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Zero-Emission Buses: Investing in and Adopting Zero-Emission Technology BY LAUREN SKIVER, CEO/General Manager, SunLine Transit Agency, Thousand Palms, CA
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 Public transportation agencies have to consider many competing services, projects and priorities. One of the most talked-about current subjects is the plan for Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs).
While many early adopters in the industry have paved the way for the technology, that does not mean there are not real challenges facing public transit operators in the deployment and long-term operation of ZEBs. |
Our industry tends to begin a process by first receiving a grant award and working backward, rather than moving in sequence from preparation to grant submission. A few pre-grant tasks can be extremely helpful as an agency explores a ZEB project.
The first tip for success is to develop a board policy on the subject. A short statement encouraging the exploration of ZEB technology can provide immense support for an agency and ensure that the leadership body is on board with the decision. At SunLine, for example, our policy, which was approved in 1993 and remains in its original form, directs the CEO to purchase zero-emission vehicles whenever operationally and financially possible.
Engagement of staff is the next pivotal step toward the success of any new project, and it’s the one we all skip most often. As part of this engagement, review and update your agency’s mission and focus. Including a sentence or two about your goals for a ZEB program and why you are doing it is an easy amendment that creates an agency-wide commitment to the technology.
Once you have these factors in place, ensure that your agency understands the technology you are looking to procure. Sometimes, we get more excited about an outsider writing a grant, a manufacturer promising operational performance and free money for buses without ever understanding our power, technology and operating position.
SunLine’s success for more than 20 years in the research, development and operation of a zero-emission fleet can be attributed to the steps outlined above and to the efforts of the champions within the agency who understand and support the platforms we operate.
Fuel cell technology has become more mature, reliable and commercially viable over the years. Currently, SunLine operates 13 zero-emission buses, including 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and three leased battery-electric buses. By the end of 2018, our fleet will have a total of 21 ZEBs.
In looking at the benefits of achieving early adoption and sustained ZEB operation, SunLine has received several competitive grant awards. These awards supplement formula funds and create a strategic advantage in the continuing investment in transportation infrastructure.
Having the funds to invest in rolling stock and infrastructure frees up operational funds for public transit agencies. There is also an organizational advantage to adopting ZEBs: the adoption and consequent focus on in-service management allows agencies to evaluate how their organizations adapt to new technologies. This review led SunLine to focus on performance management and metrics to evaluate the operational impact of the introduction of new technologies as well as other areas.
An investment in ZEBs also requires an investment in maintenance. SunLine was fortunate enough to be funded by FTA to establish the West Coast Center of Excellence, dedicated to developing tools for organizational readiness reviews, the reduction of impacts from unscheduled maintenance and the training of maintenance and operations staff.
By working with OEMs, educational institutions, transit properties and elected officials, we have been able to fully play our part in developing and introducing critical new technologies—an example that could serve as a model for the public transportation industry as a whole.
The changing economics, legislative priorities and needs of the public will require public transit agencies to be more adaptable in the future. Embracing ZEBs can invigorate your agencies and help them examine both short-term adaption and long-term sustainability. At SunLine, we have had to do both, and the effort has resulted in a far better organization.
"Commentary" features authoritative points of view from various sources on timely and pressing issues affecting public transportation. APTA would like to hear from you. If you are interested in submitting a original, thought-leader Commentary for consideration, please contact Senior Managing Editor David A. Riddy.
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