SamTrans adding 55 New Flyer articulated buses

California’s San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) issued a new order for 55 clean diesel, 60-foot Xcelsior® heavy-duty transit buses from New Flyer.

The buses, funded by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants, will replace buses from 2002 that have exceeded their useful life and will also help increase service along El Camino Real on SamTrans’ ECR Route, where 35% of all system boardings occur.

In December 2014, SamTrans approved a five-year strategic plan focused on five goals for 2015 to 2019: increasing bus ridership by 15%, growing passenger fare revenue by 20%, reducing annual debt service by $1.5 million, improving organizational performance, and managing workforce change.

The San Mateo County Transit District provides public transit and transportation programs in San Mateo County, supporting over 13 million passengers per year with bus, paratransit, and commuter rail service.