Foothill Transit Renews Trust in Keolis to Operate Pomona Yard Through 2027

Board unanimously approves new contract which will further improve reliability for passengers and continue decarbonization of public transit.

BOSTON – March 2, 2023 - Keolis North America (Keolis) today announced that Foothill Transit has awarded Keolis a new contract to continue operating services from the Pomona, California yard. The four-year contract extends Keolis’ maintenance and operations activities and will prioritize safety, partnership, the passenger experience, on-time performance, and the continued transition to renewable energy sources. This award further reinforces Keolis’ commitment to the communities it serves in southern California and its position as a partner of choice for transit in North America.

As part of this contract, Keolis will continue to maintain and operate 147 vehicles which operate on either electricity, compressed natural gas, or hydrogen. Foothill Transit is in the process of introducing a fleet of 33 hydrogen-fueled New Flyer buses and is commissioning a 25,000-gallon hydrogen fueling tank at the agency’s Pomona Yard. As part of its proposal, Keolis has committed to sharing best practices from its global Center of Excellence for Energy Transition in supporting Foothill Transit’s zero-emission bus fleets.

“Foothill Transit’s continued partnership with Keolis helps streamline our transition to a fully zero emissions fleet and more sustainable transit,” said Foothill Transit Executive Board Chair Corey Calaycay. “Our collaboration is good for our customers and our region.”

Keolis was previously awarded an eight-year contract in 2017 to implement its passenger-centric approach to operations and maintenance. In 2022, Foothill Transit redefined the terms and duration of the contract due to market conditions and economic realities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new contract puts Foothill Transit and Keolis in the best possible position to deliver safe and reliable service to passengers and promote the personal and professional development of employees. The new agreement includes performance incentives for on-time performance, customer service, and maintenance.

“We are pleased Foothill Transit has recommended to continue working with Keolis for 4 years, and that the board gave its unanimous support,” said CEO of Keolis North America David Scorey. “This contract will support Foothill Transit’s goal of a 100 percent renewable fleet by 2030, a model for the industry. On behalf of Keolis North America and the local team, we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with Foothill Transit and delivering the safe, reliable, and sustainable service our passengers deserve.”

In selecting Keolis for this contract, Foothill Transit emphasized Keolis’ strong local team combined with a high level of corporate support, robust staffing plans, quality of vehicle and facility maintenance, and strong commitment to safety and security.

Keolis’ operations for Foothill Transit include 14 local routes within the San Gabriel Valley and four express routes to downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena.