Hollywood residents who ride Broward County Transit (BCT) buses will see newer and more comfortable buses.
BCT is introducing 31 new buses as part of a $26 million investment to have more reliable and comfortable buses. Seventeen of these new vehicles are considered articulated buses which are extended with two connecting customer compartments. These buses are 60 feet long and will seat up to 57 people featuring voice announcements for upcoming bus stops and connecting routes.
There are five new NABI diesel hybrid-electric powered buses. They are 40-feet long and seat 38 customers. These buses include a low-floor design and easy to use ramp to allow wheelchair boarding through the entrance door.
Also, there are nine vehicles that are 45-foot Motor Coach Industries buses that will be used for long-distance service. They will serve the Express routes to Miami and have 55 high-back seats with extra hip to knee space. They will include LED reading lights, air conditioning vents, electrical outlets and USB port at each seat, according to Mary Shaffer, spokesperson for Broward County Transit.
Also plans are in the works to equip BCT buses with updated technology known as MyRide Broward. This is a real time tracking system that will allow riders to know exactly where the bus they are about to board is and when it will arrive to pick them up. This technology is now being tested, according to Shaffer. Estimated launch date for MyRide Broward is Spring 2016.
“This year we have been working hard on enhancing services and fleets of buses,” said Chris Walton, Director of Transportation for Broward County. “At the same time, we are investing in new technology that modernize our services to keep up with the needs of our growing audience.”
