The Butler Transit Authority has a plan in place to upgrade their fleet of buses.
The plan will begin with purchasing three used diesel buses, identical to the ones they have, from the Pittsburgh Port Authority for a total of $15,000. The buses are from 2003, like the current Butler Transit buses, but in much better condition due to consistent undercarriage wash. These buses are needed as soon as possible to replace buses with rusting frames. The state is expected to pay for the refurbishment of these buses including a paint job, new tires, seats and transition of electronics.
At the same time, the authority will put in orders for six buses that run on compressed natural gas. These new buses cost $450,000 each and will be paid for mostly with state and federal money. They need to be ordered now so that they will be ready in 20 months.
Butler Transit Authority Executive Director John Paul thanked the Pittsburgh Port Authority for their willingness to sell buses that they no longer need.
PennDOT has already approved most of this plan and it is expected to lead to a compressed natural gas station at the Transit Authority by 2018.
Written By: Ryan Saeler
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