New HART CNG bus fleet yields environmental benefits, cost savings
The heavy-duty, low-floor buses, part of the agency's continuing commitment to improve air quality in the Tampa Bay area, were built by Hayward, Calif.-based bus manufacturer, Gillig.
Florida's Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) new fleet of smoother-riding, cleaner-running 40-foot buses are taking to the streets. The buses began service on March 30, and will replace the agency's aging diesel buses that are ready to be retired. The 22 bus-fleet will be running exclusively on compressed natural gas (CNG), and each bus is estimated to reduce annual fuel costs by $16,022 per year and significantly limit harmful emissions.
The heavy-duty, low-floor buses, part of the agency's continuing commitment to improve air quality in the Tampa Bay area, were built by Hayward, Calif.-based bus manufacturer, Gillig.
"We are committed to clean air technology," said HART CEO Katharine Eagan. "Our continued investment in a clean fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles and proven green technologies has made us an industry leader in the state of Florida."
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The vehicles are equipped with modular ergonomic designed seats that provide a larger, more comfortable personal sitting area. They feature disc brakes replacing drum brakes; electric fans replacing hydraulic fans for better cooling and fuel economy; and an innovative safety feature that identifies bus operators merging into traffic from bus bays with a flashing yellow "YIELD" LED light displayed on the rear of the bus. These buses are replacing two current fleets of diesel vehicles that began service in 2001-2002. The full fleet conversion is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Last April, HART introduced a new fleet of 20 CNG HARTPlus paratransit vans and eight HARTFlex vans. The CNG vans are part of an effort to maintain the same level of service at lower costs and according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CNG-powered vans can produce approximately 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions (CO²), than similar gasoline and diesel-powered vans.
Vehicles that improperly use busways and bus lanes, block bus stops, or illegally double-park will receive warning notices in the mail for an initial period of 60 days, followed by summonses thereafter.
The project, finalized on February 12, provides the city with two different configurations of high-definition cameras to outfit 16 buses in the Pretzel City Area Transit fleet.
The proposed acquisition of a company with deep digital expertise and expected 2026 revenues of over $220 million marks a significant step in Hitachi Rail’s strategy to operate as a leading global digital mobility player, the company said.
The board authorized a five-year contract, with two one-year options, to Tolar Manufacturing Company Inc., for the fabrication and installation of upgraded passenger amenities at bus stops across the DART Service Area.
As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.
