UB's once ubiquitous Blue Bird buses, familiar objects of student complaints regarding the deterioration of the aging fleet, are being gradually replaced by newer models.
UB added four new compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles from Coach USA to its bus fleet this year, which now consists of eight CNG buses and the remaining Blue Bird buses, some of which were built over 20 years ago. The age of UB's public transportation vehicles has not gone unnoticed by students.
"This fall we've had a couple of concerns about the number of buses, the schedules, and the condition of the vehicles," said Dennis Black, vice president for Student Affairs. "We normally don't get any about this, but this year we've gotten a few."
One driver, who asked that his name not be used, had been observing problems for some time.
"These buses are so old. You hop in and the steering is loose, the seats are rickety," the driver said. "I'd have to say that at least one breaks down per day."
Common problems cited by the driver included inescapable diesel fumes, malfunctioning doors and noisy brakes. Frequent bus riders report similar discomforts.
"They're old - older than I am," said Selima Alston, a junior electrical engineering major who has lived on South Campus and used the Blue Bird buses for two years. "They smell bad. They break down. The seats are broken and uncomfortable and they're hot. They need air conditioning."
While the age of the buses may be an issue for students and drivers, manufacturer Coach USA maintains that even the oldest buses are fit to remain on the road.
"There is no age requirement for the vehicles as long as they pass the DOT [Department of Transportation] inspection. It is a rigorous inspection," said Chuck Pace, director of operations for Coach USA. "Our buses are inspected every six months."
According to Pace, buses should not have diesel fumes or noisy brakes for more than one run of their route. If a driver notices any malfunctioning of the bus, he or she is to immediately call or radio for a new bus.
The bus driver who spoke with The Spectrum said there are not enough radios for all of the buses, and that of the existing radios, several are not in proper working order. "If something happens, you should be able to have mobile communication," said the driver.
If the malfunction is not something that requires immediate attention, drivers can report it at the end of their shift by logging it on their Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
"If a bus is clearly in poor condition, we can request that that bus not be sent to campus," said Chris Austin, UB's on-campus adjudication and transportation coordinator. "We can certainly make them aware of the condition of the buses. We've done that."
If a bus is refused due to its condition or because of an unsafe VIR, the bus cannot be sent back to campus until the necessary repairs have been made.
Suggestion boxes are available for drivers to make recommendations to Coach USA. Often, however, suggestions such as fixing torn seats or broken rear doors are not a priority and are not addressed, according to the bus driver.
"They are not as responsive as they should be, on a timely basis," said the driver. "You get on a bus and you hope it's going to be decent and that there aren't too many problems with it."
Nitie Okhiria, a junior biochemistry major, called the buses "run down and dirty," but said, "I don't think it's that hazardous though, it's a short ride."
Coach USA has started a complete replacement program for UB's fleet, beginning with last year's initial four CNG buses and continuing throughout the manufacturer's contract until 2003.
"We are working with Coach USA [towards replacement]," said Austin. "Of course, it is their fleet and as long as [the buses] are working, they will be sent to campus.
Austin added, "It's their company. It's in their court to release new buses."
