The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) in Ohio will include 10 recently delivered Blue Bird Coachworks’ Ultra LF 35-foot, low-floor buses in its alternative-fuel testing program, according to James Gee, TARTA’s general manager. TARTA serves more than 40 routes in and around the Toledo metropolitan area with a fleet of about 180 buses, all of which are ADA accessible. It carries almost 5 million riders per year. The Toledo transit system is testing B20 — a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% ultra low sulfur diesel fuel — in many of its buses, with the hope that it will help to reduce tailpipe emissions. It is also testing hydrogen fuel with the B20 blend in one of its Ford cutaway buses. Gee said the Blue Birds are the first in his fleet, which has a varied mix of manufacturer products. “We are excited to welcome Blue Bird into our fleet,” he said, adding that the Ultra LFs were acquired partially for their fuel economy but also for their looks and reputation. “They deliver everything we are looking for in a transit vehicle — quality, durability and lower operating costs,” he said. In its kneeled position, the industry-standard 102-inch-wide Ultra LF features a 10-inch height at its front entrance door. Gee said the addition of low-floor buses to his fleet will be well received by the public. “The reaction to low-floor buses, especially from senior citizens, has been outstanding,” he said. The 30-passenger Blue Birds are equipped with a 275-hp Cummins ISB-02 engine and Allison B300-R transmission, two components that help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Other key features of the 10 delivered units include Meritor independent front suspension, four-wheel air disc brakes, a roof-mounted Thermo King climate-control system, two wheelchair positions, and ADA accessibility via a Ricon power ramp. Additionally, all vehicles are equipped with the Vapor CLASS™ Door system and Digital Recorder’s Talking Bus.
TARTA adds Blue Birds to fleet
Ultra LF 35-footers come as part of alt-fuels testing program.
More Management

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide
The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.
Read More →
