Foothill Transit commits to clearing the air in the San Gabriel valley with zero-emission electric buses.

(WEST COVINA, CA) May 12, 2016 – Foothill Transit is embarking on a bold new vision to fully electrify their bus fleet by 2030 – replacing Foothill Transit’s fleet of over 300 buses. This new goal is a part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and providing premier public transit service to the communities of the Pomona and San Gabriel Valleys.

“This ambitious goal emphasizes our continued commitment to sustainability and electric bus technology,” said Carol Herrera, Chair of the Foothill Transit Executive Board, “we are excited for a future with a 100% electric bus fleet that produces zero emissions across the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys.” Foothill Transit has been a leader in electric bus technology in Southern California. Foothill Transit currently operates 15 electric buses on Line 291 – the first fast-charge, all-electric bus line in the nation. The electric buses, built by Proterra, are lightweight 35-foot transit buses with heavy duty responsibilities – with a range of 35 miles on a single charge and the ability to recharge hands free and in-route, from 0% state of charge to 100% in 10 minutes.

“The mission of Foothill Transit goes beyond providing great service,” said Roland Cordero, Foothill Transit’s Director of Maintenance and Vehicle Technology, “It’s also about caring for the communities we serve.”

Foothill Transit’s electric buses eliminates the same amount of emissions as 2,424 cars every year. Over the last six years, the electric buses have eliminated 2,616 tons of greenhouse gases and have helped the agency save 200,405 gallons of natural gas. Most engines release harmful chemicals into the air like Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds found to have a negative impact on public health, but Foothill Transit’s clean fleet – currently made up of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric buses – reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. The impact will even be greater when the fleet is 100% electric.

Foothill Transit provides community-oriented, environmentally friendly bus service throughout Southern California’s San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, including express bus routes to Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles, providing 14 million bus rides each year. More information about our Electric Bus program may be found at foothilltransit.org/electric.

Click here to access Electric Bus program images and video clips for media use.