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Task force backs fleet, procurement and oversight proposals while ordering review of California'''s zero-emission rule
Summary
The task force approved recommendations to streamline procurement and encourage OEM support for ZEV buses, added a statewide OEM-coordination item, and voted to create a separate statewide review of CARB's Innovative Clean Transit rule to assess service, infrastructure and equity impacts.
CalSTAs Transit Transformation Task Force on Jan. 8 moved forward a suite of recommendations aimed at easing the transition to zero-emission buses and reducing procurement costs, but members also demanded a dedicated statewide review of the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation to assess implementation impacts on service and equity.
Hunter Owens of Caltrans presented staff recommendations on fleet and asset management that include: coordinating and incentivizing manufacturers on zero-emission and paratransit vehicles; standardizing cost estimation practices to reduce wide per-unit price variation; streamlining procurement timelines; and offering shared maintenance, technical assistance and digital tools.
Operators on the task force and in public comment described concrete problems driving the discussion. Multiple speakers said fleets include recent ZEV buses that are out of service for months awaiting parts. "I have three inoperable buses that were manufactured by Proterra," said one operator during the meeting. Members pressed staff to add language that would facilitate statewide coordination for OEM support so agencies can restore vehicles to service and avoid system attrition.
In recognition of broader regulatory impacts, the task force amended a separate set of items on the ICT regulation. After extensive debate about vehicle availability, charging and fueling infrastructure, and potential impacts on service levels and environmental justice communities, the task force voted to replace a detailed FF section with a single recommendation: request that review and discussion of ICT requirements, solutions and impacts (including service levels and vehicle availability) be taken up by a dedicated statewide group with recommendations to the administration and the Legislature. The task force did not adopt proposed moratoria on ICT implementation; members discussed and tabled those options for further work.
The group also approved amended "BB" procurement strategies that expand state-level efforts to reduce costs for buses, parts, components, energy and both onboard and offboard technologies. Staff committed to circulate a market analysis on ZEV manufacturing and to return with more detailed cost and implementation material for the next meeting.
The motions to amend procurement guidance and to direct a dedicated review of ICT passed by roll call vote.
