Pasadena’s Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Transition Plan

Infographic showing green hills and trees with a teal and white Pasadena Transit battery-electric bus. Large headline reads: ‘Each ZEB saves 172,000 lbs of GHG/year equals planting 3,500 trees.’ Text on the side of the bus side reads ‘BATTERY ELECTRIC.’ Sky includes clouds and birds

Commitment to Clean Air

Pasadena Transit and Pasadena Dial-A-Ride are committed to achieving a zero-emission fleet before California's 2040 mandate to help create a cleaner, healthier community. The Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan (approved by City Council in January 2023) describes how this goal will be achieved by innovatively using hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric technologies.

While the Pasadena Transit fleet already runs on low emission renewable natural gas, the city is not stopping there. Pasadena Transit has launched its first battery-electric bus into active service, marking the beginning of a fully zero-emission future.

Why Zero-Emission Matters

Cleaner Air, Healthier Community: Reduced tailpipe emissions mean better air quality and public health benefits for all.
Sustainable Innovation: Adopting hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric bus technology years ahead of California’s mandate.
Local Action, Global Impact: Taking bold local steps to combat a global climate challenge by transitioning Pasadena’s transit fleet to zero-emission technology.

Transition Timeline

By 2030: 100% zero-emission fleet for Pasadena Dial-A-Ride
By 2037: 100% zero-emission fleet for Pasadena Transit

Technologies Used

Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs) for fixed-route Pasadena Transit
Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) for Pasadena Dial-A-Ride.
Pasadena Transit is currently piloting a battery electric bus (BEB) which is already on the road.

Current Progress and Milestones

Significant progress has been made toward being able to achieve the city’s zero-emission transit fleet goals, including:

About $120 million has been secured in grant funding toward the estimated total project cost of $150.7 million.
As of March 2025, 30% design completion of the City’s new Transit Operations & Maintenance Facility (TOMF) which is anticipated to be operational by 2028.
As of May 2025, 30% design completion and environmental clearance for the new Hydrogen Fueling Station, anticipated to be operational by 2027.
As of May 2025, Pasadena Transit put its first battery electric bus in service.
Pasadena aims to transition approximately 47% of its 55 public transit vehicles to zero-emission by 2028. Pasadena currently has one battery electric vehicle in service on Pasadena Transit. City Council approved the first order of seventeen fuel cell electric buses in August 2025. The first order of seventeen vehicles is anticipated to be in service by summer 2027.