TOP 100. Transit Bus Fleets. BAE Systems Clever Devices Daimler Buses North America Luminator Thermo King SPONSORED BY:

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1 TOP 100 Transit Bus Fleets SPONSORED BY: BAE Systems Clever Devices Daimler Buses North America Luminator Thermo King MET9top100_cover.indd 19 9/8/08 9:26:05 AM

2 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the ORION VII The World Needs Visit us in booth #2433 at APTA Sustainable Transit Solutions (... That really work!) As sustainability has evolved from an obscure concept to a fundamental business principle, solutions powered by Clever Devices are enabling transit agencies to provide high quality service that meet increased ridership demands, while simultaneously increasing operating efficiencies. More importantly, these efficiencies are realized while achieving fundamental sustainability initiatives such as improving the quality of mass transit, passenger/ operator safety, air quality and energy consumption. Above all, Clever Devices solutions are an efficient and effective expenditure of transit funds while realizing the highest return on investment. To learn more, visit us during the APTA EXPO in booth # DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_cover.indd 20 9/8/08 9:26:07 AM

3 Ridership, Fuel Cost Hikes Force Top 100 to Make Adjustments Nearly 72.5 percent of agencies listed find it difficult to balance service demands with higher fuel costs. Raising fares, adjusting routes and extending service life of vehicles are some fixes being employed. >BY ALEX ROMAN, Senior Editor FUEL PRICES AND FUNDING CONTINUE TO IMPACT TRANSIT agencies throughout North America at a time when ridership numbers continue to soar. In fact, nearly 72.5 percent of the agencies in METRO s Top 100 Transit Bus Fleets survey say they are having a difficult time balancing rising service demands with higher fuel costs. Despite needing funds to purchase more buses, there was moderate growth in fleet size, with this year s respondents totaling 63,831 buses; an increase of 657 buses compared with 2007 s numbers. New York City Transit once again tops the list with 4,548 buses; a moderate decline from last year. Chicago s Pace Suburban Bus (2,647) snatches the number two slot this year, while the rest of the top five is filled with familiar faces Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (2,635), New Jersey Transit (2,347) and Chicago Transit Authority (2,117). Pace is the only agency in this year s top five that actually grew their fleet, with the other five showing moderate shrinkage. The Mass Transportation Authority of Flint, Mich., rounds out the Top 100 with 146 buses, while Mississauga Transit of Ontario, Canada holds the No. 50 slot with 393 buses. Iowa-based Des Moines Area Regional Transit makes its debut in the Top 100 at No. 96 with 153 buses and the Greater Hartford Transit District (No. 93) rejoins this year s list with 167 buses. SLIGHT SHIFTS Despite Everett, Wash.-based Community Transit dropping from No. 47 in 2007 to No. 64 in 2008, there were very few agencies that plunged or soared in this year s survey. The aforementioned jump by Pace from No. 7 to No. 2 was the largest move up 2008 s Top 100. Other agencies making slight drops include Charlotte, N.C.-based Charlotte Area Transit System No. 58, with 342 buses and the Sacramento, Calif-based Sacramento Regional Transit District, No. 76 with 253 buses. A closer look at the fleet mix numbers reveals 47,193 buses are 35 feet or longer and 43 percent, or 27,253, of the total vehicles are low-floor applications. RISING COSTS, DEMAND Sixteen percent of this year s top bus fleets are either going to raise fares or are considering raising them to help offset the high cost of fuel, with demand continuing to rise. Other solutions being employed include making adjustments to underperforming or over-capacity routes (6 percent) and locking in fuel contracts (4 percent). Finding ways to expedite new vehicle delivery, as well as extending the lifecycle of buses were also mentioned as ways to meet rising service demand. Transit agencies are also ramping up their bus purchases over the next year, with a reported 6,419 total buses on order, an 11 percent increase over Soaring fuel costs have also opened the door for many agencies to expand their customer bases through increased marketing campaigns. For example, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (No. 28) launched its Gas Pains campaign via broadcast, print and online mediums to stress its services as the lower-cost alternative to driving. Other campaigns include Broward County (Fla.) Transit s (No. 51) push to market to specific groups likely to use transit, such as youths, seniors and college students, and Victoria, B.C.-based BC Transit s (No. 26) Be Part of the Solution, which builds transit awareness for potential riders and congratulates current riders for choosing transit and lessening their environmental impact, while supporting the local economy. If you know a fleet that belongs on this list or have suggestions on how to improve our future lists, please let us know. Fleet Mix Buses 35 feet and longer are still the top choice for transit agencies, totaling 47,193 vehicles. Trolley bus replicas make up only one percent. Trolley bus replicas Articulated 1% 7% Under 35 feet 18% 35 feet and over 74% SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro magazine > 21 MET9top100_story.indd 21 9/8/08 9:26:51 AM

4 TOP 100 Transit Bus FLEETS Agency 35 ft. Over Artic. Trolley /- and under 35 ft. Total 1 1 MTA New York City Transit 0 3, , New York City 2 7 Pace Suburban Bus 2, , Chicago 3 3 Metro 153 2, , Los Angeles 4 2 New Jersey Transit Corp , , Newark, N.J. 5 4 Chicago Transit Authority 45 1, , Chicago 6 5 Toronto Transit Commission 0 1, , Toronto 7 6 Montreal Urban Transit 4 1, , Montreal 8 8 Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority 125 1, ,501 2 Washington, D.C King County DOT/Metro Transit , Seattle 10 9 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority 110 1, ,369-2 Philadelphia MTA Bus Company, New York City 0 1, , New York City Coast Mountain Bus Company 145 1, , Vancouver, B.C Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County , Houston Valley Metro , Phoenix OC Transpo , Ottawa, Ontario Regional Transportation District ,062 - Denver Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority , Boston 22 < metro magazine SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro-magazine.com MET9top100_list.indd 22 9/8/08 9:29:41 AM

5 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the ORION VII Look closer the world s leading diesel-electric hybrid just got better. Daimler Buses introduces a significantly lighter lithium-ion energy storage system on the new Orion VII diesel-electric hybrid. Beyond a lighter load, the new battery is more efficient, helps reduce emissions and lasts longer than the leading alternatives in use today. The system also is self-monitoring and easy to service for reduced maintenance costs. There are more Orion VII diesel-electric hybrid buses in service nationwide than any other hybrid bus. With improved lithium-ion technology, it s time you take a closer look at the hybrid market leader. DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_list.indd 23 9/8/08 9:29:44 AM

6 TOP 100 Transit Bus FLEETS Agency 35 ft. Over Artic. Trolley /- and under 35 ft. Total Maryland Transit Administration Baltimore Miami-Dade Transit Authority Miami Orange County Transportation Authority Orange, Calif Edmonton Transit System Edmonton, Alberta Calgary Transit Calgary, Alberta Metro Transit Minneapolis Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District Portland, Ore Port Authority of Allegheny County Pittsburgh BC Transit Victoria, B.C San Francisco Municipal Railway San Francisco Dallas Area Rapid Transit Dallas Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Cleveland MTS Bus Operations San Diego Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Las Vegas Utah Transit Authority Salt Lake City AC Transit Oakland, Calif Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Atlanta 24 < metro magazine SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro-magazine.com MET9top100_list.indd 24 9/8/08 9:29:44 AM

7 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the ORION VII LED Lighting by Luminator You know our signs, so we d like to introduce Quantum, our 100% LED Interior Lighting par excellence. Quantum s solid state design, using long life LEDs, provides your riders with a lighting system that is pleasing to the eye. The reduction in maintenance time will be pleasing to your budget. Quantum s indirect lighting is unobtrusive, yet exceeds APTA white book requirements. Quantum, clean light for an environmentally friendly world. DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_list.indd 25 9/8/08 9:29:46 AM

8 TOP 100 Transit Bus FLEETS Agency 35 ft. Over Artic. Trolley /- and under 35 ft. Total Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation Detroit Department of Transportation Services Honolulu Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority San Jose, Calif Winnipeg Transit System Winnipeg, Manitoba Detroit Department of Transportation Detroit Milwaukee County Transit System Milwaukee South West Ohio Regional Transit Authority Cincinnati VIA Metropolitan Transit San Antonio Delaware Transit Corp Wilmington, Del MTA Long Island Bus Garden City, N.Y Capital Metro Austin, Texas Metro St. Louis Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority Rochester, N.Y CTTRANSIT Hartford, Conn Los Angeles Department of Transportation Los Angeles Mississauga Transit Mississauga, Ontario Broward County Transit Pompano, Fla. 26 < metro magazine SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro-magazine.com MET9top100_list.indd 26 9/8/08 9:29:47 AM

9 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the ORION VII Thermo King, a leading HVAC supplier to the North American transit market, has been providing HVAC solutions for buses since At Thermo King, we understand that one size does not fit all, so we focus on the customer s needs to develop customized, value-added solutions. Thermo King s commitment to continuously invest in research and development has led to many innovative solutions using leadingedge technologies. Thermo King offers a complete line of products, including new Green technologies that help protect the environment while adding value for our customers. Thermo King is proud to be a supplier to Daimler Buses North America. To learn more about Thermo King s products and services, please visit our website at DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_list.indd 27 9/8/08 9:29:49 AM

10 TOP 100 Transit Bus FLEETS Agency 35 ft. Over Artic. Trolley /- and under 35 ft. Total Montgomery County Transit Rockville, Md GO Transit Toronto Westchester County Department of Transportation Mount Vernon, N.Y Hampton Roads Transit Hampton, Va Pierce Transit Tacoma, Wash Transit Authority of River City Louisville, Ky Charlotte Area Transit System Charlotte, N.C Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Buffalo, N.Y San Mateo County Transit District San Mateo, Calif Metropolitan Bus Authority San Juan, P.R Reseau de transport de Longueuil Longueuil, Quebec COTA Central Ohio Transit Agency Columbus, Ohio Community Transit Everett, Wash Foothill Transit West Covina, Calif Capital District Transportation Authority Albany, N.Y Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Kansas City, Mo LYNX Orlando, Fla. 28 < metro magazine SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro-magazine.com MET9top100_list.indd 28 9/8/08 9:29:49 AM

11 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the ORION VII RELIABILITY Look closer proven reliability you can count on. But we believe reliability is more than just a word. Daimler Buses designs Orion buses to exceed expectations and perform well for years to come. Built with premium materials, proven components and ISOcertified and Daimler-certified processes, our Orion buses are constructed to handle the most punishing routes. Whether it s the snowy streets of Toronto, stop-and-go traffic in New York City, the hills of San Francisco or the sweltering heat of New Orleans, we know our buses can be counted on today, next week, next month and next year. Building the most durable buses and providing reliability are how Daimler became the world s largest bus manufacturer it s time you take a closer look at the Orion VII from Daimler Buses North America. DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_list.indd 29 9/8/08 9:29:51 AM

12 TOP 100 Transit Bus FLEETS Agency 35 ft. Over Artic. Trolley /- and under 35 ft. Total Halifax Metro Transit Halifax, Nova Scotia Memphis Area Transit Authority Memphis, Tenn Jacksonville Transportation Authority Jacksonville, Fla Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Providence, R.I Societe de Transport de l Outaouais City Gatineau, Quebec Omnitrans San Bernardino, Calif Central New York Regional Transportation Authority Syracuse, N.Y Sacramento Regional Transit District Sacramento, Calif Sound Transit Seattle Long Beach Transit Long Beach, Calif Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority Toledo, Ohio Fairfax Connector, FCDOT Fairfax, Va Hamilton Street Railway Hamilton, Ontario Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Clearwater, Fla Madison Metro Transit Madison, Wis Sun Tran Tucson, Ariz Golden Gate Transit San Rafael, Calif. 30 < metro magazine SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro-magazine.com MET9top100_list.indd 30 9/8/08 9:29:51 AM

13 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the ORION VII MODERN STYLING Look closer... the Orion VII has exceeded expectations to become one of the most trusted transit buses in North America. This legacy continues with the market introduction of the Orion VII that is built on the same durable platform. This redesigned urban bus incorporates Europeaninspired features with a redefined, sleeker modern appeal. It s time you take a closer look at the Orion VII from Daimler Buses North America. DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_list.indd 31 9/8/08 9:29:53 AM

14 TOP 100 Transit Bus FLEETS Agency 35 ft. Over Artic. Trolley /- and under 35 ft. Total Big Blue Bus Santa Monica, Calif London Transit Commission London, Ontario Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Tampa, Fla Metro Regional Transit Authority Akron, Ohio Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority Dayton, Ohio SATCO/VATCO Springfield, Mass Kitsap Transit Bremerton, Wash Greater Hartford Transit District Hartford, Conn GRTC Transit System Richmond, Va North County Transit District Oceanside, Calif Des Moines Area Regional Transit Des Moines, Iowa Regional Transit Authority New Orleans Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. (IndyGo) Indianapolis ABQ Ride Albuquerque Mass Transportation Authority Flint, Mich. 32 < metro magazine SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2008 metro-magazine.com MET9top100_list.indd 32 9/8/08 9:29:54 AM

15 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at the SPRINTER SHUTTLE Look closer two doors are better than one. The recently re-introduced Sprinter shuttle already boasts a modern look and space for up to 16 passengers, or eight with two wheelchairs. Now with bi-fold passenger doors plus a flush-side wheelchair lift, it also saves time by speeding shuttle entry and exit. The Sprinter just successfully completed the seven year Altoona test and still provides unsurpassed fuel savings and requires less scheduled maintenance all to help your bottom line. Sleeker style, reliability, comfortable passengers and operators that save money it s time you take a closer look at the Sprinter shuttle from Daimler Buses. DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA sales@dcbusna.com MET9top100_list.indd 33 9/8/08 9:29:56 AM

16 DOES YOUR CITY DESERVE THE BEST? WE THINK IT DOES. Your city wants clean, modern transit. You need reliable, efficient buses. Daimler Buses North America provides the best of both in the sleeker, smarter Orion VII hybrid bus. Powered by the HybriDrive propulsion system from BAE Systems, its series diesel-electric hybrid architecture provides up to 35 percent better fuel economy and significantly reduced emissions compared to standard diesel systems. This new and improved bus also offers proven reductions in operation and maintenance costs, and is the first hybrid bus available with advanced lithium-ion battery technology. Sleeker on the outside, smarter on the inside. The Orion VII hybrid delivers what your city deserves: the best. Toll Free: MET9top100_list.indd 34 9/8/08 9:29:56 AM