New SunLine Buses Hit the Streets Today
A fleet of 20 new SunLine Transit Agency buses are making their way around the Coachella Valley today, as the Agency launched 20 new 40-foot additions to its stock of people movers.
The new clean-air CNG buses will offer free rides today only on SunLine's Line 111. The new buses feature SunLine's signature "water-drop" design, symbolizing SunLine's leadership in the green transportation movement. With their low-floor design and straight-in wheelchair access, the new 40-foot buses offer more convenience for passengers with disabilities.
"With the crushing cost of gas today, people are considering cost-effective alternatives to their transportation needs," said SunLine Transit Agency General Manager Mikel Oglesby. "We want to make the option of public transit as attractive as we possibly can, and the re-design plays a significant role in that process.
"It's part of our larger strategy of re-positioning public transportation."
The new buses also feature on-board surveillance cameras, enhancing the safety of SunLine passengers.
There's more to come, as the Transit Agency will take delivery on more buses later on this year, two of which will be powered by zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cells.
Several Valley officials, mainly SunLine board members, attended this morning's unveiling ceremony at the Westfield Palm Desert mall. On hand were Mayor Steve Pougnet of Palm Springs, Mayor Eduardo Garcia of Coachella, Councilman Alan Seman of Rancho Mirage, Mayor Pro Tem Robert Spiegel of Palm Desert and Councilman Mike Wilson of Indio, who currently serves as SunLine Agency Board Chairman.
Sunline Buses Interior