Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Adopts Zero-Emission Bus Blueprint

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), which provides transportation services across Santa Clara County, California, has unanimously adopted the Zero-Emission Bus Transition Blueprint (ZEB), developed by Jacobs. This strategic plan marks a major milestone in VTA’s commitment to converting its bus fleet to zero emissions by 2040.

Developed through a detailed technological assessment, the blueprint outlines facility and infrastructure planning, fleet conversion strategies and energy analysis to support a phased and realistic transition.

“The Zero-Emission Bus Transition Blueprint provides a clear and actionable roadmap for converting our bus fleet to zero emissions by 2040,” says Adam Burger, Innovative Mobility and ZEB Program Manager at VTA. “The depth of analysis, clarity of presentation and data-backed recommendations have been widely praised by our board members. We are excited to move forward with this strategic plan, which balances operational resiliency with economic considerations and helps us make informed decisions aligned with our long-term goals.”

Key features of the blueprint include:

• Technology Selection: Recommends a blend of battery and hydrogen technologies to ensure operational resilience while managing costs for a future fleet.
• Project Prioritization: Identifies and prioritizes project implementation, ensuring a strategic phasing approach to meet the goal of ZEB transition by 2040.
• Smart Decision-Making: Provides a framework for informed near-term decisions that support long-term objectives.
• Cost Estimates and Funding Strategy: Includes detailed cost estimates and outlines funding strategies for successful implementation.
• Detailed Program Schedule:  Offers a comprehensive project timeline informed by Jacobs’ expertise in zero-emission fleet program management.

“The blueprint is not just a plan; it's a commitment to a cleaner, greener future for Santa Clara County,” says Jacobs Project Manager Dieckmann Cogill. “It’s so impactful to watch our team move from road mapping into design, helping our client bring their vision to life.” 

A cornerstone of the blueprint approval was the focus on a healthy process to develop the plan which included robust VTA stakeholder consensus building. The process to get to the final blueprint was almost more important than the plan itself. Jacobs collaborated closely with VTA staff throughout the development of the blueprint and aligned all departments in the agency around a common strategy guided by Jacobs' expertise. With Jacobs' guidance, VTA is proceeding with the transition at a pace that won’t sacrifice safety, service quality or service quantity. The blueprint addresses the operational impacts of new technologies, facility constraints and the availability of charging and fueling infrastructure.

The blueprint not only supports the transition of VTA’s bus fleet, but also anticipates broader transformations in depot operations, energy consumption and capital infrastructure. With board approval in place, Jacobs and VTA are now moving forward with the next phase of work—designing and implementing key projects, including the installation of bus charging infrastructure at VTA’s Chaboya Yard.

In addition to our work with VTA, Jacobs has a long history of shaping infrastructure across California. Explore how we’re making an impact across the state: https://www.jacobs.com/golden-state-exploring-californias-gems