Fall River, New Bedford get more-efficient buses

FALL RIVER – The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority will receive 10 new energy-efficient buses for service in the Fall River and New Bedford area, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray announced.
Additionally, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 federal stimulus funds – coupled with other federal transit funds – will allow the authority to purchase 10 new demand-response vehicles that provide transportation to riders unable to use regular bus routes, as well as make upgrades to the transit authority’s maintenance facilities.
The $3.1 million purchase of 10 new buses – nine funded by a Federal Transit Administration capital grant with state matching funds and one paid for with federal stimulus ARRA funds – replaces buses purchased 19 years ago, according to a news release. The new diesel technology allows the buses to emit 90 percent fewer exhaust emissions.
Separately, $700,000 in federal stimulus ARRA funds will purchase six of the Demand Response Vehicles to accommodate riders with disabilities who are unable to use regular bus services, the release said. &#8226