AC Transit rolls out new Gilligs

AC Transit customer’s transbay bus commute to San Francisco has now become smoother and more luxurious with the purchase of 54 state-of-the- art Gillig commuter-style coaches — the first 16 of which are going into service on Friday with free Wi-Fi and comfy high-back seats.

AC Transit Board President Greg Harper and GM David Armijo chatted with Line E passengers on the coach’s inaugural run from Berkeley to San Francisco, and by all accounts, it was an enjoyable ride.

“These are great-looking buses and they offer a great way to get to work,’’ said Harper. “They are precisely what we hoped they would be. They are ideal for the transbay commutes.”

The dark green Gillig buses are the third in a series of locally-built coaches acquired as part of the agency’s “A Better Ride” campaign and its Buy American Goods policy. In March, 60 low-floor 40-foot Gillig buses were put into service. In June, 23 New Flyer 60-foot, articulated buses were added to the fleet.

The commuter bus’s low floor minimizes the potential for boarding missteps. Once aboard, passengers will enjoy high back upholstered seats, individual reading lamps, free Wi-Fi, luggage racks and great views of the Bay.