WARWICK, N.Y. — Trans Tech’s 2017 model year Type A school buses will include several new enhanced safety and design features.

Company officials said that the enhancements resulted from working closely with Trans Tech’s customers and national dealer network.

“Incorporating the safety and operational needs of our customers into our vehicle engineering and manufacturing processes is very important, and it allows us to build a bus that continues to exceed market expectations,” Trans Tech President John Phraner said.

The new features include:

• A redesigned entrance door that increases headroom by 4 inches (from 72 to 76 inches).
• Rub-rail end caps that reportedly eliminate the need for welds and enhance corrosion protection.
• A redesign in rear wheel fender secure points that eliminates the need for cosmetic sealant and increases durability and aesthetics, according to Trans Tech.
• Powder-coated door handles, which will replace the current chrome-plated handles to enhance handle durability and vehicle aesthetics, company officials said.

“These innovations not only enhance our entire lineup; they will lead to even greater overall customer and dealer satisfaction,” Phraner said.

The enhancements are standard and will be installed on all new Trans Tech buses starting this November, when production on the 2017 model year buses begins. The company will debut one of the new models at the National Association for Pupil Transportation trade show in Richmond, Virginia, in November.