Valley Metro (Phoenix) bus fleet

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For more information about Valley Metro (Regional Public Transportation Authority) in Maricopa County, Arizona, see: Valley Metro (Phoenix).

Contents 1 Vehicle suppliers 2 Fleet descriptions 2.1 Active 2.2 Retired 2.3 Future

[edit] Vehicle suppliers

Since 1998, the cities of Phoenix and Tempe along with the RPTA have purchased coaches from North American Bus Industries (NABI); since 2004, Valley Metro has returned to purchasing coaches from New Flyer due to the late delivery of the NABI 45C-LFWs and the most recent NABI 40-LFW order.

Valley Metro was the original launch customer for the NABI 45C-LFW Compobus for its BRT and commuter express lines in the city of Phoenix as well as Tempe (the Phoenix RAPID buses have a different paint scheme (silver and green) from all other Valley Metro buses); other models in wide use include the nationally popular 40-LFW and 35-LFW (both of which Valley Metro was also the launch customer). Older RTS coaches manufactured by Transportation Manufacturing Corporation and D40LFs manufactured by New Flyer that were built in 1994 and 1996 were mostly phased out in 2007.

Short, low-volume routes in Tempe and Scottsdale are still serviced by older ElDorado National EZ Rider buses; the free Copper Square DASH circulator shuttles in downtown Phoenix also use similar ElDorado coaches.

Since 2004, most of Valley Metro's bus orders have been composed of former options from other transit agencies from around the western United States; these options were either added to by Valley Metro or cancelled and taken up by Valley Metro. Although this limits Valley Metro's ability to order buses to its own specifications, it also allows for quicker bus delivery, which has become essential due to Valley Metro's rapid expansion. For more information, see the roster below.

In April 2006, RPTA put the first New Flyer C40LFR restyled transit buses into service in America; these vehicles are being used on the routes it directly operates in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and the surrounding areas. In summer 2006, Valley Metro also was the first customer outside of California to purchase the NABI 60-BRT; these buses were attached to the large Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority order and were built with similar specifications. These buses run on the same routes as the C40LFs. In January 2006, the RPTA leased 20 Nova Bus RTS suburban buses from Golden Gate Transit that are used on Mesa and Chandler express routes, but will be sent back in 2008 after being replaced with C40LFR buses with "semi-suburban" seating. In March 2007, Phoenix negotiated a short-term (six-month) lease of three RTS buses from Omnitrans to operate local routes that were served by Phoenix-purchased RTS buses and New Flyer D40LF buses that had been taken out of service earlier than expected.

For 2008 Valley Metro will continue the purchase of New Flyer equipment with an order of 51 C40LFR CNG suburban buses, 1 DE40LFR hybrid suburban bus, and 10 New Flyer D60LFA buses (Valley Metro is the third agency to order this bus type) for more East Valley "supergrid" expansion. The C40LFR and DE40LFR buses will have "semi-suburban" seating similar to that of SamTrans, Golden Gate Transit, and King County Metro. This will allow for these buses to be used on both local and express routes, merging the vandal-resistant features of local buses with the comfortable features of express buses. The DE40LFR will be used as a pilot bus to test hybrid-electric technology. Also in 2008, Valley Metro tested a Motor Coach Industries D4500CT bus as a candidate for replacing their leased Nova Bus RTS vehicles.

[edit] Fleet descriptions

[edit] Active

Note that this listing does not include route 660-Wickenburg Regional Connector or GUS (Glendale Urban Shuttle) vehicles.

Builder	Model	Year	Length	Fuel	Number(s)	Quantity	Operator(s)	Notes
New Flyer	D40LF	1994	40'	Diesel	4002-4072	15	Veolia-RPTA	All of these buses were originally operated by Veolia-Phoenix. In 1999 and 2002, buses 4002-4039 were transferred to Veolia-RPTA and 4040-4072 were transferred to First Transit. In 2007 most of these buses were retired due to air conditioning issues, but around 15 buses continue to operate for Veolia-RPTA. All remaining vehicles will exit from service in 2008.
New Flyer	D40LF	1996	40'	Diesel	3701-3729	29	First Transit	These buses are similar to the 1994 D40LFs. Originally, all were operated by Veolia-Phoenix, but were transferred to First Transit from 1999-2004. 3727 was built as an L40LF LNG test bed, but was converted to diesel after being transferred to Veolia-RPTA. It was retired in 2006, and some of the others have been retired early despite the FTA 12-year minimum. All others will be retired in 2008.
Nova Bus	RTWFD82	1997	40'	Diesel	6461-6480	20	Veolia-RPTA, First Transit	These buses are owned by Golden Gate Transit in California and have been leased from January 2006 until 2008. They have 1 door and full highback, reclining suburban seating with reading lights and luggage racks. These buses operate routes 510, 512, 531-533, and 540-541. Originally, they were numbered 1311-1330, but were renumbered due to conflict with Dial-A-Ride vehicles in the 1300 series. These are the only 40-foot buses not equipped with Route Scout because Golden Gate Transit does not have it. These buses will be returned to Golden Gate Transit in 2008.
NABI	40-LFW	1998	40'	LNG	6001-6156	156	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses were the first LNG-powered production buses in Phoenix. Buses 6001-6029 have different number fonts and speaker locations, while buses 6030-6156 have "standard" speaker locations. Bus 6001 had a wheelchair sign but it was removed, bus 6002 has a wheelchair sign, and bus 6003 has space for a wheelchair sign but it was never installed. Buses 6071-6085 were leased to the RPTA from 2005 until 2006. Buses 6141-6156 have all lengthwise seating and are mostly used for training. Since 2006, these buses have been rehabilitated with the new paint scheme, new Luminator LEDot signs, new seat cushions, and new windows.
NABI	40-LFW	1998	40'	LNG	6157-6163	7	Veolia-RPTA	These buses are mostly operated during rush hours. They are identical to 6001-6156 but do not have advertisements.
NABI	40-LFW	1998	40'	LNG	6164-6172	9	Veolia-Tempe	These buses were the first ones purchased by Tempe and were built to the same specifications as 6001-6156 but without advertisements. In 2007, they had their Luminator LEDot signs replaced with Luminator Horizon signs. Bus 6165 has been repainted in the new colors.
NABI	40-LFW	1998	40'	LNG	6173-6180	9	Veolia-Tempe	These buses were built for the FLASH (Free Local Area SHuttle) service serving downtown Tempe and ASU and were originally painted in the maroon and white FLASH scheme. They have soft seats, a wheelchair sign, and no driver's side route sign. In 2007 their LEDot signs were replaced with Luminator Horizon signs. Buses 6173-6176 and 6179 were repainted in the new colors and given fareboxes in August 2007. These buses were traded with 1998 NABI 35-LFW buses 6184-6188 to increase capacity on local routes and decrease capacity on FLASH routes.
NABI	35-LFW	1998	35'	LNG	6181-6195	15	Veolia-Tempe	These buses have similar specifications to 6173-6180 and have Luminator Horizon signs. Bus 6181 was originally built as the "FLASH Lite on Mill" bus and remained in FLASH colors until 2006, when it was repainted as the "Tempe in Motion 10th Anniversary" bus, and wore handprints until 2007. This bus continues to operate FLASH service except during the summer of 2007, when it operated local service. Buses 6182-6187 were always painted in Valley Metro colors and were leased to the RPTA until 2000, when they were returned to Tempe. Buses 6188-6195 were painted in "BOLT" colors until 2002, when BOLT was integrated into Valley Metro. Buses 6182-6183 were repainted into FLASH colors in 2005. Buses 6184-6188 have no farebox and operate FLASH service, although 6184-6186 and 6188 are in the old Valley Metro colors. 6187 was repainted into the new green FLASH colors in 2007.
ElDorado National	E-Z Rider	1998	30'	LNG	4101-4120	20	Veolia-Tempe	Originally, these buses were painted in BOLT colors but were repainted in 2002. They had Luminator LEDot signs that were replaced with Luminator Horizon signs in 2007. These buses also have lights mounted on top of the advertising racks, but have no advertisements.
ElDorado National	E-Z Rider	1999	30'	LNG	4121-4145	25	Veolia-Tempe	These buses are similar to the 1998 E-Z Rider buses, but were built with TwinVision LEDot signs, no wheelchair sign, two wheelchair ramps, and lights mounted on the bottom of the advertising racks. Buses 4121-4131 were originally painted in BOLT colors but were repainted in 2002. Buses 4132-4145 were leased to the RPTA and were gradually returned between 2002 and 2006. Bus 4132 is in the new colors.
NABI	35-LFW	1999	35'	LNG	6196-6210	15	Veolia-Tempe	These buses are similar to the 1998 35-LFWs, but were built with Twin Vision LEDot signs, which were replaced by Luminator Horizon signs, and green tinted windows rather than brown tinted windows. All of these buses were originally in BOLT colors but were repainted in 2002.
NABI	40-LFW	1999	40'	LNG	6211-6245	35	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses are different from the 1998 Veolia-Phoenix 40-LFWs in the fact that they have Twin Vision LEDot signs, a slightly different front end, a wheelchair lift sign in the rear, slightly different flooring, TSI seating (rather than American Seating), and different speakers. Some of these buses have been rehabilitated with the new color scheme, new windows, and new seat cushions.
NABI	40-LFW	1999	40'	LNG	6246-6254	9	Veolia-RPTA	These buses are mostly operated during peak hours. They are similar to the Veolia-Phoenix 1999 40-LFW buses, but have no advertisements and are getting new seat cushions of a different type than on the Phoenix buses. Bus 6247 has been repainted in the new colors, but with smaller titles and other different details. Bus 6254 is on lease to Veolia-Tempe.
NABI	40-LFW	1999	40'	LNG	6255	1	Veolia-Tempe	This one-of-a-kind bus is owned by the city of Scottsdale and operated by Veolia-Tempe because Tempe provides all intra-Scottsdale bus service. It is different from the other 1999 40-LFW buses in that it has no driver's side LED sign, has a small LED "runbox" by the front door, has a different seating configuration in the "high floor" section of the bus, and soft seats. This bus will probably get Luminator Horizon signs because the current TwinVision LEDot signs are not functioning correctly.
NABI	35-LFW	2000	35'	LNG	6256-6261	6	Veolia-RPTA	These buses are owned by the city of Scottsdale but are operated by Veolia-RPTA. Ironically, they are rarely used in Scottsdale and instead mostly operate routes in Mesa. They are similar to bus 6255 but have a different seating configuration in the low-floor section compared to 6255.
ElDorado National	E-Z Rider	2000	30'	LNG	4146-4154	9	Veolia-RPTA, Veolia-Tempe	These buses are owned by the city of Scottsdale. They differ from the 1999 E-Z Rider buses in that they were built with Luminator LEDot signs (including a driver's side route sign), a single wheelchair ramp, an extra seat, a black carpeted rear wall, and a gray (rather than white) driver's area. Buses 4146-4159 are operated by Veolia-RPTA and rarely see service in Scottsdale itself, but eventually will be transferred to Veolia-Tempe. Bus 4146 was formerly a "Poetry in Motion" bus but wears the "old" Valley Metro colors. Bus 4148 has been repainted in the new colors. Buses 4150-4154 are operated by Veolia-Tempe and tend to service routes 66, 76, 84, and 114 because these routes also serve the city of Scottsdale. Buses 4153-4154 have had their LEDot signs replaced with Luminator Horizon signs.
ElDorado National	E-Z Rider	2001	30'	LNG	4155-4163	9	Veolia-RPTA	These buses are owned by the city of Scottsdale. Like 4146-4149, they rarely see service in Scottsdale itself. These buses are nearly identical to 4146-4154, but have ceiling-mounted "Step Up/Step Down" signs.
NABI	40-LFW	2001	40'	CNG	6262-6281	20	Veolia-RPTA	From 2001-2005, these buses were owned by the city of Mesa and operated by Veolia-Mesa until that division was merged into that of Veolia-RPTA. Now, these buses are owned by the RPTA. They were the first NABI buses to be powered by CNG and have a CNG tank on the roof. As a result, their A/C unit has been relocated from the rooftop to the rear of the bus. These buses were also the first to feature TwinVision Amber LED signs. Inside, they are similar to 40-LFW buses 6211-6254 except for an A/C vent on the rear wall and welded walls (as opposed to screwed-in walls). These buses are having their seat cushions replaced.
ElDorado National	E-Z Rider	2001	30'	LNG	4164-4172	9	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses were built and operate the Copper Square DASH (Downtown Area SHuttle) service in Downtown Phoenix, and are painted with a copper and black color scheme. During the first Friday of each month, these buses also operate the Artlink First Friday service around the trendy Roosevelt Row district of downtown Phoenix. These buses feature TwinVision Amber LED signs, new blue tinted windows, and a rear wheelchair sign (but no driver side sign). Inside they feature the same hard seats as the 1998 Phoenix-operated 40-LFW buses, as well as smooth (as opposed to glossy) ceilings.
ElDorado National	E-Z Rider	2002	30'	LNG	4173-4175	3	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses almost always operate on Route 131-START, and were owned by the RPTA until 2005 when the service was taken over by Phoenix. On rare occasions, they may substitute for DASH or First Friday shuttles. They are identical to 4164-4172 except that they are painted in the green and purple Valley Metro color scheme and also have fareboxes.
NABI	40-LFW	2002	40'	LNG	6282-6377	96	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses are similar to 6001-6156, but have TwinVision Amber LED signs, a rear wheelchair sign, the same front end as on the 1999 40-LFW buses, blue tinted windows, and a different number font. Inside they have "screwed-in" and welded walls as well as carpeted rear walls. Bus 6291 was retrofitted in 2004 with TwinVision Chroma IV multi-color signs. As a result, this bus operates during the summer and winter of each year as the "Flag Bus" and "Holiday Bus" respectively, because the multi-color signs can display special festive readings. During the spring and fall, this bus remains in the green and purple Valley Metro colors, but with the new seat cushions.
NABI	40-LFW	2002	40'	LNG	6378-6381	4	Veolia-Tempe	These are the most recent 40-LFW buses built for Valley Metro. These buses were delivered in the green and purple Valley Metro colors as opposed to the BOLT colors, but still have a BOLT interior. These buses were originally built with TwinVision Amber LED signs but they were replaced with Luminator Horizon signs in 2007. They have no advertisements both on the exterior and interior. Windows are much less tinted than those of the 2002 Phoenix-operated 40-LFW buses. Inside they are similar to buses 6173-6180, but have glossy light gray side walls (below the window line) and a glossy light gray rear wall, as well as different number fonts. Bus 6379 has been repainted in the new colors.
NABI	45C-LFW	2003	45'	LNG	7101-7123	23	Veolia-Phoenix	These were the first 45C-LFW "CompoBuses" ever produced, and have a composite carbon fiber design. These buses only operate Phoenix RAPID routes, and are painted in the green and silver RAPID livery. They have TwinVision signs and sealed, lightly tinted windows. Inside, they have highback reclining seats with adjustable headrests, dark gray walls, personal reading lights, air vents, and luggage racks.
NABI	45C-LFW	2004	45'	LNG	7124-7156	33	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses are identical to 7101-7123 but were delivered with the Route Scout system as opposed to 7101-7123 (which were delivered with the prior "Stop Requested" front sign and no automatic stop announcements). They also operate RAPID service.
NABI	45C-LFW	2004	45'	LNG	7157-7164	8	Veolia-Tempe	These buses are painted in the green and purple Valley Metro colors (as opposed to the RAPID colors as on 7101-7156) and operate Tempe express routes 520 and 521 (and possibly 510 and 512 in the future). On very rare occasions on weekends, these buses operate in Tempe local service. These buses have opening tinted windows, different highback reclining seats without headrests, light gray interiors, personal reading lights and air vents, and luggage racks.
New Flyer	D60LF	2004	60'	Diesel	8001-8020	20	Veolia-Phoenix	These buses were the first D60LFs operated by Valley Metro and the first New Flyer buses since 1996. Due to a change in Arizona state law that considered ultra-low-sulfur diesel as an acceptable fuel for transit vehicles (from 1996-2004 all transit vehicles 30' and greater had to be powered by either CNG, LNG, or propane), Valley Metro was able to purchase articulated buses as at the time there was no LNG-powered articulated bus on the market. These buses do not have noticeably tinted windows, and also have TwinVision Amber LED signs, but starting with this order (and all subsequent orders) the driver's side LED sign was no longer a feature. These buses also have new floors and seats, but have the same beige and dark gray walls and ceiling as the earlier D40LF buses. These buses were the first to be delivered with Route Scout, but it was not activated until 2005. They are mostly used on crosstown Phoenix routes. This order was a joint order with Lane Transit District of Eugene, Oregon, who ordered five D60LFs built with identical specifications that were delivered at the same time as the Valley Metro order.
Startrans	Replica Trolley	2004	30'	Bio-Diesel	5001-5007	7	Ollie the Trolley	These buses are owned by the city of Scottsdale and operate the Scottsdale Trolley route around downtown Scottsdale and the Scottdale Neighborhood Circulator around south Scottsdale. On occasion, they operate express service to various resorts in Scottsdale. They do not have Route Scout and have a wooden interior.
Startrans	Replica Trolley	2006	30'	Bio-Diesel	5008-5014	7	Ollie the Trolley	These buses are owned by the city of Scottsdale and are nearly identical to buses 5001-5007.
New Flyer	C40LFR	2006	40'	CNG	6401-6452	52	Veolia-Tempe, Veolia-RPTA	These were the first C40LFRs placed in service in the United States, as well as the first buses to wear the new Valley Metro livery and have the new RPTA interior. These buses can be found on nearly every RPTA-operated route, as well as Tempe-operated routes 510 and 512.. These buses were part of a joint order with Atlanta s MARTA system, which ordered similar buses around the same time. Inside, these buses feature dark blue tinted windows, USSC "Aries" passenger seating with blue seat inserts, new brighter lights, and a white corrugated vandal-resistant interior similar to that on Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses. Since May 2008, buses 6401-6405 are operated by Veolia-Tempe while buses 6406-6452 are operated by Veolia RPTA.
NABI	60-BRT	2006	60'	CNG	8501-8510	10	Veolia-RPTA	These 10 buses were originally ordered for East Valley express service (routes 531-533 and 540-541) but when service frequency increased to accommodate 40-foot buses, some of these buses were put onto busy crosstown routes such as route 30-University and route 61-Southern. These buses were part of a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority order, and were built to similar specifications. However, unlike the LACMTA buses, they have TwinVision LED amber signs, a different A/C unit, blue rather than "rainbow" seat inserts, blue tinted windows, and no Transit TV (although this will be installed in 2008). Interior and exterior safety notices, however, are identical to those of LACMTA. These buses are also in the new Valley Metro color scheme.
New Flyer	D40LFR	2007	40'	Diesel	6453-6456	4	Veolia-RPTA	These four buses are similar to 6401-6452, but have no rooftop CNG tank (the fuel tank is located under the three seats across from the rear door instead), lighter blue tinted windows, all lengthwise seating in the low-floor section, four wheelchair positions (as opposed to three), and more LED lighting. These buses were part of an order for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio.
New Flyer	D40LFR	2007	40'	Diesel	6457-6460, 6481-6500	24	Veolia-RPTA, Valu Trans	These buses are similar to 6453-6456, but have the "standard" seating configuration in the low floor section, and have highback non-reclining USSC "Aries" seats with headrests (only forward-facing seats). These "semi-suburban" buses do not have luggage racks or personal air vents/reading lights. As a result, these buses can be used on both local and express routes. These buses were also part of the order for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio. The gap between 6460 and 6481 is filled by the Nova Bus RTWFD82 buses. Buses 6457-6460 and 6481-6488 are operated by Veolia-RPTA on all of their routes. Buses 6489-6500 are operated by Valu Trans on express routes 572-573.
New Flyer	D40LF	2007	40'	Diesel	6501-6596	96	First Transit, Veolia-Phoenix	These buses were delivered in the new color scheme, and also have a grille over the engine to prevent overheating. However, they have the original D40LF design rather than the restyled front and rear design present on the D40LFR buses. Unlike the D40LFRs, these buses have their rear door three (instead of four) positions back fron the front door to allow easier loading and unloading with the wheelchair ramp (which is located in the rear), and this is the same position as on the 1994 and 1996 D40LF buses. These buses have the same flooring, seating type, and walls/ceiling as the 2004 D60LF buses, but they have new seat cushions, new light gray advertising racks with brighter lighting, different number font, and new windows. Originally, buses 6501-6553 are operated by First Transit, while buses 6554-6596 are operated by Veolia-Phoenix, but these buses have been moved around between the two divisions since then.
New Flyer	D60LF	2007	60'	Diesel	8021-8050	30	Veolia-Phoenix, First Transit	These buses have the new color scheme and numbering font, but have smaller "Valley Metro" lettering compared to the 2007 D40LF buses. They have the exact same specifications as the 2007 D40LFs, but have two rooftop air conditioning units. They are utilized on busy Phoenix crosstown routes.
ElDorado National	Aerotech	2007	25'	Gasoline	1421-1460	40	Veolia-Tempe	These buses are painted all blue and are used for the Tempe ORBIT circulator service. They have Freedman Seating soft mid-rise lengthwise gray seats, and do not have Route Scout or a "Stop Requested" sign.
Startrans	Senator	2007	25'	Gasoline	1461-1500	40	MV Transportation-Phoenix, First Transit, and Veolia-Phoenix	These buses are all painted in the purple and white "Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator" color scheme. They have roll signs, hard gray forward-facing seats, a glossy white interior, and Route Scout. Buses 1461-1473 are operated by MV Transportation on the ALEX (Ahwatukee Local EXplorer) circulator route, buses 1474-1486 are operated by First Transit on the MARY (Maryvale Area Ride for You) circulator route, and buses 1487-1500 are operated by Veolia-Phoenix on the SMART (Sunnyslope Multi-access Area Residential Transit) circulator route.
ElDorado National	Aero Elite	2007	30'	Diesel	Unknown	Unknown	Ajo Transportation	These buses entered service on December 10, 2007. They operate route 685-Gila Bend Regional Connector service.

[edit] Retired

Note that this listing does not include GMC New Look, route 70-Luke Link, or GUS the Bus retired vehicles.

Builder	Model	Year	Length	Fuel	Number(s)	Quantity	Year Retired	Notes
Flxible	53096 "New Look"	1973	40'	Diesel	4701-4740	40	1994	These were the first buses produced for Phoenix Transit System. They were originally painted in the Phoenix "Phase I" color scheme, which had a white, silver, and yellow base, orange and purple stripes running across the sides, and an orange stripe around the windshield rims. These buses also featured "Tico", an orange anthropomorphic sun-shaped figure with a sombrero and sunglasses. These buses also had soft blue "bucket" seats. In the late-1980s, these buses were rehabilitated and repainted into the Phoenix "Phase III" color scheme, which featured modified orange and purple stripes, with black paint up to the white roofline (to simulate the RTS and Flxible Metro-A buses), and white below the stripes. The "Tico" logo was also featured in this livery, but was replaced in 1993 by a small Valley Metro logo. These buses also received Vultron flip-dot signs at this time. These buses were replaced by the 1994 New Flyer D40LF buses.
Flxible	53096 "New Look"	1975	40'	Diesel	4741-4755	15	1994	These buses were identical to the 1973 Flxible buses and went through the same changes as the 1973 Flxible buses.
AM General	Model 9640A	1975	40'	Diesel	4756-4788	33	1996	These buses were the first AM General buses built for Phoenix Transit System. They were all delivered in the "Phase I" scheme and featured rollsigns and soft blue bucket seats. They had woodgrain and white side walls as well. In the late-1980s these buses received Vultron signs and were repainted into the "Phase III" scheme. All of these buses were replaced by the 1996 New Flyer D40LF buses.
AM General	Model 9640A	1975	40'	Diesel	5101-5115	15	1996	These buses were similar to 4756-4788, but featured 51 seats instead of 47 (Phoenix Transit System numbered their buses with the first two digits representing the number of passenger seats per bus).
MAN/AM General	SG-220	1979	60'	Diesel	7001-7020	20	1998	These were the first articulated buses delivered to Phoenix Transit System. When they were first delivered, they were painted in the Phoenix "Phase I" colors. They also featured an electronic route number sign that was paired with a standard destination roll sign, and an underfloor A/C unit that proved to be extremely unreliable during Phoenix's hot summers. Inside, the buses featured blue floors, soft blue bucket seats (with hard plastic seats at the rear of the buses), aluminum and cream side walls, illuminated advertising racks, and a cream-colored ceiling. In the late 1980s these buses also were repainted in the "Phase III" scheme, received Vultron destination signs, and a rooftop A/C unit. These buses were retired in 1998, but were not replaced by articulated buses because there were no articulated buses that were fueled by LNG in the United States at the time. They were sold to World Transportation (now Coach USA) in Orlando, Florida after retirement.
GMC	T8H-203 "RTS-03"	1979	40'	Diesel	4501-4537	37	2002	These buses were the first RTS buses delivered to Phoenix Transit System. Originally, they were painted in the Phoenix "Phase II" colors, which were similar to the "Phase III" colors but featured an orange rim around the front windshield. These buses were delivered with rollsigns, sealed windows, and low-profile A/C units, which gave the buses a distinctive "slopeback" rear end. These buses also featured blue floors, soft blue seats (with hard plastic seats in the rear of the buses) blue walls below the windowline, cream window dividers, a blue rear wall, illuminated advertising racks, and glossy ceilings. In the late-1980s these buses received Vultron signs, four opening windows on each side (replacing the sealed windows), and an A/C unit that "squared off" the rear of the bus. In 1994, some of these buses were retrofitted with wheelchair lifts and given the then-new green and purple Valley Metro scheme. While most of these buses were replaced by the 1998 NABI 40-LFW buses (because they were not wheelchair accessible) the accessible units stayed in service until January 2002. Bus number 4507 was retired with 645,182 miles and is currently is undergoing RV conversion. The bus is still painted the green and purple Valley Metro scheme and is now in Tacoma, WA.
GMC	T8J-204 "RTS-04"	1981	40'	Diesel	4401-4415	15	2002	These buses were the first wheelchair-accessible buses to enter service in Phoenix. Originally, they featured first generation flip-dot signs, sealed windows, and a squared-off rear end with a more reliable A/C unit. Inside, the buses were similar to the RTS-03 buses but featured lights mounted above the advertising racks (rather than having the entire advertising rack illuminated). They were delivered in the "Phase II" scheme like the RTS-03 buses. In the late 1980s, the buses received two opening side windows, new Vultron signs, and the "Phase III" scheme. They were repainted into the Valley Metro scheme in 1994 and remained in service until late 2001 and early 2002. At this point, they were leased to the Utah Transit Authority for extra service during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Bus 4401 has been restored, repainted into a modified "Phase III" scheme with the "Tico" logo (but without black windshield rims and a different number font) and put on display in Central Station as part of the Valley Metro historic fleet. Bus 4402 was sold to Laughlin, Nevada to operate the Silver Rider bus service.
GMC	T8J-204 "RTS-04"	1981	40'	Diesel	4301-4315?	15?	1999?	These buses were not delivered new to Phoenix Transit, but were acquired second-hand in 1994 from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. These buses were originally built for the Southern California Rapid Transit District and featured similar specifications to the Phoenix Transit 1981 RTS-04 buses (sealed frameless windows, first-generation flipdot signs, pantograph doors, wheelchair lifts, etc). Inside, they featured a brown (rather than blue) interior. These buses were the first Phoenix-operated buses to be painted in the Valley Metro scheme, and were given Vultron signs. All were replaced no later than 1999.
GMC	T8J-204 "RTS-04"	1982	40'	Diesel	4538-4557	20	2002	Originally, these buses were numbered 4416-4435, but were renumbered due to conflicts with the 1988 TMC RTS buses. These buses were all wheelchair-accessible and were very similar to the 1981 RTS buses. They also went through the same modifications as the 1981 RTS buses, but upon retirement in 2002 did not end up in Utah. Bus 4548 has been preserved as a display bus for the Phoenix Family Museum.
Flxible/Grumman	40102 "Metro-A"	1983	40'	Diesel	4801-4867	67	1998	These buses were some of the first Metro-A buses built, and were built with a Grumman nameplate rather than a Flxible nameplate. These buses were not wheelchair accessible, and featured first-generation flipdot signs (which were replaced with Vultron signs in the late 1980s). These buses were delivered with openable windows for about half the length of the bus. Inside, they featured a very similar interior to that of the RTS buses, but featured black (rather than cream) window dividers. None of these buses were repainted in the green and purple Valley Metro scheme. Because of the fact that they lacked wheelchair accessibility and commonality with the rest of the fleet, they were retired before the older GMC RTS-04 (and some of the RTS-03) buses. Some were sold to Tijuana, Mexico and remain in service today.
MAN	SG-310	1984	60'	Diesel	7021-7035	25	1998	These buses were modified versions of the earlier SG-220 buses. They were the first buses to be delivered with Vultron signs, and were delivered in the "Phase II" scheme. Externally, these buses had a narrower rear (compared to the SG-220s) and originally featured lavatories that were removed in the 1990s due to maintenance problems (they were located at the rear of the bus on the driver's side, where there is a blank space). Inside, the buses were very similar to the SG-220 buses but featured lights that were located above the advertising racks (rather than having the entire advertising rack illuminated). These buses were repainted in the "Phase III" scheme but were never repainted in the Valley Metro scheme. Due to the fact that they were not wheelchair accessible, these buses were retired earlier compared to other buses, and were replaced by the NABI 40-LFWs. Because of the fact that there were no articulated buses available to replace these buses at the time, standard 40-foot buses replaced them. Until 2004, they were stored at the Veolia-Phoenix South Division and used as spare parts sources for the 1985 SG-310 buses, and bus 7035 was used as a training bus (in Phase III colors) until 2004.
MAN	SG-310	1985	60'	Diesel	7036-7056	21	2004	These buses were identical to the 1984 SG-310s, but featured a front wheelchair lift, which prolonged their life to 19 years. These buses were delivered in the "Phase II" scheme and were repainted both into the "Phase III" scheme and the green and purple Valley Metro scheme by 1999. These buses were mostly used on a small handful of crosstown routes, routes 12 and 15 (which had low ridership but could tie into express runs) and express routes 531-533, 540-541, and 560. Towards the end of their service, they suffered from major air conditioning problems during the summer. They were replaced by the 2004 New Flyer D60LF buses.
Orion Bus Industries	01.502	1987	30'	Diesel	2701-2710	10	2002	These buses were some of the earliest 30-foot buses to be delivered to Phoenix. When new, they were in the "Phase II" scheme and featured Vultron signs. Their interior was very similar to that of the SG-310 buses. These buses were repainted in the "Phase III" scheme and then the green and purple Valley Metro colors. In the early 1990s some were leased to the city of Tempe but were returne in 1998, when they were placed into service on RPTA routes. This RPTA subfleet was retired in 1999. Several more buses continued in service on route 131-START until 2002, when they were repalced with ElDorado E-Z Rider buses.
TMC	T80-206 "RTS-06"	1988	40'	Diesel	4416-4433	18	2007	These buses were the first to be painted in the Phoenix "Phase III" scheme. These buses featured framed (as opposed to frameless) windows and plug (as opposed to pantograph) doors. They featured an interior that was very similar to the 1982 RTS-04 buses but they did not feature hard seats at the rear of the bus. All of these buses were repainted into Valley Metro green and purple, and given Route Scout towards the end of their service. All were retired in 2007 after being replaced by D40LFs.
TMC	T80-206 "RTS-06"	1989	40'	Diesel	4434-4435	2	2007	These buses were built as methanol demonstrators but were converted to diesel fuel in the 1990s. They were similar to the 1988 TMC buses but had different rear door windows, slightly different rear sides, and black side/rear walls.
TMC	T70-206 "RTS-06"	1989	35'	Diesel	3501-3515	15	2007	These buses originally operated on Veolia-Phoenix routes. When built, they were delivered in Phoenix Transit Phase III colors. In 1994, they were leased to Tempe to form the initial fleet of the FLASH (Free Local Area SHuttle) service. In 1998, they were sent back to First Transit routes and repainted in green and purple. These buses were similar to the 1989 40-foot buses but featured softer blue seats.
Orion Bus Industries	02.502	1989	21'	Diesel	2000	1	1990s?	This bus was a prototype for the 1990 Orion II order. It was 4 feet shorter than the production buses and may have been used in Dial-A-Ride service as a test bus. It was retired by 1999.
TMC	T80-206 "RTS-06"	1990	40'	Diesel	4436-4475	40	2007	These were the last TMC RTS buses built for Phoenix Transit. They were very similar to the 1989 TMC buses and featured the same type of softer seats. In 2002 these buses were rehabilitated with new seat cushions and other interior enhancements. Although the majority operated for Veolia-Phoenix, there was a subfleet that operated for First Transit. All of these buses were replaced by New Flyer D40LFs in 2007.
Gillig	35102 "Phantom"	1990	35'	Diesel	961-967	7	2004	This small subfleet of Gillig buses were the only Gilligs built new for Phoenix Transit. All were delivered in the "Phase III" scheme and operated for Veolia-Phoenix. In the mid-1990s they were all transferred to First Transit. These buses featured a very similar interior to that of the 1990 TMC RTS-06 buses but featured cream-colored walls. Interestingly, they were indirectly replaced by the NABI 45C-LFW buses, because the delivery of these buses to Veolia-Phoenix enabled Veolia-Phoenix to transfer D40LF buses to First Transit, which replaced the Gilligs by the summer of 2004.
Orion Bus Industries	02.501	1990	25'	Diesel	2001-2006	6	2001	These buses were used to launch the DASH (Downtown Area SHuttle) service in downtown Phoenix in 1990. They were delivered with Vultron signs and an orange and purple color scheme. These buses were also the first all low-floor buses in Phoenix service. All were replaced by E-Z Rider buses in November 2001.
Gillig	40096 "Phantom"	1991	40'	Diesel	250-263	14	2006	In 2005, following an Arizona State University program to give all students and staff free bus passes, as well as the unsuitability of the 1994 ElDorado National Transmark buses to handle increased ridership, Valley Metro leased 14 buses from Foothill Transit of West Covina, California until the C40LFR buses were delivered in 2006. These buses retained their Foothill Transit numbers (without the "F" prefix) and were painted all white with a Valley Metro logo. These buses did not have functioning destination signs (because they were programmed for Foothill Transit rather than Valley Metro routes) so a makeshift sign using a small yellow card was used. These buses had front wheelchair lifts and non-tinted windows. Inside, they had a "semi-suburban" interior with highback non-reclining soft seating, individual reading lights and air vents, but no luggage racks. They also had cream and gray walls. Despite their semi-suburban interior, these buses were mostly used on Veolia-RPTA local routes. All were retired in 2006 and sent back to Foothill Transit, who retired them.
Orion Bus Industries	02.501	1992	25'	Diesel	2007-2008	2	2001	These buses were used for the expansion of DASH service to the State Capitol. They were nearly identical to the 1990 Orion II buses and were retired in 2001.
Gillig	40102 "Phantom"	1992	40'	Diesel	3010	1	1998	This bus was a prototype Gillig bus that was used to determine whether Valley Metro wanted to purchase a new order of Gillig buses. It was delivered in 1992 and originally painted in Phoenix Transit colors before being repainted in Valley Metro colors by 1993. This bus featured Vultron signs, blue flooring, blue and black hard seats, and gray and cream walls. This bus was operated for the RPTA until it was replaced in 1998. It was retained as a training bus before being sold off in 2005.
Neoplan USA	AN440LF	1993	40'	Diesel	4001	1	1998	This bus was the first delivered in the then-new Valley Metro green and purple colors, and was also the first 40-foot low-floor bus in the Phoenix area (and all of Arizona). It originally had specifications that were very similar to the 1994 New Flyer D40LFs, but had a ramp (rather than steps) connecting the high-floor section of the bus to the low-floor section of the bus. This bus was used as a prototype to determine what buses Valley Metro would order. After Valley Metro ordered D40LFs, this bus was operated in regular service for Veolia-RPTA until 1998, when it was turned into an employee shuttle bus and training bus. It was sold off in 2005.
TMC	T80-206 "RTS-06"	1994	40'	Diesel	6481-6483	3	2007	These buses were leased in early 2007 from Omnitrans of San Bernardino, California to fill in for RTS buses that had broken down and were unable to be repaired. They operated First Transit routes and operated from January 2007 until May 2007. They were painted all white and had signs that were retrofitted from D40LF buses. Inside, they featured blue floors and hard seats, as well as cream-colored walls. They featured Route Scout because Omnitrans had it installed on their buses. Rear doors were pantograph-style and all windows were openable.
ElDorado National	Transmark RE-32	1994	35'	CNG	2301-2325	25	2005	These buses were built for the city of Mesa to replace Mesa Sunrunner buses. They featured Luminator Mega:MAX destination signs and the green and purple Valley Metro livery. Inside, these buses featured soft seats and a similar interior to the 1994 New Flyer D40LF buses. In 2005, following the combination of Veolia-Mesa with Veolia-RPTA, it was determined that it would be more cost-efficient to retire these buses early and replace them with leased Gillig Phantom buses.
Orion Bus Industries	02.501	1994	25'	CNG	2009-2014	6	1998	These buses were some of the first CNG-powered buses in Phoenix, and were also the first buses purchased new by the city of Tempe. They featured Vultron signs and were quite similar to the 1992 Orion 02.501s with the exception of seat colors. These buses operated in FLASH service until 1998, when they were replaced with 40-LFW buses. Two buses were withdrawn in 1996 and sold to OC Transpo in Ottawa, Ontario.
ElDorado National	Transmark RE-32	1995	35'	CNG	2326-2329	4	2002	These buses were ordered for the RPTA and operated with Veolia-RPTA. Most of the time they operated routes around the city of Scottsdale. They were withdrawn from service in 2002 after a division reorganization.
ElDorado National	Transmark RE-32	1995	35'	CNG	2330	1	2002	This bus was built for Scottsdale Connection. Originally, it featured a white and gray livery but in the late-1990s was wrapped into a color scheme that was designed by students from local schools. Inside this bus featured blue hard seats. Following the amalgamation of Scottsdale Connection into Valley Metro, this bus was withdrawn from service.
Blue Bird Corporation	CSFE	1996	30'	Diesel	2501-2506	6	2002	These buses were built for Scottsdale Connection. They were high-floor and featured a rear wheelchair lift. Inside, they featured blue hard seats. Following the integration of Scottsdale Connection into Valley Metro in 2002, these buses were withdrawn from service due to their lack of commonality with the rest of the fleet. They were sold to the University of Arizona because they could not be retired from service.
Gillig	40102 "Phantom"	1996	40'	Diesel	9108-9110	3	2006	These buses were also leased along with Foothill Transit Gilligs to handle Arizona State University-related ridership increases, as well as the condition of the ElDorado Transmark buses. These buses were leased from Hertz Corporation where they formerly operated airport rental car shuttles around Los Angeles International Airport. Some of these buses had a black window line and white below, but another was painted all white with the Valley Metro logo. Because these buses were built for rental car shuttle service, they were unique compared to regular transit buses. They had no destination signs at all, and had a wide rear door to fit luggage. They had small "Hertz" signs that remained with the buses but were covered up to signify that Valley Metro was leasing the buses. Inside, they featured black carpeted floors, a front wheelchair lift, and all lengthwise (except for the rear) soft black and yellow seating. Originally, these buses featured luggage racks but they were removed and replaced with a wheelchair position. These buses also featured cream and black carpeted walls, as well as no stop request system (although they did feature an interior LED sign that did not function). As a result, a "conductor" also operated these buses to help passengers get off the bus. Ad racks were carpeted and these buses also featured yellow lighting. Some of these buses received new seats and flooring, but the others retained their Hertz configuration until withdrawal in 2006.
ElDorado National	Aerotech	1999	25'	Gasoline	861-864	4	2005	These buses were originally purchased by the city of Mesa but were transferred to Neighborhood FLASH (now ORBIT) service in 2001. They were painted in the standard Valley Metro green and purple color scheme, and had soft gray seats.
ElDorado National	MST	2000	30'	CNG	2401-2406	6	2006	These buses were purchased by the city of Mesa and in 2005 were retained by Veolia-RPTA. They featured Luminator LEDot signs on the front, passenger side, and rear of the buses. They were high floor and inside featured thin shell seats, gray walls, and "wrapped" windows. These buses were also retrofitted with Route Scout. After Veolia-RPTA took over their operation, they were used mostly during rush hours only, especially on route 30-University. They were replaced indirectly by NABI 60-BRT buses.
Startrans	Senator	2001	25'	Gasoline	1318-1324	7	2004	These buses were purchased by the city of Phoenix to start the ALEX (Ahwatukee Local EXplorer) service. They were wrapped and had a blue livery. Inside they featured soft seats and no Route Scout. They were replaced by the 2004 Startrans buses.
Startrans	Senator	2002	25'	Gasoline	1331	1	2007	This bus was purchased as a suppliment in 2002 to operate ALEX service. It was identical to the 2001 Startrans buses except for a different rear door. It was retired in 2007.
Startrans	Senator	2003	25'	Gasoline	1332-1340	9	2007	These buses were purchased for Neighborhood FLASH service. They were painted all white with a small Neighborhood FLASH logo and had no destination signs. Inside they had soft seats arranged around the perimeter of the bus. They were replaced in 2007.
Startrans	Senator	2004	25'	Gasoline	1341-1347	7	2007	These buses were purchased to replace buses 1318-1324 and operated on the ALEX service. They featured a new paint scheme, no rollsigns, thin gray seats, and Route Scout. They were replaced in 2007.
Startrans	Senator	2005	25'	Gasoline	1399-1402	4	2007	These buses were purchased for Neighborhood FLASH service. They were identical to the 2003 Startrans buses but had a larger "Stop Requested" sign and larger wheelchair lift door windows. They were withdrawn from service in 2007.
Startrans	Senator SII	2005	25'	Gasoline	Unknown	Unknown	2007	These buses were used to launch route 685-Gila Bend Regional Connector service. They were replaced in late 2007 by larger Aero Elite vehicles.

[edit] Future

Builder	Model	Year	Length	Fuel	Number(s)	Quantity	Operator(s)	Notes
New Flyer	C40LFR	2008	40'	CNG	6617-6667	51	Veolia-RPTA	The C40LFR buses will have "semi-suburban" seating similar to that of SamTrans, Golden Gate Transit, and King County Metro. This will allow for these buses to be used on both local and express routes, merging the vandal-resistant features of local buses with the comfortable features of express buses. These buses will replace the remaining 1994 D40LF buses operating for the RPTA .
New Flyer	DE40LFR	2008	40'	Hybrid	6668	1	Veolia-RPTA	This bus will be the first 40-foot hybrid bus in the Valley Metro fleet, and will be a test bus to determine whether to order hybrid buses in the future (as opposed to diesel, CNG, or LNG buses). It will have the same features as the other 2008 C40LFR buses.
New Flyer	D60LFA	2008	60'	Diesel	8511-8520	10	Veolia-RPTA	Valley Metro is the third agency to order this bus type along with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and Lane Transit District. These buses will be used on an arterial bus rapid transit route on Main Street in Mesa.
New Flyer	L40LFR	2008	40'	LNG	6597-6616	20	First Transit	These buses will be the first production L40LFRs and are part of a joint order of natural gas fueled buses along with OCTA in Orange County, CA and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas which will be receiving C40LFRs built to similar specifications. These buses will replace the remaining 1996 D40LFs operating in the First Transit division and will be the first restyled New Flyer buses owned by the City of Phoenix.