BusTalk

[Bill D]

The Northeast Passenger Transportation Association (NEPTA) and the Federal Transportation Administration Region 1 sponsored a transportation conference and Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on March 18th. The conference included maintenance workshops, as well as vendor exhibits. Several mechanics from my employer, including myself attended the event.

Maintenance workshops included Allison transmissions, Ricon and Braun wheelchair lifts, Luminator and Twin Vision destination signs Q'Straint wheelchair securement, Carrier air conditioning and Spinner centrifuge oil filters. Exhibitors included bus manufacturers Gillig, MCI, NABI and New Flyer, as well as makers of smaller paratransit type equipment. There were also exhibits be companies involved in many other aspects of the transit industry.

It was an excellent opportunity to check out the newest trends in the transit industry as well as to meet up with some old friends from around the area. The highlight for me actually occurred outside of the conference hall. The Convention Center is a stop on the Hartford "Star Shuttle", a free downtown circulator route. One of the buses operating on the route was CT Transit #701, the Van Hool fuel cell bus. I took a ride around the route on the bus, which I had been wanting to do ever since it went into service. The bus was very quiet, except for a slight hum from the drive motors, and had good acceleration. Occasionally there was a chatter when accelerating or decelerating. The operator explained to me that this happens when the vehicle is taking power from only two of the three batteries on board. He stated that when all is working well, this bus is a pleasure to drive. If any of you venture to Hartford, I highly recommend seeking the bus out and taking a ride. It is usually in operation Monday through Friday, and takes about 15 minutes to do the entire route.


(CT Transit #701 - Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus at the Connecticut Convention Center)

It was a great day, especially since I was on the clock while attending, but I would have enjoyed it just as much even if I wasn't getting paid to be there.

Bill