By Kathy Gottberg (2/3/10)

 

            C. Mikel Oglesby of SunLine Transit Agency recently announced that the Coachella Valley is soon to be the home of the Advanced Technology (AT) Fuel Cell Bus.  This sixth generation of Hydrogen Bus clearly demonstrates SunLine’s leadership in the commercialization of hydrogen as a “present reality in the Coachella Valley, not a dream for the future.”

 

             During a short presentation at the GreenZone Open House in January, Oglesby explained the evolution of Hydrogen buses in our area as well as the critical role that SunLine has taken to advance this field.    In the 1990s, SunLine became known for its commitment to developing alternative fuels when it converted its vehicles from diesel fuel to CNG.  Then in the early 2000s, SunLine began the testing and advancement of hydrogen technology.  Under Oglesby’s leadership during the last five and a half years, SunFuels was created which is the only public multi-fueling station of its kind in the United State and offers three types of alternative fuel—CNG, HCNG, and hydrogen.  All profits from SunFuels are reinvested into the transit infrastructure, benefiting both residents and visitors of the Coachella Valley.

             However, it is as a leader in providing public transportation using cutting edge technology that makes SunLine Transit Agency so extraordinary.  The new Sixth Generation Bus to be available this spring will feature the latest in reliability, performance and weight reduction—each which improves gas mileage, range and the hydrogen technology for future benefits.  Every single generation of the Hydrogen Buses developed and used here in the valley has contributed greatly to the evolution and viability of Hydrogen technology around the world.

            Not only does SunLine lead the way in safe and environmentally conscious public transportation, they are willing to continue to push the envelope in spite of the downturn in the US economy.    Focused on helping to develop green jobs and keep America at the forefront of green technology, the Seventh Generation Fuel Cell Bus is already well on its way and is expected to be delivered locally in 2011.  (It has just been announced that the actual unveiling will occur on February 19^th during a special luncheon—see the Coachella Valley Green Event Calendar for more info.) While it is easy for Coachella Valley residents to take for granted the remarkable, clean and progressive technology that these buses represent, that would be a mistake.  SunLine Transit Agency, under the leadership of Mikel Oglesby, is clearly heralding in the new clean and green economy for the entire country, and the Coachella Valley should be extremely proud to be a part of it.