New Buses for Riverside County
Riverside residents are about to be treated to a fleet of 97 brand new 40-foot coaches. Riverside Transit Agency riders can expect that in about a year, if transit officials approve a $51.8 million contract, they will be commuting in new seats. The new expected buses will replace a series of buses purchases in the early 2000’s, which have been used past their standard useful life of 500,000 miles.
English: Riverside Transit Agency #2144 as route 16 south, at Central & Canyon Crest (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One of the geographically largest bus systems in the United States, RTA services western Riverside County and as far east as the San Gorgonio Pass and as far south as Temecula. Having to provide this much coverage causes takes on the miles and on the busses’ gas tanks. The gas tanks themselves have a life expectancy of 15 years and are nearing the end, which has officials pondering on whether to replace the gas tanks or the busses in their entirety.
However, as the end of the gas tank’s life expectancy was nearing, last year officials opted to explore total replacement. The decision would be finalized with the contract by the bus system’s board of directors on Thursday, Sept. 27, according to PE News.
Gillig, the bus maker that is based in Hayward, south of Oakland has made a proposal to sell 97 buses to the RTA with the option to buy at least 48 in the next four years. Initially, the company will purchase 16 buses that are outfitted for more comfortable long range commuter routes, these buses will be retrofitted with padded seats and WIFI capabilities; 81 buses were retrofitted for conventional buses for use on the RTA’s regular routes.
The proposal is to purchase 97 buses from Gillig, a bus maker based in Hayward, south of Oakland, with an option to buy 48 more over four years. The initial purchase will be 16 buses outfitted for commuter routes with padded seats, and 81 conventional buses for use on RTA’s regular routes. Commuter buses will cost $546,379.53, and the conventional buses will cost $531,459.86 apiece.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure these buses can bring the best of technology to our customers,” RTA spokesman Brad Weaver told PE news.
All the buses will have at least two spaces for bikes, Weaver said, and maybe a third if the rack can hold three and not block the headlights of the bus. They are also designed and equipped to be more fuel-efficient and hold more compressed natural gas in a larger tank. The gas tank was upgraded from a 175-gallon tank to a 208-gallon tank, which will allow the buses to travel further distances.
These new additions will surely offer commuters a comfortable ride and hopefully help reduce the amount of Riverside auto accidents.
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.