles (ZEBs) by 2029.

RTD's adoption of hydrogen technology offers a true 1-to-1 replacement for existing diesel buses, providing operational flexibility through lighter vehicle weight and enhanced performance on local roads. Additionally, these buses add a vital layer of resiliency to the transportation network when it comes to maintaining service during natural disasters.

These state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses address key challenges faced with traditional battery electric buses, such as range limitations and grid reliability issues. These buses are set to enhance operational capacity significantly with an impressive range exceeding 300 miles using Ballard Power Systems' fuel cell modules.

Each bus is valued at $1,397,883, and the project is supported by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Federal 5339 (a) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant funding, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), Senate Bill 1 State of Good Repair funds, and Measure K.

"We are honored to pioneer the journey toward sustainable transit solutions in our community," said RTD CEO Alex Clifford. "This initiative not only signifies our investment in cutting-edge technology but also in a cleaner, more efficient, and resilient future."