Bus Testing Program

Operated by:Thomas D. Larson, Pennsylvania Transportation Institute

Altoona Bus Testing and Research CenterPennsylvania Transportation Institute

College of EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State University

Federal Transit Administration’s

“Altoona Testing”

LTI’s 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.Since its inception, the test center has completed testing of 384 buses.

Number of Buses

Service-Life Category

153 12-Year, 500,000 mile

62 10-Year, 350,000 mile

102 7-Year, 200,000 mile

19 5-Year, 150,000 mile

48 4-Year, 100,000 mile

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

Diesel – 233 Gasoline – 63 CNG – 62 Bi-Fuel (LNG/Diesel, CNG/Diesel, CNG/Gasoline) – 8 LNG – 5 Methanol – 1 Battery Electric – 3 Diesel Hybrid – 7 LNG Hybrid – 1 Gasoline Hybrid- 3 TOTAL - 393

Based on data from 393 buses completing structural durability test. Based on data from 393 buses completing structural durability test.

As of March 31, 2008