CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Metro is looking to purchase a new bus to improve efficiency and productivity.
Metro is considering buying Passport-HD, a new, shorter bus model which offers better maneuverability on tight neighborhood streets, better fuel efficiency and it has a low floor with no steps.
While there are several difficult and sometimes steep routes through Cincinnati's neighborhoods, there is not always need a for a full-size bus, according to Sallie Hilvers, Metro spokesperson.
“What is really cool about it is that it’s half the price of a regular Metro bus, but the life expectancy is almost as long, Hilvers said. “So this may be a way for us to provide a very maneuverable, efficient service to the community at a lower cost.”
The Passport-HD, manufactured by ElDorado, made a stop for a public viewing downtown Thursday, and the Metro team were able to check over it mechanically and test drive it on Cincinnati’s hills.
Purchasing new buses is a part of a plan that Metro hopes to fully reinvent its service by 2021.
