The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Navada used funding from a $3.8 million grant.
A special ceremony was recently held by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada to unveil the first hydrogen fuel cell bus in the state.
Officials were present for the unveiling of the first of several H2 vehicles to be added to the fleet.
The funding for the hydrogen fuel cell buses was provided through a $3.8 million grant for “Low or No Emission” vehicles from the US Department of Transportation. The buses are powered by compressed H2 gas.
“This technology does not emit greenhouse gases into the environment, resulting in only water as a by-product,” said a news release issued by the RTC. “The vehicle also creates little to no noise while idle and in motion.”
The hydrogen fuel cell buses are a part of a broader effort the RTC is making for decarbonization.
Beyond the unveiling of the H2-powered vehicle, the event also placed the spotlight on the agency’s leadership team, such as RTC CEO MJ Maynard, as well as US Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, US Representative Susie Lee, RTC Board Chair and Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones, Nevada Senate President Pro Tempore Pat Spearman, and RTC Board Member and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.
“This is just the next step in alternative fuel for the fleet,” said Rep. Susie Lee in a media interview following the ceremony. “The RTC is leading the way with this technology, and in the past, they have led the way in transferring to natural gas and electric buses. This is another step toward making a completely renewable energy-based fleet.”
Officials in attendance were applauding the reduction not only of carbon emissions through the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology, but also the decrease in noise pollution.
“It’s oxygen and hydrogen that gets put into a fuel cell that produces the electricity and water, which powers the vehicle,” said RTC CEO MJ Maynard. “You basically fill it by way of a pump, like we do our compressed natural gas buses that operate today.”
