$15.9M Grant To Fund 27 Zero-Emission County Connection Buses

CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA—County Connection was awarded a $15.9 million grant from the California State Transportation Agency to fund its Solar-Supported Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet and Service Modernization Project.

The project proposes installing 90,000 square feet of solar panels and a microgrid battery storage facility to support the acquisition of future zero-emission buses that will replace outdated diesel-powered buses.

The transformative project aims to enhance public transit services while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Central Contra Costa Transit Authority said it will particularly benefit disadvantaged and low-income communities within the County Connection service area.

"This funding will strengthen the foundation of our zero-emission programs and commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and clean public transportation for our Contra Costa residents," said Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek city councilmember and chairman of County Connection Board of Directors.

County Connection's Board of Directors adopted a plan in 2023 to transition to a fully zero-emission bus fleet in adherence with state regulations requiring that all new buses purchased after Jan. 1, 2029, be zero-emission.

The project's initial phase will focus on acquiring 27 additional zero-emission buses to replace diesel buses nearing the end of their useful lives.

The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant funds from the state support critical infrastructure upgrades at the main bus depot in Concord and enhance the facility’s resilience against future power grid disruptions. The on-site solar power generation and battery storage reinforce County Connection’s commitment to a sustainable future by generating significantly lower emissions by around 40,372 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e).

The project will cost an estimated $48.9 million, with the anticipation that additional state and federal funds will follow this grant award.

"We are always looking toward the future and for new ways to offer reliable public transit to the communities we serve," said Bill Churchill, general manager at County Connection.