Three upgraded buses were unveiled during a recent San Luis Obispo Thursday Night Farmer’s market, SLO Transit Manager Gamaliel Anguiano on hand to introduce new features as well as show off new routes at a booth on Chorro St.
A city announcement said the busses were the first step in a series of improvements to the City’s Transit system as the 40-foot lorries were purchased in part with a $1.1 million Federal Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality grant. The city worked with the Federal Transit Administration, SLOCOG and SLO RTA on the process.
New features include an onboard video “infotainment system,” public Wi-Fi, flexible seating arrangements, wider rear doors for faster exiting, hand sanitizers, LED and fiber optic lighting and sun-roof-like emergency escape hatches. The buses are also environmentally friendly, featuring the latest emission-reduction technology, improved aerodynamics and better fuel economy. The buses will feature a new paint scheme approved by the City Council in 2015.
The vehicles were approved for purchase by City Council in 2015, when the City exercised its participation in a purchase consortium with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority of the Bay Area. The new buses will replace three 2001 buses, which are scheduled to be retired this year.
“This upgraded fleet underlines our commitment to provide a high-quality transit system for our 1.1 million annual riders. And, we of course, want to encourage everyone in our community to give them a try as well.” said Anguiano, in the City’s announcement.
A pdf of the City’s Transit Route information can be downloaded online at: www.slocity.org/home/showdocument?id=2306.
Photos by Camas Frank
