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The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has received a $104 million federal grant for the purchase and deployment of 160 battery-electric buses as well as for the procurement and installation of en-route and depot charging stations.
This will enable Metro to support the transition to zero emission bus service on routes operating out of Metro’s Divisions 9 (El Monte) and 18 (Carson) including the J Line (Silver) Bus Rapid Transit service. The grant also funds related workforce development and training activities.
“Metro is thankful to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his talented team at the Federal Transit Administration for issuing a $104 million Low or No Emission Grant for our agency,” said Glendale City Councilmember and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “This grant for Metro’s Zero Emission Bus and Infrastructure Deployment Project will help bring our agency closer to having a fully electric bus fleet in the coming decade. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to personally thank the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation – and of course – our Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation for supporting Metro’s successful effort to secure these valuable federal funds.”
The grant, announced today by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is being provided through a nationwide competitive process in which Metro submitted an application for the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program.
“The J Line, aka the Silver Line, is a vital link for our regional economy, but residents of Wilmington and San Pedro should never have to pay a price for it with their health,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board 2nd Vice Chair Janice Hahn. “We need to fight air pollution in our communities with all the tools and technologies available, and with this switch to a fully electrified J Line, we’re accomplishing that.”
“As we navigate rising temperatures, longer and more severe droughts, and a myriad of other consequences of human-made climate change, let’s not forget our commitment to future generations,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Through electrifying our transportation system we have so much ground to gain in the fight against climate change — cleaner air, lower emissions, and healthier communities. This historic investment brings us another step closer to meeting our goals and furthers our fight against climate change.”
“We are appreciative of the strong support from the federal government in Metro’s commitment to convert its entire fleet of buses to zero-emission electric buses,” said Metro Board Member and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These federal grant funds will also be used for workforce training for the operation and maintenance of our growing zero-emission bus fleet – which is vitally important in providing good jobs for those that need them the most.”
“Metro’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation has never been stronger,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “This grant will strengthen our agency’s efforts to provide clean, dependable zero emission bus service to millions of transit riders. Thank you to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, members of the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, and the Metro Board of Directors for supporting this grant request. I cant wait to get these new buses on the road!”
The restructuring of Metro bus service to be zero emission is incorporated into Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan that is reorganizing bus service to be faster, more frequent, reliable, and accessible for Metro riders.
Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.
Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
