In the denouement to over five years of planning and arrangements, the Victor Valley Transit Authority has begun to phase into operation 13 hydrogen fuel cell electric.
The Victor Valley Transit Authority, headquartered in Hesperia, operates one route into South Adelanto, another into North Adelanto, on that travels Highway 395, Palmdale Road, Air Expressway and rejoining Highway 95, six routes serving Apple Valley, six serving Barstow, three regional and inter-city connections to and from Helendale/Silver Lakes and Lucerne Valley, five within and around Hesperia and Oak Hills, nine commuter lines in Victorville, two commuter routes to Fort Irwin National Training Center and provides service South on the I-15 Freeway to California State University, San Bernardino and westward to Fontana and back.
A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity by combining hydrogen, which is the fuel for the vehicle stored in pressurized tanks, and ambient oxygen through an electrochemical interreaction. A fuel cell has three has three core components that are layered, including an anode – a negative electrode around which the hydrogen is introduced, a cathode – a negative electrode at the point where hydrogen flows into the mix and an electrolyte, a membrane between the anode and cathode chambers that allows only positive ions pass through. Pressurized hydrogen enters the anode side of the cell, whereupon a catalyst, generally consisting of platinum, splits the hydrogen molecules into positive protons and negative electrons, after which the protons pass through the electrolyte membrane to migrate to the cathode chamber. The membrane simultaneously blocks the electrons, which are bled off into wires that form an external electrical circuit. That electron flow becomes the electric current used to power the vehicle. Air, comprised of about 20.95 percent oxygen is pumped into the cathode side. This yields water, the nonpolluting byproduct of the process.
The hydrogen fuel cell buses are currently being deployed on routes throughout the Victor Valley Transit system, including Interstate 15. University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
“This is an exciting moment for the Victor Valley Transit Authority because our investment in hydrogen technology is no longer something we’re simply planning for; it’s here, and our passengers are starting to benefit from this today,” said Victor Valley Transit Authority Chief Executive Officer Rod Goldman. “These buses represent our commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation while continuing to embrace technologies that make public transit cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable for the areas we serve.”
According to the Victor Valley Transit Authority’s website, “The 13 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses were officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 14, celebrating the arrival of the new vehicles and the infrastructure and technology needed to support their operation. The event brought together regional, state, and federal transportation leaders and representatives from industry partners, including New Flyer, Ballard Power Systems, and Linde. The buses are now moving from introduction to real-world operation.”
According to the authority, rather than placing all 13 buses into service simultaneously, it is phasing the vehicles into daily operations. During this period, the agency is collecting operational data, evaluating performance under real-world conditions, and conducting additional testing as the buses operate throughout the authority’s diverse service area, approximately 950 square miles, expanded from 425 square miles in 2015.
“Today marks more than the launch of hydrogen buses; it represents another major step forward in how we serve our communities,” said VicVTA Chief Maintenance Officer Dustin Strandberg. “Putting hydrogen fuel cell technology into daily passenger service allows us to see these buses perform in the real world while providing our passengers with a cleaner and quieter ride. We’re gathering valuable data today that will help shape how VVTA operates tomorrow, as hydrogen becomes the backbone of our fleet for years to come.”
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is particularly significant for the Victor Valley Transit Authority because of the size and diversity of the agency’s service area. The Victor Valley Transit Authority operates urban, rural, and long-distance commuter routes across the High Desert and beyond, requiring vehicles capable of traveling significant distances while maintaining the flexibility needed for daily transit operations.
“For our residents, this is about much more than putting new buses on the road,” said Victor Valley Transit Authority Board Chairwoman and Victorville Mayor Liz Becerra. “It is about investing in the future of our region. Every time one of these buses goes into service, we are demonstrating that the High Desert can be a leader in innovation, sustainability and modern public transportation while continuing to connect people with jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity.”