LA Metro to add 5 electric artics, eight charging stations for BRT route
The Orange Line will be the highest ridership transit service ever tested for all-electric operation. The project is expected to demonstrate the durability and reliability of lithium-ion battery technology for high ridership transit lines.
In its ongoing commitment to deploy the cleanest, most energy-efficient transit vehicles in Los Angeles County, L.A. Metro will purchase five new 60-foot electric buses and eight new charging stations for the San Fernando Valley’s Metro Orange Line thanks to a $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Combined with Metro’s $5.8 million match utilizing Measure R sales tax funds approved by voters in 2008, $10.1 million will be invested to jumpstart the Orange Line’s planned transition to all electric buses. New Flyer Xcelsior XE40 electric buses will begin operation by the end of next year.
The groundbreaking announcement represents the first deployment of 60-foot articulated electric buses for transit use in the U.S. The Orange Line will be the highest ridership transit service ever tested for all-electric operation. The project is expected to demonstrate the durability and reliability of lithium-ion battery technology for high ridership transit lines. Averaging 27,000 boardings per day, the Orange Line travels 18 miles between North Hollywood and Chatsworth. It is one of the nation’s most successful BRT systems, accommodating 74 million boardings in its first decade of service.
The new electric buses will replace 60-foot CNG articulated buses that are now reaching the end of their normal service life. Metro Liner CNG buses have a 500,000-mile, 12-year lifespan. The Orange Line originally began operating exactly 11 years ago this month. There are currently 43, 60-foot buses running on the Orange Line today.
“Metro’s commitment to deploying only the cleanest available buses made in the United States has always been ahead of mandates and regulation,” said Phillip A. Washington, Metro CEO. “These truly zero-emission buses will help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help fight climate change. But we are not stopping here. We plan to continue efforts to transform transportation on the Orange Line and other major San Fernando Valley corridors in the years ahead.”
The buses will be capable of en route rapid charging and serving the Orange Line’s entire 22-hour daily schedule without having to return to the division for a recharge. Batteries can be fully charged in about seven minutes during scheduled bus layovers using a 450 kW rapid charger to be installed at terminus stations. The batteries are expected to provide a range of 66 miles between charges — enough for a minimum of four one-way trips. Additional charging systems will be installed at Metro’s Division 8 in Chatsworth for any off-peak charging needs.
Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.
The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
To accomplish this work, the MBTA announced that four phases of temporary evening service changes will begin on February 28 and continue through April.
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.
RTD aims to have 15% of all fare payments by individual customers made via Tap-n-Ride by the end of 2026, as awareness of this contactless payment option grows.
The configuration uses Ster Seating's Gemini seat platform to create a family-friendly floor layout specifically engineered to accommodate parents traveling with young children.
