Schedule B - Small Bus Specifications.docx

Schedule B State of Michigan Office of Passenger Transportation Specifications for Small Class of Buses, Class I - 5 Years/150,000 Miles (minimum); Class II - 7-Years/200,000 Miles (minimum) of Non-lift and Lift Transit Buses with Alternate Seating

I. PURPOSE OF SPECIFICATIONS

These specifications are setting forth the minimum requirements for a two-axle, transit class commercial non-lift bus or a Paratransit type commercial bus equipped with a commercial wheelchair lift. The body shall be mounted on a commercial or recreational vehicle (RV) chassis. At a minimum, buses must meet all applicable Michigan Motor Carrier Vehicle Codes, all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Buses in these specifications shall be defined by the following classes:

A. Small Class One: Minimum 11,500 GVWR B. Small Class Two: Minimum 14,200 GVWR

The Small Class of buses must be capable of seating a minimum of 11 adult forward facing passengers or an alternate capacity of ambulatory adult passengers and wheelchair passengers. The buses shall be fully and/or partially tested (a related full report shall be submitted with any partial test for each fuel type, Gasoline, and Propane) at the Penn State/Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute – the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center and must certify the following with a copy of the “Altoona Bus Test Report”:

A. The bus model(s) offered is a minimum Class One - 5 years/150,000 miles, Class Two – 7 years/200,000 mile bus service life category.

B. Will meet the requirements of Federal Register Rules and Regulations 49 CFR Part 665, Bus Testing Program.

C. Testing is required for a manufacturer of a new bus model or a bus produced with a major change in component or configuration shall provide a copy of the test report(s) as specified in §665.11 and § 665.13.

D. Bidders shall submit any and all reports related to the buses in this bid as specified in §665.11 and § 665.13

Chassis serial number, body number, axle ratio, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), seating capacity and paint codes shall be imprinted on a permanent decal(s) or stamped on a metal plate(s) and affixed in the driver's area of the bus (location to be approved by the State).

Regardless of options and seating plan ordered, the successful bidder shall be responsible for certifying that all buses delivered: 1) shall not exceed the GVWR of chassis as bid (determined by engineering calculated loaded vehicle axle weights), and 2) single wheelchair securement area buses shall not exceed 21' 11" in length measured bumper to bumper excluding the energy absorbing portion of the bumper (distance of travel allowed for compression of the bumper without body deformation). Manufacturers shall comply with the chassis company’s quality vehicle manufacturing program such as Ford’s Quality Vehicle Modifier (QVM).

A. Please refer to Schedule A Statement of Work, section 1.1, and 1.1.1 for additional specification requirements.

II. BODY SPECIFICATIONS

A. GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

INTRUCTIONS: Where applicable, Bidder should specify either suggested source or pre-approved alternate and/or provide detail for all items.

1) SAFETY: The chassis and body shall be designed using only prudent, proven engineering principles with all work performed only by professional established firms. The bus purchased shall comply with all State regulations and requirements applicable to the design and manufacture of motor buses for the State of Michigan.

2) DRIVER SIZE and COMFORT: Design criteria of bus purchased shall be for all females from the 5th percentile, to males of the 95th percentile, to be equally as comfortable in using all controls required to safely drive and maneuver the bus. All driver controls shall comply with FMVSS 101, with hand and foot controls required to operate the bus safely, including the placement of exterior adjustable mirrors, positioned to meet this safety requirement.

3) QUALITY of WORKMANSHIP: All labor employed in both the manufacturing and assembly processes of the bus purchased shall be to the highest industry standards. The entire bus shall be within all established engineering tolerances set by all parties involved in the design and production of the bus. All added components shall be installed and positioned according to the component manufacturer’s installation procedures which shall be available upon request.

4) WELDING: All welding procedures used throughout the construction of the bus, including materials, qualifications and training of personnel, shall be in accordance with the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Welding Society (AWS). Contact surfaces of all material to be welded shall be clean, and free of grease, paint, rust and scale. After welding, all rough edges and surfaces on parts shall be ground smooth and coated with a corrosion inhibiting primer and paint.

5) ATTACHMENT HARDWARE: All rivets, screws, bolts, nuts, washers and other types of fasteners used in the construction process, including those that would be exposed to the elements, shall be of appropriate size and strength rating for the application. They shall be sprayed with or dipped in a rust-resistant coating material, be plated, be stainless steel, or otherwise be made of rust-resistant type material, all of which will pass the 480 hour ASTM B117 Salt Spray test and the 480 hour ASTM D2247 Humidity Resistance test (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, items v. & x.). Fasteners used by the respective component manufacturers in their assemblies are acceptable as part of the assembly.

B. BODY STRUCTURE AND EXTERIOR PANELS

1) Metal Rollover Frame, Cage-type Construction

a. The bus shall have a heavy-duty, unit-body structure type. The body structure (rollover frame, cage type of gauge #16 steel, 0.060" or equal, minimum) shall be of durable steel or aluminum construction insulated against electrolysis between dissimilar metals, and adequately reinforced at all joints and points of stress, with sufficient strength to comply with the FMVSS 220 rollover protection test. All body and floor structural members (tubes, channels, etc.) shall be Gas Metal Arc Welded (GMAC) or equal at each joint. A MIG welding system is acceptable provided it meets the requirements of this specification. Each bidder shall provide certification with the bid, that the bus meets the FMVSS 220 rollover protection test as bid (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, item k.).

b. The bus shall be designed to withstand road shocks, stop, and start operations, seasonal weather and road extremes, and other conditions found in Michigan transit bus service. The body shall be securely fastened to the chassis frame structure using a method of uniform attachment consisting of strategically placed rubber isolators/cushions consistent with cab/chassis isolators/cushions with connector bolts that permit body flexing independent of chassis flexing. Roof, side, front, and back panels shall be secured to the body vertical and horizontal frame members, and these, when fastened to the floor structural members, result in a permanent, fully-integrated structural unit adequately reinforced at all points where stress concentration may occur. The wall structure shall be welded or bolted to the floor with grade 8 bolts to provide adequate stability in the event of a non-static rollover event. The body floor sub-frame assembly, including lower skirt reinforcements, shall be, at a minimum, gauge number 14 (.075" thickness) galvanized steel (mill applied), or gauge number 16 stainless steel, or gauge number 12 aluminum, or gauge number 14 steel treated a with corrosion resistant coating. All body floor sub-frame assembly shall meet the 480 hour salt spray test per ASTM procedure B-117, with no structural detrimental effects to normally visible surfaces. Certification of compliance with this requirement shall be published by an independent company and be submitted with the bid (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, item v.). Wheelwells shall have minimum yield strength of gauge number 14 (.075" thickness) galvanized steel, gauge number 16 (.060" thickness) stainless steel, or gauge number 12 (.10" thickness) aluminum properly welded or secured with approved corrosion resistant fasteners to the floor structure. The entire body cage and frame including floor structure shall be properly coated with a corrosion resistant coating or a non -water permeable primer/paint. All components treated to resist corrosion shall be properly cleaned to remove greases, oils, and residues before application of the corrosion resistant material. Passage holes provided for wiring and hoses shall be thoroughly sealed to prevent dust and moisture intrusion and be sufficiently protected to ensure against wear from friction and the elements. When completed, all body side sections and roof sections including structure shall be at a minimum 1-1/4" thick. Where body segments are joined they shall be properly sealed to prevent intrusion of drafts, fumes, dust, and water to the interior of the bus body. Roof shall allow no pooling of water.

c. All exterior side and roof panel material shall be fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), it shall have as a minimum, of 2.16 mm (0.080”) thick material (comprised of various layers of gel-coat, reinforcement and resins) or .040" FRP with a 2.7mm (.106”) Azdel backer. It shall be designed to resist impact caused by flying road debris. The material must resist rot, corrosion, and mildew and cannot be affected by cleaning related chemicals, road residue, or environmental exposure. Reinforcements shall be installed around all window openings in order to transfer stress around the opening. All door openings shall have full structural framing (tube) or imbedded reinforcements, equal to the structural members of the body that will adequately support concentrations of stress around openings. All exposed doorframe structure shall be made of 400 series stainless steel (including the fasteners), which does not discolor with age. Where a stiffener or a backer material (substrate) is used for the exterior panels, it shall be bonded with waterproof adhesive to the exterior panel; it shall be a water resistant material that will not wick water; and it must be thoroughly sealed from the elements when installed so that the substrate will not be exposed to or absorb moisture and cause corrosion to the interior of the panel or any body structure. Exterior panel substrate shall not be of wood composition, plywood or a pressed wood product. Where body segments are joined, they shall be properly sealed to prevent intrusion of drafts, fumes, dust, and water to the interior of the bus body.

d. All interior panels and trim may be made of scuff-resistant laminate/FRP or molded ABS finished material. Interior panels shall have as a minimum the physical properties of gauge number 24 (.024" thickness). Interior panel substrate shall not be of wood composition, plywood or a pressed wood product. Interior panel threaded fasteners or rivets shall secure panels to body framing structure. Where fasteners are in the panels only, a reinforcing nut or reinforcing panel shall be installed for added strength and fastener retention. Overhead compartment and fuse panel covers/doors only shall be made of the same material as interior panels or may be padded with plywood backers. Panels must allow for permanent adhesion of signage.

e. Exterior lower skirt panels shall be fiberglass or composite material and shall be sufficiently stiff to prevent vibration, drumming, or flexing while the bus is in service. Lower edge of skirt panels shall be re-enforced to prevent cracking/breaking due to excessive flexing. Body front and/or rear endcaps may be molded fiberglass panels installed with required structural framing or a FRP composite structure. Lower skirt panels may be one piece in length at manufacture but shall be repairable in sections. Lower skirt panels shall not use a wood substrate material for a panel stiffener. Where exterior panels are lapped, the upper or forward panels shall act as a watershed. Exterior panels that are cut shall have the cut edge sealed (paint or special sealing compound). Sealing and fastening of panel joints, including front and rear cap-to-body joints, shall prevent entrance of moisture and dirt. Joint sealing shall be made through use of a non-shrinking bonding sealant, and joint sealing shall not be solely dependent on an exterior trim strip or a trim cap nor shall the sealing of the panels be dependent on caulking alone. Any visible caulk shall be painted after water testing is complete. All exterior panels shall be buck riveted and/or bonded to the body frame structure.

f. The exterior body panels shall have on each side one heavy-duty rubrail. Rubrails (1½" x ½" minimum) shall be extruded UV resistant plastic with a flexible, rubber-type resilient material insert or a solid rubber-type of flexible, resilient material. Rubrails shall be located no less than 25" nor more than 43" above the ground on each side. Where the rubrails and fender opening guards are not an integral part of the body, installation of rubrails shall be made after the finish coat of paint is applied to the bus. Rubrails shall be sealed to prevent debris seepage into and from behind rubrail.

g. Gun installed huckbolt fastenings, buck rivets, bonding adhesives, or approved equivalent shall be utilized on all exterior body panels, rubrails, and all other locations where stress is concentrated. All rivets, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, clamps, and other types of fasteners used in the construction process, including those that would be exposed to the elements, on the exterior and interior of the unit shall be properly plated to resist corrosion. No sheet metal screws shall be permitted, including self-tapping/drilling screws, except for rubrails and rubber fender splash guards (see mudflaps/splash guards) which can be secured with stainless steel or equivalent plated locking-type, self-tapping fasteners. Fastener materials shall be compatible with materials being fastened. Where self-tapping fasteners are used, body panels shall be reinforced with steel backing, aluminum backing, or stainless-steel backing.

h. Window openings cut into body panels shall have a maximum frame clearance of 3/16” on each side to minimize the need for caulking (see Section 24, Windows). All openings cut into metal body exterior panels must have the exposed cut edges primed or properly coated to inhibit water intrusion and corrosion before further assembly or painting occurs. Window frames installed in the body openings shall be properly caulked/sealed to prevent intrusion of moisture and dust. Drip rails shall be installed the entire length of the bus body above windows and doors.

i. The Contractor shall submit roof, sidewall, and flooring drawings showing structure and structural specifications indicating metal size and type used. Include side sheathing and inside panels (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, items e.).

2) Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Composite Unitized-type Body

a. The bus body shall have a heavy-duty unitized structure and shall be of durable fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) composite construction. The body panels shall consist of an exterior high gloss gelcoat (.020” thickness, minimum) on a resin-hardened FRP (3/16”thickness, minimum) attached to a center layer of resin hardened Nida-Core® or equal honeycomb (¾” thickness, minimum) with an inner FRP panel (3/16” thickness, minimum); or may be ¾”polyurethane foam insulation gelcoated to ¼” FRP exterior with ¼” FRP interior, reinforced with steel perimeter and transverse supports, completely fiberglassed to adjoining body parts. It shall use proper adhesive materials to adequately bond and mechanically fasten all joints and points of stress with sufficient strength to comply with the FMVSS 220 rollover protection test. Each bidder shall provide certification with the bid, that the bus meets the FMVSS 220 rollover protection test as bid (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, item k.).

b. The bus shall be designed to withstand road shocks, stop and start operations, seasonal weather and road extremes, and other conditions found in Michigan transit bus service. The body shall be securely fastened to the chassis frame structure using a method of uniform attachment consisting of strategically placed rubber isolators/cushions consistent with cab/chassis isolators/cushions with connector bolts that permit body flexing independent of chassis flexing. Roof, side, front, and back panels shall be secured to the floor and lower body frame members; all of which shall result in a permanent, fully-integrated structural unit adequately reinforced at all points where stress concentration may occur. The body floor sub-frame assembly, including lower skirt reinforcements, shall be, at a minimum, gauge number 14 (.075" thickness) galvanized steel (mill applied), or gauge number 16 stainless steel, or gauge number 12 aluminum, or gauge number 14 steel treated a with corrosion resistant coating, insulated against electrolysis between dissimilar metals. All body floor sub-frame assembly shall meet 1,000-hour salt spray test per ASTM procedure B-117, with no structural detrimental effects to normally visible (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, item w.). Certification of compliance with this requirement shall be published by an independent company and be submitted with the bid. Wheelwells shall have minimum yield strength of gauge number 14 galvanized steel, gauge number 16 (.060" thickness) stainless steel, or gauge number 12 (.10" thickness) aluminum properly welded or secured with approved corrosion resistant fasteners to the floor structure. Passage holes provided for wiring and hoses shall be thoroughly sealed to prevent dust and moisture intrusion. The entire lower body frame shall be coated with corrosion resistant primer/paint (steel) or properly treated to resist corrosion (other materials). All treated components shall be properly cleaned to remove greases, oils, and residues before application of the corrosion resistant material.

c. All exterior side and roof panels when completed shall be at a minimum 1-1/8” thick. Bond lines at the sidewalls, rear endcap, roof, and front cap shall be interlocked by adhesives, resin saturated fiberglass matting, and mechanical fasteners, forming a unibody design without exposed fasteners or protruding moldings. Imbedded reinforcements shall be installed at all door openings to support door mounting hardware and door operating mechanisms. All door openings shall have full structural metal framing to maintain integrity of the body structure. All exposed doorframe structure shall be made of 400 series stainless steel (including the fasteners), which does not discolor with age. Where a stiffener or a backer material (substrate) is used for the exterior panels, it shall be bonded with waterproof adhesive to the exterior panel; it shall be a water resistant material that will not wick water; and it must be thoroughly sealed from the elements when installed so that the substrate will not be exposed to or absorb moisture and cause corrosion to the interior of the panel or any body structure. Roof shall allow no pooling of water.

d. Interior panels may be an integral part of the FRP composite panel or may be made of scuff-resistant laminate/FRP finished material. Where threaded fasteners are in the interior panel only, an imbedded reinforcing nut or a reinforcing panel shall be integrated into the FRP composite for added strength and fastener retention. Overhead compartment and fuse panel covers/doors only shall be made of the same material as interior panels or may be padded with plywood backers. Panels must allow for permanent adhesion of signage.

e. Exterior panels may be an integral part of the FRP composite panel. Exterior panels shall be sufficiently stiff to prevent vibration, drumming, or flexing while the bus is in service. Lower skirt panels shall be sufficiently fastened and braced to prevent damage from ice and snow build-up. Lower skirt panels may be one piece in length at manufacture but shall be repairable in sections. Where panels are lapped, the upper and/or forward panels shall overlap the lower and/or rearward panels to prevent intrusion of water under the panels. Sealing and fastening of joints, including front and rear cap-to-body joints, shall prevent entrance of moisture and dirt. Any visible caulk shall be painted after water testing is complete. All exterior panels shall be bonded to the lower body frame. In no case shall the sealing of the panels be dependent on caulking alone.

f. The exterior body panels shall have on each side one heavy-duty rubrail. Rubrails (1½" x ½" minimum) shall be extruded UV resistant plastic with a flexible, rubber-type resilient material insert or a solid rubber-type of flexible, resilient material. Rubrails shall be located no less than 25" nor more than 43" above the ground on each side. Where the rubrails are not an integral part of the body, installation of rubrails shall be made after the finish coat of paint is applied to the bus. Rubrails shall be sealed to prevent debris seepage into and from behind rubrail.

g. No sheet metal screws shall be permitted, including self-tapping/drilling screws, except for rubrails and rubber fender splash guards which can be secured with stainless steel locking-type, self-tapping fasteners. Fastener materials shall be compatible with materials being fastened and meet the 480 hour ASTM B117 Salt Spray test and the 480 hour ASTM D2247 Humidity Resistance test (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, items v. & x.). Where self-tapping fasteners are used in body panels, the body panels shall have an imbedded reinforcing nut or a reinforcing panel shall be integrated into the FRP composite for added strength and fastener retention.

h. Window openings cut into body panels shall have a maximum frame clearance of 3/16” on each side, to minimize the need for caulking (see section B. Body Structure and Exterior Panels, subsection 24. Windows). All openings cut into body exterior panels must have the exposed edges of the cutout properly coated to prevent moisture intrusion before further assembly or painting occurs. Window frames installed in the body openings shall be properly caulked/sealed to prevent intrusion of moisture and dust. Drip rails shall be installed the entire length of the bus body above windows and doors.

i. The Contractor shall submit roof, sidewall, and flooring drawings showing structure and structural specifications indicating metal size and type used. Include side sheathing and inside panels (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, items e.).

3) Passenger Door

a. The manufacturer shall provide a heavy duty electrically operated passenger entrance door. The passenger entrance door shall be an anodized aluminum frame, split-type double leaf swing door. This door shall have a flexible soft rubber cushion on the meeting edge 1½" in width, minimum. The door glass shall be see-through, AS-2 tint (70% luminous transmittance) safety glass. Under all operating conditions and bus speeds, an airtight, watertight, and dust-proof seal shall be formed between the door and the stepwell, between the door and body opening, and between the door leaf sections. The door leading edge opening speed shall not exceed 18 inches per second and the closing speed shall not exceed 12 inches per second to provide a total door closing or opening in 2 to 4 seconds. The front passenger entrance door shall not extend below the step frame. The door shall be located on the right side of the bus near the front wheel. Any door with an exposed (metal showing) outer frame shall be made of 304 stainless steel (including the fasteners), which does not discolor with age. The entrance door shall provide a 30" clear width opening, minimum. Door opening height from the top of the first step to the door header shall be a minimum of 76". Where interior height is low at the entrance header, the header shall be padded to prevent injury to those exiting the bus. Suggest Source: A&M Systems Inc .

b. The doorframe strength and electric door operator strength shall be designed to match the entrance door size. Door fasteners shall be anchored through a metal frame, NOT through a wood frame. The operator for the entrance door shall be located in an overhead compartment above the passenger entrance doorway; it shall be concealed from passengers, and shall be easily accessible for servicing through an access door. The electronic control module shall be located in a separate weatherproof enclosure to prevent water damage. The access door shall be hinged to open up with a holding device or shall be a complete access cover that is secured with ¼” threaded knobs (knobs shall match access cover). The access door or cover shall be as large as will fit in the overhead compartment space. Door motor operation shall be limited electrically to control door travel at full open and full closed positions and shall be adjustable to keep the door closed during bus operation. Physical doorstops shall be used to prevent marring or damage to doors and/or surrounding parts. An entrance door manual release that allows disconnection and simple re-engagement of the door operator shall be provided so that the entrance doors can be manually opened in the event of loss of electrical power or other emergency. The door operator motor shall not run continuously when the manual release is operated. Electric door operator, door linkage, and baseplate components shall be of a single manufacturer. Suggested source: A&M Systems Inc., Excell, Vapor.

c. The passenger door control switch shall be located in the driver’s compartment within easy reach of the driver and be clearly marked for "open" and "close” icons (switch shall operate the same on all buses). The control switch shall be powered by a constant battery feed circuit with circuit breaker protection. The control switch shall be “hold on” for operation and of a RED color different than the standard switch color.

d. A method shall be provided to lock all entrances to the bus when it is not in use. Except for the OEM driver’s door and ignition, all secondary door locks shall be keyed the same.

e. The Contractor shall submit detailed engineering drawing(s) for the design of the entrance door and door-opening device (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, items c.).

4) Passenger Stepwell

a. All entrance steps and stepwells shall be gauge number 14 (.075" thickness) 400 series stainless steel, minimum. Steps and stepwells shall have adequate structural bracing. All metal trim hardware in the stepwell area shall be stainless steel. All fasteners in the stepwell area shall be stainless steel that will pass the 480 hour ASTM B117 Salt Spray test and the 480 hour ASTM D2247 Humidity Resistance test. Ground to first step shall not exceed 12" in height, each additional vertical step shall not exceed 9½" and all tread depths shall be 9" minimum. All steps in the entrance stepwell shall be of the same width. A suspension kneeling feature may be used to achieve the required 12" step height. Stepwells shall be covered with flooring material as described in section B. Body Structure and Exterior Panels, subsection 6. Flooring, item c. No aluminum step nosing shall be used. Any interior stainless steel except for exposed door frames shall be brushed, not painted.

b. The Contractor shall submit detailed engineering drawing(s) for the design of the entrance step configuration (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, item d.).

5) Interior

a. The interior of the bus shall provide a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. The door and driver instrument panel are to be painted or otherwise finished with a non-reflective, anti-glare finish that matches the overall interior tones of interior panels. All interior hinged access doors shall use quarter-turn, non-corrosive metal, thumb latches with positive stop mechanism (except the storage area in this section, item f., shall have one lockable latch) to hold the door positively closed. All interior markings shall be durable materials affixed to the interior panels' smooth surfaces or markings shall be durable materials affixed to metal plates fastened to the interior panels of the bus. The interior design and colors shall be approved by the State. No cloth shall be used for interior panels.

b. All interior panels shall be made of laminate/FRP finished scuff-resistant materials. Overhead compartment and fuse panel covers/doors only shall be made of the same material as interior panels or may be padded with plywood backers. No cloth shall be used for interior panels. Panels must allow for permanent adhesion of signage.

c. A white or light gray color shall be installed in the interior area above the seat rail lines, in the ceiling area, and on the rear endwall. All materials and treatments shall be easily cleaned. Panel fastening devices shall match color of panels. All interior finished surfaces shall be impervious to diesel fuel, gasoline, and commercial cleaning agents. Finished surfaces shall not be damaged by controlled applications of graffiti-removing chemicals.

d. The interior height of the passenger compartment at center aisle shall be 76" minimum. At 6" from the sidewall there shall be 67" of interior height, minimum, with a gradual contour to the center aisle (no bulkheads). Interior headroom at the back of bus (rear air conditioning evaporator area) may be reduced to a minimum of 60”, but it shall increase to the normal ceiling height at the front of the rear seat cushion. The interior width at seat line shall be 90", minimum. No cloth shall be used for interior panels.

e. All surfaces, items, or hardware in the passenger compartment having sharp edges, corners, or angles that could cause injury, shall be padded with a heavy-duty, vinyl-covered, energy absorbing material to match interior colors and finish. Areas inside the passenger compartment of low headroom where a person is prone to strike his head shall be marked and padded. All handrails shall have rounded edges where exposed.

f. A storage area with a hinged, lockable, access door shall be provided in the interior area either above the windshield (without destination sign) or on the side above the driver as space permits. This area above the windshield shall also be constructed to adequately support up to 60 pounds of two-way radio communication equipment. Storage area door shall open upward, be hinged at the top and have a clip/spring to retain the door in the open position. Storage area shall leave access to any lighting or other electrical connectors contained inside. Storage area shall be insulated and watertight.

6) Flooring

a. The floor deck may be integral with the basic structure or mounted on the structure securely to prevent chafing or horizontal movement. All floor fasteners shall be corrosion resistant steel and shall remain secured and corrosion resistant for the service life of the bus. The floor deck shall be ¾" C/D plywood of marine grade material or ¾” fiberglass encased composite material, minimum, with sealed edges to prevent moisture intrusion. The floor deck upper surface shall have all cracks and voids filled and the whole surface rough sanded before installing the flooring material. A layer of sealer shall be installed between floor deck edges that butt against structural members and other deck sections to prevent dust and moisture intrusion. Passage holes provided for wiring and hoses in the floor deck shall be thoroughly sealed to prevent dust and moisture intrusion. Passenger seating floor rail/track shall not be installed in the wheelchair lift or wheelchair securement areas. The floor deck, including the sealer, attachments, and coverings, shall be waterproof, non-hygroscopic, resistant to wet and dry rot, and resistant to mold growth. The floor deck shall not be sandwiched between the wall structural members and the floor structural members.

b. The entire passenger area including the wheelchair securement area, entrance steps and stepwell area, shall be overlaid with smooth, slip resistant flooring material. The resilient sheet flooring system (2.2 mm thickness minimum) shall be a high-quality vinyl with aluminum oxide and color quartz grains throughout the thickness, silicon carbide grains in the surface layer and a non-woven polyester/cellulose backing with glass fiber reinforcement. The flooring shall extend up the sidewall and rearwall to the seat rail line and shall be coved at the floor/wall joint to form a smooth watertight transition. A cove molding radius backing block, approved by the flooring manufacturer, shall be installed behind all floor coving and shall be 1.5” radius (minimum). Installation of flooring must be done strictly according to the flooring manufacturer’s directions using the proper accessories, tools, and adhesives. Suggested Sources: Altro Transflor™ Meta, Altro Transflor™ Chroma or Gerflor Tarabus; Profusion.

c. Step treads shall be one-piece resilient sheet flooring system matching the passenger compartment flooring. All step edges (nosings of step tread material) shall have a band of bright yellow contrasting color running full width of the step. Step tread to stepwell joints shall be sealed to prevent intrusion of moisture and debris. No aluminum step nosing shall be used.

d. An aisle width standee line of bright yellow contrasting color shall be in the aisle just behind stepwell (must meet ADA contrast requirement). Suggested Sources: Altro Safety Step System or Gerflor

e. Color of all flooring and step tread shall be equal to Altro Transflor genome (grey) or bison (tan) or Gerflor Tarabus; Profusion as requested by the agencies.

f. To provide easy access for service, the floor shall have a vapor and fumeproof bright aluminum diamond plate access panel to reservoir fill/check areas and fuel tank sending unit large enough to remove the sending unit and thick enough to prevent it from flexing under normal use.

g. Standee decals shall be furnished and mounted at the center of the bus above the windshield.

h. Wheel wells, when required, shall be thoroughly sealed to prevent intrusion of moisture and dirt. Metal wheel wells inside the passenger compartment shall be covered with flooring material or molded fiberglass (FRP or ABS).

7) Emergency Exits

a. Each bus shall be equipped with a rear exit door with a minimum opening of 1296 square inches (a rear exit window in place of the door is optional). All exposed exit door frame/jamb structure shall be made of 400 series stainless steel, a grade which does not discolor with aging. The rear door exit and side window exits shall meet federal requirements of FMVSS 217. The manufacturer shall provide a method to lock the rear exit door. The rear exit door shall have an audible alarm at the driver's area activated when the exit door latch handle starts to open and when the exit door is locked with the ignition on. A bus with a rear exit door shall have one small window on each side of the exit door in the rear endcap.

b. The rear exit door shall have two windows, an upper window and a lower window, as a part of the door. The door glass shall be see-through, AS-2 tint (70% luminous transmittance) safety glass. The upper door window height shall match top of rear bus windows as close as practical, one on each side of rear door. Door windows shall match design of bus rear windows. Heavy-duty door latch mechanism with handle guard shall provide a quick release for opening from inside and outside the bus but be designed to offer protection against accidental release. The door latch shall cause the door to compress the perimeter door seal to provide an airtight, dustproof and watertight seal around the door under all operating conditions and speeds. Door panels shall match exterior and interior body panels material construction (see section B., Body Structure and Exterior Panels, subsection 2, items c., and d.) and have foam insulation in between panels. All doors shall be fitted with screwed or bolted-on heavy-duty stainless-steel piano hinges or heavy-duty hinges of a noncorrosive material. A restraint shall be installed to prevent the door from opening beyond 105° or striking the rear panel of the bus when the door is opened.

c. A passageway of 16" minimum width shall be provided to the rear exit door. No seats or other objects shall be placed in bus, which restricts passageway to rear exit door.

d. One-closing static exhaust vent, a combination roof vent-emergency exit (23" by 23" minimum), shall be installed at the mid-point on the longitudinal center line of the roof of the passenger section of the bus. The roof vent-escape hatch shall provide fresh air flow inside the bus when opened and when the bus is in a forward motion. The escape hatch shall have an inside and an outside release handle. There is no warning buzzer requirement for the escape hatch. Suggested source: DMA 1122, Specialty Manufacturing Co., Transpec Inc.

e. Instructions for proper use of all emergency exits shall be marked in close proximity to the release mechanisms. All interior markings shall be durable materials permanently affixed to the interior panels' smooth surfaces or markings shall be durable materials permanently affixed to metal plates fastened to the interior panels of the bus. Instructions may be labels, of highly contrasting color, affixed to a location that shall be approved by the state. All emergency exits shall be marked on the exterior of the bus.

f. Lever-type latches used for emergency windows shall secure the windows tightly shut, shall be easily operated, and shall not unlatch due to vibration during bus operation. The latches shall be made of non-corrosive materials and be designed for minimal maintenance needs. Side emergency window latches shall be located on the sides, NOT the bottom. Rear emergency window latches shall be in the bottom.

g. Each exit used for passenger egress shall be identified with a red ½” LED indicator lamp, illuminated with the vehicle marker lighting when ignition is in the “ON” position, above each exit, so that it may be seen by a passenger in an adjacent seat. Suggested Source: Series 29, Sorenson Lighting Company

8) Gauges

a. Chassis Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) gauges shall be used in the driver’s instrument cluster, but if they are not available, VDO brand gauges or Stewart Warner gauges shall be used. Each bus shall have an instrument cluster with the following non-glare needle-type gauges which are easily monitored by sight from the driver’s position (lights in lieu of gauges are not acceptable).

b. If available from OEM chassis manufacturer voltmeter and its wiring shall be compatible with generating capacities.

c. Engine oil pressure gauge.

d. Engine coolant temperature gauge.

e. Fuel gauge.

9) Farebox

a. The farebox (a donation box is optional) shall be mounted with the trip handle toward the driver and within easy reach of the driver. The farebox shall be mounted on an adequately braced stanchion; shall be located over a flat floor surface near the driver; and shall be accessible to passengers entering the bus (meet ADA requirements). An indirect farebox light shall be connected through an entrance door jamb switch to the running light circuit operational only when door is opened.

b. The farebox shall be lockable and supplied with two vaults that are interchangeable and lockable (2 keys for each lock). The vaults shall be keyed alike. The vault and farebox exteriors shall be marked with key reference. (Location shall be approved by ordering agency.) Suggested source: Diamond Model NV

10) Bumpers

The front bumper shall be an OEM bumper. The rear bumper shall be a high energy absorbing bumper. The rear bumper shall be installed per bumper manufacturer's specifications. Bumper attachment shall use a minimum of SAE grade 8 fasteners with thread locking feature or other shake-proof (Nord-Lock) mounting in all attachment brackets. Rear anti-ride bumper installation shall allow space between the bumper and the body for energy absorption movement without body damage. Rear bumper Suggested source: Romeo R.I.M. Inc. H.E.L.P. bumper, SMI.

11) Mud Flaps and Splash Guards

a. The bus shall have commercial grade anti-sail mud flaps/splash aprons behind front and rear wheels which contain no visible imprinted logo or advertising. Front mud flaps shall be no-drill OEM and rear shall be rigid plastic type mud flaps. The flaps/aprons shall be securely fastened with full width metal strips and appropriate fasteners. The rear flaps/aprons shall be compressed between a gauge number 11 (.125" thickness, minimum) support bracket and a gauge number 14 (.075" thickness, minimum) metal strip. The OEM front flaps shall be fastened securely to the body substructure or chassis frame. The flaps shall extend to within 4 to 6" of the road surface at curb weight. The mud flaps/aprons shall be at least 1" wider than the tire widths (single front, dual rear) to control splash at the rear of wheel openings.

b. Rubber or ABS fender splash guards secured with stainless fasteners shall be installed on the rear wheel well opening.

c. Where the mud flaps and splash guards are not an integral part of the body, installation shall be made after the finish coat of paint is applied to the bus using appropriate fasteners and adhesive.

12) Towing

Tow hooks shall be provided with two in the rear and two in the front if available from OEM of the bus, which shall be of sufficient strength to tow 1½ times the GVWR of the bus. Tow hooks shall be equipped with a spring safety clips (rear only), easily accessed, and free of interference with the bumper system when in use. Access to tow hooks may be made through holes in the bumper assembly. The intended use for tow hooks is only to safely move the bus to a point of tow truck hook-up. Tow hooks shall be installed to prevent them from dragging when the bus is driven over an incline. The tow hooks, equal to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) units, shall be mounted and adequately secured to the chassis frame as recommended by the tow hook manufacturer or may be supplied by the OEM as standard equipment on the chassis. The bus shall be designed to be towed from the front or from the rear with either a frame contact or a wheel lift. A fuel tank protection frame shall not interfere with a frame contact lift. The bidder shall provide the towing and lifting procedure at delivery.

13) Undercoating/Rustproofing

a. When the unit is completed, the sections of the underside of the bus exposed to the elements shall be treated with an undercoating material except those areas of the OEM chassis where undercoating is not recommended. Undercoating shall be warranted for the same period covered by the body/structure warranty. Suggested source: : Pure Asphalt 76M or 770 or Tectyl 517 or 121-B

b. Rustproofing - All box type steel tubing (except stainless steel) used in the floor structure and sidewall structure from the top of the window down, shall have the interior of the tube coated with corrosion resistant material conforming to MIL-C-62218 as outlined in Federal Standard 297E. Sections that are treated shall be properly cleaned to remove greases, oils, and residues before application of the corrosion-proofing material. Any welded areas shall be retreated to avoid corrosion. All mechanisms (moving or stationary parts) that are affected by or rendered useless by an application of sealant or insulation shall be cleaned free of sealant or insulation including vent canisters and drainpipes. Rustproofing shall be warranted for the same period covered by the body/structure warranty. Suggested source: Pure Asphalt 825 or 372 or Waxoyl, Ziebart Type-A.

14) Interior Mirrors/Sun Visors

a. Interior mirror rearview shall be OEM

b. Windshield sun visor system shall be standard Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) chassis visor(s). If the OEM chassis is not equipped with a windshield sun visor, two large transit-type, fully adjustable, double-knuckle, arm-type Plexiglas sun visors shall be provided for the driver at the windshield, and at the side window. Suggested source: OEM or Manufacturer's standard.

15) Exterior Mirrors

a. Each bus shall be equipped with exterior, powered-remote, heated, left-hand and right-hand rear view mirrors of flat glass with convex mirrors (3" in diameter, minimum) attached or a combination flat/convex glass in a single mirror head. Both flat and convex glass shall be power remote adjustable. The mirror brackets shall be brushed stainless steel. The mirror shall contain at least 70 square inches of flat glass viewing area. ALL MIRROR MOUNTING SHALL NOT CAUSE PREMATURE BODY DAMAGE. No use of self-tapping or self-drilling screws to mount mirrors. Suggested source: ROSCO Eye-max LP Hawk, Mirror Lite Co, Inc.Bus Boy.

b. To prevent obstructed front and right-hand view, a convex, asymmetric, exterior cross view mirror (8" minimum diameter) shall be provided on the left front corner of the bus. Suggested sources: Rosco Eye-Max LP, Rosco Bus Boy

c. All exterior mirrors shall be constructed with high impact plastic or stainless steel housings. Mirrors (except cross view mirror) shall be remote adjusting and shall move independently of the mirror housing. The mirrors shall be modular in design so that the glass can be replaced using the “twist lock” mechanism for service without removing the entire mirror assembly from the bus.

d. Mirror mountings shall be reinforced when not in a structural frame member to prevent mirror vibration, with approval by the State at the time of Pilot Model Inspection. The mirror placement shall not obstruct driver vision nor have window divider bars between the driver and mirror face. ALL MIRROR MOUNTING SHALL NOT CAUSE PREMATURE BODY DAMAGE

16) Driver’s Seats

a. The driver's seat shall comfortably hold and support the human body in the ergonomically correct position for driving and meet the flammability requirements of FVMSS 302. The driver's seat with arm rests (right side seat arm rest, left side door arm rest) shall have adjustments for fore and aft slide, 4" minimum travel, back recline, 20° minimum, and weight range capacity up to 350 pounds. While seated, the driver shall be able to make all of these adjustments by hand without complexity, excessive effort, or being pinched. Manual operated adjustment mechanisms shall hold the adjustments and shall not be subject to inadvertent changes. The seat shall be high-backed and shall be properly aligned (centered) behind steering wheel to allow for maximum seat adjustments and operator comfort. The seat belt with shoulder harness, automatic retractor and supplemental restraint (SRS) system shall be chassis Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) equipment. Any modifications to the body shall not interfere with driver’s seatbelt adjustments including shoulder height adjustment. All seats and seat mountings shall meet applicable federal standards. An option for an electric 6-way power adjustable seat shall be available. Suggested sources: OEM, USSC G2E, Recaro Ergo Metro with headrest and armrests.

b. The driver's seat cushion shall be molded high resilient (HR) polyurethane foam padding with indentation load deflection (ILD) 35 pounds minimum, and the back cushion shall be molded or fabricated high resilient (HR) polyurethane foam padding (ILD) 25 pounds minimum. There shall be no welt or bead across the front of the seat cushion under the driver’s legs. Compressions to 10 percent maximum and tensile strength, 15 lbs. per square inch minimum. Seat and back cushion foam shall meet the typical physical properties of ASTM D-3574 and the flammability requirements of FVMSS 302.

c. The driver's seat covering shall be gray Cloth-type Woven Fabric (with flame retardant qualities) or material and color matching bus seats if possible, meeting the requirements listed below in All Seats (see section B. Body Structure and Exterior Panels, subsection 19. Seat Material, item b. Cloth-type Woven Fabric Requirements(with flame resistance).

17) Passenger Seats

a. All passenger seats shall be mid-back and are required to meet all applicable FMVSS testing including FMVSS 210 (see section C. Vendor/Manufacturer Requirements, subsection 8. Bid Documents, item p.).

b. Two passenger, forward facing seats shall be 35" minimum width with a non-foam, black energy-absorbent, vandal-proof grab handle mounted to the top of each seat back (two per double seat). Grab handles are not required on seats that have a back against a wall.

c. Single passenger seats shall be 17-½" minimum width with a black, energy-absorbent, vandal-proof grab handle mounted to the top of the seat back.

d. Forward facing seats shall have 27" minimum knee to hip room.

e. Aisle facing seats shall have arm rests on both ends if the seat is not against a modesty panel.

f. Aisles shall not be less than 16" wide except as noted in Part 18 of this section.

g. The first double seat, aisle side, on the curb side of the bus shall have an integrated child restraint seat capable of safely carrying children of 22 to 50 pounds.

h. All seats shall be supported on the floor with high carbon steel support brackets.