A variety of vehicles were featuring during the 2016 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference bus display held this year in front of Charlotte, N.C.'s NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 16, 2016.
[Photos] APTA 2016 Vehicle Display - Bus & Paratransit Conference
The Bus Display was held this year in front of Charlotte, N.C.'s NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The REV Group showcased offerings from ENC, ElDorado, ElDorado Mobility and Champion. It also debuted its new World Trans brand (pictured), which features a narrow-body design that offers easy vehicle maneuverability; a large view-out window that reduces blind spots and enhances visibility; and an industry-leading external storage compartment. The model has a maximum of 18 passengers plus driver.
This wrapped Complete Coach Works bus has been remanufactured using the company's Zero-Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS). Using an advanced Lithium-Ion battery system and liquid-cooled drive system, the ZEPS electric bus provides significant fuel and maintenance cost savings, providing a driving range of 150-plus miles per charge.
Blue Bird Commercial Buses showcased this front-engine bus featuring a Ford engine and ROUSH Clean Tech propane autogas system. The company's Commercial line all feature an ergonomic driver's cockpit, overhead parcel racks and advanced seating options. Also offered in gas and diesel, Blue Bird will offer a CNG version of this vehicle in the very near future.
Q'Straint demonstrated its Quantum and Q'POD solutions. The Q′POD secures virtually all styles of wheelchairs, including scooters. Its rear self-tensioning wheelchair restraints and lap belts are fully enclosed, while a proven electrical delay system enables drivers to unlock rear restraints for 15 seconds - enabling quicker wheelchair securement and better positioning.
The upgraded Proterra Catalyst XR delivers 28% more range than the original XR, within the same space and at the same price. Through a significant investment in state-of-the-art battery engineering in Silicon Valley, the company has employed the best minds in electric-vehicle battery engineering to design a battery specifically for heavy-duty urban transit.
In addition to its MiDi bus, New Flyer also showcased its Excelsior XE electric bus. The bus' Siemens Electric Drive System converts three-phase alternating current power to drive the traction motor by using direct current power from the batteries. When braking, the motor acts as a generator to recover energy, providing more efficient energy conservation.
The purpose-built MV-1 meets or exceeds ADA guidelines and features a 36-inch by 56-inch doorway with a low step-in that allows easy entry for all passengers. The vehicle has seating for up to five passengers, with the optional rear-facing jump seat and is FMVSS-certified to meet all applicable safety and crash requirements.
The MCI Commuter, available in clean-diesel, hybrid or CNG, is strong and durable with a rugged semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers above traffic. Standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Control and Automatic Traction Control systems, an Amerex fire suppression system, and a fully multiplexed solid-state electrical system.
Karsan's rear-engine transit bus features a low-floor design, which offers ease in passenger entry and exit. Meanwhile, the vehicles' lightweight in-floor ramp ensures increased accessibility for all passengers. Karsan's bus has a powerful, economical EPA 2017 Clean Diesel powertrain that guarantees a quiet and comfortable ride.
Gillig featured a Low-Floor bus with new branding for Marietta, Ga.'s recently re-named Cobb Linc transit system. Gillig offers the Low Floor in diesel, hybrid and CNG configurations in 29-, 35- and 40-foot models. The buses delivered to Cobb Linc have on-board Wi-Fi capabilities and enhanced real-time passenger information systems.
BYD showcased their 60-foot articulated battery-electric bus, which is built in California and will begin Altoona Testing in June. Utilizing BYD's proprietary Iron-Phosphate battery, this high-capacity, high-load vehicle produces zero emissions, runs 200 miles on a single charge and integrates easily with any existing fleet.
The X3-45 Commuter Coach pairs a Volvo D13 435-horsepower engine to an Allison six-speed automatic transmission and has a standard seating capacity of 57. It also features an expansive entrance with convenient full-length, soft-touch handrails, while the front-kneeling suspension lowers the coach to help passengers getting on or off, meaning greater accessibility even for people with reduced mobility.