15-C
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION:Ryan Smoot, City Manager
FROM:P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kristen Smith, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT:Consideration and possible action to approve the City of Bellflower Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation and adopt Resolution No. 26-08 – A Resolution of the City Council of Bellflower approving the Zero- Emission Bus Rollout Plan.
DATE:March 23, 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has notified the City of Bellflower that it must submit a Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation. Although the City does not own or directly operate transit vehicles, the ICT regulation also applies to public transit agencies that contract out the operation of buses.
The attached ZEB Rollout Plan outlines how the City will ensure compliance with ICT requirements through its contracted transit service provider and achieve a full transition to zero-emission bus technology by 2040.
A City Council resolution and approval is required prior to submission of the Rollout Plan to CARB. The regulatory deadline for submission is March 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the City of Bellflower Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-08; and
3) Authorize staff to submit the approved Rollout Plan to the California Air Resources Board; or
4) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item. 1 Staff Report – City of Bellflower Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan Pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation
March 23, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the ZEB Rollout Plan does not authorize any immediate expenditure of funds, vehicle procurement, or contract amendment. The Rollout Plan is a long-range compliance document required by state regulation. The City does not directly procure or own transit vehicles. Under the City’s current service model, fleet acquisition and infrastructure investments are the responsibility of the contracted transit service provider.
Future financial impacts, if any, would be addressed through contract negotiations, future procurement processes, or separate Council actions.
DISCUSSION
The ICT Regulation, adopted by the CARB, requires public transit agencies to transition to 100 percent zero-emission bus fleets by 2040. The regulation applies to agencies that own, operate, lease, rent, or contract for the operation of buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds. This regulation applies to a transit fleet of two buses used to deliver fixed route service. The transit fleet vehicles currently used to deliver Dial-A-Ride (demand response) service do not exceed a GVWR of 14,000 pounds and are not affected by this regulation.
The City of Bellflower provides transit services through a contract with Empire Transportation/Pro Park LLC, which owns, operates, and maintains the transit fleet. While the City does not directly procure the transit fleet, it remains the regulated entity under ICT and is therefore responsible for submitting a compliant ZEB Rollout Plan.
The attached Rollout Plan:
· Identifies the current fleet inventory used to provide City fixed route transit services;
· Outlines a phased transition strategy aligned with the City’s transit services procurement cycle;
· Clarifies that vehicle procurement and infrastructure installation remain the responsibility of the contracted service provider;
· Establishes that ICT compliance requirements will be incorporated into the next transit services procurement cycle in advance of the current contract expiration in June 2028;
· Commits to achieving a full zero-emission fleet transition by 2040, consistent with state requirements.
The Rollout Plan does not commit the City to direct vehicle purchases or immediate capital expenditures. Instead, it serves as a regulatory planning document demonstrating how the City will ensure compliance through contractual mechanisms and oversight.
Following Council approval, staff will submit the Plan to CARB prior to the March 31, 2026, deadline.
ATTACHMENTS
City of Bellflower Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan…………………………………..3 Resolution No. 26-08……………………………………….………………………………....12
2 City of Bellflower
Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan for
Innovative Clean Transit
Publication Date: March 2026 |Agency Type: Small Transit Agency
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section A: Transit Agency Information ........................................................................ 2 Section B: Rollout Plan General Information ............................................................... 3 Section C: Technology Portfolio .................................................................................. 4 Section D: Current Bus Fleet Composition and Future Bus Purchases ...................... 4 Section E: Facilities and Infrastructure Modifications .................................................. 5 Section F: Providing Service in Disadvantaged Communities .................................... 6 Section G: Workforce Training .................................................................................... 7 Section H: Potential Funding Sources......................................................................... 7 Section I: Startup and Scale Up Challenges .............................................................. 8 Appendix A: City Council Resolution ...........................................................................9 4 3
Section A: Transit Agency Information
Transit Agency Name:
City of Bellflower
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
Air District: South Coast Air Quality Management District Air Basin: South Coast Air Basin
Total Number of Buses in Annual Maximum Service: 2
Bellflower is 6.1 square miles with a population of 79,190 (based on Census April 2020).
Executive Summary
The City of Bellflower provides public transit services through a contractor-operated model. Transit operations, fleet ownership, maintenance, and storage are currently managed by Empire Transportation/Pro Park LLC under agreement with the City through June 2028.
Pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation, the City of Bellflower is the regulated transit agency and is responsible for submitting this Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan. Although the City does not directly own or operate transit vehicles, the ICT Regulation applies to agencies that contract for the operation of qualifying buses.
This Rollout Plan outlines Bellflower’s strategy to achieve full compliance with the Innovative Clean Transit Regulation and working with the City’s contracted transit service provider to transition to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.
Through coordinated planning with its contracted transit service provider, strategic infrastructure development, and responsible financial planning, the City will meet the regulatory requirements while maintaining high-quality transit services for the community.
Transit Services Overview
The City of Bellflower operates a small community transit system designed to provide mobility for residents, seniors, and transit-dependent riders. Transit services are provided through a contractor-operated model. Under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation, Bellflower qualifies as a Small Transit Agency and is required to transition to a 100 percent zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet by 2040.
Bellflower transit services consist of a local fixed-route circulator (Bellflower Bus) and demand-response services (Dial-A-Ride) for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The fixed-route circulator fleet consists of two cutaway buses with a minimum gross vehicle 5 4
weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 that are subject to the zero-emission bus purchase requirement. The demand-response fleet consists of two mini-van vehicles with a GVWR below the ICT regulatory threshold and are not subject to the zero-emission bus purchase requirement.
Administrative oversight of transportation services within the City of Bellflower is provided by the Parks and Recreation Department, while day-to-day operations are provided by a contract operator, currently Empire Transportation/Prop Park LLC. The contract operator owns, operates, stores, and maintains the fleet of vehicles used to deliver Bellflower’s transit services. The contract with the current operator is set to expire June 2028.
The Bellflower Bus fixed route transit system is currently comprised of two routes that are divided between the north and south sections of the city. The routes were carefully planned with the goal of transporting passengers to major points of interest and offering connectivity to larger regional transportation providers that intersect with Bellflower. Fixed route fares are 50 cents for ages 6-54, 25 cents for ages 55 and up, 25 cents for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible riders, and free for ages 5 and under.
The Dial-A-Ride program provides origin-to-destination, demand response service to Bellflower residents 55 years or older and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible riders, by reservation. This service can be used for any purpose within Bellflower city limits, and for medical trips outside of city limits in a designated service area. One-way Dial-A-Ride fares are 50 cents within Bellflower city limits and $2.00 outside of city limits.
This plan is not being submitted as part of a joint group.
Section B: Rollout Plan General Information
This Rollout Plan has been prepared in compliance with California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) ICT regulation, which requires small transit agencies to start purchasing zero- emission transit buses in 2026 and must purchase only zero-emission transit buses starting in 2029. ICT requires transit agencies to have a fully zero-emission fleet by 2040. ·2040 Goal: Yes, the City has a goal of full transition to zero-emission technologies by 2040 while avoiding early retirement of conventional buses (13 CCR § 2023.1(d)(1)(A)).
The City of Bellflower will ensure regulatory compliance through contract provisions and oversight mechanisms. ICT compliance and zero-emission transition requirements will be incorporated into the next transit services procurement cycle in advance of the current contract expiration in June 2028, ensuring alignment with state regulatory timelines and long-term fleet transition requirements.
This Rollout Plan was approved by Bellflower City Council on March 23, 2026, and a copy of Council approval is included as Appendix A.
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This Plan is intended to act as a roadmap to guide Bellflower through the Zero Emission Bus transition to a 100% zero emission bus fleet by 2040. The Plan fulfills the existing regulatory requirements of the California Air Resources Board. However, this Plan is intended to be a living document with its implementation by the City subject to change depending upon various factors, including but not limited to regulatory changes, financial conditions, and zero emission technological and infrastructure constraints. This Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis.
This rollout plan was completed by City of Bellflower staff.
For additional information on the Rollout Plan please contact:
Kristen Smith
Recreation Manager
City of Bellflower
16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706
Office: (562) 804-1424 ext. 2267, Email: [email protected] https://bellflower.ca.gov/
Section C: Technology Portfolio
Because the fleet is contractor-owned, the City will ensure ICT compliance through contractual mechanisms. The City will not directly procure, own, or operate transit vehicles. Vehicle procurement, infrastructure installation, fleet maintenance, and technology selection will remain the responsibility of the contracted transit service provider.
The City will ensure compliance by:
· Incorporating zero-emission bus procurement and ICT compliance requirements into future transit service contracts;
· Amending existing agreements as feasible to align with ICT timelines; · Requiring contractor compliance with all applicable state air quality regulations; · Requiring submission of fleet transition documentation from the contractor; · Monitoring fleet replacement planning annually through contract oversight.
Ultimate responsibility for vehicle acquisition and infrastructure deployment rests with the contracted operator, consistent with the City’s service delivery model.
Section D: Current Bus Fleet & Future Purchases
The current fleet used for Bellflower fixed route transit service consists of two cutaway buses owned and operated by Empire Transportation/Pro Park LLC. 7 6
Bus ID Make Mode Year Fuel Type GVWR Expected Retirement Year 346 El Dorado National Ford
E450
2019 Gasoline 14500 2028 (Contract expiration)
347 El Dorado National Ford
E450
2019 Gasoline 14500 2028 (Contract expiration)
Fleet Summary
·Total Fleet Size: 2
·Fuel Type Breakdown: Gasoline
·Average Fleet Age: 7 years
·Exempt Vehicles: Two Dial-A-Ride mini-vans are owned by the contractor and are excluded from ZEB purchase requirements as they do not meet the weight threshold defined in 13 CCR § 2023.
Future Purchases
Because the fleet is contractor-owned, the City will ensure ICT compliance through contractual mechanisms. The City will not directly procure, own, or operate transit vehicles. Vehicle procurement, infrastructure installation, fleet maintenance, and technology selection will remain the responsibility of the contracted transit service provider.
The City will ensure compliance by:
· Incorporating zero-emission bus procurement and ICT compliance requirements into future transit service contracts;
· Amending existing agreements as feasible to align with ICT timelines; · Requiring contractor compliance with all applicable state air quality regulations; · Requiring submission of fleet transition documentation from the contractor; · Monitoring fleet replacement planning annually through contract oversight.
Ultimate responsibility for vehicle acquisition and infrastructure deployment rests with the contracted operator, consistent with the City’s service delivery model.
Section E: Facilities and Infrastructure Modifications
Zero-emission bus infrastructure planning will be coordinated with the City’s contracted transit service provider, as fleet storage and maintenance facilities are contractor- operated.
Infrastructure planning considerations include:
· Charging or fueling infrastructure installation;
· Utility coordination and electrical capacity assessment; 8 7
· Site space constraints;
· Phased infrastructure deployment aligned with vehicle procurement; · Capital cost estimates and funding opportunities.
Infrastructure implementation will occur in advance of or concurrent with initial ZEB deployment.
Section F: Service in Disadvantaged Communities (DAC)
According to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), disadvantaged communities are defined as the top 25% in terms of scoring in the CalEnviroScreen. CalEnviroScreen is a tool that identifies communities that are most vulnerable to pollution by using environmental, health, and socioeconomic data to produce a score for every census tract within the state of California. ·DAC Status: The City will utilize the latest CalEnviroScreen to identify any routes passing through disadvantaged census tracts.
·Deployment Plan: ZEB deployment will be prioritized on fixed routes serving identified DAC areas to reduce local emissions.
Section G: Workforce Training
Bellflower will mandate the following training via its 2028 transit contract:
OEM Training
The City of Bellflower will mandate Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training via its 2028 transit contract. OEM training is provided directly through bus manufacturers and station suppliers, including maintenance and operations training, station operations and fueling safety, first responder training, and other trainings that the technology providers may offer. OEM training provides critical information on operations and maintenance aspects specific to the equipment model procured. Additionally, many procurement contracts include train-the-trainer courses through which small numbers of agency staff are trained and subsequently train agency colleagues. This method provides a cost- efficient opportunity to provide widespread agency training on new equipment and technologies
Section H: Potential Funding Sources
Financial responsibility for vehicle procurement and infrastructure development rests with the contracted transit service provider under the City’s contract model. The City does not directly purchase or own transit vehicles. Compliance costs, capital investments, and associated infrastructure expenses will be addressed through contract requirements, negotiated amendments, or future procurement specifications as necessary to ensure alignment with ICT mandates.
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Section I: Start-up and Scale-up Challenges
As a small agency with a contractor-operated model, the City faces challenges in guaranteeing specific vehicle delivery from third-party providers. The City also recognizes potential risks associated with zero-emission bus transition, including:
· Utility interconnection delays;
· Supply chain constraints;
· Capital funding availability;
· Evolving technology standards;
· Contractual limitations.
To mitigate these risks, the City will:
· Monitor regulatory updates;
· Maintain flexibility with contracted transit service provider’s procurement timing; · Align future contract renewal cycles with ICT compliance milestones. 10 9
Appendix A: Resolution No. XX-XX
11 CITY OF BELLFLOWER
RESOLUTION NO. 26-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BELLFLOWER
APPROVING THE ZERO-EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN
THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Recitals. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A.13 California Code of Regulations § 2023.1(d) requires that a transit agency Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan be approved by its governing board.
B.The City administers public transit services that are subject to state requirements for transitioning to zero-emission bus technologies.
C. The City prepared a comprehensive Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan that establishes the framework, timeline, and implementation strategy for achieving full transition to zero-emission buses.
D. Approval of the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan is necessary to comply with applicable state regulations and to secure funding for zero-emission bus deployment.
SECTION 2: Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan Requirements. The City of Bellflower Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan sets forth the City's comprehensive strategy and meets the following requirements:
A.Full Transition Goal: Establishes a goal of full transition to zero-emission buses by 2040 with careful planning that avoids early retirement of conventional internal combustion engine buses.
B.Technology Identification: Identifies the types of zero-emission bus technologies the City of Bellflower is planning to deploy, including battery- electric and hydrogen fuel cell options.
C.Purchase and Lease Schedule: Includes a schedule for zero-emission and conventional internal combustion engine bus purchases and lease options to ensure orderly fleet transition.
D.Conversion Schedule: Establishes a schedule for conversion of conventional internal combustion engine buses to zero-emission technologies that aligns with vehicle replacement cycles.
E.Infrastructure Development: Provides a schedule for construction of facilities and infrastructure modifications or upgrades, including charging, fueling, and maintenance facilities, necessary to deploy and maintain zero- emission buses.
12 City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 26-08
F.Disadvantaged Communities: Explains how the City of Bellflower plans to deploy zero-emission buses in Disadvantaged Communities to ensure equitable distribution of environmental benefits.
G.Training Plan: Includes a training plan and schedule for zero-emission bus operators and maintenance and repair staff to ensure safe and effective operations.
H.Funding Sources: Identifies potential funding sources, including state and federal grant programs, to support the transition to zero-emission buses.
SECTION 3: Approval of Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan. The City Council approves the attached Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan as set forth in full and incorporated by reference.
SECTION 4: Superseding Provisions. To the extent that the provisions of any ordinance, resolution, document, or previous action of the City Council or City Manager, prior to the date of this Resolution, are inconsistent with the provisions of this Resolution or any policy adopted by this Resolution, this Resolution and the policies adopted herein control.
SECTION 5: Electronic Signatures. This Resolution may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code Section 16.5. Electronic signatures must be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
SECTION 6: Execution and Attestation. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is authorized to affix their signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Bellflower, and the City Clerk, or their duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest thereto.
SECTION 7: Effective Date. This Resolution becomes effective immediately upon adoption and remains effective unless repealed or superseded by subsequent action of the City Council.
SECTION 8: Severability. If any part of this Resolution or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity does not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Resolution are severable. ///
///
///
13 City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 26-08
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER THIS 23RD DAY OF MARCH 2026.
________________________________
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
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