
SamTrans and Trillium Push Forward Hydrogen Fuel Cell Infrastructure in South San Francisco
July 11, 2025SamTrans is taking a big step toward a cleaner future. The transit agency has teamed up with Trillium USA Company, LLC to build a brand-new, permanent $17.37 million hydrogen fueling station at its North Base in South San Francisco. This cutting-edge facility is expected to be ready by July 2025 and is part of SamTrans’ long-term commitment to clean transportation through its Innovative Clean Transit Plan.
Fueling the Shift to Zero-Emission Technology
The new station isn’t just another infrastructure project—it’s a cornerstone in SamTrans’ shift away from diesel and toward zero-emission transportation. With maintenance costs projected at $2.97 million over the next five years, Trillium is on deck to handle everything from design and construction to ongoing maintenance and operations. It’s a move that lines up perfectly with California’s broader push to ramp up green hydrogen infrastructure across the state.
Why South San Francisco Makes Sense
Locating the station in South San Francisco is a smart call. The city’s already known as a hub for biotech and renewable energy innovation, making it a natural fit for this kind of advanced project. Once the facility is up and running, it’ll help hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses (FCEBs) refuel faster and go farther—major pluses for busy transit lines that can’t afford to slow down.
Driving Toward a Cleaner Transit Future
This investment in hydrogen infrastructure sends a strong message: clean, efficient, and reliable public transportation is here to stay. As fuel cell technology becomes more mainstream, projects like this one will play a crucial role in making hydrogen fuel cells a go-to solution for public transit—and in delivering cleaner air and a healthier planet in the process.