The San Mateo County Transit District is rolling out the first of 135 new buses, the first addition to the SamTrans fleet of 337 vehicles in seven years. The sleek, modern buses will replace 137 1993-model buses that have exceeded the recommended 12-year life-span. The new vehicles are expected to require less maintenance thanks to new technology. A comprehensive warranty package also will reduce initial operating costs.

The new buses use the latest clean-diesel technology, emitting 70 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and 90 percent less Particulate Matter than the older buses did in 1993.

The District was able to purchase the buses thanks in large part to federal capital funds, which were programmed and budgeted over a three-year period, long before the current economic downturn. Eighty-one percent of the $61 million cost are federal capital funds. Included in the federal contribution are $3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funds. The funding also includes $1.5 million in regional bridge toll funds. Federal law prohibits the use of capital funds for operating expenses, such as maintenance, salaries or fuel.

SamTrans Board Chair Rose Guilbault said, “This is a modernization step and something we should do even in bad times. Even as we are facing financial difficulties, we want to be in a position to the serve the current and future needs of our customers.”

In addition to a new, streamlined exterior and a new color scheme, the buses include a host of features that improve safety and comfort for riders:

• The wheelchair ramps have a more gradual incline, which makes it easier for people with disabilities to board the bus.
• Sensors on the interior lights measure ambient lighting and adjust the lights accordingly, growing brighter at night and dimmer during the day.
• The seats, which are slightly wider, have extra padding and cloth upholstery.
• The buses are equipped with a digital video recording system.
• The rear door has a sensor which opens the door automatically, eliminating the need for a push-bar.
• The interior stanchions are powder-coated bright yellow, making them more visible.
• A four-speed electronically-controlled transmission shifts more smoothly, improving ride quality

The District ordered three sizes of buses to meet different service needs: 91 40-foot buses; 40 35-foot buses and four 29-foot buses. The smaller buses will be used on the Coastside, where ridership on Route 17 regularly exceeds capacity on the current smaller vehicles.

The buses will be phased into service on all SamTrans routes as they arrive. "The District expects to receive about 5 buses a week from the manufacturer, Gillig Corporation, located in Hayward.

For more information about fares and schedules, call SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448).

01/14/10
Media Contact: Christine Dunn, 650.508.6238