LA Metro Votes to Switch to 100% Electric Buses by 2030

On July 27th, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) voted to transition its fleet of over 2,200 buses to zero emission electric buses by 2030. Metro has long been a leader in adopting cleaner fuels for its bus fleet and today the agency made the next critical move from still-polluting fossil fuel, gas buses to new, clean electric powered buses. This transition to all electric buses will help improve air quality, fight climate change, enhance social equity, dramatically improve the rider experience and, if Metro strengthens and utilizes policies such as the U.S. Employment Plan, this transition will create good local jobs and build careers. LA Metro owns the second largest bus fleet in the country and the buses will be built in Southern California.In response to today’s landmark vote, the Los Angeles County Electric Bus Coalition issued the following statement:

“LA Metro’s decision to switch from fossil fuel, gas-powered buses to 100% clean, electric buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while cutting the air pollution that is poisoning our communities, and improve the quality of life for the 9.6 million people who live, work, play and breathe in this region. This decision also signals to transit agencies around the country that, even as the administration in D.C. puts the brakes on progress fighting climate change, Los Angeles area leaders are accelerating to a clean energy future. We thank the entire Metro Board and staff for leading the way to a zero emission future for LA County. We are especially grateful to the the five Board Members who joined together to introduce today’s historic zero emission bus motion: LA Mayor and the new Chair of the Metro Board Eric Garcetti, LA City Councilmember Mike Bonin, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian.”

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The LA County Electric Bus Coalition includes the American Lung Association in California, Earthjustice, Environment California Research & Policy Center, Food & Water Watch – California, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 11, Jobs to Move America, SoCal Sierra Club, South Bay Los Angeles 350 Climate Action Group and the Union of Concerned Scientists—all united in their support of a 100% renewable powered electric bus fleet for LA Metro.