New Buses Continue To Replace Aging Fleet
- By Kevin Zolkiewicz
As the ongoing operational funding crisis drags on, the CTA has continued to receive deliveries of new buses. During the past three years, the CTA has ordered a total of 1,050 new buses, including 20 hybrids, from New Flyer of America, Inc. The buses are replacing the aging 5300-series Flxibles and 4400-series TMCs, both of which are over 16 years old and well beyond their useful life based on Federal Transportation Authority standards.
Thus far, 77th, Archer, Chicago, and Kedzie garages have received their share of approximately 100 buses each. Currently, both North Park and 103rd garages are actively receiving the new buses, with even-numbered buses going to 103rd and odd-numbered buses to North Park. The next garage in line to receive the new buses appears to be 74th, however that is subject to change.
As of November 29, 2007, the total number of New Flyer deliveries, including both diesels and hybrids, reached 569. Meanwhile, the number of remaining 5300-series Flxibles and 4400-series TMCs dwindled to 124 and 359, respectively, as their retirement continues.
Deliveries of additional New Flyer buses are expected to continue until at least early 2009.