The City of Wichita, in cooperation with the Federal and State governments, has been working to replace the City’s aging bus fleet that serves as our public transportation system. By the summer of 2002, 75% of the City's older buses will be replaced.

Thirty-nine buses, provided by both the California-based Gillig Corporation and Wichita’s Chance Coach, make up the new fleet. Twenty-five Gillig standard-height buses will be delivered by the end of April, with nine additional low-floor Gilligs arriving this summer. The Gilligs are a larger bus, seating 38 people. The new fleet is also ADA accessible. The City received five Chance Coach Opus buses in 2001. In addition, the buses have an exciting new look, which will be unveiled Wednesday.

The City of Wichita’s Transit Services provides service to more than two million passengers and 210,000 disabled passengers each year. With the new fleet, those numbers are sure to grow.

"The City of Wichita is pleased to launch a new era in public transportation for our City – an era that continues to focus on our citizens but will also concentrate on comfort and convenience," said Mayor Bob Knight.

Currently, Wichita's buses average 15.5 years. The maximum expected life is 10-12 years, according to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital replacement guidelines. The replacement of those buses will help lower operating costs and provide more reliable service. The new buses will use cleaner burning diesel fuel and provide more comfort, safety and style to the City’s streets.

For more information about the City’s bus replacement program or any transit question, call 265-1450 or visit the City’s website at www.wichita.gov.