Public transport provider, Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will unveil the New Flyer made bus at GCTD’s operations and maintenance site before it is driven across several test routes.

The transport provider is currently developing its Zero-Emission Transition plan and is trialling what technology is suitable for its operating area.

The trial comes as GCTD applies for a grant to purchase five hydrogen fuel cell buses and upgrade its facilities to incorporate hydrogen refuelling, through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission and Bus Program for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.

H2 View understands that the company has received 29 letters of support for the use of hydrogen-powered buses from local leaders, stakeholders, businesses, and community organisations in Ventura County.

GCTD have said it decided to pursue hydrogen fuel cell bus buses in its zero-emissions ambitions, due to the 350-mile range on a single refuel, in comparison to the shorter ranges and long recharging periods of pure battery electric buses.

Vanessa Rauschenberger, General Manager at Gold Coast Transit District, said, “We are excited about the potential for hydrogen fuel cell technology and look forward to testing the bus for a few days to give our employees and passengers a glimpse into our zero-emission future.”