Fuel cell buses have proved to be a major success in public transport trials all over the globe, according to a new report released yesterday (16th April).

The Breakthrough Technologies Institute and the Center for Transportation and the Environment assessed hydrogen buses in 19 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Conducted on behalf of the Federal Transmit Administration, the study - entitled A Report on Worldwide Hydrogen Bus Demonstrations 2002-2007 - showed that the buses were a hit with passengers and drivers alike.

The latter were particularly impressed, claiming that the noise reduction in comparison to conventional internal combustion vehicles left them feeling less tired at the end of their shifts.

William Vincent, one of the lead authors, said: "Fuel cell buses were more reliable, better performing and easier to integrate into public transportation fleets than many had expected.

"With additional research and development, they hold real promise to reduce pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependence in public transportation fleets."

The tests were exhaustive, with a total of 1.6 million miles covered and over seven million passengers being served on a number of typical 16-hour cycles, while 11,000 refuelling stops were successfully completed.

Transit agencies are excited about the potential of the vehicles and AC Transit in California recently bought four additional units, while BC Transit in British Columbia has secured a fleet of 20.

Source:

Fuel Cell Buses Embraced Among Transit Agencies and Passengers; Performance and Reliability Better than Expected in Revenue Service (16/04/09)