The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) this week announced the successful completion of its transition to an all-electric bus fleet on the popular Metro G (Orange) Line in the San Fernando Valley.
Metro has phased out its legacy 60-ft articulated compressed natural gas (CNG) buses on the G Line—the type that has run on the dedicated bus rapid transit line since it opened in October 2005—and replaced them with 40 new, 60-ft articulated zero-emissions buses manufactured by New Flyer. Called Excelsior Charge NG, the buses feature zero-tailpipe emissions, employ advanced electric technologies such as high-energy batteries and traction propulsion system, according to a press release from L.A. Metro.
L.A. Metro says the new electric buses contribute to the agency's equity goals to help reduce disparities in access to opportunity, including health outcomes, in key communities along the bus corridor.
“Metro is officially on the road to a zero-emissions future with its first official use of electric buses on a major bus rapid transit line,” Metro Board Chair and Chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors Hilda L. Solis said in a statement. “This marks the beginning of Metro’s commitment and long-term investment in a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable bus fleet for L.A. County, one that helps our region reduce its greenhouse gas emissions at the tailpipe while greatly improving the customer experience.”
L.A. Metro first began converting its bus fleet to electric buses in July 2020. Since completing its transition from CNG to electricity earlier this year, the agency has officially logged 900,000 miles on the electric buses.
The project includes the deployment of the electric buses and associated charging equipment and infrastructure improvements. The total cost of buses, equipment, and improvements is $80 million.
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SOURCE: L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority