METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Toyota announces plans to sell fuel-cell buses

Plans to introduce over 100 buses mainly in the Tokyo area, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The buses will be sold for the first time in Japan in early 2017.

October 24, 2016
Toyota announces plans to sell fuel-cell buses

Toyota

2 min to read


Toyota

Toyota Motor Corp. will begin selling fuel-cell buses (FC buses) under the Toyota brand in early 2017. Having already undergone repeated field tests for practical use, the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to utilize two of these FC buses (model name: Toyota FC Bus) as fixed-route buses.

Toyota plans to introduce over 100 FC buses mainly in the Tokyo area, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In view of this, the FC buses will be sold for the first time in Japan in early 2017, so as to help increase the level of understanding by the general public of the utilization of FC buses as a form of public transportation.

Ad Loading...

In preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the number of FC buses being introduced will increase steadily going forward. Together with this, Toyota aims to engage continuously in the diligent development targeted at the expansion of the introduction of the new FC buses from 2018 so as to contribute to the realization of a hydrogen-based society.

The Toyota FC Bus was developed by Toyota, based on the company's experience in developing FC buses together with Hino Motors Ltd. (Hino). The Toyota Fuel-Cell System (TFCS), which was developed for the Mirai fuel-cell vehicle (FCV), has been adopted to provide better energy efficiency in comparison with internal combustion engines, as well as to deliver superior environmental performance with no CO2 emissions or substances of concern (SOCs) when driving.

Toyota

The bus also uses a high-capacity external power supply system. With a power supply capable of a nine kW maximum output, and a large capacity of electricity supply at 235 kWh, the FC bus can be used as a power source in the event of disasters, such as at evacuation sites such as in school gymnasiums or, its electricity supply can also be harnessed for home electric appliance use.

The Toyota Group considers the use of hydrogen to be a powerful source of energy for the future. Toyota has released the Mirai FCV, while also engaging in the technological and product development of FC buses, fuel-cell forklifts, as well as stationary fuel cells for use in homes. Going forward, the group will accelerate developments in a unified manner, so as to contribute to the realization of a hydrogen-based society.

More Technology

Cover photo for Biz Briefs dated March 6, 2026
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 6, 2026

Biz Briefs: Tolar Manufacturing Supports PSTA Spark Service and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Cover Photo for METROspectives with Timothy Menard
TechnologyMarch 5, 2026

How AI and Innovation Are Powering the Future with LYT’s Timothy Menard

Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT bus
Technologyby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NJ Transit Pilots AI-Powered Digital Bus Stop Signs

The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for Biz Briefs
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Hitachi Rail in Philadelphia, Keolis in Nantucket, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
MBTA passengers at rail station
Technologyby StaffFebruary 24, 2026

Boston's MBTA Advancing Major Signal Modernization to Improve Red Line Reliability

To accomplish this work, the MBTA announced that four phases of temporary evening service changes will begin on February 28 and continue through April.

Read More →
Wiki Honolulu Airport shuttle
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 20, 2026

Biz Briefs: Electric Shuttles in Hawaii, STV and LA Metro's Clean Bus Program, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
Cover photo for Biz Briefs
Technologyby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

Biz Briefs: Glydways Breaks Ground in ATL and More!

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →
Denver RTD riders using Tap-n-Ride fare payment system.
Technologyby StaffFebruary 13, 2026

Denver's RTD Sees Strong Early Adoption of Tap-n-Ride Fare System

RTD aims to have 15% of all fare payments by individual customers made via Tap-n-Ride by the end of 2026, as awareness of this contactless payment option grows.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Picture of Ster Seating's Parent/Child transit seating product.
Technologyby StaffFebruary 10, 2026

Ster Seating, Maryland Transit Launch First Parent/Child Transit Seat in North America

The configuration uses Ster Seating's Gemini seat platform to create a family-friendly floor layout specifically engineered to accommodate parents traveling with young children.

Read More →