North American Bus Industries (NABI) recently delivered the first of 12 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to Alabama's Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA).

The purchase of the new CNG buses is being made in part by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) economic stimulus funding program. To expedite the process, BJCTA was able to turn to another agency who allowed them to contract for some unused options. The remaining 11 buses are soon to follow, according to NABI.

"The use of an assignment (unused options) made the process seamless, and resulted in a quicker turnaround of a contract and will ultimately result in the new buses being delivered more quickly" commented Collina Washington, BJCTA's procurement manager.

BJCTA's sleek new buses will be quieter and more dependable, while sporting a new paint and graphics design. In addition to the new exterior design, the buses will feature dependable wheelchair ramps, security cameras, audible annunciation systems, bicycle racks and new destination signs.