Electric buses set to receive charging support from SamTrans as they approve collaboration for infrastructure development
In an effort to promote cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for San Mateo County, the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) is set to transition its bus fleet to a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040.
The district's plan to achieve this ambitious goal involves transitioning its fleet in line with California Air Resources Board mandates and investing in large-scale charging infrastructure to support battery-electric buses.
Currently, SamTrans has approved a $36.3 million contract with Clark Construction Group to build a new charging facility at its South Base site in San Carlos. This facility will provide high-capacity chargers and overhead pantograph dispensers to support charging for 37 battery-electric buses, with expansion capacity allowing for up to 110 additional zero-emission vehicles in the future. Construction is set to begin later in 2025.
The project's funding comes from various sources, including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Bay Area Air District (BAAD), California Local Partner Program Competitive (LPP-C) fund, and the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). Due to new grants secured, the SamTrans 2026 Capital Budget was increased by $13.9 million to accommodate the charging project and support fleet electrification.
SamTrans initiated its zero-emission transition through its Innovative Clean Transit Plan, which follows California’s regulatory requirements for all transit operators to fully convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. The plan is designed not just to replace buses but also to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster healthier communities throughout San Mateo County.
The first phase of the project will power 37 battery-electric buses operating out of the South Base facility. The charging infrastructure is intended to be the backbone of SamTrans' service for decades to come. The agency's transition to zero-emission vehicles is part of its Innovative Clean Transit Plan, adopted to meet the California Air Resources Board's requirement for all public transit agencies to operate a 100% zero-emissions fleet by 2040.
The infrastructure is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for the communities served by SamTrans. The agreement with Clark Construction Group is worth $36.3 million, and the project will be built under a project labor agreement with local craft unions.
With this comprehensive approach of infrastructure investment combined with regulatory adherence, SamTrans is well on its way to electrifying its entire bus fleet within the next 15 years. The new charging infrastructure, when complete, will position SamTrans to expand its zero-emissions service, contributing significantly to a cleaner and healthier future for San Mateo County.
[1] San Mateo County Transit District. (2022). SamTrans Approves Agreement for Charging Stations for Expanding Fleet of Battery-Electric Buses. Retrieved from https://www.samtrans.com/news/press-releases/samtrans-approves-agreement-for-charging-stations-for-expanding-fleet-of-battery-electric-buses
[3] San Mateo County Transit District. (2022). SamTrans to Build $36.3 Million Charging Facility for Zero-Emission Buses. Retrieved from https://www.samtrans.com/news/press-releases/samtrans-to-build-36-3-million-charging-facility-for-zero-emission-buses
[5] San Mateo County Transit District. (2022). SamTrans' Innovative Clean Transit Plan. Retrieved from https://www.samtrans.com/about/innovative-clean-transit-plan
- The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) is investing in large-scale infrastructure, such as charging facilities, to support the transition of its bus fleet to a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040.
- The management of SamTrans has approved a $36.3 million contract with Clark Construction Group for building a new charging facility, which will include high-capacity chargers and overhead pantograph dispensers to support up to 147 battery-electric buses in the future.
- SamTrans' Innovative Clean Transit Plan, following California's regulatory requirements, aims not only to replace buses but also to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster healthier communities throughout San Mateo County.
- The transition to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by SamTrans is supported by various financing sources, including federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), regional grants from the Bay Area Air District (BAAD), and state funds from the California Local Partner Program Competitive (LPP-C) fund and the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP).
