Blue Bird Coachworks Vehicles On Display At 2005 International Public Transportation Expo
Fort Valley, GA (October 11, 2005) – Blue Bird Coachworks, a division of Blue Bird Corporation, exhibited its core line of commercial vehicles at the 2005 International Public Transportation EXPO held in Dallas , Texas from September 25-28. Presented during every third year of the APTA Annual Meeting, EXPO 2005 included global manufacturers and suppliers promoting products, services and technologies that enable transit systems to improve efficiency and profitability.
“We were extremely pleased with the enthusiasm and interest attendees showed for our commercial line-up,” said Buddy Cox, Director of Sales & Marketing for Blue Bird Commercial Bus & Coach. “The APTA EXPO has always provided the perfect forum to present Blue Bird's industry-leading products, and this year was no exception.”
Blue Bird exhibited four products designed specifically for the transit market: the XCEL 102; the 30' Ultra LF; the 35' Ultra LF; and the Express Commuter Coach. In addition, the company debuted their unique Raven Series One low floor trolley constructed by Trolley Enterprises, Inc.
XCEL 102
The XCEL 102 is a wider, more spacious transit and shuttle bus available in three lengths: under 30-foot, 35-foot and 40-foot. Its 102-inch width allows for a larger landing area, open accessibility for wheelchairs, and more interior space. Constructed of aluminum sides and roof over one-piece body bows and floor structure, the XCEL 102 guarantees maximum durability and a longer life. A new Thermo King deck-mounted air conditioning and heating system provides optimum interior climate control for both passengers and driver alike. The 35-foot XCEL shown at the EXPO is one of ten XCEL 102's purchased by the Town of Jackson, Wyoming/The Southern Teton County Area Rapid Transit (START). The show bus included forward-facing seating for 37 passengers, two wheelchair positions and a scenic, photo-wrap exterior.
ULTRA LF
Blue Bird also exhibited two popular versions of the Ultra LF for the transit application: a 30-foot Ultra model with 24-passenger perimeter and forward-facing seating and 2 wheelchair positions; and a 35-foot version with 30-passenger perimeter and forward-facing seating and 2 wheelchair positions.
The Ultra LF is a low-mass bus that still maintains maximum strength and durability, as well as significant cost savings in fuel and maintenance. Designed specifically for the transit and shuttle markets, the Ultra LF has a 10-inch floor height at its front entrance door in the kneeled position while boasting a spacious 102-inch width. The innovative, fully-integrated design utilizes aluminum construction and weighs significantly less than other low-floor buses, enabling a smaller displacement engine while still delivering optimal performance at a lower cost. The 2006 version of the Ultra LF will integrate the Cummins ISB-02 diesel engine in 230-, 245-, 260- and 275-horsepower ratings, a stainless steel chassis for optimum corrosion-free life, a 90-gallon diesel tank, vapor doors, and a Thermo King deck-mounted air conditioning and heating system.
Express Coach
Blue Bird also exhibited a 45-foot Express commuter coach with forward-facing seating for 53 passengers. The Express commuter coach offers reliability, versatility, a large seating capacity and premium components, making it an optimal choice for contractors, universities and day charters. The Express is available in 40- and 45-foot lengths and offers all stainless steel construction for corrosion-free life. Comfortably seating up to 55 passengers, the Express coach is equipped with a 200-gallon fuel tank, Thermo King deck-mounted climate control system, Caterpillar C-13 410-hp engine with exhaust brake, Allison B-500 6-speed transmission, Meritor 4-link rear suspension for ride quality and handling, and Meritor air disc brakes on all axles for safe, fade-free stopping. Additionally, the Express coach offers ADA accessible lifts.
Raven Series One Trolley
Finally, the Blue Bird presentation included the Raven Series One low floor trolley recently introduced by Trolley Enterprises, Inc. The 24- or 30- passenger trolley uses proprietary technology and is built on a Blue Bird Ultra low-floor chassis. The Raven Series One provides durability, comfort and trolley aesthetics with availability in diesel, CNG or hybrid-electric versions. Trolley Enterprises has acquired a purchase agreement with Blue Bird for the Ultra low floor chassis. “We are extremely pleased to offer a low-floor chassis trolley for the transit market that is 12-year Altoona-tested,” said Trolley Enterprises President & CEO, Jody Perez. “Blue Bird's proven chassis technology gives us world-class performance and a clear competitive advantage.” The Raven Series One is marketed and sold exclusively by Trolley Enterprises.
All Blue Bird Coachworks' products are purpose-designed and manufactured at the Coachworks facility in Fort Valley , Georgia and meet the Federal Transit Administration's strict Altoona testing requirements as well as providing reliable, hassle-free performance.
For nearly 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing of transportation vehicles. Blue Bird employs nearly 2,500 people throughout three facilities in North America . For more information, please visit www.bluebirdcoachworks.com .
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