Transit Authority Adds New Buses To Fleet

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority has added 11 new fixed route buses to their fleet. The new 35-foot buses run on carbon natural gas that minimizes harmful carbon deposits to the environment, which leads to a cleaner and more efficient engine.

Six of the 11 buses were purchased from a $3.6 million competitive low emission, no emission award received by BJCTA in early 2016. The other five were purchased from existing Section 5339 (Bus and Bus Facilities) and Section 5307 (Preventative Maintenance) grant awards that were apportioned to BJCTA in 2018 and 2019 based on ridership data. All the new buses will be used to replace old fleet that have met their useful life. The useful life of these vehicles is 12 years or 500,000 miles. The average age of BJCTA’s fleet is approximately 6 years old.

"The BJCTA is always looking for ways to improve the quality our fleet with the goal of enhancing our customers experience." said Frank T. Martin, BJCTA Executive Director. "These new buses have a higher curb switch which assist riders in wheelchairs or those needing assistance entering or exiting the bus. They are also equipped with improved WIFI, 19-inch displays monitors, and other upgraded features."

The new buses officially joined the BJCTA fleet Sept. 30.