New Low-Floor Bus to Serve MTS’ Busiest Routes
WHEN: TUESDAY, October 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. on curb in front of Hall C at the San Diego Convention Center.
WHAT: The media is invited to see the newest addition to the Metropolitan Transit System’s fleet of 576 buses. This is the first of the new buses arriving from the NABI manufacturing site in Anniston, Alabama. The NABI 60’ BRT vehicle is a streamlined 60-foot bus with rail-like styling. Once the new buses are in, MTS will retire 25 articulated buses that were purchased in 1993 and which have been driven a total of over 12.5 million miles.
The new NABI Bus has wide doors and low-floors, and a wheelchair ramp that can be deployed to make it easier to board and alight, especially for passengers with mobility challenges. The new NABI bus seats up to 57 passengers and two people in wheelchairs. The bus is powered by a clean, economical Cummins ISLG Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engine; and is equipped with a Thermo King air conditioner and air-actuated disc brakes.
MTS purchased the 26 new buses at a cost $20.4 million paid for from Federal and State Prop 1B funds. As each bus is accepted from the manufacturer, street tested and equipped with fare equipment it will be deployed on one of MTS busiest bus routes like Routes 7, 15, 20, 30, and 150.
VISUAL: The first MTS NABI Bus will be on display in front of the San Diego Convention Center which is the site of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) annual meeting featuring the latest in transit technology and innovation.
WHO: MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski, MTS Board Chair Harry Mathis; NABI President and CEO Robert Shaughnessy.
WHERE: Bus will be parked on the drive in front Hall C at the San Diego Convention Center located at 111, West Harbor Drive, in downtown San Diego. Enter the front drive at the west end by the Marriott Hotel.
Note: APTA sponsored Media Lunch with industry speakers begins at 12:30 pm. Media is also invited to attend APTA EXPO to see exhibits showcasing the newest public transit technology
Did you miss it? Get more information about when the NABI buses will hit the roads!
