HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6c. Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan Adoption Item 6c
Department: Public Works
Cost Center: 5201
For Agenda of: 3/5/2024
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Matt Horn, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Alex Fuchs, Mobility Services Business Manager
SUBJECT: ZERO-EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN ADOPTION
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, California, adopting the San Luis Obispo Transit Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
and authorizing the Public Works Director or their designee to approve futu re
administrative revisions to the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan.”
POLICY CONTEXT
The California Air Resource Board (CARB) adopted the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT)
regulation in December 2018, which became effective October 1, 2019. The regulation
applies to all public transit agencies that own, operate, or lease buses with gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds.
The regulation requires each transit agency to submit a co mplete Zero-Emission Bus
Rollout Plan to CARB, as approved by the agency’s governing board, by July 1, 2023.
The City is overdue on submitting an adopted plan; however, staff has communicated to
CARB that a plan will be approved and adopted in Spring 2024.
Adherence to the ICT regulation directly support s the City’s Major City Goals of Climate
Action and Sustainable Transportation and is in alignment with the actions detailed in the
City’s Climate Action Plan and the City’s Fleet Replacement Policy. Adoption of the plan
is also consistent with the 2014 Circulation Element update which set forth an ambitious
mode split objective target for 12% of trips to occur by transit.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation went into effect in October 2019 and
requires all public transit agencies to gradually transition their bus fleets to zero -emission
technologies. The regulation requires a certain percentage of new bus purchases to be
zero-emission buses (ZEBs). The ZEB percentage increases gradually over time with
100% of new bus purchases being ZEBs by 2029, with an end goal of a complete ZEB
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Item 6c
fleet by 2040. By 2026, the regulation requires 25% of new purchases made by small
transit agencies, like San Luis Obispo (SLO), Transit be ZEBs. The percentage then
increases to 100% in 2029 for both small and large transit agencies.
SLO Transit is already ahead of the purchasing schedule requirements as the most
recently purchased buses are battery electric and Council has approved an order for six
additional battery electric buses (BEBs). 47% of SLO Transit’s fleet will be electric once
the six additional BEBs are put into service. Additionally, in March 2022, Council approved
advertisement for transit facility charging infrastructure improvements. Construction
began in March 2023 and is nearing completion. The improvements allow for expansion
of charging station infrastructure as new BEBs are procured as well as groundwork for
future solar arrays. A solar array installation project is currently in the design phase with
an anticipated completion date of Spring 2026. These progressive steps taken by the City
put SLO Transit ahead of the ICT regulation’s mandated compliance deadlines.
The ICT regulation requires transit agencies to submit a complete Zero-Emission Bus
Rollout Plan (Rollout Plan) as adopted by their governing body via Resolution. The
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo is SLO Transit’s governing body. Included with this
report, as Attachment A, is a draft Resolution adopting SLO Transit’s Rollout Plan . The
Rollout Plan is meant to be a living document that is periodically updated as an agency
navigates the implementation of a zero-emission bus fleet. The draft Rollout Plan
(Attachment B) contains all the required elements needed to be considered complete.
Staff has included supplemental (optional) information in the Rollout Plan to further
document SLO Transit’s transition to zero-emission technologies.
Previous Council Action
1. July 18, 2023 – Council authorized the appropriation of additional Transit Fund
balance for the purchase of six battery electric buses previously approved with the
adoption of the 2021-23 Financial Plan.
2. June 6, 2023 – Council adopted the 2023-25 Financial Plan which includes the
Climate Action Major City Goal.
3. March 15, 2022 – Council authorized advertisement of the Transit Facility Electric
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure project, Specification Number 1000535.
4. December 13, 2022 – Council adopted the Climate Action Plan 2023-27 Work
Program which includes action item Connected 4.1 – Develop transit electrification
plan and begin implementing in 2020 and task item Connected 4.1A – Continue to
electrify the SLO Transit bus fleet.
5. June 1, 2021 – Council approved funding for the purchase of six battery electric
buses with the adoption of the 2021-23 Financial Plan.
6. December 9, 2014 – Council adopted the Land Use and Circulation Elements of
the General Plan, which established the mode split objective of 12 % of trips
occurring via transit.
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Item 6c
Public Engagement
The item was noticed in accordance with the Brown Act. Public comment can be provided
to the City Council through written correspondence prior to the meeting and through public
testimony at the meeting.
CONCURRENCE
The recommended action is in alignment with the City’s Climate Action Plan and Fleet
Replacement Policy which prioritizes zero-emission fleet vehicles over fossil fuel powered
vehicles to achieve carbon neutrality.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended
action in this report because the recommended action does not constitute a “Project”
under CEQA Guidelines, Sec. 15378. The adoption of the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout
Plan is an administrative activity of a government agency that will not result in direct or
indirect physical impact on the environment.
Future projects and programs described in the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan would be
required to comply with all applicable state and local law, including a showing of CEQA
compliance or exemption.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: N/A Budget Year: N/A
Funding Identified: N/A
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund N/A
State
Federal
Fees
Transit Fund
Total $ N/A $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
There are no financial impacts directly associated with the adoption of the Zero-Emission
Rollout Plan. Future procurement of buses and associated charging infrastructure and
transit facility improvements will be analyzed and presented as individual actions are
taken for Council’s consideration.
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Item 6c
The main challenge facing transit agencies with transitioning to zero-emission
technologies is the cost of bus procurement and facilities upgrades for supporting
infrastructure. Governmental agencies at all levels recognize these financial challenges
and offer grant funding and rebate programs to cover costs partially or wholly. SLO Transit
has applied for and received grant funding and will continue to seek federal and local
funding for future purchases and upgrades.
Section H of the Rollout Plan lists potential sources available which staff monitors for
funding opportunities. There are scenarios where Transit Fund balance may be needed
to fill funding gaps. Any project specific requests for use of Transit Fund balance will be
presented to Council for consideration.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council could decide not to adopt SLO Transit’s Zero-Emission Bus Rollout
Plan. This action is not recommended by staff because the California Air Resource
Board’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation requires transit agencies adopt a Zero -
Emission Bus Rollout Plan describing how the agency plans to achieve full transition
to zero-emission technologies by the 2040 deadline.
2. Council could choose to modify SLO Transit’s Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
before adoption. Council has the authority and discretion to modify the plan prior to
adoption provided the modifications address the required elements of the plan as
mandated by the Innovative Clean Transit regulation.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Draft Resolution adopting SLO Transit’s Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
B - Draft Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2024 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE SAN LUIS OBISPO (SLO)
TRANSIT ZERO-EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN AND AUTHORIZING
THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR OR THEIR DESIGNEE TO APPROVE
FUTURE ADMINISTRATIVE REVISIONS TO THE ZERO-EMISSION BUS
ROLLOUT PLAN
WHEREAS, the State of California Air Resource Control Board’s (CARB)
Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation became effective October 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the ICT regulation requires all public transit agencies to transition their
eligible fleet vehicles to zero-emission technologies; and
WHEREAS, San Luis Obispo (SLO) Transit is considered a small transit agency
as defined in the ICT regulations; and
WHEREAS, the ICT regulation requires small transit agencies to comply the Zero-
Emission Bus (ZEB) purchasing requirements beginning in 2026 with a goal of complete
transition to ZEBs by 2040; and
WHEREAS, the ICT regulation requires each small transit agency to submit a
complete Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan (Rollout Plan) to CARB by July 1, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Rollout Plan should be a living document and is meant to guide
the implementation of ZEB fleets and help transit agencies work through potential
challenges and explore solutions; and
WHEREAS, Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) § 2023.1(d)(2)
requires that a transit agency’s Rollout Plan be approved by its governing board through
the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo is the governing board
for SLO Transit and, therefore, can approve the Rollout Plan through the adoption of this
Resolution; and
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on March 5, 2024, the City Council considered
SLO Transit’s Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
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Resolution No. _____ (2024 Series) Page 2
R ______
SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council, after review and consideration of the Zero-
Emission Bus Rollout Plan, public testimony, and information presented by staff; makes
the following findings:
a) The Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan is a guiding policy document for the City’s
Transit program and may be updated, as needed, to reflect current estimated
timelines based on best available information for SLO Transit’s bus purchases,
infrastructure upgrades, workforce training, and any other timelines contained
in the Rollout Plan.
b) The Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan is consistent with and will further the goals
of the General Plan’s Circulation Element and the Climate Action Plan for
Community Recovery.
c) The timelines for transition to zero-emission technologies described in the Zero-
Emission Bus Rollout Plan will be implemented within budget constraints and in
a manner consistent with Financial Plan goals and policies.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) does not apply to the recommended action in this report because the
recommended action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines, Sec. 15378.
The adoption of the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan is an administrative activity of a
government agency that will not result in direct or indirect physical impact on the
environment. Future projects and programs described in the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout
Plan would be required to comply with all applicable st ate and local law, including a
showing of CEQA compliance or exemption.
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Resolution No. _____ (2024 Series) Page 3
R ______
SECTION 3. Adoption. The Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan is hereby adopted by
the Council and authorizes the Public Works Director or their designee to make future
administrative revisions to the Zero-Emission Rollout Plan.
Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member
___________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 2024.
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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2024
SLO Transit
City of San Luis Obispo
Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
March 2024
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 3
Section A: Transit Agency Information ........................................................................................ 4
Section B: Rollout Plan General Information .............................................................................. 5
Section C: Technology Portfolio.................................................................................................. 6
Section D: Current Bus Fleet Composition and Future Bus Purchases ...................................... 6
Section E: Facilities and Infrastructure Modifications ................................................................. 8
Section F: Providing Service in Disadvantaged Communities ...................................................10
Section G: Workforce Training ..................................................................................................12
Section H: Potential Funding Sources .......................................................................................12
Section I: Start-up and Scale-up Challenges .............................................................................13
Appendices ...............................................................................................................................14
Appendix A – Resolution No. XXXXX (2024 Series) ..............................................................15
Appendix B – List of Acronyms ..............................................................................................16
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Transit Facility Zero-Emission Readiness Improvements ...........................................10
Figure 2: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Results Map .............................................................................. 11
Figure 3: California Climate Investments Priority Populations 2023 ........................................... 11
Table of Tables
Table 1: Transit Agency Overview .............................................................................................. 4
Table 2: CARB ZEB Purchase Schedule for Large and Small Agencies ..................................... 6
Table 3: SLO Transit’s Current Bus Fleet ................................................................................... 7
Table 4: SLO Transit Future Bus Purchases ............................................................................... 8
Table 5: Facilities Information and Construction Timeline ........................................................... 9
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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Executive Summary
On December 17, 2018, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the Innovative Clean
Transit (ICT) fleet regulation. The regulation requires that all public transit agencies convert to a
100 percent zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet by 2040. The purpose is to address issues associated
with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their contribution to climate change.
The City of San Luis Obispo (City) has long been an early adopter of environmentally conscious
policies and, often, pursuing technologies that support and are in line with these adopted goals.
ZEB technology is at the forefront of advancements in transportation and are projected to have
the greatest impact in reducing GHG related emissions. Current approved options for ZEBs under
the ICT regulation include battery electric buses (BEB) or (hydrogen) fuel cell electric buses
(FCEB).
The purpose of this document is to serve as guidance to support transit agencies with preparation
of their Rollout Plans. It summarizes the information required in a Rollout Plan to meet the
requirements of the ICT regulation. This document addresses the required and supplementary
sections listed below. Each section includes required and optional questions that are answered
to provide the state a better understanding of SLO Transit’s operations and plans for meeting the
regulatory requirements.
Section A: Transit Agency Information
Section B: Rollout Plan General Information
Section C: Technology Portfolio
Section D: Current Bus Fleet Composition and Future Bus Purchases Section
Section E: Facilities and Infrastructure Modifications
Section F: Providing Service in Disadvantaged Communities Section
Section G: Workforce Training
Section H: Potential Funding Sources
Section I: Start-up and Scale-up Challenges
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
March 2024
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Section A: Transit Agency Information
Please provide the following information regarding your transit agencies:
1. Transit agency’s name (required)
2. Mailing address (number, street, city, county, Zip Code) (optional)
3. Name of transit agency’s air district(s) (optional)
4. Name of transit agency’s air basin(s) (optional)
5. Total number of buses in Annual Maximum Service (optional)
6. Population of the urbanized area a transit agency is serving as last published by the
Census Bureau before December 31, 2017. (optional)
7. Contact information of the general manager, chief operating officer, or equivalent (optional)
a. Contact name (last name, first name, MI)
b. Title
c. Phone number
d. Email address
8. Is your transit agency part of a Joint Group (13 CCR § 2023.1(d)(3))? (Yes/No) (required)
Table 1 provides an overview of SLO Transit per CARB’s Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
Guidance for Transit Agencies document.
Table 1: Transit Agency Overview
TRANSIT AGENCY INFORMATION
Transit Agency Name San Luis Obispo (SLO) Transit
Mailing Address 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Name of Transit Agency’s Air District San Luis Obispo Air Pollution District (APCD)
Name of Transit Agency’s Air Basin South Central Coast Basinwide Air Pollution
Control Council (SCC/BCC)
Total Number of Buses in Annual Maximum
Service1 19
Population of the Urbanized Area a Transit
Agency is Serving2 59,219
Contact Information of the General Manager,
Chief Operating Officer, or Equivalent
Fuchs, Alex
Mobility Services Business Manager
805-783-7877
afuchs@slocity.org
Is Your Transit Agency part of a Joint Group?3 No
1 The ICT regulation defines “Annual Maximum Service” (13 CCR § 2023(b)(3)) as the number of buses in
revenue service that are operated during the peak season of the year, on the week and day that maximum
service is provided but excludes demand response bus es.
2 2010 Census Urbanized Area Population data.
3 The ICT regulation defines a Joint Zero-Emission Bus Group or Joint Group (13 CCR § 2023.2) as two or
more transit agencies that choose to form a group to comply collectively with the zero -emission bus
requirements of section 2023.1 of the ICT regulation.
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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The City is located along the Central Coast region of California, halfway between San Francisco
and Los Angeles. The City has a population of 47,063 (Source: 2020 U.S. Census) with an
estimated additional population of 21,600 students when California Polytechnic State University
(Cal Poly) is in session.
San Luis Obispo (SLO) Transit is the local fixed-route public transit system for the City, operating
directly out of the City’s Public Works Department. As of 2023, SLO Transit operates eight fixed
routes, in a hub-and-spoke model, within the 23 square miles of the City limits and on Cal Poly’s
campus. SLO Transit operates Monday through Friday approximately from 6 am to 11 pm and
Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm.
SLO Transit is subject to several organizational authorities and their respective policies. The City
Council is the legislative authority which sets the policies under which the City’s programs operate.
The City Council has the power to adopt ordinances, resolutions, plans, establish policies,
approve programs, establish fees, appropriate funds, adopt budgets and approve contracts.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the State
of California’s Transit Development Act (TDA) contribute funding to the City’s transit program.
SLO Transit is therefore subject to the rules, regulations, and policies of these agencies as well.
By direction of the City Council, the Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) advisory body
provides recommendations and input to the Council regarding routes, schedules, capital projects,
fares, marketing, and additional services.
Section B: Rollout Plan General Information
1. Does your transit agency’s Rollout Plan have a goal of full transition to zero-emission
technologies by 2040 that avoids early retirement of conventional transit buses (13 CCR
§ 2023.1(d)(1)(A))? (required)
Yes, SLO Transit’s goal is to fully transition to zero-emission technologies by 2040 in a way that
avoids early retirement of conventional buses. SLO Transit’s Innovative Clean Transit Rollout Plan
(ICT Rollout Plan) outlines how the agency will fully transition its fleet to zero-emission by the
2040 deadline. All buses will operate for their expected useful life to avoid early retirement.
SLO Transit received its first two battery electric buses (BEBs) in December 2022 and January
2023. The buses were put into service fall 2023. In July 2023, Council approved the purchase of
six (6) additional BEBs that are scheduled for delivery in Spring 2025. Transit staff is currently
working on funding for two (2) more BEBs which is anticipated to go before Council for approval
in summer 2024. By 2027, staff anticipates that 59% of applicable vehicles (greater than 14,000
pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW)) will be zero-emission.
SLO Transit is categorized as a “small transit agency” based on both the State of California’s and
the federal government’s definitions. The State of California requires 25% of all new bus
purchases made by small transit agencies be zero emission beginning in calendar year 2026. The
recent BEB acquisitions and approval for additional BEBs purchases puts SLO Transit ahead of
CARB’s ZEB Purchase Schedule (See Table 2).
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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Table 2: CARB ZEB Purchase Schedule for Large and Small Agencies
ZEB Purchase Schedule (Percentage of Total New Bus Purchases)
Year Large Transit Agency Small Transit Agency
2023 25% -
2024 25% -
2025 25% -
2026 50% 25%
2027 50% 25%
2028 50% 25%
2029+ 100% 100%
2. When did your transit agency’s board or governing body approve the Rollout Plan?
a. Rollout Plan’s approval date (optional)
b. Resolution number (optional)
c. Is a copy of the board approved resolution attached to the Rollout Plan submitted
to CARB (12 CCR § 2023.1(d)(2))? (Yes/No) (required)
Yes, this ICT Rollout Plan was approved by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on
March 5, 2024, via the adoption of Resolution No. XXXXX (2024 Series) attached as Appendix A
to this document.
Section C: Technology Portfolio
1. What type(s) of zero-emission bus technologies (e.g. battery electric and fuel cell electric
buses) does your transit agency plan to deploy through 2040? (13 CCR § 2023.1(d)(1)(B))
(required)
For the purposes of implementing the Innovative Clean Transit regulations, CARB has defined
zero-emission bus as, “a bus with zero tailpipe emissions and is either battery electric of a fuel
cell electric bus.” Given this definition, the current approved options for ZEBs are either battery
electric buses (BEB) or hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEB). SLO Transit plans to deploy
BEBs to meet the state’s zero-emission mandates.
Section D: Current Bus Fleet Composition and Future Bus
Purchases
1. Please complete Table 3 with information on each individual bus in your current bus fleet.
Please identify the fuel type of each individual conventional bus as diesel, compressed natural
gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), diesel hybrid (dHEB), gasoline hybrid (gHEB),
propane, or gasoline. For zero-emission technologies, identify the fuel type as hydrogen or
electricity and indicate which charging technology (depot, wireless, and/or on-route) will be
used. Bus types include standard, articulated, over-the-road, double decker, and cutaway
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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buses. For ease of use, you can group the bus information based on a parameter that makes
the most sense for your transit agency. (optional)
SLO Transit has a fleet of nineteen (19) revenue vehicles and two (2) non-revenue, support
vehicles (Maintenance truck and a Road Supervisor van). Of the 19 revenue vehicles, sixteen
(16) of them are standard heavy-duty low floor diesel buses ranging 30 to 40 feet in length. The
remaining three (3) revenue vehicles include one double-decker bus (diesel), one cutaway
(gasoline), and trolley replica (gasoline) vehicle. The double-decker and the cutaway are subject
to the ZEB mandates but the trolley replica is not. Many of these vehicles were purchased with
the assistance of Federal funds making them subject to federal disposition rules.
The two newest vehicles are BEB and are intended to replace the two oldest buses in SLO
Transit’s fleet. The BEBs are running on one of the shortest routes to determine whether battery
capacity is sufficient to run all day without the need for charging. Once enough data is collected
to make this determination, the 2007 model year buses will be retired.
The FTA provides a minimum “useful life” policy for capital rolling stock (transit vehicles). Useful
life of transit vehicles is defined in the FTA Circular 5010.1E which states that a transit vehicle
purchased with Federal financial support should remain in service for no less than 12 years or
500,000 miles before being eligible for retirement. Any transition to ZEB technology by SLO
Transit will be done in compliance with FTA approved vehicle disposition timelines.
Table 3: SLO Transit’s Current Bus Fleet
Number of Buses Engine Model Year Bus Model Year Fuel Type Bus Type
2 2006 2007 Diesel Standard
1 2007 2008 Gasoline Trolley
6 2007 2008 Diesel Standard
1 2008 2009 Diesel Double-decker
1 2010 2011 Gasoline Cutaway
1 2011 2012 Diesel Standard
2 2012 2013 Diesel Standard
3 2016 2017 Diesel Standard
24 N/A 2022 Electric (depot) Standard
19 Total Revenue Fleet Vehicles
2. Please complete Table 4 regarding expected future bus purchases, including the number of
buses in total expected to be purchased or leased in the year of purchase. Identify the number
and percentage of zero-emission buses of the total bus purchases each year, as well as bus
types and fuel types. Identify the same type of information for purchases of conventional
buses. Bus types include standard, articulated, over-the-road, double decker, and cutaway
buses. For zero-emission technologies, please identify the fuel type as hydrogen or electricity
indicate which charging technology (depot, wireless, and/or on-route). For conventional
technologies, identify the fuel type as diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural
4 Purchased to replace two 2007 model year buses
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City of San Luis Obispo – Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan
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gas (LNG), diesel hybrid (dHEB), gasoline hybrid (gHEB), propane, or gasoline. (13 CCR §
2023.1(d)(1)(D)) (required)
Table 4: SLO Transit Future Bus Purchases
Timeline
(Purchase
Year)
Total
Number of
Buses to
Purchase
Number of
ZEB
Purchases
Percentage
of Annual
ZEB
Purchases
ZEB Bus
Ty pe(s)
ZEB Fuel
Type(s)
Number of
Conv.
Buses
Purchased
Percentage
of Annual
Conv. Bus
Purchases
Type(s) of
Conv.
Buses
Fuel
Type(s) of
Conv.
Buses
2023 6 6 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2024 2 2 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2025 4 4 100%
BEB (1
cutaway and
3 standard)
Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2026 0 0 N/A N/A N/A 0 0% N/A N/A
2027 3 3 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2028 2 2 100%
BEB (1
articulated
and 1
trolley5)
Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2029 3 3 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2034 2 2 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2036 6 6 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2037 2 2 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2039 1 1 100% BEB
(cutaway) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
2040 3 3 100% BEB
(standard) Electric 0 0% N/A N/A
3. Is your transit agency considering converting some of the conventional buses in service to
zero-emission buses (13 CCR § 2023.1(d)(1)(E))? (Yes/No) (required)
No, SLO Transit does not plan to convert conventional buses currently in service to zero-emission
buses.
Section E: Facilities and Infrastructure Modifications
1. Please complete Table 5 with names, locations, and main functions of transit agency divisions
or facilities that would be involved in deploying and maintaining zero-emission buses. Please
limit the facilities to bus yards and facilities with maintenance, fueling, and charging functions,
and exclude other operational functions like training centers, information and trip planning
offices, and administrative buildings. Please identify which facility(ies) require construction,
infrastructure modifications, or upgrades to support your transit agency’s long-term transition
to zero-emission technologies and the estimated timeline for such an upgrade. Please also
5 Trolley is not subject to the ICT mandates but is included since it is part of SLO Transit’s revenue fleet
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specify the type(s) of infrastructure planned in each division or facility and provide their service
capacities (e.g. on-route high-power charging system) to deploy 20 BEB in 2025). (13 CCR §
2023.1(d)(1)(C)). (required)
SLO Transit operates out of a 2.5 acre site referred to as the City’s Transit Operations &
Maintenance Facility (also referred to as the Bus Yard) located at 29 Prado Road. This City-owned
facility was constructed in 1984 and remained largely unimproved since original construction. The
current site layout includes employee parking lot with 20 employee/visitor parking stalls (one
designated for persons with a disability) at the front of the facility, an approximately 5,900 sq. feet
of administrative building, a 2,200 sq. feet two-bay maintenance garage, and 19 bus parking stalls
on the south end of the facility. A bus wash system was added few years later on the northwest
end of the administrative building.
Table 5: Facilities Information and Construction Timeline
Division /
Facility
Name
Address Main
Function(s)
Type(s) of
Infrastructure
Service
Capacity
Needs
Upgrade?
(Yes / No)
Estimated
Construction
Timeline
Transit
Operations
and
Maintenance
Facility
29 Prado Rd,
San Luis
Obispo, CA
93401
Administration,
Operations,
Maintenance,
Training, and
Bus washing
New charging
equipment, utility
upgrades, site
improvements (new
pavement, striping,
safety upgrades),
solar canopy
readiness
24
revenue
vehicles
Yes 2022-2027
2. Regarding the information provided in Table 5, please explain the types of necessary
upgrades or infrastructure modifications each facility or division need to support your transit
agency’s long-term transition to ZEB. Please also provide the specification of each
infrastructure in the related facility or division before and after the upgrades or modifications.
(Optional)
Two efforts are already underway to update the existing Bus Yard in preparation for ZEB rollout.
In March 2022, City Council approved advertisement of a capital project to make improvements
to the Bus Yard for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The project scope includes 24
bus parking stalls, 12 charging stations (each with two charging ports), separate metering,
switchboard upgrades, pads for future solar array and for future power blocks, and new pavement
and striping. Two charging stations are being installed as part of the site improvements with the
remaining stations scheduled for installation as additional ZEBs are procured. Work commenced
in March 2023 and still under construction as of the drafting of this report.
The City is also working on a multi-site solar project which includes installation of solar panels at
the Bus Yard to offset daytime charging needs. The current project scope calls for three solar
arrays over the newly improved bus parking and maintenance areas totaling over 17,000 square
feet of coverage. The project is being coordinated with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and
Forefront Solar. Staff anticipates completion of the project by Spring 2026.
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Figure 1: Transit Facility Zero-Emission Readiness Improvements
Section F: Providing Service in Disadvantaged Communities
1. Does your transit agency serve one or more disadvantaged communities, as listed in the latest
version of CalEnviroScreen? Yes/ No (required)
California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the Office of Environmental Health
Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) developed CalEnviroScreen. CalEnviroScreen is a science-based
tool to evaluate multiple pollutants and stressors in communities. The Innovative Clean Transit
(ICT) regulations use CalEnviroScreen to identify disadvantaged communities6 and requires that
efforts are made to deploy ZEBs in disadvantaged communities served by transit agencies. No,
SLO Transit does not serve one or more disadvantaged communities, according to
CalEnviroScreen 4.0, as shown in Figure 2.
6 Disadvantaged communities are considered census tracts that scored in the top 25% based on the factors
used by CalEnviroScreen to assess pollution burden and vulnerability.
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Figure 2: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Results Map
There are, however, low-income communities within SLO Transit’s service area based on
Assembly Bill (AB) 1550 criteria. AB 1550, also referred to as the Climate Investments for
California Community Act, uses cap and trade dollars to reinvest in disadvantaged and low-
income communities. California Climate Investments, which administers the initiative, has
developed a mapping tool identifying low-income communities by census tract. The mapping tool
refers to low-income communities as “priority populations.” SLO Transit’s ZEB rollout will be on
fixed routes that serve both priority and non-priority populations.
Figure 3: California Climate Investments Priority Populations 2023
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Section G: Workforce Training
1. Please describe your transit agency’s plan and schedule for the training of bus operators and
maintenance and repair staff on zero-emission bus technologies (13 CCR § 2023.1(d)(1)(G)).
(required)
Training will be provided by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on operating and
maintenance procedures as new BEBs are procured. Training will also be provided by equipment
suppliers on the associated charging infrastructure. Workforce development topics may include
but are not limited to the following:
Overview of Zero-Emission Bus Technologies
Zero-Emission Bus Operations
Zero-Emission Bus Maintenance
Zero-Emission Bus Safety Training
Section H: Potential Funding Sources
1. Please identify all potential funding sources your transit agency expects to use to acquire
zero-emission technologies (both vehicles and infrastructure) (13 CCR § 2023.1(d)(1)(H)).
(required)
Implementation of the ICT Rollout Plan will require significant capital expenditures. SLO Transit
seeks federal, state, and local sources to fund capital as well as on-going operational needs.
Below is a list of potential funding sources that SLO Transit will continue to seek to support the
acquisition of zero-emission vehicles and associated infrastructure.
Federal Sources
Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) Funds
o Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program
o Section 5339(a) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Formula Program
o Section 5339(b) Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program
o Section 5339(c) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (competitive)
State and Local Sources
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural
Areas
Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP)
Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP)
Caltrans State of Good Repair (SGR)
State Transit Assistance (STA)
Transportation Development Act (TDA)/Local Transportation Fund (LTF)
Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Funds
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Section I: Start-up and Scale-up Challenges
1. Please describe any major challenges your transit agency is currently facing in small scale
zero-emission bus deployment. (Optional)
a. How might CARB assist you to overcome these challenges? Please share your
recommendations. (Optional)
2. Please describe any challenges your transit agency may face in scaling up zero-emission bus
deployment. (Optional)
a. How might CARB assist you to overcome these challenges? Please share your
recommendations. (Optional)
Technology Constraints
Disadvantages with deployment of BEBs include relatively low range, infrastructure cost for
charging, complex utility rates, unproven battery life, and perceived safety risks (ex: battery fires).
Operational Challenges
It is unknown at this time if current BEB models can run on all SLO Transit routes without the
need to be pulled for midday recharging. Operational testing with one of the BEBs in the fleet
has battery life decreasing from +90% to ~35% when in service on SLO Transit’s shorter routes
(Routes 2A and 2B). Testing on longer routes (Routes 4A and 4B) still need to occur to determine
if all day runs are possible without recharging.
Additionally, seasonal changes like warmer summer temperatures can be challenging to keep
the batteries within optimum temperature ranges and could negatively impact range. If BEBs
cannot reliably run on longer routes without recharging, then SLO Transit may need to purchase
additional buses or pursue opportunity charging at the Transit Center; both of which require
significant capital investment.
Financial Constraints
The most significant challenge facing transit agencies through the start-up and scale-up of the
zero-emission transition is the financial requirements. ZEBs are more expensive to procure, and
new infrastructure is required to operate the vehicles. Additional financial support from the
federal, state, and local governments is necessary to achieve the ICT regulation target dates.
With the significant charging infrastructure costs and higher upfront price of ZEBs, there is
currently a lack of funding available to meet the capital demands to meet the ICT regulation. As
fleets are transitioned, agency capital and operating budgets will increase, and funding will be
required to maintain the level of service provided.
Agencies must also prepare staff for correct operation and maintenance of ZEBs. BEBs require
new protocols and procedures to ensure safe and successful operation. The use of regenerative
braking also alters ideal driving characteristics. Bus Operators must be adequately trained to
ensure vehicles are operated optimally.
It is critical that the CARB and other regulatory agencies provide funding to transit operators to
support the transition to ZEBs. In addition to funding support for bus and infrastructure
purchases, CARB should support training/educational programs as well as deployment of new
bus platforms such as smaller paratransit vehicles.
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Appendices
A – Resolution No. XXXXX (2024 Series)
B – List of Acronyms
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Appendix A – Resolution No. XXXXX (2024 Series)
[PLACEHOLDER FOR ADOPTED RESOLUTION]
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Appendix B – List of Acronyms
AB – Assembly Bill
APCD – Air Pollution Control District
BEB – Battery Electric Bus
CalEPA – California Environmental Protection Agency
Caltrans – California Department of Transportation
CARB – California Air Resource Board
DOT – Department of Transportation
FCEB – Fuel Cell Electric Bus
EV – Electric vehicle
FTA – Federal Transit Administration
GHG – Greenhouse Gas
GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight
HVIP – Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program
ICT – Innovative Clean Transit
LCTOP – Low Carbon Transit Operation Program
LTF – Local Transportation Fund
MTC – Mass Transportation Committee
OEHHA – Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
SCC/BCC – South Central Coast Basinwide Air Pollution Control Council
SGR – Caltrans State of Good Repair
SLO – San Luis Obispo
STA – State Transit Assistance
TDA – Transportation Development Act
TIRCP – Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program
ZEB – Zero-emission Bus
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