The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has announced the purchase of 50 zero-emission buses as part of its plan to fully transition its fleet by 2040. The new order comprises 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and ten 40-foot battery-electric buses, with delivery expected by late 2026.
The $77.5 million investment aligns with California’s Clean Transit Rule, mandating that 25% of new bus purchases be zero-emission starting in 2023, scaling to 50% by 2026 and 100% by 2029. OCTA’s current fleet replacement strategy will see the new buses, likely models from New Flyer’s Xcelsior Charge NG and Xcelsior Charge FC lines, replacing existing compressed natural gas (CNG) units.
The hydrogen fuel-cell buses are expected to deliver a range of up to 370 miles per refuel, accommodating over 80 passengers, including wheelchair users. Battery-electric variants offer ranges up to 254 miles with the maximum 520 kWh battery configuration. While OCTA has not disclosed specific model details, the buses will feature advanced safety systems, including video surveillance, reverse cameras, and hydrogen detection.
OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen emphasized the agency’s leadership in adopting clean technologies: “I’m proud that OCTA is an industry leader in transitioning to zero-emission technology. We’re helping set the standard for reliable, environmentally friendly bus service.”
The new vehicles are partially funded by the Federal Transit Administration and California Climate Investments. In addition to the bus order, OCTA has approved $2.2 million for the installation of 11 depot chargers to support the incoming battery-electric fleet.
OCTA’s decision follows a successful Zero-Emission Bus Pilot Program conducted between 2020 and 2022, where the agency tested ten buses powered by fuel-cell and battery-electric technologies. The program provided critical data to inform its full-scale transition, cementing OCTA’s role as a leader in sustainable public transportation.
