COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority received a $22.8 million grant to fund 10 new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.

What You Need To Know

  • The award is from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration, and the award will also help support a new hydrogen fueling station at the McKinley Avenue facility

  • COTA explained the fuel cell electric buses are zero-emission buses, use hydrogenn gas to create electricity to charge batteries for the bus's electric motor and have a range of roughly 300 miles

  • COTA said the grant will help it achieve its goals to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2025, as well as achieve net-zero carbon neutrality by 2045

The award is from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration, and the award will also help support a new hydrogen fueling station at the McKinley Avenue facility. 

COTA said the grant will help it achieve its goals to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2025, as well as achieve net-zero carbon neutrality by 2045. 

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are creating new opportunities to improve the lives of millions of Americans who rely daily on buses," said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool in a release. “These grants will help deliver cleaner and greener transportation, designed to reach everyone, and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past.”

COTA explained the fuel cell electric buses are zero-emission buses, use hydrogen gas to create electricity to charge batteries for the bus' electric motor and have a range of roughly 300 miles. Additionally, the buses can be refueled in 10 minutes or less.

“We are grateful for this award from the FTA and its support of sustainable transit initiatives. This is a victory for our neighborhoods, directly impacting air quality and quality of life in the region while helping COTA support vibrant, healthy neighborhoods for everyone,” said Tellez-Fowler. “Investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology and infrastructure will allow COTA to reach our goal of zero-emissions while providing sustainable, accessible service as we prepare to expand our transit system to accommodate tremendous growth that is expected in the next 25 years.”

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