AC Transit spent years scouring the marketplace in search of a small bus solution to the challenge of operating large diesel buses in small neighborhood streets. When the agency didn't find what it was looking for, it tried a bold approach.  This was to design an industry standard-setting bus in partnership with bus manufacturer Van Hool NV of Belgium.

"Other small buses on the market just didn't offer the design and performance standards we were looking for, nor did they provide the compatibility of parts and system components that the 30 foot bus shares with other vehicles in our fleet," said Stuart Thompson, Special Projects Manager for AC Transit.  "This one does."

Van Hool built the bus, known as the A300K, on a heavy-duty chassis.  The chassis increases durability and operates with a quiet engine. The bus has the power to climb the steepest hills, which are common throughout AC Transit's service area, while at the same time, being fuel-efficient and boasting a short turning radius.

The A300K has a seating capacity of 27, plus room for another 20 standees, or 23 seated, two wheelchair passengers, and 20 standees.

AC Transit plans to purchase 61 of these coaches. As many of 10 will be powered by gasoline hybrid engines, another AC Transit first.

"AC Transit is committed to serving our communities," said AC Transit General Manager Rick Fernandez. "These 30-foot coaches demonstrate just what Van Hool and AC Transit are all about--setting the standards for community service."

Look for the 30-foot bus on a street near you soon.