Committee backs $38.3 million New Flyer contract to add 50 hybrid buses to Muni fleet
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Summary
The committee recommended a contract not to exceed $38,348,847 to buy 50 low-floor diesel-hybrid buses through a Minnesota cooperative purchasing vehicle; MTA officials said the purchase advances a five-year plan to replace the rubber fleet and that the buses' Cummins engines are guaranteed to run on B20 biodiesel.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommended approval of a contract with New Flyer of America for the purchase of 50 40-foot low-floor diesel-hybrid buses, related tools, training and spare parts in a contract amount not to exceed $38,348,847.
Andres Power, speaking for Supervisor Wiener, said the procurement is intended to improve Muni reliability and reverse decades of system neglect, noting problems such as engine breakdowns and doors failing that he said account for about 70 percent of service delays. "Our buses are old and getting older every day," Power said, and asked the committee to support the purchase.
John Haley of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency described the three-part fleet strategy: replacing the rubber-tire fleet over five years, rehabilitating existing buses, and revamping the maintenance program. Haley said training and parts are included in the procurement and described the buses' upgraded diagnostics, additional exterior cameras and LED lighting.
On fuel compatibility, Haley said "These engines are guaranteed by the manufacturer of Cummins Engines to run on B20," and added that the agency is testing higher biodiesel blends on nonrevenue vehicles while also monitoring the development of electric buses for future procurement decisions.
Budget analyst Mr. Rose reviewed the financial tables for the procurement and reported total estimated project costs—including training and spare parts—of $44,463,740. Supervisor Marr moved approval; Supervisor Aviles seconded, and the committee approved the resolution and forwarded it to the full Board of Supervisors without opposition.
The contract is part of a larger MTA plan to replace its rubber-tire fleet over five years; MTA officials said some of the first batch of buses are already in production and could be accepted and placed into service pending procurement approval and acceptance testing.
