Hadley demos its wares on a Gillig bus for The Rapid
Through its line of retrofit kits, Hadley, Elkhart, IN, says it has greatly simplified the process of upgrading and converting outdated interiors of transit, shuttle and motorcoach buses.
The Rapid demo bus
Hadley recently partnered with The Rapid, Grand Rapids, MI, to demonstrate its latest technology. The company unveiled a fully-outfitted Gillig low-floor transit bus in May during the 2013 APTA Bus and Paratransit Conference in Indianapolis, IN. The Rapid is using the bus for service in Grand Rapids, collecting market data on user preferences for various technologies. The agency says the testing will help to develop specifications for future vehicles.
The Gillig features the latest XD interior system that includes increased headroom along with an adjustable ventilation system that equalizes the volume of air in every area of the vehicle. Interior LED lighting reduces window glare and permits safe night lighting throughout the cabin.
Less noticeable features on the XD system appeal to transit maintenance. Sealed panel seams prevent air leaks, hidden fasteners are rattle-free, dust-free light channels are separate from HVAC airflow, and removable panels provide easy access to all componentry.
LED-R lighting
LED lighting is available in retrofit kits for transit, coach and shuttle vehicles to replace older fluorescent systems. Hadley says the kits with energy efficient lighting install in little more time than it takes to replace the older fluorescent system.
Transit bus LED-R retrofit replacements come standard with Eclypse passenger service sets. The motorcoach kits include Eclypse service sets with shroud and lighting replacements for either the LED-R retrofit replacement for fluorescent tubes or the complete Omega lighting channel with LED lighting. Hadley offers three retrofit options for shuttle vehicles: lighting only in Omega or Mini Omega kits; reading lamps in the Cyber service sets; or all three features. Frosted lens with blue night-light is an option. The company says the LED-R lighting in the retrofit kits replaces all fluorescent lighting equipment in any of North America’s OEM interior systems.
It most recently completed motorcoach updates for ABC Companies and Van Hool coaches.
SmartValve™ height control
Hadley introduced its SmartValve™ as a prototype on the Gillig exhibition bus. It is based on the company’s Smart Air Management System (SAMS™). Electronic height control systems require several separate components: the valve manifold, an external sensor and associated electronics. Hadley says its SmartValve™ combines these devices into one cost-effective and compact product.
Still in development, the potential benefits for bus fleets include repeatable ride heights, as well as features such as four corners kneeling to prevent vehicle leaning and stop drivetrain vibration that leads to uneven wear.
Quieter than traditional electronic height control systems, SmartValve™ provides the capability to lower the front of the bus to make the bus more aerodynamic at highway speeds.
Hadley mirrors
Hadley exterior mirrors are available with auto-return brackets, cameras and outside turn signals to provide a safer vision system.
The Hadley air horn
The instantly recognizable and robust sound of the Hadley air horn comes from the H00298 series mounted on the underside of the Gillig bus.