The board of directors for Omaha Metro Transit has formally approved the purchase of nine compressed natural gas buses to be added to the agency’s MOBY fleet.
According to Omaha Metro Transit, its MOBY service is a shared, curb-to-curb complementary paratransit service operated within the Omaha city limits, providing transportation for ADA-certified trips within three-fourths of a mile on each side of all fixed routes.
Omaha Metro Transit says it was also recently awarded a competitive federal grant for $2.4 million to help purchase CNG-powered buses to enhance Metro’s fixed-route fleet. As reported, these vehicles will assist in maintaining air quality and reduce harmful toxins and greenhouse gases.
The agency says it is sourcing these vehicles through a competitively bid contract through the state of Nebraska, which was awarded to Master’s Transportation on March 23, 2017.
According to Omaha Metro Transit, the $801,000 purchase is financed with federal matching funds. The FTA’s contribution of $680,850 will be matched by a $100,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and $20,150 allocation from Metro.