News
June 18, 2009
CAT Putting New Buses Into Service, Installing Bus Stop Shelters
Capital Area Transit (CAT) will be rolling out 19 new state-of-the-art buses throughout the summer as part of the City of Raleigh’s continued improvements to transit service.
The 19 Gillig low-floor buses have several new features. They include low emissions, video surveillance, LED lighting, four-sided display signage and an automated voice that, whenever the bus stops, informs riders of the name and location of that stop. The low floor will allow for better access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The new buses will have 40 seats.
Another key feature of the new buses is that they operate on biodiesel fuel, furthering CAT’s and the City’s commitment to protecting the environment. Biodiesel is a domestically produced renewable fuel derived from vegetable oil that significantly reduces harmful elements of diesel exhaust, such as carbon monoxide.
The 19 new buses cost a total of $6.9 million. A grant from the Federal Transit Administration covered 80 percent of the cost; the remaining 20 percent of the cost was split between the City of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina. The buses are federally mandated for 12 years or 500,000 miles of service life.
In addition to new buses, CAT is installing new bus stop amenities at several bus stops throughout Raleigh. The first phase of the project is complete and included the installation of 10 shelters on Capital Boulevard and in south Raleigh. The next phase will include the installation of bus stop shelters on New Bern Avenue and in southeast Raleigh.
Prepared by:
John Boyette
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
Stacey Carless
Transit Marketing
Public Works Department
222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-996-4036
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