Wednesday, November 28, 2012

New LINK Busses to double capacity

From Local Motion

Thanks to the vision of CCTA and VT's Congressional delegation, the new LINK buses between Burlington and Montpelier will have capacity for 4 bikes -- and protected in the luggage bays under the bus!  Click on the picture below to get step-by-step bike loading instructions. 
Bike storage on MCI buses close up 510px
These great new MCI coach buses have greater passenger capacity and amenties too!  They seat 57 passengers -- instead of 39.  They have power plugs, overhead light and individualized climate control at every seat. 
These new larger buses will go into service on the Montpelier Link Express on Monday, November 19th and will be phased into service on the Middlebury and St. Albans Link Express routes.  Now's the time to get on the bus!
Together, CCTA, Local Motion, CarShare Vermont, the Agency of Transportation, the CCRPC and our Congressional delegation is helping to bring cleaner and greener transportation options to more and more Vermonters. 
Below is the Front Porch Forum posting from CCTA: 

CCTA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW COMMUTER BUSES
CCTA is pleased to announce the launch of seven new commuter buses. The new larger buses will be phased into service on CCTA’s Link Express routes traveling from Burlington to Montpelier, Middlebury, and St. Albans beginning on Monday, November 19th. The seven 45-foot Motor Coach Industry buses will be the largest in CCTA’s fleet, offering 57 seats and the capacity for four bicycles.
CCTA pursued funding for the larger buses in 2011 based on the ongoing growth of its three Link Express routes and the clear need for additional passenger capacity. In the most recently completed fiscal year, the three Link Express routes carried a combined 146,757 passengers, which represents a 13% increase over the previous year and builds on substantial growth since the first Link route began in 2003.
In late 2011, with the support of the Vermont Congressional delegation, CCTA was successful in securing a $3,360,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Livability Initiative to purchase the larger buses to meet the growing ridership demands. In addition to a 46% increase in seating capacity and a 100% increase in bicycle capacity, the new buses offer improved Wifi service, power outlets at every seat, and passenger controlled vents and lights.

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