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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Metro officials announced today that they have signed a contract with New Flyer of America for dozens of zero-emission and compressed natural gas buses to help the agency reach its goal of a 100 percent zero-emission fleet by 2030.
``Metro is fully committed to improving the health of people across the region -- and these new electric buses will help improve air quality and reduce noise pollution,'' said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, chair of the Metro board.
``As the largest transit agency in the country to commit to a fully electric fleet by 2030, Metro continues to serve as a global leader for sustainable policies, all while creating good-paying local jobs,'' he said.
Metro purchased a total of 35 zero-emission buses and 65 CNG buses, with the electric buses to be used on the Orange Line. Metro operates a fleet of 100 percent CNG buses, but in 2016 the Metro board moved to transition the agency to electric buses on the Orange Line by 2020, followed by the Silver Line in 2021.
The Metro board voted in July to transition to an all-electric fleet by 2030, which will require the purchase of more than 2,200 vehicles and continuous advancements in technology.
``We are thrilled to build our low- and no-emissions footprint in America with an exceptionally progressive partner such as Metro,'' said Wayne Joseph, president of New Flyer of America.
``Together, we are building a sustainable transit infrastructure, preserving the environment and supporting the development and maintenance of local jobs,'' he said. ``We are proud to be the largest employer of American workers of any transit bus manufacturer in North America.''