Meeting_Body
REVISED
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JULY 27, 2017
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS BONIN, GARCETTI, NAJARIAN, HAHN and SOLIS
AS AMENDED BY SOLIS, KUEHL and BARGER
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT BY FASANA
July 27, 2017
Strategic Plan for Metro's Transition to Zero Emission Buses
LA Metro has developed a comprehensive plan to deliver a complete transition to zero emission electric buses by 2030. The transition plan is contingent on two primary factors: continuous advancements in electric bus technology (which must increase range, reduce bus weights, reduce charging times, extend battery life cycles), as well as a drop in prices as the technology develops.
As electric bus technology continues to advance, our electric grid is becoming cleaner by gradually eliminating coal from our energy portfolio and replacing it with renewable sources. A full transition to electric buses coupled with renewable energy sources promises mobility with significantly lower environmental impacts from this form of transportation.
In order to maintain our bus fleet in a state of good repair, Metro plans to continue replacing its aging bus fleet at approximately 200 buses per year. With firm local hiring requirements in Metro bus procurement, routine bus procurement presents a recurring opportunity that bolsters our local labor force in perpetuity.
In 2012, Metro's U.S. Employment Plan resulted in the award of an $890 million contract to Kinkisharyo, a factory in Los Angeles County, and 404 quality railcar manufacturing jobs. Similarly, Metro can leverage recurring bus replacements to bolster labor throughout Los Angeles County
Metro plans to spend nearly one billion dollars on bus procurements in the next ten years That level of investment, coupled with a transition to all electric buses, presents an opportunity for LA County to demonstrate leadership on combating climate change, and can make Los Angeles the central marketplace for new electric bus technology: a County rich wit...
Click here for full text