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Greencastle, Indiana – American Bus Products (ABP), the exclusive distributor for The Friendly Bus® and leading product supplier for the Bus industry, has announced it has successfully completed the 7 year – 200,000 mile U.S. Government vehicle durability test for The Friendly Bus®. Conducted by the Federal Transit Administration’s Altoona Bus & Research Center, The Friendly Bus® received its certification and has been placed within federally funded & supported programs for purchase by U.S. transit agencies. Harry Dixon, of American Bus Products states, “The Friendly Bus is a true representation of a product being built, tested and certified by the industry’s best…and with the latest certification coming from the U.S. Government, The Friendly Bus has not only proven again its durability, but has confirmed its ability to excel within the demanding day-to-day operations of today’s public transit environments”. About The Friendly Bus® After being unveiled and quickly becoming the “hit of the show” at the 2006 Community Transportation Expo in Orlando, Florida, The Friendly Bus® continued to demonstrate its innovation and overall vehicle durability; from conquering all 14,110 feet of the famous Pike’s Peak mountain through a winter storm that brought in over 20 inches of snow…to providing a Safer, Smarter & Easier vehicle for the public transportation industry. The full time front wheel drive Friendly Bus® by American Bus Products, is based on a Ford F-450/550 platform, with a 6.4L V8 Power Stroke™ Diesel or V-10 Triton Gasoline option available. The vehicle’s frame is galvanized for added weather element protection and overall vehicle strength. Passengers are met with unprecedented comfort as they are transported on the all-wheel independent air-ride and wide-trac rear Axleless® suspension system. The low floor throughout technology eliminates interior steps and the need for hydraulic lifts, providing curb height access for all passengers. Available in a variety of models (including numerous Non-CDL models), The Friendly Bus® can accommodate up to 7 wheelchair positions/22 passengers (model 27). With seniors and people with mobility challenges the central focus in its design, The Friendly Bus® offers a sensible solution to many of today’s public transportation needs by providing the next generation of accessible transit shuttle bus transportation. The Friendly Bus® is an ideal mode of transportation for: city transit systems, door-to-door shuttle service, demand route transportation, paratransit services, airport shuttle services, assisted living centers, churches, retirement communities, university transportation, and much more. About The Federal Transit Administration’s Altoona Testing Program Located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the FTA New Model Bus Testing Program is designed to promote production of better transit vehicles and components and to ensure that transit customers purchase safe vehicles able to withstand the rigors of transit service. The Bus Testing Program of the Federal Transit Administration was established in response to the requirements of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act (STURAA) of 1987. Under the program, testing is required on all new model buses before they can be purchased with federal funds. The Altoona Bus Testing Center was established in 1989 by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute (PTI) with funding provided by FTA. The Testing Program is administered by the Vehicle Systems and Safety Program at the Altoona Bus Testing Center, and PTI in State College. The testing center program provides bus manufacturers and transit agencies invaluable information that is used to improve quality and safety of transit buses. Currently, the Center tests buses for safety, structural integrity, performance, maintainability, noise, and fuel economy. Report Summary: The Friendly Bus® On May 11th, 2007 a model Low Floor Friendly Bus, diesel-powered, 14 seat (including the driver) 28 foot-bus, was submitted for a 7 yr/200,000 mile STURAA test, and was completed on September 7th, 2007. To Access The Official Friendly Bus STURAA Report, Visit American Bus Products.com About American Bus Products (ABP) American Bus Products Inc. has sales offices located in mid-west USA (Indiana) and central Canada (Ontario) and is the main distributor for The Friendly Bus designed by Dallas Smith Corp. American Bus Products is part of a larger dealer/distributor organization that has been servicing the bus industry since 1970 and continues to service the private and public bus markets. Over 40 dedicated professionals in sales, parts, service and administration are ready and eager to serve your needs. For more company information or to enquire as to how you can make the Friendly Bus a part of your fleet, call our Account Reps Harry Dixon and Garry Ladner toll free at 866-569-8059. Other Related & Helpful Information American Bus Products Website - www.americanbusproducts.com Office Locations: USA Canada FTA Grant Programs - www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants_financing_263.html Applying for & Managing Grants - www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants_financing_7205.html Pennsylvania Transportation Institute - www.pti.psu.edu Altoona Bus & Research Center - www.vss.psu.edu/btrc.htm
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