TheRide to Unveil Buses Featuring New Design and Technology

On July 31, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will host an event in coordination with Allison Transmission that will dedicate the first of five dozen new buses being ordered from Gillig LLC to support the continued implementation of new services approved by voters and to replace older buses in the agency’s fleet. The buses will feature a new exterior design and be the first in the world to use the xFE transmission from Allison, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary. The dedication will begin at 10 a.m. at TheRide’s main office; 2700 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor, MI.

"After voters approved the Five-Year Transit Improvement Plan by 71 percent during the May, 2014 election, TheRide has continued to deliver on its promise with the implementation of later service hours, more frequent service, and new routes designed to conveniently and reliably connect riders with jobs, medical appointments, schools, stores, and each other. The new buses will allow us to deliver the next stage of service improvements, adding even more routes and hours of operation," said AAATA Board Chair Charles Griffith.

The new design visually reflects the many transit improvements that are being implemented as part of TheRide’s Five-Year Transit Improvement Program, which began implementation in August, 2014. It is designed to be cleaner, brighter, cost less to maintain, and help riders see and recognize TheRide’s fleet more easily as more buses serve riders in the greater Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas.

“As a customer for more than 20 years, we’re pleased TheRide has become the first transit agency in the world to adopt Allison’s latest advances in fuel economy technology,” said Heidi Schutte, Executive Director of North America Sales for Allison Transmission. “Our new xFE models use optimized gear ratios to achieve additional fuel economy improvements of up to seven percent.”

TheRide continuously explores ways to become more environmentally friendly. The agency’s first hybrid-electric bus was put into service in 2007, and its fleet currently boasts one of the highest percentage of hybrid buses in the nation. Recent improvements in technology and tightened federal standards have made conventional diesel buses much more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly, so the buses being ordered include both conventional and clean diesel-electric hybrid. TheRide currently uses ultra-low sulfur biodiesel in 100 percent of its buses, and is researching emerging technologies like compressed natural gas (CNG), full electric, and newer hybrid technology for future bus purchases.

"We will continue to seek emerging, cost-effective technologies that foster environmental responsibility," said Matt Carpenter, TheRide's chief executive officer. "Allison Transmission’s solid reputation for quality and reliability have been at the forefront of our successful relationship. Pairing the brand new xFE transmission with our bus fleet will help us burn less fuel and serve as an important step as we implement both our new and improved services, and our sustainability initiatives," he said.