The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) announced it has opened early bird registration for the Zero Emission Bus Conference (ZEB Con), taking place Sept. 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego.

ZEB Con’s three days of programming include keynote speakers, panel sessions, an exposition hall, and the return of the Happy (Bus) Hour static bus display and networking event, according to CTE's news release.

In addition to ZEB Con’s standard programming, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District will host on-site tours of their battery-electric bus operations as an optional add-on for attendees. San Diego MTS will also be providing free transit passes to all registered attendees.

“At MTS, fleet electrification is something we have a long-standing commitment to. From launching the first all-electric modern light rail system in North America in 1981 to building the region’s first overhead electric bus charging system this year, San Diego is at the forefront of zero-emissions innovation,” said Sharon Cooney, CEO of SDMTS. “ZEB Con provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest technology and best practices from top professionals in the zero-emissions field. It’s also a great way to network with top experts and learn first-hand what other agencies are doing to advance fleet electrification.”

Fleet managers and operators comprised more than half of the attendees in previous years. With the recent growth in fleet electrification policies and resources, CTE added that it looks forward to welcoming even more participants this year from all facets of the electric bus industry.

"As momentum builds around electrifying our nation's bus fleets, CTE is excited to reconvene the leading event for fleet decision-makers exploring battery and fuel cell electric bus and shuttle options," said Lauren Justice, CTE's development director. "ZEB Con addresses real-world concerns and provides tempered strategies and tools for community leaders stepping into the zero-emission space.”