File Photo
All aboard the (brand new) bus.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday approved more than $80 million in federally funded contracts awarded to a Minnesota bus manufacturer for the delivery of 120 new low-floor transit vehicles: 75 low floor 60-foot articulated diesel buses and 45 low floor 40-foot diesel buses to be used by MTA Bus Company.
The combined total award to New Flyer of America is $80,072,520. The 40-foot bus costs $496,267 per bus, with the contract also providing for special tools, manuals, training and spare parts. The price per bus for the 60-foot bus is $755,074, and also includes special tools, testing, manuals, training and spare parts.
This will be the first time that low-floor articulated equipment will be used on MTA Bus Company routes. Low-floor bus design makes it easier and faster for customers to board and exit, both speeding service and eliminating the need for customers to negotiate steps. Customers who must use wheelchairs also find low-floor buses to be more convenient as they utilize a front-door ramp rather than a rear-door lift.
“These new buses will be a real benefit for our customers who will find them more comfortable and convenient than older models,” said Darryl Irick, president of MTA Bus Company.
The delivery of the low floor 40-foot diesel production buses is scheduled to begin in June 2015 and be completed in September 2015. The delivery of the low floor 60-foot articulated diesel production buses is scheduled to begin in October 2015 and be completed in June of the following year.
The contracts are subject to the review of the state comptroller, and the contract award will not be made prior to the approval, according to MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz.
By Michael V. Cusenza
