The much-awaited new transit buses have arrived on campus and will be operating throughout the day.Thirteen new buses, which replaced the older temporary ones, will be available on heavy routes like Highland-Burbank, Tigerland and the Purple and Gold Routes and are each able to accommodate at least 20 more passengers than the older models, according to Gary Graham, director of the Office of Parking and Transportation. The final cost of each of the new buses is $348,976, according to Graham.The newer models are larger and suited for heavy-duty purposes. Four are charter buses with more seating space, and the rest will have more standing space, Graham said. The floor will be at a lower level, which will provide easier access for disabled passengers.They also meet the standards of environmental and fuel efficiency, as requested by students, Graham said.”The buses use low-sulphur fuel and have less emission than anything on the road right now,” he said.The new buses were introduced as students were dissatisfied with the CATS bus service, and as part of the master plan for the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation. The first bus arrived three weeks ago.First Transit hired the drivers and trained them during spring break. The buses could not be immediately put into effect until the drivers completed training. All the buses are expected to be available by the end of the month.The new buses were made in California, similar to the older transit buses, which were manufactured out-of-state.Alexis Kallett, textiles, apparel design and merchandising junior, said the buses are faster and have more seats. She also said the University should have more buses, especially for the Greek route.Graham said he has received positive feedback from students about the new buses, and Parking is always ready to address their grievances.”Students asked for them, and they’re finally here,” Graham said. “I’m sure they’ll be pleased with them.” —–Contact Sumit Kumar at [email protected].