LA Metro completes engine retrofit on its CNG fleet

July 11, 2019
The engine retrofit will reduce NOx emissions by 90 percent and GHG by nine percent.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled buses are producing less emissions following the completion of an engine retrofit project on a significant number of its CNG fleet of more than 2,200 buses.  

The project was funded by a $1.875 million Clean Transportation Funding grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), which allocates Clean Transportation Funding from a $4 surcharge on vehicle license fees, specifically to be used for local projects designed to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles.

The funding helped LA Metro complete the installation of 125 new lower emitting engines in its fleet of 45-foot series composite buses. The buses are now powered by new Cummins ISLG and L9N Near Zero Emission Natural Gas Fueled Heavy Duty Engines, which will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 90 percent and greenhouse gases (GHG) by nine percent.

“While people on the street won’t really notice the new engines, residents in our communities will benefit by the reduction in nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gas emissions,” said LA Metro Board Chair James Butts. “We are appreciative of the funding grant from the MSRC to complete this important conversion.”

LA Metro explains that the Cummins ISLG and L9N Near Zero Emission Natural Gas Fueled Heavy Duty Engine was the first CNG mid-range engine to receive emissions certifications from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, which meet the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional near zero NOx emission standard.

“Metro is always looking at innovative solutions and new technologies to improve performance and reduce emissions,” said LA Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “These new low emission engines will help the agency reduce its carbon footprint and provide clean, reliable service for our customers.”

LA Metro notes that MSRC has distributed more than $440 million during its nearly 30-year history to fund clean air projects such as this near zero emission engine retrofit.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.