The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled buses are producing less emissions following the completion of an engine retrofit project on a significant number of its CNG fleet of more than 2,200 buses.
The project was funded by a $1.875 million Clean Transportation Funding grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), which allocates Clean Transportation Funding from a $4 surcharge on vehicle license fees, specifically to be used for local projects designed to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles.
The funding helped LA Metro complete the installation of 125 new lower emitting engines in its fleet of 45-foot series composite buses. The buses are now powered by new Cummins ISLG and L9N Near Zero Emission Natural Gas Fueled Heavy Duty Engines, which will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 90 percent and greenhouse gases (GHG) by nine percent.
“While people on the street won’t really notice the new engines, residents in our communities will benefit by the reduction in nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gas emissions,” said LA Metro Board Chair James Butts. “We are appreciative of the funding grant from the MSRC to complete this important conversion.”
LA Metro explains that the Cummins ISLG and L9N Near Zero Emission Natural Gas Fueled Heavy Duty Engine was the first CNG mid-range engine to receive emissions certifications from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, which meet the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional near zero NOx emission standard.
“Metro is always looking at innovative solutions and new technologies to improve performance and reduce emissions,” said LA Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “These new low emission engines will help the agency reduce its carbon footprint and provide clean, reliable service for our customers.”
LA Metro notes that MSRC has distributed more than $440 million during its nearly 30-year history to fund clean air projects such as this near zero emission engine retrofit.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
