Resilient Zero-Emission Transit Bus Fleets: A Guide (2025)
Chapter: 2 Case Studies Introduction
CHAPTER 2
Case Studies Introduction
This guide includes examples from six informative case studies that showcase the different strategies transit agencies can employ to enhance their resilience. Each case study highlights unique approaches tailored to specific challenges, demonstrating innovations in planning, operational practices, and charging infrastructure solutions. From installing microgrids to adapting workforce needs, these agencies not only reflect the current landscape of ZEB transit but also offer valuable lessons for other agencies seeking to strengthen their resilience as they also transition their fleets to ZEBs. These examples were instrumental for developing the methodology described in this guide.
The six agencies chosen as case studies range in geographic location, fleet size, and current stages in their transition plans. Although their concerns, fleet needs, and resilience strategies may differ, the collective group highlights the following key takeaways:
- Agencies are usually already engaged in some level of general resilience planning to maintain service under adverse conditions.
- The threats of highest concern are fuel supply security and ZEB performance variability.
- There is uncertainty around strategies for managing ZEB performance in emergency situations.
A summary of the case study perspectives can be found in Table 1. For more detailed information about these transit agencies and their resilience planning approaches, refer to Appendix A: Detailed Case Studies.
Transit Agency |
City, State |
Bus Fleet |
Case Study Perspective |
|---|---|---|---|
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit Authority (AC Transit) |
Oakland, CA |
630 |
AC Transit has many years of operating both battery-electric buses and fuel cell electric buses. |
Antelope Valley Transportation Authority (AVTA) |
Lancaster, CA |
106 |
AVTA has had a fully battery-electric bus fleet since 2022. |
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) |
New York, NY |
5,800 |
MTA has conducted a study evaluating key resilience priorities specifically for ZEBs. |
Metro Transit |
Minneapolis, MN |
822 |
Metro Transit has conducted extensive planning and implementation activities with its local electric utility to build resilient infrastructure. |
Montgomery County Transit Services |
Montgomery County, MD |
377 |
Montgomery County has implemented a microgrid to support its battery-electric bus fleet. |
Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) |
Santa Maria, CA |
43 |
SMRT is a small agency transitioning to battery-electric buses over a very short time scale and has made resilience planning an integral part of its deployment plans. |
