UPDATE
Interurban coach Asia Granbird’s 2009 crash in Bashkortostan, Russia. Photo courtesy of Art Konovalov / Shutterstock.com.
NHTSA proposes new regulations for rollover crash protection Submitted by the American Bus Association The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in late July its proposal for new regulations to help better protect passengers in motorcoaches during rollover crashes. NHTSA says the proposed standard would establish performance requirements that each new motorcoach and large bus must meet when subjected to a dynamic test in which the bus is tipped over from a raised platform onto a hard level surface. The agency notes that both the proposed test procedure and performance requirements are closely modeled after the European regulations for large buses. The rule would ensure the rollover structural integrity of overthe-road motorcoaches and that a sufficient level of survival space around seats is able to be maintained so that passengers could survive a crash. Also, seats, luggage racks and window glazing would be required to remain attached during a crash. Emergency exits would be required to stay closed during a crash and still work afterward. Non over-the-road buses (e.g. body-on-chassis or cutaway vehicles) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds are also included in the proposal. If approved, the proposed rule would be implemented for all new motorcoaches, manufactured and produced for the industry more than three years after the publication of the final rule. There is also no retrofit requirement in the proposal. “The consequences for passengers in rollover crashes are severe,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement unveiling the proposal. “I want passengers to know that when this department sees opportunities to make their travel safer so that they can more confidently visit their families or get to work, we are going to do just that, and we believe this proposal is a step in that direction.” “The traveling public deserves safer service and peace of mind when they board a motorcoach or large bus,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman. “Stronger large bus structures, combined with seat belt use will help keep passengers secured and protected in the event of a crash.” 12
BUSRIDE | SEPTEMBER.2014
Since the signing of a new transportation bill more than two years ago and the development of the Motorcoach Safety Action Plan, a variety of federal agencies have been working on a series of regulations related to improving the safety of bus operations, increasing the level of enforcement and the enhancing the vehicle’s overall structural integrity and crashworthiness. ABA believes that if any changes are proposed that would modify the design of the motorcoach, they should be done by utilizing the best available science and by making sure that new rules impacting design are developed all at once as part of a comprehensive and integrated occupant protection safety system, rather than in a piecemeal fashion. ABA says its Government Affairs and Policy team is continuing to analyze the proposed rollover rule and will be discussing these proposed changes with various groups within the industry. Interested parties may submit comments by visiting the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov, and using the docket ID # of NHTSA-2014-0085.
FTA invites comment on propose circular for bus-related funding The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) invites comment on a Bus and Bus Facilities proposed circular, which provides recipients of FTA financial assistance with instructions and guidance on program administration and the grant application process relative to the Bus and Bus Facilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5339), established by MAP-21. The Bus and Bus Facilities Program makes federal funding available for financing capital bus and bus-related projects which will support the continuation and expansion of public transportation services in the United States. The circular is available at the Bus and Bus Facilities Program: Guidance and Application Instructions web page. The notice, published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2014, is available at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-0730/pdf/2014-17926.pdf. For questions or technical assistance regarding this program, or any other FTA grant program, contact the nearest regional FTA office.
Trico sells to the Crowne Group Trico Products Corporation, Rochester, MI, a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of windshield wiper blades, systems and components, has signed a definitive agreement to allow Crowne Group LLC, Cleveland, OH, to acquire the company from funds managed by the private equity firm, Kohlberg & Company. Trico will maintain its headquarters in Rochester Hills, MI, and the current management team led by Lou Braga. The company employs approximately 2,450 people throughout the United States, Mexico, Asia, Europe, Australia and South America. Crowne has a strong reputation in the industry and offers a diverse portfolio of products, including carbon and stainless steel tube components and fabricated products for exhaust systems, gas springs, fuel system components and injection molded plastic parts. Crowne says Trico is an excellent strategic fit due to its balanced mix of business between aftermarket and OEM potential for manufacturing and distribution synergies, a great infrastructure and management team.
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