MBTA to Get 325 New 'State-of-the-Art' Buses

The MassDOT board of directors approved a contract for the manufacture and delivery of 325 new state-of-the-art buses to replace the existing fleet of buses, according to statement released Monday.

“This is a major step in the process in modernizing the MBTA’s bus fleet and provides an important resource for millions of commuters who rely on the T every day,” said Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack. “But delivering the reliable, world-class service that they and the taxpayers deserve will also require the legislature delivering the administration the tools we need to reform the underlying management and financial operations at the MBTA for long-term sustainability.”

The contract with manufacturer New Flyer, Inc. is worth $222.2 million. They’ll create the new 40-foot Low Floor Hybrid and Compressed Natural Gas buses.

The 325 buses will replace a current fleet which are approaching replacement. The new buses are said to come with a 12-year service life.

“This is a wise investment that meets an urgent need to retire an aging portion of our bus fleet that has presented significant maintenance challenges and deliver new, top quality replacements that will serve thousands and thousands of our customers each day,” said MBTA Interim GM Frank DePaola.

The buses are expected to be ready for service by June of 2017.

Photo Credit: MBTA.com