METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif. agency gets grant for GreenPower electric buses, charging tech.

CARB’s award to the City of Porterville was one of only nine awards from the highly competitive Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Pilot Program.

December 8, 2016
Calif. agency gets grant for GreenPower electric buses, charging tech.

Green Power Motor Co. Inc.

2 min to read


Green Power Motor Co. Inc.

GreenPower Motor Co. Inc. announced that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) awarded $9.5 million to the City of Porterville, Calif., to deploy 10 GreenPower EV350 40-foot zero-emission all-electric transit buses on all nine Porterville Transit routes, and to install the charging infrastructure including 11 charging stations.

“We look forward to working with GreenPower in replacing our aging active-fleet to 100% electric buses that produce zero emissions,” said Richard Tree, transit manager for Porterville Transit. “Substantial grants like this one are driving the entire industry forward, and making all-electric the new norm in public transportation, while playing a significant role in accomplishing our mission to improve the environment in our community and the Valley.”

Ad Loading...

CARB’s award to the City of Porterville was one of only nine awards from the highly competitive Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Pilot Program. The grant award is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing clean-air benefits to California neighborhoods, with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities. California Climate Investments programs are funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund using proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions.

Projects like the one in Porterville are intended to help accelerate technology commercialization by placing significant numbers of zero- and near zero-emission trucks and buses in clusters, as well as installing the infrastructure necessary to support the project vehicles. In addition, Porterville Transit will operate all of the new buses on routes in disadvantaged communities — those most affected by air pollution — providing zero-emission transportation to many citizens who are dependent on public transportation for their daily needs.

GreenPower recently completed the acquisition of 9.3 acres in the City of Porterville, is working on the grading and development permits with the city, and has started the design of the modular buildings for a multi-phased development of a manufacturing facility comprising 150,000 square feet.

More Technology

Terrel Smith

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
An MBTA paratransit vehicle.

FINAL CALL: Apply Now for METRO's 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards

Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

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.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

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 →
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

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.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

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.

Read More →
A MOIA/Beep vehicle on the road
New Mobilityby StaffApril 24, 2026

MOIA America Teams with Beep to Grow US Footprint

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.

Read More →
DART's new Tolar bus stop with wayfinding signage.
Technologyby StaffApril 24, 2026

DART Teams with Tolar to Upgrade Bus Stop Shelters

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. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cincinnati Metro's new battery-electric bus, which was unveiled on Earth Day
Zero Emissionsby StaffApril 23, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Goes Electric

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 →