AC Transit is developing a gasoline hybrid-electric 30-foot bus, which is similar to the fuel-cell bus system.

Premier Business Partners:

Twin Vision NA Inc. ABC Companies

California is known as the Golden State, but it’s just as well known for its traffic and smog issues. Although these are not easy problems to combat, AC Transit says it’s taking the “HyRoad” by adopting hydrogen fuel cell-operated buses. HyRoad is a program developed by AC Transit and the California Fuel Cell Partnership in 2000 to research and promote the benefits of the technology. Since the program’s inception, the organization has acquired $20 million in grants to incorporate three zero-emission fuel-cell buses and two fueling stations.

According to AC Transit, hydrogen fuel used in fuel cells is safer to use than many traditional fuels. “First of all, hydrogen is not toxic and doesn’t pollute,” the organization says. “Second, hydrogen is 14 times lighter than air and dissipates rapidly. So, if there’s ever a leak, hydrogen doesn’t pool, creating a fire hazard. It dissipates almost instantly – without polluting.”

In addition, fuel-cell vehicles run much cleaner than most.
“The only thing that comes out of the tailpipe is water vapor,” AC Transit says. “This means cleaner air. This means less global warming and healthier, quieter neighborhoods.”
In addition, the cost per mile to use this fuel is comparable to gasoline priced at $1.50 per gallon, it says.

The HyRoad program is funded through contributions from Chevron Corp. and Stuart Energy, and a variety of grants from:

• Bay Area Air Quality Management District
• California Air Resources Board
• California Energy Commission/Caltrans
• CalStart
• U.S. Department of Energy
• U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration
  

Hybrid in the Works
AC Transit is developing a gasoline hybrid-electric 30-foot bus, which is similar to the fuel-cell bus system, it says. “Thanks in part to a $1 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, a prototype gasoline hybrid bus will be delivered this year,” it says. “This prototype will be evaluated for performance as well as for quiet operation. Upon the completion of the evaluation, a determination will be made either to build nine additional gasoline hybrids or to explore diesel hybrid technology as another alternative.”
Promoting Public Transportation

AC Transit works closely with communities to promote the use of public transportation. When new housing developments are designed near public transportation hubs, the need for personal vehicles is often minimized. “This benefits us with less pollution, less traffic congestion and more livable, walkable neighborhoods,” it says. “AC Transit works with local governments to promote and maximize public transit in land-use developments. Our participation ranges from reviewing proposals for transit villages to developing local transportation plans. AC Transit has recently taken part in planning many projects.”

It takes part in many urban planning processes, and works to enhance the accessibility of public transportation in each community. “To that end, AC Transit has written the manual Designing with Transit for use by local and regional governments,” it says. “Designing with Transit serves as a toolbox for community agencies working to make their main streets more vital and pedestrian-friendly.”