How does the eight-inch curbside step-in height benefit passengers?

The eight-inch curbside step-in height allows for easier entry and exit for all passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges.

What is the advantage of the zero-entry rear ramp?

The zero-entry rear ramp offers greater accessibility for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility, facilitating smoother boarding and alighting.

How does the XF Low-Floor Bus improve operational flexibility?

The improved accessibility features, such as the full flat-floor design and zero-entry ramp, allow the bus to efficiently serve routes with diverse passenger needs, enhancing overall operational flexibility.

Who might benefit most from the XF Low-Floor Bus's features?

Individuals with mobility issues, including wheelchair users, the elderly, and passengers with strollers or luggage, will benefit most from the enhanced accessibility features of the XF Low-Floor Bus.

Frontrunner Bus Group Introduces XF Low-Floor Bus with Enhanced Accessibility

The new mid-sized bus features a full flat-floor design, eight-inch curbside step-in height, and zero-entry rear ramp to improve passenger access and operational flexibility.

Alex Roman・Executive Editor

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October 15, 2026

The Frontrunner XF on the APTA Expo show floor in 2026. — The XF builds on Frontrunner's history of developing low-floor vehicles for paratransit, community transportation, and smaller fixed-route services.
Credit:
Fronrunner

2 min to read

Frontrunner Bus Group has introduced the XF Low-Floor Bus designed for enhanced passenger accessibility.
The bus features a full flat-floor design and an eight-inch curbside step-in height to improve ease of boarding.
A zero-entry rear ramp is included to facilitate access for passengers and increase operational flexibility.

*Summarized by AI

The Frontrunner Bus Group recently introduced the Frontrunner XF, featuring a full flat floor design, integrated zero-entry rear ramp, leading passenger accessibility with an industry-first eight-inch curbside step-in, and kneel-to-ground (sit) rear entry/egress option.

"The Frontrunner XF represents our commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible as we deliver on our commitment to provide innovative low-floor solutions to the mid-sized bus class,” said Paul LaRose, president and CEO of Frontrunner Bus Group. "We're excited to bring a bus to market that not only enhances the passenger experience but also helps Public Transit Agencies better serve their communities."

Designed for Low-Floor Accessibility

Key features of the Fronrunner XF include:

A full flat floor from front to back, designed for maximum accessibility and passenger comfort.
The eight-inch Curbside Step-in Height, when kneeling, provides another industry first and nearly doubles (7.75:1) the ADA standard of a 4:1 ramp angle, the lowest ramp angle in the industry.
Full Rear-Sitting capability for true zero-entry boarding and egress from the rear of the bus.
The integrated zero-entry rear ramp improves operational flexibility and simplifies access for passengers using wheelchairs.

Continuing to Build on Low-Floor Offerings

The XF builds on Frontrunner's history of developing low-floor vehicles for paratransit, community transportation, and smaller fixed-route services.

In 2018, METRO reported that the company's original 22-foot, 15-passenger Frontrunner minibus completed FTA Altoona testing with a score of 91. The vehicle featured a purpose-built lowered-floor platform and fold-out ramp designed to simplify passenger boarding.

More recently, Frontrunner reached its 1,000th bus delivery in June 2025. In June 2026, the company also announced plans for a new 88,000-square-foot headquarters in Billerica, Massachusetts, to support its workforce, production operations, and expanding product line.

Together, these developments provide context for the introduction of the XF as Frontrunner continues to expand its low-floor vehicle offerings for public and private transportation operators.

Quick Answers

The full flat-floor design is aimed at enhancing passenger access and comfort by providing a seamless interior floor surface without steps or obstructions.