California to require all bus fleets to be zero-emission by 2040

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved a statewide regulation which will require public transit agencies to gradually transition to fully zero emission buses by 2040. The Clean Transit regulation is expected to help transit agencies reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tonnes, nitrogen oxides by 7,000 tonnes and particulate matter by 40 tonnes from 2020 to 2050. CARB says the regulation will improve air quality, especially in low-income communities. It could also help
December 18, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved a statewide regulation which will require public transit agencies to gradually transition to fully zero emission buses by 2040.

The Clean Transit regulation is expected to help transit agencies reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tonnes, nitrogen oxides by 7,000 tonnes and particulate matter by 40 tonnes from 2020 to 2050.

CARB says the regulation will improve air quality, especially in low-income communities. It could also help transit agencies save 1.5 billion in maintenance and fuel costs by 2050.

Each transit agency will be required to submit a rollout plan demonstrating how it intends to purchase clean buses, build out the necessary infrastructure and train the required workforce. Larger agencies will have to submit their plans by 2020 while smaller agencies will have until 2023.

Transit agencies will then follow a phased schedule from 2023 until 2029, by which date all annual bus purchases will need to be zero-emission.

Public Funding for the zero-emission buses and related charging infrastructure will be administered by CARB, the California State Transportation Agency, 3879 Caltrans and the 4259 California Energy Commission.

In support of the regulation, the Department of General Services is streamlining bus purchases via a single statewide zero-emission bus purchase contract.

Going forward, CARB will conduct regular reviews with transit agencies to help ensure a successful transition.

The deployment of electric buses is also being explored in the UK. Last month, 4223 RATP Dev announced its plans to upgrade one of its London bus depots to house a fleet of 36 electric buses.

Related Content

  • Hydrogen filling station operating in California
    April 11, 2012
    Linde North America, a specialist in the design, construction and operation of hydrogen vehicle fuelling systems, has commissioned an installation at AC Transit, the bus operator for 13 cities in the East Bay Area, including Emeryville, Oakland and Berkeley, and also operates trans-bay service to San Francisco. The Emeryville hydrogen fuelling station, which is now fuelling 12 fuel cell buses and up to 20 passenger cars a day, is one of two Linde is supplying to AC Transit. The second, located at the Oaklan
    Read More
  • For better air quality ‘cities need to turn to gas powered trucks and buses’
    May 1, 2015
    The UK’s cities are under unprecedented pressure to improve air quality, as Supreme Court justices in London order that air quality plans to comply with European Union (EU) law on limits for nitrogen dioxide (NOx) in the air must be submitted to the European Commission no later than 31 December 2015. The case was brought by ClientEarth, a group of lawyers dedicated to environmental issues, which says the ruling means the Government must start work on a comprehensive plan to meet pollution limits as soon
    Read More
  • ‘Green bus’ guide launched
    November 2, 2016
    The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has launched the Low Emission Bus (LEB) Guide, which aims to be a vital reference for bus operators and local authorities, providing an overview of the benefits of a range of low emission fuels and technologies that reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Guide is intended to equip bus operators and local authorities with information to aid purchasing decisions, and encourage the adoption of the most appropriate low emission bus technology a
    Read More
  • RATP Dev and SAPTCO win contract to operate the future Riyadh bus network
    November 20, 2014
    RATP Group subsidiary RATP Dev and Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) have won a twelve-year US$2.1 billion contract to implement, operate and maintain the future bus network in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The network’s 103 lines will gradually enter service after two years of preparation starting from the launch of the contract. The network will be run using a fleet of approximately 1,000 vehicles and will include four BHLS (Buses with High Level of Service) lines, two circular lines, 17
    Read More

Highlighted Content