Triangle Transit is upgrading its fleet with the first of 12 new buses on the road this week.

The buses, built by Gillig Corporation in California, are 40 foot low-floor vehicles. They will join 23 35-foot buses which were put into service in Summer 2008. The number of new or replacement buses in the last two years is 35.

"The new buses will allow us to continue to improve services," said David King, Triangle Transit General Manager. "We are halfway through the replacement of our fleet. Our riders should notice the difference."

The buses cost $342,000 each with funds coming from the federal government, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Triangle Transit. The vehicles seat 36 and include upgraded seating, heavy-duty climate systems, talking bus technology and outdoor route information signs.