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Chicago & Vancouver Demonstration
Programs
Between 1999 and 2001, six hydrogen-fueled buses powered by
Ballard® fuel cell engines operated in revenue
service with the Chicago Transit Authority in Chicago, USA and
British Columbia's TransLink in Vancouver, Canada.
Between the Chicago and Vancouver trials, the six buses
involved traveled more than 118,000 kilometers (73,000 miles)
and carried in excess of 200,000 passengers, while emitting
only water vapor.
In addition, information and experience gained during the
project proved vital in developing the next generation engine,
which weighs 50% less than the previous generation.
The objectives of the Chicago and Vancouver demonstration
programs were to:
- Learn about fuel cell technology in real, everyday
operation and to transfer that learning to subsequent engine
and component development phases;
- Gain an understanding of vehicle performance, failures,
and operating costs;
- Better understand the infrastructure required for the
operation of this technology;
- Prepare the market for the entrance of fuel cell
vehicles;
- Educate the public on the safety and reliability of fuel
cell vehicles;
- Prepare and train potential transit customers to work
with fuel cell vehicles.
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