To offer fleets greater access to durable and lighter transit options equipped with mobility options, the largest bus distributor in the U.S., Creative Bus Sales, is expanding its already extensive selection of transit vehicles through an exclusive distributorship agreement with ARBOC Specialty Vehicles.

This agreement gives Creative Bus Sales the ability to distribute ARBOC’s transit rail products nationwide, which includes its newest models that are designed for lightweight and maneuverable transportation to meet the emerging demands in both rural, urban and smart cities transport. Creative Bus Sales will exclusively represent the new Spirit of Equess (Equal Access) bus, the Spirit of Liberty bus, and an upcoming 2018 model called the Spirit of Legacy for ARBOC.

Creative Bus Sales’ expertise in developing solutions aligns well with ARBOC’s transit vehicle offerings, which include features such as CNG and electric powertrain options as well as custom accessibility features that improve access for impaired mobility.

“The Equess has a durable but lighter weight structure and design which makes it a quiet and neighborhood friendly transit vehicle, and features that let every passenger truly experience what equal access means,” said T.J. Matijevich, VP/GM of Creative Bus Sales. “The new ARBOC buses including the Equess are the transit options designed for today’s efficient public transportation, and Creative Bus Sales is always seeking new ways to meet the needs of our customer base. Adding the Equess, the Liberty and the upcoming Legacy to our product line is the latest example of our commitment to this mission.”

The new Spirit of Equess is a 29-foot urban-ready bus designed to provide access to public transit for everyone with a maneuverable structure, making it ideal for smart city design and urban environments. The low-floor, lighter weight bus is highly maneuverable for both rural and urban neighborhoods and quieter than its standard heavy-duty counterparts. The vehicle’s lighter weight design and smaller engine also means better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The Equess drivetrain design allows for CNG and EV options to be handled in the rear area for easier and quicker service access which can translate to lower service costs. Additionally, with best-in-class passenger flow utilizing a single, non-discriminatory patented accessible front passenger ramp, the Equess bus allows riders of all abilities to use the same entrance. This unique feature also has faster wheelchair loading, compared to a conventional wheelchair lift.

“At ARBOC, we partner with only a select number of companies who qualify to provide quality goods and services consultatively, on time and at a reasonable price,” said Don Roberts, President of ARBOC. “As America’s leading bus distributor which has consistently grown over the years, we’re confident in Creative Bus Sales’ ability to present the Equess, Liberty and Legacy to its large base of nationwide customers.”

Thirty-seven years of experience meeting customer needs gives Creative Bus Sales an expert view on addressing product requirements for corporate, educational and government fleets. A compounded growth rate of approximately 14% since 2006, and representing over twenty top manufacturers, Creative Bus Sales is the largest dealership in the US. Additionally, with the largest amount of buses on the road, Creative Bus Sales is among the first to be aware of any product issues that arise and can address them immediately through their dedicated nationwide network of parts, service, warranty and customer service departments.

The Equess will be featured at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo on October 9-11, 2014. At the Creative Bus Sales booth #7404, conference attendees can check out the ARBOC Spirit of Independence, and Equess will be showcased at ARBOC’s booth #3451.