California’s Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of Wheels bus service in the Tri-Valley, accepted a $3 million federal funding award to expand a hydrogen fueling station supporting Wheels bus fleet expansion. 

The agency hosted Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Karrington Hendrix representing the office of Congressman Eric Swalwell.

“Today, we celebrate the bold leadership of our Members of Congress who secured funding in Washington for LAVTA’s hydrogen fueling station to benefit their communities and constituents back home. This truly is the start of a zero-emissions and clean energy transportation future in the Tri-Valley” said LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener.

LAVTA’s Funding

The award comes from Community Project Funding as part of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366), which included a total of $15.2 million in federal funds Congressman DeSaulnier secured for multiple projects across Alameda County.

"This federal award will enable LAVTA to deploy hydrogen fuel cell buses over the next two years, enabling conversion away from fossil fuels faster by increasing the number of buses we will be able to support with hydrogen fuel sooner,” said Evan Branning, board chair for LAVTA and Livermore City Councilman. “The funding also allows LAVTA to successfully meet the state of California’s climate goals while being a catalyst for good paying construction and clean-energy jobs in the Tri-Valley.”

Moving to Hydrogen

Construction for the project is expected to break ground in 2025 and be completed in conjunction with delivery of the first hydrogen fuel cell buses in 2027. 

Hydrogen fuel produces no byproduct other than water and is expected to provide equivalent range as current comparable vehicles. 

LAVTA is becoming a leader in the clean hydrogen transition, especially in the Tri-Valley, and works with industry peers and experts to ensure resource availability and workforce support for this innovative technology.