CityBus Secures $10.5 Million Grant for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses

CityBus, the public transit authority serving the Greater Lafayette area, has been awarded a $10.5 million federal grant to advance its sustainable transit initiatives. This significant funding will allow CityBus to invest in hydrogen fuel cell buses and implement necessary infrastructure upgrades.

Transitioning to Alternative Fuels

CityBus has made remarkable progress in transitioning away from traditional diesel-powered vehicles. The transit authority now has only one pure diesel bus remaining in its entire fleet. The current fleet composition includes:

• Electric hybrid buses
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses
• Soon-to-be-added hydrogen fuel cell buses

This diverse range of alternative fuel vehicles demonstrates CityBus’s commitment to exploring various energy sources and reducing its environmental impact.

Grant Allocation and Implementation

The $10.5 million grant will be used for:

1. Purchasing state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses
2. Developing necessary infrastructure, including hydrogen refueling stations
3. Modifying maintenance facilities
4. Implementing workforce training programs for CityBus employees

Timeline and Future Plans

CityBus anticipates that the first round of hydrogen fuel cell buses will be in service by spring 2025. It’s important to note that these specialized vehicles are not readily available for immediate purchase, which accounts for the extended timeline.

Infrastructure Development

To support the new hydrogen fuel cell buses, CityBus will prepare its administrative facility on Canal Road. Initially, only one hydrogen fueling station will be needed, as a single station can fuel multiple buses efficiently.

Workforce Development and Training

A portion of the grant funding will be allocated to training CityBus staff and technicians. This training will cover:

• Fueling procedures for hydrogen vehicles
• Maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell buses
• Management of new infrastructure and facilities

Conclusion: Embracing New Technologies

CityBus’s investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology, alongside its existing fleet of alternative fuel vehicles, showcases a forward-thinking approach to public transportation. By exploring various options such as compressed natural gas, hybrid electric, and now hydrogen fuel cells, CityBus is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable transit solutions.This initiative not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also provides valuable insights into the long-term viability of different alternative fuel technologies in public transportation.