City of Modesto Awards Veolia Transportation Transit Contract

July 31, 2012
Five-year contract for local and express bus service.

In a unanimous vote the City of Modesto City Council awarded Veolia Transportation a five-year contract to operate the Modesto Area Express - local public transportation and commuter service between Modesto and the Bay area in northern California.

The new contract, which goes into effect on September 29, 2012, includes operations for the city's 54 vehicles. Veolia will employ 100 local workers in order to maintain quality service that is safe and reliable.

"On behalf of Veolia I want to thank Modesto's City Council for this opportunity," said Veolia's Regional Vice President, Ron Bushman. "The unanimous vote is something we are very proud of and we intend to deliver top-notch service as promised."

Under the new contract Veolia will introduce the SmartDrive system, state-of-the-art technology that has a proven track record of enhancing safety and promoting fuel-efficient driving behaviors. It uses sophisticated video, audio and ECO-connected data sensors in the vehicle that provide real-time information to bus operators.