METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Big Blue Bus upgrades fleet for sustainability and safety

The upgrades are part of a move to replace 50 New Flyer buses and commission 50 Gillig buses.

March 28, 2018
Big Blue Bus upgrades fleet for sustainability and safety

BBB's buses will be equipped with renewable natural gas engines to further reduce vehicle emissions by over 90% by December 2018. Photo: Big Blue Bus

1 min to read


BBB's buses will be equipped with renewable natural gas engines to further reduce vehicle emissions by over 90% by December 2018. Photo: Big Blue Bus

Big Blue Bus (BBB) announced its next phase of fleet upgrades, which include comfort, safety, and security amenities for customers and operators, and plans to reduce vehicle emissions.

BBB plans to invest $18.3 million in Federal Transit Administration and California Proposition 1B Bond funds to replace 50 40-foot New Flyer buses purchased between 2004 and 2006. Seven 30-foot Gillig buses will be placed in service, with an additional 20 40-foot Gillig buses to be delivered and commissioned in October 2018. The agency plans to commission an additional 23 40-foot Gillig buses by December 2019.

Ad Loading...

BBB's buses will be equipped with renewable natural gas engines to further reduce vehicle emissions by over 90% by December 2018.

RELATED: Calif.'s Big Blue Bus rolls out mobile ticketing app

Other upgrades include passenger awareness monitors, retractable seating, LED destination signs, slip-resistant flooring, electronically assisted power steering, and Q-POD three-point wheelchair securement systems.

More Bus

New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Bus Roadeo at APTA Mobility 2026
Busby Staff and News ReportsJune 1, 2026

Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference

The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A SEPTA bus going down the road
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan

Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
A New Flyer 60-foot articulated bus
Busby StaffMay 29, 2026

WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign

The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Biz Briefs for May 29, 2026

Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.

Read More →