Anaheim Transportation Network Awarded $5m Clean Energy Grant

[Anaheim, Calif., February 24, 2021]

The Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) was awarded a $5 million grant to advance its effort to become California’s first all-electric transit operator.  The grant, awarded by the California Energy Commission, will be used to acquire charging stations, batteries, and the other solar infrastructure required to support ATN’s MicroGrid and zero-emission vehicle fleet.

“This investment will assist ATN in delivering a world-class electric bus fleet that will not only benefit passengers, but will also enhance air quality for the entire region,” stated Diana Kotler, ATN Executive Director.  “With a goal of becoming California’s first all-electric bus fleet by 2025, we are excited to be creating sustainable public transportation options to meet the transit demands of local residents, employees and visitors.”

Funds provided as part of the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program will assist in the purchase, installation and integration of ATN’s MicroGrid and solar charging infrastructure.  The infrastructure includes multiple TESLA MegaPack battery energy storage systems, microgrid controller units, and heavy-duty all-electric battery charging stations at both of ATN’s facilities in Anaheim.  

“In addition to ATN’s own investments, we have been working to establish partnerships and other local funding opportunities in order to realize the environmental and economic benefits of a fully solar-charged bus fleet,” said Kotler.  

ATN has partnered with AMPLY Power for the management of the charging operations from system design, installation, equipment purchases, operations and maintenance. This 20-year Purchase Power Agreement and Charge Management Service includes the construction of a 545kW solar canopy that provides 25 percent of the total expected energy consumption. 

ATN’s public transportation network plays an important role in connection of residents, visitors and employees to numerous regional employment centers.  In addition, ATN connects riders through the county’s regional transit hub, Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), to Metrolink commuter services and the interstate Amtrak system.  

About U.S. Anaheim Transportation Network

Operating as the flagship program of the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN), Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) is a network of 19 interchangeable bus routes with service to more than 70 stops in and around Anaheim and Orange County. ART also collaborates on long-distance connections with regional transportation providers, as well as with the City of Anaheim on transit initiatives for locals.
ART transports more than 9 million guests each year using a fleet of 81 buses, all of which are certified clean-fuel vehicles running on either natural gas or electricity. As part of the #ElectrifyAnaheim initiative, more than 50 percent of ART’s fleet will be electric with zero emissions by 2020.