Long Beach Transit Purchases New Zero-Emission Battery-Electric Buses

LONG BEACH, CALIF. (March 25, 2021) – At its March 25, 2021 meeting, the Long Beach Transit Board of Directors authorized the purchase 20 new battery-electric buses from New Flyer of America. The zero-emission buses will be smaller than LBT’s typical 40-foot buses and move LBT closer to its goal of a zero-emission fleet. 

“Long Beach Transit has been a nationwide leader in sustainability being one of the first transit agencies to buy battery-electric buses six years ago,” said Michael Clemson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “I am proud to both support clean air in our community and fight climate change with these new buses. We are moving closer to having an entire fleet of zero-emission buses.”

LBT issued a request for proposals in January 2020 and after an evaluation process, New Flyer of America was chosen. Capital and grant dollars will be used to fund the $22 million purchase the 20 buses. The agreement includes the option to purchase up to 20 additional buses within three years, subject to approval by the LBT Board of Directors.

“LBT made a commitment to clean air in the community with a fleet of zero-emission vehicles,” said President and CEO Kenneth A. McDonald. “The smaller buses will help us navigate diverse neighborhoods, and today’s Board action puts LBT closer to a fleet of zero-emission buses.”