Albuquerque’s Transit Agency Receives GILLIG CNG Buses

The near-zero emission buses celebrate New Mexico’s scenery and reflect ABQ RIDE’s decision to combine local artistry with environmental consciousness. (Photo courtesy of GILLIG)

GILLIG, a heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer, has announced the delivery of the first 35 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to Albuquerque’s ABQ RIDE, with an additional 18 scheduled for mid-2024.

“This inaugural purchase marks a major transition for the agency as they replace old diesel-hybrid buses with new, eco-friendly, and cost-effective GILLIG buses,” according to a press release. “Adorned with ‘mobile mural’ paint wraps showcasing the beautiful, enchanting landscapes of New Mexico, these near-zero emission buses celebrate the state’s stunning scenery and reflect ABQ RIDE’s decision to combine local artistry with environmental consciousness.

“These buses are designed to provide ultra-low-emission and ultra-high-performance transit solutions with the lowest total cost of ownership. The vehicles are built on GILLIG’s signature Low-Floor platform, known for its rugged reliability and easy maintenance. Achieving the highest reliability scores and the best CNG fuel economy in federal Altoona testing, the GILLIG CNG, like the rest of GILLIG’s product line-up, is a transit solution that’s durable, dependable, economically smart, and environmentally advantageous.”

“We’re excited to announce this new partnership with ABQ Ride and for these beautifully wrapped GILLIG CNG buses to begin service. We know that every transit agency and community have distinct needs, and having the flexibility to fit every fleet is at the core of what we offer at GILLIG,” Javier Hernandez, GILLIG’s Director of National Sales, said. “ABQ Ride’s investment in the new buses reinforces how GILLIG’s versatility and reliability help agencies achieve our shared commitment to keep communities connected. We look forward to seeing these buses roll out as the cutting-edge CNG technology helps protect the very environment the ‘mobile murals’ are celebrating.”

“The decision to transition to GILLIG’s CNG buses was based on a comprehensive assessment of our needs and the goals we have for public transportation in Albuquerque,” Leslie Keener, Director of ABQ RIDE, said. “Their reliability, cost-saving fuel efficiency, and impressive environmental benefits made GILLIG the best choice as we work to modernize our aging fleet while ensuring our riders are provided with safe, reliable, and accessible transportation service throughout the City of Albuquerque.”

Visit www.GILLIG.com.