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SunLine Unveils 7th Generation Hydrogen Fueled Vehicle

SunLine Transit Agency Unveils 7th Generation Hydrogen Fueled Vehicle
“The American Fuel Cell Bus” Monday November 14th at 10 AM
First of its Kind, Buy America Compliant 40’ Fuel Cell Bus – The Future is Now

Thousand Palms, CA – November 1, 2011: SunLine Transit Agency will unveil the 7th Generation Hydrogen Fueled Vehicle the “American Fuel Cell Bus” on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10 AM at the Agency headquarters located at 32-505 Harry Oliver Trail, Thousand Palms.  SunLine is pleased to welcome Deputy Therese McMillan, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, as the keynote speaker. Additional dignitaries will be in attendance.

SunLine maintains its leadership position in the alternative fuel and clean technology arena. With flowing stars and stripes representing its birth place and the stately bald eagle symbolizing strength and freedom, this bus undoubtedly sends a message of pride and service to the Coachella Valley, as well as the entire nation. The launch of this “Made in America” bus will lead directly to the commercialization of fuel cell technology and inevitable associated workforce development in the industry.  With the launch, transit agencies across the country will now have the ability to purchase a 40’ fuel cell bus that meets the FTA Buy America Requirements. This marks a significant milestone on hydrogen fuel cell technology development for the transportation industry.   

General Manager C. Mikel Oglesby, states “SunLine has been dedicated to alternative fuel technology and innovative infrastructure dating back to 1994. Through the determination and support of our partners, funders, SunLine Board of Directors and staff, we once again celebrate a milestone on the road to hydrogen.”

Funders include the Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, CALSTART, the California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Partners include BAE Systems (Johnson City, NY), Ballard Power Systems (Lowell, MA), El Dorado National Bus (Riverside, CA) and SunLine Transit Agency (Thousand Palms, CA). 

This project will result in high tech jobs, energy independence and cleaning of the environment.  

FACTS

• The AFCB Project provided 15.8 man-years of high quality engineering employment for BAE Systems Controls, Ballard Power Systems and ElDorado National Bus, and the creation of 10 full time equivalent jobs.
• SunLine Transit Agency has invested in seven generations of hydrogen fueled vehicles, in addition to infrastructure investments that include onsite hydrogen production and fueling capabilities.  
• Over the years, SunLine’s staff has been instrumental in providing technical and operational input that lead directly to design improvements in fuel cell and hybrid technology, which benefits the entire transit world.
• The production employees at El Dorado National Bus experienced a spirit of American pride and ingenuity while producing the American Fuel Cell Bus, the first of its kind.
• Though Buy America Certification only requires 60 percent domestic content, the AFCB features over 90 percent American made components. Investments in this bus produce American jobs and reduce dependency of foreign oil.
• SunLine’s participation has resulted in technology improvements that will enable the FTA to invest in this technology. Many of the commercialization challenges can be resolved by quantity buys and the development of new environmentally sensitive models of commercial viability.
• SunLine is uniquely positioned in the industry to help the FTA in developing new commercial models for fuel cell technology and remains the best proving ground for advances in fuel cell technology.
• Hydrogen fueling for buses and cars is produced and dispensed at SunLine to support the reduction of America’s dependence of foreign oil.
• SunLine’s hydrogen dispensing system is undergoing a Type Evaluation Program by California’s Division of Measurement Standards that may establish SunLine as the first transit commercial public fueling site for hydrogen.      

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About SunLine Transit Agency
SunLine Transit Agency is a joint powers authority formed in 1977 to operate the Coachella Valley's public transportation system.  Its vehicles travel more than 21 million passenger miles per year, covering 536 bus stops located throughout a 1,120 mile-service area.  SunLine offers fixed route bus service and curb-to-curb paratransit for the mobility impaired.