Committee approves SFO purchase of up to 14 used CNG buses to expand airport shuttle
November 01, 2023 | San Francisco County, California
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The Budget & Finance Committee on Nov. 1 voted to forward to the full board an ordinance waiving competitive bidding and other procurement requirements so the San Francisco International Airport may buy up to 14 used compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $350,000.
Kathy Weidener of San Francisco International Airport said the buses are surplus to Phoenix after an AirTrain extension, are compatible with SFO’s fleet and would support expansion of the Go SFO employee shuttle service to Hayward and Castro Valley. The airport presented per-bus purchase pricing of $25,000, estimated parts and services up to about $73,000 per vehicle, and towing costs roughly $11,700 per bus; staff said the total process remains far less expensive than a new battery-electric bus, which can cost roughly $900,000 and take up to two years to procure.
Supervisor Asha Safaie asked about age and life expectancy; SFO staff said the used buses are about 13–14 years old with an estimated 3–5 years of useful life remaining and that the airport intends to add these buses temporarily while it procures new electric vehicles. A supervisor clarified that the plan is not to convert these vehicles but to acquire them for short-term service expansion while transitioning to electric buses.
The Budget and Legislative Analyst recommended approval. The committee voted to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
Quote: “The not to exceed amount will cover the purchase of 14 buses at $25,000 each,” SFO said in the presentation. SFO also said it plans to convert its fleet to electric buses as procurement timelines allow.
Next steps: the ordinance will go to the full Board for final approval; SFO intends to pursue electric replacements as funding and supply allow.
Kathy Weidener of San Francisco International Airport said the buses are surplus to Phoenix after an AirTrain extension, are compatible with SFO’s fleet and would support expansion of the Go SFO employee shuttle service to Hayward and Castro Valley. The airport presented per-bus purchase pricing of $25,000, estimated parts and services up to about $73,000 per vehicle, and towing costs roughly $11,700 per bus; staff said the total process remains far less expensive than a new battery-electric bus, which can cost roughly $900,000 and take up to two years to procure.
Supervisor Asha Safaie asked about age and life expectancy; SFO staff said the used buses are about 13–14 years old with an estimated 3–5 years of useful life remaining and that the airport intends to add these buses temporarily while it procures new electric vehicles. A supervisor clarified that the plan is not to convert these vehicles but to acquire them for short-term service expansion while transitioning to electric buses.
The Budget and Legislative Analyst recommended approval. The committee voted to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
Quote: “The not to exceed amount will cover the purchase of 14 buses at $25,000 each,” SFO said in the presentation. SFO also said it plans to convert its fleet to electric buses as procurement timelines allow.
Next steps: the ordinance will go to the full Board for final approval; SFO intends to pursue electric replacements as funding and supply allow.
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