Thousand Palms, Calif.’s SunLine Transit Agency awarded New Flyer with a contract for five Xcelsior® fuel cell-electric 40-foot, heavy-duty transit buses.

The new order, which was supported by the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Low Carbon Transportation and Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No-Emission fund, supports fleet expansion aligned to SunLine’s mandate to provide safe and environmentally conscious public transportation and alternative-fuel solutions in the Coachella Valley. SunLine is also upgrading its on-site hydrogen generation fuel infrastructure to support this goal.

In its partnership with CARB, SunLine will be testing one full-year of revenue service, measuring environmental impact and sustainability of the fuel cell-powered heavy-duty transit buses.

“With a focus on advancing innovative transportation and alternative fuel technologies, SunLine has established itself as a leader in the evolution of American public transportation,” said Wayne Joseph, president, New Flyer of America. “We are proud to support this advancement toward greater sustainability, and to deliver buses with the environment and surrounding community in mind. We look forward to innovating sustainable growth in transit together.”

SunLine Transit Agency provides public bus service in the Coachella Valley and Riverside-Downtown areas of California, and moves over 3.5 million passengers per year. The NFI Group has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses.

This project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35% of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities.