19 Million Dollar Bus Contract For Maine Military Authority

The Maine Military Authority in Limestone has been awarded a $19 million contract to refurbish buses for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority.

The MBTA Board of Directors this week unanimously approved a contract with the Maine Military Authority for the mid-life overhaul of 32 NEOPLAN Buses, according to Gov. Paul LePage's office. The contract could increase to $24 million as optional and additional tasks are requested.

“I appreciate the hard work of MMA in securing this contract, which will sustain and grow good career jobs for the citizens of Aroostook County,” said Gov. LePage. “During the last couple of years, it has been exciting to see MMA successfully transition into the bus refurbishment market.”

In 2012,  MMA launched its School Bus Refurbishment Program at the Loring Commerce Center. Since then, the company has successfully developed an end-of-life rebuild program for shuttle buses and a mid-life overhaul for mass transit buses.

According to MMA spokesman Tim McCabe, “The rehabilitation of these buses will increase its service life expectancy by an additional 6 years beyond its intended life of 12 years. Our process is extremely thorough and painstaking. These buses will be rehabilitated with the same dedication and workmanship as we have for all the military vehicles we have produced for our National Guard Soldiers.”

The NEOPLAN buses are “dual mode,” meaning they can be powered by a diesel engine or a traditional electric-powered trolley, depending on the route.