In 1999, Sound Transit bought 70 Gillig 40-foot diesel buses by "piggy-backing" on a transit partner’s existing contract with Gillig. An additional 20 buses were purchased in 2001 and another two in 2005.
Quick information about the ST Express Gillig 40-foot Diesel Bus
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Length |
40 feet |
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Height |
10 feet |
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Weight |
39,600 pounds |
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Width |
8.5 feet |
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Passenger capacity |
Seating for 45 passengers |
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Fuel type |
Clean diesel and biodiesel |
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Fuel capacity |
150 US gallons |
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Power |
1999 purchase: Cummins ISM Engine 2001 purchase: Cummins ISM Engine 2005 purchase: Cummins ISL Engine |
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Year of manufacture |
1999, 2001 and 2005 |
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Number of vehicles in fleet |
1999 purchase: 70 2001 purchase: 20 2005 purchase: 2 |
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Cost per vehicle, inclusive |
1999 purchase: each $291,483.30 2001 purchase: each $299,788.92 2005 purchase: each $329,178.56 |
Additional information:
Manufacture and assembly of the bus
All of the vehicles were manufactured and assembled in Oakland, California.
1999.
The buses were “piggy-backed” onto a Community Transit purchase and the buses purchased in 2005 were modified to King County Metro Transit’s specifications. Modifications were made to the radios and fare boxes.
Testing was done by Sound Transit.
All Sound Transit diesel buses use a combination of clean diesel and biodiesel.
A diesel engine works differently from a gasoline engine. With a diesel engine, air is compressed into a very small space, raising the air’s temperature so high that anything introduced into it will ignite. No spark plug is used. As a result, a mini-explosion inside the engine cylinder pushes the piston connected to a shaft that, in turn, moves the wheels on the bus.
To make biodiesel, vegetable oil and lye are mixed and heated to separate glycerin from the oil (glycerin makes oil heavy and slippery). A lighter liquid results, which can then be used in any diesel fuel tank and burned in any diesel engine.
There is no “engine conversion” when using biodiesel.
Considered “work horses,” these buses require little maintenance and are highly adaptable for different types of operating and commuting conditions.
How the bus fits in Sound Transit’s fleet
These buses enhance service during off-peak hours, and are less expensive to operate than 60-foot buses. They are reliable, flexible and function well in inclement weather, including icy conditions.
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High-back cloth seats
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Air conditioning
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Parcel racks
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Reading lamps
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Bicycle racks
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Wheelchair lifts in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act
These buses are stored and maintained at Metro’s South Base.
