LA Metro Receives FTA Grants for Zero-Emission Electric Buses

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has received $8 million in grants from the Federal Transportation Administration that will be used to deploy zero-emission electric buses on the Orange Line and replace the ferry terminal on Catalina Island.

“Metro is appreciative of our strong partnership with the Federal Transportation Administration” said Metro Board Chair Mark Ridley-Thomas. “These two grants will allow us to move forward in building out our transit infrastructure in all corners of the County, in a clean, green and efficient manner.”

Metro, through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will receive $4.275 million to be used toward the purchase of five electric buses and eight charging stations for the Orange Line bus rapid transit corridor.

“I am pleased to have helped Metro’s Orange Line secure federal funding for new buses and charging stations,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “The Orange Line is one of the busiest bus lines in the nation. Commuters in the San Fernando Valley will benefit greatly from an addition to the fleet that can help alleviate crowded buses and waiting times. And with the zero-emission technology, these new buses will help reduce smog and other harmful greenhouse gases.”

In addition to the grant for electric buses, Metro and the city of Avalon received a $4-million grant to replace the existing 5,000-square-feet ferry terminal, built in 1968, with a new two-story 10,000-square-feet state-of-the-art terminal in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island. More than 1.2 million people annually use the ferry terminal.

“I am thrilled that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $4 million to Metro and the City of Avalon for the building of a new ferry terminal on Catalina Island,” said Congressman Alan Lowenthal.  “This new facility will serve the more than 1.2 million people who use the ferry terminal as an indispensable link for travel between Catalina and mainland Southern California.  It was my pleasure to work with Metro and the City of Avalon to request these funds and I look forward to the construction of this new ferry terminal that will be a boon to residents of Avalon and visitors to Catalina.”

“We welcome these two new grants as we strive to improve the customer experience on the Metro Orange Line and add to our fleet of buses serving the region,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “The replacement of the ferry terminal on Catalina Island will help residents access employment opportunities, educational and healthcare centers, as well as social and human services.”