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The SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, CA, continued to demonstrate its ongoing support of alternative vehicles when it unveiled its newest one—a sixth-generation hydrogen fuel cell bus—Feb. 19 at the agency’s third annual “State of Public Transit” luncheon.

Guests toured the new 40-foot Advanced Technology bus—a low floor vehicle from New Flyer—with features including a smaller, lighter fuel cell power plant; lighter hydrogen storage tanks; a smaller fuel cell thermal management system; new and improved high-voltage battery technology; and the latest in diagnostic tools and data collection. The exterior images depict a child blowing bubbles that symbolize a future of clean, renewable energy.

SunLine began operating its first fuel cell bus in 2005, but its commitment to alternative fuels dates back to 1994 when the agency converted its entire fleet to compressed natural gas.

Vincent Valdes, associate administrator for research, demonstration, and innovation for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), reported on current FTA research and development programs at a presentation following the bus dedication ceremony. His office provides research leadership to the public transit industry and facilitates the development of transit technologies and techniques that support national transportation goals.

“This was more than simply learning about what’s on the drawing boards for tomorrow,” said SunLine General Manager C. Mikel Oglesby. “It was an opportunity to see how agencies such as SunLine are embracing and utilizing these new technologies today.”

Vincent Valdes of FTA, left, joins SunLine Transit Agency General Manager C. Mikel Oglesby at the unveiling of the agency's new sixth-generation hydrogen fuel cell bus.

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