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TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

November/December 2006

David Tannehill Special Employee Award:
Jaimie Levin and AC Transit Taking the Hy-Road

Levin
Jaimie Levin shows off one of the Van Hool state-of-the-art, zero-emission, fuel-cell buses at AC Transit’s hydrogen energy station in Oakland. (Photo: Noah Berger)

Jaimie Levin is a man on a mission. As AC Transit’s enthusiastic director of Alternative Fuels Policy and Marketing, he is leading the nation’s foremost hydrogen fuel-cell demonstration project. It is a remarkable private-public partnership that has raised more than $21 million in grants and contributions to build one of the most technologically advanced demonstrations of its type in the world. AC Transit has spearheaded the production of five state-of-the art fuel-cell buses, with three now operating — quietly and with zero emissions — on the streets of East Bay cities. Another is in service with SunLine Transit in Thousand Palms, Calif., and another will soon be operating in Hartford, Conn.

AC Transit and its partners also have built two hydrogen energy stations, located in Richmond and Oakland. A third, solar-powered unit is being planned for AC Transit’s Emeryville operating division.

In partnership with Hyundai-Kia Motor Company, AC Transit’s mail delivery staff and transit road supervisors also operate a fleet of zero-emission fuel cell cars (six as of October 2006, and 12 by July 2007).

“Jaimie Levin made this project happen by his enthusiasm and his ability to work with partners,” said AC Transit General Manager Rick Fernandez. “He lives and breathes fuel cells.”

The AC Transit HyRoad Project began in 1999 when Levin experienced a prototype hydrogen fuel-cell bus on loan to the AC District. “I saw the future,” he said, “and that led to the start of a very aggressive fundraising program.” Levin also facilitated creation of an extensive partnership that brought together 28 public agencies and private organizations.He especially applauds Van Hool Bus, UTC Power and ISE Corporation for coming together to design and produce the fuel-cell buses, and Chevron Corporation for building AC’s main hydrogen energy station in Oakland.

“It will take five to 10 years to become commercially viable,” he said, “but it’s time to get started. The immediate returns to the communities we serve are significant quality of life enhancements to our densely populated service area. The only emission from the buses is pure steam, and the only noise is from the tires on the road and the gentle sound of electric motors.”
— Marjorie Blackwell

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