Transportation Advisory Commission to Receive Update on Zero Emissions Plan

The Transportation Advisory Commission is scheduled to receive an update on the city’s transit fleet electrification feasibility study.

As of October 2019, all public transit operators in California were required to begin transitioning to 100% zero emission bus (ZEB) fleets by 2040.

According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rule, the phased transition to ZEB requires that 25% of new bus purchases be of zero emission vehicles beginning in 2026, increasing to 100% of new bus purchases in 2029, with a full ZEB operating fleet in place by 2040.

CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in the state to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.

“A zero-emission public bus fleet means cleaner air for all of us. It dramatically reduces tailpipe pollution from buses in low-income communities and provides multiple benefits, especially for transit-dependent riders,” CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols said in 2018, when the plan was put in motion.

“Putting more zero-emission buses on our roads will also reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases, and provide cost savings for transit agencies in the long run,” Nichols said.

Locally, the required transition begins with a deadline to provide a “ZEB Rollout Plan” by July 1, 2023.

“Prior to December 2018, staff had attended numerous zero emission bus (ZEB) presentations at conferences, attended demonstrations with ZEB manufacturers and participated in regional zero emission bus working groups,” according to a memo by Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “In preparation for the anticipated CARB rule, Pasadena staff led the successful joint application effort with Burbank and Glendale, collectively known as the Arroyo Verdugo Regional Transit Operators, to apply for the 2018-2019 Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant Program to conduct three separate transit fleet vehicle electrification feasibility plans.”

The study will help establish the implementation of the city’s zero emission fleet.

The scope of work included the following:

Evaluate current market to determine vehicle and charging options.
Identify infrastructure needs and, if applicable, and determine best location for charging infrastructure.
Develop a timeline for bus replacement/purchases and infrastructure development.
Work with power supplier to identify infrastructure needs for supply.
Conduct stakeholder outreach with relevant city departments and external partners including each respective municipal power company.

. • Develop a funding plan

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. today and can be viewed at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82417243885#success