2009 Compo Bus Update

Transcription

1 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ITEM Compo Bus Update Richard Hunt, Metro SFV General Manager 1

2 Compo Bus Background In 2003, to test the composite bus structure concept, Metro s Board approved the production of 20 Composite 40-foot, 40 seat buses. In 2003, the Metro and ATVC Boards directed staff to procure up to 100 light weight, high capacity, alternative fuel vehicles. The result was the development and production of the 45-foot, 46 seat Compo Bus by North American Bus Industries (NABI). Manufactured using space age technology and materials, the Compo Bus is patterned after the Advanced Technology Transit Bus (ATTB) manufactured and evaluated in the mid 1990 s. 2

3 Compo Bus Background (continued) The first foot Compo Buses have almost 5 years revenue service and have proven very successful. They weigh less than a standard 40-foot, 40 seat steel frame bus with a 16% increase in passenger seating capacity The structure is very strong and completely corrosion resistant The estimated service life is 50% greater (18 years vs. 12 years) than the standard steel frame bus In 2008, the Metro Board approved the procurement of 260 Compo Buses to replace existing 40-foot buses. 3

4 Compo Bus Background (continued) In 2009, the Metro Board approved the procurement of 41 Compo Buses for the Congestion Mitigation Program. Of the 301 Compo Buses currently on order and in production, 96 have been delivered to Metro and are in revenue service. In May 2009, the Metro Board authorized up to 100 additional Compo Buses. The NTP will be issued within the next two weeks. 4

5 First 40 foot Compo Bus The first Metro Composite structure bus produced by North American Bus Industries on display at APTA in Note the sealed, single component structure of the undercarriage. Water and other sources of corrosion are eliminated. 5

6 The Initial 45 foot Compo Bus The first 45-foot Compo Bus delivered in The final design and style of the body structure made the vehicle very appealing to the riding public. Public response to the vehicle continues to be very positive. 6

7 The Current 45 foot Compo Bus 7

8 Vehicle Construction and Assembly The vehicle starts as two primary molds, a top (pictured to the left) and a bottom These are the primary vehicle components. In total, there are over 55 separate molded components for the complete bus. 8

9 Vehicle Construction and Assembly The pictures here show the gel-coat and first stage of the material applications. Notice the foam and other materials used to build the bus shells. 9

10 Vehicle Construction and Assembly Workers installing fiber glass over the carbon fiber Workers installing carbon fiber and resin feeding tubes. 10

11 Vehicle Construction and Assembly Top shell material lay-up Wood and fiber glass installation 11

12 Vehicle Construction and Assembly At the left is the bottom mold ready for the rosin infusion process. Prior to the resin infusion, the molds are assembled with the structural materials (carbon fiber, fiber glass, foam and wood) It takes 3 hours to infuse the resin and 8 hours for the resin to cure. 12

13 Vehicle Construction and Assembly Bottom section after removal from the mold. Top assembly out of the mold. 13

14 Vehicle Construction and Assembly Other components in the assembly process (below is the rear panel) Above is the interior floor section. 14

15 Vehicle Construction and Assembly Moving the top section into position for attachment to the bottom section Ready for attachment! 15

16 Vehicle Construction and Assembly When the top and bottom sections are ready and in position, they are assembled (glued!) into one unit. At the left, workers are preparing to glue the top section to the bottom section. 16

17 Vehicle Construction and Assembly With the top and bottom sections attached, work continues to complete the assembly When complete, the paint shop is the next stop. 17

18 Vehicle Construction and Assembly In the paint shop, the body is prepared for exterior paint, application of the fire retardant, and the final finishing work. 18

19 Vehicle Construction and Assembly Final paint applied to the composite structure. Door installation. 19

20 Final Bus Assembly Auxiliary battery compartment. Fuel access door. 20

21 Final Bus Assembly Air Conditioning access door. Fire retardant treated engine compartment. 21

22 Final Bus Assembly With the paint and floor installation complete, the bus is prepared for shipment to the USA where it will be completed at the NABI facility in Anniston, Alabama 22

23 Final Bus Assembly Passenger area. Driver s area. 23

24 Final Bus Assembly With final assembly complete in Hungary, the bus is ready for shipment to the USA. Temporary transportation wheel and axle installation. 24

25 Vehicle Shipment &Transportation 25

26 Vehicle Shipment &Transportation As of July 9, 2009, Metro has purchased over 400 composite structured buses. They are the most advanced transit buses in the industry. 26

27 2009 Compo Bus Update Questions? 27