SamTrans is paving the way for greener travel in South San Francisco, having approved plans for a new hydrogen fueling station to serve its expanding zero-emission bus fleet, targeting decreased emissions and bolstered sustainability. The project, given the green light at the transit agency's July board meeting, involves a partnership with Trillium USA Company, LLC, which is set to design, build, commission, and maintain the new facility located at the North Base site, this initiative signals a firm commitment towards a cleaner transit future.
The Board of Directors chair, Jeff Gee, emphasized the environmental benefits of the transition, stating, per SamTrans, "Every step we take toward a zero-emission fleet is a step toward cleaner air and healthier communities," further adding that "This fueling station enables us to scale up responsibly while ensuring reliable service for our riders today and for future generations." SamTrans' transition plan involves replacing an existing diesel fleet, responsible for about 89% of their greenhouse gas emissions with hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs), with 10 already approved in 2022 for a demonstration project, and another 108 buses approved in 2023, but the existing interim fuel setup is not sufficient for the new buses coming in.
A comprehensive strategy has been outlined in the SamTrans' Innovative Clean Transit Plan, which proposes a phased approach to replacing diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles with zero-emission alternatives, a strategy that is not just about innovation, but is about responsibility to the community and the environment. According to SamTrans, the contract with Trillium is valued at $17.37 million for the actual construction of the station, with an additional up to $2.97 million laid out for its maintenance over a potential five-year term, with the selection of the contractor coming through a competitive process that gauged capabilities from various national firms.
