San José Mineta International Airport Moves to Fully Electric Shuttle Bus Fleet
Four new electric buses enter service, with two more entering service in November
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September 23, 2026
Media Contact:
SJC Media | 408-392-1199 | sjcmedia@sjc.org
San José, Calif. – San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) has taken delivery of four new Gillig 40-foot fully electric shuttle buses, marking the replacement of the Airport’s remaining compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses and moving SJC to a fully electric airport shuttle bus fleet.
The four buses entered service in early September. Two additional Gillig 40-foot electric buses are expected to join them in November, bringing the Airport’s new electric shuttle fleet to six buses. The new Gillig units complement eight electric Proterra buses in service since 2019. SJC estimates the six new electric buses will eliminate the use of approximately 31,200 gallons-equivalent of CNG fuel annually.
The new buses were primarily funded through Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) grants, which covered approximately 80.59% of the total bus cost. Each bus also received a $120,000 voucher through California’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).
The electric buses will provide shuttle service for Airport passengers while supporting the City’s broader efforts to reduce emissions and transition its transportation fleet to cleaner technologies.
“This is the kind of practical investment that strengthens our infrastructure while supporting a cleaner and more sustainable future for San José,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “By transitioning our Airport’s shuttle fleet to electric vehicles, we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and making thoughtful investments in the systems that serve our residents, visitors, and travelers every day.”
“San José is committed to leading by example when it comes to sustainability and innovation,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Bringing a fully electric shuttle fleet to our international airport is another step toward cleaner transportation and a better experience for the millions of travelers who pass through SJC each year.”
“SJC is focused on making investments that improve the passenger experience while preparing our Airport for the future,” said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. “Moving to a fully electric shuttle fleet is a significant milestone for SJC, and it reflects the strong partnerships and smart investments that make projects like this possible.”
About San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple.
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José – the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self‐supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. According to a recent economic impact study, SJC supports more than 19,000 jobs throughout Santa Clara County and generates approximately $4.3 billion in annual economic activity.
SJC was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium in 2024 and 2025. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.
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