Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) presented a six-minute video and celebrated a ribbon-cutting for a pilot hydrogen fuel-cell bus during the Humboldt County Association of Governments meeting on Dec. 18. HTA said the pilot is the first hydrogen fuel-cell bus in rural America and that 11 hydrogen buses are being ordered to replace diesel vehicles on the Redwood Transit System.

"Today, we are proud to unveil the first hydrogen fuel cell bus in rural America," said an HTA representative during the presentation, describing extended range, faster refueling (about 10 minutes) and plans for a hydrogen fueling facility and a local training center. HTA staff said each diesel bus in the Redwood Transit System uses about 10,000 gallons of diesel per year and that replacing 11 buses would reduce diesel use substantially.

HTA said the hydrogen buses use fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce water and electricity, offering emissions-free operation. The agency described partnerships with local high schools and community colleges to develop a workforce and with other transit agencies to offer a North Coast training facility where technicians can learn the technology.

Some board members and local officials praised the video and asked staff to share it for city council meetings. "It would be great for us to be able to show [the video] in our council meetings," a local official said.

But during public comment, Julie, a resident who identified herself, urged caution. She said hydrogen buses cost between $1,200,000 and $1,600,000 each and expressed concern that many buses are manufactured overseas. "There are other options," she said, suggesting diesel-electric hybrids as a more economical choice for a rural area.

HTA and allies emphasized the pilot nature of the program, the anticipated local benefits for air quality and the training opportunities the project could create. The agency said it will make the video available online and continue outreach as the pilot rolls out.

The HTA items were presented during the PAC portion of the meeting; no formal board action on procurement occurred at the meeting.