APTA EXPO 2014 Show Floor Highlights

The Increased Accessory Power II™ (IAP II™) component system, a customizable electric distribution platform that provides power distribution from the hybrid system to accessory components, such as electric air conditioning systems, electric air compressors and electric power steering systems. Up to 30 kWs of continuous export power from the Allison H 40/50 EP Hybrid is made available via IAP II allowing up to 100% electrification for hybrid buses and coaches. IAP II includes either a single or dual hybrid beltless alternator for up to 600 amps-at-idle 24 VDC charging.
www.vanner.com

Siemens featured its Velaro high-speed trainset on the EXPO show floor. In addition to next-generation technology and comfort, Velaro’s top qualities also include efficiency and environmental compatibility. Eight cars with two bogies each offer maximum transport efficiency over an approximate 656-foot length. Up to 510 seats are possible with classic seating and additional configurations provide space for up to 1,243 passengers, for the most energy-efficient transportation possible.
www.siemens.com/railsystems

Seon’s vMax Commander video management software can give transit agencies a Web-based view of system health, alarms and video download status, while reducing the time and effort spent locating and retrieving bus video by more than 50%. The company also launched its campaign to “Stop Violence Against Drivers,” which will offer industry resources, education and solutions to help transit systems stem the tide of violence against operators.
www.seon.com

MOD35 is the next generation of Rotary Lift’s MOD30 modular, environmentally friendly heavy-duty in-ground lift. Rotary Lift’s patented universal saddles are widely used on MOD Series, EFX60 in-ground scissor and traditional in-ground lift installations worldwide. The modular design of the new MOD35 in-ground lift enables it to be customized for any location. The wide array of available saddles and adapters enable transit agencies to equip the lift for virtually any lifting application.
www.rotarylift.com

MCI showcased its latest clean-diesel Commuter Coach built for Houston METRO as part of its 95-bus order. The 40-foot, CNG coach, which is one of the first to feature new Bendix braking and ZF axle systems, includes an impressive set of standard features, including a Luminator destination sign, a Transmark Mobile View nine-camera color surveillance system, and 110-volt power outlets with USB plugs at every seat.
www.mcicoach.com

The “Dual-Mode” Model LU18 Low Floor Ramp offers a two-position interior floor, that when deployed to most curbs maintains a level entrance into the bus, and when deployed to street level, a portion of the interior floor automatically lowers on an incline to offer a 1:6 slope for easier passenger boarding.
www.lift-u.com

IMPulse NC LLC’s Cable Theft Detection system uses the revolutionary Spread Spectrum Time-Domain Reflectometry made possible by LiveWire Innovation. This allows users to see into the cable environment and watch for changes without interfering with the wire circuit. It works on live and de-energized cables that will immediately transmit any alert or event wirelessly.
www.impulsenc.com

Haldex’s new GeminiMDX is a systematic approach for exceptional air system protection and maximum drying capacity. It is pre-assembled with custom mounting brackets for easy installation and removal. The custom manifolds eliminate the need for fittings and tubes in parallel plumbing and allow for maximum use of valuable space. www.haldex.com

Hadley showcased its prototype Digital Signage System, which provides customized information that is geo-localized, so it is relevant to the location of the vehicle at the time it is displayed. Customizable content can provide real-time information, weather updates and traffic conditions as well as dining, entertainment and shopping options at the next stop and along the route.
www.hadleyadvantage.com

Firetrace systems detect fire using the proprietary red Firetrace Detection Tubing. This heat sensitive polymer tubing is pressurized and reacts to the heat and radiant energy of a fire by bursting, thus activating the fire suppression system. Firetrace detection tubing is ideal for fire detection in buses as it tolerates the vibration, dirt and temperature extremes of the environments in which the buses operate. As these systems are pneumatically operated, they require no power from the vehicle to operate and do not place additional strain on the vehicle’s electrical system.
www.firetrace.com

ElDorado National featured its Aerotech shuttle bus operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. The propane-fueled paratransit shuttle bus is built on a Ford E-450 chassis and equipped with a Roush CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system installed by Green Alternative Systems. The body of the Aerotech bus model is designed on a fiberglass composite reinforced structure. The bus also features a wheelchair lift.
www.enconline.com

NextAgent is an innovative hybrid ticket office, call center and ticket vending machine that enables transit operators to respond to a number of significant trends in ticketing. Some journeys and individual requirements are very complex and lead travelers to feel more comfortable dealing with a knowledgeable ticketing agent than with a ticket vending machine. NextAgent enables operators to balance these competing demands cost effectively by locating ticketing expertise in centralized ticketing “hubs” to which all passengers have access whenever they are traveling.
www.cts.cubic.com

Built to endure, Vision provides the ultimate in vandal resistance. In addition to durability being a top priority for the design and engineering of the seat, Vision provides advanced ergonomic design, style and superior comfort. The seat is a Good Design award winner.
www.americanseating.com

The SplitFlip in Gemini ultra-lightweight provides optimal versatility for bus seating configurations. The space saving flip-up feature can accommodate varying combinations for added floor space, strollers, shopping carts and much more. Single, easy flip-down motion returns seat to standard passenger seating capacity. The seat comes with tough-to-cut vandal resistant and interchangeable inserts. It also has removable grab rails, hidden fasteners and a space saving shape.
4ONE.com

EAO’s new Series 57 door-opening pushbutton is the first of its kind that combines optical, tactile and acoustic features in a single, innovative ground-breaking design that redefines passenger access. The modern design of the Series 57 features a user friendly, extra-large operating area of Ø74mm that includes two uniquely integrated and independently illuminated feedback rings.
www.eao.com

The new-look Enviro500 double deck bus, at just 13 feet, six inches in height, will operate virtually anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The ideal solution for carrying large numbers of passengers while occupying a smaller roadspace (around 100 passengers in a 40-foot length). Benefits include low operating and purchase costs; lowest fuel consumption per passenger carried; excellent stability and ride; fully air conditioned and exceptional passenger comfort
www.alexander-dennis.com

The CoPilot, the ultimate all-in-one mobile DVR, features two built-in cameras for interior/exterior views, hands-free wireless technology, a G-Force inertia sensor to detect dangerous driving, GPS mapping for fleet tracking and dual solid-state SD card storage to withstand tough environments. Mounted to the windshield, the compact CoPilot is your total solution for driver behavior management.
www.angeltrax.com

The Vapor Electric Actuator for transit buses integrates electrical and mechanical elements to precisely open and close passenger doors while minimizing power consumption, according to the supplier. A powerful smart controller is engineered to provide total motion control and extensive data logging capacity.
www.vapordoors.com

TransTech manufactures pantographs for heavy, light, commuter and high-speed rail as well as streetcar applications. The company provides unique engineered design options to meet customer-specific needs: Spring operated actuation with manual retraction, electrically raised, air raised, air-lowered and latched, or direct air actuation.
www.transtech.com

The Athenia E-Series air-conditioning modules from Thermo King is specifically designed for hybrid and electric buses to align with the latest sustainability trends and comply with regulatory directives. The modules are one-piece rooftop units that are fully-hermetic and electric-driven and offer high airflow and better circulation inside the bus for increased comfort. The design is relatively shorter compared to other rooftop heating, ventilating and air conditioning modules, which allows additional space on the roof of the bus for electric drive components.
www.Thermoking.com

The Sportworks Apex 3™ offers the most compact, unobstructed layout of any three-bike transit rack. A modular design reduces maintenance costs, while the rack accommodates the largest array of bikes with up to 29-inch diameter wheels, three-inch-wide tires and a 48-inch wheelbase. A rugged stainless steel construction with anti-glare finish provides maximum corrosion resistance and longevity.
www.sportworks.com

The multifunctional FareGo Move MT/60, the first handheld device designed specifically for use in fare management, supports all ticketing processes and can be used as a portable POS unit in addition to use in vehicles. Key features include: variable barcode reader; high-performance and scalable architecture; ergonomic user interface; universal magnetic card reader; and a high-capacity battery, with an operating time of over 10 hours.
www.scheidt-bachmann.com

RouteMatch brings a complete ITS platform for transit systems to run demand response and fixed-route operations. Clients have increasingly adopted tablets as mobile data devices within vehicles, which has helped them take advantage of the Google Android platform, save on hardware purchase and repair costs and improve reliability as well as extend the value of tablets for other uses beyond GPS tracking, such as to conduct pre- and post-vehicle inspections and electronic signature capture.
www.routematch.com

TrainWise is a flexible, comprehensive solution for trains and locomotives that employs leading-edge technology in a rail-robust package and integrates with other onboard systems. The suite provides a unified interface to monitor and manage all onboard electronic vehicle systems.
www.questertangent.com

Quantum, the transportation industry’s first fully-automatic, rear-facing wheelchair securement station, allows passengers to board a bus or railcar, quickly position their chairs, and simply push a button to secure themselves in a stable and safe rear-facing position without driver assistance — all in under 25 seconds. Once the vehicle reaches the destination and stops, the passenger simply pushes the button again and independently makes their exit.
www.qstraint.com

Proterra showcased the second-generation of its battery-electric bus on the show floor. Founder Dale Hill said much had changed since the company first introduced its battery-electric vehicle at the 2008 EXPO. “When we introduced the bus in San Diego, there wasn’t even a battery-electric car being commercially produced,” he told METRO on the show floor. Hill added that to date, Proterra has about 50 battery-electric vehicles in service in 10 locations around the U.S., traveling a cumulative 650,000 fleet miles, or approximately 18,000 to 20,000 miles per week, with the company expecting to hit the one-million mile mark by mid-February. Transit agencies who have recently added Proterra battery-electric buse

New Flyer launched its new battery-electric Xcelsior bus, which is also available with clean diesel, CNG, hybrid and trolley propulsion systems. The battery-electric bus is equipped with a Siemens propulsion system and an Eaton charging system. The lithium-ion battery packs of the new vehicle have the ability to receive a partial recharge using a regenerative braking system, which is ideally suited for the typical start-and-stop duty cycle of a transit bus. Range is dependent on the unique operations and route structure of each customer with the capability of scalable battery capacities between 100 and 300 kWh. New Flyer is also developing the first-ever North American designed and built zero-emission, 60-foot battery-elec

The MV-1 LX is the company’s newly introduced luxury model. Built with a rigid body-on-frame design for durability and power, the LX rides like other luxury sedans without the price. The deployable side ramp provides a shallow, easy-to-navigate slope that exceeds ADA guidelines. The ramp provides two lengths, enabling wheelchair users seamless entry into the MV-1’s spacious interior. When not in use, the ramp is hidden underneath the floor in an enclosed area, providing maximum, unobstructed floor space.
www.mv-1.us

The next-generation TwinVision Smart Series III now includes surface-mount LEDs that are lighter weight and use a multi-functional, operator controlled panel that provides more color selection.
www.luminatortechnologygroup.com

L-3 Communications introduced the next level of bus operator training in the form of their TS6-V8 Municipal Bus Simulator. This new device features an integrated curriculum ensuring a seamless integration with your existing programs. The new product is backed by the most experienced team in the business to help you get the desired results.
www.l-3training.com/

Kiel North America introduced its Comfort Line, a multifunctional and technologically barrier-breaking seat model for high-speed transportation. Manually- or motor-operated adjustable back and seat cushions, as well as foldable armrests, are a standard feature as well as the pleasingly contoured head rest, providing travelers with a shielded area for utmost comfort and restfulness. A vast number of available extras, such as flexible LED reading lamps and USB-chargers, conclude the state-of-the-art rail seat.
www.kielna.com

INIT’s new MOBILE-ECO2 addresses two main requirements facing today’s public transit environment: state of good repair and vehicle economy. The system monitors vehicle performance through the J1939 data network, analyzes driver behavior, discovers trends and delivers real-time vehicle alerts. Using comprehensive dashboards and reports, MOBILE-ECO2 reveals important vehicle trends — and future issues — before they become expensive repairs.
www.initag.de

Gillig’s BRTPLUS features a sleek, aerodynamic design that incorporates a raked-back front cap blended into a full length, contoured roofline. It is available in 29-, 35- and 40-foot lengths and can be powered by diesel, hybrid or compressed natural gas.
www.gillig.com

The FMNA Fire Suppression system from USSC is the only system to attach all three components of the fire triangle: heat, oxygen and fuel. In the evaporation process, the water mist cools the burnt gases and hot parts in the engine compartment. The cooling contributes to rapid fire suppression and reduces the risk of reigniting. During the evaporation, the small water drops evaporate immediately upon contact with heat. In the evaporation, one liter of water forms 1,700 liters of water vapor. The vapor increases the water content of air, supported with an AFFF foam agent, which prevents a new supply of oxygen to the fire. The water mist also includes an addition of foam that blankets the fuel on flammable oil products to prevent

Espar featured both cooling and heating systems on the show floor. The company’s AC 353 Narrow comes in a range of sizes and cooling capacities and features a compact, modular design and reduction in leakage potential, thanks to a semi-hermetic refrigerant circuit. Meanwhile, the Hydronic M-II heater can be mounted in different positions and angles for installation flexibility, while the system’s self-diagnostics improve ease of operation and maintenance.
www.espar.com

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.’s NGV Easy Bay is a code-compliant fabric barrier system utilizing an industrial curtain that’s more affordable than installing a concrete, masonry or drywall barrier in a maintenance garage. The NGV Easy Bay system offers benefits such as accommodating single-bay projects or large buildings as well as turnkey design and installation services by Clean Energy.
www.cleanenergyfuels.com

The Champion LF Transport with Flexbus™ technologies is equipped with an electronically controlled air-ride suspension system, Equalizer® Ramp, single-slope entry and a 102-inch-wide true flat-floor passenger area. Features include alternative-fuel options, a large passenger side observation window, 225-amp alternator, five-speed automatic transmission, and a single source for warranty suspension and low-floor conversion.
www.championbus.com

CCW’s all-electric transit bus powered by Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) uses advanced lithium-ion batteries and a liquid-cooled drive system to provide fuel and maintenance cost savings. The 40-foot version can seat up to 36 passengers and features a 293-inch wheelbase, an electric HVAC system, air brakes, hydraulic power steering and more.
www.completecoach.com

BYD’s Brendan Riley introduced public transportation’s “escape from the dark ages” when unveiling the company’s new 60-foot, battery-electric articulated bus. Utilizing BYD’s proprietary iron-phosphate battery, the high-capacity, high-load vehicle produces zero emissions, runs 170-plus miles on a single charge, delivers 3,000Nm of torque and integrates easily with any existing fleet. The vehicle is designed and built at BYD’s Lancaster, Calif. factory and is FMVSS-, ADA- and Buy America-compliant. Riley was joined by the vice mayor of Lancaster, Calif., Marvin Crist, who touted BYD for bringing jobs to the area along with cutting-edge technology to help the city work toward improving its

The Liberty Streetcar light rail vehicle platform is a unique, cost-effective solution to the car. It designs, constructs and tests at a single location permitting a convenient inspection schedule. With a customizable floor plan and a 70% low-floor car, the streetcar also provides an energy storage system.
www.brookvillecorp.com

Showcased the BART “Fleet of the Future” metro car mockup, featuring a reconfigured interior layout designed to maximize seating, openness and comfort. Other new features include comfortable easy-to-clean seats with lumbar support; interior and exterior digital displays showing passenger info; a better-quality public address system; more doors for faster boarding and improved onboard security cameras.
www.bombardier.com

BAE Systems’ HybriDrive diesel-electric bus system with two options (HDS100 and HDS200 modular traction systems) has three components: a diesel engine coupled to a generator, an electric traction motor and the fixed-ratio reduction gear. The diesel engine powers the generator, which starts the engine and gives power to the electric motor and energy storage system. The electric motor turns the wheels of the bus. When the bus slows down, the hybrid diesel-electric motor functions as a generator, recapturing energy for later use. Lithium-ion batteries provide power for acceleration and store the power generated when the brakes are applied.
www.baesystems.com</a

The RoadRunner HD™ mobile video recorder is offered in several compatible and interchangeable formats for recording up to 16 channels of High Definition Internet Protocol or analog cameras with audio. It is equipped with all of the features of an IP system, but in an easily accessible plug-and-play format that allows simple installation and programming with no networking expertise.
www.apollovideotechnology.com

Alstom Transport’s knowledge and innovation team debuted new virtual training simulators to the North American market including the new oculus 3D virtual reality headset, which simulates being in the driver’s seat of a high-speed train traveling over 250 mph. The driving simulator enabled participants to emulate the operation of a Citadis light rail vehicle through acceleration, deceleration and emergency braking in a virtual reality setting. These simulators are the next generation of training tools that will help train rail operators in a safe, controlled environment.
www.alstom.com

ABC Companies paired with New Flyer to serve as the exclusive distributor of New Flyer’s MiDi and Xcelsior transit bus models to U.S. private bus and shuttle operators. The New Flyer MiDi is a mid-sized, low-floor, clean diesel powered bus that is ideal for use in community, airport, university and hotel shuttle services. Available in 30- and 35-foot lengths, the streamlined design of the MiDi provides greater maneuverability while maintaining accessibility for passengers with one or two doors and a 1:6 slope wheelchair ramp. MiDi was developed through a joint venture with Alexander Dennis and is based on its E200 design with over 16,000 vehicles deployed worldwide.
<a href="http://www.abc-companies.com" tar