Secretary Buttigieg, Mayor Bass Announce New Funding to Electrify L.A. Buses

The office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently announced new federal funding of nearly $80 million to electrify Metro buses to reduce air pollution. This follows nearly $900 million in federal funding announced earlier this year.

“We are preparing to be on the world stage in a way that will benefit every corner of Los Angeles by expanding and improving the transportation system in a sustainable way that creates good paying union jobs,” said Mayor Bass.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Bass in making the funding announcement.

“With funding made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re helping connect even more people across LA County with affordable, reliable public transportation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These investments will help increase Metro ridership, get more cars off the road, make the air in LA cleaner for every single adult, and child, who breathes it in each day.”

According to the release from the Mayor’s office, the Low or No Emission Grant funding will go toward zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure. It is the second largest funding award out of more than 100 projects funded by the federal government. The grant funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration will allow Metro to procure battery-electric buses, charging equipment, and supporting infrastructure to provide reliable zero-emission service along bus routes that operate from Metro’s Bus Division 7 in West Hollywood. These zero-emission buses will replace compressed natural gas buses that have exceeded their useful service life, creating more sustainable transportation options ahead of upcoming international sporting events hosted in Los Angeles.

In March, the Los Angeles region secured nearly $900 million in funding to strengthen critical infrastructure, expand the Metro Rail system and reconnect communities ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.