Today marked a significant step forward for North County Transit District (NCTD) as they started constructing a new hydrogen fueling station at its West Bus Division in Oceanside. This initiative is part of a broader push by NCTD to switch their BREEZE bus fleet to zero-emission operations, aiming to meet upcoming environmental benchmarks quickly. The facility, once operational, will cater to the refueling needs of the agency's hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, set to account for about one-fourth of the NCTD's fleet by 2025, according to the North County Transit District.
As NCTD's CEO Shawn M. Donaghy stated, per NCTD, "NCTD’s transition to zero-emission BREEZE operations would not be possible without this critical hydrogen fueling infrastructure." The District has a vision to completely modernize its BREEZE fleet to zero emissions by 2040, with the hydrogen fueling station being a pivotal component. In addition to the environmental benefits, this transformation is expected to enhance the reliability of their service.
Financial support has been secured from various sources, including a significant injection of funds from the Low or No Emission Vehicle grant program by the Federal Transit Administration. This grant not only facilitates the purchase of zero-emission buses but also backs vital workforce training and the establishment of an innovative apprenticeship program in partnership with Palomar College. Adding a local touch, Representative Mike Levin has played a role in providing funding, securing $1.72 million for the project in the Fiscal Year 2022 federal appropriations bill, while the California Energy Commission has committed a further $6 million grant towards the cause.
"This investment supporting zero-emission buses will lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gases, cleaner air, and a more sustainable transportation network for North County and San Diego as a whole," said Levin, as reported by NCTD. The construction of the hydrogen fueling station is projected to wrap up by the summer of 2025. Subsequently, the District will roll out the hydrogen buses on its BREEZE bus routes that start from the West Division facility, ideally serving the populations across various cities and communities.
