Nothing Like that New Bus Smell!

By Bill Neuendorf, TLC               

Have you ever wondered what a new bus smells like? Honestly, I had never given it much thought. That all changed when I attended the Minnesota Public Transit Association’s annual conference in October.

Manufacturer’s, consultants, and vendors filled the exhibit hall with the latest buses and countless accessories to enhance the comfort and performance of these vehicles. Marketing reps were on hand to describe and explain how the latest GPS tracking systems work and to point out the features that make one model better suited for suburban express routes rather than local city routes. They touted the endless technical improvements - reduced emissions, quieter operations, increased reliability, and greater comfort. Even more encouraging, was the fact that many of these products are American-made.

While this was definitely a glass-half-full crowd, there was hesitancy in the air. The operators and vendors I spoke with were concerned about the rocky path that some political leaders want public transit systems to travel.

There was sincere concern about riders being able to get to places they need to go -such as grocery stores and medical appointments. It is especially important for older and disabled riders to have a way to maintain social contacts that are so vital to keeping them active and engaged.

Transit providers throughout Minnesota are concerned about the decrease in financial support from both state and federal sources. They discussed ways to operate more efficiently and to increase revenue from advertising. Most confirmed that these efficiencies had already been implemented and turned back to the need for new support to keep the systems running for our aging population. These efficiencies were partially responsible for Metro Transit’ Top Five ranking among large transit systems earlier in 2011.

So – how do new buses smell? Amazing - the scent of a brand-new bus is fresh and optimistic. I hope more and more transit riders get to experience this sensation soon.