NEW LOW EMISSION, CLEAN FUEL GOLDEN GATE TRANSIT BUSES HIT THE ROAD ADORNED WITH NEW DESIGN

Beginning Monday, March 1, 2004, the first of 80 new Golden Gate Transit (GGT) buses will be placed into service. The new buses were built by Orion Bus Industries, Oriskany, NY and 32 buses to date have been received by GGT. The remaining 48 are due to arrive over the next few months. All 80 buses are expected to be in service by the end of June 2004.

The purchase of the Orions, along with several other emission reduction programs noted below, keep GGT in compliance with current emission standard regulations for public transit operators adopted by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) in August 2000. CARB regulations require further emission reductions through the year 2015 and GGT will continue upgrading with compliant equipment through 2015.

Since the early 1980s, GGT has been systematically and incrementally replacing buses with the most modern and efficient engines possible. The Orions replace older and less efficient buses built in 1989. The new buses are equipped with the newest diesel engines and the latest in exhaust after-treatment reduction devices designed to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). As with other GGT buses, these will be fueled with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), which GGT began using on January 1, 2002, a full 6 months before required by CARB.

The new exterior look, included in the purchase price, incorporates the new 2001 District logo depicting the Golden Gate Bridge. They offer 41 seats with cushioned reclining seats, luggage racks, overhead lighting, and a redesigned wheelchair securement area that allows for easier loading of up to 2 wheelchair passengers. Hand holds have been added to the top of the aisle seats to benefit the easy and safe movement of passengers. Color LED destination and route signs are also included for enhanced visibility.

The 80 buses cost $28.5 million, funded with 81% ($23.1 million) federal and 19% ($5.4 million) Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District funds.


ADDITIONAL ACTIONS TAKEN BY GGT TO BE CARB COMPLIANT
Emission Reduction Efforts: GGT is working with lead agency Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, CA, on a joint NOx reduction demonstration project in partnership with CARB. The demonstration project will test a device that can reduce NOx emissions by 70% to 90% from baseline.

Bus Refurbishment: Last year funding was secured totaling $5 million from the Federal Transit Administration along with a District contribution of $1.3 million to assist GGT in replacing the engines in 51 buses purchased in 1991 with new, low emission, clean CARB compliant diesel engines that include the latest exhaust after-treatments to further reduce PM and NOx. In addition, suspension components will be refurbished as needed. The exterior bus designation signs will be converted to LED to improve readability for customers and a second wheelchair securement location and other improvements to the wheelchair securement areas will also be made. To date 30 coaches have been repowered and the suspension component nearly completed.