Project Scope

Background:

In order for transit agencies to convert part or all of their fleets to EVs and other zero-emission fleet technologies, it will require large investments in charging infrastructure as well as new demands on the power grid, which provide opportunities for partnership with electric utilities to upgrade grid supply, energy loads, and also to reduce costs during peak load.

Synthesis Objective:

This synthesizes will document the current practices by transit agencies to coordinate or partner with electric utilities to negotiate rate structure and increase energy loads in relation to transit fleet electrification and other zero-emissions fleet transitions. Specifically, the synthesis will focus on bus fleet electrification whether for specific bus routes or the larger transit network.

Information to be Gathered (Not an exhaustive list):

•       Identification of transit agency practices in relation to utility coordination (with utility providers and different types of utility arrangements and/or separately evaluating energy demands and supply needs);

•       Examine international practices/approaches, as appropriate;

•       Assess utility coordination practices in reference with fleet electrification goals and additional parallel efforts to increase energy loads through upgrades to the grid and energy transition to renewable electricity generation, including grid upgrade potential or additional forms of energy generation and storage along transit rights-of-way (ROW) and other ROW.

How the Information Will Be Gathered:

•       a literature review (e.g. agency reports, peer reviewed journal articles, web articles, agency websites);

•       a survey on a broad range of North American transit agencies (diverse in terms of geography, socioeconomics, size (small, medium, and large);

•       at least five case examples from agencies at multiple stages of coordination (including initial planning and siting considerations) that will gather information on the practices, challenges and successes; and,

•       Identification of knowledge gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps.

TRB Staff
Mariela Garcia-Colberg
Phone: 202-334-2361
Email: mgarciacolberg@nas.edu

Meeting Dates
First Panel: October 6, 2022
Teleconference with Consultant: December 2022
Second Panel: July 2023

Topic Panel 

Shofi Azum, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority 

Eric Cahill, Sacramento Muncipal Utility District

Abhishek Dayal, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)

Carrie Desmond, Metro Transit (MN)

Mark Donaghy, Consultant 

Kyle Whatley, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System 

Jason White, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority 

Karen Winger, WSP