NEXT GENERATION OF BUSES ARRIVES AT PVTA
Springfield, Massachusetts – The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) unveiled 11 new gleaming new buses today, the first of 28 highly fuel efficient vehicles that will begin carrying passengers in the coming weeks.
“Once you step aboard, you’ll realize the next generation of public transportation has arrived in the Pioneer Valley,” said Mary L. MacInnes, PVTA Administrator. “The aisles are wider, the seats have been updated, the ventilation is better and the windows are larger. All around, it’s a more comfortable ride and a better experience for our customers.”
PVTA introduced the new buses at Trolley Park in Springfield. The vehicles have an all-new body style and graphic design that will help customers recognize the bus more easily.
The new buses are equipped with the first fully integrated Intelligent Transportation System in Massachusetts. The ITS system will automatically announce stops—inside and outside—in different languages and display route information. The ITS system also includes on board cameras, GPS for real time vehicle location information, narrowband radio and mobile data computer for voice and data communications, automatic passenger counters, destination sign control, traffic signal priority, transfer connection protection, and a covert emergency alarm.
Ten of the 28 new buses have diesel-electric propulsion, further reducing green house gas emissions. The buses will replace PVTA’s older 1995-era RTS buses that have long exceed their 12-year rated life spans.
“PVTA won funding for ten of the hybrid buses though through a national competitive grant program of the Federal Transit Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation then provided the local match for the grant, for which our region is very grateful,” said MacInnes.
The new buses will soon be deployed at PVTA’s three garage facilities in Springfield, Northampton and the University of Massachusetts, so customers will soon see the new buses on PVTA routes throughout the Pioneer Valley.
The PVTA is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts with 174 buses, 144 vans and 24 participating member communities. Additional information about the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority may be found at www.pvta.com or by calling 1-877-779-7882.
PVTA NEW BUS FACT SHEET
Number of New Buses |
28 (10 diesel-electric hybrid, 18 clean diesel). |
Fuel Economy |
Estimated 50% improvement over buses to be replaced.* |
Fuel Economy Per Passenger |
104 passenger miles per gallon (at typical vehicle loadings). |
Estimated Annual Fuel Savings |
2,850 gallons per bus (clean diesel) |
Emissions |
New buses will cut green house gas emissions by about 35 tons per year per bus.* The 28 new buses will reduce air pollution by 980 tons per year—the equivalent of taking 82 large SUVs off the road. |
Greater Customer Comfort |
Low-floor entry -- no stairs to climb when boarding. Wider aisles, roomier interior, larger windows, better ventilation, and European style passenger seats. More consistent interior heating and air conditioning. |
Noise |
Quietest bus interior available today (72 dBA), comparable to riding in a private auto. |
Cost |
$400,000 for clean-diesel. |
Ramp for Boarding |
For customers with a walker or wheelchair, the front “flipper” ramp is quickly activated by the driver without leaving his/her seat. Older buses require driver to go to back of bus to operate a vertical lift. |
Lighting |
LED lamps throughout. Six-year headlight life. Reduced glare. |
Dimensions |
Roof-mounted battery for hybrid is slim enough to allow passage under Northampton's "Truck Eating Bridge." |
Weight |
Fiberglass body panels make bus 10% lighter, reducing tire wear and improving fuel economy. |
Customer Information Features |
Automated stop announcements inside and outside; interior LED sign displays time, stop, and route; instantaneous emergency communications with police and rescue. |
Model and Manufacturer |
Xcelsior made in St. Cloud, Minnesota by New Flyer. |
* Information provided by manufacturer
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