San Diego MTS adds first of 77 propane buses to fleet
The new paratransit buses are 2016 Starcraft Allstars on Ford E-450 chassis. The minibuses are 2016 El Dorado National-Aero Elite 320 on Ford F-550 chassis.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced the first of 77 buses powered by clean propane gas have arrived at its Copley Park facility. These are the first propane-powered buses in San Diego’s transit fleet and are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two million pounds per year.
“MTS has made great strides to reduce its carbon footprint in San Diego over the past decade. Propane-powered buses are the latest example,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. “Over the lifecycle of all 77 propane buses purchased, the San Diego region will experience a reduction of more than 13 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Ad Loading...
MTS operates a fleet of 37 minibuses and 173 paratransit buses, primarily for its complementary ADA paratransit operations and some low-capacity fixed routes. To upgrade the existing fleet, MTS purchased 31 minibuses and 46 paratransit buses, which are scheduled for delivery at various times within the next 10 months. The first five paratransit buses were delivered earlier this month and put into service late last week. The new paratransit buses are 2016 Starcraft Allstars on Ford E-450 chassis. The minibuses are 2016 El Dorado National-Aero Elite 320 on Ford F-550 chassis.
Previously, all paratransit buses and minibuses were powered by unleaded gasoline. In addition to the environmental benefits, propane gas is significantly less expensive. By converting 77 buses to propane, MTS will realize a total cost savings of nearly $5.8 million during the five to seven-year operational lifecycle of the vehicles.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.
Officials said the project delivers a fully integrated passenger environment featuring improved solar-powered LED lighting, real-time arrival information, and a precision-engineered shelter designed to withstand the Texas climate.
Two battery-electric buses entered service on Earth Day, with four additional vehicles expected to join the fleet this summer. Seven more buses are planned for the end of 2027, bringing Metro’s total zero-emission fleet to 13.
