In an effort to create a more sustainable bus fleet, SamTrans is developing a permanent hydrogen fueling station at its North Base facility in South San Francisco. This next step is critical in the agency’s long-term transition to zero-emission vehicles. 

At its July meeting, the SamTrans Board of Directors approved two contracts with Trillium USA Company, LLC to design, construct, commission, and maintain the new station. The new fueling infrastructure will support SamTrans’ growing fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs), which are gradually replacing end-of-life diesel vehicles. 

“Every step we take toward a zero-emission fleet is a step toward cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Board of Directors Chair Jeff Gee. “This fueling station enables us to scale up responsibly while ensuring reliable service for our riders today and for future generations. The Board is committed to positioning SamTrans as a regional leader in clean transportation.” 

SamTrans Tackles Fueling Shortfall with New Hydrogen Station

SamTrans’ Innovative Clean Transit Plan outlines a phased approach to replace diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. Diesel buses currently account for 89% of the agency’s greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the agency has already committed to replacing approximately 115 diesel buses with FCEBs — 10 approved in 2022 as part of a demonstration project, and 108 more approved in 2023. 

According to an agency statement, the current interim hydrogen fueling setup has insufficient capacity to serve the incoming fleet. The new permanent station will ensure SamTrans has the infrastructure to power a large-scale FCEB fleet.

The contract with Trillium includes $17.37 million for the design, construction, and commissioning of the fueling facility and up to $2.97 million for maintenance services over a potential five-year term. According to an agency statement, the contractor was selected through a competitive, two-step solicitation process that evaluated qualifications and proposals from multiple national firms. 

Design is scheduled to begin shortly this year, with the station expected to be operational in early summer 2027.