The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) approved a new bus services contract agreement with Transdev Services Inc.

The six-year agreement includes two three-year options that could bring the total value of the contract to $735 million. The contract was awarded after a competitive bidding process.

Transdev will operate 52 of 95 bus route services from MTS facilities in Chula Vista and El Cajon, using MTS buses and uniforms with MTS branding. Transdev has been under contract with MTS to provide similar services for the past eight years.

“This is great news for MTS and for our riders,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. “The Transdev team offered a number of important cost-savings solutions and provided innovative ways to improve service for our customers. Transdev is an international company with great experience and depth in providing transit services, including a long history with MTS.”

As part of the new contract, MTS will provide 311 buses and two major facilities for operations, maintenance and fueling. The contract also includes funding for more than 700 Transdev operators, mechanics and administration positions in the San Diego region.