L.A. Metro Announces Zero-Emissions Bus Program

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has selected STV and WSP USA joint venture to play an integral part in its Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) program that will transition the agency’s entire bus fleet from compressed natural gas to zero emission technology by 2030.

The joint venture, known as ZEBGO Partners, will provide a wide range of technical consulting support services for this initiative, starting with the development of a Zero Emissions Master Plan.

“Our goal is to have a 100% zero-emission Metro bus fleet by 2030,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Sheila Kuehl. “This partnership provides us with the expertise and know-how we need to achieve that goal.”

Metro currently operates one of the busiest bus systems in the United States, with nearly 800,000 passenger boardings a day. With more than 165 bus routes making nearly 14,000 stops amid some of the heaviest traffic congestion, Metro’s board of directors approved its transition to zero emission buses in the summer of 2017.

Upon the completion of this initiative, Metro will be the largest transit agency in the United States committing to operate a fleet consisting entirely of zero-emissions buses.

ZEBGO will conduct a comprehensive industry outreach program to identify the latest cost-effective technologies and initiate concepts for the fleet and facility transition.

Additionally, the joint venture will evaluate existing infrastructure for integration needs, bus route and schedule analysis, provide life cycle analysis for all emerging relevant technologies, and investigate potential funding opportunities to support this large-scale plan.

STV provides engineering, architectural, planning, environmental and construction management services for transportation systems, infrastructure, buildings, energy and other facilities.