The new buses replace existing liquefied natural gas buses that average 12 years and 500,000 miles of service, some as old as 18 years with nearly one million miles.
The Phoenix Public Transit Department ordered 120 new Gillig Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to serve the city’s local routes — the first order for new 40-foot buses since late 2013.
The CNG buses, built in Hayward, Calif. have a fuel range of at least 400 miles, which means most of the new buses would not require daily refueling. The new buses replace existing liquefied natural gas buses that average 12 years and 500,000 miles of service, some as old as 18 years with nearly one million miles.
Each Gillig bus is also equipped with an enhanced air conditioning system that includes two units that work in tandem to cool both the front and back of the bus simultaneously.
Five to eight buses will arrive each week now through July, and as they do city staff will inspect each one to ensure all equipment is in working order, as well as install the farebox. Once a bus clears inspection, it is sent to one of Phoenix’s three bus yards and then put into service.
The Gillig order replaces about 25% of the city’s bus fleet.
A major goal of the pilot, which begins in April, is to test the speed, functionality, and durability of new handheld devices to scan Ventra and paper tickets.
Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.
The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
