AC TRANSIT LAUNCHES FUEL-CELL PROGRAM

This article relates how the AC Transit bus system in Oakland, California, will soon be carefully monitoring the performance of a series of hybrid-electric fuel-cell buses prepared to enter the bus district’s revenue service over the next few months. The buses, which meet AC Transit’s goals of high performance, environmental consciousness, and quiet ride, will feature onboard batteries that are powered through regenerative braking and capable of storing up to 95 kw of surplus power. Costing close to $3 million apiece, the buses are expected to achieve up to 65 mph, have a service range of 250 to 300 miles, and be able to climb an 18% grade. AC Transit first began testing hydrogen fuel-cell buses in 1999, and in 2000, the district joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership, enabling the district to continue testing the fuel-cell buses. AC Transit then launched the “Taking the HyRoad” program, a hybrid fuel-cell program with buses, fueling stations, and a small fleet of zero-emission cars. After securing $20 million in government grants, the agency formed an initiative and working in conjunction with bus manufacturers and fuel-cell suppliers, it created its own hybrid-electric fuel-cell bus.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32522860
• Corporate Authors:

  Bobit Publishing Company

  21061 S Western Avenue
  Torrance, CA  United States  90501-1711
• Publication Date: 2005-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p8
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 101
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 1098-0083
  • Serial URL: http://www.metro-magazine.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric buses; Fuel cells; Government funding; Hybrid vehicles; Hydrogen fuels
• Identifier Terms: Alameda Contra Costa Transit District
• Subject Areas: Energy; Finance; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01005524
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 19 2005 1:58PM