Jul 21, 2008 9:20 pm US/Pacific
Elk Grove Suing Manufacturers Over Hybrid Buses
ELK GROVE (CBS13) ―
A fleet of hybrid buses have been parked, possibly permanently, over concerns that they could catch fire. In the past four years, there have been so many problems with the fleet that the city of Elk Grove is suing the company that manufactures the buses.
Elk Grove's transit agency, E-Tran, has seen a bumpy road with buses that break down and catch on fire. City leaders say they've had enough.
"I'm really disgusted with MV," said Sophia Scherman of the Elk Grove City Council. "Either they send the right mechanics that know what the heck they're doing or get out of the business."
On May 20th, the city filed a nearly 400 page lawsuit detailing the problems. They named six defendants, which included a number of manufactures and a company called MV, which provides drivers and mechanics.
Defendant ISE Corporation, which sells the hybrid engines, said in a statement, "[We] stand behind the technology and quality of our hybrid drive systems. We consider safety our highest priority. We have not had the full or willing cooperation of the Elk Grove Transit Authority."
Making matters worse, the Elk Grove Transit Division is $2.1 million over budget. After the city spend $10 million on some 20 hybrid buses, leaders are putting all options on the table, including fare increases and going back to its former service provider, Sacramento Regional Transit.
According to the lawsuit, the city is asking for its money back.
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