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Subcommittee forwards MTA battery replacements for hybrid buses to full Board
Summary
The subcommittee recommended forwarding two contract modifications with Daimler Chrysler for lithium-ion battery replacements for 30-foot and 40-foot hybrid buses, citing reliability and maintenance savings and an estimated 6-year battery lifespan.
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.
