Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Transition to Zero
TechnologyGovernment

Transition to Zero

Jared Schnader

Podcast focused on the Transition to Zero Emission in Transit

Play
Open in
  • 22 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 33 min
  • English

Episodes 22

NewestOldestLongest
All2Unplayed2In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Jul 15, 2025 · 36 min

    Being First: Foothill Transit

    Keywords Foothill Transit, Doran Barnes, electric buses, hydrogen fuel cell, zero emission, transit technology, infrastructure, community engagement, workforce development, public transportation Takeaways Foothill Transit operates in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys of Los Angeles County. The transition from diesel to CNG and then to electric buses began in 2010. Doran Barnes emphasizes the importance of understanding the economics of electric power versus traditional fuels. Charging infrastructure is critical for the successful deployment of electric buses. The initial deployment of electric buses revealed unexpected challenges, particularly with charging frequency. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being adopted as a viable alternative to battery electric buses. Community engagement is essential for public acceptance of new technologies. The workforce must be trained to handle advanced technologies in transit. Sharing knowledge and experiences across the industry is vital for progress. Economic viability remains a challenge for zero emission technologies. Summary In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader speaks with Doran Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit, about the challenges and successes of integrating advanced technologies into public transit. They discuss the transition from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) and then to electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses. Doran shares insights on the importance of infrastructure, community engagement, and the economic considerations of adopting zero-emission technologies. The conversation highlights the need for workforce development and the sharing of knowledge within the industry to foster innovation and progress in transit systems. Titles Innovating Transit: The Journey of Foothill Transit Doran Barnes on the Future of Zero Emission Buses Sound bites "Hydrogen can do the job." "Our board was like, hey, this is pretty cool." "This is part of the experience." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foothill Transit and Doran Barnes 02:46 Transitioning to Advanced Technologies in Transit 05:39 Challenges of Electric Bus Deployment 08:31 Learning from Early Deployments 11:15 The Shift to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses 14:07 Economic Considerations in Zero Emission Technologies 16:40 The Role of Infrastructure in Technology Adoption 19:24 Community Engagement and Public Perception 22:09 Workforce Development in Advanced Technologies 25:03 Board Support and Risk Management 27:51 Final Thoughts on Innovation in Transit

  • Jul 1, 2025 · 32 min

    Sunline Transit and the Hydrogen Revolution

    Keywords Sunline Transit, hydrogen technology, public transit, microtransit, zero emissions, funding, workforce development, California transit, alternative fuels, community mobility Summary In this episode, Jared Schnader interviews Mona Babauta, CEO of Sunline Transit Agency, discussing the agency's commitment to hydrogen technology and zero-emission public transit. They explore the challenges of operating in a desert environment, the establishment of a commercial hydrogen station, and the importance of workforce development through a new Center of Excellence. The conversation also touches on funding concerns, the demand for microtransit services, and the agency's engagement with elected officials to secure resources for future growth. Takeaways Sunline Transit Agency operates in the Coachella Valley, covering 1,100 square miles. The agency has transitioned its fleet to hydrogen technology, with over half of its buses running on hydrogen. Challenges in the desert include high temperatures affecting hydrogen storage and fueling processes. Sunline is establishing a commercial hydrogen station to generate revenue and support public transit. The Center of Excellence will provide training for employees and other transit agencies on zero-emission technology. Funding is a significant concern for transit agencies, especially with recent changes in state legislation. Microtransit services are gaining popularity in the Coachella Valley, filling gaps in public transportation. Sunline aims to expand its microtransit service as demand increases. The agency is committed to achieving a 100% hydrogen fleet by 2040, with hopes to do so sooner. Engagement with elected officials is crucial for securing resources and support for public transit initiatives. Sound Bites "We have a big reputation in the hydrogen space." "We are at the forefront of hydrogen." "We run one of the biggest electrolyzer stations." "Hydrogen wants to naturally be hot." "We are committed to hitting that mark." "Funding really is my biggest concern right now."

Showing 21–22 of 22 episodes