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.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
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.
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.
Officials said the project delivers a fully integrated passenger environment featuring improved solar-powered LED lighting, real-time arrival information, and a precision-engineered shelter designed to withstand the Texas climate.
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.
