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

LTIs Full-Scale Research Facility (Test Track) Vehicle Testing Laboratory Research Laboratory and Office Vehicle Handling Area Entrance (Test Track Road) Rock Road Brake Slope Vehicle Durability Track Dynamometer Rail-Guided Crash Test Facility Large Impact Pendulum Bus Lane Pavement Durability Track

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

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 Based on data from 393 buses completing structural durability test. As of March 31, 2008