On the Road to Zero Emissions: Foothill Transit is Leading the Way

On September 20, 2024, 33 USC students studying transportation-related courses visited the Foothill Transit Maintenance Facility in Arcadia, CA. This visit was the first of three trips Professor Eric Shen arranged for for his CE430: Sustainable Transportation class. The learning objective was to explore the real-world constraints that regional transit operators face in achieving zero-emission goals.

Deputy CEO LaShawn King Gillespie and Director of Maintenance and Vehicle Technology Rowland Cordero led the tour, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at Foothill Transit's sustainable transit efforts and operations.

The day began with a presentation from Ms. Gillespie and Mr. Cordero, who provided an insightful overview of the agency's history and its sustainability initiatives. Serving the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, Foothill Transit has long been a pioneer in adopting clean energy technologies. Since deploying North America’s first fast-charge electric buses in 2010, they now boast one of the largest hydrogen fuel cell bus fleets in the country. Their commitment to a greener future is evident, with a goal to transition their entire fleet to zero-emission buses—comprising electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles—by 2030.

Students had the chance to board a double-decker electric bus and get an up-close view of the maintenance facilities. The tour featured an impressive demonstration of the infrastructure supporting Foothill Transit's electric buses. Among the challenges faced in expanding their zero-emission fleet are the limited manufacturing capacity for  hydrogen and battery-electric buses, challenges in federal funding requirements, and the need for specialized refueling infrastructure.

We also learned about the role of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in shaping the future of public transit. CARB's Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation mandates that all public transit agencies operate 100% zero-emission buses by 2040. Foothill Transit, however, is ahead of schedule, aiming for full compliance by 2030, while actively navigating the complexities of implementing this ambitious goal.

Overall, the tour provided invaluable insights into the intricate process of managing a public transit system that strives to balance sustainability with the logistical and economic realities of large-scale operations. A big Thank You to the Foothill Transit team for offering such an enlightening and memorable experience!