Urban Solar, Fleet Maintenance Specialists announce DryVGard shields to protect bus drivers and passengers

Urban Solar and Fleet Maintenance Specialists have worked together to develop the DryVGard, a personal protective barrier for bus drivers.

“In the face of adversity, transit agencies have risen to the challenge of working to keep their passengers and drivers safe,” said Jeff Peters, president of Urban Solar. “They are the backbone of our nation, getting essential workers to their jobs. We want to assist their efforts in any way we can.”

 Designed for small to medium sized buses, the DryVGard can be retrofitted to existing rolling stock.

“We are working on buses and performing daily safety checks to ensure bus operators can do their job.  It was a natural fit for us to offer protective shields to further ensure transit professionals are safe in these uncertain times” said Brent Sumrall, CEO of Fleet Maintenance Specialists. “Partnering with Urban Solar with their Oregon manufacturing roots, already an industry leader in bus stops and zone safety solutions, was an easy decision.”

The DryVGard will serve as an operator's personal protection guard device focused on the cutaway market. With customization, the DryVGard can be applied to a variety of other bus models as well. Urban Solar says DryVGard is simple, inexpensive and constructed of a strong and lightweight material.

Key features include:

• Fast installation time since it fastens to existing OEM bus hardware;
• Strong, scratch-resistant polycarbonate material exceeds industry standards for durability;
• Versatile design with hinged door and fixed options;
• Cut out feature allows driver access to the fare box and the dash center console;
• Cut outs to provide safety hold points for the stanchion;
• Adjustable height for driver and door swing clearance;
• Strong and aesthetic single-piece nylon hinge; and
• Buy America Compliant.

“Our experience as the industry leader in security lighting for transit has taught us that people take transit when they feel safe,” Peters said. “People have well-founded trust in their local transit agencies. Our engineers and partners are currently working on developing additional safety solutions that will help agencies ensure that public transit plays a leading role in our nation’s recovery.”