Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc., (TCAT) of Ithaca, N.Y., will be taking delivery of seven new Orion VII 40-foot clean-diesel buses to be delivered by the end of the year to add to its public transportation fleet.
"We are very excited about the purchase being in our home state," stated Daniel Tome, purchasing and project manager for TCAT. "The Orion Union and the TCAT Union are a perfect fit to support our local workers and economy."
The Orion brand name has a long-standing history with the city of Ithaca dating back to the first purchase of Orion I buses in 1983. This new order of Orion VII will be replacing a fleet of Orion buses that have been in service since 1993.
"Our older Orion TCAT fleet is so reliable that we don't want to get rid of them!" exclaimed Tome. "Everyone from the bus operators to the maintenance crew is very satisfied with the Orion brand and is excited about our procurement."
From the 304 grade stainless steel frame to the Cummins ISL 280 horsepower diesel engine backed by an Allison B 400 transmission, the Orion VII carries on the tradition of past Orion platforms by providing a reliable, durable transit bus.
With enhanced front and rear and suspension, TRW electric assist steering, a G3 multiplex system, and fiberglass body side skins keeps the Orion VII maintenance bills low and road time high. A Thermo King air conditioner system, Dynex LED passenger interior lighting, Twin Vision Smart Series destination signs and an optional REI 4 camera surveillance system make the Orion VII a pleasure to ride, own and operate.
"Orion has a proud long standing history with TCAT and the city of Ithaca, N.Y.," stated Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America. "Orion is glad a local transit agency is buying locally made buses."
