Zero-Emission Bus Transition Planning Guidebook: Your Roadmap to Success

February 20, 2025

Zero-emission bus (ZEB) transition plans are an indispensable tool for agencies to reach their zero-emission goals. Your transition plan serves as your primary roadmap for securing future funding, scheduling infrastructure improvements, and procuring vehicles. It's also a valuable tool for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and making necessary adjustments.


Our guidebook outlines a nine-phase process to guide transit agencies, or any fleet operator, aiming to
transition to zero-emission technologies:


1. Planning and Initiation: Establish project goals, identify key stakeholders, and assemble a
project team.

2. Requirements and Data Collection: Gather essential data on your fleet, routes, and operations.

3. Service Assessment: Evaluate the feasibility of BEBs for your service routes.

4. Fleet Assessment: Develop a phased plan for replacing diesel buses with zero-emission buses.

5. Fuel Assessment: Determine fuel consumption and costs for both diesel and electric buses.

6. Maintenance Assessment: Project maintenance costs for both fleet types.

7. Facilities Assessment: Plan for charging infrastructure and any necessary facility modifications.

8. Total Cost of Ownership Assessment: Evaluate the overall financial impact of the transition.

9. ZEB Transition Plan Development: Create a comprehensive plan outlining your strategy and
goals.

Discover how to strategically plan and execute your ZEB journey, leveraging data to optimize operations. Learn the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, the need for workforce training, and the latest industry trends to ensure long-term ZEB success. Understand how to avoid costly mistakes, optimize your resources, and develop a strong foundation for grant applications.

Download the Guidebook →