North American Bus Industries 65-BRT
65-BRT CNG | |
Years of manufacture | 2007 |
Length | 65 feet |
Width | 102 inches |
Power/Fuel | Diesel, Diesel-electric hybrid, CNG |
The North American Bus Industries 65-BRT is a 65-foot low-floor articulated transit bus designed for bus rapid transit (BRT) service. Only one 65-BRT is known to exist as a prototype. No other buses have been built for an agency.
Design
The 65-BRT uses a welded steel structure that is phosphate coated to protect from corrosion. Wheel housings, stairwells, main electrical compartment and battery compartment are stainless steel. Body panels are either aluminum or fibreglass. The bus features a wide plug-type door at the front and was available with up to two wide or narrow rear doors. Flush mounted windows were an option.
The 65-BRT was available with conventional diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, and natural gas drivetrains. It is a "pusher" articulated bus with the engine mounted longitudinally at the rear. The CNG-powered version uses four less CNG tanks than the 60-BRT, and therefore weighs about the same.
History
In 2006, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) elected to purchase 96 NABI 60-BRT buses. At the same time, it was determined that larger buses could ease overcrowding on the Metro Orange Line, a busway largely separated from other traffic. NABI offered to modify one bus in the 96-bus order by adding five feet to the front section. This allowed for a 15.7 percent gain in seating capacity. At the time California state laws prohibited vehicles over 60 feet, so the prototype bus required a special permit.[1]
On August 15, 2007, the LACMTA unveiled the 65-BRT at Patsaouras Plaza. The bus entered service on the Orange Line on August 27.[2] It continues to operate in service, but remains a prototype. However it could potentially be joined by even longer buses in the future. In 2015, California passed a bill that would authorize the LACMTA to operate articulated buses of up to 82 feet on the Orange Line.[3][4]
Specifications
Dimensions | ||
---|---|---|
Length: 65 feet | ||
Width: 102 inches | ||
Roof Height: 137 inches | ||
Wheelbase: 301 + 279 inches | ||
Turn Radius: 45 feet | ||
Engine | Emissions | |
Cummins ISL 8.9 litre 330 hp | EPA 2007 | |
Cummins Westport ISL G 8.9 litre, 320 hp | EPA 2010 | |
Caterpillar C9 9.3 litre, 330 hp | EPA 2007 | |
Transmission | ||
Allison B500R | ||
ZF 6HP602C | ||
Hybrid system | ||
Allison EP50 Continuously variable drive/generator PVE NiMH batteries | ||
Axles | ||
ArvinMeritor | ||
Brakes | ||
S-Cam drum brakes | ||
Disc brakes | ||
HVAC | ||
Carrier | ||
Sutrak | ||
Thermo King |
Demonstrator/Engineering Units
Below is a list of known demonstrator and engineering buses.
Fleet Number | Thumbnail | Year | VIN | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LACMTA 9495 | 2007 | 1N965B0187A140057 | Cummins Westport ISL G | Allison B500R |
Operators
United States
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) - Los Angeles, CA (former operator)
References
- ↑ January 2007 board meeting. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
- ↑ Los Angeles Metro Rolls Out North America’s First 65-foot Articulated Compressed Natural Gas Bus on Metro Orange Line. Press release. 27 August 2007.
- ↑ Patrick, McGreevy. L.A. County MTA may use even longer buses in San Fernando Valley. 04 October 2015. Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ Bill text: AB-726 Vehicles: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
NABI - a brand of New Flyer Industries (all models discontinued as of 2015) | |||||||||
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