A look at some of the highlights from the Bus Showcase held in conjunction with the 2013 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference in Indianapolis.
2013 APTA Bus Showcase Highlights
Complete Coach Works is weeks away from delivering its first Zero-Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) bus to Richland, Wash.-based Ben Franklin Transit. The updated ZEPS bus features composite lightweight flooring, energy-efficient LED lighting and low rolling resistance tires, which takes more than 3,300 pounds off the total weight in the bus, resulting in greater range.
Winnebago introduced its new Metro Link to the public transportation market. It features include direct body to frame mounting for improved strength; fully welded, tubular steel framework for a more durable body structure; and a one piece fiberglass roof to reduce maintenance and eliminate areas for potential water leaks, according to Terry Tweeten, director of specialty vehicles.
Proterra's EcoRide BE35 is the first zero-emissions full-size bus to pass Altoona-testing and was proven to have both the highest fuel economy (22 mpg average) and lowest noise (57 dBA or 10 times lower) of any full-size passenger bus ever tested.
MCI's team was on hand to showcase Denver RTD's new Commuter Coaches, which are equipped with a wheelchair lift and an ACTIA multiplex system as well as an ergonomic driver dash and the latest clean-diesel engine technology for near-zero emissions.
Arboc's Spirit of Liberty features a lightweight "Bolt-N-Bond" hybrid composite construction that is 30% lighter, which contributes to a 6% gain in fuel economy, and is designed to address and exceed 2014 to 2018 economy standards.
Nova Bus President Jean-Pierre Baracat was on hand to unveil Austin, Texas-based Capital Metro's new LFX articulated bus. It is the first of 22 buses designed for the agency's new MetroRapid BRT line, with the contract including options for an additional 58 vehicles. It features a full roofline, flush windows and LED lighting.
Gillig's new BRTPlus bus was used for shuttling show attendees before it heads to Cincinnati's Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority. It features a unitized stainless steel chassis with a unique side-impact barrier to add strength and corrosion resistance as well as protect passengers in the event of a collision.
New Flyer and Alexander Dennis officials, including New Flyer President/CEO Paul Soubry, launched the new MiDi bus. it will be available in 30- and 35-foot models and is set to begin production this September at New Flyer's St. Cloud, Minn. plant. Currently, the MiDi is available with a Cummins clean-diesel engine, with the companies in the preliminary stages of developing a CNG option.