Pasadena Council Approves $32 Million Hydrogen Bus Contract, Accelerating Zero-Emission Fleet Conversion

Pasadena Council Approves $32 Million Hydrogen Bus Contract, Accelerating Zero-Emission Fleet Conversion

Fuel Cells Works | August 27, 2025

The Pasadena City Council voted Monday to approve a $32 million contract with New Flyer of America Inc. for the purchase of 17 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, marking a milestone in the city’s transition to a zero-emission transit fleet. The new 40-foot buses are expected to replace aging natural gas models and enter service by spring 2027.

The decision followed extensive debate over the costs, environmental benefits and long-term risks of committing to hydrogen while other Southern California transit agencies are shifting to battery-electric fleets.

The City has pledged to move to carbon free energy by 2030. Local advocates have in the past repeatedly called on the City to buy electric vehicles as part of that pledge.

Once delivered, the hydrogen buses will increase Pasadena Transit’s zero-emission fleet share from 2% to 46%, aligning with California’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation. Pasadena’s own Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan, adopted in 2023, sets a local deadline of 2037...more
https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/08/27/fuel-cells/pasadena-council-approves-32-million-hydrogen-bus-contract-accelerating-zero-emission-fleet-conversion


Related: Everyone says Hydrogen Trucks have no Future, so I'm driving one