San Francisco MTA approves $101.6M midlife overhaul for hybrid electric buses

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is set to embark on a significant midlife overhaul of its bus fleet, a decision made during a recent government meeting. The resolution, which received approval, authorizes an agreement with Complete Coach Works to rehabilitate and replace systems in 219 hybrid and electric buses at a cost not to exceed approximately $101.6 million over five years.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain the city's public transportation assets and ensure reliability for residents. SFMTA officials highlighted the importance of preventative maintenance, noting that the current fleet has seen a marked improvement in reliability, with breakdowns now occurring less frequently than in previous decades. The midlife overhaul is considered a best practice, as many bus systems begin to experience issues after six to seven years of service.

The funding for this project is primarily sourced from federal and regional transit revenues, along with developer fees from major developments in the city, including Mission Rock and Pier 70. However, there remains a shortfall of $7.3 million that the SFMTA plans to address in its upcoming capital plan revisions.

During the meeting, board members expressed support for the overhaul, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitating existing buses rather than purchasing new ones. They also raised questions about the allocation of developer fees and how they relate to specific transportation needs in the areas surrounding new developments.

The SFMTA is optimistic that this overhaul will enhance service reliability and meet the growing demands of the city’s expanding population. The first bus under this contract is expected to be tested soon, with production ramping up to 8 to 12 vehicles per week, aiming for completion by summer 2025. This project not only reflects the city's commitment to sustainable transportation but also addresses immediate community needs as San Francisco continues to grow.