South San Francisco, CA – SamTrans, the San Mateo County Transit District, has partnered with Trillium USA Company, LLC to develop a significant $17.37 million permanent hydrogen fueling station at its North Base facility. This state-of-the-art infrastructure, slated for completion by July 2025, marks a pivotal step in SamTrans’ ambitious Innovative Clean Transit Plan, signaling a decisive shift towards a fully zero-emission public transportation fleet. The project underscores a growing commitment within the transit sector to adopt advanced clean energy solutions, aligning with California’s aggressive decarbonization targets.

The new fueling station is designed to be a critical enabler for SamTrans’ transition away from conventional diesel-powered buses. Trillium USA Company, LLC, a leading provider of alternative fueling solutions, is responsible for the comprehensive scope of work, including the design, construction, ongoing maintenance, and operational management of the facility. The operational phase alone is projected to incur maintenance costs of $2.97 million over the initial five years, reflecting the long-term commitment to reliable hydrogen infrastructure. This collaboration highlights the increasing trend of public-private partnerships driving the expansion of green hydrogen capabilities across the United States.

Strategically located in South San Francisco, a region recognized for its robust innovation ecosystem in biotechnology and renewable energy, the station benefits from a synergistic environment. Once operational, the facility will significantly enhance the efficiency and operational range of SamTrans’ hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses (FCEBs). The ability to refuel rapidly and support extended routes is paramount for maintaining the demanding schedules of a busy transit system, ensuring minimal disruption during the transition to cleaner energy. This localized infrastructure development is crucial for building out the necessary ecosystem to support widespread FCEB adoption.

This substantial investment in hydrogen infrastructure sends a clear message regarding the viability and future role of fuel cell technology in public transit. As hydrogen fuel cell technology matures and becomes more economically competitive, projects like the SamTrans-Trillium station are instrumental in demonstrating its practical application and scalability. They serve as blueprints for other transit agencies contemplating similar transitions, showcasing a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve urban air quality. The initiative not only supports SamTrans’ operational sustainability goals but also contributes to the broader objective of establishing hydrogen as a cornerstone of future energy systems for heavy-duty transportation. The successful deployment of this facility is expected to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen solutions across the Californian public transport landscape, fostering a cleaner, more efficient, and resilient transit future.