West LA Times

UCLA has secured a substantial grant from the California State Transportation Agency to advance its electric transit initiatives. The $19.85 million funding, obtained in collaboration with CALSTART and Electreon, will facilitate the transition of UCLA's BruinBus fleet to 100% electric vehicles and support service expansion. Additionally, it will finance California's first in-road electric charging system, all set for completion before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"This transformative grant will significantly enhance our transportation network," stated Tony Lucas, executive director of UCLA Events and Transportation. He emphasized that sustainability and innovation are key priorities for the university.

The BruinBus routes serve major student residential areas, commercial districts like Westwood Village, medical centers such as Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, academic buildings, and other university facilities. They also connect passengers to seven other transit agencies. The grant will expand UCLA’s current fleet by adding eight more all-electric buses to its existing five all-electric buses and one all-electric passenger van.

Moreover, the funds will contribute to constructing a new transit hub between the UCLA bus depot and the future UCLA/Westwood station. This hub is expected to open in 2028 and will connect directly to L.A. Metro’s D Line light rail extension. "The new transit hub and extension will be a game-changer for connectivity in Westwood," said Clinton Bench, director of UCLA Fleet and Transit.

The project also includes California’s first electric road system installation on Charles E. Young Dr., enabling wireless charging of electric shuttles while driving or stationary at pick-up points. Jared Schnader from CALSTART remarked on setting a precedent for state-wide transit electrification through this initiative.

Stefan Tongur from Electreon highlighted that this project follows Detroit's successful deployment of an EV-charging roadway in November 2023. "Electreon is proud to be working with UCLA and CALSTART," he added.