City Utilities in Springfield is replacing a huge portion of their fleet with modern buses. City Utilities was given $3.8 million to spend on new buses. The organization had to come up with an additional 20 percent to fund the purchase of eleven buses. This will help to keep the transit system going.
The federal award will allow CU to purchase 11 new 35’ Gillig fixed route buses, replacing 9 2000-model buses and 2 2005-model buses. The first of the new buses were placed in service in mid-March. City buses are only supposed to be in service for about 10 years or 350,000 miles. CU mechanics have gone to great lengths to keep them running and as reliable as possible.
The new buses have omproved HD security camera systems, improved wheelchair restraints and USB charging ports for customers.
“These buses will replace the oldest eleven buses in our fleet – some of which were nearing 900,000 miles. The new buses will provide for greater reliability and on-time performance while also providing improved safety and convenience features for our customers,” said Kelly Turner, Director – Transit for City Utilities.