Planning for a greener future
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) currently maintains and operates a fleet of 111 vehicles comprised of buses, paratransit vehicles and non-revenue vehicles. In response to California Air Resources Board mandate that all transit agencies need to be 100% zero emission by 2040, these vehicles needed to be replaced with a more ecofriendly option—we were there to help.
Our team started the project with a site visit to GCTD’s new facility to document operational, maintenance, and planning practices, as well as to evaluate the facility for preparedness for ZEB transition. We conducted an existing condition review as well as a market scan to understand the needs of GCTD as it relates to service delivery and operations. Our team used ZEVDecide, our proprietary tool for bus modeling and route simulation, to estimate the fuel economy and feasibility of battery-electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses (FCEBs) for GCTD’s operations. Our analysis discovered that while BEBs could be feasible, their adoption would require a complex mix of different BEBs with different battery sizes, constraining flexibility, and operations. FCEBs, under modeling conditions, were able to achieve full service in a 1-to-1 fashion and adopting a hydrogen solution also facilitates paratransit and on-demand vehicle transition, given the large range these vehicles operate.
Upon completion of their project, GCTD will have an ecofriendly fleet they can be proud of.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
-
- Gold Coast Transit District
Analy Castillo, Associate, Zero Emissions Technical Lead
I help clients develop pragmatic plans for launching zero-emission bus fleets in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Pamela Bailey-Campbell, Senior Principal, Innovation Leader, Infrastructure
We’re creating next generation transportation solutions and moving communities towards a smart mobility future that puts people first.
Tony Zavanelli, Principal, Energy
The best feedback is being awarded with additional work. ‘Good job’ is nice to hear, but being entrusted with another project the best way to know that you are valued.
Will Todd, Senior Associate
Through the projects I work on and the relationships I form, it’s my goal to leave the world a better place than I found it.
Reb Guthrie, Principal, Fueling Infrastructure
Creative problem solving—in sometimes unexpected ways—while understanding and respecting user needs is easily the best part about my job.
We’re better together
-
Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
-
Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.