The Bus Transit Channel offers insight on bus systems, including original research, breaking news on funding, extensions, equipment, as well as local and federal legislation. Learn how advances in fare collection systems and bus routing, scheduling and tracking are being implemented to increase efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction in the bus transit industry. Review fuel saving strategies and alternative fuel options being used to counter increased energy prices and meet new emission standards.



March 11, 2010

SunLine rolls out 6th gen hydrogen fuel bus

The advanced bus chassis and body manufactured by New Flyer, features ISE’s hybrid-electric fuel...

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March 11, 2010

Calgary Transit, Police launch bait car program to deter theft

When a bait car is stolen, the location, speed and direction of travel of the vehicle is monitored...

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March 11, 2010

WebTech to supply Northern Calif. with NextBus

The NextBus contract outfits Amador Transit’s entire fleet with NextBus GPS location devices and...

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March 11, 2010

Nova receives $10M order from Honolulu

The 24 Nova LFS buses will be assembled in the company's upstate New York plant and delivered in...

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FEATURES

Could a Voice From the Hill Change the Charter Rule?

After a senator’s proposal resulted in an exemption granted to a Seattle transit agency to provide transportation to sporting events, many in the motorcoach industry are concerned for the Rule’s future and defend its importance.


Improving Fare Collection System Security

Transit agencies report that reviewing fare collection controls and system security is a continual process. Experts recommend appointing a revenue auditor to perform daily checks and reports, performing regular preventive maintenance on fareboxes and putting policies and procedures in writing.


Daimler Begins New Era of Leadership, Innovation

Continued success and innovation are on tap for new President/CEO Richard Ferguson’s regime, as the company prepares to roll out vehicles with engines that meet EPA 2010 standards and, down the road, looks to introduce new innovative vehicles.


Top 10 Most Viewed Stories in 2009

Top viewed stories included "Is Enough Being Done to Stop the Assault on Bus Operators?,"Women In Transportation," and "Federal Transit Funding Key to Rebuilding Economy."




PRODUCTS

Two-camera observation monitor

The Voyager AOM562A, a 5.6-inch, heavy-duty color LCD two-camera observation monitor, aids drivers in backing up, changing lanes, merging into traffic and making wide right turns. Strategically sized to fit in vehicles that have limited dash room, it includes and unobtrusive LCD screen. With two camera inputs and a built-in speaker, the monitor can be paired with any combination of two Voyager rear- or side-vision observation cameras. Features easy-to-use front controls and injection-molded plastic housing for durability and weather resistance.



Automatic Tire Chain System

Without having to stop the vehicle, the Onspot Automatic Tire Chain System offers the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the flip of a dashboard switch. An electric switch mounted in the cab provides 12 volts to an air solenoid mounted in the vehicle's frame rail. Designed for ice, packed snow and up to six inches of snow, the chain system eliminates wheel well damage from broken conventional chains. Other benefits include more hauling force, faster acceleration and a reduced stopping distance. DOT-approved in all 50 states.



DEPARTMENTS

Now more than ever, tell Congress to pass the longest authorization possible

How Congress and the administration respond to these demands of a lengthier extension or a full six-year renewal of federal law may determine the future of the industry as we know it.



Central Florida holds emergency preparedness workshop

The tragic earthquake in Haiti last January was still fresh in the minds of those who attended the Connecting Communities emergency preparedness workshop in Orlando, Fla.

Taking the distractions out of driving

Why do we allow ourselves to be distracted? Most often it's because we're impatient and lose focus on the road conditions around us. However, when we drive regularly (and some of us do it for a living), we also develop a trait called "muscle memory." Or in other words, our minds are simply driving on "auto pilot" and not actively concentrating on driving. The result is boredom.



Central Arkansas weathers recession with budgeting, stimulus funding

Using $5.4 million in stimulus funding it received, the Central Arkansas Transit system purchased four paratransit vehicles and eight fixed-route buses. As a result, Executive Director Betty Wineland said that for the first time in more than 33 years, the agency will have no buses in its fleet that exceed the recommended 12-year retirement age.

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BUS TRANSIT RESOURCES


BUS TRANSIT BASICS

Bus Driver Training: Putting Customer Service at the Top of the List

Driving a bus means good people skills as much as it means safe driving. This article talks about putting transit customer service at the top of the list, and training bus drivers for people skills.

Bus Transit Partnerships: Merging Private and Public Bus Operations

Private and public bus transit sectors often operate as separate entities, but there are times when joining for mutual benefit makes sense. This article talks about how motorcoach operators can earn more revenue by partnering with public bus operations.

Transit Projects: How and When to Use DBOMs

When should you use DBOMs? In this article, we analyze how you can benefit from design, build, operation and maintenance contracts.

Bus Safety: Taking Steps to Protect Bus Drivers

After recent bus attacks, we ask, what can we do to increase bus driver safety? Agencies talk about steps they are taking to increase driver safety and bus security.

High-Floor Buses Worth Another Look

The U.S. bus transit industry almost exclusively used low-floor busses. But high-floor busses have several benefits, including the possibility of operating cost benefits. In this article, we review the benefits of high-floor busses versus low-floor and standard-floor bus systems.

Strategies to Find and Nurture Transit Bus Technicians

Keeping your bus fleet tuned for efficiency and safety is no easy task. This article examines strategies to get quality transit bus maintenance technicians and how to keep them on staff.

Bus Transportation Changes that Mattered

A summary of the big changes that moved the bus transportation industry forward. This article looks at the history of bus transportation, from the invention of diesel motors to the rise of the big bus transit companies.



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