LA Metro approves $338M for 220 electric buses

The LA Metro Board of Directors has approved approximately $338 million to purchase 220 battery-electric buses from ElDorado National Inc. This procurement aims to transition the agency toward zero-emission vehicles and prepare the region for the 2028 Olympic Games. The purchase is expected to increase Metro’s electric bus fleet from roughly 7 percent to over 20 percent.

To manage the transition, an amendment introduced by Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky limits the initial commitment. While the contract allows for the future option to purchase up to 1,600 additional buses, any subsequent orders must be approved in increments of no more than 300 at a time. This approach provides oversight for future expansions.

The decision faced some opposition and scrutiny. Some officials raised concerns regarding the selection of ElDorado National Inc., noting it is a non-union manufacturer with limited experience in electric bus production compared to competitors. Additionally, Metro officials noted that failing to authorize the expenditure could result in the loss of $168 million in state grant funding.