What the story fails to mention, much less make clear, is that this small fleet of buses - commuter models serving outlying areas - is operated by the L.A. Dept. of Transportation (as are the downtown DASH buses) - and is not to be confused with the huge fleet of Metro buses that ply the vast majority of city routes.
L.A. rolls out clean bus fleet
"The majority of city buses are well past their 12-year life spans, officials said, and at least one bus has traveled 1.2 million miles since 1985.
"The new $67-million fleet of buses will run on compressed natural gas, as opposed to diesel, and offer 49 seats instead of 43. They will also provide easier wheelchair access and more space for bicycles, officials said."
L.A. rolls out clean bus fleet
"The majority of city buses are well past their 12-year life spans, officials said, and at least one bus has traveled 1.2 million miles since 1985.
"The new $67-million fleet of buses will run on compressed natural gas, as opposed to diesel, and offer 49 seats instead of 43. They will also provide easier wheelchair access and more space for bicycles, officials said."
Bus operator Francisco Sigala displays the engine and cooling system on a new Commuter Express bus, which runs on compressed natural gas. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times / November 30, 2011)
