HIGHWAY TRACTOR PULLS NOVEL MODULAR BUS DDEC/ATEC PERMITS CHANGING POWER TRAIN TO MATCH PASSENGER LOAD

SuperBus is a U.S. design intended to match passenger capacity with passenger demand by using a highway tractor to haul separate passenger modules through converter dollies and fifth-wheel equipment. The modular bus concept was first tried in the 1930s and currently is used at some European airports. A major advance, as seen by the developer, is the variable-power Detroit Diesel engine which can electronically produce fueling schedules that produce optional 253 or 300 hp ratings on demand. Having a separate power module (tractor) permits low-profile passenger modules which do not have to accommodate the drive trains of conventional buses. The Automatic Transmission Electronic Control (ATEC) replaces hydraulic shifting and is coordinated with the engine control. Because SuperBus has more axles, there can be greater braking effort than is possible on regular transit buses.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3064294
• Corporate Authors:

  Friendship Publications, Incorporated

  West 2627 Providence, P.O. Box 1472
  Spokane, WA  United States  99210-1472
• Publication Date: 1986-4

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 66-67
• Serial:
  • Bus Ride
  • Volume: 22
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Friendship Publications, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0192-8902
  • Serial URL: http://www.busride.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Articulated buses; Buses; Diesel engines; Electronic control; Low floor vehicles; Modular structures; Passenger transportation; Tractor trailer combinations; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Capacity
• Old TRIS Terms: Bus design; Modular design
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Motor Carriers; Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00456257
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1988 12:00AM