55-Passenger ADA Coach Bus Specifications.docx

55-PASSENGER ADA COACH BUS SPECIFICATIONS

1.1 SCOPE

These specifications represent a coach ideally suited to intercity bus operations in terms of performance.

1.2 DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions of special terms used in Part II.

(1) DBA: Decibels with reference to 0.0002 microbar as measured on the "A" scale.

(7) SLW (Seated Load Weight): Curb weight plus seated load.

(10) Fireproof: Materials that will not burn or melt at temperatures less than 2,000 degrees

(13) Classes of Failures: Classes of failures are listed below:

1.3 ABBREVIATIONS

The following is a list of abbreviations used in these specifications.

(1) ASTM: American Society of Testing and Materials.

(2) SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers

(3) ANSI: American National Standards Institute.

(4) ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning.

(5) SPI: Society of the Plastics Industry.

(6) USDHEW: United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

(7) JIC: Joint Industrial Council.

(8) BMCS: Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety.

(9) FMCSR: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

(10) FMVSS: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

(11) ABS: Antilock-Braking System

1.4 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The coach shall meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and regulations as established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and all applicable FMCSR regulations in effect at the date of manufacture. The manufacturer shall comply with all applicable Federal and State regulations. In event of any conflict between the requirements of this Specification and any applicable legal requirement, then the legal requirement shall prevail.

1.4.1 DOCUMENTATION

The following minimum documentation will be supplied with each vehicle:

• Operator’s Manual (hard copy and DVD)

• Parts Manual (hard copy & CD)

• Maintenance Manual (hard copy & CD)

1.4.2 WARRANTY

A basic vehicle warranty of 24 months / unlimited mileage shall be provided.

Additionally, a 5 year / 500,000 mile, 100% parts & labor extended engine warranty, as well as a 5-year / unlimited mileage, 100% parts & labor extended transmission warranty.

The bidder may submit an option for an extended warranty above the standard warranty.

1.4.3 AWARD

Award is made for supplying the commodity/service specified and on any attached supplementary pages per bid specifications to be ordered on an “as needed” basis for the period from Month, Day, Year through Month, Day, Year with four (4) one-year renewal periods, at MDT’s option. This award is in year 1 of 5 possible year’s total.

Prices shall be firm through the first 12 months of award. Requests for any proposed price changes after the first 12 months must be submitted along with supporting documentation, to MDT Purchasing, a minimum of sixty (60) days prior to the proposed effective date of such change. A new award notice will be issued for each additional renewal year that MDT selects.

EITHER PARTY MAY CANCEL ON 30 DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE

Note: This award is a notice of intent to purchase only. Personnel as needed will order goods. No quantities are guaranteed because of this award.

Quantities ordered will be based upon actual requirements.

1.5 OVERALL REQUIREMENTS

1.5.1 DIMENSIONS

1.5.1.1 PHYSICAL SIZE

With the exceptions of exterior mirrors, marker and signal lights, bumpers, flexible portions of the bumper, fender skirts, and rub rail, the coach shall have the following overall dimensions.

(1) Length: not to exceed, but approximately 45 feet, 0 inches bumper to bumper.

(2) Width: 102 inches

(3) Height: 140 inches maximum loaded or unloaded.

1.5.1.2 UNDERBODY CLEARANCES

The coach provided shall meet the following underbody clearances.

Approach angle 8.2° normal ride 12.1° high ride

Breakover angle 8.6° (measured per SAE J689)

Departure angle 7.6° normal ride 9.4° high ride

Ground clearance 11.89"

Axle clearance, as measured 6.50"

1.5.2 WEIGHT AND AXLE LOADING

Each vehicle, at a capacity load, shall not exceed the gross vehicle weights or maximum axle weights specified. In no case shall the axle weight exceed 23,000 pounds. In the interest of economy in construction and operation, it shall be the goal to manufacture the coach as light as possible without degradation of safety, performance, appearance, comfort and reliability. Total vehicle weight shall not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating nor axle weight rating at ground as specified. GVWR shall not exceed 54,000 pounds for a 45-foot bus.

1.5.3 CAPACITY

Rated passenger capacity of the coach shall be as outlined below. Provisions to secure two wheelchair passengers shall also be provided. The overall seating capacity may be reduced when the securement positions are being utilized.

Maximum of 56 seats.

1.5.4 SERVICE LIFE AND MAINTENANCE

1.5.4.1 SERVICE LIFE

1.5.4.2 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

Scheduled maintenance tasks shall be related and shall be grouped in maximum mileage intervals. Routine scheduled maintenance actions, such as filter replacement and adjustments, shall not be required at intervals of less than 6,000 miles, except for routine daily service performed during the fueling operations. Higher levels of scheduled maintenance tasks shall occur at even multiples of mileage for lower-level tasks.

The manufacturer shall provide a preventive maintenance schedule covering all components upon delivery of the first production vehicle. Each schedule shall be complete and shall adhere to frequency intervals considered normal industry standards.

1.5.4.3 MEAN MILEAGE BETWEEN FAILURES

The following are design goals for mean mileage between failures by failure class, provided that all specified preventive maintenance procedures are followed.

(1) Class 1: Physical Safety. Mean mileage shall be greater than 1,000,000 miles.

(2) Class 2: Road Call. Mean mileage shall be greater than 20,000 miles.

(3) Class 3: Coach Change. Mean mileage shall be greater than 16,000 miles.

(4) Class 4: Bad Order. Mean mileage shall be greater than 10,000 miles.

1.5.4.4 ACCESSIBILITY

All systems or components serviced as part of periodic maintenance or whose failure may result in Class 1 or Class 2 failures shall be readily accessible for service and inspection. Removal or physical movement of components unrelated to the specific maintenance and/or repair tasks involved shall be minimized.

Relative accessibility of components, measured in time required to gain access, shall be inversely proportional to frequency of maintenance and repair of the components.

1.5.4.5 INTERCHANGEABILITY

Components with identical functions shall be interchangeable with the exception of windows and baggage bay doors. Components with non-identical functions shall not be, or appear to be, interchangeable.

1.5.5 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The coach shall achieve normal operation in temperature ranges of -30 degrees to 110 degrees F., at relative humidity between 5 percent and 100 percent and at altitudes up to 5,000 feet above sea level. Degradation of performance due to atmospheric conditions shall be minimized at temperatures below -30 degrees F., and above 110 degrees F. or at altitudes above 5,000 feet. Special equipment or procedures may be employed to start the coach after a 12-hour or more exposure to temperatures below +30 degrees F.

without the engine in operation.

1.5.6 MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

For economy in maintenance, it is essential that parts and units be arranged so that rapid assembly and disassembly will be possible for the coach being provided. The dimensions of all parts, unless particularly specified, will be in accordance with current standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers, or the metric equivalents. All units or parts not specified shall be Manufacturer's standard units or parts and shall conform in material, design and workmanship to industry standards and shall meet or exceed all Federal and State motor vehicle safety standards. During the manufacturing of the coaches all parts shall be new and in no case will used, reconditioned or obsolete parts be accepted. No advantages shall be taken by the Manufacturer in the omission of any parts or details that make the coach complete and ready for service, even though such parts or details are not mentioned in these specifications.

Workmanship throughout shall conform to the high standard of commercially accepted practice for the class of work and shall result in a neat and finished appearance. All exposed surfaces and edges shall be smooth, free from burrs and other projections, and shall be neatly finished. Exposed metal surfaces, prior to paneling or covering shall be properly prepared and coated with protective material to insure against corrosion or deterioration. All lubrication points, unless otherwise specified, shall be capable of accepting a high-pressure grease gun operated on fittings that permit grease to travel into the lubrication point but does not permit the grease to escape and designed so that when the grease gun is withdrawn, there is a positive barrier preventing dirt from entering the fitting. These fittings shall be of one manufacture and shall be accessible for a grease gun while the vehicle is being serviced on either a lift or a pit.

2.0 BODY

2.1 DESIGN

The coach shall have a clean, smooth, simple design, primarily derived from coach performance requirements and passenger service criteria. Body construction shall not be of a body on chassis type. The coach shall be painted down to the street surface unless coach is supplied with stainless steel panels. The exterior and body features, including grilles and louvers, shall be shaped to allow complete and easy cleaning by automatic bus washers without snagging washer brushes. The retention of water and dirt in or on any body feature or the freezing or bleeding out of this dirt and water after leaving the washer shall be minimized. Body and windows shall be sealed to prevent leaking of air, dust, or water under normal operating conditions and during cleaning in automatic bus washers for the service life of the coach. Accumulation of spray and splash on any window of the coach generated by its wheels on a wet road shall be minimized. Corners, especially at windows, shall be rounded. The undercarriage of the coach shall be sealed off to the maximum extent practicable to significantly reduce the intrusion of road spray.

2.2 MATERIALS

Body materials shall be selected, and the body fabricated to reduce maintenance, extend durability, and provide consistency of appearance throughout the life of the coach. Detailing shall be kept simple; add-on devices and trim shall be minimized and, where necessary, integrated into the basic design.

2.3 FINISH AND COLOR

All exterior surfaces shall be smooth and free of wrinkles and dents. Exterior surfaces to be painted shall be properly cleaned and primed as appropriate for the paint used, prior to application of paint to assure a proper bond between the basic surface and successive coats of original paint for the service life of the coach. Paint utilized shall be DuPont Elite (white in color), 3.5 VOC or approved equal, two-part polyurethane enamel that exhibits excellent color and gloss retention, chip, abrasion, stain and mar resistance, chemical and solvent resistance and excellent clean ability per industrial standards. Paint shall be applied smoothly and evenly with the finished surface free of dirt, runs, orange peel, and other imperfections. All exterior finished surfaces shall be impervious to diesel fuel, gasoline, and commercial cleaning agents. Finished surfaces shall not be damaged by controlled applications of commonly used graffiti-removing chemicals.

2.3.1 DECAL WRAP REQUIREMENTS

Design requirements will be made available upon request.

2.4 NUMBERING AND SIGNING

Monograms, numbers and other signing shall be applied to the inside and outside of the coach as required. Signs shall be durable and fade, chip, and peel-resistant; they may be decals, or pressure-sensitive appliques. Emergency exit instructions shall be provided in both English and Spanish format.

2.5 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Exterior protrusions greater than ½-inch and within 80 inches of the ground shall have a radius no less than the amount of the protrusion. The left and right-side rear-view mirrors, windshield washer nozzles and required lights and reflectors are exempt from the protrusion requirement.

Grilles, doors, bumpers and other features on the sides and rear of the coach shall be designed to minimize the ability of unauthorized riders to secure toeholds or handholds.

2.6 STRUCTURE

2.6.1 STRENGTH AND FATIGUE LIFE

The structure shall be of a sufficiently strong and efficient design to withstand the conditions of transit service throughout the service life of the coach. The design shall incorporate all severe service, heavy-duty features available from the contractor.

Any manufacturer whose bus is or has been involved in a structurally related fleet failure (number of failures exceeding ten percent (10%) of the fleet) in any transit property in the U.S. in the last six (6) years or who has been directed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to make repairs of any bus must have completed a detailed investigation of the failure, a detailed structural analysis of the complete bus structure to rule out related defects on any part of the structure, and shall supply a complete copy of the corrective actions to be undertaken. All failures involving basic body, structure, axles, and suspension are considered structural related failures for the purposes of this specification.

The investigation of a failure and structural analysis must be carried out by a reputed independent Transit Industry Consultant and shall not be limited to finite element analysis or appropriate test but shall be confirmed by an actual track test evaluation with suitable time concentration to demonstrate the ability of the modified structure to perform for the specified 12 years or 500,000 miles.

2.6.2 DISTORTION

The coach at GVWR and under static conditions, shall not exhibit deformation or deflection that impairs operation of doors, windows, or other mechanical elements.

Static conditions include the vehicle at rest with any one wheel or dual set of wheels on a 6-inch curb or in a 6-inch-deep hole.

2.6.3 RESONANCE

All structure, body, and panel-bending mode frequencies, including vertical, lateral, and torsional modes, shall be sufficiently removed from all primary excitation frequencies to minimize audible, visible, or sensible resonant vibrations during normal service.

2.6.4 MATERIAL

Reinforced fiberglass and plastic materials shall be excluded from structural body construction, except for replaceable panels or doors and for non-load bearing front and rear roof caps and the front lower panel below the windshield and the A-pillar covers and transom panels. Exterior skin shall be one-piece bonded aluminum roof and composite exterior body panels.

2.6.5 CORROSION

The coach shall resist corrosion from atmospheric conditions and road salts. It shall maintain structural integrity and nearly maintain original appearance throughout its service life, provided it is maintained in accordance with the procedures specified in the service manual. All exposed body panels above and below the floor line shall be aluminum or stainless steel except for the front end upper and lower panels, the rear end upper panels and the upper sidewall panel which are made of fiberglass or galvanized steel. Materials exposed to the elements and all joints and connections of dissimilar metals shall be corrosion-resistant and shall be protected from galvanic corrosion.

Bidders proposing steel tubing for frame construction are required to use stainless steel tubing of comparable cross section. Proposals shall contain the manufacturer’s complete corrosion protection plan including a specific identification and illustration of structural and exterior material and their relative corrosion resistance.

All frame members below the passenger floor that are subject to road splash and are less than .10 inch shall be stainless steel for maximum corrosion protection. All other frame members exposed to splash are to be High Strength Low Alloy steel and are to be .10-inch thick minimum and shall be coated with Hydroarmor or approved equal, on all surfaces exposed to road splash for maximum corrosion protection.

Plywood floor supports in the passenger and drivers’ area, the sidewall structures and roof structures that are not exposed to road spray shall be High Strength Low Alloy and primed prior to incorporation into the coach assembly.

The floor supports and sidewall components shall be painted.

Outer sidewall panels above the passenger floor and below the windows shall be galvanized steel, pre-primed. The roof panels shall be pre-primed aluminum both sides and the front and rear roof caps fiberglass.

The upper rear engine door and louvers may be made of fiberglass.

The wheelchair lift door may be made of an aluminum frame or other acceptable lightweight material and aluminum exterior panel.

Non-structural underbody panels used for baggage bay floors and to retain insulation in other areas, shall be Hydroarmor, or approved equal, coated aluminum or stainless steel for maximum corrosion protection. In the wheel well areas, non-structural closeout panels shall be stainless steel.

Before assembling, all metal body parts must be given a thorough anticorrosion treatment. Joints between dissimilar metals shall be properly insulated with an inert plastic tape to avoid corrosion due to electrolytic action. All nuts, bolts, clips, washers, clamps, and like parts shall be zinc or cadmium plated, phosphate coated, black oxide coated, stainless steel, or nylon to prevent corrosion. All exterior joints and seams must be sealed.

Dissimilar metals must be separated by a non-conductive barrier.

Barriers may consist of one of the following:

a) A black elastic compound tape

b) A Mylar tape

c) A double sided structural adhesive tape

Where tape barriers are not feasible, an appropriate sealant shall be used to provide a protective barrier and a watertight seal. This sealer must be used on all panels and assemblies that are susceptible to water leaks.

2.6.6 TOWING

Towing devices shall be provided and be permanently mounted on the front and rear of the coach. The coach may be towed from the front only, however, must be able to recover from the rear. Recovery shall mean to move the bus into the clear so it can be hooked up and towed from the front. Lift and tow is not required.

Front towing device shall withstand, without permanent deformation, tension loads up to

1.2 times the curb weight of the coach within the 200 of the longitudinal axis of the coach. Towing device shall accommodate a crane hook with a 1-inch throat. A minimum of two steel rear skid plates measuring approximately 15.2 x 3.3 shall be welded to the underside of the engine rails. Skid design shall be durable construction to adequately protect mechanical or other body components from damage due to the coach bottoming out.

2.6.7 JACKING & HOISTING

It shall be possible to safely jack up the bus, at curb weight, with an 8.5-inch-high hydraulic hand jack or a 10-ton floor jack when a tire or dual set is completely flat and the bus is on a level, hard surface. Jacking from a single point shall permit raising the bus sufficiently high enough to remove and reinstall any wheel and tire assembly. The bus shall be fitted with jacking pads for each tire/wheel locations and shall permit easy and safe jacking with the flat tire or dual set on a 3.5-inch-high run-up block not wider than a single tire. The bus will withstand such jacking at any one or any combination of wheel locations without permanent deformation or damage. The bus axles or jacking plates shall accommodate the lifting pads of a post hoisting system. Jacking plates shall be approximately 2.00 inches square. Other pads shall be provided to support the bus on jack stands independent of the hoist. See photos below.

Front jacking point

Rear Jacking Point Tag Axle Jacking Point

2.6.8 FIRE PROTECTION

The passenger and engine compartments shall be separated by a bulkhead(s), which shall, by utilization of fire-resistant materials in its construction, be a firewall. This firewall shall preclude or retard propagation of an engine compartment fire into the passenger compartment. Only necessary openings shall be allowed in the firewall, and these shall be fire resistant. Any passageways for climate control system airflow shall be separated from the engine compartment by fire resistant material. Piping through the bulkhead shall be copper, steel, or brass, and shall be sealed with fire-resistant material at the firewall. Wiring may pass through the bulkhead only if connectors or other means are provided to prevent or retard fire propagation through the firewall. The conduit and bulkhead connectors shall be sealed with fire resistant material at the firewall. Engine access panels in the firewall shall be fabricated of fire-resistant material and secured with fireproof fasteners. These panels, their fasteners, and the firewall shall be constructed and reinforced to minimize warping of the panels during a fire that will compromise the integrity of the firewall. The coach body shall be adequately sealed to prevent the intrusion of smoke, fuel, and fumes into the coach interior.

2.6.9 EXTERIOR AND APPLIED PANELS

2.6.9.1 STRENGTH AND INSTALLATION

Exterior panels above and below the rub rail may be structural components.

Panels shall be secured to structural members and shall have a smooth finish with no sharp edges.

2.6.9.2 REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

Exterior panels below the rub rail shall be divided into sections that are repairable or replaceable by a mechanic. Baggage doors shall be two parts with the joint at or below the rub rail. The baggage door may be fiberglass.

2.6.9.3 RAIN GUTTERS

Gutters shall be provided to minimize water flowing from the roof onto the side windows and passenger doors. When the coach is decelerated, the water shall not drain onto the windshield, driver's side window, the passenger boarding area or into the lift door area.

2.6.9.4 LICENSE PLATES

Provisions shall be made to mount standard size U.S. license plates on the front and rear of the coach. These provisions shall recess the license plate so that they can be cleaned by automatic coach washing equipment without being caught by the brushes. Four fasteners shall be utilized to retain license plate.

License plate shall be mounted to the left of the coach center. Provision shall be made to illuminate the surface of the rear license plate only.

2.6.9.5 RUB RAILS

Removable molded rubber or aluminum or rub rails, retained with bolts and closed at the ends with black painted aluminum caps, will extend along each side of the coach with the exception of the condenser compartment, entrance and left front service doors. The entrance door and left front service door will be protected by molded fiberglass rub rails.

2.6.9.6 PACKAGE RACKS

Two minimum 10 module package racks with compartment doors shall be furnished over all two-passenger seating positions except in the wheelchair door area. The rack ends facing the aisle shall incorporate a concealed handhold, running full length, for use by standees. Passenger headroom measured from the rack end to the top of the seat headrest, shall be a minimum 15". Interior window post caps shall be ABS, thermo formed plastic, grey in color to provide a clean finished appearance. The interior of the rack shall be vinyl-covered aluminum to complement the interior. Portions of the underside of each parcel rack shall be covered in Holdsworth fabric ZZ/W23975 or approved equal. Parcel racks shall be supported by struts made with glass filled nylon hangers spaced approximately 48" apart. Total capacity shall be a minimum 109 ft.3 to allow for ample storage space for carry-on items.

A cluster panel mounted on the underside of the package rack shall include minimum 10 watt, 6 c.p. individually controlled and adjustable passenger reading lights non-adjustable is acceptable, and individual air distribution outlets receiving air from the coach HVAC system. These outlets shall be adjustable from fully closed to fully open position. A minimum of twenty-six (26) 5", 35 watt, 4-ohm speakers shall also be provided in the cluster panels for the driver controlled public address system. Speakers shall broadcast, in a clear tone, announcements that are clearly perceived from all seat positions at approximately the same volume level. Passengers utilizing the securement systems shall be provided identical amenities as provided for all other passengers except that the parcel rack shall be deleted in the area of the wheelchair lift door. Separate and independent notification will be provided on the dashboard indicator panel for stop request notification from securement positions.

2.6.9.7 UNDERFLOOR BAGGAGE COMPARTMENTS

Full width underfloor baggage compartments shall be provided between the front and rear axles. Each compartment shall be separated by an aluminum panel except the front and rear bulkheads shall be stainless steel. The compartment doors shall be two parts, but one-part door is acceptable with the joint at or below the rub rail, fully sealed vertical lift pantograph type. Each door shall include an aluminum frame with an aluminum or stainless-steel outer panel. Doors shall be spring counterbalanced for ease of operation with central electrical locking system handle located with a center point approximately 38" off the ground.

Each underfloor compartment shall be pressurized and illuminated automatically with two (2) LED lamps when the doors are opened. The lamp fixtures shall be sealed to preclude the intrusion of dust and moisture into the fixture. The floor of the baggage compartments shall be flat composite material.

2.7 INTERIOR

2.7.1 HEADROOM

Headroom above the aisle shall be no less than approximately 78 inches minimum. If a Jake brake is to be provided, a “hump” ahead of the rear cross seat will decrease headroom to approximately 74”.

2.7.2 DRIVER PROTECTIVE BARRIER

The driver area protective shield should mount directly behind the driver’s seat.

Coverage should begin from the left side driver window pillar to the right side of the lower driver barrier allowing enough room for easy passage in the center aisle.

Height should begin at the lower bottom side of the panel rack and end the top or just below the top of the lower driver barrier. The shield must be made of clear composite material and meet or exceed all Department of Transportation crash safety standards.

2.7.3 MODESTY PANELS

Sturdy modesty panels constructed of durable, unpainted, corrosion-resistant material complementing the interior trim shall be provided at the rear of the stepwell. The modesty panel and its mounting shall withstand normal kicking, pushing, and pulling loads of 200-pound passengers without permanent visible deformation.

2.7.4 REAR BULKHEAD

The rear bulkhead paneling shall be contoured to fit the ceiling, sidewalls, and seat backs so that any litter, such as a cigarette package or newspaper, will tend to fall to the floor or seating surface when the coach is on a level surface. It will be acceptable if there is a space between it and the rear wall, but it shall be easily accessible to be cleaned.

2.7.5 CONSTRUCTION

Interior panels may be integral with, or applied to, the basic coach structure. They shall be decorated in accordance with and compliment the interior specified. Use of moldings and small pieces of trim shall be minimized, and all parts shall be functional. Panels shall be fabric or hatched ABS backed aluminum, steel or ABS. Front and rear closures shall be fiberglass or ABS with color molded in, and there shall be no painted surfaces.

The lower sidewall shall be Melamine covered panels or approved equal, sectionalized for ease of repair.

2.7.6 FASTENING

Interior panels shall be attached so that there are no exposed edges or rough surfaces.

Panels and fasteners shall not be easily removable by passengers. Interior trim fasteners, where required, shall be rivets, Phillips, or tamper-proof screws. Removal of all interior fasteners, except for rivets, shall only require the use of two tool types to remove.

2.7.7 FLOOR

2.7.7.1 STRENGTH

The floor deck may not be integral with the basic structure but shall be mounted on the structure securely to prevent chafing or horizontal movement. Sheet metal screws shall not be used to retain the floor. All floor fasteners shall be secured and protected from corrosion for the service life of the coach. The floor deck shall be reinforced as needed to support passenger loads. At GVWR, the floor shall have an elastic defection of no more than 0.375 inches from the normal plane.

The floor shall withstand the application of 3.0 times gross load weight without permanent detrimental deformation.

2.7.7.2 EDGES

The floor shall be essentially a continuous flat plane, except at the stepwell.

Where the floor meets the walls of the coach, the surface edges shall be blended with a circular section of radius not less than 1 inch and a molding or cover shall prevent debris accumulation between the floor and wall.

Interior flooring shall be flat throughout except for an 8 ft. long welded ramp in the aisle section at the front that is sloped approximately 5.35 degrees. The floor is attached to the underframe with adhesive and monobolt rivets. Wheel housings may not extend above floor line.

Rubber flooring adhesion procedure includes butt cut type edges that are securely bonded to the plywood floor with a waterproof adhesive. Flooring areas, which are edge-bound with stainless steel.

Access openings in the floor shall be sealed to prevent entry of fumes and water into the coach interior. Flooring material shall be flush with the floor and shall be edge bound with stainless steel to prevent the edges from coming loose. Access openings may be symmetrical if the fasteners are arranged to ensure alignment of the flooring. Fasteners shall be flush with the floor when secured.

2.7.7.3 FLOOR PROTECTION

The floor, as assembled, including the sealer, attachments, and covering, shall be waterproof, non-hygroscopic, resistant to heat, dry rot, mold growth, and impervious to insects. Plywood shall be no less than 1/2-inch 5 ply thick, water resistant Douglas Fir Canadian Standard Association and shall be installed with all edges sealed. The floor in the aisle shall be no less than an overall thickness of 1/2-inch water resistant Douglas Fir Canadian Standard Association.

2.7.8 STEPS AND STEPWELL

2.7.8.1 STEPS

There shall be no more than four (4) steps and one more step into the passenger area and no step shall be located between the vestibule and passenger compartment. A ramp shall be provided in this area with the rate of rise not to exceed 3/4-inch per foot with a maximum vertical rise of 9 inches.

All step treads shall be of uniform depth no less than 11 inches and a uniform height of no less than 9.5 inches. The plane of the step treads shall be parallel to the plane of the floor. Treads shall be covered with non-stick Tarabus flooring, or approved equal, that shall remain effective in all weather conditions and offer anti-skid texturing. Color of the tread covering shall match the vestibule flooring.

The edge of the vestibule floor shall have no overhang at the step riser. The edge of the vestibule floor and the edge of each of the step treads shall have a bright, contrasting white band, 2 inches wide, the width of the step. This band shall be uniform in width across the entire step and vestibule edge.

2.7.8.2 STEPWELL CONSTRUCTION

Stepwell shall be constructed entirely of stainless steel or molded fiberglass. The steps shall simultaneously support 300-pound loads evenly distributed over the center half of each step tread without permanent deformation and with elastic deflection of no more than 0.0625 inches. Each step tread shall support a load of 500 pounds evenly distributed over the center half of the tread without permanent deformation. A minimum 1" (25.4 mm) thick Tuff-Coat or approved equal, self-adhesive insulation shall be provided behind the stepwell area for added control of interior temperature variances and to minimize road noise.

2.7.9 WHEEL HOUSING

2.7.9.1 CONSTRUCTION

Wheel housings shall be constructed of stainless steel. Wheel housing, as installed and trimmed, shall withstand impacts of a 2-inch steel ball with at least 200 foot-pounds of energy without penetration.

2.7.9.2 CLEARANCE

Sufficient clearance and air circulation shall be provided around the tires, wheels, and brakes to preclude overheating. Tire chain clearance shall be provided on all outer wheels in accordance with SAE Information Report J683. Interference between the tires and any portion of the coach shall not be possible in maneuvers up to the limit of tire adhesion with weights from wet to GVWR.

2.7.9.3 FENDER SKIRTS

Removable one-piece, paintable composite fender extensions, fastened with corrosion-resistant retainers, will be installed at the front and rear wheel housings.

2.7.10 SPLASH APRONS

Splash aprons, composed of ¼-inch minimum composition or rubberized fabric or 3/16-inch nylon reinforced rubber, shall be installed behind each front wheel and the rearmost wheels and shall extend downward. Apron widths shall be no less than tire widths. Splash aprons shall be bolted to tapping plates, which are welded to the coach understructure. The tapping plates shall support the splash apron across its entire width. Splash aprons and their attachments shall be inherently weaker than the structure to which they are attached. Splash aprons and their attachments shall not be included in the road clearance measurements. Other splash aprons shall be installed where necessary to protect coach equipment.

2.7.11 PASSENGER DOOR

An electrically controlled, electric motor operated, power plug-style door, with keyed lock, will be located forward of the right front wheel and will be constructed of welded stainless steel with cast upper and lower hinge assemblies. The lower hinge assembly will contain a stainless-steel hinge pin pivoting inside a spherical bearing. A molded fiberglass-reinforced panel will be installed on the interior of the door with a stainless-steel kick panel for the lower portion. The door will also have a diagonal grab rail of 1.25-inch diameter stainless steel tubing with a 1.50-inch knuckle clearance. A primary double-glazed window of AS-2 laminated heat-absorbing safety glass will be located in upper half of door, with a secondary window of 0.5-inch acrylic in the lower section of the door.

The non-symmetrical door will have a clear opening width of 27 inches up to a height of 58 inches with an intrusion of 3 inches, into the opening for the door hinge, at a height of 41 to 47 inches. The clear door opening height will be 84.5 inches. A momentary switch providing door control for the driver will be located in the right-hand switch panel. A remote external control will be located in a sidewall pocket by the entrance door, just below the belt line molding. Locking mechanical guides with overrule will be automatically actuated by a micro switch when door is in the closed position. An air-operated latch assembly will be accessible through a stainless-steel panel between the passenger modesty panel and the stepwell.

2.7.12 SERVICE COMPARTMENTS AND ACCESS DOORS

2.7.12.1 INTERIOR

Access for maintenance and replacement of equipment shall be provided by panels and doors that appear to be an integral part of the interior. Removal of fixtures or equipment unrelated to the repair task to gain access shall be minimized. Access doors, if hinged, shall be hinged with props, as necessary, to hold the doors up and out of the mechanic's way with the exception of the destination sign box door, which hinges down and is held by chains in the open position. Panel fasteners shall be standardized so that only two tools are required to service all special fasteners within the coach. These fasteners shall be captive in the panel except for the engine compartment and antenna access hatches.

Access doors for the door actuator compartments shall be secured with hand screws or latches and shall be sealed to prevent entry of mechanism lubricant into the coach interior. All hinges and props must be designed to preclude accidental closure when the panels are opened.

2.7.12.2 EXTERIOR

Vertically hinged doors shall be used for the engine compartment and for all auxiliary equipment compartments including doors for checking the quantity and adding to the engine coolant, engine lubricant, transmission fluid and the windshield washer reservoir. The upper engine radiator/C.A.C. compartment door may be horizontally hinged. Access to these compartments shall be from outside the coach. Access openings shall be sized for easy performance of tasks within the compartment including tool operating space. Access doors shall be of rugged construction and shall be capable of withstanding severe abuse throughout the life of the coach. They shall close flush with the body surface. All doors shall be hinged at the top or on the forward edge and shall be prevented from coming loose or opening during transit service or in coach washing operations. Doors with top hinges shall have safety props stored behind the door or on the doorframe. All access doors (except vertically hinged access doors) shall be sufficiently retained in the open position by props or counterbalancing.

Gas springs shall only be permitted on the rear upper engine cooling door.

Springs and hinges shall be corrosion-resistant and shall last throughout the service life of the coach. Latch handles shall be sized to provide an adequate grip for opening. Large access doors shall hinge up and out of the way or fold flat against the coach body and shall be easily operable by one person. These doors, when opened, shall not restrict access for servicing other components or systems. Retention devices utilized to hold the engine compartment access doors in the open position shall be heavy duty and designed to last the service life of the coach.

2.8 OPERATING COMPONENTS

2.8.1 DOORS

2.8.1.1 CONTROL

Operation of, and power to, the passenger door shall be completely controlled by a switch located in close proximity to the driver to the right of the steering wheel.

A control or valve in the driver's compartment shall shut off the power to, and/or dump the power from the front door mechanism to permit manual operation of the front door with the coach shut down. A toggle switch on the exterior of the coach shall permit opening of the front door. The switch shall be concealed behind an unmarked door. The door switch cover shall be spring loaded so as to be held in the closed position and be located just behind the entrance door.

2.8.1.2 ACTUATORS

The nominal door opening and closing speed shall be in the three (3) to five (5) second range. The maximum door opening and closing speeds will be regulated using fixed, maintenance free orifices and airline sizes. If required, door speeds can be decreased with the addition of a flow-restricting device. Actuators and the complete door mechanism shall be concealed from passengers but shall be easily accessible for servicing.

2.8.1.3 MANUAL OPERATION

In the event of an emergency, it shall be possible to open the entrance door manually from inside the coach after actuating an unlocking device. Any signage detailing the method of operation of door in an emergency shall not reference the “emergency operation” of the door. All references shall detail the “manual” operation of the door.

2.8.2 WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS

2.8.2.1 WINDSHIELD WIPERS

The coach shall be equipped with variable speed electric windshield wipers. Both wipers shall park along the center vertical edges of the windshield glass.

Windshield wiper motors and mechanisms shall be easily accessible for repairs or service from outside the coach only and shall be removable as complete units.

Mounting shall preclude cracking or damage to the windshield frame. Power supply to the wiper motors shall be provided through a dedicated circuit.

An intermittent operation feature for each wiper shall be provided with a variable time delay. After each pause, the wiper shall make one complete cycle across the windshield surface and return to the park position automatically.

2.8.2.2 WINDSHIELD WASHERS

The windshield washer system shall deposit washing fluid on the windshield and, when used with the wipers, shall evenly and completely wet the entire wiped area. The washer pump that are to be provided can be a dual pump or single pump system.

The windshield washer system shall have a minimum 4-gallon translucent reservoir, located for easy refilling. Reservoir pumps, lines and fittings shall be corrosion-resistant, and the reservoir itself shall be translucent for easy determination of fluid level. The windshield washer system shall be protected with an anti-freeze washer solution to -20°F (-29°C), regardless of season of delivery. The protected solution shall be tinted to provide easy visual indication that anti-freeze is present.

2.8.3 LIGHTING, CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS

2.8.3.1 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

All exterior lighting systems shall be nominal 12VDC or 24VDC. The use of LED lamp assemblies shall be maximized to the extent practicable. All exterior lighting fixtures shall be sealed to prevent entry and accumulation of moisture or dust.

Each lamp shall be replaceable in less than 5 minutes by a mechanic. Lights if mounted on the engine compartment doors shall be protected from the impact shock of door opening and closing. Lamps, lenses and fixtures shall be interchangeable to the extent practicable, and fixtures shall be corrosion resistant with sockets to be brass or stainless steel or plastic housings. Lamps at the rear of the coach, except the license plate lamp, shall be visible from behind when the engine service doors are opened. Sockets shall comply with SAE Standard J576C.

Visual and audible warnings shall inform following vehicles or pedestrians of reverse operation. Visual reverse operation warning shall conform to SAE Standard J593. Audible reverse operation warning shall conform to SAE Recommended Practice J994-Type C or D. Daytime running lights are to be provided.

Amber colored turn signal lamps shall be provided on both the front and rear of the coach. All lighting shall meet Federal standards (including amended 49 CFR Part 571 effective December 26, 1984). The front right lamp shall be near the front wheel well, above the rub rail line and no higher than the wheel well. The front left side lamp shall be located at the same height and forwardness as the right. The side signal lamps shall be of the armor-protected type with unobstructed amber lens. The rear side signal lamps shall be generally located in the vicinity of the rear wheel well and shall have amber lens.

LED roof marker lamps shall be provided at each end of the coach with amber front and red rear lens being provided. Intermediate LED marker lamps with amber lens shall be provided on each side of the roofline at the center of coach.

Reflectors on the sides and rear of coach shall be provided. The front and center side reflectors shall be amber. The rear side and rear reflectors shall be red. The reflectors shall be permanently affixed to the coach. Glue on or pressure sensitive mountings are not acceptable.

Red stop lamps will be located at the rear of the coach as follows: 1) Two corner lenses nominal 4.00 inches round just above the belt line, 2) Two lenses nominal

4.00 inches on each side inboard of the belt line corner lenses, 3) Two supplemental vertically in-line mounted LED stop lamps in the upper center of the rear cap (under a red acrylic cover measuring approximately 2 x 18 inches).

2.8.3.2 SERVICE AREA LIGHTING

Four (4) lamps shall be provided in the engine compartment to generally illuminate the area for night emergency repairs or adjustments. The lamps shall be controlled by a switch located near the rear start controls in the engine compartment. These lamp assemblies shall be adequately sealed to prevent the intrusion of moisture or debris during coach operation or normal servicing operations such as steam cleaning. Necessary lights, also sealed, shall be located in other service compartments, and shall be provided with momentary contact switches on the light fixture or convenient to the light.

2.8.3.3 PASSENGER INTERIOR LIGHTING

Indirect interior illumination of the coach shall be provided by a minimum of 33 LED controlled by a three (3) position switch on the driver's right-hand control panel. Fourteen LED (14) 34-watt tubes shall be located under the package rack by the side windows. A minimum eighteen (18) 30-watt LED tubes shall be located overhead at each side of the central ceiling. Lighting intensity, measured at a vertical plane 24" (610 mm) above the seat cushion, shall be a minimum 15-foot candles.

All passenger seats except for center seat of rear cross-seat shall have a flush mounted, adjustable or fixed light. A minimum of six (6) candlepower will be provided by each reading light cluster to insure adequate visibility with a button for passenger control.

A minimum of six (6) blue aisle lights shall be provided on the underside of the street side passenger seats. These lamps shall be mounted in such a manner so as to prevent passengers from damaging the lights when they are illuminated.

Additional general lighting required to illuminate the interior for passenger exits and shall be interlocked to activate only when the passenger door is opened.

A stepwell lighting system shall be wired to illuminate when the front door is opened. The system shall provide no less than two (2) foot candles of illumination of the step tread with the doors open. These lights shall not glare in the passengers' eyes. Lamp fixtures shall be totally enclosed, splash proof, designed to provide ease of cleaning as well as lamp and housing removal, and shall not be easily removable by passengers. Stepwell lamps shall be protected from damage caused by passengers kicking lenses or fixtures and shall not be a hazard to passengers. Three lamps shall be provided; a dome at the top of the stepwell, one on each side of the stepwell and one to provide illumination of the ground area located inside and above the entrance door.

2.8.3.4 DRIVER'S LIGHTING

The driver's area shall have a lamp to provide general illumination of the driver's area and shall illuminate the half of the steering wheel nearest the driver to a level of 15 foot-candles. This lamp shall be controlled by a switch that is convenient to the driver.

2.8.3.5 DRIVER CONTROLS

All switches and controls necessary for the operation of the coach shall be conveniently located in the driver's area and shall provide for ease of operation.

Switches and controls shall be essentially within the hand reach envelope described in SAE Recommendation Practice, J287, and Driver Hand Control Reach. Controls shall be located so that boarding passengers may not easily tamper with control settings.

Accelerator and brake pedals shall be designed for ankle motion. Foot surfaces of the pedals shall be faced with wear-resistant, nonskid, replaceable material that is either slipped or glued on. Controls for engine operation shall be closely grouped within the driver's compartment The door control, kneel control, windshield wiper/washer controls, and run switch shall be in the most convenient driver locations.