Los Angeles MTA Takes Delivery of Optional Bus Rapit Transit vehicles from NABI

[marmar]

from MassTransitMag:



Los Angeles MTA Takes Delivery of Optional BRTs from NABI



The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority, (MTA) recently began taking delivery of an order for 95 additional 60-foot bus rapid transit (BRT) vehicles from North American Bus Industries . The order was the result of the MTA exercising its second group of options pursuant to an earlier order. When delivered, this group of buses will give the LAMTA a total of 391 of the popular and sleek articulated vehicles.

Officials at the MTA said the BRTs, which are now being utilized in five of its 10 operating divisions, are a good fit with its operations for several reasons…including their high-capacity seating. “The BRTs have worked very well for us. They allow us to get more people on a single vehicle,” said Mike Bottone, director, vehicle technology with the MTA. Bottone said the ability to get more people on a single bus has received an overwhelmingly positive response from their passenger base because fewer people now need to wait on another bus to pick them up due to full buses. The additional seats on the BRTs are also helping the MTA more efficiently with meeting legal requirements with the bus driver’s union.

Bottone said MTA’s passengers have expressed an appreciation for the BRTs’ open design. “They like the style of these vehicles. They’re more open, which allows better visibility. It also gives the buses a brighter, sunny interior environment and it gives riders the sense that the buses are more spacious.” Bill Coryell, Western region sales V.P. commented that the dramatic styling of the BRTs with their curved lines and contemporary looks has also given the MTA a fleet of vehicle that are particularly attractive to their ridership.

Since taking delivery of the first 200 BRTs under this contract in 2005, the MTA has been putting them to the test. Bottone said the BRTs provide the power these large people movers need to keep up with traffic. Their durability has also scored well, as the MTA has had very few maintenance issues with the BRTs.

NABI has already delivered approximately half of this most recent order BRT option order, and MTA is working them into its operations as quickly as possible. “NABI is even installing the radios for us prior to delivery,” Bottone added. “So, essentially all we have to do is perform over-the-road inspections on all the systems before sending these vehicles into service.

“Everything about these vehicles and this contract has been very positive,” Bottone concluded. “We’re very satisfied with the overall performance and capabilities that the BRTs have delivered

http://www.masstransitmag.com/web/online/Industry-Announcements/Los-Angeles-MTA-Takes-Delivery-of-Optional-BRTs-from-NABI/1$4947

[nxylas]

1. What do you think of BRT?

I know it's quite a controversial subject among transit enthusiasts. Personally, I see it as a way of improving bus services rather than a substitute for light rail, which is how some transit authorities are using it.

[marmar]

2. I agree with you....It should be viewed as a supplement, not a replacement.

n/t