The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) can move forward with the purchase of up to 55 battery-electric vehicles following board approval. The vehicles will support bus operations in the field – another important step in OCTA’s ongoing effort to convert its fleet to producing zero emissions.
The OCTA Board of Directors approved the plan to replace up to 55 existing light-duty vehicles, which run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and are at the end of their scheduled lifespan, with the all-electric zero-emission vehicles.
“This is another important step for OCTA as we continue to provide safe, efficient and reliable vehicles that also take into consideration how to best protect our environment,” said Garden Grove Mayor and OCTA Chairman Steve Jones.
The contract with Winner Chevrolet, a qualified state-approved contractor, is for up to $1.78 million and will provide for the purchase of the 2020 Chevy Bolts. The vehicles will primarily be used to relieve coach operators on duty in the field.
Although a bus driver may work a shift of eight to 10 hours, the bus may remain in service up to 22 hours a day, requiring a new driver to meet the bus in route.
The board’s action to expedite the purchase of the vehicles helps take advantage of factory incentives that are expiring later this month, helping save up to $55,000 overall, says OCTA.
OCTA also says it has taken several important steps this year to convert to zero-emission technology for a balanced and sustainable transportation future.
In January, OCTA debuted 10 new hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses, along with the nation’s largest hydrogen fueling station at its Santa Ana Bus Base. In April, the OCTA Board of Directors approved a request for quotes to purchase 10 plug-in battery-electric buses. Then in June, the board approved a draft plan outlining how the agency will convert the OC Bus fleet to 100 percent zero-emission technology over the next 20 years.
The effort aligns with California’s Innovative Clean Transit Rule, a first-of-its kind regulation in the U.S. that sets a goal for public transit agencies to gradually transition to 100 percent zero-emission bus fleets by 2040.
