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.



September 2, 2010

CATS buses get NASCAR stock wraps

Two CATS buses will get a custom wrap that looks exactly like a NASCAR stock car. The buses will...

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September 2, 2010

Study: Transit job creation grows Mich. economy

Shows that for every 10 jobs created in the public transit sector, six additional jobs are created...

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September 2, 2010

Report: More transit means more jobs vs. highway projects

Investment in public transit tends to be more labor-intensive than highway projects because the...

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September 2, 2010

UC Berkeley launches high-tech transit study

The pilot invites the public to use a free online trip planner. Researchers are trying to determine...

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FEATURES

15th BusCon to Deliver Products, Seminars for Success

The 140,000-square-feet of show floor will feature the latest vehicles and products on the market today, while alternative fuels, university transit topics and driver safety will be discussed during educational sessions.


Economics and Reduced Emissions Drive Growth of Alt Fuel Use

Roughly 14 percent of transit buses currently on the road run on natural gas. Demand is growing, according to industry experts, with natural gas engines specified for about 25 percent of all new bus orders.


Consultant Roundtable: Industry Remains On Edge, Sees Encouraging Future

Even with no authorization bill in sight, consultants are finding many positives, including increased ridership, a new federal philosophy and exciting projects in the pipeline. Many are looking for high-speed rail to have the same nation-changing impact as the interstate highway system or the beginning of the space program.


How to Maximize Your Capital Investment Strategies

Many agencies have gone through the process of evaluating their current project lists or wish lists, identifying priority initiatives and where the dollars should be applied. This article looks at collaborative decision-making software applied by transit agencies to make the best possible decisions in capital planning and resource allocation.




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

New APTA bylaws suggest greater public-private cooperation

All of the industry's sectors need to work together to make the case for additional public transportation investment and service.



Authorization bill may be stalled for some time

This economic train wreck may be avoided if business leaders, transit riders, local elected officials and others rise up and demand that politicians inside the Beltway stop the nonsense and enact the sensible federal transportation law that is long overdue.

Torrance Transit marks 70 years with new gasoline-electric fleet

The agency hopes to have an all-hybrid bus fleet in place by FY2015/2016.



NABI unveils West Coast service facility

Compared to the previous facility in Ontario, Calif., the move increased the warehouse space by almost 30 percent.

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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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