Board approves purchase of 45 hybrid buses; supervisors request maintenance plan

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution authorizing a contract with New Flyer of America, Inc. to purchase 45 low‑floor diesel‑hybrid buses in an amount not to exceed approximately $36,900,000.

The buses are intended to replace aging vehicles in the Municipal Railway (Muni) fleet and to permit rehabilitation of other vehicles. "This resolution will approve the purchase of, 45, new buses from Muni, to replace its, very aging, fleet, and also to allow for the rehabilitation of a number of other vehicles," Supervisor Scott Wiener said during the discussion.

Why it matters: Supervisors framed the purchase as part of addressing Muni's aging fleet and broader infrastructure challenges around tracks, signals and switches. Members said they supported the purchase but pressed for assurance that new vehicles will be maintained so the investment yields long‑term service improvements.

Discussion and follow-up: Supervisor Campos asked whether a specific maintenance plan accompanies the bus purchase and noted past concerns that previous procurements lacked a robust maintenance strategy. Elson Howe, identified in the meeting as representing the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), replied: "My name is Elson Howe, and I'm from San Francisco Muni. In to ask your question, supervisor, yes, there is a maintenance plan. And as as supervisor Wiener said, we have increased the, maintenance budget in order to be able to, meet the maintenance requirements of all our vehicles." Campos asked for a copy of the maintenance plan and MTA agreed to provide it as a follow-up.

Outcome: The board adopted the resolution on the consent/same‑call process; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript on the floor for this item.

Ending: Supervisors said they will review the maintenance plan once provided by MTA to ensure the purchase is coupled with sustained vehicle upkeep.