The Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) has approved the purchase of 20 battery-powered electric buses.
The new buses, which will replace the older diesel-operated vehicles, will be used to carry passengers between the terminals and gates of Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) airfields.
In addition to providing a quieter and smoother ride for passengers, the new buses are expected to reduce emissions and maintenance costs.
Their introduction also supports BOAC-approved updates to the LAX Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirement (AFV requirement), which enables LAWA to utilise evolving technological developments in clean vehicles.
LAWA Facilities Maintenance and Utilities Group deputy executive director said: “With the introduction of these new electric buses, LAX will have the largest fleet of electric airfield buses at an airport in the world, transporting us to a cleaner and quieter busing future.
“These buses are smart for the environment and for our bottom line, and we’re excited to start rolling them out in the coming year.”
Currently, LAWA’s airfield bus fleet comprises 26 buses including 14 diesel-fuelled buses that are more than 20 years old and 12 CNG-fuelled buses aged more than ten years.
The new electric buses will replace the full diesel-fuelled bus fleet and increase the total number to 32 buses.
This strengthening of the fleet will help LAX to cater to the requirements during peak summertime demand.
LAWA Environmental Programs Group deputy executive director Samantha Bricker said: “These electric buses represent an important step up in terms of sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.
“By replacing 14 diesel-powered engines and expanding our battery-electric bus capacity, we’re looking at making a substantial reduction in tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air for our guests and surrounding neighbours.”
