Micro BIrd G5 bus completes Altoona

Micro Bird announced its DRW G5 successfully completed Altoona Testing. Micro Bird submitted the G5 lift bus for a seven year/200,000 miles STURAA test (Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987). Testing started Oct. 8, 2012 and was completed Feb. 18, 2013.

Micro Bird outperformed the competition on the interior noise tests with impressive results and got to the finish line with a clean slate on the body structure.

Ensuring optimal safety, quality, durability and serviceability, the Micro Bird bus has been tested utilizing the below criteria:

• Maintainability - This segment is broken down into three subsections, which focus on the ability and time required to service the bus’ components. These subsections include accessibility, service/preventative maintenance, and repair/replacement.

• Reliability - Documents unscheduled breakdowns, repairs, down time and repair time that occurs during testing.

• Safety - Determines handling and stability of the bus by measuring speed through a double-lane change test.

• Performance - Determines acceleration, gradeability, top speed capabilities and braking of the bus.

• Structural Integrity - Includes various subsections including structural shakedown, structural distortion, static towing, dynamic towing, jacking, hoisting and durability.

• Fuel economy - Provides accurate comparable fuel consumption data on bus product by manufacturers.

• Noise - Measures and records interior and exterior noise levels and checks for audible vibration under various operating conditions.

• Emissions - Provides comparable gas and emissions data for buses produced by different manufacturers while operating the vehicle over a simulated route.

The Altoona Test, performed in Duncansville, Pa., is required for any bus purchased utilizing Federal Transit Administration funds. While there is no pass or fail designation applied, the standardized test is utilized as a comparison tool for purchase decisions.

Micro Bird buses have continually undergone Altoona Testing since 1993. In the event that a bus experiences substantial product redesign, the Altoona Test is re-administered. With each bus product line tested, Blue Bird is fully-compliant with Altoona Testing.