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Committee forwards $117.8M contract to buy 94 hybrid buses; agency cites electrification delays
Summary
SFMTA will be allowed to procure up to 94 40‑foot hybrid buses and related equipment for up to $117.8 million to replace end‑of‑life vehicles; staff said infrastructure constraints require hybrids now and that Gillig remains a potential future supplier despite small price differences.
The Budget and Finance Committee voted to forward a resolution authorizing SFMTA to procure 94 40‑foot hybrid buses, spare parts, tools, training and telematics licenses through a cooperative purchase for a contract not to exceed $117.8 million.
Transit staff said the vehicles being replaced were purchased in 2013 and have reached the end of their 12‑year useful life. "We would need to purchase hybrid vehicles to maintain a state of good repair during this transition to a 100‑percent emission fleet," an SFMTA representative told the committee, citing delays in facility electrification and coordination with utilities.
Julie Kirshbaum, the agency’s transit director, said SFMTA prefers maintaining commonality with its existing New Flyer fleet for maintenance and parts logistics even as the agency seeks to bring multiple manufacturers into the fleet over time. Kirshbaum acknowledged outreach to Gillig and said the agency is close to purchasing a small pilot of electric buses from that manufacturer.
BLA analyst Gary Chang said price differences between Gillig and New Flyer on the current solicitation were under $10,000 per vehicle. Supervisors asked for clarification on the procurement process and scoring; staff described relying on a Washington state cooperative contract and on prior independent cost estimates.
The committee voted to forward the procurement to the full Board with a positive recommendation (roll call recorded three ayes).
