NV-2023-010

Application Purpose: The purpose of this award is to purchase four (4) 60 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses that will be used in fixed route service and to provide training to the existing and future workforce for the maintenance and operation of zero emission vehicles. All funds are consistent with the RTCS current Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan. Current TAM Plan is provided as an attachment to this application.

Activities Performed: Four (4) fixed route diesel-fueled buses currently in operation will be replaced by four (4) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses. Workforce development activities will take place to train and equip current and future workforce in accordance with the RTC Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Plan. All activities proposed in this application will take place within the boundaries of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) District. There are no other transit providers in the service area.

Expected Outcomes: Continued safe and effective operation of transit service for the residents of Clark County NV. The three diesel buses will be replaced with zero-emission FCEBs, improving local air quality by reducing critical emissions of criteria pollutants NOx, CO, VOC that contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. These reductions directly support state and local government efforts to achieve the NAAQS ozone attainment classification. In addition, zero emission vehicles do not emit particulate matter (PM2.5) and contribute significant reductions in GHG emissions, further contributing to improved local air quality. Over the 12-year lifetime of the buses, the project is estimated to improve local air quality through criteria emissions reduction of 10.13 tons NOx, 0.64 tons VOC, 2.59 tons CO, and 0.017 tons PM2.5, and will result in GHG emissions reduction of 9463 tons of CO2e. Diesel consumption will also be reduced by an estimated 840,288 gallons over the same period. Workforce development training will maintain job quality and avoid displacement of the existing workforce.

Intended Beneficiaries: The RTC, as well as fixed route clients, will benefit from more reliable service with new vehicles. The entire community benefits from a reduction of NOx, PM2.5, and HC emissions. The transit agency's goal is to have a fleet of all low or no emissions vehicles. Zero emission vehicles align with local and national climate priorities and will benefit all residents in Clark County by replacing diesel-fueled vehicles. The transit agency will also benefit by reducing maintenance costs associated with the older vehicles which have reached their useful lives. Providing training for zero emission vehicles to the workforce will help to strengthen the existing workforce and build skills and qualifications for future employees.

Subrecipient Activities: There are no sub-recipients which will be in receipt of or associated with any projects within this application.

Regional Transportation Commission Of Southern Nevada

20.526 - Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs

FTA Region 9 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Nevada United States

State-Wide

None

Infrastructure $6,737,042 (100%) percent this Project Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.