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The Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (ECCTA) recently selected Â鶹´«Ã½, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, to lead the design of a hydrogen fueling station for use by buses powered with hydrogen fuel cells. The project, which begins with an analysis of the Authority¡¯s bus operations, will support the ECCTA¡¯s plan to purchase and operate 30 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) and 44 hydrogen fueled paratransit vehicles.

The hydrogen fueling facility is the latest ECCTA advancement in its transition to zero-emission buses (ZEBs) by 2036, four years ahead of the deadline set by the California Air Resources Board¡¯s statewide regulations for transit agencies. ECCTA is a leader in the adoption of ZEBs and other clean transportation technologies. Having rolled out some of the first ZEBs in California in 2018, ECCTA has served as a mentor and resource for agencies across North America when it comes to the adoption of battery electric buses (BEBs) of different varieties.

The new fleet of hydrogen FCEBs will augment the ECCTA¡¯s 32 fixed-route BEBs. The hydrogen-powered buses¡¯ superior energy-storage capacity compared with similar BEBs will provide the Authority the ability to serve longer routes and reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to reduced greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions and better air quality.

¡°The Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority¡¯s next step toward a zero-emission bus fleet is an exciting development for the Authority, its riders, and for the environment,¡± said Reb Guthrie, Â鶹´«Ã½ design manager for the project. ¡°We are excited to work with the ECCTA on this important project that helps deliver lower GHG emissions while also connecting people with places and opportunities.¡±

After Â鶹´«Ã½ analyzes ECCTA¡¯s bus operations to establish requirements for the hydrogen refueling station, it will prepare design drawings for the station. Â鶹´«Ã½ will also design hydrogen-compliant modifications in the maintenance building as needed for a safe working environment. Throughout construction, the Â鶹´«Ã½ team will verify the equipment and materials used by the contractor to ensure the work complies with the design. At construction completion, Â鶹´«Ã½ will also conduct and supervise functional and performance tests of the facility to fully validate the contractor¡¯s work.

ECCTA, operating as Tri Delta Transit, provides trips for more than 1 million passengers each year to a population of approximately 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. The cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Bay Point are serviced by Tri Delta Transit. Earlier this year, ECCTA was awarded a $4 million grant as part of the Federal Transit Administration¡¯s Bus and Bus Administration Program to support the new hydrogen fueling station.

The Â鶹´«Ã½ team has worked on more than 40 ZEB bus and vehicle projects for clients across North America. Included in that work is the production of ZEB rollout plans, analysis services, implementation of charging infrastructure, and facility design to accommodate ZEBs. Elsewhere, Â鶹´«Ã½ is working with Orange County Transportation Authority, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, and Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority on hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Â鶹´«Ã½ also is working with the State of California Department of General Services on their zero emissions vehicle plans.

About Â鶹´«Ã½
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That¡¯s why at Â鶹´«Ã½, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve¡ªbecause they¡¯re our communities too. We¡¯re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Â鶹´«Ã½ trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.?

Media Contacts
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Media Relations
Ph: (907) 343-5240
steven.edwards@stantec.com