The zero-emission bus purchase is supported by Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”) Low or No-Emission funding. With the addition of Xcelsior Charge buses to its fleet, LTD joins other west coast cities leading the transition to zero-emission mobility with New Flyer, including Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Coachella Valley, Oakland, San Francisco, Orange County, and Victor Valley.
LTD has a longstanding commitment to sustainability. In 2014, it received silver level certification for the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) sustainability commitment. Since then, LTD hired a Sustainability Program Manager and conducted carbon footprint analysis of its operations to measure the impacts and benefits of public transit on climate change. The study found the two greatest opportunities to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions existed in ridership increases and reduction of fleet vehicle emissions. The LTD Board of Directors is now developing ambitious emission reduction goals for its fleet, and the partnership with New Flyer and commitment to investing in electric vehicles is an important part of its carbon reduction strategy. In assessing its transition to sustainable mobility, LTD employed an innovative partnership with the University of Oregon (“UO”) to study opportunities and challenges.
Since 2004, NFI has delivered 50 buses to LTD, including New Flyer transit buses and low-floor cutaway buses from NFI sister company Arboc. Over half are comprised of electric hybrid propulsion, helping to lower emissions from public transit. LTD provides more than 10 million boardings per year on its buses and EmX Bus Rapid Transit line in Lane County, Oregon.
