Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan
Overview
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is developing a Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan (ZEB Transition Plan) to guide the transition of its bus fleet to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2040 while maintaining safe and reliable bus service.
The ZEB Transition Plan will update OCTA’s 2020 Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan to reflect advancements in zero-emission bus technologies and meet state requirements, including the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit regulation, which requires large transit agencies to transition all revenue service buses to zero-emission by 2040.
Over the course of the 14-month planning process, OCTA will evaluate current and future service needs, bus operations and facility requirements, as well as battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. OCTA will also identify charging and fueling infrastructure needs, investment and funding needs, and practical, cost-effective strategies for implementation.
The result will be an updated ZEB Transition Plan that meets state requirements, supports reliable bus service, and provides a roadmap for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future for Orange County communities.
Objectives/Goals
The ZEB Transition Plan will provide a clear roadmap for OCTA’s transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. The plan will identify practical implementation strategies, infrastructure and investment needs, and potential funding opportunities while helping minimize potential impacts to bus service.
The plan will support informed decision-making and long-term planning to help OCTA achieve a smooth, reliable and cost-effective transition for riders and the community.
Join Us
Join us for a virtual community webinar to learn more about the Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan. Hear about the plan’s goals, learn about the zero-emission technologies and strategies being evaluated, and share your feedback with the project team.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Webinar Link: bit.ly/OCTAZEBWebinar
Webinar ID: 870 9988 9291
Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation will be provided. Special accommodations and additional interpretations are available by reaching out to Diana Garcia at dgarcia@octa.net. Requests must be made at least 72 hours in advance of a scheduled meeting.
Schedule
|
milestones
|
TIMELINE |
|---|---|
| Study Kick-off | Spring 2026 |
| Public Engagement | Ongoing |
| Existing Conditions & Fleet Options Assessment | Summer 2026 |
| Draft ZEB Transition Plan | Spring 2027 |
| Final ZEB Transition Plan Final Report | Summer 2027 |