California’s Long Beach Transit (LBT) marked a historic milestone with the official dedication of its first-ever battery-electric commuter bus, connecting Long Beach to UCLA’s campus and Westwood Village.

Over the years, LBT has continually embraced innovation, including introducing its first battery-electric bus in 1974 and compressed natural gas buses in 2012. 

Today, 100% of LBT’s fleet operates on alternative fuels, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

Plan to go Zero Emissions 

In 2020, LBT pledged to transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040. The addition of electric commuter coaches further exemplifies LBT’s forward-thinking leadership. 

In the same year, LBT was awarded $7.22M in state funds from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to procure five battery-electric coaches. The coaches were built by RIDE USA.

“This service epitomizes LBT’s mission of “connecting communities and moving people to make everyday life better,” said Kenneth A. McDonald, LBT’s president and CEO. “The partnerships behind this commuter route are invaluable, and we are grateful for the support from our UCLA, Long Beach Airport, state, and local partners.”

The commuter coaches war now in service on the UCLA/Westwood Commuter Express service. This route is intended to reduce the stress of traveling on the congested 405 freeway for UCLA students, faculty and staff members and visitors. 

 The service has two pick up locations in Long Beach, at the Long Beach Airport and Willow Station where free parking is offered for commuters, and three drop-off locations in the UCLA/Westwood area.