MENU
SEARCHThe initiative is a significant step toward reducing the agency’s carbon footprint and aligns with TheRide’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transit solutions.
If successful, TheRide's pilot will pave the way for a solution that eliminates all bus emissions, potentially saving about 7,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
TheRide
Mich.’s Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced its recommendation for a zero-emission bus pilot project.
The initiative is a significant step toward reducing the agency’s carbon footprint and aligns with TheRide’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transit solutions.
“Our recommendation for a hydrogen fuel-cell bus pilot project is not just about embracing cleaner technology; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future,” said Matt Carpenter, CEO for TheRide. “We are eager for the public to learn about the details of this recommendation and provide their valuable feedback. Together, we can make a difference.”
The pilot project, which will span four to five years, includes:
Two hydrogen fuel-cell buses and equipment.
One outdoor fueling station.
Twelve months of operation in all seasons.
If successful, this pilot will pave the way for a solution that eliminates all bus emissions, potentially saving about 7,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
The agency noted the success and realization of this pilot project heavily relies on securing grant funding. To meet grant deadlines in Spring 2024, the CEO will present the recommendation to the board for discussions in October, November, and December 2023.
The goal is to secure board approval by January 2024. Once approved, TheRide staff will focus on grant submissions, which will significantly influence future capital budgets.
The pilot project’s estimated capital costs range from $5.5 million to $7.5 million, with TheRide contributing $1.1 million to $1.5 million and the Federal government covering $4.4 million to $6 million. The project’s total estimated costs are estimated between $6.9 million to $10.8 million. Funding for the non-federal share will come from TheRide’s Capital Reserve. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Transportation may assist with some non-federal capital expenses.
In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.
Read More →
Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.
Read More →
Two battery-electric buses entered service on Earth Day, with four additional vehicles expected to join the fleet this summer. Seven more buses are planned for the end of 2027, bringing Metro’s total zero-emission fleet to 13.
Read More →
Agencies from California to New York offered fare-free rides, community cleanups, and new tools to showcase transit’s role in cutting emissions.
Read More →
A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.
Read More →
The Santa Monica agency’s new charging infrastructure and fleet expansion aim to improve air quality, equity, and long-term system resilience.
Read More →
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
Read More →
NYSERDA funding will support electric microtransit and secure bike storage to improve first- and last-mile connections across downstate New York.
Read More →
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →