As part of its ongoing effort to transition its bus fleet to 100% zero-emission technology by 2040, OCTA will purchase 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 battery-electric buses, which will replace buses at the end of their useful lifespan that run on compressed natural gas.
All the buses will be equipped with technology and safety features including video surveillance systems, reverse-motion cameras, fire and hydrogen detection systems, driver barriers, and electronic fare transaction devices.
The initial quote for the new buses was estimated at $84.4 million, however, OCTA was able to reduce the cost to $77.5 million through strategic negotiations, including leveraging California's zero-emission vehicle sales tax exemption.
Funding is provided through a combination of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and state funds from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
In addition, OCTA will purchase 11 battery chargers for $2.2 million and install them at the Santa Ana bus base, where the new battery-electric buses will be fueled and maintained.
The new buses are expected to hit the streets of Orange County in late 2026.
“This is a significant investment in the future of public transportation in Orange County,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “We look forward to continuing to work with our state and federal partners to ensure we secure the necessary funding for an even cleaner transit future while continuing to improve the lives of our riders and communities through public transportation.”
As part of its Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Pilot Program, OCTA began testing both fuel-cell and battery-electric buses in 2020 and 2022, respectively. This allowed OCTA to gain valuable operational and technological experience, helping to determine the most effective technology – or mix of technologies – to meet the needs of OC Bus riders.