The zero-emissions bus is part of a regional fleet called the Clean Air Express that connects Santa Barbara County towns and employment centers.

According to an article in The Santa Barbara Independent, the region has introduced an all-electric bus to its intercity service, the Clean Air Express, which encourages residents to commute via bus rather than cars. The zero-emissions bus, like others in the Clean Air Express fleet, will travel between Santa Maria, Lompoc, and other major employment centers in Santa Barbara County.
"A switch to cleaner, quieter, and smoother public transit options is a switch in the right direction, one that is imperative for our future – for our children and neighbors. Today we see just how the zero-emission vehicle industry’s evolving technology is changing the game for long-range transportation options improving the efficiency, experience, and commuter benefits to save energy and the environment," said Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors Chair Das Williams.
Operated by SBCAG, the Clean Air Express serves roughly 7,000 riders per month with a fleet of 17 buses. "Of the $850,000 cost of the all-electric bus, Caltrans provided $500,000 in SB 1 funds from the State Rail Assistance Program. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies."
FULL STORY: All-Electric, Zero-Emissions Intercity Bus Makes Its Debut in Santa Barbara County

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie