BSOOB Transit takes delivery of two Prevost X3-45® Commuter coaches
(November 2, 2020, Ste. Claire, QC) – Prevost announced Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, located in southeastern Maine, has taken delivery of two 2021 Prevost X3-45 commuter coaches. The coaches are the first new additions of any kind to the BSOOB fleet in nearly 10 years and will replace two units that were deemed beyond their useful life.
“Prevost is extremely pleased to partner with BSOOB Transit on the purchase of two new commuter coaches,” said Karen Honeysett, director of public sector for Prevost. “The X3-45 commuter offers a smooth, quiet ride for both drivers and passengers, as well as the quality and safety Prevost is known for.”
In 1998, BSOOB Transit introduced ZOOM Express, a convenient and affordable commuter option designed to transport workers into Portland. However, in recent years, locals have seen the BSOOB area grow and change, and with that progress, they’re now seeing riders travel in both directions. In 2019, BSOOB Transit transported over 360,000 passengers to and from their destinations.
“We are thrilled to take delivery of our two new Prevost coaches,” said Tony Scavuzzo, executive director of BSOOB Transit. “The units will ensure ZOOM Express service between Biddeford/Saco and Portland will remain reliable and provide increased comfort for our loyal passengers traveling daily to Portland’s peninsula.”
Featuring an integral chassis-body structure which provides the strongest, safest and most durable foundation in the industry, each coach is powered by a 435HP Volvo D13 diesel engine and Allison transmission. With the longest wheelbase in the industry, passengers can expect a smoother, more comfortable ride as well as a great view from any one of the 51 seats. The Prevost-patented frameless windows offer abundant natural light and the nearly 80-inch interior environment provides more interior height than other commuter coaches in the market.
“We’ve worked hard to make and save enough money to buy new instead of used,” said Craig Pendleton, director of external affairs for BSOOB Transit. “With the help of Maine DOT and Federal Transit Administration, we finally have new buses to play with.”
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BSOOB elected to add the Prevost driver protection system in each coach to help ensure safety for both drivers and passengers. The transparent barrier kit is available for retrofit and offers an encapsulated area for drivers without obstructing visibility.
The new BSOOB X3-45s begin ZOOM Express service on November 2, 2020 including two new stops – one at the Saco Transportation Center and one at Mercy Hospital. For more information, visit bsoobtransit.org.