On July 13, 2024, California Federal Congressman Adam Schiff announced that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will receive over $77.5 million in federal funding for the purchase of dozens of electric buses and the installation of new charging facilities.
Schiff had previously written to the U.S. Department of Transportation urging the federal government to approve the funding to support Metro’s zero-emission bus and charging infrastructure plan. The plan aims to acquire electric buses, charging equipment, and supporting infrastructure to provide reliable zero-emission transportation services in multiple cities within Los Angeles County.
The new charging stations are expected to be installed at Metro’s West Hollywood bus station.
Metro’s initiative is geared towards upgrading its buses in the 7th district, serving areas including West Hollywood and other locations. These buses will also be used to enhance clean transportation during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.
In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the 1st of this month, Schiff mentioned that “Metro plans to operate zero-emission buses in the Los Angeles-South Coast Air Basin, one of the most severely polluted areas in the United States,” with the goal of reducing pollution, improving the quality of transportation services, and enhancing employment and other opportunities for low-income communities.
Metro had applied for funding under the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program, ultimately securing the funds with Schiff’s assistance.
Schiff’s office stated that these buses will operate on multiple routes, directly connecting all Metro rail lines to enhance convenience and mobility for commuters. Metro’s emphasis on improving the environment and air quality while providing quality transportation services to residents and visitors is key to their plan.
In a statement, Buttigieg said, “Today, 117 communities, including Los Angeles, received great news that their buses will be modernized through President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law, enhancing the commuting experience,” adding, “The Biden administration is assisting transportation agencies in 47 states to replace old, polluting, fuel-consuming buses with modern zero-emission buses made by American workers, helping more people get to where they need to go.”