The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority rail yard for the Red and Purple Line subway is the first major rail maintenance facility in the nation to earn international recognition for its environmental management system.

EMS means that Metro runs the rail yard in a way that conforms to a set of environmental management standards, as determined by the independent International Organization for Standardization.

Cris Liban, Environmental Compliance and Service Manager for Metro said, "We're very pleased with this recognition, which is part of Metro's overall program to pursue sustainability wherever possible, as directed by the Metro Board. We're currently working on many levels and projects toward that goal, not the least of which is our totally alternative clean-fueled bus fleet. Today's award is confirmation of our commitment and the hard work and dedication of our staff."

Metro personnel gathered at the Red/Purple Line Yard, alongside the Los Angeles River east of Little Tokyo March 25, where they received a plaque commemorating certification from a representative of underwriter Laboratories, a third party auditor that examines compliance of EMS practices.