Concord, CA – County Connection has been awarded $15.9 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to fund the innovative Solar Supported Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet and Service Modernization Project. This transformative project aims to enhance public transit services while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly benefiting disadvantaged and low-income communities within the County Connection service area.
The project proposes the installation of 90,000 square feet of solar panels and a microgrid battery storage facility to support the acquisition of future zero-emission buses (ZEBs) that will replace outdated diesel-powered buses.
“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 the Chairman of County Connection Board of Directors.
The project is particularly important as it aligns with California’s strict air quality regulations. In 2023, County Connection’s Board of Directors adopted a plan to transition to a fully zero-emission bus fleet, in accordance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations requiring all new buses purchased after January 1, 2029, to be zero-emission vehicles. The initial phase will focus on acquiring 27 additional ZEBs, set to replace diesel buses which will be at the end of their useful life.
The TIRCP funding will not only support critical infrastructure upgrades at the main bus depot in Concord but will also enhance the facility’s resilience against future power grid disruptions. The on-site solar power generation and battery storage will significantly lower emissions, reinforcing County Connection’s commitment to a sustainable future.
“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. In total, the project is estimated to cost $48.9 million, with this grant award leveraging additional state and federal funds.
The anticipated greenhouse gas emission reduction is substantial, with projections indicating a reduction of 40,372 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e), highlighting the project’s critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Media inquires, please contact Ryan Jones, Manager of Marketing & Communications, County Connection at rjones@cccta.org or call 925-680-2037.