Omnitrans is the public transit operator for San Bernardino county and has committed to achieving a 100% clean fuel transit fleet.
Funding for the puchase of the CNG transit buses was provided by the Federal Transit Agency, as well as grants from the State Transit Assistance Fund (STAF) and Local Transportation Funds (LTF) administered through the San Bernardino Associated Governments. MSRC Clean Transporation Funding in the amount of $508,250 offset approximately 13% of the cost of the new vehicle purchase.
This project commenced in May 2001. Omnitrans reviewed specifications from other transit agencies and decided to take advantage of a contract option included in Pierce Transit's contract with New Flyer of America. This allowed Omnitrans to significantly shorten the procurement process.
Omnitrans received a compy of a Pierce Transit pre-award audit including verification of FTA Buy America requirements. The Buy America information provided by New Flyer of America documented that its vehicles exceed the required Buy America content of 60% and that the manufacturer was in compliance with the final assembly requirement provision.
On March 17, 2004, the pre-production meeting with New Flyer was held for the manufacture of 23 buses, 13 of which were funded with MSRC Clean Transportation Funds. As a result of the meeting, minor changes were made to the vehicle specification, but no changes were made that effect the CNG engine, fuel system, or emissions levels.
During the manufacturing process, Omnitrans contracted with Transit Resource Center to perform on-line inspections of the vehicles.
The objective of this project was to replace thirteen older diesel-fuel transit buses with new 40-foot, low-floor, compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses. The new buses are equipped with dedicated CNG engines certified by the California Air Resources Board to their Optional NOx low emission standard.
The use of CNG fuel in transit buses is an accepted air pollution reduction strategy in the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction. AQMD Rule 1192 requires that public transit agencies purchase alternative fuel buses when replacing vehicle or expanding their fleets.
No significant delays were experienced during bus production, and no significant problems or issues have been experienced during vehicle operation. To date, the MSRC co-funded vehicles have accured over 585,000 miles in revenue service.
The 13 buses were received in July 2005 at which time the required post delivery inspections were performed. The vehicles were placed into service in July 2005 and remain in revenue service.
San Bernardino Associated Governments
Southern California Association of Governments