Transit Operations
Why is it important?
In 2016, Big Blue Bus (an industry leader in sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices), pledged to convert 100-percent of its fleet from natural gas to zero emissions by 2030. Nearly three (3) years later, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a statewide regulation (Innovative Clean Transit) that mandates public transit agencies fully adopt a zero emissions bus fleet by 2040. There are currently 200 public transit agencies in California, which collectively operate roughly 12,000 buses.
CARB estimates that full adoption of the regulation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tons between 2020 and 2050 -- that's equivalent to taking 4 million cars off the road. Further, in March 2019, Bloomberg reported that for every 1,000 electric buses on the road, demand for roughly 500 barrels of diesel is displaced each day.
As a public transit agency, we have a responsibility to safely connect people to opportunities that enrich their well-being, and we must do so in a manner that greatly contributes to the preservation of people, place, and planet. This principle, along with state and local goals for zero emissions buses, has guided our important work toward the adoption of BEBs, and strengthened our commitment to sustainability and the environment.
How are we doing?
Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of 195 vehicles transporting more than 44,000 customers daily across a 58-square mile service area. Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the entire fleet operates on alternative fuels, including renewable natural gas (RNG), a form of liquefied and compressed natural gas (LNG/CNG), which helps cut emissions by up to 90 percent. In August 2019, the City unveiled the first ever all-electric Big Blue Bus.
In August 2019, the City unveiled the first ever battery electric Big Blue Bus. The 40-foot bus will seat 38 passengers, powered by 100-percent renewable energy, and can be fully charged in under four hours. Purchasing and deploying an additional 18 battery electric buses by 2021, BBB continues its strategic transition to full zero-emissions technology, while ensuring a consistent delivery of outstanding service quality for its customers and enabling its staff the opportunity to take an active role in the development and deployment of the new technology.
As of Fiscal Year 2021-2022, about 10% of Big Blue Bus fleet is zero emission buses. The zero emission BBB fleet drove approximately 128,320 miles throughout the fiscal year. The City is continue to strategize for a complete transition to a clean energy fleet by 2030. Learn more here.
Additionally, the City is continue to improve the efficiency of operations and optimize route travel times in an effort to increase ridership and the use of public transportation. As of fiscal year 2021/2022, the City has installed approximately 0.6 mile of bus-only lanes. The average miles per hour of weekday buses is approximately 12.7 mph. The City continues to identify streets where bus-only lanes with improve efficiency of bus routes.