LA Metro is introducing hydrogen-powered buses to its fleet for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The move showcases Los Angeles as a climate leader and supports zero-emission operations.
LA Metro Secures $77.5 Million Grant for Zero-Emission Buses
This summer, LA Metro was awarded a $77.5 million Low or No Emission grant, which will be used to purchase zero-emission buses, install new chargers, and expand its workforce. In April 2024, the fleet operator announced plans to buy 20 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, with additional purchase options for up to 1,980 zero-emission vehicles.
Lindsey Horvath, the Los Angeles County Board Chair and Metro Board Member, stated that the funding from the Federal Transit Administration will enable LA Metro to replace its compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and support the transition to zero-emission operations. “As we approach the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Metro will continue to showcase Los Angeles as a climate leader on the world stage, providing clean transportation options to athletes and attendees,” Horvath added.
California’s Zero-Emission Transit Regulations
CARB’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation mandates all transit agencies operate zero-emission fleets by 2040. The regulation includes the following key points:
- Starting from 2029, 100% of new bus purchases must be zero-emissions
- From 2023, 25% of bus purchases must be zero-emissions
- The requirement increases to 50% beginning in 2026
Hydrogen-Powered Public Buses in Los Angeles County
In 2022, the first hydrogen-powered public bus went into operation in Los Angeles County. Foothill Transit announced three vehicles would enter revenue service on Line 291, which serves Pomona, Claremont, and La Verne. The maintenance yards of Foothill Transit include private hydrogen refueling dispensers.
In March 2024, it was announced that up to $16 million in funding would be available to support the wider establishment of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in California.
Toyota’s Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Toyota, an official transport partner for the 2024 Paris Olympics, provided over 2,600 electrified vehicles. 500 of these were the hydrogen-powered Mirai. Thiebault Paquet, Toyota Europe’s R&D Vice-President, said the games were ideal to showcase hydrogen’s potential.
LA Metro’s introduction of hydrogen-powered buses demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation for the 2028 Olympics.
Read more: California Launches $12.6B Renewable Hydrogen Hub
