Construction begins on the nation’s largest zero-emission renewable energy bus depot in Montgomery County

Montgomery County, Maryland (DC News Now) – On Friday, Montgomery County leaders and community members broke ground on a one-of-a-kind bus depot.

Leaders said the new Center for Maintenance and Equipment Transportation Operations David F. Bone (EMTOC) will be a great solution for commuters using public transportation, and will be a big step toward achieving the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) goal of zero emissions by 2035.

“The two depots we own will ultimately power 335 zero-emission transit buses, and the EMTOC itself will accommodate 200 zero-emission buses,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.

The warehouse will be unlike any other in America. It will be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations and on-site production of green hydrogen, which will power the district’s fleet of electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to live in and serve a county that is truly leading by example,” said Andrew Friedson, chairman of the Montgomery County Council, “and truly leading the way for jurisdictions across the country.”

Leaders say this will play a key role in encouraging more community members to use public transport, which will reduce traffic and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted across the county.

“The community we live in is proud of this project,” said council member Dawn Luedtke. “So not only are the government representatives proud of this project, but also the residents who are here, who are excited to have this come online and excited to have it be a part of their neighborhood.”

Officials say the project will take approximately 18 months to complete.