New York City Transit Authority's Withdrawal of Its Grumman Flxible Buses

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed various concerns about the Grumman Flxible Model 870 buses formerly used by the New York City Transit Authority.

The Authority permanently withdrew its fleet of Grumman buses from transit service in 1984 due to alleged safety and reliability problems. The Department of Transportation had funded 80 percent of the purchase price of the buses, or about $74 million. GAO found that the Authority generally met or exceeded the manufacturer's suggested mileage inspection requirements for the buses but did not always adhere to its own more stringent inspection schedules. A study undertaken by the Authority showed that it had more problems with the Grumman buses than with other buses it was operating. A GAO survey of other transit systems which owned or leased the Grumman buses showed that about 60 percent of the respondents were generally satisfied with the buses' performance. The Authority is currently storing the buses in a fenced lot under a 24-hour guard at an Army terminal. The ultimate disposition of the buses has not been decided, but the Authority is considering awarding a contract to maintain them while they are stored at the terminal.