Legislative Strategy
ZEBRA's combined understanding of transit and real-world experiences enhances our ability to build relationships and find creative solutions. We have unified representation on important programs and policies while simultaneously remaining active within our individual agencies. Our legislative strategy recognizes that battery electric buses have dominated the market and fuel cell electric buses would benefit from a larger share of Federal funding. ZEBRA also supports funding beyond the vehicle itself, with facility and technology selections matched to service needs and long-term agency goals.
Policies and Programs Supported
- Providing expanded funding for innovative zero-emission vehicle technology deployments, including programs that explicitly support short- and long-term infrastructure investments.
- Standardization that enables interoperability and compatibility across vehicle manufacturers, including corresponding charging and/or hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
- Ensure the stable and predictable supply and affordable cost of electricity and hydrogen, while ensuring that their use for mass transit is readily available.
- Funding fleet transition plans to better understand and manage challenges with evaluating options, identifying performance needs, and deploying ZE buses.
- Funding and expanding technical assistance for ZE buses, which is critical in reducing deployment risks, maximizing service efficiencies, and minimizing operating costs.
- Funding workforce development programs that encourage partnerships and information sharing to ensure all agencies have resources to train transit front-line staff and entry-level candidates on zero-emission technologies and related infrastructure.
- Reduce reliance on foreign and imported fuels by expanding the advanced battery-electric and hydrogen technology landscape in the United States and Canada.