Ballard Power Systems received an order from SunLine Transit Agency for five fuel-cell engines to power clean energy buses in Palm Desert, California. The 150-kilowatt FCveloCity engines are expected to be shipped in 2017.
Ballard is partnering with bus manufacturer, ElDorado National and system integrator and supplier of electric-drive systems, BAE Systems to deliver buses to SunLine.
The agency received funding from the FTA to purchase and deploy five hydrogen electric fuel cell buses. This will double SunLine’s current fleet of fuel-cell buses and allow it to offer expanded transit service in the Coachella Valley area of Southern California.
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Funding was provided by the FTA under the Low or No Emission (LoNo) Vehicle Program.
The buses will use the previously deployed American Fuel Cell Bus (AFCB) configuration, first introduced with SunLine in 2011. The AFCB configuration utilizes Ballard’s heavy duty fuel cell engine to provide primary power, in combination with BAE Systems’ electric propulsion and power management systems deployed in an ENC 40-foot (12-meter) Axess model transit bus. There are currently 13 AFCBs deployed with various transit agencies across North America, with another 10 on order including these 5 for SunLine.
Funding was provided by the FTA under the Low or No Emission (LoNo) Vehicle Program designed to support deployment of clean, energy-efficient buses in transit fleets. The program provides funding to transit agencies for capital acquisitions and leases of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction and leasing of required infrastructure such as refueling and maintenance facilities.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.
Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.
The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.
In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.
