Seven innovative zero-emission solutions suppliers and 22 transit agencies from across the country gathered in Urbana, Illinois June 3 and 4 to discuss one of the biggest topics in the transit industry today: Hydrogen for the Long Haul. Organized by the Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA) in collaboration with the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council (HFCBC) and Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD), this intimate event was the setting for two days of innovative, collaborative conversations. Attendees shared lessons learned, best practices, and real-world experiences to help overcome challenges and accelerate the deployment of fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs).
The attending agencies represented a range of hydrogen experience, from agencies expanding existing FCEB fleets and infrastructure to “hydrogen-curious” agencies gathering valuable information to bring back to their strategic teams as they work toward their zero-emission goals. All experience levels were welcome, fostering inquisitive discussions and valuable takeaways.
ZEBRA's roundtables are known for their unique format: brief, informative presentations tailored specifically to hydrogen applications, moderated conversations led by CTE subject matter experts, and peer-driven learning in a vendor-free audience setting. As ZEBRA’s technical assistance provider, CTE brings decades of industry experience to the table, helping members navigate planning, deployment, and policy challenges across the zero-emission landscape.
Seeing is Believing
The main event of the week was the site tour of Champaign-Urbana’s maintenance facilities. Known across the country for their approach to a truly zero-emission operation, the CUMTD team showcased their fleet of articulated FCEBs and the facilities that service them. Learning from the technicians and leaders that keep the fleet running, attendees toured MTD’s on-site renewable hydrogen fueler, electrolyzer, and even caught a glimpse of the two-megawatt solar array supporting MTD’s operations. The facility is cutting-edge for producing its own 100% “green hydrogen” on a complete zero-emission system.
United for the Long Haul
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council is a coalition of public transit agencies, manufacturers, and suppliers working together to advance the hydrogen fuel cell bus economy and its applications in the public transit sector. ZEBRA was honored to partner with the HFCBC to put on this hydrogen-focused event, bringing together our respective members for collaboration.
On day two, leaders from ZEBRA and the HFCBC participated in a panel discussion about their organizations and the complementary roles each group plays in advancing hydrogen transit. The conversation highlighted how ZEBRA and the HFCBC work in parallel, focusing on peer-to-peer resource sharing and policy advocacy, respectively. Beyond the technical data, the true value of a ZEBRA Roundtable is to highlight the power of collective problem-solving. Whether during the informative primer presentations, vendor showcases, or the reception sponsored by industry partner BAE, transit leaders from across the United States and Canada proved that the FCEB wheel does not have to be reinvented independently.
Thank You, Sponsors!
ZEBRA Roundtables would not be possible without the support of event sponsors and speakers: Azolla Hydrogen, BAE, DLZ, Linde, Mott MacDonald, Toyota, and Utility.
What’s Next for ZEBRA?
If you missed the insights shared in Illinois, the momentum isn’t stopping here! Join us for the next ZEBRA Roundtable, co-hosted by Spokane Transit Authority on September 23 and 24. The theme, “Charging Ahead: Are We There Yet?” will tackle BEB fleet charging and infrastructure. Register today to attend!
Member transit agencies can access performance dashboards, community forums, and Roundtables all year round! Reach out to info@zebragrp.com for more information.
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) works on behalf of ZEBRA’s membership to provide the group with technical assistance and industry consultation based on extensive experience in ZEB deployments. CTE is a national non-profit with a mission of moving advanced clean vehicles to market.
