In 1931, a loaf of bread cost 8 cents, gas was 10 cents a gallon, and passengers on the new Montebello Bus Lines paid a nickel to ride one of four buses in the fleet in the city of Montebello, CA, an agricultural community located eight miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

The agency has undergone numerous changes on the way to its 80th anniversary. For example, its fleet is 16 times larger than in 1931, serving more than 22,000 passengers each weekday.

Montebello Bus Lines commemorated the anniversary milestone by rolling out three new buses with updated exterior graphics and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered engines, purchased with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. The remaining funds in the $6.1 million ARRA grant will support construction of a new CNG facility.

The 80-day anniversary celebration has as its theme “80 years of innovative thinking ... an infinite future of green.” Activities include a video and essay contest and an art competition, promoted through social media and interior bus cards.

“We have a deep commitment to the environment, and to providing our customers with the most modern and sustainable transit equipment and technologies available today,” said Aurora Jackson, Montebello Bus Lines director of transportation.

During the anniversary celebration, Montebello Bus Lines received certificates of recognition from the Federal Transit Administration and the city. In addition, the agency presented a special commendation to 86-year-old passenger Helen Cota for being its longest-riding passenger—since 1959.

Displaying one of Montebello Bus Lines’ new CNG-powered buses are, from left, motorcoach operator Mary Mentloe; Helen Cota, a rider on the system for more than half a century; Assistant Director of Transportation Alva Carrasco; motorcoach operator Tony Tucker; and Norwalk Transit General Manager James Parker.