Natural-gas buses could increase P'burgh production

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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Learn more about Nova Bus and other area businesses in the 2012 Economic Outlook special section of today's paper.

Sections C and D of the paper feature a look at what's ahead for the region on a variety of business-related topics.

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Nova Bus has unveiled a new interior design for its transit buses. It makes the buses brighter, increases space for passengers and makes maintenance easier. The new design will be used in some buses to be assembled in Plattsburgh later this year. Photo Provided

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February 20, 2012

DAN HEATH Press-Republican The Press Republican Tue Feb 21, 2012, 11:06 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH — Natural gas is fueling Nova Bus plans for the future.

Marketing Director Nadine Bernard said the company, which has a Plattsburgh plant, expects to produce transit buses that run on compressed natural gas.

"We know the demand for natural gas (buses) will be higher in the years to come," she said.

Nova Bus told the Press-Republican the company would invest between $2 and $4 million in the compressed-natural-gas bus program.

Bernard said work should start next year, although that depends on securing orders for the buses.

"At this time, the company is very hopeful that if we are successful in securing customer orders for CNG (compressed-natural-gas) buses in the U.S. market, this could have a positive impact on the Plattsburgh plant," a press release said.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Also, Nova Bus recently unveiled a new interior design for its transit buses, based on client and focus group feedback.

The feedback includes complaints about cramped conditions on buses operated by the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority, as reported by the New York Post last year.

The new design incorporates features found in the aerospace and rail transportation industries.

"What we wanted to do was really improve and increase the aesthetic design and make the vehicle more accessible," Bernard said.

CEILING, LIGHTS

The company has reconfigured and repositioned some equipment, which increased headroom and improved access to components for easier maintenance.

A new ceiling system uses integrated tiles with designated locations for speakers, spotlights or cameras. It allows for easier access to electrical panels.

The new ceiling also has about 15 percent more space for advertising, so customers could increase revenue from that.

Light-emitting diode lights are available, and the escape hatches are now more transparent. The company states that gives Nova Bus the best ambient light in the industry.

The hardware used to connect components has been recessed, which prevents snagging and makes cleaning easier.

ROOMIER

Up front, the driver's partition is thinner, increasing room for the driver and passengers.

In the back, the electrical panel is larger to accommodate future expansion. The engine access panel is also bigger and now allows access to both sides of the engine.

An LCD screen powered by a GPS system is available. It can provide passenger information or even alert riders to the presence of a coffee shop near an upcoming stop.

RAISED THE BAR

Bernard said the redesign has been well received by transit authorities.

"They felt we really raised the bar," she said.

Bernard said that design will be incorporated in some buses that will be assembled in Plattsburgh this summer.

Two buses with the new interior are to be built for the University of Alabama, and seven are for the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority.

The latter saw examples of the new design at a trade show last October.

"They fell for it," Bernard said.