Congresswoman Maxine Waters joined Gardena Mayor Tasha Cerda, Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo, and California Energy Commissioner Janea Scott to celebrate the deployment of the Gardena GTrans system’s five newly converted zero-emissions buses.
“It is my distinct pleasure to celebrate this exciting new project for the City of Gardena’s GTrans system,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “Not only do these repowered buses provide a cleaner, quieter ride for customers in the community, but the project itself helps reduce emissions and energy costs, and advances a new technology in the transit industry.”
Gardena’s GTrans system was awarded a $2.7 million grant by the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) to convert five of their existing hybrid gasoline-electric powered buses to battery-electric propulsion systems that produce zero emissions.
The conversion, which began in 2016, supports the City of Gardena’s mission to improve local air quality and provide Gardena citizens with workforce development and job opportunities in the green economy.
“I appreciate all of the California Energy Commission’s efforts to reduce energy costs and reduce the environmental impacts of energy use, while ensuring a safe, resilient, and reliable supply of energy,” said Congresswoman Waters. “I am particularly proud of the fact that the benefits of this project extend not only to residents in our community here in Gardena, but those in neighboring communities in and around the 43rd District as well.”
Each bus contains a new zero-emission propulsion system (ZEPS) created by a local manufacturer, Complete Coach Works, which employs over 350 technicians, engineers and support staff in Riverside, California. CALSTART also manages the data collection and analysis for the propulsion system, making the GTrans project a promising job-creator for the state of California.
“I believe transit is a vital public service, and I want to make sure it advances and thrives to support our communities in California and across the United States,” said Congresswoman Waters. “I am proud to stand with GTrans and support its work in expanding public transit, while reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a more sustainable future for our communities.”
