Passenger Buses Equipped with Allison's Transmissions Gain Popularity
Allison Transmission, who made a significant
contribution to the development of the urban passenger bus (Agrale MA 17) in
Brazil during the past year, has confirmed positive results during the testing
stage. This bus was assigned to the transportation company TUA to estimate the
operating characteristics and benefits of Allison’s products, when buses are
used on a daily basis.
Agrale MA 17
The company, which will celebrate its 50-year
anniversary this year, currently employs a fleet of 47 vehicles, most of which
have lifts for passengers with disabilities. The company’s fleet operates at 32
lines and its personnel exceed 100 specialists.
During the estimation (testing) period, the bus
received positive references from drivers and users. The vehicle proved to be
extremely comfortable in operation with precise and timely shifting.
Learn more about
Allison’s 3000 Series
The Allison 3000 Series installed in the bus is
also notable for a number of different features: Allison xFE solution, refined
gear ratios coupled with the FuelSense® Max technology, allowing the converter
to lock at lower speeds, enhancing fuel economy. The technology implemented in
this bus has already gained popularity in Argentina, and can become a success
at other markets of the region.
Nice video on the FuelSense®
Max technology
According to the TUA official, the testing
period was not long enough for the company’s experts to estimate other strengths
of Allison automatics, such as decreased vehicle downtime and better serviceability.
Compared to manual models, where fleet owners frequently have to pay for
replacement of clutch system elements, vehicles that come with Allison’s
automatics turn out to be extremely reliable. But even a short testing
experience turned out to be sufficient for TUA experts to understand that the
Allison solution is ideal for passenger buses that operate on city streets with
intensive traffic. It should be noted that the passengers taking part in tests
were delighted with the trips.
Allison's rich experience in Argentina proves that automatic buses ensure better travelling experience, as engines run at a lower ratio. Advanced automatics turn out to be ideal for city buses, which frequently have to operate in stop-and-go traffic.
