Jacobs has been selected by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), working alongside Clark Construction Group, to design and build charging infrastructure at two bus operating divisions.
The project will retrofit LA Metro’s bus divisions in Carson and West Hollywood with overhead charging systems, upgraded electrical distribution networks and smart energy management technology. The infrastructure is scheduled for completion by 2028 and is intended to support the operation of the agency’s growing fleet of battery-electric buses.
Under the progressive design-build contract, Jacobs will lead the design of the facilities, with the charging systems intended to optimise charging schedules while helping to manage electricity demand and operating costs.
Construction will be phased to allow both bus divisions to continue operating throughout the works, maintaining services while the new infrastructure is installed.
The project forms part of LA Metro’s wider programme to transition its approximately 2,000-bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles. Jacobs is coordinating with organisations including LA Metro, Caltrans, Metrolink and the City of Los Angeles to align transport projects ahead of major sporting events due to take place in the region in 2028.
Eva Wood, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, said:This project will deliver one of the nation’s most advanced bus charging systems, supporting Metro’s 2,000-bus fleet transition and cutting emissions for and beyond 2028. By integrating smart charging technology and resilient infrastructure, we’re enabling cleaner air, lower energy costs and reliable service for millions of riders.
The contract adds to Jacobs’ portfolio of zero-emission public transport projects, which includes developing a zero-emission bus transition plan for California’s Santa Clara County and designing charging infrastructure for bus services in the Boise region of Idaho.
