AC Transit Receives $144 Million Investment for Zero Emission Programs

As AC Transit continues to lead the way to a zero emission future, the District is programmed for a $144 million investment from the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) to fund continued zero emission fleet, infrastructure, and workforce initiatives. 

To celebrate the $12.6 billion agreement between ARCHES and the US Department of Energy, the organization hosted Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane, US Senator Alex Padilla, and California Governor Gavin Newsom at the TrueZero Hydrogen Fuel Station in Oakland on Friday.  

“California has led the nation with ambitious, innovative goals to combat the climate crisis, and today, we’re showcasing the promise of California’s renewable hydrogen-powered future,” said Senator Padilla. “From the ports, to our state’s population centers, to our rural communities, ARCHES will catalyze the clean hydrogen economy in California.” 

ARCHES is California’s initiative to accelerate renewable hydrogen projects and the necessary infrastructure. The award is aimed at creating a regional clean hydrogen hub in California. As part of the initiative, AC Transit will receive $144 million from ARCHES to support hydrogen fueling infrastructure, buses and workforce development by 2035.  

“We are extremely proud to have one of the most comprehensive fuel cell programs in the public transit industry,” AC Transit General Manager and CEO Michael Hursh said. “This investment will absolutely propel AC Transit into the next generation of public transit, helping to deliver on the state’s climate goals.” 

Earlier this year, AC Transit was awarded $15 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Low- and No-Emission Grant Awards. This coveted award allows us to acquire 25 cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, replacing traditional diesel engines and accelerating us toward CA's requirement to be fully zero emission by 2040.  

AC Transit currently operates 58 hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.  

Learn more about our zero emission program and initiatives: actransit.org/zeb.