San Francisco, CA

SFMTA Kirkland Bus Electrification

Client: City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Our Role: Designer, Geospatial Technology Developer

An aerial view of an urban public transit bus maintenance yard. The San Francisco skyline is in the background.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) manages the city’s expansive ground transportation network and is responsible for delivering accessible and sustainable transit options. In alignment with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandate for zero-emission vehicles by 2040, SFMTA set an ambitious goal: transition its fleet of 88 diesel hybrid buses to battery electric buses (BEBs) by 2028.

The first major step was transforming Kirkland Yard, the smallest of SFMTA’s six bus yards. Located on a 2.6-acre landlocked site near Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, the facility faced geographic and operational constraints, including steep hills, a complex utility environment, and the need to avoid transit fleet service disruptions during construction.

For the Kirkland Yard Electrification project, we partnered with SFMTA and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). We applied an integrated, data-driven approach focused on innovation, collaboration, and scalabilit

Key Features

GTFS-based route and terrain modeling.
Precision physics-based battery simulations.
Custom charger sequencing with smart charging strategies.
Power optimization through collaborative utility planning.
Recommendations for progressive design-build deployment.

Outcomes

Scalable Electrification Model: Developed a replicable framework for zero-emission bus facility upgrades in complex urban environments.
Operational Continuity: Maintained uninterrupted transit agency service throughout the transformation process.
Smart Charging Implementation: Enabled more efficient energy use and minimized infrastructure requirements.
Environmental Benefits: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and engine noise, enhancing the quality of life for surrounding communities.
Compliance & Stewardship: Positioned SFMTA as a responsible environmental leader for transit facilities while meeting CARB requirements and supporting broader climate action goals.