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The state transit agencies of California, Colorado and New Jersey have evolved their own unique purchasing patterns to address the many variables involved in the specifying decision. The Los Angeles transit authority specifications are based on legal requirements set by the board while a diversified fleet is the top priority for the Denver Regional Transportation District. The New Jersey Transit management's bus specifications are based on considerations of safety, passenger comfort and the use of appropriate technology.

Shuttle vehicles need to meet the service criteria of the purchasing agency. Sky Harbor International Airpot in Phoenix, AZ, chose ATC Vancom' 40-foot New Flyer Model C40 LF. These buses can cope with high daily mileage and frequent stops. They also have low-floor designs making them accessible to disabled riders. The Pasco County Public Transit in Florida opted for converted vans with excellent maneuverability and features aimed at increasing driving safety. Red Rose Transit Authority in Lancaster County, PA, prefers to manage a fleet of vans and taxis.

Bus manufacturers have boosted their production capacities for buses fueled by either compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG) or liquid propane gas (LPG) due to continued increase in demand. There are now about 50,000 CNG or LNG vehicles in the US. Of this number, 3.8% to 5.6% represent buses used by transit systems. Some of the top bus makers using alternative fuels are North American Transit, Blue Bird, MCI Coach, El Dorado, World Trans, Neoplan, NovaBUS and North American Bus Industries.

A survey conducted by the American Public Transit Assn shows that the demand for low-floor buses has increased. Results also revealed that 13.9% and 20.1% of the buses poroduced in 1996 and 1997, respectively, were of the low-floor type. Several companies which have started manufacturing low-floor buses include Gillig, which predicted that there would be an increased demand in the year 2000. Other companies involved in low-bus manufacturing are Orion, Blue Bird, El Dorado National and NovaBUS.

The market growth of electric buses for local transit application is predicted to escalate up to 25% to 30%. However, it has been reported that the sale of electric vehicles has actually been low. This may be attributed in part to the demise of some electric bus manufacturers which made many transit operators become hesitant in purchasing such vehicles. The expense and life of the batteries, as well as the limited bus travels are also some of the factors that inhibit sales growth. These may explain why some electric bus manufacturers have enhanced their products to become more dependable.

The New Jersey Transit has installed virtual reality equipment from Doron Precision Systems at driver training centers in Maplewood and Camden. The Vehicle Maneuvering Trainer and the semi-interactive L-3000 Bus System have helped over 5,000 new and veteran drivers through the simulation of real-life driving conditions. The systems have helped the transit agency save around $375,000 annually and minimize training period.

Buses are at the forefront of hydrogen fuel cell development, with several manufacturers currently exploring electric bus technology. Hydrogen fuel cell systems are touted to be the best solution to automotive vehicle pollution, as they provide zero emissions. Among bus makers working with the hydrogen fuel cell technology are NovaBUS with its 40-foot Nova RTS bus, and Ballard Power Systems which has teamed up with New Flyer for a 40-foot bus running entirely on hydrogen fuel cells. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota are also developing prototypes of hydrogen fuel cells.

In the free-for-all world of open production systems, one manufacturer offers technical help and operational accountability You've analyzed the various aspects of your workflow; sorted through the vast array of [...]