Congressman DeSaulnier presents award for hydrogen fueling station expansion.

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of Wheels bus service in the Tri-Valley, has gratefully accepted a 3-million-dollar federal funding award to expand a hydrogen fueling station supporting Wheels bus fleet expansion. The agency was proud to host Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Karrington Hendrix representing the office of Congressman Eric Swalwell.
 
“Today we celebrate the bold leadership of our Members of Congress who secured funding in Washington for LAVTA’s hydrogen fueling station to benefit their communities and constituents back home. This truly is the start of a zero-emissions and clean energy transportation future in the Tri-Valley” said LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener.

The award comes from Community Project Funding as part of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366), which included a total of $15.2 million in federal funds Congressman DeSaulnier secured for multiple projects across Alameda County.
 
Evan Branning, Board Chair for LAVTA and Livermore City Councilman stated "This federal award will enable LAVTA to deploy hydrogen fuel cell buses over the next two years, enabling conversion away from fossil fuels faster by increasing the number of buses we will be able to support with hydrogen fuel sooner. The funding also allows LAVTA to successfully meet the state of California’s climate goals while being a catalyst for good paying construction and clean-energy jobs in the Tri-Valley.”

Construction for the project is expected to break ground in 2025 and be completed in conjunction with delivery of the first hydrogen fuel cell buses in 2027. Hydrogen fuel produces no byproduct other than water and is expected to provide equivalent range as current comparable vehicles. LAVTA is becoming a leader in the clean hydrogen transition, especially in the Tri-Valley, and works with industry peers and experts to ensure resource availability and workforce support for this innovative technology.
 
For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measure BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

 
Event Photo Library: https://tinyurl.com/4ddt3fmm
Additional photography available upon request.