Valley Metro getting ready to roll out 200 new buses

PHOENIX — Nearly 200 new buses will soon be cruising along the streets of the greater Phoenix area, Valley Metro said.

“Features include an upgraded air conditioning system, a new type of transmission and an enhanced electronic fan system, which will provide improved engine performance,” Valley Metro spokeswoman Corinne Holliday said.

The buses will also have high-definition security cameras.

The buses will also be better for the environment than some used by the agency. The new buses will use compressed natural gas as a fuel source instead of gasoline.

“We are moving all of our buses over to CNG,” Holliday said. “One of those things we really try to do it improve the environment and one way we can do that is by having CNG buses.”

The new vehicles were expected to be rolled out over the next few years.

“Replacing older fleet is key to keeping our service efficient and more comfortable for our riders,” Scott Smith, the CEO of Valley Metro, said in a press release.

“With new technology and aerodynamic styling, we believe we can attract a new generation of riders to public transit.”

Last year, bus ridership was nearly 52 million.

The buses cost $169.7 million. The funds came from the Federal Transit Administration and Proposition 400.

Valley Metro had the option to buy an additional 109 heavy-duty buses.

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