STATEMENT BY METRO RE:CARB FINES
Metro has acknowledged fault and agreed to pay $162,000 in fines levied by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) stemming from incomplete record-keeping of exhaust smoke emission tests and other violations in 2006 and 2007 for the small portion of its fleet and contract carriers that still operate diesel buses along with heavy duty tow trucks and other non-revenue vehicles. Metro has changed its procedures and updated its record-keeping and is now in full compliance. The agency also is installing exhaust modifications to its tow trucks and other non-revenue vehicles in compliance with CARB standards.
Metro has long enjoyed a positive relationship with CARB and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, who have honored Metro for its many contributions to improving local air quality. Metro operates more than 2,500 compressed natural gas buses – largest in the nation – and currently only has about 47 diesel buses in its fleet with another 131 diesel buses operated by sub-contractors. It is estimated that Metro transit services reduce air pollution by 76 tons each day in Los Angeles County. Metro also houses diesel engine testing and research equipment used by CARB in Metro’s central maintenance facility and Metro also has advanced the testing of hybrid gasoline/electric powered buses for the benefit of the transit industry.
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