FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Alva Carrasco
acarrasco@cityofmontebello.com
(323) 558-1625 ext. 102
Cynthia Gibson
ckg@ckgcommunications.net
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 (310) 410-9039
New Passenger Information System makes bus schedules mobile(MONTEBELLO, CA – September 20, 2012) -- Montebello Bus Lines obtained City Council approval to award a contract for $3.1 million for a Passenger Information System. Implementation of the new system will begin this fall and will enable Montebello Bus riders to obtain real time bus information via mobile phone applications and web-based applications, as well as the ability to receive email rider alert notifications. Bus stops will be uniquely identified by a number and a QR code that can be scanned with a smart phone to identify a location. The project is fully funded by grants received by the Federal Transit Administration. “The Passenger Information System is going to change the way our customers view public transportation,” said Montebello Bus Lines Director of Transportation Aurora Jackson. “Receiving real-time bus information via cell phones or personal computers is going to revolutionize the way Montebello Bus riders use technology to plan their commutes. We’re very excited to be able to introduce this new service.”
Avail Technologies, a Pennsylvania-based provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology, will install equipment on board each of MBL’s 66 buses, inside transit operations supervisor vehicles, and at Montebello Bus Lines’ facility. “The benefits of this system to the riding public not only include greater reliability and punctuality of the service, but it will also empower them by putting real time operational data in the palm of their hands,” said Avail Technologies President Dorsey Houtz.
Two touch screen kiosks will be installed at The Shops at Montebello enabling bus riders to instantly check bus departures and service announcements, thus allowing more time to shop and dine and less wait time at the bus stop.
“This system includes many remarkable features such as the ability to check the status of buses via smart phones, or to set up rider alerts to receive a text message when their bus is “x” minutes away from their desired stop, to get public services messages when service is being disturbed for reasons out of MBL’s control, and much, much more,” added Houtz.
In addition to the benefits bus riders will experience, the Passenger Information System will also result in greater service efficiencies for Montebello Bus operators, dispatchers and service planners. A Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system will be implemented which features automatic vehicle location, incident handling, bus to dispatch data messaging. Global positioning system (GPS) will allow dispatchers at Montebello’s dispatch center to track the location of all buses. Bus operators, as well as dispatchers, will be able to track adherence to bus schedules and passenger loads. Avail Technologies will also install a CAD system at Montebello Police Department’s dispatch center, enabling police to dispatch emergency assistance quickly by pinpointing the location.
Avail Technologies will begin design and installation of the Passenger Information System in November, with full implementation scheduled to be completed over the next 18 months.
About Montebello Bus Lines
Established in 1931, Montebello Bus Lines (MBL) is the 3rd largest municipal operator in Los Angeles County. MBL has a fleet of 66 buses comprised primarily of Hybrid Electric/Gasoline and Compressed Natural Gas buses and operates 7 routes and an express route to Downtown Los Angeles. MBL provides service to over 8 million passengers annually in the communities of Alhambra, Bell Gardens, Boyle Heights, Commerce, Downtown Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, La Mirada, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, South Gate and Whittier. MBL is also responsible for the operation of “Montebello LINK,” a curb-to-curb shuttle service to and from the Montebello Metrolink Station and major employment centers. MBL’s Dial-A-Taxi (DAT) provides transportation services for seniors over 62 in age and qualified disabled residents and their attendants.
ABOUT AVAIL TECHNOLOGIES
Founded in 1991, Avail Technologies is a licensed corporation, in the state of Pennsylvania, headquartered in State College. Avail Technologies is recognized as the transit industry’s leading provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology solutions for small to medium-sized transit operators throughout the U.S. Avail Technologies is an ITS integrator providing Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)/Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) solution for fixed route and paratransit service providers.
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Cause of Montebello Bus accident UNDER INVESTIGATION
MONTEBELLO, CA. (September 17, 2012) -- On Friday, September 14, just before 8:00 a.m., an empty Montebello bus waiting to be exchanged due to reported mechanical problems was involved in an accident. The out-of-service bus was parked west bound on the 5th Street bridge in Downtown Los Angeles when it rolled back causing it to break through the railing and land on its right side onto the shoulder area of the Harbor Freeway below. “We have not been able to conclusively determine the cause of the accident. It is currently an open investigation. We are bringing in experts to assist us in conducting a thorough investigation. We’re grateful to report that no one was injured,” said Aurora Jackson Montebello Bus Lines Director of Transportation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Alva Carrasco
acarrasco@cityofmontebello.com
(323) 558-1625 ext. 102
Cynthia Gibson
ckg@ckgcommunications.net
August 24, 2012 (310) 410-9039
Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station slated for major landscape revitalization
The Montebello City Council approved a $537,000 proposal to revitalize the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station located at 2000 Flotilla Street in Montebello. Terra Form, a La Canada-based full service landscape design and installation company, was awarded a contract through a competitive bid process to refurbish the 7.44 acre transit center. The eco-friendly plan calls for “an attractive, yet sustainable landscape that conserves water and is based on sound horticultural practice.” Improvements will consist of sidewalk and pavement repairs, the replacement of grassy areas with sustainable landscaping, and the removal of diseased trees. In addition to repairs, signs, railings and other metal structures will be painted. The facility will also be upgraded to meet current ADA requirements.
“The Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station is used by thousands of commuters each week and represents a gateway to our community,” said Montebello Bus Lines Director of Transportation Aurora Jackson. “We look forward to these improvements which will not only enhance the station, but also demonstrate the City of Montebello’s commitment to sustainability.” Montebello Bus Lines manages the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station and will oversee the restoration project.
Terra Form Landscape Company is an award-winning architectural design firm specializing in green design and sustainable landscaping projects. Some of Terra Form’s most recent projects include the Rio Vista Park in El Monte, the Ballona Creek Trail & Bike Path, and the Emerald Necklace, a 17 mile loop of parks and greenways connecting 10 cities and nearly 500,000 residents along the Río Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers.
The Montebello/Commerce Metrolink station opened in 1997 and has an average of 2,500 passengers each week. It is served by LA Metro bus lines 18 and 66 as well as Montebello Bus Line 70. The station is also served by Montebello Bus Lines’ popular Montebello Link, which provides curb-to-curb shuttle service to several employment centers in the cities of Bell, Commerce, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pico and Rosemead. The service is scheduled to meet each arriving and departing Metrolink train Monday through Friday.
For more information call Montebello Bus Lines at (323) 887-4600 or follow Montebello Bus Lines on facebook and twitter for updates.
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March 19, 2012
Montebello Bus Lines Opens New CNG Fueling Station
Bus agency continues its commitment to use clean energy alternatives
The Montebello City Council approved a $537,000 proposal to revitalize the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station located at 2000 Flotilla Street in Montebello. Terra Form, a La Canada-based full service landscape design and installation company, was awarded a contract through a competitive bid process to refurbish the 7.44 acre transit center.The Montebello City Council approved a $537,000 proposal to revitalize the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station located at 2000 Flotilla Street in Montebello. Terra Form, a La Canada-based full service landscape design and installation company, was awarded a contract through a competitive bid process to refurbish the 7.44 acre transit center.The Montebello City Council approved a $537,000 proposal to revitalize the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station located at 2000 Flotilla Street in Montebello. Terra Form, a La Canada-based full service landscape design and installation company, was awarded a contract through a competitive bid process to refurbish the 7.44 acre transit center.
Photo: Left to Right
Ray Tellis, Federal Transit Administration
Aurora Jackson, Montebello Bus Lines
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano 38th District
Montebello Mayor Frank Gomez
Derek Turbide, Clean Energy Fuels
Montebello Bus Lines celebrated the completion of a $2.4 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel facility. City of Montebello Mayor Frank A. Gomez, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (38th District) and Federal Transportation Administration Team Leader Ray Tellis were a few of the public officials that helped commemorate the opening of the fuel station at Montebello bus yard. Congresswoman Napolitano, who serves on the Congressional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was instrumental in securing funding for the project. “These new, clean-burning natural gas buses will allow people to continue to commute in comfort and at the same time improve our air quality,” said Napolitano. “This fueling station will help support Montebello’s growing fleet of natural gas buses.”
Montebello Bus Lines’ fleet reflects its commitment to cleaner greenhouse emissions and reducing its carbon footprint. Currently, Montebello has seven buses fueled by CNG fuel, 45 hybrids (electric/gasoline) and 14 diesel buses which are scheduled to be replaced by CNG-fueled buses by 2014.
Vehicles using CNG emit up to 20% less greenhouse gas than gasoline or diesel vehicles and CNG is also on average $1.50 less per gallon than diesel fuel. Ninety-eight percent of natural gas is produced in North America and according to a North American Natural Gas Supply assessment, there is a 120-year supply of natural gas.
“There are so many positive aspects to using CNG over diesel,” says Montebello Bus Lines Director of Transportation Aurora Jackson. “We’re saving on operating costs, stabilizing our fuel source, securing permanent jobs and lessening our carbon emissions.”
The fuel station was built by Seal Beach-based Clean Energy, a leading manufacturer of alternative fueling facilities. MBL’s station is unique in that it has two state of the art booster compressors and two primary compressors. The booster compressors maximize the amount of gas that can be compressed and dispersed at the source before going into the primary compressors. They allow MBL to efficiently and cost effectively deliver nearly 500 gallons of natural gas per hour to the bus yard using the same natural gas that is delivered to residential consumers. This capacity not only meets the agency’s current demand, but will also be sufficient as the fleet expands.
MBL’s CNG fuel station was funded by the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) federal program. Through the TIGGER program, the federal government appropriated $75 million to transit agencies nationwide for capital investments to help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The TIGGER program was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Gomez commented, “The City of Montebello is proud to be a part of the U.S. effort to decrease its dependence on foreign oil, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to stimulate job growth in our community.”
For more information on Montebello Bus Lines visit www.RideMBL.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cynthia Gibson
ckg@ckgcommunications.net
January 13, 2012 (310) 410-9039
Montebello Bus Lines keeps it Moving during Freeway Catastrophe
Quick action by veteran driver and social media help the agency communicate to stranded riders
MONTEBELLO, CA. – As Montebello Bus Lines motor coach operator Louie Guillen entered the westbound 60 Freeway onramp, he noticed something strange on tanker truck that was approaching the bridge on the eastbound side of the freeway. “As I entered the onramp, I saw sparkles shooting up between the two tankers on a truck – it looked like the Fourth of July between the two tanks.” Guillen heard the explosion and saw the white smoke billowing up from underneath the bridge and he immediately notified the dispatcher. In his 33 years as a driver, Guillen has seen his share of accidents, but witnessing an explosion of this magnitude was a first. “I’ve been stuck on the freeway before because of accidents, but I’ve never seen anything like this.” Gullien’s quick thinking allowed Montebello Bus Lines to immediately notify other bus drivers of the accident and begin re-routing buses.
Immediately following the accident, Montebello Bus Lines saw ridership plummet as confused riders tried to locate detoured buses. However, in the upcoming days as detoured bus routes were communicated to regular riders and commuters traded traffic jams for public transportation, the ridership sky-rocked by 65%. Besides putting up detour notices, Montebello Bus Lines uses social media to alert bus riders of route detours. The bus lines used Facebook and Twitter to link riders to their website which listed the route detours.
“Our drivers, dispatchers and customer service representatives really pulled together to get the information out there and mitigate the inconvenience to our passengers,” remarked Montebello Bus Lines Director Aurora Jackson. “The fact that so many riders have smart phones and were able to access the detour information online didn’t hurt either.”
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For Immediate Release CONTACT: Julie Gatica
jgatica@cityofmontebello.com
October 20, 2011 (323) 558-1625 ext. 108
Cynthia Gibson
ckg@ckgcommunications.net
(310) 410-9039
El Rancho High School Student wins Montebello Bus Lines Essay Contest
Teen Awarded $200 Shopping Spree from the Shops at Montebello
In celebration of its 80th Anniversary, Montebello Bus Lines is hosting a series of public contests as a way of saying “thank you” to the community. The winner of the bus lines’ latest competition, an essay contest, was Christina Garcia of Pico Rivera. The El Rancho High School junior was shocked when she heard her name over the school’s intercom announcing that she was the winner of an essay contest sponsored by Montebello Bus Lines and the Shops at Montebello. “When I heard my name over the intercom, I couldn’t believe it,” says the 16 year old. As the Montebello Bus Lines Essay Contest winner, Garcia was awarded a $200 gift certificate from the Shop at Montebello.
“Eighty years is quite a milestone for any business,” says Montebello Bus Lines Management Analyst Julie Gatica, who developed and administered the essay contest. “We wanted to find an interactive way to engage the public in the celebration. After all, they’re the reason we’ve been in business for 80 years.”
The contest was open to elementary, middle and high school students who reside within Montebello Bus Lines’ service area. Over 100 essays were mailed to the Montebello Bus Lines office. “In the age of the internet and social media, we thought we’d get a ton of emails, but most of the essays were mailed in,” remarked Gatica. Montebello Bus Lines’ staff, including the bus drivers, voted on the essays and the top two were selected. In addition to notifying the winning essayists at their school, Montebello Bus Lines announced the winners on its Facebook page and on Twitter. A congratulatory message to Garcia and 2nd place essayist Brianna Ramos was also posted on El Rancho High School’s electronic bill board in front of the school.
El Rancho High School teacher James Sorenson received Montebello Bus Lines’ essay contest flyer in his in-box and decided to make it a class assignment. “I wanted to get the students thinking about writing college essays and show them that there are ways to make money through writing, “ said Sorenson who teaches an advanced placement composition writing class. “I also wanted to give them a bigger audience for their writing than just me. I think the competition was good for them.” Both the 1st and the 2nd place essays were written by students in Sorenson’s class.
Garcia says she will use the $200 gift certificate to buy a gift for her Mother’s upcoming birthday. Ramos plans to use her Montebello bus pass to take a shopping trip.
Both essays will be posted in the interior of Montebello’s fleet of buses. The essays also can be read on Montebello Bus Lines Facebook page and by clicking below.
Christina Garcia Essay
Brianna Ramos Essay
Montebello Bus Lines continues the public celebration of its 80th Anniversary with a video contest touting the benefits of riding the bus. Deadline for video contest entry is November 10. For contest rules visit Montebello Bus Line’s website at http://bit.ly/Montebello_80th, Montebello Bus Line’s Facebook page or call (323) 558-1625 ext. 108.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Alva Carrasco
acarrasco@cityofmontebello.com
September 21, 2011 (323) 558-1625 ext. 102
Cynthia Gibson
skg@skg@ckgcommunications.net
(310) 410-9039
Montebello Bus Lines Breaks Ground on New CNG Fueling Station
Bus Agency uses funds from multi- million dollar ARRA grant to keep its commitment to a clean environment and create jobs
Montebello Bus Lines recently broke ground on a $2.4 million dollar Compressed Natural Gas fueling facility that will be located at its bus yard on Taylor Avenue in Montebello. The funds are part of a $6.1 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant the agency received specifically for capital projects and job creation. Montebello Bus Lines, which celebrates their 80th anniversary this year, has partnered with Seal Beach-based Clean Energy, a leading manufacturer of alternative fueling facilities. The 4,000 square foot CNG facility will be fully functional in the first quarter of 2012.
At its peak, the fueling station will be able to service 100 cars and buses. The CNG facility will include a bus washer, fuel management system, and within 5 years, it will have 24-hour service. During the construction phase, 50 new jobs will be created and a percentage of those jobs will become permanent to maintain and operate the new CNG facility. “This is the embodiment of the Obama administration’s intent for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants – creating jobs in America for Americans,” said Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)Team Leader Ray Tellis. “The FTA is pleased that transit agencies are using ARRA funds to eliminate the US’s dependency on foreign oil. Transit agencies throughout North America and beyond are looking to natural gas as a clear, domestic and inexpensive option.”
“The City of Montebello is taking a strong, positive action to bring the environmental protection benefits of clean-burning natural gas fuel to the communities and transit passengers they serve,” said Clean Energy Vice President John Somers, “Without a doubt, natural gas is today’s best alternative vehicle fuel. It’s domestic – 98% of natural gas is produced in North America; it’s clean, it’s cheaper than gas or diesel and it’s abundant. We’re partnering with many of the nation’s leading public transit agencies to fuel over 5,000 buses daily.”
Currently, Montebello Bus Lines has 3 CNG powered transit buses and the fleet will expand to 21 CNG vehicles over the next two years. Manufactured by New Flyer of America, more than 80 percent of the bus parts were manufactured in the United States, creating additional jobs.
The CNG buses will have a huge impact on the bus lines’ carbon footprint. According to MBL’s Vehicle Maintenance and Facility Manager Tom Barrio, the new buses will reduce nitrogen oxides by more than 200 percent, hydrocarbons by 92 percent and particulate matter by 100 percent. “The new CNG engines meet 2012 and 2013 requirements,” he said.
The addition of the three CNG buses brings Montebello Bus Lines fleet to a total of 48 energy efficient vehicles, including 45 gasoline/electric hybrids. The company plans to totally phase out the diesel engines within two years.
“Currently we have a mixed diesel power and hybrid gasoline powered fleet. The transition alone to hybrid gasoline is one step forward to cleaner greenhouse emissions to reducing our carbon footprint.” said Montebello Bus Lines Director of Transportation Aurora Jackson. “Within two and a half years all of our buses will be CNG.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cynthia Gibson
ckg@ckgcommunications.net
August 11, 2011 (310) 410-9039
Montebello Bus Lines Celebrates Eight Decades of Service
3rd largest municipal bus operator in L.A. County focuses on a green future and innovation
MONTEBELLO, CA -- In 1931, a loaf of bread was eight cents, gas was ten cents a gallon and Montebello Bus Line passengers paid a nickel to ride the bus. The City of Montebello, a quaint agricultural community located 8 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles, had just launched its own municipal bus service on a purchased lot on the corner of Olympic and Greenwood Avenue with a fleet of four motor coaches. As Montebello Bus Lines celebrated its 80th anniversary, its fleet is 16 times larger and provides service to over 22,000 passengers each weekday.
The theme for Montebello Bus Lines’ 80th Anniversary is “80 years of innovative thinking . . . an infinite future of green.” The bus company commemorated the milestone by rolling out its new three CNG buses with its new exterior graphics. The bus purchase was made possible by $6.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding for transit capital projects. Montebello Bus Lines will also use ARRA funds to break ground for a new CNG fueling facility which will be completed in January 2012.
Montebello Bus Lines Director of Transportation Aurora Jackson sees a green future for the transportation system. “We have a deep commitment to the environment, and to providing our customers with the most modern and sustainable transit equipment and technologies available today. Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made it possible for Montebello Bus Lines to take giant strides in our proactive emissions reduction program by replacing older diesel buses with cleaner-burning CNG buses as they retire from service.”
During a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary, Montebello Bus Lines received a certificate of recognition from the Federal Transportation Administration and a proclamation from the City of Montebello. Long-time passenger Helen Cota, 86, received a special commendation for being the longest riding passenger. Ms. Cota has been a loyal Montebello Bus Rider since 1959. Most of the drivers know her by name and she has acted as a Montebello Bus Lines Ambassador on several occasions, distributing information and educating riders on service changes.
Montebello Bus Lines Anniversary celebration will continue for 80 days and include a video and essay contest and an art competition. For the video contest, bus riders will be encouraged to download videos congratulating the bus lines for 80 years of service to the community and telling stories about riding Montebello Bus Lines. The contests will be promoted primarily through facebook and twitter, as well as interior bus cards. The contest rules can be viewed by scanning QR codes located on the interior bus cards using cell phones. “Our 80th anniversary has provided a great opportunity for us to become innovative with our customer communications and test what works best.” said Assistant Director of Transportation Alva Carrasco. “Besides providing a way to have fun with our riders and giving them a way to share in the celebration, the contests also helps us build a permanent following through social media that we plan to use as a primary way to communicate with our riders.” More information on Montebello Bus Lines 80th anniversary celebration is available at http://bit.ly/Montebello_80th.
