ChicagoBus.org - For People Who Like Buses

Photos

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• More Photos…

Service History

On November 8, 2004, the Chicago Transit Board approved the purchase of a base order of 265 new model D40LF buses from New Flyer of America, Inc. The purchase included 20 model DE40LF diesel-electric hybrids, as well as options for the purchase of up to 1,030 additional diesel buses.

The CTA began accepting delivery of the base order in February 2006. On May 10, 2006, the Chicago Transit Board approved the purchase of an additional 185 buses, exercising the first of four options for additional buses. A second option for 200 additional buses was exercised on November 8, 2006. The final two options, for 400 buses, was exercised on May 17, 2007.

The exterior of the new buses is nearly identical to the existing 5800-series D40LFs. Inside, the buses feature strap hangers and an easy-touch rear door. The buses also have all the standard CTA amenities, including air conditioning, security cameras, bike racks, automated announcement systems, and wheelchair ramps.

With the exception of early deliveries, the buses also feature a new, wider seat design from American Seating, Inc.

Starting with Option 3 deliveries (buses numbered 1630 and higher), the CTA switched from traditional florescent interior lighting to more energy efficient LED lighting. In addition, the weight of the buses was reduced by approximately 1,000lbs by switching from a stainless steel chassis to carbon steel and by using a smaller, more efficient engine. These changes increased the gas mileage of the buses from 3.18mpg to 3.28mpg.

In Spring 2013, the CTA began a $185 million bus overhaul project for the 1030 buses, as considered as “mid-life rehab” or “gut rehab”, to rebuild 60 percent of the current fleet. Cummins NPower and New Flyer Industries were awarded contracts by Chicago Transit Board to perform the overhauls, which includes supporting labor and furnishing, installation and warranty of all supplies and materials that are relevant to the overhaul project. NPower was awarded two contracts to overhaul buses 1000-1629 but not to exceed a combined value of $105.1 million. New Flyer Industries were awarded one contract to overhaul buses 1630-2029 but not to exceed $57.5 million.

All buses will receive: rebuilt engines, transmissions, suspensions, heating and air-conditioning systems, exterior repair and repainting (as necessary), LED lights, particulate filters (1000-1429), and other internal amenities including, up-to-date Clever Device monitors and security cameras.

All overhaul work will be completed at local facilities, including CTA’s South Shop heavy maintenance facility for body repairs, repainting, and installation of the new energy-efficient LED lighting.

As of Fall 2015, all buses have been overhauled.

Other notes: # of seats for buses 1930-2029 is 35.