Energy, Wind Energy, and Geothermal Energy.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) is a transportation agency that is responsible for the public transportation system in Los Angeles County, California. LA Metro is the third-largest public transportation agency in the United States, with a fleet of over 2,000 buses and 6 rail lines that serve over 1.4 million passengers every day.

In recent years, LA Metro has taken a proactive approach to sustainability and has developed several renewable energy projects in the solar, wind, and geothermal sectors. These projects have not only helped LA Metro reduce its carbon footprint but have also saved the agency millions of dollars in energy costs.

Solar Energy

LA Metro has installed several solar energy systems throughout its facilities and transit centers. The agency's largest solar project is the Division 13 Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility, which features a 600 kW solar array that generates approximately 1 million kWh of electricity annually. This solar array covers 70% of the facility's energy needs, saving LA Metro an estimated $8.5 million over the next 25 years.

LA Metro has also installed solar panels on the roofs of several transit centers, including the El Monte Bus Station and the Division 6 Bus Maintenance and Operations Facility. These solar panels generate clean energy that is used to power the facilities and reduce LA Metro's reliance on the grid.

Wind Energy

LA Metro has also invested in wind energy projects to further reduce its carbon footprint. In 2015, the agency signed a power purchase agreement with EDF Renewable Energy for the purchase of 43 MW of wind energy from the Mojave Wind Project. This wind energy is used to power LA Metro's rail lines and has helped the agency reduce its carbon emissions by approximately 35,000 metric tons annually.

Geothermal Energy

LA Metro has also explored the use of geothermal energy to power its facilities. In 2014, the agency installed a geothermal heating and cooling system at the Division 13 Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility. This system uses the earth's natural energy to heat and cool the facility, reducing LA Metro's energy costs by approximately $150,000 annually.

LA Metro's renewable energy projects have not only helped the agency reduce its carbon footprint but have also saved the agency millions of dollars in energy costs. These projects demonstrate LA Metro's commitment to sustainability and its leadership in the transportation industry.