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DOE News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2002

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Teri Ehresman, 208-526-7785, ehr@inel.gov

INEEL assists in developing innovative prototype shuttle bus

An early prototype for a low-emission, cost-effective community/transit shuttle bus will be on display as part of ceremonies marking the final designation of the Greater Yellowstone/Teton Clean Cities Coalition at Old Faithful on Sept. 18, starting at 10:30 a.m.

The DOE's Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory is working with automotive industry leaders and private industry to develop a low-floor, 18- to 32- passenger vehicle that uses alternative fuel and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In the first phase of the project, scheduled to be completed early next year, program partners will develop a low-floor shuttle bus prototype with a natural gas power train. Eventually, the vehicle is expected to be manufactured using several drive trains to allow flexibility in fuel for the vehicle. A low-floor bus has the passenger area built low to the ground so steps are not required for entry; it also has an entry ramp that can be extended to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs.

Partners in the project with the INEEL include ASG Renaissance, Ruby Mountain/Greater Yellowstone Clean Cities Coalition, Arboc Ltd, U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Transit Authority, American Association of State Highway Transportation Officers, and the National Park Service. One of the goals of the collaborative effort is the protection of our pristine environment. Another priority is to increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

"While the development of the prototype is the result of a need by the National Park Service for a year-round transit vehicle that could be used for park operations, market analyses indicates the vehicle will have broad application in municipal transit and private-sector transportation," says Kerry Klingler, INEEL project manager for the research.

The vehicle will be on display following the 10:30 a.m. ceremony at Old Faithful and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Mont.

The INEEL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in national security, energy security, environment and science. The INEEL is operated for the DOE by Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC.

--INEEL-

02-090

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