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Metra in Chicago seeks a deputy executive director. [More]
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Ben Franklin Transit, Richland, WA, is looking for a planning & service development director. [More]
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Victor Valley Transit Authority, Hesperia, CA, requests proposals for a battery energy storage and demand response system. [More]
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Agencies Purchase Buses, Locomotives
Several public transit agencies have announced the purchase and renovation of buses in their fleet and the North County Transit District (NCTD), Oceanside, CA, has approved the purchase of five new diesel-electric Siemens locomotives for its Coaster commuter rail service. “Our board is happy to welcome the new fuel-efficient and lower-emission vehicles to NCTD. We look forward to the enhanced service our passengers will receive from them,” said board Vice Chair John Aguilera.
The new locomotives, being built in Siemens’ Sacramento, CA, facility and scheduled for delivery in 2021, will replace five other locomotives that have reached the end of their useful life. They are expected to operate with an estimated 90 percent reduction in emissions compared to the existing engines and a 16 percent reduction in fuel consumption. The vehicles being replaced were originally built between 1975-1992 and were purchased as used by NCTD.
NCTD’s purchase of the locomotives is part of a multi-state procurement with Caltrans and Illinois DOT. Funding for the vehicles, priced collectively at more than $37 million, has been made possible through state funding programs.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Hampton, VA, welcomed 28 new buses from Gillig at ribbon-cutting ceremonies July 26, allowing the agency to retire some of its older vehicles.
The bus order includes 13 29-footers, seven 35-footers, three 40-footers and five 40-foot buses for Metro Area Express intracity commuter routes, all powered by ultra-low-sulfur diesel. HRT noted that the 29-foot buses are the best fit for neighborhood routes with smaller roads and tighter turning demands.
Funding for the $13.6 million order was provided by Virginia, 70 percent; the federal government, 27 percent; and local cities, 3 percent.
“Few investments are as important to transit as buses,” said HRT President and Chief Executive Officer William Harrell. “Older buses require more maintenance and are less reliable. Some of our buses are well beyond their expected life. We are working hard to replace older bus equipment to enhance the transit experience, both for customers and our operators.”
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has placed an order for 12 60-foot articulated diesel-electric hybrid buses from New Flyer, converting 12 vehicles from an option backlog to firm orders.
The articulated buses, funded in part by FTA, can transport 115 passengers each, providing high-capacity transit along key WMATA routes.
New Flyer has delivered nearly 1,400 buses to WMATA since 2001, including electric hybrids, zero-emission battery-electric and CNG.
Montebello (CA) Bus Lines (MBL) has entered into a contract with Complete Coach Works to rehabilitate three New Flyer buses in its fleet, including a conversion from gas hybrid engines to zero-emission electric power.
MBL Director of Transportation Tom Barrio said, “We are looking forward to our first all-electric buses. We believe this is going to be a positive first step toward the next generation of our vehicles.”
When completed, the remanufactured buses will also offer composite floorings and lightweight seating, electric air compressors and power steering pumps, electric HVAC systems, all-LED interior and exterior lighting, paint/graphics, suspension, steering components and brakes.
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