Septa Plans Long-Term Shift to Zero-Emission Bus Fleet

Transit agency evaluates new technologies as it aims to reach 100% zero emissions by 2050.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Septa, the public transportation agency serving the Philadelphia region, is taking steps to transition its bus fleet away from diesel vehicles and towards zero-emission alternatives. The agency has already retired its final diesel bus and now operates the largest hybrid bus fleet in North America. As it looks to the future, Septa is currently testing hydrogen fuel cell buses and exploring electric buses, the leading zero-emission option nationally, as it aims to reach 100% zero emissions by 2050.

Why it matters

Septa's shift towards a zero-emission bus fleet is part of a broader effort by public transit agencies across the country to reduce their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable transportation technologies. This transition aligns with growing calls for cities and municipalities to take concrete actions to address climate change and air pollution.

The details

Septa began adopting hybrid buses in 2008 and retired its final diesel bus on Earth Day in 2024. The agency now operates what it describes as the largest hybrid bus fleet in North America. As it looks to the next phase of innovation, Septa is currently testing 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses, which are being used on routes 16 and 23 during morning hours. The agency is gathering operational data on the performance of these vehicles. While Septa explores hydrogen fuel cells, electric buses remain the leading zero-emission option nationally.

  • Septa began adopting hybrid buses in 2008.
  • Septa retired its final diesel bus on Earth Day in 2024.
  • Septa purchased 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses and put them into service last year.

The players

Septa

The public transportation agency serving the Philadelphia region.

Pat Breen

Manager of new automotive vehicles at Septa.

Anne Tyska

Manager of sustainability at Septa.

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What they’re saying

“Where do you see the future of SEPTA's fleet? I mean, many, many years from now, I do see it going in some kind of zero emission direction, but it's all funding based.”

— Pat Breen, Manager of new automotive vehicles (6abc.com)

“We of course have to deal with operational challenges, funding challenges that come our way. We will get there. It might take us a little bit longer than we had hoped, but down the road we will have 100% zero emission technology.”

— Anne Tyska, Manager of sustainability (6abc.com)

What’s next

Septa will continue to gather operational data on its hydrogen fuel cell buses and explore other zero-emission technologies as it works towards its goal of a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2050.

The takeaway

Septa's transition to a zero-emission bus fleet is a significant step towards more sustainable public transportation in the Philadelphia region. This shift aligns with broader efforts by cities and transit agencies across the country to reduce their environmental impact and embrace cleaner transportation technologies.