The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) partnered with Intercity Transit to complete a zero-emission vehicle analysis. CTE subcontracted with Nelson Nygaard and Hatch LTK for assistance in completing the study. The goal of the analysis was to identify commercially available zero-emission technologies that have been successfully deployed in transit service and to recommend the best solution and strategies for Intercity Transit in completing its transition to a zero-emission fleet. The project team also identified capital projects and infrastructure needs required to support Intercity Transit’s eventual transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet.
As the analysis was completed, the project team compiled a final report to recommend technology solution(s) for a zero-emission fleet transition and outline a plan for the transition. The report detailed the size of the fleet and optimal fleet mix, capital needed to fund the project, the estimated cost of the transition and recurring costs, benefits of the transition including detailed evaluation of emission benefits, potential risks and challenges, and a proposed timeline for the transition. CTE conducted a full day workshop with the Intercity Transit Board of Directors and the local electrical utility (Puget Sound Energy) to review the state of the zero-emission technology industry and the results of the analysis. CTE is currently preparing a Zero-Emission Transition Plan endorsed by the Intercity Transit Board of Directors that meets federal requirements.
Following completion of the analysis mentioned above, Intercity Transit extended the contract with CTE in order for CTE to assist the agency with the deployment of five fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) and the associated fueling infrastructure that Intercity Transit received funding for through two state of Washington grants. CTE is now using its Smart Deployment Methodology to guide Intercity Transit as the agency deploys its first zero-emission buses and fueling infrastructure. As of August 2024, CTE and Intercity Transit were drafting the Request for Proposals for the procurement of a mobile hydrogen fueling station to support the FCEBs.
