Glendale Beeline has purchased 10 new low floor compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses. The low floor transit buses provide step-free entrance ways that offer improved passenger accessibility and maneuverability.

“With the December delivery, Glendale Beeline becomes the first public transit agency in Los Angeles County to operate with an entire fleet of low floor buses,” stated Kathryn Engel, transit manager for the city. The low floor entrances make it easier for passengers of all abilities to board the bus. Faster passenger boarding reduces dwell time at the bus stops and improves travel speed. The bus delivery marks a milestone in Glendale’s effort to improve the quality and reliability of the Beeline buses.

The nearly $5 million bus purchase was funded by Glendale’s competitive capital grant applications for federal and local return transit funds.     “Glendale is grateful to Metro’s Countywide Call for Projects grant process for 80% of the funds needed to purchase these new buses,” said Mayor Dave Weaver. “At a half million dollars per bus, these grants enable the city to purchase quality buses and provide safe and efficient transit service.”

Since 2001, the City of Glendale has purchased only New Flyer low floor CNG buses. New Flyer Industries Inc. is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States and Canada. The Beeline buses have also been built with the most advanced engine cooling system using electronically controlled fans. These electric fans are designed to significantly improve engine cooling, increase fuel economy, reduce emissions and increase overall operating efficiencies.

The new buses began operation in December.