TransLink has completed the rollout of 49 new low-floor community shuttles, which began this past October.
The shuttles provide a sloped ramp instead of stairs, making it easier for passengers to board the bus.
Other new features include:
- Winch (electric motor with a cable/rope/strap) to help operators guide customers who are using mobility devices into the bus, if necessary.
- TransLink says initial field-testing surveys suggest these shuttles are quieter and vibrate less than their predecessors, leading to an improved customer experience.
- New shuttles are about 305mm (one foot) from the ground while older shuttles (2014 Eldorado’s) are close to one foot higher at about 323mm (12.7 inches) from the ground.
- Higher ceilings in the new shuttles are 2.16 meters (7.1 feet) in the front and 2.01 meters (6.6 feet) in the rear compared to approximately 1.94 meters (6.4 feet) in the front and rear of the older shuttles.
- A redesigned interior layout which allows for easier access for mobility customers to enter and move around the shuttle.
- A dedicated HVAC unit, which the agency says runs quieter and is more powerful than anything currently installed on any CMBC Community Shuttle.
- Larger windows and upgraded emergency exits.
- Improved seat covers that are comfortable and easier to clean (identical to conventional buses).
- Interior and exterior LED lights.
- A Vortec 6.0-liter fuel efficient, low-emission gas engine.
TransLink first tested out low-floor community shuttles in 2017 when West Vancouver Blue Bus piloted five of them on North Shore routes, including the former C12 Lions Bay/Caulfield and the 251 Queens/Park Royal. After receiving positive feedback from customers, as well as the operations and maintenance teams at Coast Mountain Bus Company, TransLink decided to expand its community shuttle fleet to include more low-floor community shuttles.
Forty-five of the new shuttles are based at Hamilton Transit Centre bus depot and are replacements for buses that have reached end-of-life. Four shuttles from the new order will also be going to West Vancouver Blue Bus, completing their full transition to low-floor shuttles.
