Kinkisharyo International LLC will have ameriTRAM — its prototype of the 100 percent low-floor, electro-hybrid streetcar specifically designed for North America — in booth #5732 at EXPO. This will be the final destination of a year-long tour that included stops in Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Mo.; Phoenix and Tempe, Ariz.

"We have had enthusiastic support and response from local government, transit officials and the public everywhere we have been with ameriTRAM," said Bill Kleppinger, project manager of Kinkisharyo International. "Plus, we also drew attendees from cities all over the country to the various events. Being on the show floor at APTA will give everyone who was unable to make any of the city events a chance to see this revolutionary vehicle up close and get all their questions answered."

ameriTRAM is a 100 percent low-floor streetcar powered by e-Brid, a propulsion technology that enables operation powered by overhead catenary or on-board lithium-ion batteries.

e-Brid charges the batteries while running on catenary power and when braking. In battery mode, it uses the stored electricity to operate at full performance without overhead wires. Depending on conditions, ameriTRAM can run on battery power for up to five miles.

The propulsion system offers compelling advantages. Less electrification equipment and maintenance means that e-Brid saves municipalities millions of dollars in capital investment and operational costs, including $5 million to $6 million for every mile of catenary avoided. Eliminating overhead catenary wires allows ameriTRAM to serve sensitive historic preservation areas and areas where installing overhead wires is just not practical, such as under low bridges.

Also, because e-Brid enables battery-powered operation for up to five miles, ameriTRAM delivers immediate savings through lower power consumption and also eliminates harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

ameriTRAM was specifically engineered for North America and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Buy America, NFPA-130 and ASME RT-1.