Metro Transit (Minnesota) 8013-8015
Metro Transit (Minnesota) 8013-8015 are 2019 Gillig BRTPlus 40' buses. These buses are identical to the 8000 series and 8012, with the only differences being the addition of side-mounted USB chargers, as well as different seat fabric and Stop Request button design.
Engine | Transmission | Seating | Destination sign |
---|---|---|---|
Cummins ISL9 | ZF 6AP1400B | 34 American Seating Vision | Luminator Horizon White |
History
In 2013, the Metropolitan Council, the agency that operates Metro Transit, approved a contract with Gillig to purchase 184 replacement buses, as well as have the option to purchase an additional 221 buses. With the options expiring in July 2018, the Metropolitan Council proceeded with purchasing these buses, in addition to the 17 buses that became the 1800 series.[1] These buses were purchased to increase the availability of buses for the A Line. However, they were put into service on the C Line shortly after delivery due to battery charger issues that put the 8700 series buses out of service.[2]
The Twin Cities Transit Riders Union and MN350 opposed the purchase because of the impacts that these buses had on the environment, as well as inadequate passenger and operator amenities.[3]
8015 was spotted being tested near the Gillig plant in Livermore, CA in June 2019.
Every bus in this series was retrofitted with a single-panel Bentech operator barrier shortly after delivery.
Details
Fleet Number |
Thumbnail | Build Date |
VIN | License Plate | Garage | Status/Disposal | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8013 | 2019 | None | Heywood, June 2019-January 2020
South, January 2020-present |
Active | |||
8014 | 2019 | None | Heywood, June 2019-January 2020
South, January 2020-present |
Active | |||
8015 | 2019 | None | Heywood, June 2019-January 2020
South, January 2020-present |
Active |
|