Michigan-based Flint Mass Transportation Authority (Flint MTA), United Technologies Corp. (UTC) and Air Products and Chemicals Inc. have debuted the state's first hydrogen fuel cell bus and alternative fuel facility.

The new bus employs UTC Power's 120 kW PureMotion system, a hydrogen/hybrid-electric platform that runs on pure hydrogen and emits zero emissions, the company says. Air Products developed and installed the hydrogen fueling station, which compresses, stores and dispenses hydrogen produced via a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer from Proton OnSite.

"The use of alternative fuels will position the MTA to address transportation needs today and in the future with a responsible, sustainable approach," says Ed Benning, Flint MTA's general manager.

The Flint MTA says it plans to issue a request for proposals to purchase additional hydrogen vehicles within the next year, and it is also acquiring five compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The facility currently produces only hydrogen, but it will be expanded to generate CNG, as well as to accommodate a fleet maintenance facility.

Further expansions will add an educational research facility and a public-access refueling station operated by the private sector. This station is expected to be completed by next fall, the Flint MTA notes.