By Transit California Staff
Orange County Transportation Authority Investing in More Zero-Emission Buses, Moving Toward a Greener, Sustainable Transit Future
The OCTA Board of Directors approved the purchase of 40 hydrogen-fuel cell buses and 10 battery electric buses for the OC Bus fleet.
In another important step toward a greener future, the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors has approved the purchase of 50 new zero-emission buses, marking a major milestone in an ongoing effort to transition the bus fleet to 100% zero-emission technology by 2040.
The purchase, unanimously approved by the board on Monday, Nov. 25, includes 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 battery-electric buses, which will replace buses at the end of their useful lifespan that run on compressed natural gas.
While compressed natural gas is clean-burning and marked a dramatic shift away from the polluting diesel technology of generations past, both hydrogen and battery-electric buses produce no pollutants into the air.
“I’m proud that OCTA is an industry leader in transitioning to zero-emission technology,” said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen. “And I’m glad we’re helping set the standard for a future in where our passengers can continue to count on reliable bus service while protecting our environment.”
The move toward zero-emission technology aligns with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) 2018 Innovative Clean Transit Rule, which mandates that all public transit agencies in California fully transition their bus fleets to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. Under the rule, 25% of new bus purchases must be zero-emission starting in 2023, increasing to 50% by 2026, and 100% by 2029.
New Flyer of America Inc., a leading manufacturer of zero-emission transit buses, was selected to provide the new buses. As part of the agreement, OCTA will purchase 40 of the 40-foot hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 of the 40-foot battery-electric buses.
All the new buses will be equipped with a full suite of technology and safety features, including video surveillance systems, reverse-motion cameras, fire and hydrogen detection systems, driver barriers, and electronic fare transaction devices.
As part of its Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Pilot Program, OCTA began testing both fuel-cell and battery-electric buses in 2020 and 2022, respectively. The pilot program has included 10 buses of each technology.
These pilot programs, which test each technology in real-life conditions on Orange County streets, have allowed OCTA to gain valuable operational and technological experience, helping to determine the most effective technology – or mix of technologies – to meet the needs of OC Bus riders.
FUNDING
While the cost of purchasing zero-emission technology required by the state is considerably more expensive than a standard compressed natural gas bus, OCTA is working to reduce costs and leverage funding to meet the state mandate.
The initial quote for the 40 hydrogen fuel-cell buses and 10 battery electric buses was estimated at $84.4 million. However, through strategic negotiations, including leveraging California's zero-emission vehicle sales tax exemption, OCTA reduced the cost to $77.5 million – a savings of nearly $7 million.
The purchase will cost $63.6 million for the 40 hydrogen fuel-cell buses and $13.9 million for the 10 battery electric buses.
The funding for these buses is provided through a combination of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and state funds from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS
To ensure the new buses can be sufficiently charged, the OCTA Board of Directors, in a separate action, also approved the purchase of 11 battery chargers.
Those chargers, which will cost $2.2 million, will be installed at OCTA’s bus base in Santa Ana, where the new battery electric buses will be fueled and maintained.
Currently, OCTA stations the 10 battery electric buses at its Garden Grove facility. The hydrogen fuel-cell buses are stationed at the Santa Ana base, which in 2020 debuted the nation’s largest hydrogen fuel tank.
The new buses are expected to hit the streets of Orange County in late 2026.
“This is a significant investment in the future of public transportation in Orange County,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “We look forward to continuing to work with our state and federal partners to ensure we secure the necessary funding for an even cleaner transit future while continuing to improve the lives of our riders and communities through public transportation.”
OCTA Honors Military Veterans in Workforce for Their Service During Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony
OCTA’s annual event once again pays tribute to veterans for their service and honors those who continue providing for the community through their work in public transportation.
The Orange County Transportation Authority held a ceremony on Monday, November 11 honoring the military service of employees – and family members with veterans currently serving – during OCTA’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation event.
OCTA employs at least 67 veterans who served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. OCTA has been recognized by military organizations as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit veterans.
The veterans are employed in a range of positions, including OCTA coach operators, maintenance workers and administrative employees.
OCTA was highlighted in a television series called “Military Makeover” with Montel Williams, recognizing the agency’s record of strongly valuing the contributions of veterans in the agency’s workforce.
“Those employees who have served in the U.S. military continue to provide an invaluable public service by keeping people moving safely and efficiently in Orange County,” said OCTA Chair Tam. T. Nguyen. “Their prior service, as well as the discipline, experience and strong work ethic they refined through military service, is greatly appreciated.”
OCTA executives presented veterans with a special pin and coin commemorating their service with "Veterans Day 2024" and the American Flag on one side and "United States Veteran" and the OCTA logo on the other.
Members of the Santa Ana High School Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors in honor of the veterans at the event, and Adrian Tavera, a Coach Operator from the Garden Grove bus base sang the National Anthem.
At least a dozen OCTA employees with sons, daughters or grandchildren serving in the military also received recognition for their family members’ service.
The Veterans Day event was the 12th time OCTA has held a veterans appreciation event. OCTA has received recognition from the Southern California Army Advisory Council as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to recruit veterans into the workforce.
OCTA remains engaged with local junior colleges and universities to recruit veterans, and coordinates events with military organizations to help veterans transition from active-duty service to careers in the transportation industry.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and District Attorney Look to Combat Wildcatting Amid Rising Public Safety Concerns
Travelers and commuters asked to remain vigilant and choose the safest travel option
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the San Diego County District Attorney (DA) – in partnership with elected officials, and several law enforcement and government agencies – have launched a strategic educational campaign and stepped-up law enforcement presence to combat wildcatting at MTS transit centers at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry and Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry.
Wildcatters are unregulated and unpermitted ride-sharing services who can be aggressive with their tactics to secure rides. Oftentimes, wildcatters harass taxicab drivers, vandalize public property and do not undergo safety screenings.
“It is important to acknowledge and address this ongoing problem,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3. “Wildcatting is unregulated. It’s illegal. And it hurts the taxicab small business owners. We urge travelers and commuters to stay away from wildcatters and choose a safe travel option, such as a taxicab or public transit.”
Without proper oversight, unregulated transportation services may not carry enough insurance to protect passengers in case of an accident. Wildcatters do not undergo criminal background checks, do not receive safety training, and do not perform vehicle safety inspections. This lack of oversight can result in unsafe rides, price gouging and limited protection for riders in the case of an accident.
“Accepting rides from un-permitted drivers who operate illegally and are not vetted can put people at risk of becoming the victim of crimes like recruitment for human trafficking, fraud and overcharging,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Protecting the safety of San Diego County residents, commuters and others who cross the border falls squarely in our mission of preventing crime. We are also working closely with our law enforcement and transportation partners to hold those who are not authorized to offer this type of service accountable for their crimes.”
Wildcatters have been present in San Ysidro for decades, but they are now increasing in the Otay Mesa area and outside the new PedWest pedestrian crossing in San Ysidro due to cross-border passenger demand and the increase of new employers.
"Taxicab drivers work hard and depend on the income they earn to feed their families, keep a roof over their heads, and achieve their life goals,” said Sean Elo-Rivera, MTS Board Member and San Diego City Council President, District 9. “Wildcatting activity is threatening their livelihood and the safety of travelers. That’s why all of our partners want to provide a sustainable and effective response to wildcatter activity in and around the border.”
While there are many transportation options once people enter the U.S. from the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings, it’s important for travelers to know which ones are safe and which ones are illegal, and potentially dangerous.
The first step in this partnership between MTS and the DA’s office is increasing awareness with travelers about the dangers and illegal activity of wildcatting. The agencies are increasing signage in and around the transit centers. Additionally, MTS is working with local law enforcement to improve visibility and strengthen their presence with heightened patrols near the border. The agencies will also post notices at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa pedestrian crossings in cooperation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“The San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry are two of the busiest border crossings in the nation. Addressing the issue of wildcatting, also known as ‘raiteros,’ is essential for the safety and well-being of our border community,” said Vivian Moreno, MTS Board Member and San Diego City Councilmember, District 8. “I am committed to ensuring that the thousands of residents and commuters that cross the border have a safe and reliable experience.”
To ensure passengers have safe, reliable and reasonable travel accommodations, MTS’s For-Hire Vehicle Administration licenses and oversees taxicabs, non-emergency medical transports, charter vehicles, etc.
Pedestrians crossing the border can choose from MTS buses and Trolleys, and other legitimate transportation options including taxicabs, and privatized charter buses.
Sacramento Regional Transit District Awarded Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Grant to Enhance Public Health with Heat-Resilient Bus Shelters
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is thrilled to announce its selection as a Round 1 Grantee of the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program by the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI). The $449,900 grant funding will help provide much-needed heat-resilient bus shelters in the Sacramento region to protect transit riders from extreme heat.
The funding will enable SacRT to deploy up to 20 heat-resilient shelters at bus stop locations that are shelter-ready with space requirements, many of which serve disadvantaged and low-income communities disproportionately affected by rising temperatures.
The “Enhancing Public Health with Heat-Resilient Shelters” project aligns with SacRT’s Bus Stop Improvement Plan (BSIP), developed in collaboration with Civic Thread, a community-based organization focused on advocacy and public engagement. The project will deploy new shelters in locations identified in the BSIP, including the County, and in the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento.
As part of this project, SacRT will:
SacRT is honored to be recognized for our proactive approach to protecting transit-dependent communities from the challenges of extreme heat. By creating cooler, safer spaces for transit riders, SacRT aims to foster healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive communities. This project is expected to kick off during spring 2025.
MTC Approves Emergency Transit Operations Regional Funding Framework from Senate Bill 125
On November 20, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) adopted the framework for the $300 million regional contribution to complement Senate Bill (SB) 125 emergency transit operations funding for transit operations to address Bay Area transit agencies’ most dire funding shortfalls and help them avoid service cuts.
In December 2023, the Commission approved MTC’s Short-Term Financial Plan for submittal to the California State Transportation Agency in accordance with the requirements of SB 125. The plan outlined an emergency transit operations funding strategy that will use state and regional funds for transit operations to address Bay Area transit agencies’ most dire funding shortfalls and help them avoid service cuts and identified that a regional contribution of $300 million was necessary to address the standardized shortfall needs of transit agencies through Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. The November 20 action makes available $300 million in regional funds to supplement SB 125 state funds.
Regional Contribution for Transit Operating Assistance
MTC staff identified $300 million in currently unassigned funds that can be made available as a one-time contribution to transit operations expenses. Regional revenues include those from the Surface Transportation Program/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (STP/CMAQ); Federal Transit Administration Section 5307/5337 (Transit Capital Program); State Transit Assistance Population-Based Program (STA Regional Program); and Regional Measure 3 Operating Program funds for express bus service, including annual funds and escrowed funds.
The adopted regional funding framework outlines the process for matching regional revenues to transit agencies based on factors such as fund source eligibility requirements, agencies’ ability to make use of funds in a timely manner, and fair distribution of state and regional funds.
Distribution amounts will be reassessed annually to respond to changing conditions, and the disbursement of operating funds will be contingent upon transit agencies meeting or making significant progress toward a set of accountability requirements, including customer experience and efficiency enhancements.
Regional Accountability Measures
For all agencies receiving emergency operating money, the accountability requirements will include participation in ongoing Transit Transformation Action Plan initiatives, and implementation of schedule coordination and real-time transit data improvements. Other accountability requirements are specific to individual operators and focus on safety and security, fare evasion reduction, and comprehensive service improvements.
Staff at the meeting also presented a report on transit agencies’ interim progress toward fulfilling the SB 125 Regional Accountability Measures. Large transit agencies receiving SB 125 funds have generally fulfilled or made satisfactory progress toward the SB 125 Regional Accountability Measures. Notably, participation in regional initiatives remains strong among large agencies, with all agencies fulfilling the MTC-identified requirements.
With the Commission’s approval of this regional funding framework, staff next month will return to the Programming and Allocations Committee to make these funds available to the transit agencies by early FY2025-26.
Golden Empire Transit District Launches New Bus Pass Program for Kern County Department of Health Services Clients
Golden Empire Transit District (GET) has launched a new pilot program aimed at providing transportation to clients of the Kern County Department of Health Services (DHS). In collaboration with DHS, GET is offering co-branded bus passes on its fixed route system to help clients’ access public transportation for healthcare appointments and other services. The program is funded by the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) under SB 125 to boost transit ridership. To inquire about eligibility, DHS clients should contact their caseworkers directly. For trip planning assistance, clients may call (661) 869-2GET or visit getbus.org.
The bus passes, which are available in both one-month and six-month options, are distributed on an as-needed basis by DHS case workers. The program is expected to benefit approximately 10,000 DHS clients across Kern County, improving mobility and making essential services more accessible to those who face transportation challenges.
“We’re excited to partner with DHS on this initiative, which will help break down transportation barriers for individuals who rely on public transit to access critical healthcare and services,” said Chris James, CEO of Golden Empire Transit District. “This is a great example of local government and public transit working together to improve the lives of our community members.”
“Having the ability to distribute additional bus passes received from Golden Empire Transit will greatly benefit the individuals and families in our community, many of whom are low income, who come to our Department seeking services,” stated Cindy Uetz, DHS Chief Deputy Director. “Receiving a bus pass will enable them to use more of their disposable income on other necessary items they need for their household, such as food, medical expenses, and housing and personal care items. The Department of Human Services is very appreciative of being asked to participate in the pilot project with GET Bus in order to assist our community with this much-needed resource.”
The Golden Empire Transit District, formed in July 1973, is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. GET is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 81 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET services 16 routes, which operate 7 days a week and transport more than 3.5 million passengers each year on its fixed-route buses. Additionally, GET operates 51 CNG GET-A-LIFT paratransit buses and 14 Hydrogen Fuel cell buses.
Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Including Enhanced Ferry Service in Regional Revenue Measure
In November, San Francisco Bay Ferry released the results of a survey showing strong support for a future ballot initiative that would raise revenue for expanded and improved regional ferry service.
The survey was conducted in Spring 2024 by local firm Corey, Canapary & Galanis as a part of broader market research efforts on behalf of SF Bay Ferry. The survey measured support among East Bay residents and found that 65% would support a ballot initiative raising revenue for enhanced and improved ferry service. Just 15% said they would oppose such a measure.
“Our ferry service is beloved by riders who have given us industry-leading 98% customer satisfaction ratings and our ridership is growing fast, so it’s not surprising to see strong support for investing new revenues in ferry service,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of the SF Bay Ferry Board of Directors.
The survey was targeted to residents of four East Bay counties (Solano, Napa, Contra Costa and Alameda) who travel to San Francisco or South San Francisco at least weekly but do not frequently use the ferry. SF Bay Ferry riders were also asked about support for a ballot initiative. Some 77% of riders expressed support for the initiative.
Over the past 12 months, SF Bay Ferry ridership was 89% of pre-pandemic levels. The system is currently experiencing 25% year-over-year ridership growth. On October 12 and 13 (San Francisco Fleet Week) SF Bay Ferry set an all-time ridership record in a single weekend with 32,146 passengers.
The service also performs well when it comes to cost-effectiveness, with the sixth lowest cost per passenger mile among the region’s 27 public transit operators.
Much of the region’s growth is focused on waterfront areas that are not easily accessible via traditional transit modes. Reducing regional congestion and enhancing accessibility to these growing job and population will require expanded ferry connections and development of a more robust water transit network.