AVTA

Antelope Valley Transit Authority

1031 West Avenue L-12

Lancaster  CA  93534

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

For Immediate Release

16 March 2004

Contact:           Pam Holland, Public Information Officer

661-729-2222

 

 

The buses just keep rolling in

 

LANCASTER – Shiny new, blue-striped buses continue to roll into the bus yard at the Antelope Valley Transit Authority on Avenue L-12 in Lancaster. The first of thirteen buses in a $4-million contract with the Gillig Corporation arrived at the facility on Friday, March 12. The new Gilligs will seat 40 passengers and accommodate a total of 75 passengers with standing room.

The remaining twelve buses are expected to arrive at the rate of one per day. All thirteen buses should be delivered by the end of this month and should be in service by the end of May.

Once a new bus is received at AVTA headquarters, it undergoes a series of testing and installation of equipment. Security cameras and fareboxes must be installed, and safety features and road testing must take place before the bus can be put into service.

In August 2003, AVTA took delivery of six new buses from North American Bus Industries (NABI). The NABI “Compobuses” are state-of-the-art lightweight single unit composite structure. Not only will AVTA save money by reducing fuel costs and maintenance, but the passenger will enjoy a smoother, quieter ride as well.

More than two years ago, AVTA began the process of replacing its original fleet of local transit buses. When the last Gillig bus arrives, AVTA will have accomplished the task - - just in time for the grand opening of the company’s new facility at Avenue M and 6th Street West.

 

CUTLINE: AVTA Maintenance Manager Kenneth Trice peels away the protective vinyl covering to expose the vehicle number on one of the six new Gillig buses.

 

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For additional information regarding AVTA’s new fleet of buses please contact Dave Mrstik, AVTA Contract Compliance Manager, 661-729-2246.

 

For more information or photo opportunity, please contact Pam Holland, AVTA Public Information Officer, 661-729-2222.