Home · Maps · About

Home > BusChat

[ Post a New Response | Return to the Index ]

(105827)

view threaded

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses

Posted by Gold_12th on Wed Jul 9 18:34:40 2008

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
From the press release:

RTA Goes Green

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is proud to announce the arrival of its new low-floor Orion 35-foot energy-efficient buses. All new RTA buses will run on biodiesel, a cleaner burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources.

The introduction of the new buses to the fleet is another example of how Transit Management of Southeast Louisiana (TMSEL), in service to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), continues to be innovative.

Press Conference

What: Introduction of New Buses to the RTA Fleet

When: Wednesday, July 9, 2008, starting at 3 p.m.

Where: 5601 Read Blvd. in New Orleans East

Visuals: Seven beautiful buses with new biodiesel decal

- Mark Major, General Manager, TMSEL in service to the RTA
- Cesar Burgos, Chairman, RTA Board of Commissioners
- Mayor C. Ray Nagin
- City Council Members, including Cynthia Willard-Lewis

Eight of the new buses will be out on various routes on Thursday, July 10 with more to follow.

Source: http://www.norta.com/showadvisories.php?id=259


Post a New Response

(105836)

view threaded

Re: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses

Posted by Jonesy! on Wed Jul 9 20:21:59 2008, in response to New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses, posted by Gold_12th on Wed Jul 9 18:34:40 2008.

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
Heres more:

Just in time for an increased demand for public transportation and fuel economy, eight brand spanking new, biodiesel buses will start picking up passengers in New Orleans Thursday.

After Hurricane Katrina destroyed more than half of the city's 370 buses, the Regional Transit Authority purchased 39 buses at a cost of $15 million.

At a news conference on Read Boulevard in eastern New Orleans today, RTA and officials celebrated the arrival of the buses, which are equipped to use cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel.

The vehicles were built by the Orion bus company based in Ontario, Canada. At 35 feet long, the bus is smaller than the standard RTA coach.

Currently, 29 of the buses are in the New Orleans area, with 10 more arriving from New York in the next few months.

The release of the brand new buses comes at a time of increased reliance on the RTA - from April and May of 2007 to April and May of this year, there has been a 53% increase in ridership, RTA spokesperson Rosalind Cook said.

Many of the new riders have been using public transportation in light of rising gas prices, Cook said.

"I've had people call me asking for route directions and how to use the system. They say that they're turning to public transit to save some gas money," she said.

The RTA will gradually put all of the buses on the streets by the end of the summer, with six more rolling out by Monday.

The new buses will be more comfortable than most of the older buses, which are more than 10 years old, Cook said. Lower floors and a newer handicapped ramp for those with disabilities will make boarding the bus easier for all riders, she said.



Post a New Response

(105866)

view threaded

Re: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses

Posted by Neolife07 on Wed Jul 9 22:04:29 2008, in response to New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses, posted by Gold_12th on Wed Jul 9 18:34:40 2008.

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
Are these buses set to replace the existing units in operation or add to the missing fleet of buses?

BTW, does anyone have the current status of the 20 Neoplans or so which were sent from Philadelphia down to New Orleans?

Kyle O.
http://www.philadelphiatransitvehicles.info/

Post a New Response

(106001)

view threaded

Re: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses

Posted by mtancct on Thu Jul 10 09:39:23 2008, in response to Re: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority now has 35 foot Bio-diesel Orion VII NG buses, posted by Neolife07 on Wed Jul 9 22:04:29 2008.

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
I think those Neoplans are somewhere within the East New Orleans Garage last time I was home...in with those that came from Dallas and Houston. I hope to go home sometime next month and take some photos. These buses may replace the 94 New Flyer D40HF and some of the older 97 O5's they had left.

Post a New Response


[ Return to the Message Index ]