Gwinnett Commissioners preview newest transit buses

Lawrenceville, Ga., (May 6, 2008) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and Gwinnett Transit Advisory Board members got a sneak peak at one of the County’s new commuter buses today at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. 

   The County has purchased nine state-of-the-art commuter coaches that provide seating for up to 57 passengers each. Amenities found on the buses include reclining seats with footrests, overhead rack storage, individual reading lights and airflow controls. The buses also provide wheelchair accessibility.

   The new buses are powered by clean diesel engines that use ultra low sulfur fuel and meet strict EPA air quality emission standards. “These buses will help address Georgia’s air pollution problem by emitting less harmful pollutants into the air,” said Gwinnett County Transit Director Phil Boyd. “It also gives solo drivers a chance to get out of their cars and into a smooth, quiet ride high above the traffic.”

   Gwinnett County purchased the nine new coaches for $4.2 million, an investment that will provide a cost-effective travel alternative for County commuters. Federal transit funds provided 80 percent of the purchase price, the Georgia Department of Transportation provided 10 percent and Gwinnett County provided 10 percent, according to Boyd.

   The new commuter coaches are manufactured by Motor Coach Industries (MCI).