The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) has partnered with Community Transit in Everett, Washington to plan, deploy, and manage a performance-monitoring and validation program for the agency’s zero-emission bus (ZEB) pilot program. In Phase 1 of the project, CTE worked with Community Transit to develop and implement a test plan to evaluate the performance of one leased BYD 40’ battery electric bus (BEB) for an estimated eight months. Phase 1 was completed to inform the agency’s future validation testing methods, data collection, and performance reporting processes. In Phase 2 of the project, CTE developed an updated validation test plan to implement on Community Transit’s newly purchased GILLIG 40’ BEB and New Flyer 40’ Fuel Cell Electric Bus (FCEB). Phase 2 will continue the performance evaluation methods and procedures of Phase 1 while adding validation metrics for fuel cell technology to support the transition to the next phase of the agency’s ZEB pilot program and, ultimately, their technology selection/fleet ratio.
Under Phase 1 of the project, CTE conducted regular workshops with the project team, agency staff, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive test plan and a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will help Community Transit validate the operating model for their buses. CTE collected operational data from the pilot test plan execution and compiled it into monthly KPI reports. Community Transit shortened the vehicle lease period given issues with water ingress into the high-voltage battery that would cause significant repairs and delays to pilot test schedules. Thus, the final month of the 60’ BEB deployment was December 2023. CTE produced a final report with key findings and recommendations from the testing period.
In Phase 2 of the project, CTE modified the pilot test plan with lessons learned from Phase 1 and developed an approach to compare the performance metrics of the GILLIG BEB to the New Flyer FCEB, which will allow for an effective comparison of the two zero-emission technologies to meet Community Transit’s operational requirements. CTE will also train Community Transit staff to collect and analyze KPI metrics and periodically report findings.
Throughout the project, CTE is providing project management support, and zero-emission bus-related consulting as required by Community Transit.
