Champion Bus Inc., a manufacturer of small- to mid-size and custom commercial buses, announced a licensing agreement with the Dallas Smith Corp. for exclusive use of its existing and future commercial bus technologies as optional features on the Champion Bus LF Transport™ low-floor model.

Dallas Smith’s existing patented technologies include the Equalizer Ramp® and the IntelliSYNC® electronically-controlled “smart” suspension system, with low-speed OverRise™ function.

“Public paratransit and retirement/assisted living facilities are the primary markets for the LF Transport. The Dallas Smith Corporation’s innovative technologies on this model provide equal access and a more comfortable ride experience for all passengers,” said John Resnik, president of Champion Bus. “The performance benefits result in easier, faster and safer boarding during scheduled stops, which significantly decreases dwell time and improves overall service route efficiency.”

The Equalizer Ramp® utilizes automatic sensing technology to provide a uniform single-grade slope based on the height of the deployment surface, creating a flat entrance bridge into a 102-inch wide flat passenger area. The IntelliSYNC® electronically controlled “smart” suspension system monitors the position of heavy-duty sensors to make necessary adjustments to maintain a smooth ride. The low-speed OverRise™ function lifts the entire vehicle up to 2.5 inches higher than the normal ride height to increase approach, break-over and departure angles.

The LF Transport™ has met a strict set of quality assurance standards and passed rigorous safety and performance tests. Champion Bus is currently the only Ford QVM certified manufacturer offering a low-floor cutaway bus model on an E-450 chassis that can be converted to CNG or LPG alternative fuel packages using OEM supplied hardened valves without risk of violating the OEM engine warranty.