DART's 41 new CNG buses will be launched into service in late summer
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will roll out 41 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses this August. The new buses have been added to its existing fleet to help make it easier for DART to make planned service changes later this summer.
DART said it plans to focus the new buses on peak schedule adjustments by straightening out, simplifying and improving access on several routes in and around Dallas beginning August 12.
The 40-ft. buses are made by New Flyer. New Flyer was awarded the contract to provide its XN-40 buses in March 2018. The contract was for a firm order of 41 buses with an option for an additional 41 vehicles. DART says 13 of the new buses have been delivered to date, with an additional three arriving every week.
The new buses will feature many driver and rider amenities, such as a barrier door shield and a sliding window, automatic passenger counters, a new on-board battery management system, USB ports riders can use for charging at 33 of the seats, larger interior InfoTransit monitors, vinyl upholstery and flush-mounted tinted windows. DART said the amenities are in addition to the cleaner, smoother and quieter ride the buses will provide.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
