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TOP 100 BUS FLEETS: MEETING DEMAND AND FUNDING CHALLENGES WITH EFFICIENCIES Implementing a fuel transition program and buying used buses are some tactics this year's respondents are turning to. >BY ALEX ROMAN, Managing Editor S SEVENTY PERCENT OF TRANSIT AGENCIES around the nation are still having a diffi - cult time balancing rising demand for ser- vice with funding issues, however, this year's 65,337 total fleet vehicles holds steady, with only a 135 vehicle shrinkage, compared to 2011, according to respon- dents to METRO's Top 100 Transit Bus Fleets survey. New York City Transit (NYCT) still holds the top spot with a total 4,344 vehi- cles. New Jersey Transit (2,395), the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transpor- tation Authority (2,384), Seattle's King County Metro (1,924) and the Toronto Transit Commission (1,865) round out the top fi ve. Yaphank, N.Y.-based Suffolk County Transit (No. 67) and New Orleans- based Regional Transit Authority (No. 97) crack the Top 100 in 2012, while the agency formerly known as MTA Long Is- land Bus makes its fi rst appearance as the Garden City, N.Y.-based Nassau Inter- County Express (No. 50). MAKING LEMONADE Despite the fact that respondents con- tinue to have diffi culties trying to balance rising demand with funding issues, many report they are rising to the challenge by fi nding ways to either be more effi cient or cost conscious. For example, No. 23, Dallas Area Rap- id Transit (DART), reports it is undertak- ing a fuel transition program, where it will convert its current combination of diesel and liquefi ed natural gas (LNG) to compressed natural gas (CNG) over the next three years. "As a result in favorable natural gas purchases, which have secured our fuel pricing through calendar year 2020, this conversion will reduce our bus motor fuel expenses by approximately 60% annually over the next eight years," say DART offi cials. In addition to purchasing more af- fordable used buses to help replace an aging fl eet, Indianapolis' IndyGo (No. 89) reports that when opportuni- ties arise, it is rehabilitating or replac- ing facility infrastructure with "green" technology or sustainable operating practices. Meanwhile, Phoenix-based Valley Metro (No. 16) reports that it is pro- gramming more federal 5307 funds into preventive maintenance to minimize the impacts of lacking local revenues, exam- ining combining multi-agency opera- tions under one operating contract for potential economy of scale and better pricing, and moving away from tradi- tional paratransit. Besides these innovative approaches, 24 < mETRO mAGAZINE SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2012 however, many agencies report that they are still forced to cut services or raise fares. THE NUMBERS A closer look at the numbers reveals 46,562 buses are 35 feet or longer; 56%, or 36,846, of the total vehicles are low- fl oor applications; and 8% are demand- response. This year's Top 10 makes up 34% of the Top 100 Bus Fleet totals, grow- ing from 2011 by 1,540 total vehicles. Overall, this year's respondents report that they intend to order 5,879 vehicles in the next year. Meanwhile, alternatively-propelled ve- hicles, at 15,906 total, make up 24% of the fl eet totals reported for 2012, with natural gas — both CNG and LNG — leading the way, followed by various types of hybrid-electric vehicles. Respon- dents to this year's survey report they are looking to grow their alt-fuel fl eets with either natural gas or hybrid-electrics, while many agencies already ahead of the curve are looking into hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With all the budget and staff cuts going on around the nation, METRO would es- pecially like to thank all of the transit agencies for participating this year. If you know a fl eet that belongs on this list or have suggestions on how to improve our future lists, please let us know. metro-magazine.com Courtesy GO Transit