Section two: Design and performance
2.1 Introduction
This standard is not aimed to be an engineering design or full performance
specification, but the NZTA wants to ensure that buses in urban service are seen
to be of a modern design incorporating the latest technologies so that they give a
very good quality of ride and comfort, and are capable of stopping, starting and
moving into and out of traffic streams in a way that they are not seen to be any
impediment to the general traffic performance.
The NZTA also wants to see the use of buses optimised wherever possible by ensuring they are capable of remaining on the road and in service throughout an extended day period without the need to return to their operating depot to refuel.
Hence, the NZTA has included such items as engine power, acceleration, range,
braking and ride quality as they are all features of interest in terms of the ability
of the bus to complete its allotted task reliably throughout its life when under the
many differing loading, environmental and geographical conditions that exist
around New Zealand.
2.2 Maximum vehicle age and fleet average age profile
The maximum permitted vehicle age <20 years.
The fleet profile for any urban bus company operating under the conditions of this standard is:
From date of applicability of standard, 1 January 2010:
- <12.5 average years.
From the above date plus five years, ie 1 January 2015:
- <10 average years.
2.3 Engine
All sizes.
| Power/weight | >15 bhp/tonne |
| Acceleration | 0-20 km/h >4 secs 0-50 km/h >25 secs |
| Range without refuel |
>400 km or 15 hours |
| Emission | Current LT Rule 33001/2 |
| Noise | External <80 dBA for rear and mid engine, +4 dBA for in-service degradation by ISO 5130 stationary test. The benefits of a drive-by test are recognised, but at this time the NZTA recognises that the difficulties in carrying out the test and costs do not warrant such a requirement. The NZTA reserves the right to introduce a drive-by test requirement at some future date. Internal <75 dBA stationary and empty. |
| Compartment insulation |
Non-flammable, noise and heat insulation material. Fire retardancy ISO 3795 (1998) or FMVSS 302 US standard. |
2.4 Transmission
| Small bus (SB) | Fully automatic or electronic shift |
| Medium bus (MB) and large bus (LB) | Fully automatic or electronic shift plus retarder |
2.5 Suspension
| SB | Air suspension including kneeling capability is desirable |
| MB and LB | Air suspension ECAS-electronically controlled including self-levelling. ESC-electronic stability control is desirable. Kneeling at front door > 60 mm drop/lift, driver controlled with in-use indicator/drive-off protection. |
2.6 Braking
| MB and LB | EBS and ABS–electronically controlled braking system with brake blending and anti-lock braking system. Vehicle movement above 5 km/h is inhibited while rear door is open or the kneeling system is activated. |
2.7 Chassis
The chassis and associated components will be of a design and use protective material or techniques such that a bus can be expected to give 20 years reliable life under normal high-intensity urban operational conditions of service, without incurring major structural failures or the need for major overhaul requirements due to operating, roading and environmental conditions excluding those that are attributable to vehicle crashes.
Last updated: 21 August 2008
