With technology evolving as quickly as it is right now, transit agencies are finding it increasingly difficult to stay ahead of the learning curve. Even with the availability of webinars, conferences, and workshops designed with transit representatives in mind, agencies can often feel overwhelmed with the information overload presented to them each time they are looking to make a change.

One trend is clear, though: the future of transit is zero emissions. Transit agencies around the globe are slowly electrifying their fleets and decommissioning their old diesel and CNG buses to battery- and fuel cell-electric buses. The switch to these advanced technologies improves air quality and helps cities and regions reach their greenhouse gas goals in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

So, how do agencies make this switch? With a zero-emission bus (ZEB) planning study, a transit agency can electrify a portion or all of their fleet in a strategic and affordable way. These studies consider the following aspects of agency's operations to make an informed ZEB transition plan:

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• Bus and service requirements
• Fleet procurement timelines
• Required infrastructure upgrades
• Bus and facilities capital costs
• Possible ZEB deployment approaches
• Operating and maintenance cost impacts
• Emission benefits

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The ZEB Planning Study identifies, on a lifecycle basis, the economic costs, performance issues, risks, and recommended timeline based on the agency's current fleet management plan. CTE is in the processes of developing plans for transit agencies like AC Transit, SolTrans, LA Metro, San Diego MTS, and Spokane Transit to name a few.

Agencies across the country have tough decisions to make and often feel at a loss to get objective and expert advice. CTE has more than 25 years of experience in zero-emissions technology development, deployment, and operations planning - and has assisted more than 50 agencies in deploying ZEBs. CTE maintains an objective relationship with a number of bus charging and hydrogen fueling manufacturers to ensure they can identify the most current and most appropriate technology for the unique challenges, opportunities, and assets of the agency.

If you would like to know more about what a Zero-Emission Bus Planning Study looks like, please contact Steve Clermont, Director of Planning and Development.