Olympia Transit Authority Expanded Hydrogen Fuel Fleet
The board approved a $4.78 million contract for hydrogen trailers to support its expanding bus fleet in Olympia.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Intercity Transit Authority has approved a $4,780,950 contract with Powertech USA, Inc. to purchase two hydrogen storage tube trailers. These trailers will support the agency's existing hydrogen fuel cell electric bus fleet.
Why it matters
The investment strengthens the infrastructure needed to operate the agency's zero-emission bus fleet, supported by an 80 percent reimbursement grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Each 47.5-foot trailer features interconnected plumbing and can store approximately 1,000 kilograms of hydrogen. The authority also purchased 22 Toyota Sienna hybrids for $1,030,000 to replace aging staff vehicles.
The players
Intercity Transit Authority
This public transportation agency provides bus and van pool services throughout the Olympia area.
Powertech USA, Inc.
This company specializes in the engineering and manufacturing of high-pressure hydrogen storage and transport solutions.
Washington State Department of Transportation
This state agency oversees transportation infrastructure and provided grant funding for the new hydrogen storage equipment.
The details
The contract with Powertech USA, Inc. covers five years of mandatory inspections, maintenance, training, and technical assistance. In addition to the trailers, Intercity Transit is developing infrastructure for a previously contracted $4.6 million interim fueling station.
Timeline
In 2024, Intercity Transit purchased five hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.
In 2025, the agency contracted for an interim fueling station installation.
On September 16, 2026, the board approved the new Powertech USA, Inc. contract.
The first hydrogen trailer is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Roadmap
The transition to hydrogen fuel cell technology reflects a broader shift among regional transit agencies moving away from traditional internal combustion engines. This infrastructure investment positions the fleet to meet future sustainability requirements while reducing long-term reliance on fossil fuels.
Residents may see a gradual increase in zero-emission buses operating on local routes as the agency integrates new fuel storage capabilities. The addition of hybrid vehicles for staff and van pool services aims to modernize the fleet and maintain consistent transit availability.
The takeaway
Investment in hydrogen transport infrastructure is a critical step for agencies aiming to maintain zero-emission transit fleets over the long term. These specialized trailers ensure a consistent fuel supply for bus operations while modernizing the overall agency service model.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to upgrade public transit infrastructure on our Electric Vehicles page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by - The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
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Do you support your local transit agency investing in hydrogen technology over traditional fuel fleets?
