Federal Transit Administrations Bus Testing Program Altoona Testing

Federal Transit Administration’s Bus Testing Program “Altoona Testing” Operated by: Thomas D. Larson, Pennsylvania Transportation Institute Altoona Bus Testing and Research Center Pennsylvania Transportation Institute College of Engineering The Pennsylvania State University

LTI’s Full-Scale Research Facility (Test Track) Brake Slope Large Impact Pendulum Dynamometer Bus Lane Rail-Guided Crash Test Facility Vehicle Handling Area Vehicle Durability Track Vehicle Testing Laboratory Pavement Durability Track ck o R Research Laboratory and Office ad o R Entrance (Test Track Road)

The Tests • Eight evaluation categories – Maintainability – Reliability – Safety – Performance/Braking – Structural Integrity and Durability – Fuel Economy – Noise – Emissions

Data Reported • Comprehensive Final Test Report – Report for each model tested – Format standardized for ease of comparison between competing models – Objective results – No pass/fail – Descriptions of all problems/failures encountered – Data intended for use during procurement process

Bus Models Tested As of March 31, 2008 Since its inception, the test center has completed testing of 384 buses.

Failures Encountered • Majority of failures encountered – – – – – Chassis/structure Suspension Engine/drive train Exhaust/emissions Electrical Air conditioning/heating Brakes Steering Fuel Systems Seats/Lifts/Doors/Windows

Tested Buses by Fuel Type As of March 31, 2008 Based on data from 393 buses completing structural durability test.