The Genesee County Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) had a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the grand opening of its Alternative Fuel Facility and fuel cell bus on May 21, and thanks to the efforts of Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed, professor of Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University has played a key role in the innovative new technology.

The MTA is now the first public transportation agency in the Midwest to have its own fuel cell vehicle.

“Kettering University is committed to being an integral part of this community and sharing our knowledge in any way we can,” said El-Sayed, who worked with MTA as a key a project manager and lent his expertise to the formation of the fueling facility. “We were very privileged that MTA has given us a great opportunity to do that.”

The fueling facility, located in Grand Blanc Township near Dort Highway and Maple Road, allows Genesee County to become a national leader in developing and testing these and future alternative energy solutions to public transportation.

“We will have the experts in-house to train and lead others in these efforts,” said Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Micki Hoffman.

U.S. Congressman Dale Kildee also spoke at the event. Kildee, a longtime proponent of public transportation initiatives, is pleased to see yet another transportation innovation taking place in the Flint area.

“Flint is a town of great opportunities for those who have the talent to be innovators,” Kildee said.

El-Sayed noted that he’s had a great experience working with MTA. “This organization has a tremendous depth of integrity,” he said. “I have learned a great deal. I was a student at MTA.”
 

See a photo gallery from the event.