Link Transit Rolls Out New Commuter Coaches

Commuters between Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Chelan are very likely to see a shiny new bus pull up to their bus stop soon. This week, Link Transit rolls out a brand new fleet of 40 foot commuter coaches. Twelve new GILLIG buses will begin operating the routes between Wenatchee and Leavenworth and Chelan/Manson within the next few days.

These coaches are the first arrivals in a fleet replacement effort that will see about 75% of Link's buses replaced by the end of 2020. These coaches replace 2007 and 2008 models of a similar bus, some of which have in excess of 700,000 miles on them. The "useful life" of these types of vehicles is 12 years or 500,000 miles. "These new vehicles mean renewed assurance of reliability", said Richard DeRock, Link's General Manager. "Our aging fleet of commuter coaches has reached the point where breakdowns were becoming more and more frequent, and impacts to service are an inconvenience to our guests. They can now feel more confident that Link can get them where they need to go!"

These new buses cost approximately $526,000 each, and were paid for by Link Transit's local sales tax revenues, which have been pruduently saved to allow for fleet replacement when necessary. These are powered by clean diesel, and are equipped with the latest in emissions control technology, which makes them significantly cleaner than the buse they are replacing.

GILLIG is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built by dedicated Americans in Livermore, California. GILLIG buses are known for their unmatched quality and have earned their reputation as the lowest cost buses to maintain and operate.

Link Transit is the public transportation provider for Chelan and Douglas counties, operating fixed route service to 17 communities across the region. Link carries approximately 1,000,000 passengers per year, and is funded primarily by a locally approved 4/10 of 1% sales tax.