Challenge
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is one of the largest transportation systems by ridership in the United States. Metro’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drives their commitment to sustainability and resiliency, integrating innovative solutions in planning, building and operating transit infrastructure to improve air quality, protect resources, reduce waste and create connected communities in LA.
Solution
Since 2011, TRC has been a trusted energy advisor and prime consultant for Metro, contributing to the successful implementation of comprehensive energy and climate program efforts. Our ongoing work for the agency includes strategic planning, feasibility studies for renewable energy and climate resilience initiatives, policy interpretation to ensure compliance and strategic alignment with evolving regulations and engineering and operations support.
Results
Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization
TRC led the development of a 10-year Energy Efficiency Long-Term Plan (EELTP) for Metro’s maintenance and operations facilities, which outlines strategies to significantly reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions through improved energy conservation and efficiency measures. The EELTP identifies key opportunities for upgrading building systems, such as installing LED lighting, more efficient HVAC systems and appliances, and emphasizes equitable implementation across all facilities, including those in disadvantaged communities. By implementing these measures, Metro anticipates saving $3.3 million annually in operating costs and achieving a 20% reduction in energy consumption at targeted sites, aligning with its sustainability goals for the next decade.
We are also completing an Energy Master Plan to provide a long-term, holistic view of Metro’s diverse facilities, energy uses and strategic initiatives, including bus electrification, rail line expansions and the electrification of new and existing buildings. The Plan will analyze and map the impacts on energy consumption, providing a comprehensive, integrated forecast of energy demand to guide future planning, recommendations and investments.
Fleet Electrification
Our practitioners supported Metro in the development of an Electric Vehicle Parking Strategic Plan (EVPSP), which provides a strategic blueprint for sustainable, cost-effective and efficient investments in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure for the agency. The EVPSP focuses on opportunities to increase access to employee, transit-rider and public charging and supporting Metro’s long-term transition to zero-emission vehicles.
We also support the conversion of Metro’s 1,400 non-revenue fleet of vehicles to electric, accompanied by a plan for installing vehicle charging infrastructure at their facilities. Our engineers conduct site assessments at Metro’s Maintenance Facilities to determine optimal locations for EV chargers, considering accessibility, existing infrastructure and electrical capacity and develop detailed engineering plans for the installation, including wiring, conduit runs, and charger placement, ensure compliance with local codes, regulations and obtain necessary permits.
Renewable Energy & Microgrids
Our engineers provide operations and maintenance support for Metro’s solar PV systems, reducing large-scale repairs and increasing the life expectancy of the equipment. Through our comprehensive preventative maintenance program, Metro’s onsite renewable energy generation has increased by 48.6% since the program’s inception.
To support energy resiliency planning for Metro’s rail and facilities, we performed a microgrid feasibility study aimed at ensuring operational continuity during emergencies or grid outages across the agency’s extensive rail system. Phase 1 involved designing a fractal microgrid integrating diverse Distributed Energy Resources (DER) including battery storage, supercapacitors, solar PV and backup generators, potentially fueled by renewable gas. Phase 2 focused on evaluating a battery energy storage system (BESS) as a cost-effective alternative to new traction power substations, offering benefits such as voltage regulation and peak shaving. We are supporting Metro in developing a pilot project to demonstrate the benefits of battery energy storage. This pilot will showcase how the system can enhance energy resilience, optimize demand management and reduce operational costs while integrating with Metro’s broader electrification and sustainability goals.
Adapt to
Change
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