Hydrogen-Powered Buses, Fueling Station: SunLine Transit Celebrates Large Grant

THOUSAND PALMS, CA - SunLine Transit Agency Friday was celebrating a $12.5 million grant awarded to the agency for five zero-emission buses and the development of the country's largest hydrogen fueling station. The grant from California Climate Investments, a statewide program that awards cap-and-trade dollars for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will add five zero-emission fuel cell buses to the agency's fleet and support upgrading a heavy duty fueling station for the buses that will use electricity and renewable energy to generate clean hydrogen, according to SunLine.

The buses will operate daily on two routes from Indio to the Mecca/Oasis area, fulfilling a state goal to invest in disadvantaged communities. SunLine officials also say that 12 months of the buses' performance data will be used to advance commercialization of fuel cell technology.

"We are honored to be the recipient of this pilot project that will deploy new zero-emission buses for our community and allow us to upgrade our existing hydrogen infrastructure for fueling the proposed fuel cell fleet as well as public use," said Lauren Skiver, SunLine CEO and general manager. "SunLine has a longstanding commitment to the environment with our clean fuels fleet -- which helps us do our part to ensure our natural resources are preserved for future generations."

The agency was scheduled to hold a ceremony Friday celebrating the grant. Scheduled to attend were state Sen. Jeff Stone, R-La Quinta, Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D- Coachella, California Air Resources Board member Barbara Riordan and representatives from New Flyer and Hydrogenics, the companies contracted to build the new buses and upgrade the hydrogen refueling station.

"This project represents an important step toward commercializing both heavy-duty zero-emission fuel cell vehicles and clean, renewable hydrogen fuel," said California Air Resources Board chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Fuel cell vehicles are part of a comprehensive portfolio needed to achieve California's long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals, and this project furthers this technology advancement while providing much needed air quality benefits to communities in the Coachella Valley."

Friday's event was also slated to include a kick-off of Earth Day weekend.

As part of the festivities, SunLine will also be offering free rides on Saturday for those who print Earth Day Free Ride coupons off of www.sunline.org . Coupons must be printed in advance to qualify for the free rides.

– By City News Service / Image courtesy Sunline Transit