Driver Response to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses in a Real-World Setting

Abstract

This study examined bus drivers' acceptance of fuel cell electric buses in Alameda–Contra Costa Transit in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Of the 145 surveys issued, 47 drivers completed a written survey, for a 32% response rate. The study focused on a key attribute for potential success of alternative urban bus technology: the driver acceptance factor. Technology performance flaws that are undesirable or annoying to the bus drivers may also be disruptive to passengers. Furthermore, because of using the buses throughout their full duty cycle, drivers are in a unique position to identify key opportunities to improve the new technology options as they emerge and evolve. The study found that drivers, in general, rated the hydrogen fuel cell buses to be at the same or better performance than diesel buses for handling, ride quality, acceleration, and braking. For quiet operation, the drivers rated the new buses as excellent. When asked how they liked the experimental hydrogen fuel cell buses, drivers responded at just above neutral, with the most common response being “the same” as diesel buses followed by “much better.” Those drivers who said that they considered fuel economy when purchasing a vehicle liked the fuel cell buses more. Older drivers preferred the diesel buses, and male drivers preferred the new fuel cell buses. Perceptions of safety were mixed, with some drivers expressing safety concerns independent of how much training they had received.