Electric vehicle (EV) shuttle buses in Leimert Park are helping the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) expand its outreach about the benefits of EVs and transportation electrification. In partnership with the Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator (LACI), Circuit and other community partners, LADWP designed exterior wraps for EV shuttle buses currently offering free rides for residents of Leimert Park. The advertisement sponsored by LADWP debuted on both of the Circuit EV shuttles operating in Leimert Park in January 2021 and will be featured on the vehicles through the end of the month.
The Circuit shuttles are part of a pilot program in Leimert Park – the fourth pilot launched under LACI’s Zero Emissions Mobility and Community Pilot Project Fund, which provides clean and affordable transportation solutions as well as benefits of the green economy through workforce development and job creation. LACI was founded as an economic development initiative by LADWP and the City of Los Angeles.
“It is vital that the growing electric vehicle community in Los Angeles is an equitable one,” said Cynthia McClain-Hill, president of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners. “The Leimert Park EV shuttle is a small part of the Department’s efforts to raise awareness about how EVs can benefit the South L.A. community, as well as all Angelenos. The Department was proud to collaborate with the local community to create messaging that is authentic and relatable. We look forward to more collaborations like this to promote EVs and other money-saving programs for our customers throughout our community.”
In designing the creative wraps, LADWP aimed to promote zero emission transportation in the area, raise awareness about the Department’s EV incentives and celebrate the heritage of Leimert Park. The Department collaborated with pilot program members to ensure the design complemented and reflected the community. Community partners included We Love Leimert, KAOS Networks, Ride On! Bike Shop/Co-op, CEDC/IMHP, South LA Cafe and SankofaCity.
The effort is part of an overall focus on ensuring equity throughout the Department’s electric transportation programs by providing outreach and information on the Department’s rebates and programs to traditionally underserved communities, which are disproportionately impacted by pollution from the transportation sector. In addition to increasing outreach to promote awareness and education about EVs, the Department currently offers an additional $1,000 rebate, up to $5,000, for eligible commercial Level 2 charging stations installed in underserved communities, and is working on increasing the rebate for income-qualified customers who purchase used EVs. LADWP’s current used EV rebate program provides up to $1,500 toward the purchase of a used battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The Circuit EV shuttle service is available Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Circuit offers both flag down and on-demand (via a mobile app) service within the designated pilot coverage area. Residents can also text ahead for a ride at (310) 737-2299.
