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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.

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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.

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