éXō Fleets Celebrates VVTA’s Hydrogen Milestone in Victor Valley

Ken Sapp and Kevin Christopher éXō Fleets

éXō Fleets was delighted to be on site as the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) marked a major milestone in sustainable public transportation, unveiling 13 new hydrogen fuel cell buses, an interim hydrogen fueling station, and the agency’s bold new branding at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Victor Valley and Barstow.

Kevin Christopher and Ken Sapp from éXō Fleets joined local, regional, and state leaders, industry partners, and members of the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce to celebrate VVTA’s continued leadership in clean transit, innovation, and community-focused service.

The event highlighted years of planning, collaboration, and partnership, and underscored VVTA’s role as a regional leader in advancing zero-emission transportation solutions that work in real-world operating environments.

Speaking at the event, James Noble, Chair of the VVTA Board of Directors, described the unveiling as a defining moment for the agency and the region, noting that the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell buses represents a significant step forward in reducing emissions while maintaining reliable, high-quality transit service for riders across the High Desert.

VVTA CEO Nancie Goff reinforced that message, emphasising that the project represents more than new vehicles or infrastructure. It reflects a responsibility to the communities VVTA serves and a long-term commitment to cleaner air, smarter investment, and a more sustainable future. The launch of the hydrogen buses, interim fueling station, and new VVTA branding together signal confidence, momentum, and a clear vision for what comes next.

The project was made possible through strong partnerships and critical funding support from the Federal Transit Administration, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), CalACT, California Air Resources Board (CARB), GO_BIZ, and other regional and local stakeholders. VVTA also acknowledged the contributions of New Flyer, Linde, éXō Fleets, Ballard, GMV Syncromatics, Keolis North America, and the wider project and construction teams, alongside VVTA staff who brought the initiative from concept to reality.

Chief Maintenance Officer Dustin Strandberg, who is leading VVTA’s advancement into hydrogen fuel cell technology, highlighted the agency’s long history in clean transportation, from renewable natural gas to battery electric buses, and described hydrogen as a natural next step that aligns with VVTA’s operational needs, desert conditions, and long-term sustainability goals.

Alongside the technology launch, the event marked the official debut of VVTA’s new branding, transitioning from “Victor Valley Transit” to “VVTA.” Led by Senior Marketing Manager and Public Information Officer Chris Ackerman, the refreshed visual identity reflects clarity, modern design, and forward motion, mirroring VVTA’s investment in clean technology and its commitment to confidently moving the High Desert into the future.

At éXō Fleets, our customers come first. That is why we are proud to work alongside forward-thinking agencies like VVTA. Our role is to help customers turn operational insight into measurable savings, quarter after quarter, by giving them a clear, unified view of fleet performance, cost, and infrastructure across mixed fuels and technologies.

Congratulations to the entire VVTA team on this landmark achievement. We look forward to continuing the journey together as clean transit scales across the region.