Sustainable transportation is making its way to the Inland Empire
RIVERSIDE, CA — August 31, 2026 — Recently Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) unveiled its new hydrogen fueling station and zero-emission hydrogen-powered buses at its headquarters in Riverside. The introduction of these buses marks the beginning of RTA’s transition from Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses to a fully zero-emission fleet.
“It is an honor to welcome our new eco-friendly hydrogen-fueling station and our first hydrogen-powered buses as we celebrate this exciting milestone for RTA and Riverside County,” said RTA CEO Kristin Warsinski. “Technology may drive progress, but it’s the dedication, collaboration and expertise of our workforce, Board Members and community who truly make advancements like this possible.”
This project was made possible through a combination of federal, state and local funding, including $4.89 million in competitive 5339 Low or No Emission funds that RTA secured to purchase its first five hydrogen fuel cell buses. The new hydrogen fueling station was built by Clean Energy, which is one of the few companies with the expertise to manage the liquid hydrogen volume needed to power a full fleet of buses.
“It has been a top priority for the RTA Board of Directors to bring Riverside County residents a greener public transportation service, and we’re proud to have reached this monumental milestone today,” said Jim Steiner, RTA Board Chair and City of Corona Council Member. “The transition to zero-emission technology is a major investment in our county and in our workforce training. We’re proud to embrace the future of eco-friendly transportation and do our part to reduce our environmental impact.”
Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, a champion for environmental sustainability and a state governor-appointed member of the California Air Resources Board, attended the event to celebrate this important milestone with RTA. Also in attendance were the RTA Board of Directors, Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina and various other stakeholders.
RTA joins transit agencies across the United States in developing and implementing projects to advance the shift towards zero-emission buses.
To learn more about RTA, visit: www.riversidetransit.com.
