NEWS RELEASE
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Contact: Bob Zirlin
Director of Marketing
bzirlin@hadleyadvantage.com
Hadley has partnered with The Rapid (Grand Rapids, Michigan) to demonstrate their latest technology innovations on a transit bus manufactured by Gillig. The bus will make its first appearance at the 2013 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana this week. Following the APTA conference, the bus will be put into service in Grand Rapids as part of The Rapid’s regular fleet for local public transit service. The vehicle will be used to collect market data on user preferences for different technologies, which will help The Rapid develop specifications for future buses.
The bus, a Gillig Low Floor, has Hadley’s latest Interior system, the XD, to provide passengers with amenities for a safe and comfortable ride. The XD Interior appeals to passengers with increased headroom along with an adjustable ventilation system, equalizing the volume of air in every area of the vehicle.
“The XD appeals to drivers with reduced glare on windows” said Giorgio Verduzio, Director of Transit Division for Hadley. “Glare reduction permits interior LED lighting throughout the night, thus enhancing passenger safety and comfort.”
The XD system appeals to transit authorities with its reduced maintenance features including sealed panel seams that prevent air leaks, hidden fasteners with a rattle-free design, dust-free light channels that are separate from the A/C flow, and easy access to all mechanical elements behind removable panels.
The LED lighting of the XD system meets APTA requirements, has consistent colors, and evenly distributed light. “These same LED lighting features are available in a retrofit kit that makes it easy to upgrade vehicles with old fluorescent systems” said Verduzio ” The “LED-R” is hassle-free, and in little more time than it takes to service a fluorescent bulb, the vehicle can be transformed with energy efficient lighting.”
Hadley’s newest innovation in technology, the SmartValve, will be demonstrated as a prototype to the Transit Industry during the APTA conference. The SmartValve is based on Hadley’s proven Smart Air Management System (SAMS™) technology used for more than 10 years in rugged specialty vehicle operations. It was recently launched to the heavy duty trucking industry and received enthusiastic applause for its capabilities, features and benefits. Currently, electronic height control systems require several separate components: the valve manifold, an external sensor, and the associated electronics. Hadley’s SmartValve combines these devices into one simplified, cost-effective and compact solution.
Attendees will be invited to give their input on the features of this Transit version of SmartValve, still in development. Benefits of the cost-effective electronic system for bus fleets include repeatable ride heights, a valuable feature that prevents vehicle “leaning” that leads to uneven wear and tear and stops drivetrain vibration; four corner kneeling; quieter operation than traditional electronic height control systems and the ability to lower the front of the bus while on the highway, at highway speeds. This last feature helps make the bus more aerodynamic, which is especially important to motorcoaches.
Hadley’s mirrors, featured on the exterior of the bus, are exceptionally durable and designed to provide a safer vision system. The mirrors are available with auto-return brackets, cameras and outside turn signals that come with a lifetime warranty.
The signature robust sound of the Hadley air horn comes from the H00298 series which is mounted on the underside of the Gillig bus. Lightweight, yet designed to be “heard”, the Hadley air horn sound is recognized everywhere for its reliability.
About Hadley: Hadley is a well-known and respected supplier of quality components and solutions for the Class 5-8 Truck and Tractor, Trailer, Transit & Shuttle Bus, RV, Motor Coach, Specialty Vehicle markets and associated aftermarket distribution. Their products include Hadley’s world famous air horns, height control valves for chassis / cab air suspension systems, truck mirrors, transit mirrors, mini 12 / 24 volt DC air compressors for a variety of applications, and fully integrated interior lighting systems/luggage racks for transit, shuttle and motorcoach vehicles.
Hadley continues to expand its customer product and service offerings and is a pioneering force in the creation of value-added “Smart” products and systems. Hadley’s aggressive innovation process reflects its focus on: “Your Vehicle. Your Company. Your Success.”
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