LOW FLOOR BUS SPECIFICATIONS

What considerations must be taken into account when a transit property writes bid specifications for a forty foot (40') low floor bus? With the present trend toward purchasing low floor buses, transit properties are finding that some of the basic differences in their design must be taken into consideration when developing bid specifications. Because of constraints and inherent limitations posed by the low floor designs, some equipment options that operators have grown accustomed with may not be available. In order to achieve the low floor and step free entries, manufacturers have had to relocate under floor equipment. Major components such as engine, transmission, and axles posed the greatest challenge. How the various manufacturers have approached the drive train in their designs has resulted in the most profound differences in their products. The interior layout of the floor has resulted in two basic designs. The first design is flat with a slight degree of incline toward the rear of the bus. The second approach has a flat floor, which extends from the front door to just after the rear exit door. A raised platform is constructed from that point to the rear of the coach. This design usually requires two steps. Of surprise to many people boarding a forty four low floor bus for the first time is that the initial step, measured from ground level, could be as high as 14", depending on the tire size used. The use of low profile tires, if available from the manufacturer, can bring step heights down to approximately 9.5". The height for the initial step can be decreased by kneeling the bus or made less difficult to transcend by deployment of a ramp.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1201 New York Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC    20005
• Authors:
  • Durrieu, A
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the 1997 APTA Bus Operations, Technology & Management Conference
  • Location: Miami, Florida
  • Date: 1997-5-4 to 1997-5-7
• Publication Date: 1997-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 169-171

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Low floor vehicles; Standards; Transit buses
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design features; Limitations
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00740361
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 18 1997 12:00AM