Anchorage, AK - Today, Mayor Dave Bronson announced the arrival of new buses for People Mover and AnchorRIDES. This is the first delivery of new 40-foot buses since 2013 and will replace buses as old as 24 years old.
"To continue Anchorage's role as a modern and first-class city, we need clean, reliable, and efficient transportation options for our citizens. Replacing our aging fleet will keep more buses on the road, instead of in the shop, leading to a better delivery of service for riders," said Mayor Bronson. "With 90% of the cost of these new buses covered by federal grant funds, these investments demonstrate we can move our city forward without putting all the burden on property taxpayers."
People Mover is receiving eleven (11) new diesel-engine 40-foot buses manufactured by New Flyer. New Flyer's clean diesel technology combines ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, advanced engines, and effective emissions controls, resulting in a highly efficient and virtually smoke-free engine that can achieve lower emissions, reduce greenhouse gases, and reduce the cost of bus operation. The new buses have an improved suspension, smoother ride, and enhanced interior finishes. The seat frames are stainless steel and are padded with a silica material to make them easier to sanitize while still offering a padded surface for comfort during warm and cold seasons.
"We expect these buses to provide a quieter and more comfortable experience for the passengers and drivers. As we aim to be a reliable transportation option for the community, the new buses will keep us on schedule and help prevent canceled trips due to bus breakdowns associated with an aging fleet," said Jamie Acton, Public Transit Director.
Other features that are consistent with some of the existing fleet include optimized driver visibility, anti-slip flooring, LED screens for next-stop arrival information, and heated side mirrors to help melt snow and ice. They are also equipped with an improved camera system for increased security.
AnchorRIDES is receiving fourteen (14) new 22-foot Ford Transit 350 buses. The buses will be the first all-wheel (AWD) buses in AnchorRIDES' history and will allow for greater reliability and improved on-time performance during the winter, especially in areas like the hillside. Other features include an auto-deploy passenger ramp with a 1,000 lb capacity to increase boarding and alighting efficiency, exterior door and ramp controls to minimize the amount of time the passenger door is open during the colder months, and a heated passenger entry to prevent snow and ice build-up at vehicle entrance. They also have a backup camera and a seven (7) camera surveillance system for improved security.
About People Mover
People Mover is a division of the Municipality of Anchorage's (MOA) Public Transportation Department (PTD) and is the largest public transit provider in the State of Alaska. People Mover offers safe, reliable, and affordable transportation services and provides about 9,000 trips every weekday. Learn more about People Mover at WWW.PEOPLEMOVER.ORG where you will also find information about mTicket, People Mover's mobile ticketing app.
About AnchorRIDES
AnchorRIDES is a shared ride service that provides trips from origins to destinations by advanced reservations. Eligible riders include people with disabilities that prevent them from using People Mover bus service, senior citizens (60+), and Medicaid recipients authorized for NEMT or HCB Waiver trips. The core service area covers up to 3/4 mile from People Mover routes. The premium service area covers most outlying areas in Anchorage. People Mover Travel Training is offered free of charge to individuals and groups. Learn more about AnchorRIDES at WWW.ANCHORRIDES.ORG.
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