 |
|
IN THE NEWS
U. S. DOT Announces More Rigorous
CDL Testing Standards
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently announced that the U.S. DOT will now require more rigorous commercial driver's license testing standards, seek new rules to strengthen passenger carrier and driver compliance with federal safety regulations, and empower consumers to review safety records of bus companies before booking.
Also FMCSA recently issued a new final rule requiring anyone applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) to first obtain a commercial driver's learner's permit (CLP). The rule also requires all state licensing agencies to use a CDL testing system that meets the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators CDL knowledge and skill standards and prohibits the use of foreign language interpreters to reduce the potential for testing fraud.
Diesel Price Forecasts Decline
On-highway diesel fuel retail prices will average $3.89 a gallon this year and $3.93 in 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy forecast May 10 in its short-term energy outlook. Those projections are down 9 cents and 14 cents, respectively, from the previous month's forecast. Diesel averaged $2.99 a gallon in 2010. Diesel prices already exceed the forecast even after the recent national average price decline of 2 cents a gallon to $4.104. Prices have increased 19 out of the past 22 weeks.
The department's Energy Information Administration projects crude oil spot prices, which averaged $79 a barrel last year, will average $103 this year and $107 in 2012. The forecasts are down $4 and $6 a barrel, respectively, from last month's outlook. During the first week of May, crude oil prices fell by nearly $17 a barrel to $97, the department said. The department said it expects oil markets to tighten next year as world oil demand rises and growth in supply slows from producers that aren't members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Alternative Fuel Buses to Represent 50% of Total Transit Bus Deliveries by 2015
Alternative fuels are gaining significant traction in the transit bus sector, which has long been an important early adopter market for low-emissions drive trains. Several different fuels are typically used in such buses, including hybrid electric, natural gas in either liquid or compressed form, and hydrogen fuel cells.
According to a recent report from Pike Research, the trend toward cleaner transit buses will continue over the next several years, and by 2015 the cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that alternative fuel vehicles will represent more than 50% of the 64,000 total transit buses that will be delivered worldwide during that year, up from 28% of total bus deliveries in 2010.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Freedman Seating Expands Collection of Three-Point Seats
Freedman Seating Company is expanding its collection of three-point seats to include a wider variety of market segments, including paratransit, demand response and shuttles. The three-point belts are also a key feature in the new Corporate Collection, which is a higher-end seat designed for executive shuttles, limousine buses and charter buses. The new Torino G and A2Ten seats feature integrated three-point seat belts as well for motorcoach applications. The shoulder belt on the Torino G adjusts to the passenger's height automatically, while the A2Ten features an adjustable headrest and an integrated seat belt that comes out of the back.
The company has also begun offering many of its seats with two-point and three-point belt options. In an effort to participate in "green" practices, Freedman's Sustainable Seating Solutions (S3) department has been offering "Bio-Cushions" for seats, which are created using vegetable oil, as well as fabrics made with 100 percent recycled yarns. In addition, Freedman's S3 also released a new line of biodegradable cleaners made with renewable organic ingredients. The cleansers are available in two strengths and have been certified by The Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program.
LED Low Beam Headlamp lasts up to 10 years
Intended for mass transit buses and commercial vehicles, Dialight's new LED Low Beam 4" x 6" Headlamp requires no cooling fans or other moving parts to manage heat. This weather-proof unit features aluminum alloy die cast housing and hard-coated polycarbonate lens for impact resistance. Reflector-based optics optimize visibility in adverse weather conditions and minimize glare for oncoming traffic. The supporting 12 and 24 V operation, plug-and-play lamp is SAE/DOT FMVSS108 compliant.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Has Wear Reducing Additive
Suitable for regular- to severe-duty use, Monolec Syn Multi-Vehicle ATF ensures smooth shifting, minimized friction and wear on parts, and efficient operation in cold temperatures. Synthetic formulation also prevents thickening and formation of sludge and varnish deposits and resists condensation and acid formation. Fluid is suitable for variety of automatic transmissions, including those used in GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota cars and trucks.
More Information
Riding in a Cocoon
Japan's Willer EXPRESS Cocoon buses give passengers a level of both luxury and privacy once thought impossible – and it's accomplished without sacrificing much in the way of total passenger loads.
Willer Travel Inc., an Osaka-based travel & tourism services company, is breaking with bus-riding tradition with their EXPRESS Cocoon service between Osaka and Tokyo. Each dedicated Cocoon bus has just 12 seats and only 2 seats per row, making every seat a window seat. Every seat is a self-contained module angled towards the central aisle and partially enclosed by a rounded partition wall. Seats recline 140 degrees and include a padded footrest.
A personal TV screen offering Video On Demand is mounted above a fixed table and every passenger enjoys free WiFi Internet. It's the format and structure of the herringbone-style seat arrangement that makes an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy possible, however.
Inventorspot.com
|
|
|
|
|
