By Alex Eisenhart | @AlexOnTransit
Starting in August, SamTrans customers will be seeing brand new buses running up and down the Peninsula. These 60-foot New Flyer 800-series articulated buses offer more than just that new bus smell. This next generation of buses come equipped with USB charging ports, additional folding seats with updated vinyl seating and storage racks. Onboard Wi-Fi is also expected to be offered later this year.
Most of these new features are centered around the seats. The modern vinyl seat material offers improved cushion, comfort and cleanliness compared to previous fabric designs. Additionally, in the classic "everybody, look under your chair" style, every seat onboard includes USB charging ports underneath, and some also fold up to increase storage capacity.
Other new features onboard the New Flyers include increased onboard surveillance (10 security cameras), a third door to accelerate boarding, a refreshed color scheme and bike rack storage for up to three bicycles. Like the rest of SamTrans' fleet, the 800-series is designed with a low floor, offering easier boarding for passengers with mobility needs.
This latest bus procurement marks the agency's final purchase of diesel-powered vehicles before switching to 100% battery-electric buses by 2033.
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