Adapting For Tomorrow: Developing A Multi-Faceted Alternative Fuel Strategy Is Key

By Melinda Metzger, Executive Director, Pace Suburban Bus

Melinda Metzger

Transit agencies increasingly are tasked with evolving their operations while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As transit agencies that operate hundreds of vehicles, we also feel the desire to embrace sustainability and capitalize on ever-changing transportation technology. This undoubtedly makes a transition to alternative fuel — such as battery-electric, hydrogen, and whatever fuels the future brings — appealing to pursue. But the path to embracing alternative fuel is filled with complexities, especially in today’s climate.

That’s why it’s essential for transit agencies to pursue these transitions years in advance with flexible and adaptable plans. A thoughtful approach is a necessity for the evolving landscape of technology, policy, and funding that transit agencies must always navigate, regardless of the size of the undertaking.

At Pace Suburban Bus in the suburban Chicago area, we recognize that the transition to alternative fuels is a marathon, not a sprint. Shortly after we committed to transitioning our fleet to zero emissions by 2040 with the release of our 2020 Driving Innovation strategic plan, we understood that we needed a pragmatic approach that could phase in our fleet transition as funding resources, bus manufacturing demands, and policy priorities would allow.

We went to work developing a fleet transition plan that sets a multi-year course for acquiring buses powered by different alternative fuels, not just battery-electric ones. We developed a facility transition plan to prepare our garages for the future, realizing that our aging facilities needed significant upgrades to accommodate new and emerging technologies. We also saw opportunity, knowing that capital resources dedicated to alternative fuels can help us modernize and expand our facilities, address longstanding maintenance needs, and create greater operational efficiencies.

The reality is that converting a large fleet with hundreds of vehicles and dozens of facilities is a decades-long endeavor. The work to plan for these transitions is far from linear. Federal and state priorities shift, funding resources fluctuate, and technological advancements continue to emerge. Our pragmatic approach has been crucial in guiding our decisions and ensuring we remain on a realistic path that maintains fiscal responsibility.

For example, as part of our transition plan, Pace successfully pursued multi-million-dollar federal grants that help cover the purchase of 80 diesel-electric-hybrid buses in the near term. While not battery-electric, the new vehicles will reduce emissions, save on fuel and maintenance costs, and move us toward our 2040 goal. It also helps us navigate the fledgling market, especially for zero-emission vehicles where manufacturing delays are common, and suppliers can come and go quickly.

Planning for the long term, Pace has included funding in our 2025 budget for a hydrogen vehicle pilot program. We recognize that hydrogen fuel cell buses are not yet widely used, and that the technology is still developing. However, hydrogen is an appealing fuel source because it enables longer vehicle operation. To ensure Pace is well-positioned for the future, we must begin exploring this option now.

While operating multiple vehicle technologies presents its own challenges, Pace remains committed to thoughtfully piloting new technologies while maintaining the highest standards in safety, training, and maintenance. We will not make new commitments without thoroughly evaluating these factors.

The journey to harnessing alternative fuel and modernizing a fleet is a complex and complicated undertaking that needs to be able to withstand years — even decades — of changes. At Pace, we are proactively addressing these challenges as best we can, developing plans that can adapt to these changes and ensure consistent progress toward embracing alternative fuel. By planning ahead and developing a multi-faceted strategy, transit agencies can equip themselves better to navigate the uncertainties that inherently come with pursuing a bold vision and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead before it’s too late.

Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago’s suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area of about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace’s innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.