Subcommittee forwards MTA battery replacements for hybrid buses to full Board

The subcommittee voted to forward resolutions authorizing contract modifications to replace lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion systems in San Francisco’s hybrid bus fleet. Elson Howe of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency told the committee the new batteries will improve reliability and reduce maintenance needs. The budget analyst estimated average annual savings of about $343,000 over 12 years (about $4.1 million in reduced maintenance costs) and supported approving the contract amendments without a new competitive bid because the manufacturer’s batteries match the buses’ specifications.

Clerk-read item descriptions placed the additional cost for the 30-foot fleet at $1,075,524 for a total not to exceed roughly $18.25 million, and for the 40-foot fleet at $2,520,000. Supervisors asked about battery lifespan and replacement funding; MTA staff said a battery life of about six years is expected and that replacement would be a normal operating expense in future budgets.

Supervisor Dufty moved to forward Items 4 and 5 to the full Board with recommendation; the motion was taken without objection.