California plans emissions-free public transit

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued an outline for Innovative Clean Transit (ICT). The outline shows how the state can transit to a zero-emissions transport system utilizing new energy buses.

At the end of September, CARB will organize a public hearing in Sacramento to discuss the outline further. The zero-emissions buses being considered are battery-electric as well as fuel cell buses. A central demand in the paper is for large bus fleet operators (with more than 100 buses) to begin phasing in NEV’s and have at least a quarter of their new purchases be electrified as of 2023. The quota will then expand to 50% in 2026. In 2029, the quota will then be expanded so that 100% of newly purchased buses will have to be electrified. Next to a long list of other suggestions and requirements, the paper also has a demand that large and small fleet operators will have to come up with a strategic plan by 2023 to help the roll-out of emissions-free buses.

greencarcongress.com, arb.ca.gov (PDF)