Transit commission approves small change order adding electronic-assist steering to 2027 Gillig buses

Staff presented a proposed change order for the 2027 Gillig bus purchase that would add parts-inventory consistency items and an electronic-assist steering system. Staff said drivers, trainers and supervisors told them Gillig buses do not turn as well as the agency’s New Flyer buses and that the electronic-assist steering is widely used elsewhere and improves steering and safety.

Staff said the change adds about $4,500 per bus, bringing this contract’s projected per-bus cost to $664,752 and still below internal CIP estimates and industry pricing cited by staff. The changeable items for parts inventory were described as roughly $1,300 per bus; the steering system accounts for the remainder of the increase.

A commissioner moved to approve the change order; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting aye.

Why it matters: staff characterized the steering addition as a safety improvement that could reduce turning accidents, and the incremental per-bus cost was described as less than 1% of total bus cost.