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Los Angeles Unified To Begin Installation of Eighteen Electric Bus Chargers at Gardena Bus Yard (08-09-2023)

CONTACT: Jonathan Fu
communications@lausd.net 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 9, 2023

Los Angeles Unified To Begin Installation of Eighteen Electric Bus Chargers at Gardena Bus Yard

Project Improves Sustainability at District’s Largest Transportation Hub

Los Angeles, CA (Aug. 9, 2023) – Continuing Los Angeles Unified’s ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation and in alignment with Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan, the District will begin the installation of 18 new electric school bus chargers at the Gardena Bus Yard. The District’s largest transportation hub, the Gardena Bus Yard serves over 8,672 students across 296 schools with 371 buses.

“Los Angeles Unified has demonstrated continued leadership in the field of sustainable transportation,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “The installation of 18 electric bus chargers at our largest transportation facility reinforces our ongoing commitment to reduce our impact on the environment. This investment also marks the start of a new era at the Gardena Bus Yard, benefiting students, the environment and the communities we serve.”

Planning for this project is well underway, with an expected completion date by the end of 2023. When installed, the new chargers will be able to fully charge an electric school bus in just three hours. In addition, these chargers will also feature vehicle-to-grid charging capabilities, allowing Los Angeles Unified’s fleet of electric buses to contribute energy back to the grid when necessary.

Group photo at the Gardena Bus Yard in front of electric buses and chargers

The bus yard currently houses 371 buses, with infrastructure designed to support a fleet of conventionally-powered buses, including 270 buses powered by compressed natural gas and 75 buses powered by propane. The facility also houses a select number of gasoline and diesel-powered buses.

The installation of eighteen electric bus chargers at the Gardena Bus Yard marks an important step in Los Angeles Unified’s ongoing efforts to adopt sustainable modes of transportation. In accordance with a resolution adopted by the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education in 2019, the District is committed to achieving 100% clean, renewable energy in its electricity sector by 2030 and in all energy sectors – including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooking and transportation – by 2040.

The addition of 18 electric bus charging stations was initially approved by the Los Angeles Board of Education in January 2023. In May 2023, Los Angeles Unified also committed to the complete electrification of the Sun Valley Bus Yard with the purchase of 180 new electric buses and chargers by 2026.

“Los Angeles Unified is steadfast in our mission to lead our families and communities into a green, sustainable future,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “The installation of these chargers and the transition to electric school buses will bring real benefits to our communities. These quiet, non-polluting buses will do more than move students—they will foster a cleaner and healthier environment.”

“As the second-largest school District in the United States, we strive to be the greenest District and lead the way for other organizations to do the same,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “The installation of these 18 bus chargers at our district’s biggest transit depot is just one part of our plan to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy while making a strong commitment to a healthier future for our students and families.”

“We are pleased to see the advancement of the District’s commitment to pursuing alternative energy sources that align with our goal of being zero emissions by 2040,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “This investment in our bus charging infrastructure will allow us to continue to accelerate our transition to an all electric fleet.”

“This is one more essential step toward the greening that must happen District wide, for the health of our students and the health of our communities,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “In electrifying our bus fleet, we are also creating good jobs, and supporting viable clean infrastructure. As chair of the Greening Schools and Climate Resilience Committee, I am excited about the District working with community allies to ensure we are not just meeting these milestones but leading with climate equity in all of our school communities."

“These charging stations are a good step toward the successful electrification of our bus fleet, which is an important part of LA Unified’s ambitious sustainability commitments,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We will keep pushing the District to invest in a greener future for our kids, families, and school communities.”

“Los Angeles Unified has become a leader in investing in sustainable technologies that support our students and benefit the entire community,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “These electric chargers are a critical part of our green infrastructure, and I look forward to more investment in electric buses and chargers, including at the Sun Valley Bus Yard in Board District 6.”

“I’m thrilled our District will begin the installation of the 18 new electric school bus chargers at the Gardena Bus Yard, in the heart of Board District 7,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “As we gear up for a new school year, today marks the promise of a greener, healthier environment for our students and families, as well as an important contribution by the workers on this project. Los Angeles Unified will be a leader in environmental justice so that our planet is in a better condition for our children’s future.”

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.