MTA Unveils Prototype of High-Tech Bus for Tests
Calling it a “major step in the development of the bus for the next century,” the Metropolitan Transportation Authority unveiled a prototype vehicle that will be on the streets for trial runs within two weeks, officials said.
The Advanced Technology Transit Bus is 9,000 pounds lighter than buses in use and is also lower to the ground, which makes it easier for handicapped riders to board, said an MTA spokesman.
“This is a major improvement and will take the bus into the 21st century,” said Jim Smart, who added that the vehicle’s lighter weight will result in better performance, less fuel consumption and less maintenance.
To emphasize how much the MTA has advanced, the prototype vehicle was shown next to a 1958 GMC bus.
The bus is manufactured by Northrup-Grumman and uses materials similar to some used on the B-2 Stealth bomber, Smart said.
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