Champion Bus, Inc., a manufacturer of small-to-midsize and custom commercial buses, recently announced a licensing agreement with the Dallas Smith Corporation for exclusive use of the its existing and future commercial bus technologies as optional features on the Champion Bus LF Transport™ low floor model. Dallas Smith’s existing patented technologies include the Equalizer Ramp® and IntelliSYNC® electronically controlled “Smart” suspension system with low-speed
OverRise™ function.
“Public paratransit and retirement/assisted living facilities are the primary markets for the LF Transport™,” said John Resnik, president of Champion Bus. “The Dallas Smith Corporation’s innovative technologies on this model provide equal access and a more comfortable ride experience for all passengers. The performance benefits result in easier, faster and safer boarding during scheduled stops, which significantly decreases dwell time and improves overall service route efficiency.”
The Equalizer Ramp® utilizes automatic sensing technology to provide a uniform single-grade slope based on the height of the deployment surface, creating a flat entrance bridge into a 102” wide flat passenger area. The IntelliSYNC® electronically controlled “Smart” suspension system monitors the position of heavy-duty sensors to make necessary adjustments to maintain a smooth ride. The low speed OverRise™ function lifts the entire vehicle up to 2.5” inches higher than the normal ride height to increase approach, break-over and departure angles.
“We engineered these patented systems to improve accessibility and ride quality not only for wheelchair occupants but for all passengers, including people who use a walker or scooter, parents with strollers and persons who are elderly, visually impaired or
pregnant,” said Garrett J. Smith, vice president of Dallas Smith Corporation. “Vehicle handling and stability are also improved, increasing roll over resistance for a safer ride.”
The LF Transport™ has met a strict set of quality assurance standards and passed rigorous safety and performance tests. Champion Bus is currently the only Ford QVM certified manufacturer offering a low floor cutaway bus model on an E-450 chassis that can be converted to CNG or LPG alternative fuel packages using OEM supplied hardened valves without risk of violating the OEM engine warranty.
For more information about the LF Transport™ and these technologies, visit www.championbus.com/models/lftransport.