NAPT Technology Showcase

Vision bolsters loading area view
In addition to a new look, the redesigned Vision Type C bus includes such features as a “Safety View” vision panel with a wide-angle Fresnal lens for improved view of the loading/unloading zone. The 50-degree wheel reduces the need for backing, and the electric horn can emit high and low notes.

Blue Bird Corp.

Smallest reciprocating A/C compressor
The F400 compressor features a new sleek, compact aluminum design that is the lightest (50 pounds) and smallest reciprocating transit compressor in the industry. Additional key features are a shaft seal design that allows continuous operation at speeds up to 4,500 rpm, a lip seal and internal reservoir to eliminate oil seepage from the seal face.

Bitzer International

Cameras take the place of mirrors
What if bus drivers didn’t use mirrors but instead relied on a series of cameras that provided the same fields of vision? Rosco illustrated that concept using a system of cameras and monitors on a Type A school bus. Four color monitors were strategically placed in the driver’s compartment to provide coverage of the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

Rosco

Concept bus illustrates low-floor benefits
IC Corporation displayed a low-floor school bus that allows all students to enter and exit through the same door. The door is equipped with a ramp that can be used by students in wheelchairs. The bus has a kneeling suspension that lowers the entrance step to 4 inches, making it easier for both able-bodied and mobility-impaired students to enter and exit the vehicle.

IC Corporation

Surveillance systems offer myriad options
Safety Vision displayed several of its surveillance products, including the RouteRecorder CF, a completely solid-state, single-channel digital school bus video recorder system. Also featured was the RouteRecorder 5C, a multiplexed, five-channel digital school bus video observation and recorder system. The recorder includes the capability of recording up to five cameras simultaneously.

Safety Vision

Type A bus offers versatility
The dual-rear wheel bus built on a GM chassis offers two wheelbases, 139 inches (with capacities of up to 28 passengers) and 159 inches (with capacities of up to 30 passengers). Two gasoline engines and the Duramax diesel engine are available. The bus comes in four different bumper-to-bumper lengths: 231, 249, 258.4 and 276.6 inches. Flat-floor options are available.

U.S. Bus Corp.

New way to track driver performance
The Continuous Approach to Reducing Emissions (CARE) measures a vehicle’s fuel-economy performance using Zonar’s tracking technology. The CARE system allows a fleet operator to identify and score a driver’s performance based on events such as excessive idling, hard braking, rapid acceleration and speed limit violations.

Zonar Systems

MCHX condensers boost efficiency
Carrier now offers micro channel heat exchangers (MCHX) in its CM-2 and CM-3 Skirt-Mount Condensers. The MCHX condensers improve efficiency while reducing weight and amount of refrigerant and oil required. Carrier also launched a new condenser fan, the Vector, on its family of roof-mount condensers as well as all skirt-mount condenser models. The Vector offers decreased amp draw and increased airflow.

Carrier Transport A/C

Children’s book depicts first bus ride
The Pupil Transportation Safety Institute now offers a new children’s book, 3 Big Steps. The 28-page “flip-over”-style book, written by Eileen Murphy and illustrated by Violet Montgomery, is available in Spanish and English versions. Children will enjoy the colorful drawings and the story of Gracie and Tyler, who take their first school bus ride on orientation day to prepare for the first day of school.

PTSI