Port Authority Transit unveils first of the new, low-floor buses

Pittsburgh, PA

The first of 160 new low-floor buses, which feature easy boarding and alighting for customers, was presented to the public and local news media today by Port Authority Transit of Allegheny County. The buses, manufactured by Neoplan USA Corporation , are the first of their kind in the Authority's fleet.

Port Authority operators and maintenance workers have been training on the first low-floor bus since it arrived from Neoplan's Lamar, Colorado assembly plant (phone: 719/336-3256) earlier this month. All 160 low-floor buses are expected to be in service by the end of the year.

"We are pleased to see the first of these low-floor buses placed into service, as we believe they will be very well received by our customers," said Paul P. Skoutelas, Port Authority Chief Executive Officer. "This bus purchase is part of our continuing efforts to improve the condition, appearance and reliability of our bus fleet."

Low-floor buses eliminate the need for wheelchair lifts, using instead a ramp to facilitate the movement of persons with disabilities onto or off the bus. They also reduce the amount of time and effort it takes for customers to board or alight the bus. Port Authority's low-floor buses differ from those in its current fleet in many other ways.

• Other amenities include:
• A voice annunciation system programmed with every route and each key stop in the Port Authority system;
• Wider doors for easier entry and exit;
• Anti-lock brakes, another first for Port Authority;
• A computerized electrical system capable of completing a self-diagnostic inspection;
• A traction control system to aid operators driving on rain- and snow-covered roads; and
• A 320-horsepower engine, 45 hp larger than a standard bus.

Port Authority operates a fleet of more than 900 buses, including 80 mini buses, 50 articulated buses, 18 over-the-road coaches and five buses fueled by compressed natural gas, among others.

Go to the WheelchairNet Discussion Area to ask questions or share your thoughts on this topic with others.

Back to Transportation Page

Last Updated: 3-2-2006