This report describes operations at Connecticut Transit (CTTRANSIT) in Hartford for one prototype fuel cell bus and three new diesel buses operating from the same location. The evaluation period in this report (January 2008 through February 2009) has been chosen to coincide with a UTC Power propulsion system changeout that occurred on January 15, 2008. After this changeout of the propulsion system, the operation of the fuel cell bus was increased as much as the technology would allow. UTC Power reported that this change of the power system incorporated many of the lessons learned from operation including previous early power-loss issues. This evaluation report is focused on measuring the accomplishments and lessons learned from this fuel cell power system and the next steps. In this report, the fuel cell bus is considered to be prototype technology that is in the process of being commercialized. The analysis and comparison discussions regarding standard diesel buses help baseline the progress of the fuel cell bus technology. There is no intent to consider this implementation of fuel cell buses as commercial (or full-revenue transit service). This evaluation focuses on documenting progress and opportunities for improving the vehicles, infrastructure, and procedures.
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