In a city long known for big cars and big attitudes, the new fleet of Texas Children’s shuttle buses and vans will definitely turn heads in Houston! Starting Monday, July 22, Facilities Operations is proud to have 18 new vehicles at the ready to shuttle team members and leaders between Medical Center buildings. (Thirteen shuttles circulate at a time, with five operating as spares.) Visit the G19 parking garage lobby between 5-10 a.m., to celebrate the launch and see the fleet for yourself.
Retrofitted with A/C running the entire length of the shuttle, a feature developed especially for Texas Children’s, the state-of-the-art fleet is unlike any other. Forty passengers in each standard shuttle will enjoy ventilation at the windows and aisles. Fresh colors replace drab black or grey seat coverings, and custom-designed exteriors wrap the body of each vehicle. Step-ups to shuttle doors are closer to ground level, making it easier and safer for riders of all kinds. Three electric-powered vans have been freshened up to welcome passengers.
“Our people deserve the best,” said Michael Jackson, director, Safety and Support Services Facilities Operations. “With a lot of pushing and pulling, going back and forth with the manufacturer, we were able to get so much done. What an impact this is going to have! It’s pretty amazing.”
Having more than one fuel option to power the fleet will help new buses and vans work well under pressure. Old shuttles ran on propane fuel, only, which would sometimes thin out in high temperatures and make vehicles inoperable. The new fleet can operate on energy efficient propane, but it can also use gas to power vehicles on intense summer days. Jackson quipped, “When temperatures soar, we won’t get beat by the heat!”
and come rain or come shine, we’ll look and feel great… riding in style!