Riverside Transit Agency unveiled a hydrogen fuelling station and five 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell buses at its Riverside headquarters, beginning a phased transition from compressed natural gas to zero-emission vehicles — with a target of more than 100 hydrogen buses over the next decade.

Riverside Transit Agency cut the ribbon on its new hydrogen fuelling station and put its first five hydrogen fuel cell buses into service at a ceremony at the agency's Riverside headquarters. The station was built by Clean Energy, which will also supply the hydrogen and maintain the private-access facility. Nikkiso CE&IG supplied the liquid hydrogen station control systems.

The five buses are 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric models, purchased using $5.1 million in federal Low or No Emission grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

RTA operates 339 vehicles across western Riverside County. The agency's current fleet runs on compressed natural gas. It plans to replace all 145 large buses in phases, with the transition expected to progress through 2026 and beyond. The longer-term target is more than 100 hydrogen buses within the next decade.

"It is an honor to welcome our new eco-friendly hydrogen-fueling station and our first hydrogen-powered buses as we celebrate this exciting milestone for RTA and Riverside County," RTA CEO Kristin Warsinski said. "Technology may drive progress, but it's the dedication, collaboration and expertise of our workforce, Board Members and community who truly make advancements like this possible."

Jim Steiner, RTA Board Chair and a Corona City Councilmember, said: "It has been a top priority for the RTA Board of Directors to bring Riverside County residents a greener public transportation service, and we're proud to have reached this monumental milestone today. The transition to zero-emission technology is a major investment in our county and in our workforce training. We're proud to embrace the future of eco-friendly transportation and do our part to reduce our environmental impact."

Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, a governor-appointed member of the California Air Resources Board, attended alongside Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina and RTA board members.

Source：  FCW Team