October 09, 2009 03:07 PM
David Fleischer
York Region is poised to sign off on deal for new Viva buses that could add up to $50 million over the next five years.
Nova Bus, a division of Volvo, is the only contender for the contract to provide up to 51, 18.2-metre buses for the region’s rapid transit fleet.
The initial approval is for 15 buses at a cost of just under $1 million each.
“It was a showcase for our region,” capital assets manager Rick Takagi told last week’s transportation committee of Viva’s distinctive blue buses.
“We were still looking for a vehicle with advanced asethetics and styling.”
Since the new buses are expected to be on the road for several years, along with those now rolling down regional streets, it was important the two look similar, Viva chief architect David Clark told the committee.
“We were very pleased with the exterior styling (of the Nova Bus). We felt it fit well with the intent of what we’re trying to put on the street,” he said.
The new buses are very similar in size those in the current fleet of 101 buses, all acquired from Belgium’s Van Hool. Canadian bus manufacturers were not able to produce appropriate buses at the time the purchase was made, a staff report states.
Staff want to see the new vehicles remain as “state of the art” as the Van Hool buses.
That means a more stylish design, comfortable seating, reduced emissions and noise and low maintenance.
The new buses will have more seats at floor level, big windows and other familiar features.
One photo illustration showed a cluster of four seats centred around a table as one possible configuration.
Unlike the Van Hool buses, which have a centrally-located engine, the Novas are rear drive. Knowing the quiet back seats on the current buses are popular, staff will work to minimize engine noise.
Wheelchair ramps now located at the rear doors will instead be at the front entrance, by the driver.
The initial contract is for 2010, with options for up to 36 more buses until 2014.
Seven companies picked up the RFP, which closed in May, but New Flyer was the only other company to respond. However, they failed to meet a 25-per-cent Canadian content requirement to obtain upper-level government funding.
By contrast, Nova was at nearly 48 per cent Canadian content.
Nova already had the highest technical scores, and the lower price submission by about $1 million.
Some councillors were disappointed Van Hool wasn’t even able to bid, given the current level of satisfaction with the fleet.
“I think that’s worrisome,” Georgina Mayor Robert Grossi said.
“One thing we don’t want to be is protectionist.”
The base price for each new bus is $902,234, plus GST. A further $35,000 in optional enhancements will ensure the vehicles are up to Viva’s design standards.
Funding is to be shared on an equal basis between the region and the federal government and confirmation from Ottawa is expected before the end of the month.
Council votes on the proposal at its Oct. 22 meeting.
