In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing transition to zero-emission buses, highlighting a significant testing initiative comparing electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The initial study will span one year, with plans to operate the buses for at least 14 years to gather comprehensive performance data. This data will be shared with the industry to assess long-term viability and maintenance needs.

The current operational range for electric buses is approximately 100 to 150 miles under optimal conditions, while hydrogen buses can achieve around 350 miles, comparable to compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. The transition to these technologies is driven by a state mandate requiring a zero-emission fleet by 2040, prompting the agency to explore alternatives to CNG, which has been a reliable option in the past.

Councilman Shaikh emphasized the importance of understanding the state mandate and the need for carbon-neutral buses. The agency has previously phased out diesel vehicles and is now focused on increasing the proportion of zero-emission vehicles in its fleet, currently at 15%, to meet state requirements.

Additionally, officials addressed community concerns regarding bus schedule reliability, reporting an on-time performance rate of 80-85%. Efforts are underway to improve this to 95-100%, although external factors such as construction and accidents can impact performance. The agency remains committed to incorporating community feedback in its operational adjustments.