The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has selected US bus manufacturer ENC to supply 32 AXESS 40-foot clean diesel buses for its fixed-route network.
The buses will replace existing vehicles in MATA’s fleet and will be used on regular services across Memphis, Tennessee.
The order forms part of MATA’s programme to replace older vehicles and improve the reliability of its bus fleet. Almost half of MATA’s fixed-route fleet has travelled more than 500,000 miles, while dozens of buses are more than 10 years old.
The new AXESS buses are described by ENC as Buy America-compliant and will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Riverside, California. The buses have also undergone testing at the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center.
MATA provides public transport services across Memphis and parts of Shelby County, operating fixed-route buses, paratransit services and vintage rail trolleys. The authority provides more than 2.5 million rides each year.
The 32 AXESS buses will be configured for fixed-route operations and will include accessibility features required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ENC offers the AXESS in several lengths, ranging from 30 to 40 feet, with propulsion options including clean diesel, compressed natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid and battery-electric systems.
John Obert, Vice President of Transit Sales at ENC, said:Memphis is investing in the future of its transit system, and ENC is honoured to help move that progress forward. A fleet renewal of this scale gives MATA the efficiency and dependability its riders count on every day. As the authority builds momentum under new leadership, we are ready to deliver 32 durable, American-built AXESS buses and stand behind them as a reliable manufacturing partner.
ENC manufactures its buses at its Riverside, California facility. The company is a subsidiary of Rivaz Inc. Alongside the AXESS, its product range includes the E-Z Rider II, which is available in 30-, 32- and 35-foot configurations.
The 32 AXESS buses will join MATA’s existing fleet as the authority continues its programme of replacing older fixed-route vehicles.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said:From the beginning, we have been committed to working alongside MATA to stabilise our transit system and build a stronger path forward. These 32 new buses are another sign of that progress. There is still work ahead, but together we are building a more reliable transit system for the Memphians who depend on it every day.
