BUS MAIN --- 1. INTRO --- 2. GOALS BY MUNIC. --- 3. FIXED ROUTE --- 4. FIXED ROUTE GOALS
5. SWEETHART --- 6. SWEETHART GOALS --- 7. MULTIMODAL GOALS
8. ADMIN. GOALS --- 9. CAPITAL PLAN --- 10. INTERCITY BUS --- 11. LINKS

As it operates a large fleet of vehicles, a major responsibility is to keep buses in good repair and replace them when necessary. Below are the upcoming major capital replacements as envisioned from the current year 2003:

1: REPLACE 32 BODY-ON-
CHASSIS LIGHT DUTY BUSES
Presently HART operates a fleet of 35 small light duty buses ranging in age from one to six years old. HART's goal is to plan for scheduled replacement of each small bus after five years of use to ensure efficient operation service. Small bus replacement may occasionally exceed the five year replacement cycle.

Twelve Startrans Supreme buses are due for replacement in 2005, and 20 ElDorado Aerotech buses are scheduled for replacement in 2006 (three additional buses on the roster are older vehicles that were replaced but kept as reserve buses). HART will replace these vehicles through the federal Section 5307 grant process.

2: REPLACE TEN 35 FOOT
HEAVY DUTY TRANSIT BUSES
HART presently operates a fleet of twenty (27) heavy duty transit buses vehicles including ten 1995 RTS forty-foot buses, ten 2000 Orion V thirty-five-foot buses, and two 2000 40’ New Flyer low floor transit buses. Five 1989 Orion I vehicles replaced in 2000 but still on the roster are used as spares.

The newer Orion vehicles are used throughout a typical service day on runs that extend from 6:00 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. The older RTS and Orion vehicles are used on split runs that operate primarily in the morning and afternoon peak periods. The New Flyer buses are used exclusively for intercity service.

HART's goal is to provide for scheduled replacement of the RTS buses after they reach 12 years of age in FY 2007. Replacement vehicles will all be fully accessible to persons with disabilities and will include wheelchair lifts and tiedowns. Other standard equipment will be specified for replacements including radios, electronic fareboxes, air conditioning, kneeling feature, and electronic destination signs.

HART may purchase low floor vehicles for this procurement, pending the performance of a single 35’ low floor bus to be delivered in late 2003.

All bus replacements will be funded through the Section 5307 grant process.

3: OPERATIONS FACILITY
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
The rehabilitation and expansion of the HART Operations center, located on 62 Federal Road in Danbury was completed in 1998. Normal wear and tear requires a continued program of maintenance, which HART has in place.

In the latter half of the next five years, it is anticipated that the facility will require more substantial rehabilitation. New regulatory requirements and technology are likely to require upgrades in operations, maintenance and administrative areas. Life cycle requirements will require replacement of equipment. Some reconfiguring of interior office space may be warranted.

HART’s goal is to complete a needs assessment for major facility repairs and upgrades and complete the schedule of improvements. Funds for these capital improvements will be provided through the Section 5307 program.

4: PURCHASE AND INSTALL BUS STOP
SIGNS AND PASSENGER SHELTERS
As recommended in the 1986, 1990 and 1993 regional bus plans, HART established signed bus stops throughout the fixed route system in FY1994. Each location was identified by an aluminum sign mounted on a U-channel sign post.

HART purchased all equipment and contracted for sign installation. Replacement of damaged signs and other ongoing maintenance have been performed in-house. Signs have not shown any fading after ten years, but are only guaranteed to maintain color for seven years. Further, continual maintenance required to repair damages is gradually depleting surplus stock.

Road widening projects on Route 7 in Brookfield and New Milford and Route 6 in Danbury may require larger-scale replacement or new-installation costs in the next few years.

All capital and installation costs will be funded from federal and state grants.

5: PROVIDE FOR THE ONGOING
REPLACEMENT OF SMALL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT
HART has programmed a number of small capital purchases over the next five years including maintenance equipment, office equipment, and bus support equipment.

Maintenance capital needs specifically include three supervisor vehicles, three service vehicles, maintenance radio equipment, facility state of good repair, and engine and transmission rebuilds for the Orion V fixed route buses.

Office equipment is comprised of computer and other office support equipment.

Bus support equipment needs specifically include replacement of fixed route and paratransit radio equipment.

HART's goal is to provide for the cyclical replacement of various small capital equipment items as they reach the end of their useful lives.

The cost of these replacements will be borne by the Section 5307 capital program.

HART services do not operate in a vacuum. Private bus and taxi operations are also found in the Housatonic Valley Area. Connections are facilitated wherever possible. Proceed to the next section for an inventory of intercity bus services operating through Greater Danbury.

Transit planning never occurs in a vacuum. It is important to understand and interface with other transit services operating nearby. Accordingly, please proceed to section ten which provides an inventory of intercity bus services operating thru the Housatonic Region.

BUS MAIN --- 1. INTRO --- 2. GOALS BY MUNIC. --- 3. FIXED ROUTE --- 4. FIXED ROUTE GOALS
5. SWEETHART --- 6. SWEETHART GOALS --- 7. MULTIMODAL GOALS
8. ADMIN. GOALS --- 9. CAPITAL PLAN --- 10. INTERCITY BUS --- 11. LINKS