The Interurban Trolley Welcomes New Trolley Buses

October 6, 2015 - The Interurban Trolley is excited to welcome its new low-floor trolley buses to its public transit fleet. After a competitive bid process, Midwest Transit Equipment was selected to provide the new trolleys that were assembled by ElDorado National, an experienced transit vehicle manufacturer. The new trolleys offer modern convenience, comfort, durability and safety with the classic elegance of a bygone era. They were assembled by ElDorado National in the United States and utilize many "Made in Indiana" and "Made in the Midwest" components.

These new buses have the exterior look of a traditional trolley, with the arched windows, wood paneling, cow catchers, trolley bell and cupola. The arched windows on the sides of the bus were supplied by Hehr International in Plymouth, Indiana. The interior has the features of a modern transit-style vehicle, including modern transit seating and other passenger amenities. The passenger seats, supplied by Freedman Seating in Illinois, provide a balance of strength and comfort needed in public transit. The driver's seat is specifically designed for the transit industry and was supplied by Recaro in Michigan.

To enhance accessibility, the trolleys are equipped with a low-floor, kneeling suspension. This feature allows the bus to "kneel" to curb height eliminating the use of steps to board. The bus is equipped with an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp at the center door to provide safe, quick and comfortable access for up to two wheelchair passengers.

Additional features that will enhance riders' experience include front and center doors, supplied by Vapor in Illinois, for convenient and faster boarding. The new vehicles also include a bike rack on the front of the vehicle for safer loading and unloading of bicycles. The bike racks hold up to two bicycles at a time. Also, the vehicles are equipped with an upgraded Thermo King HVAC system to withstand the seasonal climate in Northern Indiana.

Other major components of the bus include an Allison Transmission from Indianapolis, Indiana; Cummins Diesel Engine from Columbus, Indiana; and a Modine Radiator from Racine, Wisconsin.

Currently, the Interurban Trolley has received six of the seven new trolley buses. The remaining bus will be delivered by the end of the month. These new trolley buses will replace current vehicles in the Interurban Trolley fleet that have exceeded their useful service life. Three buses have had their debut services and the remaining buses will be placed on routes in the coming weeks.

ABOUT THE INTERURBAN TROLLEY
The Interurban Trolley provides fixed route bus service to the general public operating five fixed routes. The Trolley provides easy, affordable public transit along the corridors connecting Elkhart and Goshen as well as major points of commerce between the two cities. Last, year the Interurban Trolley provided over 470,000 passenger boardings. The Interurban Trolley also offers a paratransit program called the Interurban Trolley Access service. This service provides public transportation for disabled persons unable to use the Interurban Trolley fixed route system and serves the same general service area the Trolley buses operate. Last, year the Interurban Trolley Access service provided over 16,000 trips for individuals with disabilities.

Transit information can be obtained by calling the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) at (574) 674-8894 or at by going to www.interurbantrolley.com.