University of Central Florida Expands Fleet with First Blue Birds
Ultra LMBs are Blue Bird’s First Buses to Tour UCF Campus
FORT VALLEY, GA (Nov. 11, 2004) – The University of Central Florida's first impression of Blue Bird's Ultra Low Mass Bus (LMB) was not only a good one, it was a lasting one.
Upon seeing the Ultra LMB for the first time at the APTA conference in Austin, Texas last June, John Clark, UCF's assistant director for parking and transportation knew it was what he had been looking for. "The first time I saw the Ultra LMB I was very impressed," said Clark . "It was exactly what we needed for transporting our students safely and comfortably. The narrow width increases the maneuverability around the tight turns on campus, the low floor provides greater accessibility and Blue Bird's reputation for building a reliable product was particularly appealing. The wheelchair ramp was also a factor," Clark added. "It's much more convenient than the traditional lifts found on other buses."
UCF has taken delivery of four 28' long Blue Bird Ultra LMBs capable of carrying 26 passengers. The Ultra LMB comes equipped with a Cummins ISB-4 CYL 170 H.P. diesel engine , Allison LCT 2000 series automatic transmission, front and rear air suspension, ABS Interlock/air disc brakes, and a Thermoking S40 with roof mount condenser .
American Coach Lines of Orlando, which has been involved in the university's shuttle service since its inception, handled all aspects of the sale.
ACL manages the day-to-day operation of the shuttle, including onsite route management, drivers and vehicles.
"This is UCF's first experience with Blue Bird and we are very excited about the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to customer service to the university," said Buddy Cox, Blue Bird's director of sales & marketing.
For more than 75 years Blue Bird Corporation has set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing of transportation vehicles. Founded in 1927, Blue Bird employs nearly 2,000 people throughout three facilities in North America . Blue Bird has an extensive network of distributors and service-parts facilities. For more information on Blue Bird's Ultra LMB and its entire line of commercial bus products, please visit Blue Bird's website at www.blue-bird.com or call toll free 1-800-486-7122 .
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