creating better transit access to the core of downtown, and providing a seamless journey for riders. Additionally, during the Games and in partnership with Caltrans, a Games Route Network (GRN) of roads will be designated for the Games vehicles traveling between official accommodation venues, competition venues, and other key sites. A Games Enhanced Transit System (GETS) also will be created to link rail/bus stations and temporary park and ride sites to the venues. The GETS is expected to be comprised of ZEB and Compressed or Renewable Natural Gas buses (CNG or RNG) from Metro’s fleet and donated buses from partner agencies. The permanent transit improvements — from tree-shaded bus stops to rapid bus routes and new rail lines — will ultimately benefit all residents and businesses long after the 2028 Games are over. Angelenos that have no or limited experience taking transit prior to the 2028 Games will gain familiarity with the system, addressing a major barrier to system utilization. “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a real opportunity for Metro, to show LA County and the world how transit can protect our environment, improve our health, and give us a better quality of life,” said Wiggins. “For decades, LA County has been infamous for its
Transit for a Resilient Los Angeles T he Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) embodies the Earth Day values of environmental awareness, responsibility and action into every service they provide and every project they build. “Using public transportation is one of the best ways people can reduce their personal environmental impact,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword: it’s who we are; and we’ve taken concrete actions over the past few years to combat climate change and build a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient Los Angeles.” In recognition of this basic principle and in support of state carbon neutrality targets, Metro has set goals for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implemented a requirement for VMT analysis to be included in board reports. This builds accountability into these targets and ensures that the full range of VMT impacts are being considered during the decision-making process. Metro’s initiatives are guided by its 10-year Sustainability Strategic Plan (Moving Beyond Sustainability), which provides the blueprint to accomplish its goals. The plan makes bold commitments to tripling Metro’s on-site renewable energy generation by 2030; reducing total
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efforts of its kind in the U.S., increasing competition and interest among U.S. bus manufacturers. “This is the first time Metro is partnering with transit agencies across LA County to buy new buses together. It’s an opportunity to pool our purchasing power while also supporting zero-emissions bus manufacturing jobs here in the U.S.,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This is the sort of creative approach we need to get all of our transit providers closer to a zero-emissions, clean air future.” Conversion of Metro’s J (Silver) Line BRT into a fully electric fleet is underway and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure construction has begun at Division 9 and is slated to be completed by 2026. Planning for the electrification of El Monte Transit Center has begun and is also slated to be completed by 2026. From 2022 to 2023, Metro saw a more than 14% reduction in air pollution emissions and a 15% decrease in its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Expansion of the transit system and increased utilization of that system will continue to reduce GHG emissions throughout the region. Metro has been working to identify creative opportunities to scale its efforts to cut greenhouse gases. For example, in 2022, the agency adopted a tree policy and has partnered with cities and communities to support tree canopy along transit corridors and near stations. A Los Angeles County Climate Vulnerability Assessment found that, by 2050, nearly 2.2 million people will be residing in areas with exposure to extreme heat — many of whom are transit riders. “Metro’s tree policy will mean cleaner air, more shade for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders, and more walkable, livable, and beautiful neighborhoods,” said Chair Hahn. The upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in a transit-first future for Angelenos. In 1984, LA lacked today’s public transportation network. Today, the region includes more than 100 miles of rail and over 40 miles of bus-only lanes. With currently planned expansions to Metro’s network, there will be high-quality transit service for most of the major 2028 Games venues. Metro’s Twenty-Eight by ’28 Initiative outlines projects slated for completion by 2028. Five projects have already been completed, including the transformational Regional Connector in Downtown LA, which opened in June 2023, closing a missing link in the rail system,
agency greenhouse gas emissions by 79%; reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 54%; and reducing potable water use by 22%. Metro is making significant progress on the priorities outlined in the Sustainability Strategic Plan, which is exemplified by its progress on efforts to electrify the bus. Metro currently operates one of the largest clean-air bus fleets in the U.S., with the transition from renewable natural gas fueled buses to zero- emissions buses underway. Last fall, the Metro Board of Directors took a big step toward helping the greater region by approving another policy to support U.S. zero -emission bus manufacturers by approving $49.84 million in state Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP) funds for Los Angeles County Municipal Operators Association (LACMOA) member agencies. The policy allows purchase of zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure through a Regional Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Procurement Policy, one of the largest collaborative procurement
“This is the first time Metro is partnering with transit agencies across LA County to buy new buses together. It’s an opportunity to pool our purchasing power while also supporting zero- emissions bus manufacturing jobs here in the U.S.” Janice Hahn, Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword: it’s who we are; and we’ve taken concrete actions over the past few years to combat climate change and build a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient Los Angeles.” Stephanie Wiggins , CEO of Metro
traffic and air pollution. The 2028 Games will give us the opportunity to show the world how serious we are about embracing transit and reducing our environmental impact here in LA County.” Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for LA County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing a fleet of over 2,000 clean-air buses, including battery electric and CNG models, fueled by renewable energy. The agency seeks out and implements innovative solutions to improve air quality, protect and preserve natural resources, reduce and reuse waste, and more importantly, create connected communities. To highlight the benefit of public transportation and encourage ridership, Metro offers free rides on Earth Day and California Clean Air Day in October. The agency works with its employees and strategic partners in communicating its efforts through social media, blog posts, employee training programs, after-school activities and stakeholder engagement through community-based organizations. On a global scale, Metro creates awareness for sustainable public transit and serves as an example, inspiring others to take on leadership roles in their own networks and locations
The LA Metro G (formerly Orange) Line in the San Fernando Valley is fully electric.
12 | Earthday 2025
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