Metrolinx facilitates major bus purchase on behalf of
municipalities; significant order will save $4 million and bring modern,
accessible buses to more riders
TORONTO, Oct. 15 2014 /CNW/ - Metrolinx has partnered with 13
municipalities to purchase 188 12-metre transit buses and 15 18-metre
articulated transit buses. All vehicles will be fully accessible.
"Metrolinx is once again pleased to support municipalities through our
Transit Procurement Initiative program to improve and expand public
transit across Ontario," said Bruce McCuaig, Metrolinx President and
CEO. "By helping these municipalities get more value for their money, we
continue to make progress on improving and expanding public transit
services."
"This partnership increases buying power and in turn decreases costs to
municipalities. New, accessible buses make taking public transit even
more attractive," said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation.
"This is proof of our government's commitment to making the daily
commute and quality of life better for Ontario families."
The 13 participating municipalities are Barrie, Burlington, Durham
Region, Hamilton, Kingston, Milton, North Bay, Oakville, Sarnia, St.
Catharines, Welland, Windsor and York Region. These municipalities are
expected to realize estimated savings of 4.5 per cent, or a total of $4
million, based on the average savings from past bus procurements
facilitated by Metrolinx.
The 12-metre buses are being acquired between 2014 to 2017 for a total
order value of $80 million. The 2014 order is worth over $11.4 million
and includes 27 buses that will arrive in 2015. The joint procurement
includes an option to place future orders until March 31, 2017, for any
remaining buses. Participating municipalities will have the opportunity
to select clean diesel, diesel-electric hybrid or compressed natural gas
propulsion systems.
All of the 18-metre buses are expected to be ordered in 2015 and
represent a value of $10 million. This is the first time that a
Metrolinx joint bus procurement has been conducted for 18-metre
articulated buses with a choice of either a clean diesel or a
diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system.
One of the municipalities purchasing new buses as part of this program
is Transit Windsor — a growing transit agency that will benefit from the
cost savings provided by the Metrolinx initiative.
"Transit Windsor looks forward to receiving delivery of our new buses
and could not be happier with the joint procurement process that
Metrolinx provides," said Tony Houad, Director of Corporate Services for
Transit Windsor. "By conducting these joint bus procurements, Metrolinx
has helped Transit Windsor save money, eliminate duplicated efforts and
acquire buses that meet the most current technical specifications."
The Transit Procurement Initiative (TPI) is a Metrolinx program that
helps small- and medium-sized Ontario municipalities save money by
reducing unit costs through higher volume purchases and
performance-based specifications, avoiding duplicate procurement costs
while improving product quality.
Metrolinx is working to provide residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with a transportation system that is modern, efficient and integrated. Find out more about The Big Move, Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA. Find out more about GO Transit, PRESTO, and Union Pearson Express, divisions of Metrolinx.