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SamTrans > News Archive - 2003 > SamTrans Introduces "Low-Riders" Into Its Fleet
SamTrans Introduces "Low-Riders" Into Its Fleet
The San Mateo County Transit District is introducing new low-floor buses into its
fleet of passenger coaches. A bus will be on display Wednesday, Oct. 8, between noon
and 2 p.m. in the breezeway behind the transit district's headquarters at 1250 San
Carlos Ave., in San Carlos.
At the same time, SamTrans also will be displaying one of the Regional Express Buses,
provided through a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to operate
express service between East Palo Alta, Redwood Shores and the Millbrae Intermodal
Station.
The most critical difference between a standard-floor bus and a low-floor bus is the
distance from the ground to board or exit the bus. SamTrans is moving towards the
low-floor buses to decrease the amount of time bus operators must spend at each stop.
Decreasing dwell time is key to helping maintain good on-time performance.
Currently, wheelchair users board SamTrans buses via a lift, which takes several
minutes to operate. With the new buses, the low step means that a small ramp can be
used to help passengers with disabilities quickly and easily board the bus. The new
buses also offer the kneeling feature, which further lowers the floor of the bus to
help passengers easily ascend.
Other new features include an electric engine starter as opposed to the current air
starters, rear "yield" signs to facilitate merging on congested roads like El Camino
Real and a four-camera system onboard each bus.
Gillig Corporation manufactured the 60 new buses, which are intended to replace our
aging fleet of 1990 Gilligs.
The buses are expected to begin operating in passenger service in mid-November.
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