OCTA entered into an agreement with New Flyer of America in 2006 to deliver 299 compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses. The delivery of all buses will be complete in December 2008.
9375000.00
The purchase of the 25 CNG buses included the following tasks: Vehicle procurement/design and engineering Bid process Pre-production meetings Prototype bus production Bus production Service preparation Vehicle performance evaluation
As part of its overall purchase from New Flyer, OCTA intends to purchase twenty five (25) 40 foot compressed natural gas (CNG) urban buses. All 25 buses will be part of OCTA's fleet and will operate entirely with the South Coast Air Quality Management Disrict's jurisdiction. Fueling of the buses will occur at stations currently utilized by OCTA's substantial fleet of alternative fuel buses.
The 25 CNG buses replaced 25 diesel buses purchased in 1990. The CNG buses are part of the first lot of 202 buses equipped with Cummins C+ engines with NOx levels at 1.7 grams per brake horsepower-hour. The buses are all in service but are experiening some issues with the electrical system, suspension and slow bus complaints. The manufacturer is working with OCTA to correct the issues. Familiarization and hands-on training continues to be provided to Operations and Maintenance personnel in areas such as fuel systems, fire suppression, methane detection and electrical systems.
All 25 buses have been delivered and assigned to the Santa Ana operating base. Buses service all local and intra-county express bus routes operating from that base.