Summary
- Wealthier commuters prefer rail over buses due to perceptions of reliability, speed, and comfort
- Buses are the primary mode of transit for lower-income riders, reflecting economic divides in urban mobility
- Hydrogen buses have higher total cost of ownership than battery electric buses and suffer from production and distribution costs
- Hydrogen fuel is expensive to produce, store, distribute, and fuel vehicles, making it less cost-effective than electricity
- Hydrogen buses are more expensive to buy, fuel, and maintain than battery electric buses, leading to poorer service for lower-income communities and limited climate benefits
Article
In cities around the world, there is a disparity in the use of public transit between wealthier commuters and lower-income riders. Wealthier individuals are more likely to choose rail systems over buses due to perceptions of reliability, speed, and comfort. Light rail lines often attract a more affluent ridership compared to buses, which face congestion and inconsistent scheduling. This divide in urban mobility highlights the need for improved bus service, including dedicated lanes and enhanced frequency, to make bus transit more attractive and efficient.
One of the challenges with hydrogen buses is that they reduce the total number of buses in operation, leaving the less affluent stranded. Hydrogen buses have a significantly higher total cost of ownership compared to battery electric buses, making them less attractive economically. Additionally, the complexity of hydrogen vehicles, along with the costs of manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, further contribute to their high expenses. Battery electric buses, on the other hand, benefit from decreasing costs of batteries, power management systems, and electric motors, making them a more cost-effective and efficient option.
The cost of hydrogen vs electricity is also a factor to consider when evaluating the viability of hydrogen buses. Green hydrogen requires low-carbon electricity for production, which adds to the overall cost. While hydrogen buses may have lower emissions than diesel buses, the prevalence of gray hydrogen globally, along with leaks and potent greenhouse gas emissions, means they will always have higher emissions compared to battery electric buses. As battery electric buses trend lower in cost and offer significant climate wins, hydrogen buses continue to be more expensive to purchase, fuel, and maintain.
Data from California shows that hydrogen buses are less reliable than internal combustion buses, with higher maintenance costs. As battery electric buses become more cost-effective and reliable due to plummeting battery prices, hydrogen fuel cell buses remain expensive and less efficient. Transit agencies may struggle to afford hydrogen buses due to their high costs, leading to service disruptions and limitations in achieving climate goals. Ultimately, battery electric buses offer a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for urban transit, benefiting both riders and the environment.
Read the full article here
