BusCon 2013 has kicked off today with a bang at Chicago's Navy Pier. The morning was packed with educational sessions covering topics such as Alternative Fuels, Electric Buses, Updates on ADA and DOT regulations, and safety.  

More buses than ever in all shapes and types are on display including several electric bus models. Bonus educational sessions covering paratransit and new technology are on tap for Wednesday. J. Barry Barker of the Transit Authority of River City, Ky. is slated to deliver a keynote speech on the safety and reliability of transit buses.

New vehicles making their debut on the show floor today include, Ameritrans' new R330 Series featuring the RAM 5500 SLT chassis, with the Cummins ISB engine, Aisin 6-speed transmission, 19.5k GVWR, 102-inch-wide body and front tour view windows.

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Goshen showcased their new Impulse cutaway vehicle featuring flat interior side walls, newly designed front cap wit recessed LED clearance and marker lights and a newly restyled one-piece coving with integrated dome lights. The Impulse can accommodate 28 or 25 passeners and dedicated rear luggage.

Marking its first foray into the mid-size transit bus market, Collins Bus unveiled its NEXBUS model. Features include a new high-visibility transition window, larger passenger windows, an all-new electrical distribution panel with built-in capabilities for adding secondary features and one-piece tubular roof bows.

Can't be at the show? Catch real time videos of speakers and those positioned in the exhibit hall on BusCon 2013's YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/BusCon13 or visit Facebook or Twitter and use hashtag #BusCon13.