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.



May 16, 2012

NHTSA proposes electronic stability control rule for buses, coaches

Agency research shows the technology could prevent up to 56% of rollover crashes each year—the deadliest...

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May 16, 2012

Apollo Video wins New Flyer Gold Award

The Supplier Delivery Performance Awards are presented to suppliers with significant shipment volumes...

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May 16, 2012

MV, First Transit win Sun Metro contracts

The total estimated cost for both contracts is $43.4 million. The contracts are for five-year terms,...

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May 15, 2012

METRO publisher promoted to VP

Frank Di Giacomo’s new title is part of the changes brought on by METRO parent Bobit Business Media’s...

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FEATURES

A-Train Breaks the Mold

The agency goes from inception to launching the 21-mile commuter rail system in approximately nine years. The project was built without the use of any federal funds.


Maintenance Shops Learning Curve Continues to Grow

Second annual Bus Maintenance Survey finds that many agencies around the nation are experiencing difficulties with alternative propulsion, as they continue to add new equipment in the shop to service as well as learn new ways to make repairs to the vehicles. Meanwhile parts issues, including concerns about availability, lead times and frequent failures, remains the biggest issue.


Long Beach Transit Takes Innovative Path

Adding CNG vehicles to its diverse fleet, building a fueling facility and refurbishing its maintenance garage are some of the projects the system has on its plate.


Green Projects Help Transit Be More Sustainable Off the Road

Whether it’s adding solar panels or building LEED-certified buildings, agencies are finding ways to be environmentally friendly beyond purchasing alternative-fueled vehicles. METRO takes a look at agencies leading the charge.




PRODUCTS

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.



Wheelchair Lift

The Mirage wheelchair lift has a low profile, cassette-type design, offering reliable operation with minimal intrusion in the luggage bay. The BayLift allows mid-ship or rear coach installation for layout flexibility. Both models feature a patented threshold warning system and are FMVSS compliant.



DEPARTMENTS

Nonprofit's interest in PT could break gridlock

While no substitute, this nongovernment, non-federal approach could be a welcome alternative strategy to the slow progress of reauthorization of federal policy on Capitol Hill.



Public transportation’s green benefits get lost in D.C. debate

Opponents ignore all the evidence that shows that public transportation is one investment that contributes to sustainable economic growth, that you really can have green investments.

World’s longest guided busway opens in UK

Since August 2011, passengers have been riding comfortable, well-appointed buses that can attain speeds of 60 miles per hour on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.



San Diego graffiti program tags offenders

The privately-owned Web-based Graffiti Tracker program uses a database that tracks, measures and links graffiti incidents throughout the region.

E-NEWSLETTER

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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.



BUS TRANSIT WEB POLL

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