Modernizing the Transit Experience

Connecting communities to work, school, and services in the modern world requires constant innovation and responsiveness. From green fleets to air purification and smarter fare payment, recent announcements from public transit agencies reflect their ability to stay ahead of the curve.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses: Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) in California has unveiled 13 new hydrogen fuel cell buses and an interim hydrogen fueling station. This represents a significant step forward in reducing emissions. The technology emits only water, producing zero tailpipe emissions.

“By introducing 13 hydrogen fuel cell buses and an interim fueling station, VVTA is advancing zero-emission transit, cleaner air, and a more sustainable future,” said CEO Nancie Goff. VVTA’s Chief Maintenance Officer Dustin Strandberg explained that “transitioning to hydrogen fuel cell technology is a natural next step,” aligned with operational needs.

Air Purification: The Innovation Studio at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has partnered with Sandbox Carbon, a Chicago-based start-up, to produce and install custom activated carbon filters for rail cars. The new filters will include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters. This will provide an improved rider experience, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses.

The pilot program aims to mitigate smells associated with smoke and other odors. CTA sought low maintenance solutions that would perform in a variety of weather conditions. Sandbox Carbon’s activated carbon filters will be installed on eight Bombardier 5000-Series railcars. Industrial air quality sensors will monitor two common byproducts of cigarette smoke. CTA will conduct a baseline air quality test to compare against the effectiveness of the new filters.

Flexible Fare Payment: Laketran in Ohio is updating its fare collection system to expand payment options for riders who prefer cash or do not use smartphones. The launch of EZfare smartcards and transit vending machines offers these riders the same benefits, like Tap & Ride, received by those who pay with the mobile app or a credit card.

Starting with a pilot program, Laketran installed vending machines at three transit centers and its Mentor Park-n-Ride. The machines allow customers to add stored value or passes to their EZfare account with cash and purchase EZfare smartcards directly onsite. Laketran CEO Ben Capelle said, “This technology not only provides more fare options for our customers, but it also helps reduce the cost of our fare collection from an operating expense.”