Hydrogen bus is the wave of the future

What: As part of a VTA/SamTrans joint zero-emission bus test program, three ZEBs are in transit service on selected VTA routes. The ZEB is powered by a fuel-cell that converts hydrogen gas and oxygen into electricity to power the bus and emits no harmful pollutants into the air.

ZEBs are low-floor, 40-foot buses that have standard equipment, including air conditioning, ramps for disabled accessibility, destination signs, and audio systems, which are all powered by electricity generated by the fuel-cell.

When: During the month of June, the ZEB will operate as extra service and run weekdays from approximately 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Where: Through the month of June, passengers can ride for the first time VTA’s new hydrogen-powered ZEB on VTA Bus Line 32 and continue to ride on VTA Bus Line 33. VTA Bus Line 32 serves the San Antonio Shopping Center and the VTA Middlefield Light Rail Station, the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station and the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. VTA Bus Line 33 serves Baypointe Light Rail Station to Great Mall/Main Transit Center via McCarthy Ranch.   

Who: The key funding partners in the Zero-Emission Bus Demonstration Program are the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Department of Energy (DOE), SamTrans, and VTA.

Why: The purpose of the Zero-Emission Bus test program is to explore the feasibility of using zero-emission fuel-cell technology buses in everyday mass transit service with the overall goals of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gases, improving air quality, and lastly improving the health and quality of life of our communities.   Hydrogen power is taking a step closer to becoming a possible fuel source for the public transportation industry.  VTA wants input from the public on this new technology; therefore, passengers are encouraged to complete a ZEB comment card while onboard the ZEB.

Background:

2000 Measure A

The 2000 Measure A package of transit improvements was approved by Santa Clara County voters in November 2000 by a 70.3% majority and authorized a 30-year, 1/2 cent sales tax to begin in 2006.   Measure A supports the Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) and Expenditure Program, a long-range transportation planning effort focused on addressing the Valley’s transportation needs.   VTP provides a balanced transportation system consisting of transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements.  The revenue from Measure A enables approximately $2 billion in future state and federal funds to be directed towards these projects. The Zero-Emission Bus Demonstration Program is one of the 2000 Measure A projects.

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About VTA
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; and countywide transportation planning. As such, VTA is both an accessible transit provider and multi-modal transportation planning organization involved with transit, highways and roadways, bikeways and pedestrian facilities.

For more information about VTA services, call VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300, (408) 321-2330 (TDD only). Or, log on to www.vta.org.