NEW BUSES TO ARRIVE-at merlo no less

2/6/09 Pilot bus has arrived at Center Street

by Steve Banta — last modified Feb 06, 2009 04:37 PM

The first of 40 New Flyer buses was delivered today, more to arrive next week.

2/6/09 Pilot bus has arrived at Center Street

Stephen R. Banta, Operations Executive Director

I am pleased to let you know that we received the first of 40 new low-floor buses from the bus manufacturer today. The pilot bus, which was manufactured in St. Cloud, Minn., has been in Portland for a couple of weeks undergoing testing, and is almost ready to be put into service. This is exciting news, as it has been some time since we last received new buses. The 2900s will be the first low-floor buses to be based out of Merlo Garage, where all 40 will reside.

The pilot bus, #2901, will be on display at all three garages next week for employees to look at, and is expected to go into service within the next two weeks. The new buses have 2007 emission compliant engines, and to help with driver comfort they feature adjustable sets of brake/accelerator pedals and electric assist steering with a smaller diameter steering wheel. They also feature additional break lights for visibility to following motorists, additional exterior lights to enhance pedestrian safety, and rear-facing cameras on the driver's side.

Additional buses will begin arriving in the next week.

Pilot bus 2901Come and take a look at #2901 at:

Center Street: Monday, Feb. 9, Track 4

Powell: Tuesday, Feb. 10

Merlo: Thursday, Feb. 12

Do you have questions or thoughts about the new buses? Share them with me at stevemail@trimet.org.