Originally posted here.
New buses run on efficient fuel and can hold twice the number of passengers compared to other buses in the fleet; Buses will enhance the MWRTA’s Route 4N service between downtown Framingham and the Natick Mall.
FRAMINGHAM — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) are announcing three new, heavy-duty buses are being added to the MWRTA’s fleet. The three new buses from GILLIG run entirely on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel, which is more efficient than gasoline and diesel, and will be deployed on the MWRTA’s Route 4N, which is the busiest route in the MWRTA system and provides service between downtown Framingham and the Natick Mall.
This is the first time the MWRTA will have heavy duty, larger transit buses in its fleet, with plans to purchase additional buses over the next two years. A single GILLIG bus can hold approximately double the number of passengers compared the buses in the MWRTA’s current fleet. The three buses were purchased with a combination of federal and state funds awarded to the MWRTA, including $392,000 through the RTA Capital (RTACAP) Program, which is funded through the annual state budget and is the primary means by which MassDOT supports RTA capital improvements and investments.
“As someone who relied on bus service to access a college education, I know firsthand the difference that better buses can make for commuters and those without personal vehicles,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We congratulate the MWRTA on this important addition to their fleet and commend their commitment to improving the services that so many riders depend on to support themselves and their families.”
“We are pleased to help transit authorities like the MWRTA further modernize their bus fleets to better meet the needs of travelers,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “These investments are possible thanks to our ongoing collaborations with local, state and federal partners who are committed to making connectivity in Massachusetts better for the residents and communities who depend on it.”
“The MWRTA is extremely excited to be joining our peers in providing public transportation using these best in class, heavy duty transit vehicles provided by GILLIG,” said MetroWest Regional Transit Authority Administrator Jim Nee. “With this investment, we are continuing to help both the region and the Commonwealth reach its goals related to emissions reduction and congestion mitigation.”
“These buses are exciting additions to the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority fleet and will play a key role in improving mobility across the community,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka, whose district includes Framingham and Natick. “Modernizing this fleet is an important step toward creating a more interconnected and environmentally friendly transit network for the region. I’m grateful to Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and the Department of Transportation for their commitment to expanding transit options and congratulate the outstanding team at the MWRTA on this achievement.”
The GILLIG buses, which will start carrying passengers at some point over the next two months, are 30 feet in length. In addition to RTACAP, funding for the purchase of these three buses was accomplished through the partnership between the MWRTA, the Massachusetts State Legislature, MassDOT, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Over the next two years, the MWRTA intends to purchase 10 additional GILLIG buses, including the first-ever heavy-duty battery electric buses that will be incorporated into its fleet.