The City of Tucson and Sun Tran are introducing the first of 24 new buses utilizing natural gas, further enhancing the City’s use of alternative fuels and helping improve air quality in the region. Once all are received by January 2015, these buses will replace 14 year-old vehicles in Sun Tran’s fleet. “We encourage individuals to support these efforts by riding public transportation, even if it’s just once a week,” said Kate Riley, General Manager of Sun Tran.
Manufactured by Gillig Corporation of Hayward, California, the majority of the buses will be accepted and placed into service by the end of August, and an additional five vehicles will be received in December. All vehicles are low-floor, offering ramps and kneeling features for the convenient boarding of passengers with disabilities.
Besides, their newer technology of the EMP cooling system utilizes eight electric fans in place of an engine-driven fan, which allows for better fuel economy and runs the system at optimal temperatures to ensure for more efficient cooling of the engine.
The CNG buses were purchased with funding from the Federal Transportation Administration, City of Tucson and Regional Transportation Authority and cost just over $512,000 each. The most recent bus purchase received in FY 13 cost just under $610,000 for hybrid technology. “This investment demonstrates the City’s and Sun Tran’s commitment to our community’s sustainability,” added Riley.
Source: Sun Tran
