WMATA Unveils New Metrobuses
WMATA just sent out images of their brand new Metrobuses. The new red and silver color scheme looks pretty sweet. Keep an eye out for one of the 22 new 60-foot articulated buses when they make their debut in August, on lines yet to be announced.
The rest of the press release stats are below the jump.
Maximum number of passengers each bus can hold: 61 seated; 42 standing; 103 totalNew-look buses
* Aerodynamic look is sleeker with more curves than older, boxy buses.
* Exterior paint shows off Metro’s new red and silver color scheme. Express buses will have the blue and silver color scheme used on MetroExtra Route 79.
* Advanced continuous glazing passenger windows give the illusion of one continuous window from the outside.
* LED interior and exterior lighting and Luminator GEN 4 destination sign system are energy efficient and help improve visibility inside and outside the bus.
* Polished aluminum wheels and wheel skirts finish off the look.Passenger amenities
* Cushioned passenger seats are fabric upholstered and vandal resistant.
* The first handhold straps in the fleet provide added support for customers who are standing in the front area of the bus.
* Heating and air conditioning system allows faster heating and cooling.
* Automated voice annunciator system with stop request and two amber interior LED signs help customers see and hear bus locations and stops.Safety/reliability features
* Onboard video camera surveillance system of nine cameras per bus includes a reverse camera to help the bus operator see behind the bus and a camera at the rear door to observe passengers.
* Vapor Contact Less Acoustical Sensing System on rear doors senses when passengers are near the door and makes an audio announcement to warn customers when doors are closing.
* Hard guards surrounding the curbside center and rear wheels reduce the likelihood of pedestrian injuries.
* Automatic Vehicle Monitoring System monitors the bus performance, including the engine and braking, heating and air conditioning systems, and provides an electronic and printed report when maintenance is needed.
* Low-floor buses are ADA compliant and include a kneeling and raising system to meet various curb heights, a wheelchair ramp and two wheelchair positions.Bus system features
* Manufacturer: North American Bus Industries (NABI), located in Anniston, AL
* Model: NABI bus model: 60BRT-08-01 (fleet numbers: 5401-5422)
* Engine: Cummins ISL-G Gas Engine (320 horsepower rating)
* Transmission: Allison B500 transmission
* Fuel tank capacity: 27,088 standard cubic feet of Compressed Natural Gas
* Brake System
>> All wheel disc brakes
>> Anti-lock brakes
>> Traction control
* Dimensions
>> Length: 60 feet
>> Width: 102 inches
>> Height: 137 inches
>> Curb weight: 45,128 lbs.
>> Floor Height: 16.6 inches at front door (11.8 inches when bus is lowered for boarding and alighting)Other transit agencies that have the same model buses
* Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority
* Charlotte, NC
* Foothills Transit, CA
* Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)