NVTC RELEASES STRATEGIC PLAN TO SUPPORT NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSIT AGENCIES TRANSITION TO ZERO-EMISSION BUSES
Converting to zero-emission buses requires significant investment in vehicles and infrastructure
Northern Virginia’s regional transportation entities are undertaking important work regarding the decarbonization of public transportation. With 36% of the region’s greenhouse gas emissions generated by transportation sources, addressing this issue is of critical importance to the region meeting its greenhouse gas emission targets. As such, we are pleased to share a recent press release and report from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission on their important work to support the transition to Zero-Emission Buses.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is coordinating among transit agencies in Northern Virginia on the transition to zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleets. NVTC's Northern Virginia Zero-Emission Bus Strategic Plan outlines regional strategies to help the agencies reach sustainability goals while providing safe, reliable and cost-effective transit service to riders.
ZEBs produce zero tailpipe emissions and can be either battery electric buses (BEBs) or hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). However, the transition to ZEB's presents challenges:
Cost and Funding—ZEBs typically cost more than $1 million per bus and require new charging or fueling infrastructure
Operational Differences—Current BEBs cannot replace diesel buses on a 1:1 basis for all routes due to their shorter ranges
Availability—Grid capacity for BEBs and hydrogen supply for FCEBs remain critical pathways to successfully implementing ZEBs
Workforce Development—Whether a BEB or a FCEB, ZEBs require new skills for the transit workforce
NVTC's strategies include actions that are already underway, such as facilitating a ZEB working group and educating staff and local elected officials on ZEB advancements. The plan also identifies the quick wins that staff can begin in 2024 and build from in the coming years.
NVTC's ZEB Strategies:
Serve as a regional ZEB forum
Advocate for consistent and supportive ZEBÂ standards and policies
Provide regional ZEBÂ funding coordination
Support development of shared BEB charging infrastructure
Evaluate opportunities for private partnerships related to ZEBs
Support ZEBÂ workforce training and education
"We recognize that transitioning Northern Virginia's local bus fleets away from fossil fuels will have multiple benefits for the region," said Matt de Ferranti, NVTC Chair. "However, we also know it's a massive undertaking that requires deep understanding of all the needs and challenges ahead for our transit agencies. This Northern Virginia Zero-Emission Bus Strategic Plan will provide valuable insight to guide this work."
Converting to ZEBs requires significant investment in vehicles and supporting infrastructure, so it is important to share lessons learned from early adopters and to identify opportunities for interoperability of infrastructure. Learn more here.Â
About the Northern Virginia Regional Commission
NVRC is a consortium of thirteen local governments representing more than 2.5 million residents. While only 3% of Virginia's land mass, Northern Virginia has a GDP of $276 Billion which is 41.6% of the GDP of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Northern Virginia’s GDP is larger than 24 states and the District of Columbia and if a country would be the 48th largest economy in the world.