[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36112-36161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14176]



[[Page 36111]]

Vol. 80

Tuesday,

No. 120

June 23, 2015

Part III





Department of Transportation





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Federal Transit Administration





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49 CFR Part 665





Bus Testing: Establishment of Performance Standards, a Bus Model 
Scoring System, a Pass/Fail Standard and Other Program Updates; 
Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 120 / Tuesday, June 23, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 36112]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

49 CFR Part 665

[Docket No. FTA-2015-0019]
RIN 2132-AB11


Bus Testing: Establishment of Performance Standards, a Bus Model 
Scoring System, a Pass/Fail Standard and other Program Updates

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) proposes to establish 
a new pass/fail standard and new aggregated scoring system for buses 
and modified vans (hereafter referred to as ``bus'' or ``buses'') that 
are subject to FTA's bus testing program, as mandated by Section 20014 
of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The 
proposed pass/fail standard and scoring system address the following 
categories as required by MAP-21: structural integrity, safety, 
maintainability, reliability, fuel economy, emissions, noise, and 
performance. Once FTA issues a rule in final form, recipients will be 
prohibited from using FTA financial assistance to procure new buses 
that have not passed the test. FTA is also seeking comment on 
establishing testing requirements and a scoring system for 
remanufactured vehicles sold by third-party vendors and procured using 
FTA funding, which FTA plans to address in a subsequent rulemaking 
action. Finally, FTA is proposing to apply Buy America U.S. content 
requirements to buses submitted for testing.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received on or before 
August 24, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Please submit your comments (identified by the agency name 
and DOT Docket ID Number FTA-2015-0019 or RIN 2132-AB11) by only one of 
the following methods:
    Electronic: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Additional instructions: You must include the agency name (Federal 
Transit Administration) and Docket number (FTA-2015-0019) for this 
notice at the beginning of your comments. If you wish to receive 
confirmation that FTA received your submission, please include a self-
addressed stamped postcard. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov. Note that any 
personal information provided will be available to internet users.
    Privacy Act: You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in 
the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477) or you 
may visit http://docketsinfo.dot.gov.
    Docket Access: For internet access to the docket to read background 
documents and comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov. 
Background documents and comments received may also be viewed at the 
U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey 
Ave. SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information, Gregory 
Rymarz, Bus Testing Program Manager, Office of Research, Demonstration 
and Innovation (TRI), (202) 366-6410, [email protected]. For legal 
information, Richard Wong, Office of the Chief Counsel (TCC), (202) 
366-0675, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

A. Executive Summary
B. Background
C. Performance Standards By Test Category
    1. Structural Integrity
    2. Safety
    3. Maintainability
    4. Reliability
    5. Fuel Economy
    6. Emissions
    7. Noise
    8. Performance
D. Bus Model Scoring System
    1. Determination of Scores by Test Category
    2. Calculation of The Aggregate Score
E. Pass/Fail Standard
    1. Effective Date of Pass/Fail Requirements
    2. Resolving The Failure To Meet A Performance Standard
    3. Scoring of New Partial Tests
    4. Scoring of Existing Bus Models
    5. Re-Testing of Existing Bus Models To Raise the Aggregate 
Score
F. Other Proposed Program Changes
    1. Bus Payloading Procedures
    2. Elimination of On-Road Fuel Economy Testing
    3. Bus Passenger Load for Emissions Testing
    4. Bus Testing Entrance Requirements
    5. Scheduling of Testing
    6. Test Requirements Review Milestone
    7. Penalty for Unauthorized Maintenance and Modification
    8. Testing of Remanufactured Buses
G. Section by Section Analysis
H. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
I. Proposed Rule Text

A. Executive Summary

Purpose

    The purpose of this NPRM is to propose minimum performance 
standards, a scoring system, and a pass/fail threshold for new model 
transit buses procured with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 
financial assistance authorized under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. Once FTA 
issues a rule in final form, FTA recipients will be prohibited from 
using FTA financial assistance to procure new buses that have not 
passed the test standard. The proposed standards and scoring system 
address the following categories: structural integrity, safety, 
maintainability, reliability, fuel economy, emissions, noise, and 
performance. The NPRM proposes that buses will need to pass a minimum 
performance standard in each of these categories in order to receive an 
overall passing score and be eligible for purchase using FTA financial 
assistance. The NPRM proposes that buses can achieve higher scores with 
higher performance in each category. The NPRM proposes a numerical 
scoring system based on a 100-point scale so that buyers can more 
effectively compare vehicles.
    The NPRM proposes to adopt many of the existing testing procedures 
and standards used under the current bus testing program. However, the 
NPRM proposes some changes including: (1) new inspections at bus check-
in to verify the bus configuration is within its weight capacity rating 
at its rated passenger load and an inspection to determine if the major 
components of the test bus match those identified in the Buy America 
pre-audit report; (2) elimination of the on-road fuel economy testing 
and substitute the fuel economy results obtained during the emissions 
test; and (3) revision to the payloading procedure to recognize the 
manufacturer's ``standee'' passenger rating. The proposed rule does not 
add any new tests to the existing bus testing program--in fact, the 
NPRM proposes to eliminate one test, the on-road fuel economy test, as 
equivalent data could

[[Page 36113]]

be derived from the more accurate dynamometer testing.
    Because FTA provides financial assistance to State and local 
agencies operating public transportation systems, covering eighty 
percent (80%) of a vehicle's capital cost, while the State or local 
government provides a twenty percent (20%) matching share, there is a 
strong incentive by FTA and local agencies to ensure that those funds 
are used effectively and efficiently. As part of its stewardship of 
those funds, Congress directed FTA in 1987 to establish a bus testing 
program whereby new model buses would first be tested to ensure their 
ability to withstand the rigors of regular transit service before FTA 
funds would be spent on those vehicles. In the following years, FTA 
accumulated comprehensive test data on the scores of buses that had 
undergone testing, but the program did not assign a comparative ranking 
to the vehicles. Further, because the program was intended to provide 
information on a vehicle's performance and Congress did not authorize 
FTA to use the test data to disqualify a vehicle from participating in 
FTA-assisted procurements, FTA did not establish a pass/fail 
performance baseline. Since that time, several tested buses did not 
meet their expected service lives at the cost of millions of dollars to 
transit agencies and significant inconvenience to transit riders. In 
MAP-21, Congress directed FTA to establish a new pass/fail standard for 
tested buses, including a weighted scoring system that would assist 
transit bus buyers in selecting an appropriate vehicle. The proposed 
rule would establish a new scoring system and a pass/fail standard for 
buses tested under FTA's existing bus testing program, as well as make 
other administrative changes.

Legal Authority

    Section 20014 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century 
Act (MAP-21) (Pub. L. 121-141), maintained the existing test categories 
of maintainability, reliability, safety, performance, structural 
integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise in 49 U.S.C. 5318(a). 
Section 20014 also expanded 49 U.S.C. 5318(e) by adding three new 
requirements on the use of Chapter 53 funding to acquire new bus 
models. The first is that new bus models meet performance standards for 
maintainability, reliability, performance (including braking 
performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise. 
The second is that new bus models acquired with Chapter 53 funds meet 
the minimum safety performance standards established pursuant to 
paragraph 5329(b) Public Transportation Safety Program. The third is 
that the new bus model satisfies an overall pass/fail standard based on 
the weighted aggregate score derived from each of the existing test 
categories (maintainability, reliability, safety, performance 
(including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, 
emissions, and noise).).
    This notice does not address the establishment of the minimum 
safety performance standards for public transportation vehicles 
required under 49 U.S.C. 5329(b)(2)(C), which will be addressed in a 
subsequent rulemaking.

Summary of Key Provisions

    The NPRM proposes to take the following actions, the first of which 
is required by MAP-21 as part of the new ``pass/fail'' requirement and 
the remainder of which are discretionary actions proposed by FTA to 
strengthen the program:
     Codify existing testing procedures and establish a minimum 
performance standards and a pass/fail scoring system for new bus 
models, with a minimum passing score of 60 points. A bus model could 
receive up to an additional 40 points based on its performance above 
the proposed minimum performance standard in particular test 
categories. Buses would need to achieve at least a minimum score in 
each category in order to pass the overall test and be eligible for 
procurement using FTA financial assistances.
     Establish check-in procedures, including FTA approval, for 
new bus models proposed for testing.
     Require transit vehicle manufacturers to submit 
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals to FTA.
     Determine a new bus model's total passenger load based on 
the manufacturer's maximum passenger rating, including accommodations 
for standees.
     Establish a simulated passenger weight of 150 lbs. for 
seated and standing (standee) passengers, and a weight of 600 lbs. for 
passengers who use wheelchairs.
     Require test model buses to contain at least 60% domestic 
components, by cost, consistent with FTA Buy America domestic content 
requirements.
     The replacement of the on-road fuel economy test with the 
fuel economy testing already conducted during the emissions test on the 
chassis dynamometer.

The NPRM also seeks comments on establishing testing procedures, 
performance standards, and a scoring system for remanufactured vehicles 
sold by third-party vendors and procured using FTA assistance, which 
FTA plans to address in a subsequent rulemaking action.

Summary of Benefits and Costs

    Table 1 below summarizes the potential benefits and costs of this 
proposed rule over 10 years and using a 3 and 7 percent discount rate 
that we were able to quantify. Quantified costs stem from shipping 
buses to the testing facility, manufacturer testing fees, having repair 
personnel for bus manufacturers available at the testing site, new 
paperwork requirements, and increases to the resources needed to 
operate the Bus Testing Program (which represents most of the 
quantified costs). Unquantified costs include remedial actions to buses 
that do not pass the proposed test (which may extend to all the buses 
in a model represented by the tested bus) and potential improvements to 
buses to obtain a higher testing score. However, given that 41 of 49 
buses tested between January 2010 and February 2013 would have 
satisfied the proposed performance standards without any design 
changes, FTA believes that the proposed requirements would not drive 
systemic changes to all transit bus models. Quantified benefits are 
from a reduction in unscheduled maintenance costs.

                                              TABLE 1--Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and Net Present Values
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                  Year                         Costs         Benefits      Net Cash Flow   Discount Rate     DCF @ 3%      Discount Rate     DCF @ 7%
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1.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         410,504            0.07         395,158
2.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         398,547            0.07         369,306
3.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         386,939            0.07         345,146
4.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         375,669            0.07         322,567
5.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         364,727            0.07         301,464
6.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         354,104            0.07         281,742

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7.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         343,791            0.07         263,310
8.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         333,777            0.07         246,085
9.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         324,056            0.07         229,986
10......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         314,617            0.07         214,940
                                          ..............  ..............  ..............             NPV       3,606,732             NPV       2,969,704
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B. Background

    FTA's grant programs, including those at 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310, 5311 
and 5339, assist transit agencies with procuring buses. The Federal 
transit program allows FTA to provide 80% funding for each bus. In 
2013, for example FTA funds assisted in the procurement of 8934 new 
vehicles, of which approximately 5600 buses and modified vans were 
covered under the existing testing program. Historically, Section 317 
of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 
1987 (STURAA, Pub. Law 100-17) provided that no funds appropriated or 
made available under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as 
amended, were to be obligated or expended for the acquisition of a new 
model bus after September 30, 1989, unless a bus of such model had been 
tested to ensure that the vehicle ``will be able to withstand the 
rigors of transit service'' (H. Rept. 100-27, p. 230). In subsection 
317(b), Congress mandated seven specific test categories--
maintainability, reliability, safety, performance, structural 
integrity, fuel economy, and noise--augmenting those tests with the 
addition of braking performance and emissions testing through section 
6021 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 
(Pub. L. 102-240). These requirements were subsequently codified at 49 
U.S.C. 5318.
    FTA issued its initial NPRM in May 1989 (54 FR 22716, May 25, 1989) 
and an interim Final Rule three months later (54 FR 35158, August 23, 
1989), establishing a bus testing program that submitted vehicles to 
seven statutorily-mandated tests resulting in a test report and 
requiring transit bus manufacturers to submit that completed test 
report to transit agencies before FTA funds could be expended to 
purchase those vehicles. Although Congress did not authorize FTA to 
withhold financial assistance for a vehicle based on the data contained 
in a test report, FTA expected that the test report would provide 
accurate and reliable bus performance information to transit 
authorities that could be used in their purchasing and operational 
decisions.
    Buses procured with FTA assistance are assigned a service life 
requirement that the recipient must keep the bus in active service for 
the specified period of time or mileage, whichever occurs first. FTA 
has five service life categories defined in the current Bus Testing 
Rule and in our capital program guidance publications:
    (1) Large-size, heavy-duty transit buses (approximately 35'-40' in 
length, as well as articulated buses) with a minimum service life of 12 
years or 500,000 miles;
    (2) Medium-size, heavy-duty transit buses (approximately 30' in 
length) with a minimum service life of ten years or 350,000 miles;
    (3) Medium-size, medium duty transit buses (approximately 30' in 
length) with a minimum service life of seven years or 200,000 miles;
    (4) Medium-size, light duty transit buses (approximately 25'-35' in 
length) with a minimum service life of five years or 150,000 miles; and
    (5) Other light duty vehicles such as small buses and regular and 
specialized vans with a minimum service life of four years or 100,000 
miles.
    This system successfully remained in place for over twenty years. 
During the intervening period, however, a handful of bus models that 
had documented problems in their test reports were able to enter 
transit service, most notably, a fleet of 226 articulated buses that 
one of the Nation's largest transit agencies ordered in 2001. After 
paying $87.7M of the $102.1M contract, the transit agency stopped 
payments in 2005 due to unresolved problems concerning the suspension 
systems and structural cracks around the articulation joint, near the 
axles, and in the rear door header, triggering years of litigation. In 
addition, in 2009, the transit agency abruptly pulled all of these 
models from service for safety concerns following a structural failure 
related to the articulation joint, resulting in lengthier and more 
crowded commutes for thousands of transit riders. In May 2012, a local 
court ruled that the transit agency could sell the buses for scrap 
metal, a move that generated only $1.2M for vehicles that had served 
barely half of their FTA-funded service lives.
    The 2012 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) 
amended section 5318 by adding new requirements to subsection 5318(e), 
Acquiring New Bus Models, including a bus model scoring system and a 
pass/fail standard based on the weighted aggregate score for each of 
the existing performance standards (maintainability, reliability, 
performance (including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel 
economy, emissions, and noise).
    MAP-21 also amended 5318(e) to require that new bus models meet the 
minimum safety performance standards to be established by the Secretary 
of Transportation pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5329(b). FTA began the process 
to establish these performance standards with the issuance of its 
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Safety and Transit Asset 
Management,\1\ but FTA has not completed this rulemaking. FTA will 
amend part 665 to establish those standards in a subsequent rulemaking. 
It is premature at this time for FTA to determine whether the existing 
safety tests will be incorporated into the new safety performance 
standards.
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    \1\ 78 FR 61251 (Oct. 3, 2013).
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    The primary purpose of this NPRM is to seek comment on FTA's 
proposed bus minimum performance standards, bus model scoring system 
and pass/fail standard. In developing the proposals contained in this 
NPRM, FTA engaged in extensive discussions with transit industry 
stakeholders through the use of public webinars, teleconferences, and 
presentations at industry conferences. On March 28, 2013, FTA outlined 
the new statutory mandate in a public webinar held in conjunction with 
the Bus Testing Program Steering Committee meeting organized by the 
Larson Transportation Institute (LTI) of the Penn State University, the 
operator of the Bus Testing facility. On May 7, 2013, FTA presented its 
proposals at the Bus and Paratransit Conference organized by the 
American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and again in a 
public webinar on May 28,

[[Page 36115]]

2013, seeking comments on the proposed performance criteria, Bus Test 
Scoring System, and pass/fail Standard. In addition, LTI held a series 
of teleconferences in June 2013 with bus manufacturers to further 
address and refine the proposed performance standards, results scoring 
system and the pass/fail threshold. On September 26 and 27, 2013, FTA 
held two final public webinars to update stakeholders on the proposed 
performance standards, results scoring system and the pass/fail 
threshold and to solicit additional comments. Stakeholder contributions 
are reflected in the aggregate scoring system and pass/fail criteria 
contained in this NPRM. Participants in these public outreach efforts 
included transit vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, public 
transit agencies, State departments of transportation, and FTA and Bus 
Testing Facility personnel.
    In addition to implementing statutory mandates, FTA is proposing 
other administrative changes that would adjust the passenger payloading 
process to better reflect industry practice and ensure that buses 
tested at the facility comply with FTA Civil Rights and Buy America 
requirements regarding disadvantaged business enterprises and domestic 
content, respectively. FTA seeks comments on all of the proposals in 
this NPRM. In addition, FTA is seeking comment on establishing a bus 
testing requirement and scoring system for remanufactured buses sold by 
third parties and procured using FTA funds, which will be addressed in 
a subsequent rulemaking action.

C. Performance Standards by Test Category

    In the current program, a standardized series of tests are 
conducted on new bus models and the results are published in a report 
for recipients to use for informing their procurement decisions.\2\ 
There are no performance requirements that must be satisfied. The only 
``requirement'' is that a new bus model have completed all of the tests 
required and that the test report has been published and received by 
the recipient prior to the disbursement of the FTA assistance for the 
bus procurement.
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    \2\ http://www.altoonabustest.com/bus-tests.htm
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    In formulating the proposed performance standards for the testing 
categories, FTA examined the test outcomes the testing center, located 
at the Larson Transportation Institute at Pennsylvania State 
University, currently reports for each test category to determine which 
of those were of such significance as to be considered ``standards''. A 
``performance standard'' is defined as a transit bus characteristic 
that, if not met at the minimum level, would singularly indicate a bus 
model was at a high risk of not being able to provide adequate transit 
service throughout its required service life. Due to national 
variations in the types of bus transit service, climate, bus route 
characteristics, and ridership preferences driving the recipient's need 
for continued bus specification flexibility, FTA's goal for the 
proposed performance standards was to identify a minimum set of 
requirements currently measured and reported by the Bus Testing Program 
that, once satisfied, enabled all FTA recipients to obtain transit 
buses that operate safely on bus routes with adequate automotive 
performance, with the ability to reliably withstand the rigors of 
transit service over its required service life and to do so without 
excessive operating costs and excessive negative impact to the 
environment. To achieve this goal, FTA reviewed existing documented bus 
performance standards, such the APTA Standard Bus Procurement 
Guidelines and current Federal regulations with applicability to the 
current test categories. For test categories where no external 
performance standards already exist, FTA formulated proposed standards 
based on the demonstrated test performance of bus models that proved to 
be unsuitable in actual service. FTA incorporated external performance 
standards and formulated new performance standards that applied equally 
to all bus models. FTA requests comments on the appropriateness of 
applying all the proposed standards equally to all bus models, and any 
alternatives that may produce more useful testing outcomes.
    To guide the development of the criteria for the proposed 
standards, FTA analyzed the results from 49 bus testing reports 
published from January 2010 through February 2013 in addition to the 
results from specific bus models tested prior to that three-year window 
that did not meet their expected service life once placed into actual 
service. The compiled data set from past tests was used as the primary 
source for setting the proposed performance criterion values.\3\ The 
proposed criteria in each of the five industry sourced performance 
standards (i.e., interior noise, exterior noise, acceleration, 
gradeability on a 2.5% grade and on a 10% grade) were also compared to 
the demonstrated test results to verify the validity of each industry 
standard. In one case, in the Performance test category, the industry 
standard for the sustained speed on a 10% grade has never been met by 
any 60-foot bus model. As a result, FTA is proposing a lower 
performance level as the standard based on the fact that a higher 
performance level, while technically feasible, was not historically 
required by the procuring agencies when procuring non-standard vehicles 
such as a 60-foot articulated bus.
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    \3\ The test results plots used for the setting of performance 
criteria and standards are available in the docket for this 
rulemaking.
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C.1. Structural Integrity

    The useful life of a transit bus is ultimately determined by the 
life of the vehicle structure. The reason being that the structure is 
the backbone to which all other vehicle subsystems and components are 
attached.\4\ The structural integrity test category examines a bus 
model's response to a range of structural stressors. Under the existing 
bus testing program, the structural integrity test category is 
comprised of seven sub-test categories: Shakedown, Distortion, Static 
Towing, Dynamic Towing, Jacking, Hoisting, and Structural Durability. 
Each sub-test category has one or more proposed performance standards. 
In total, these tests simulate how a bus responds to a variety of 
events that are expected to occur during the service life of a typical 
transit bus. No changes to the current structural integrity test 
procedures are being proposed. The results from the existing test 
procedures will be used to assess compliance with the proposed 
structural integrity performance standards. The agency requests 
comments on these specific tests, as well as whether there are any 
other tests the agency should include as part of the structural 
integrity performance standard. To the extent possible, please provide 
data, studies, or other similar information to support your comments.
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    \4\ U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit 
Administration, Useful Life of Transit Buses and Vans, Booz Allen 
Hamilton, Inc. Report Number FTA VA-26-7229-07.1, April 2007.
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C.1.1. Shakedown Test
    The Shakedown Test currently requires loading and unloading a bus 
up to three times with 2.5 times its gross passenger load and measuring 
the amount of resulting permanent bus frame/body deflection (i.e., 
flexing under load and not returning to its original shape) that occurs 
after each load cycle.\5\ The purpose of the test is to verify an 
adequate factor of safety for structural strength. The first load cycle 
is intended to settle out the structure. After the second loading, the 
resulting bending of the structure is measured,

[[Page 36116]]

and if none of the measurements exceed 0.005 inch, the test is 
finished. If any of the measured bending exceeds 0.005 inch after the 
second load cycle, a third load cycle is conducted and the deflections 
are measured again. The resulting permanent bending is measured, and if 
none exceed an additional 0.006 inch, the test is complete.
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    \5\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-1.shakedown.pdf
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    FTA proposes that a tested bus model would meet the Shakedown Test 
performance standard if the resulting permanent deflection is 0.006 
inch (0.005 inch plus 0.001 inch for measurement uncertainty) or less 
after a third loading cycle as measured according to the current test 
procedure. Vehicles with deflections in excess of 0.006 would receive a 
failing score in this category, resulting in an overall failing score. 
The compiled results for the Shakedown Test revealed that most buses 
were within this limit after the second load cycle, and all buses were 
within 0.005 inch or less after the third loading cycle.
    Overall, there was a minimal amount of comments received during the 
outreach sessions regarding the proposed Shakedown performance 
standard. FTA received a written comment from one bus manufacturer 
indicating that there is no specific reason for the standard being set 
at 0.005 inch when 0.100 inch should provide a 
sufficient limit. FTA chose not to adopt this suggestion as the 
proposed standard because 0.005 inch, which was taken from the First 
Article Inspection Test of the American Public Transportation 
Association's Bus Procurement Guidelines, has been used as the 
threshold for many years and all previously test buses were capable of 
meeting this requirement. FTA lacks information regarding the benefits 
and costs of its proposed standard and the benefits and costs of the 
suggested 0.100 inch Shakedown test standard. FTA requests 
comment on the benefits and costs of its proposed shakedown testing 
procedure and standard, the commenter's suggestion to use 0.100 as the performance standard or other alternatives.
C.1.2. Distortion Test
    The objective of the existing Distortion Test is to observe the 
operation of various subsystems when the bus is placed in a 
longitudinal twist (simulating operation over a 6-inch tall curb or 
through a 6-inch deep pothole) and subjected to a water spray mechanism 
simulating rain and traffic spray.\6\ FTA proposes that a tested bus 
model would meet the Distortion Test performance standard if all of the 
passenger doors and emergency exits, while under every longitudinal 
twist test condition, operate and fully open in the same manner as they 
do with the bus on a level surface. FTA is not aware of problems in its 
recipient bus fleets related to bus body distortion performance and 
concludes that bus models that are capable of maintaining normal 
operation of the doors and windows while under the distortion loadings 
under this test are capable of providing adequate distortion 
performance when in service. Bus testing results for distortion shows 
no issues with test vehicles meeting this proposed standard. During the 
outreach efforts, bus manufacturers, transit agencies and others 
involved in the transit industry concurred with this performance 
standard as sufficient to demonstrate that the bus structure would not 
deform to the point of preventing the safe egress of the vehicle under 
this level of static loading. FTA requests comments on the benefits and 
costs of its proposed distortion testing procedure and standard, as 
well as on alternatives.
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    \6\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-2.distortion.pdf
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C.1.3. Static Towing Test
    The objective of the Static Towing Test is to determine the 
strength characteristics of the bus towing fixtures.\7\ Having towing 
fixtures on the bus is essential for recovering buses that have gone 
off of the roadway and are immobilized. Without towing fixtures on the 
bus, vehicle recovery personnel would need to improvise a means of 
adequate mechanical connection to lift or pull the bus onto the road 
surface. This improvising can be dangerous to the recovery personnel 
and also can result in physical damage to the bus when a winch cable 
contacts the exterior bus in areas incapable of supporting those loads. 
Having towing provisions of adequate strength is also essential for the 
safe and effective recovery of immobilized buses.
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    \7\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-3.statictow.pdf
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    FTA proposes that a tested bus model would meet the Static Towing 
Test performance standard if no failure of the towing fixtures and 
connecting structure occurs at pulling loads up to 120 percent of the 
bus curb weight. Failure is defined as any visible permanent 
deformation, yielding, or bending of the provision or other structural 
component. Cracks in welds will constitute test failure. This proposed 
requirement is consistent with section TS 25 of the APTA Standard Bus 
Procurement Guidelines and is consistent with how the test has been 
conducted since the inception of the Bus Testing Program.\8\ Under the 
current test procedure, a load equal to 120 percent of the bus curb 
weight is applied to the towing provisions using a hydraulic cylinder 
and a load distribution yoke. The load is applied to both the front and 
rear, if applicable, towing fixtures at an angle of 20 degrees with the 
longitudinal axis of the bus, first to one side then the other in the 
horizontal plane, and then upward and downward in the vertical plane. 
Any permanent deformation or damage to the tow eyes or adjoining 
structure is recorded.
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    \8\ ``Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines RFP'', American Public 
Transportation Association, http://www.apta.com/resources/standards/Documents/APTA%20Bus%20Procurement%20Guidelines.docx.
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    FTA believes that the current static towing test has served the 
industry adequately as we are aware of no in-service problems with the 
towing fixtures of buses that meet the requirement. FTA also believes 
that the current test is not burdensome as it is scaled according to 
the curb weight of the bus and the vast majority of buses have 
historically satisfied this requirement. All the buses in the data 
analysis used for this rulemaking satisfied the current test. During 
the outreach sessions, FTA received no specific comments regarding the 
proposed static towing performance standard. FTA seeks comment on the 
benefits and costs of its proposed static towing testing procedure and 
standard, and alternatives.
C.1.4. Dynamic Towing Test
    The objective of this test is to functionally verify that the bus 
is towable with a heavy-duty commercial vehicle wrecker when following 
the manufacturer's instructions and using the manufacturer supplied 
towing interfaces (if any).\9\ The test represents the situation where 
a bus is positioned on a roadway or similar surface but is not 
operational and must be towed to the maintenance facility. The recovery 
vehicle (wrecker) is maneuvered into place so the lifting apparatus 
(``stinger'') goes under the front of the bus and interfaces with front 
and rear treads of the front tires allowing the front of the bus to be 
lifted from the road surface. The bus is towed for 5 miles, decoupled 
from the tow vehicle and inspected for

[[Page 36117]]

any damage or loss of normal bus functions. FTA proposes that a tested 
bus model would meet the Dynamic Towing Test performance standard if a 
proper connection was made between the heavy-duty wrecker and the test 
bus and no damage occurred to the bus while being towed.
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    \9\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-4.dynamictow.pdf
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    While the proposed standard is not necessarily rigorous, as all 
buses in the data analysis were dynamically towable, it is very 
important that the bus is towable according to the manufacturer's 
instructions, that it is interoperable with common commercial vehicle 
recovery vehicles, and that no damage to the bus in is incurred during 
the dynamic towing exercise. During the outreach sessions, FTA received 
no comments regarding this proposed performance standard. However, FTA 
seeks comment on the benefits and costs of the proposed dynamic towing 
testing procedure and standard, and alternatives.
C.1.5. Hydraulic Jacking Test
    The objective of this test is to assess the feasibility of 
hydraulically hoisting the bus with a portable hydraulic jack to a 
height sufficient to replace a deflated tire.\10\ FTA proposes that the 
bus model would meet the Hydraulic Jacking Test performance standard if 
the bus can be safely raised and lowered using a portable jack, at each 
wheel position, to successfully replace a deflated tire without any 
permanent frame or body damage to the bus. This proposed standard is 
based on historic bus testing procedure and results for the jacking 
subtest. The proposed standard is also consistent with section TS 26 in 
the APTA Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines. During the outreach 
sessions, FTA received no comments regarding this proposed performance 
standard. However, FTA seeks comment on its proposed standard in this 
NPRM.
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    \10\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-5.jacking.pdf.
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C.1.6. Hoisting Test
    The objective of this test is to assess for possible damage or 
deformation caused by the jack stands on the jacking pads.\11\ FTA 
proposes that a tested bus model would meet the Hoisting Test 
performance standard if the bus can be hoisted and placed on jack 
stands without significant resulting permanent frame or body damage to 
the bus frame or bus body and that it is stable while on the jack 
stands. Up to 0.25 inch of plastic deformation of the frame structure 
directly at the point of jack contact will be allowed. Bulging or 
cracking anywhere on the frame or body structure while supported by the 
jack will constitute a failure. This proposed standard is based on the 
elemental need to be able to safely hoist a bus to enable the effective 
maintenance of the bus. The proposed standard is consistent with 
historic bus testing procedure and results for the hoisting subtest and 
is consistent with section TS 27 in the APTA Standard Bus Procurement 
Guidelines. FTA is not aware of any in-service hoisting issues with 
buses that have been tested and have met the proposed standard. There 
were no comments regarding this proposed standard during the industry 
outreach sessions. However, FTA seeks comments on the benefits and 
costs of its proposal, and alternatives.
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    \11\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-6.hoisting.pdf.
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C.1.7. Structural Durability Test
    The objective of this test is to perform an accelerated durability 
test that simulates the cumulative road shock and vibration a transit 
bus experiences over 25 percent of its rated service life distance in 
miles.\12\ The current Bus Testing Rule outlines five bus service life 
categories: four years or 100,000 miles; five years or 150,000 miles; 
seven years or 200,000 miles; ten years or 350,000 miles; and twelve 
years or 500,000 miles. The bus manufacturer specifies the service life 
category for the bus model submitted for testing. Once successfully 
tested, that bus model is eligible for bus procurements of the same 
service life length or less. FTA is not proposing any changes to these 
service life categories. The Useful Life of Transit Buses and Vans 
report from 2007 compared the actual bus retirement ages of buses in 
the various service life categories and found that the buses were being 
kept in service beyond their minimum service requirements. The results 
are shown in Table 3.
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    \12\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/5-7.durability.pdf

                                    Table 3--Average Bus Retirement Ages \13\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Share of active vehicles that
                                                                                               are:
                                                                      Average    -------------------------------
             Vehicle category/minimum retirement age              retirement age    One or more    Three or more
                                                                      (Years)     years past the  years past the
                                                                                    retirement      retirement
                                                                                      minimum         minimum
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12-Year Bus.....................................................            15.1             19%              9%
10-Year Bus.....................................................               *              7%              4%
7-Year Bus......................................................             8.2             12%              3%
5-Year Bus/Van *................................................             5.9             23%              5%
4-Year Van......................................................             5.6             29%             10%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Average retirement age estimates for this vehicle category is not available.

    FTA proposes a Structural Durability Test performance standard 
requiring that, at the completion of the Structural Durability Test, 
there are no ``uncorrected'' failures in the bus frame, body structure, 
and the propulsion system. An uncorrected failure is a failure that was 
detected during the test that has not been successfully eliminated 
through a design, manufacturing process, or quality control improvement 
and has been successfully validated with sufficient durability testing. 
Structural durability validation of powertrain failures is defined as 
1.5 times the durability test distance from the accumulated test 
distance at the first occurrence of the failure, but no greater than an 
additional 100 percent of the original durability test length. FTA will 
bear 80 percent of the cost associated with one additional durability 
validation test if FTA believes that the proposed modification has 
merit and will pass the test on a subsequent attempt. Durability 
validation of frame and body structure

[[Page 36118]]

failures will require that the durability test is started over from the 
beginning after the application of the design or production process 
modification.
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    \13\ U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit 
Administration, Useful Life of Transit Buses and Vans, Booz Allen 
Hamilton, Inc. Report Number FTA VA-26-7229-07.1, April 2007.
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    FTA strongly believes that a bus should not develop any significant 
failures or defects in the frame or body structure over the course of 
structural durability testing (the first 25 percent of its rated 
service life). There are several reasons for this belief:
    (1) Structural cracks, structural bending, and structural failures 
that impede safe operation of the vehicle, delamination, and other 
material deteriorations could continue to propagate with continued 
shock and vibration input and other environmental exposure throughout 
the bus life.
    (2) Cracks in structural elements may indicate that the bus design, 
materials, and/or manufacturing techniques are inadequate for transit 
service. With the proposed change in the bus payloading procedures 
contained in this notice, buses would no longer be tested in an 
``overloaded'' condition beyond their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 
(GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and, as a result, cracks in 
the frame or body would not be attributed to overloading.
    (3) Repairs of structural and body cracks, deformation, or 
delamination may require specialized skills and tools that are beyond 
the capability of a common transit bus maintenance facility. Repairs of 
this nature can be expensive and outside the scope of the typical 
maintenance budget and can remove a bus from service for extended 
periods.
    The proposed structural durability performance standard includes 
the chassis frame, the bus body structure, and all external and 
internal load-bearing elements that are either welded or adhesively 
attached to the frame and/or body structure. Major chassis or body 
structures that are primarily assembled using fasteners such as screws, 
bolts or rivets are also included in this performance standard.
    FTA also strongly believes that a bus should not exhibit any 
propulsion system failures during the first 25 percent of its rated 
service life. Durability failures of the propulsion system are 
expensive to repair and cause disruptions in service. Failures of the 
bus powertrain revealed during the durability test will likely occur in 
actual transit service and may lead to more serious recurring problems 
later in its service life. Buses with systemic powertrain problems are 
often retired early due to their financial and operational liability to 
the operating transit agency. The proposed propulsion system durability 
performance standard includes but is not necessarily limited to all 
components of the energy/fuel storage, delivery, and management 
systems; engine or drive motor and related controller and management 
systems; power transmission systems (transmission, driveshaft(s), and 
drive axle(s)); and cooling systems. Certain essential proprietary off-
board equipment required to operate advanced-technology buses may also 
be considered to be part of the propulsion system.
    In setting the proposed durability performance standard, FTA 
desires to limit costs and risks. If FTA were to propose a more 
stringent standard, the length of the durability test would increase, 
which means that the costs of the testing program would also increase, 
and the cost of buses may increase as well and for no certain benefit. 
On the other hand, a less stringent testing standard that allows one or 
more uncorrected failures, or a less stringent testing procedure, would 
expose FTA and its recipients to greater risk. The existence of even 
one major uncorrected failure mode in the bus frame, body structure, or 
powertrain is enough to cause a bus to fail to meet its service life 
requirements. We note that some vehicles that would not have passed the 
proposed durability standard during testing have experienced problems 
once placed into transit service and have had difficulty meeting their 
specified service life, requiring more maintenance than is typical.
    FTA believes that the proposed performance standards for durability 
are necessary and achievable. Overall, our analyses of the 49 recent 
tests indicate that there are examples of bus types and sizes of each 
group that have proven capable of satisfying the proposed performance 
standards. The analysis further indicated that six bus models 
experienced either structural failures or powertrain failures. Of those 
six, FTA believes that three would have needed additional durability 
testing after the design changes were applied. FTA, though, does not 
have information concerning whether subsequent production buses were 
changed as a result of the testing and requests comment on whether any 
of the 6 models that failed were modified prior to delivery to transit 
agencies.
    FTA received comments regarding durability testing and the 
associated performance standards that are assessed from these test 
results (Durability, Reliability, and Maintainability). One commenter 
recommended that FTA provide the same 80 percent cost match for the 
test fees associated with additional durability testing. FTA is willing 
to provide the 80 percent cost match for any necessary additional 
durability testing. The commenter also requested that FTA commit to 
discussing the path forward for resolving a durability failure with the 
bus manufacturer within three business days. Another commenter 
highlighted the increased level of risk to a bus manufacturer of 
introducing new components and subsystems and new technology in general 
that the proposed standards for Durability, Reliability, and 
Maintainability create. FTA agrees that once a set of standards become 
effective, the risk to bus manufacturers, component suppliers, and 
technology developers may increase and that this is appropriate. The 
Bus Testing Program is the point-of-entry to the FTA bus capital 
program where bus models can be procured with FTA funding once testing 
is completed. Entities may use non-FTA funds to procure buses that have 
not completed and passed the testing program, but they do so at their 
own risk.
    To encourage innovation, FTA has a prototype waiver policy 
available for the introduction of new bus technologies.\14\ This 
waiver, if awarded, allows for up to five buses to be procured without 
the requirement for testing. FTA seeks comments regarding whether a new 
policy for the management of the risk associated with introducing new 
bus components and technologies to the new production models is needed 
once the final durability performance standards become effective. FTA 
is interested in suggestions regarding a graduated service life 
requirement and other strategies for sharing technological risk within 
the bus capital program.
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    \14\ http://www.fta.dot.gov/12351_8875.html
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    FTA seeks additional comments regarding the proposed Durability 
performance standards. FTA seeks comments on the benefits and costs of 
its proposed durability testing procedure and standard, and 
alternatives. Do commenters have information to determine the extent to 
which the proposed testing process reasonably simulates real-life use 
of buses? Does the current and proposed testing process result in 
manufactures using parts that are more or less durable than needed?

C.2. Safety

    Currently, only a lane change stability test is performed in the 
Safety test category. However, since the objective of this test 
category is to document the safety performance of the test bus, FTA 
proposes to move the braking performance tests into the Safety test

[[Page 36119]]

category. Additionally, FTA proposes to address safety related bus 
failures identified during any of the tests in the Safety test 
category. Currently, the significant safety hazards are addressed in 
the Reliability test category. FTA believes that these tests should be 
included in the Safety test category because that while braking 
performance can be considered a bus performance issue and the existence 
of safety hazards can be considered for their Reliability impact, they 
are first and foremost related to safety. Table 4 outlines the current 
and proposed test categories for these tests.

        TABLE 4--Current and Proposed Safety Sub-Test Categories
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Current test        Proposed test
             Subtest                   category            category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 (safety hazards)          Reliability.......  Safety
 Reliability Failures.
Stability.......................  Safety............  Safety
Braking:                          Performance.......  Safety
    Stopping Distance...........
    Split Coefficient Surface...
    Parking Brake...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Inserting them in the Safety test category will provide our 
recipients a greater holistic view of the safety of the bus. FTA seeks 
comments about moving the braking test result from the Performance test 
category and the Class 1 test results from the Reliability test 
category into the Safety test category. The proposed performance 
standards for the Safety test category are based on tests currently 
conducted and reported under the Performance and the Reliability test 
categories. No new tests are being proposed for the Safety test 
category in this notice. FTA notes that these tests are not intended to 
fulfill the mandate found in 49 U.S.C. 5329(b)(2)(C) that the agency 
promulgate minimum safety performance standards for transit vehicles. 
Once those standards are finalized via a separate rulemaking action, 
per section 5318(e)(1)(B)(ii), transit agencies will only be able to 
purchase vehicles using FTA funds that meet those standards. However, 
meeting those standards will not be included in the ``pass/fail'' score 
discussed in this rulemaking. Bus Testing Rule will be revised 
accordingly in order to accommodate the standards promulgated under 49 
U.S.C. 5329(b)(2)(C). FTA proposes a total of five performance 
standards for the Safety test category.
C.2.1. Hazards
    The first Safety performance standard titled ``Hazards'' addresses 
hazardous bus performance failures to include those failures that, when 
they occur, could result in a loss of vehicle control; serious injury 
to the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and/or other motorists; and/or 
property damage or loss due to collision or fire. The performance 
standard establishes that at the completion of testing there are no 
uncorrected Class 1 reliability failure modes remaining. Examples of 
Class 1 reliability failures include a loss of braking capability, a 
loss of power steering assist or all steering control, an unsecure 
windshield or side window failure, the failure of a passenger seat or 
seat mount, a fuel or other flammable fluid or gaseous substance leak, 
exposed or frayed electrical conductors, electrical short circuits, 
mechanical failures of energy storage system components and their 
mounting structures, and any instance of fire. Similar to the 
Durability test and Reliability test performance standards, an 
uncorrected failure mode is a failure that occurred during the test 
that has not been successfully eliminated through a design, 
manufacturing process, or quality control improvement that has been 
successfully validated through further testing. Validation of the 
corrected failure mode requires repeating all tests where the failure 
mode occurred. For Class 1 failure modes that occur during durability 
testing and were not classified as durability failures, sufficient 
validation is defined as 1.5 times the durability test length from the 
accumulated test length at the first occurrence of the failure mode, 
but no greater than an additional 100 percent of the original 
durability test length. This proposed standard is based on historic bus 
testing results for durability and reliability that have shown that 
most test vehicles have no issues meeting this proposed standard. FTA 
seeks comments on the benefits and costs of the proposed hazards 
testing procedure and standard, and alternatives.
C.2.2. Stability
    The second proposed safety performance standard addresses the 
dynamic stability of the bus. The Bus Testing Program has used a 
double-lane change test procedure to assess the stability of buses. 
This obstacle avoidance maneuver procedure simultaneously challenges 
the roll stability, yaw stability, steering rate, the operator's 
workstation design, and the outward visibility of the bus.\15\ The lane 
change maneuvers start at a speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) and 
continue up to a potential maximum of 45 mph. For each test speed, a 
bus must remain within the designated lane change test course and not 
experience any wheel liftoff from the road surface for the test run to 
be considered successful. For the Stability performance standard, FTA 
proposes that all buses must successfully negotiate the current lane 
change test course at a speed of at least 45 mph without lifting a 
wheel off the ground, striking any of the cones, or exceeding the 
boundaries of the test lane. This proposed standard reflects the 
current definition of success for the stability test and no current bus 
models have failed this requirement. FTA believes the proposed standard 
is appropriate as it tests the buses within the upper end of their 
operating speed spectrum. FTA is not aware of in service instability 
issues with buses that have satisfied this standard thereby providing 
an impetus for proposing a more stringent standard. FTA is not aware of 
reasons to propose a lower standard either.
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    FTA is aware of other test methodologies that examine the dynamic 
stability characteristics of medium and heavy vehicles. The single-lane 
change and the slalom course are operational-style tests that use the 
speed through the test course as the primary performance metric like 
the current double-lane change test. FTA feels that the double-lane 
change test is more appropriate as buses most often need to return to 
lane of travel they were operating within just before the obstacle 
avoidance maneuver and is therefore more operationally relevant. 
Similar to the double-lane change, the slalom maneuver alternates the 
dynamic lateral loading of the bus during the maneuver but the lack of 
a one lane width of lateral offset during the maneuver makes the test 
less representative of real-world conditions. FTA is aware of 
engineering tests that can be used to characterize specific bus 
stability parameters. The constant radius turn test is used to 
determine a vehicle's maximum lateral acceleration potential and its 
inherent propensity for understeering or oversteering behavior 
throughout its range of lateral acceleration. The ``fishhook'' and 
``sine-with-dwell'' maneuvers can be used to induce vehicle instability 
in a vehicle and then assess the ability of the stability control 
system to manage the

[[Page 36120]]

response of the test vehicle. While these types of tests can provide 
significant insight into vehicle behavior they are not necessarily 
operationally relevant to transit bus consumers. Additionally, in order 
to execute these maneuvers, the use of vehicle safety outriggers, 
additional instrumentation, and potentially greater expanses of 
pavement surface are required which increases the cost and time 
required to conduct the tests. FTA has not analyzed the benefits and 
costs of these alternative testing procedures due to insufficient data, 
but FTA believes that the double-lane change test remains the best 
option for the needs of the Bus Testing Program. FTA received no 
specific comments regarding the proposed Stability performance standard 
during the industry outreach events.
    FTA also acknowledges the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration's (NHTSA's) proposed rule to require electronic 
stability control on large buses under the proposed Federal Motor 
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 136.\16\ Under this proposed rule, all 
buses over 26,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) would be 
required to have an electronic stability control system (ESC) with 
specific capabilities and a demonstrated ability to control the bus's 
stability within specified limits during a defined test maneuver that 
challenges the stability of the bus, forcing the ESC system to respond. 
The proposed requirements of FMVSS 136 do not apply to ``urban'' 
transit buses. Overall, if the requirements included in the proposal 
are finalized it is expected that some of the buses tested in this 
program will have an ESC system and some will not. FTA considered two 
different options for harmonizing the Bus Testing Stability performance 
standard with that of FMVSS 136.
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    \16\ ``Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Electronic 
Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles'', Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, May 23, 
2012, https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/05/23/2012-12212/federal-motor-vehicle-safety-standards-electronic-stability-control-systems-for-heavy-vehicles
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    The first option considered was replacing the current Stability 
test with the proposed FMVSS 136 tests and performance requirements for 
all buses. This option was rejected for several reasons.
    1. For buses so equipped, ESC will ensure that they are stable. Our 
current stability test demonstrates whether a bus can safely execute a 
double lane change without reducing velocity. Without a minimum speed 
requirement that ensures a minimum level of agility, like that proposed 
for the double-lance change test, it would be possible for ill-handling 
buses to pass through the Bus Testing Program and enter transit 
service.
    2. The estimated cost of executing the proposed 136 test is 5 times 
greater ($15,000 vs. $3,000) than the cost of the current Bus Testing 
program stability test. This new test would impact the program budget 
forcing FTA to reduce testing in other areas.
    3. For buses without ESC, the test results would not be 
operationally meaningful. This reduces the value of the information to 
the transit industry.
    Another option is test and apply the proposed Stability performance 
standard only to those bus models that do not fall under the scope of 
the proposed FMVSS 136 (urban transit buses and buses less than 26,000 
lbs). Buses that are subject to FMVSS 136 and are certified as 
compliant by their manufacturer would be given an automatic pass for 
``Stability''. While this option is more practical for the test 
program, as it eliminates the need to conduct the FMVSS 136 tests, it 
still could allow a poor handling bus through the testing program. The 
proposed FMVSS 136 standard affects two types of buses that are used by 
transit; the over-the-road motorcoach, and the large Class 7 cutaway 
chassis buses. While it is unlikely that a motorcoach will be placed 
into regular fixed route transit service where a bus's agility is more 
important, some Class 7 cutaway buses are used for fixed route service.
    Past Stability test results indicate that all bus models are 
capable of safely executing the double-lane-change test at 45 mph. As a 
result, FTA believes that probability of an ESC system intervening 
during this test is low for current production bus models. Therefore, 
FTA believes that applying the proposed Stability performance standard 
of 45 mph through the double lane-change test course to all buses, 
regardless of whether or not they are equipped with ESC, is the best 
option. However, since the inherent stability performance 
characteristics of future bus models are unknown, FTA seeks comments 
regarding the different options for integrating the proposed FMVSS 136 
into the Bus Testing Program, including the benefits and costs and 
those of alternatives. FTA also seeks comments in general on the 
benefits and costs of its proposed Stability procedure and test, and 
alternatives.
C.2.3 Braking Performance
    FTA proposes three performance standards for the braking 
performance of new bus models based on the test results obtained from 
the current brake performance tests.\17\ The first is for the stopping 
distance on a dry level surface. The second is for the directional 
stability of the bus while stopping on a level split coefficient 
friction surface. The last one addresses the performance of the parking 
brake with the bus on a grade.
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C.2.3.1 Stopping Distance
    The purpose of this test is to assess the straight line stopping 
capability of a bus model on a level high friction surface at initial 
speeds of 20, 30, 40, and 45 mph and on a level low friction surface at 
20 mph. FTA proposes a stopping distance performance standard that 
every new bus model satisfies the stopping distance requirement of 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 105 Hydraulic and 
electric brake systems (49 CFR 571.105) and FMVSS 121 Air Brake Systems 
(49 CFR 571.121) of stopping within 158 feet from a speed of 45 mph on 
dry level road surface.
    FTA proposes that although a bus model may fail to stop within 158 
feet from a speed of 45 mph, a passing result from an applicable 
documented FMVSS 105 or 121 certification test conducted by an 
independent test organization can be used instead. FTA offers this 
alternative compliance option due to the fact that the Bus Testing 
Program does not conduct the brake burnish procedure specified in the 
FMVSS for the considerations of cost and time. The data analysis 
revealed that three of 49 buses recently tested would have failed this 
standard based on the Bus Testing results alone. Their average stopping 
distances from 45 mph were 160, 171, and 189 feet. FTA believes that 
these three failures could have been resolved through leveraging a 
FMVSS compliance test report or by repeating the brake testing, and 
that no mechanical changes would have been necessary in order to pass 
the proposed test.
    After one of the outreach sessions, FTA received written comments 
from one source regarding the proposed stopping distance performance 
standard. The commenter recommended a braking distance performance 
standard of 200 feet from a speed of 45 mph for heavy-duty transit 
buses due to the fact that the FMVSS burnishing procedure is not 
conducted prior to conducting the

[[Page 36121]]

stopping distance tests. FTA believes that by allowing the use of an 
FMVSS certification test result as an alternate data source we have 
addressed the commenter's issue and at the same time not lowered the 
bar for braking performance below the FMVSS threshold. FTA seeks 
comments on the benefits and costs of proposed stopping distance 
performance standard, and alternatives.
C.2.3.2 Braking Stability
    The purpose of the braking stability test is to determine the 
ability of a bus model to stay within a standard lane width during a 
maximum effort panic stop from 30 mph with one side of the bus on a 
high friction surface the other on a low friction surface. The proposed 
performance standard for braking stability is that the bus remains 
within a 12-foot lane width during the split coefficient friction brake 
stops as conducted under the current Bus Testing Program procedure. The 
data analysis revealed that all buses satisfied this proposed 
performance standard. FTA received no comments regarding braking 
stability. FTA requests comments on the benefits and costs of its 
proposed braking stability test procedure and standard, and 
alternatives.
C.2.3.3 Parking Brake
    The third proposed performance standard is that the parking brake 
holds the bus stationary on a 20-percent grade while facing uphill and 
downhill for 5 minutes each in accordance with FMVSS 105 and 121.
    The data analysis revealed that all buses satisfied this proposed 
performance standard. FTA received no comments regarding the parking 
brake performance standard.

C.3. Maintainability

    The objective of this test is to examine the amount and types of 
maintenance required to keep the test bus in a fault-free operating 
state. Selected components (e.g., transmission, alternator, windshield 
wiper motor, and other comparable components that serve the same 
functions replaced over a vehicle's lifespan on the bus) are removed 
and replaced, and the total time required to complete this task is 
recorded.\18\ The amount of time necessary to conduct the scheduled 
servicing, as defined by the bus manufacturer, is recorded throughout 
the duration of the test. All unscheduled maintenance activities (i.e., 
failures the occur during the testing) are documented as well, 
including the length of time for each maintenance action, as transit 
vehicle agencies noted unscheduled maintenance needs was a significant 
operating constraint.\19\
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    \19\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/1-2.servicing_pm_and_repair.pdf
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    FTA proposes a maintainability performance standard for the total 
unscheduled maintenance time of no greater than 125 hours over the full 
course of all of the tests. Unscheduled maintenance time is a function 
of the reliability of the bus and the amount of labor required to 
resolve its malfunctions and is a significant indicator for the 
operating cost of the bus. FTA selected a standard of 125 hours after 
reviewing the bus testing results for all bus models that meet the 
proposed reliability performance standard (no more than two Class 2 
reliability failures (a failure resulting in a maintenance road call to 
repair or tow the bus) and meet the proposed durability standards (no 
uncorrected frame and body structure failures or powertrain failures 
remaining at the completion of testing. during the test. Buses that 
required more than 125 hours of unscheduled hours during the test have 
been problematic in transit service and have usually not provided the 
full specified useful service life. Three buses from the study group of 
49 would not meet this proposed performance standard. However, these 
same three bus models also fail the proposed durability requirements. 
Assuming the durability failures would be verified as ``corrected'' 
during the subsequent retesting, this proposed standard would likely be 
met.
    FTA considered proposing a graduated performance standard based on 
the expectation that the amount of unscheduled maintenance is directly 
proportional to the amount of bus operation and hence its service life 
category. However, a plot of the total unscheduled maintenance results 
for buses with no greater than two Class 2 failures tested in 2010 
revealed a uniform distribution of test results that was not directly 
proportional to the length of the service life. The proposed 125-hour 
standard would apply to all service life categories as all durability 
tests represent 25 percent of the vehicle's designated service life.
    FTA received written comments from two sources on this subject 
during our outreach activities. One commenter recommended that specific 
limits need to be established for ``consumable'' parts so that shocks 
or bump stops are not replaced every 1000 miles to hide a deficiency in 
reliability during the test that could later impact the total 
unscheduled maintenance hours significantly. The commenter concurred 
with using a maximum of 125 hours for the unscheduled maintenance 
scale. The commenter also recommended having the component removal and 
replace times account for 20 percent of the points for this test 
category and the remaining points from the total unscheduled 
maintenance hours. FTA considered proposing limits on the replacement 
rates of certain ``consumable'' components but thought that limiting 
the total amount of unscheduled maintenance accumulated during the test 
was an adequate disincentive to ``over-maintain'' the bus. At the time 
of the comments regarding the component removal and replace times were 
submitted, FTA was considering a potential performance standard for 
this test or including it in the discretionary scoring for 
Maintainability. FTA chose not to propose including the component 
removal and replace (R&R) times in the pass/fail scoring system at all. 
FTA felt that the past test results that this metric did not show 
significant difference between bus models. Additionally, R&R times are 
only relevant if that component needs to be replaced multiple times 
throughout the bus's life. The R&R time for components that fail during 
the test are already captured in the unscheduled maintenance times.
    Another commenter highlighted the concern that new bus models that 
introduce a new technology or even just a new component could 
significantly raise the risk of failing the test in the durability, 
reliability, or maintainability test categories. Overall, FTA agrees 
with this observation. The Bus Testing Program serves as the point of 
entry to unlimited bus production volumes for FTA recipients. These 
issues are already addressed in existing bus testing policies. The 
program's partial testing policies delineate between component changes 
that are ``major'' and need to be tested and those component changes 
that do not trigger additional testing.\20\ Bus models employing new 
bus technologies may be eligible for a prototype waiver that allows a 
small quantity of buses to be procured without the need for 
testing.\21\
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    \20\ http://www.fta.dot.gov/12351_8867.html
    \21\ http://www.fta.dot.gov/12351_8875.html
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    FTA seeks additional comments concerning the benefits and costs of 
its proposed performance standard for Maintainability, as well as on 
alternatives. In addition, FTA seeks comment on whether the proposed 
125-

[[Page 36122]]

hour standard may have adverse unintended consequences.

C.4. Reliability

    The objective of this test category is to document and classify 
each of the operational reliability failures of a bus model while it 
undergoes the tests in the other test categories. As expected, most of 
the reliability failure incidents occur during the durability test 
portion of the structural integrity test category. However, all of 
failures throughout the test are documented. Specifically, the 
reliability failures are identified by subsystem and cumulative test 
distance at the time of failure, and the associated repair and down 
time for each failure is documented.\22\ Table 5 is an example of the 
product of this analysis.
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    \22\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/2.reliability.pdf

                                                          TABLE 5--Reliability Analysis Example
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Failure type
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Subsystem                     Class 4            Class 3            Class 2            Class 1       Maintenance labor-      Downtime
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------       hours
                                          Distance  (mi)     Distance  (mi)     Distance  (mi)     Distance  (mi)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drive System..........................                                   821                                                      2.0                1.0
                                                                       1,857                                                      2.0                6.0
                                                                       1,860                                                      4.0               24.0
                                                                       1,860                                                      6.0               12.0
                                                                       6,542                                                      8.0               24.0
                                                                                          9,725                                  25.0              144.0
                                                                                         14,252                                  20.0            2,712.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current bus testing program categorizes a failure during the 
test into one of the following four classes:
    1. Class 1: A malfunction that could lead to a loss of bus control; 
in serious injury to the driver, passengers, pedestrians, or other 
motorists; and in property damage or loss due to collision or fire.
    2. Class 2: A malfunction that results in test interruption because 
the bus cannot be operated. Service is discontinued until the bus is 
repaired at the site of the malfunction or it is towed to a service 
workshop. An in-service bus that experiences a Class 2 failure would 
require a road call (i.e., a mechanical failure on the road that 
requires towing or repairs, but there is no immediate safety risk to 
the driver and/or passengers).
    3. Class 3: A malfunction that results in temporary interruption of 
testing, and the bus must be returned to a service workshop for repair. 
An in-service bus that experienced a Class 3 failure could be driven 
safely to a rendezvous site for a bus swap.
    4. Class 4: A malfunction that degrades bus operations but does not 
require immediate removal of the bus from testing. An in-service bus 
that experienced a Class 4 failure could complete its shift.
    FTA proposes a reliability performance standard for the 
accumulation of no uncorrected Class 1 and not more than two 
uncorrected Class 2 reliability failure modes at the completion of the 
test. This proposed standard allows up to two Class 2 failures 
resulting from flat tires, failed coolant and hydraulic hoses, broken 
accessory drive belts, failed Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) 
batteries (common 12-volt batteries used for engine starting and 
general electrical system use, not traction batteries used for electric 
bus propulsion) or other externally sourced, high-volume components 
whose designs and quality control may be beyond the direct control of 
the bus manufacturers. This proposed standard is based on the past 
reliability test results for buses that did not have systemic problems 
with completing their service life requirements in service. The 
analysis of bus testing results indicates that one bus out of the 49 
studied would fail the Class 2 requirement. However, FTA believes that 
had this requirement existed at the time of that test the manufacturer 
would have sought to remedy and validate at least one of Class 2 
failure modes prior to the end of the test.
    FTA chose to propose placing a performance standard for Class 1 
reliability failures in the Safety test category and not in the 
Reliability test category so that these results would not be double-
counted in the proposed Bus Model Scoring System. For completeness, the 
Reliability section of the test report will continue to report the 
details of all Class 1 failures. FTA also chose not to propose any 
performance standards for Class 3 and 4 reliability failures. The 
primary impact of these failure modes is increased unscheduled 
maintenance which is addressed with the proposed Maintainability 
performance standard. FTA seeks comments regarding the adequacy and 
reasonableness of the treatment of the Class 3 and Class 4 reliability 
test results.
    FTA received written comments regarding the proposed Reliability 
performance standards. The commenter concurred with the proposed 
requirements of no uncorrected Class 1 and no more than two uncorrected 
Class 2 failures existing at the completion of the test. The commenter 
asked that FTA commit to a review of these failures, the proposed 
remedies, and the amount of validation test distance required within 
three business days to minimize the impact to the testing schedule. 
They also recommended that any additional testing required to validate 
design changes necessary to meet the Reliability performance standards 
be shared between FTA and the manufacturer at the same 80/20 percent 
split as the rest of the test. FTA seeks comments regarding the 
benefits and costs of the proposed Reliability performance standards, 
as well as on alternatives.

C.5. Fuel Economy

    FTA proposes that the performance standard for the Fuel Economy 
test category is that every new bus model would satisfy the 
requirements of NHTSA's Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Fuel Efficiency 
Program (49 CFR part 535) for the model year in which it is produced. 
In this program, transit buses are classified as ``heavy-duty 
vocational vehicles'' with voluntary standards starting with the 2013 
model year and mandatory

[[Page 36123]]

standards starting in model year 2016. Correspondingly, this proposed 
performance standard becomes effective for the Bus Testing Program in 
2016. Because buses will be required to comply with these regulations 
for model year 2016, this proposal would only have costs or benefits if 
recipients decide to purchase buses that perform better than the 
minimum standard based on the testing results. The current fuel economy 
testing conducted in the Bus Testing Program does not address this 
standard and would not be used for determining compliance. The 
manufacturer documentation used to demonstrate compliance with the 
NHTSA program would be the same basis for the Bus Testing Program 
determining compliance with its fuel economy standard. The Bus Testing 
Program fuel economy test results would be used to award additional 
points above the base score as is discussed in paragraph D.1.5 of this 
notice. No comments were received from stakeholders as this proposal 
was developed after the outreach sessions. Initially, FTA had proposed 
a set of minimum performance standards for fuel economy based on the 
test results produced by the program. FTA seeks public comment on the 
benefits and costs of its proposed fuel economy standard, as well as on 
alternatives.

C.6. Emissions

    To protect public health and welfare, Congress enacted the Clean 
Air Act (CAA) and its subsequent amendments. The CAA Amendments of 1970 
directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use scientific 
data to set and revise national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) 
for specific widespread and common pollutants, making major revisions 
in 1977 and 1990. Currently, the EPA has air quality standards in place 
for six common ``criteria pollutants:'' particulate matter, ozone, 
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. 
Implementation of the standards is a joint responsibility of the States 
and EPA, with States responsible for developing enforceable State 
implementation plans that meet national standards. If a State fails to 
adopt and implement an adequate plan, EPA is required to issue a 
Federal implementation plan.
    FTA proposes that the performance standard for the Emissions test 
category be that every new bus model would satisfy all of the 
applicable EPA exhaust emissions requirements for heavy-duty vehicles 
for the model year in which it is produced. Because buses are currently 
required to comply with these requirements, this proposal would only 
have costs or benefits if recipients decide to purchase buses that 
perform better than the minimum standard based on the testing results. 
The EPA divides heavy-duty vehicle exhaust emissions into two groups, 
criteria pollutants, and green-house gas pollutants. Exhaust emissions 
of nitrogen oxides (NOX), non-methane hydrocarbons (HC), 
particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO) are considered 
``criteria pollutants'' and the standards for governing these 
pollutants are provided in 40 CFR part 86. Exhaust emissions of carbon 
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen 
dioxide (N2O) are considered ``greenhouse gas pollutants,'' 
the standards for which are outlined in 40 CFR part 1037. Bus 
manufacturers currently leverage a ``pass-through'' compliance from the 
engine manufacturer, chassis manufacturer, or alternative fuel 
conversion supplier to demonstrate compliance with 40 CFR part 86. For 
the greenhouse gas emissions standard, 40 CFR part 1037, bus 
manufacturers must provide the bus models specific results generated by 
the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Model (GEM) to the EPA or leverage the 
chassis original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certification for those 
bus models built upon an incomplete OEM chassis.
    While the Bus Testing Program currently measures all of these 
exhaust emissions except for N2O, the testing is conducted 
at the vehicle level using transit specific driving cycles and is not 
suitable for determining compliance with the EPA exhaust emissions 
requirements. The Bus Testing Program emissions test was designed to 
provide accurate data measured over transit specific duty-cycles to 
facilitate direct comparisons between bus models. Instead of using the 
Bus Testing Program emissions test results to address the EPA 
requirements, FTA proposes that the bus manufacturer documentation 
already being used to demonstrate compliance with the EPA requirements 
also be the basis for the Bus Testing Program to determine compliance 
with its Emissions performance standard. The Bus Testing Program 
emissions test results would be used to award additional points above 
the base score as is discussed in paragraph D.1.6 of this notice. FTA 
did not receive comments for this proposal as it was not discussed 
during the outreach sessions. FTA had initially proposed a performance 
standard for each category of exhaust emissions currently measured by 
the test program. FTA seeks public comment on the benefits and costs of 
its proposed emissions standard, as well as on alternatives.

C.7. Noise

    The objective of this test category is to measure the noise levels 
inside and outside of the bus in various operating modes. There are a 
total of six different noise test procedures currently conducted. The 
interior noise testing includes measuring the ambient noise level 
inside the bus as it is being subjected to 80 dB of white noise from 
outside the bus, measuring the noise levels inside the bus as it 
accelerates from a standstill to 35 mph, and qualitatively identifies 
any specific types of noise such as rattles, wind noise, or resonant 
vibrations that occur at specific speeds, throttle positions, gear 
ranges, etc. The exterior noise testing measures the noise levels 
projected into the outside environment from the bus as it accelerates 
from a steady speed at full throttle, as it accelerates from a 
standstill to 35 mph under full throttle, and when stationary with the 
engine at three different throttle settings. FTA plans to continue 
testing and reporting on the six different noise test procedures as is 
current practice. However, performance standards are not proposed for 
all six tests.
    To formulate Noise performance standards, FTA reviewed the test 
results for buses tested in 2010 and later. FTA also reviewed the APTA 
Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines and its recommended specifications 
for bus noise performance, as well as from other Federal agencies such 
as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 
the Federal agency responsible for workplace safety research, and the 
EPA, the Federal agency responsible for environmental health standards.
    FTA found that while the APTA guidelines set an interior noise 
threshold of 80 dB(A) (decibels, A-weighted--a relative measure of the 
loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ear) for passenger seating 
locations and 75 dB(A) for the driver area, they were designed to 
address procurements of urban transit buses between 30 and 60 feet in 
length and do not address buses of shorter length, such as cutaway 
buses, which are of a different body design and whose engines are 
typically located forward in the cab of the vehicle, rather than in the 
rear of the bus.
    FTA examined other noise performance standards to determine whether 
elevating the driver area noise level above 75 dB(A) posed an 
unacceptable hazard for the driver. The

[[Page 36124]]

NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for occupational noise exposure 
is 85 dB(A), over an 8-hour time-weighted average. Exposures at and 
above this level are considered hazardous by NIOSH. Although bus 
drivers can be exposed to interior bus noise for 8 hours a day, the bus 
noise level is transient, peaking only during acceleration. Thus, 
setting the performance standard at 80 dB(A) would ensure that the 
NIOSH recommended exposure limit is not exceeded.
    The APTA exterior noise threshold of 83 dB(A) while accelerating 
from a full stop is consistent with EPA regulation, which addresses 
transient external noise levels by commercial vehicles found in section 
202.20(b) of 40 CFR part 202. This section provides: ``No motor carrier 
subject to these regulations shall operate any motor vehicle of a type 
to which this regulation is applicable which at any time or under any 
condition of highway grade, load, acceleration or deceleration 
generates a sound level in excess of 83 dB(A) measured on an open site 
with fast meter response at 50 feet from the centerline of lane of 
travel on highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less; or 87 dB(A) 
measured on an open site with fast meter response at 50 feet from the 
centerline of lane of travel on highways with speed limits of more than 
35 mph.'' The current Bus Testing program conducts this test in the 
same manner at a speed up to 35 mph.
    Therefore, FTA proposes that the interior and exterior noise 
measured during the maximum acceleration of the test bus from 0 to 35 
mph would be basis for the noise performance test.23 24 The 
proposed performance standard would be 80 dB(A) for interior noise 
throughout the interior of the vehicle and 83 dB(A) for exterior noise 
as measured by the current test procedures. The noise test data 
analysis of 49 recent bus models indicates that two cutaway chassis 
buses exceed the proposed interior noise performance at the driver's 
position by 4 dB (measured 84 dB versus the 80 dB limit). FTA believes 
that this level could be reduced to 80 dB or lower by the application 
of sound absorption materials between the engine compartment and floor 
areas and the driver's workstation. FTA requests comments on the cost 
of adding this sound absorption material to a bus. None of the 49 buses 
would fail the proposed exterior noise performance standard.
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    \23\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/7-1.interiornoise.pdf
    \24\ http://146.186.225.57/bus_tests_pdfs/7-2.exteriornoise.pdf
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    FTA received some verbal and written comments regarding the noise 
testing and the proposed performance standards. During the earlier 
outreach sessions, FTA had discussed the proposed performance standards 
that it was considering for each of the six noise tests that are 
currently performed. Comments from transit agencies indicated that they 
focused on the noise test results for the noise produced when a bus is 
accelerating from a stop. One bus manufacturer concurred with the 
proposed noise test performance standards. FTA seeks comments 
concerning the benefits and costs of its proposed Noise performance 
standards and testing procedures, and alternatives.

C.8. Performance

    The objective of this test is to investigate and document the 
automotive performance of the bus including its maximum speed, 
acceleration, and gradeability (grade climbing ability). These three 
factors are critical for buses to perform as needed for transient 
recipients: speed is important if the bus will be used in commuter 
service on highways, acceleration is important after being stopped or 
when entering traffic, and gradeability is important for those cities 
not located on flat terrain.
    FTA is proposing three performance standards for the Performance 
test category: one for acceleration, and two for gradeability. A 
performance standard for the maximum speed on a level road surface is 
not proposed. The stability performance standard in the Safety test 
category already requires all buses to be able to maintain 45 mph 
throughout the lane change test. FTA believes that 45 mph is an 
adequate maximum speed that all transit buses need to satisfy. FTA 
understands that there are bus routes that require a speed greater than 
45 mph. The Bus Testing Program requirements do not preclude transit 
agencies from procuring buses with a speed capability greater than 45 
mph.
    The proposed Acceleration performance standard would establish that 
every bus be capable of achieving a speed of 30 mph from rest in no 
greater than 18 seconds, which is consistent with Standard 7.3.1, Table 
3, of the APTA Guidelines. FTA does not know the original basis for the 
acceleration requirement. Our speculation is that, when it was 
formulated, it was based on the capability of a popular bus model that 
transit agencies felt provided adequate performance.
    The proposed Gradeability performance standards would establish 
that every bus shall be capable of sustaining at least 40 mph on a 2.5 
percent grade, and at least 10 mph on a 10 percent grade. The proposed 
gradeability on a 2.5 percent grade performance standards is sourced 
from the APTA Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines. While this same 
source recommends a minimum speed of 15 mph on a 10 percent grade, FTA 
proposes a performance standard of 10 mph on a 10 percent grade to 
account for the typical measured test performance of the 60-foot 
articulated buses and to allow manufacturers to optimize the powertrain 
fuel economy of 40-foot buses for transit applications that do not 
require significant gradeability performance.
    These proposed performance requirements are not particularly 
rigorous as they were set to allow for the optimization for fuel 
economy, given transit agency requirements. Additionally, as with any 
of the tests proposed today, these performance standards do not 
preclude transit agencies from procuring bus models that have greater 
performance capability. These proposed standards are consistent with 
bus testing results that have shown that most test vehicles would 
likely not have significant difficulty meeting these proposed 
standards.
    The data analysis of the acceleration results for 49 recent bus 
tests showed that two buses failed to meet the proposed acceleration 
standard. One, a full electric bus, recorded a time of 18.6 seconds. 
FTA believes that with a software adjustment to the powertrain control 
system this particular bus could have reduced its acceleration time to 
18 seconds or less. This adjustment would not have a significant cost. 
The other bus, a 60-foot articulated bus, achieved 30 mph in 19.6 
seconds. This diesel-powered bus was equipped with a relatively small 
displacement engine for the 60-foot bus class. A numerically higher 
final drive ratio could have been fitted to the bus to reduce its 
acceleration time, as well as improve its gradeability, at the expense 
of maximum speed and fuel economy, but no additional equipment cost.
    The data analysis for maximum speed on a 2.5 percent grade 
indicates that all 49 buses would satisfy the proposed requirement of 
45 mph. A few buses were just at the threshold of this requirement. The 
data analysis for the maximum speed on a 10 percent grade reveals that 
three buses, one 40-foot diesel, one 40-foot electric, and the same 60-
foot bus that failed the acceleration requirement failed to achieve 10 
mph on a 10 percent grade. Of these three, the 40-foot diesel was the 
closest, at 7.5 mph, to achieving the

[[Page 36125]]

proposed standard. Other 40-foot buses with similar powertrains were 
capable of meeting this requirement, perhaps indicating that the engine 
in this particular bus was not operating at full capability. The next 
slowest bus was an electric bus performing at 5 mph. This particular 
bus has been confirmed by one operating agency as having poor hill 
climbing ability, making it unsuitable for several routes in their 
area.
    FTA received several comments and recommendations regarding the 
proposed acceleration and gradeability performance testing and 
standards. During the outreach sessions, bus manufacturers endorsed the 
proposed acceleration requirement as it competes directly with fuel 
economy performance, citing that they have never had a customer ask for 
more acceleration than the APTA standard but always have customers 
asking for more fuel economy. Several bus manufacturers disagreed with 
the proposed gradeability requirement of 15 mph on a 10 percent grade 
for heavy-duty buses as most U.S. roadways are limited to a 6 percent 
grade. One manufacturer provided a summary of the buses tested that 
could not achieve 15 mph on a 10 percent grade. Two bus manufacturers 
recommended that FTA and LTI find a new method of determining 
gradeability performance as the current analytical method that uses the 
acceleration cannot account for how the new adaptive transmissions 
perform when the bus is on an actual grade leading to potentially 
erroneous test results. Based on these comments and its own data 
analysis, FTA adjusted the performance requirement for speed on a 10 
percent grade down to 10 mph. Additionally, FTA and LTI have been 
working towards a new gradeability testing methodology using the 
chassis dynamometer to replicate the grade specific gravitational 
forces. However, we are not yet ready to propose this methodology. FTA 
seeks comments regarding the benefits and costs of its proposed 
acceleration and gradeability performance standards, as well as on 
alternatives.

D. Bus Model Scoring System

    MAP-21 requires that FTA include a Bus Model Scoring System that 
produces an aggregate score that uses test categories and considers the 
relative importance of each such testing category. FTA proposes a 
scoring system where the maximum aggregate score is 100 points. The 
scoring system and maximum points available in each test category are 
shown in Table D.1. The points available in each test category reflect 
FTA's concerns as the primary provider of Federal assistance for the 
procurement of new bus models--namely, that they can operate safely on 
bus routes with adequate automotive performance, reliably withstand the 
rigors of transit service over their required service lives and to do 
so without excessive operating costs and excessive negative impact to 
the environment. The other test categories required in MAP-21 and 
proposed today, including noise, emissions, and fuel economy, are also 
of great importance for the agency, transit agencies and the public, 
but, as noted, are within the primary regulatory responsibilities of 
other Federal agencies.
    A total of 54 points has been proposed across test categories that 
assess the capability of a bus model to reliably withstand continuous 
transit service for the duration of its service life, with only a 
reasonable level of maintenance required to sustain a state of good 
repair (structural integrity--30 points, maintainability--16 points, 
and reliability--8 points). A total of 20 points is assigned to safety, 
another FTA priority. The environmental sustainability characteristics 
of fuel economy and emissions are assigned 7 points each. Bus noise 
characteristics are assigned a total of 7 points. Lastly, the 
automotive performance characteristics of bus models are assigned a 
total of 5 points. FTA requests comments on its proposed scoring 
system. In particular, FTA seeks information on whether there are 
alternative scoring systems that would better enable recipients to 
compare buses, and whether categories should be weighted differently.

                                 TABLE D-1--Weighted Test Results Scoring System
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test category                           Potential awarded for meeting each   Potential points        Total point
                                                performance standard          for performance       weighting by
                                                                                    above the           category
                                                                                     standard
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Shakedown................      1.0
                                        Distortion...............      1.0
                                        Static Towing............      1.0
Structural Integrity..................  Dynamic Towing...........        0                1.0                 30
                                        Jacking..................      1.0
                                        Hoisting.................      1.0
                                        Durability-Structural....     12.0
                                        Durability--Powertrain...     12.0
                                        Hazards..................     10.0                  0
Safety................................  Stability................      2.5                  0                 20
                                        Braking..................      5.5                2.0
Maintainability.......................  Total unscheduled              2.0               14.0                 16
                                         maintenance hours.
Reliability...........................  Number of Class 2              2.0                6.0                  8
                                         reliability failures.
                                        Liquid fuels.............
                                        CNG......................
Fuel Economy..........................  Hydrogen.................      1.0                6.0                  7
                                        Electric.................
                                        CO2......................                         4.0
                                        CO.......................                         0.4
                                        Total hydrocarbon........                         0.4
Emissions.............................  Non-methane hydrocarbon..      1.0                0.4                  7
                                        Nitrogen oxides..........                         0.4
                                        Particulates.............                         0.4
Noise.................................  Interior Noise (0-35 mph)      0.5                3.0                  7
                                        Exterior Noise (0-35 mph)      0.5                3.0
                                        Acceleration 0-30 mph....      1.5
Performance...........................  Gradeability 2.5%........      1.5                  0                  5
                                        Gradeability 10%.........      2.0
    Total.............................  .........................       60                 40                100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 36126]]

Determination Of Scores By Test Category

    FTA proposes that the test results for each proposed performance 
standard be used to generate the score for each test category. To 
receive a numerical score, a bus model must satisfy each proposed 
performance standard at least at the minimum level. FTA proposes 
scoring of the results in two steps: First a base score is awarded for 
the satisfaction of each performance standard; second, additional 
prorated points would be awarded when the performance of the bus model 
exceeds specific performance standards in the Safety, Maintainability, 
Reliability, Fuel Economy, Emissions, and Noise test categories as 
identified in Table D-2. FTA believes that while bus models that only 
just satisfy the performance standards at the minimum level should be 
capable of providing adequate transit service, performance above the 
performance standard in fifteen specific areas provides additional 
benefit to transit through increased safety and reliability, reduced 
operating costs and reduced negative impact on the environment. In 
these fifteen prorated performance categories, FTA believes that the 
maximum identified performance levels would not be exceeded by any 
current bus model. Additional details on the scoring of test results by 
test category are provided in the following sections.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23JN15.000


[[Page 36127]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23JN15.001

D.1.1. Structural Integrity Tests
    FTA believes that no discretionary points are available for 
performance above the standard because of a transit vehicle must meet 
these baseline requirements in order to meet its expected service life.
D.1.2 Safety Tests
    The proposed scoring of the Safety Test is as shown in Table D-2. A 
total of 2.0 discretionary points are available. The Safety Test sub-
categories are a collection of safety related bus characteristics that 
are currently examined in other test categories. Under the current 
rule, only the Lane Change

[[Page 36128]]

Stability Test is included in the Safety test category. The first 
proposed Safety test sub-category is Hazards. The performance standard 
for Hazards would require that all bus models have no Class 1 failures 
at the completion of the test that remained uncorrected. Bus models 
that satisfy this requirement would receive 10 points. The Stability 
performance standard would require that a bus model achieve a lane 
change speed of no less than 45 mph with the bus under control and all 
wheels on the ground throughout the maneuver. A bus that satisfies the 
stability standard would receive 2.5 points. There are three safety 
test sub-categories addressing the braking performance of a bus model. 
The first Braking performance standard would require the bus to stop 
from 45 mph in no greater than 158 feet. Bus models that require less 
than 158 feet to stop would receive 0.5 base points and up to an 
additional 2.0 prorated points if the bus stops in 80 feet or less. The 
average test result from this report would be used to award the score. 
The second Braking performance standard addresses the ability of a bus 
model to remain within a 12 foot road lane width during a split 
coefficient brake stop. A bus model that stays within the lane of 
travel during the stop would receive 2.5 points. The third Braking 
performance standard addresses the ability of the parking brake to hold 
the bus stationary on a 20-percent grade while facing uphill and 
downhill for 5 minutes each. Bus models that satisfy this requirement 
would be awarded 2.5 points.
D.1.3. Maintainability Test
    The proposed scoring of the Maintainability Test is shown in Table 
D-2. A total of 16 points is available in this category. The 
maintainability performance standard would be set at no greater than 
125 hours of unscheduled maintenance activity over the course of the 
test. All bus models that accumulate no more than 125 hours of 
unscheduled maintenance would receive 2.0 base points.
    FTA believes that maintainability performance above the level set 
by the performance standard provides additional benefit to the transit 
industry. FTA is proposing that bus models that accumulate no 
unscheduled maintenance hours during the test would receive an 
additional 14 points. Test results between 125 and zero hours would 
receive an additional prorated amount of points between 0.0 and 14.0. 
For example, a bus that accumulated 25 hours would receive 13.2 points 
(2.0 + (125-25)/125)*14 = 13.2) and a bus that accumulated 100 hours 
would receive 4.8 points (2.0 + (125-100)/125)*14 = 4.8).
D.1.4. Reliability Test
    The proposed scoring of the Reliability Test is shown in Table D-2. 
A total of eight points are available in this category. The proposed 
performance standard allows for accumulation of up to two uncorrected 
Class 2 failures at the completion of the test. All bus models that 
have two uncorrected Class 2 failures or fewer would receive 2.0 base 
points.
    FTA believes that reliability performance above the level set by 
the performance standard provides additional benefit to the transit 
industry such as fewer road calls and service disruptions. As a result, 
FTA is proposing that if a bus model accumulated no Class 2 failures 
throughout the test it would receive an additional 6.0 points. A bus 
model that accumulates one uncorrected Class 2 failure would receive a 
total of 5.0 points (2.0 base points + 3.0 prorated points) by linearly 
prorating the points between two and zero failures.
D.1.5. Fuel Economy Test
    The proposed scoring of the Fuel Economy Test is as shown in Table 
D-2. A total of 7.0 points is available in this category. The proposed 
scoring is a summation of the base score awarded for satisfying the 
applicable vocational vehicle fuel efficiency requirements from 49 CFR 
part 535 and the additional points awarded based on the results of the 
Bus Testing Program fuel economy test.
    The fuel economy testing would consist of operating the new bus 
models on a chassis dynamometer over three different driving cycles 
(Manhattan, Orange County Bus Cycle, and the Heavy-Duty Urban 
Dynamometer Driving Schedule (HD-UDDS)). The driving cycles were 
selected during the emissions test development process to simulate a 
range of transit bus operating routes.\25\ All new bus models would be 
tested over these cycles regardless of their weight or passenger 
capacity. During the test, only the energy consumed to provide bus 
propulsion would be measured. The fuel efficiency impact of heating or 
cooling the bus interior, while potentially significant, would not be 
evaluated during the test as the test facility does not provide a 
controlled ambient environment in the dynamometer facility.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ West Virginia University, Center for Alternative Fuels, 
Engines & Emissions, Transit Vehicle Emissions Program, Dr. Scott 
Wayne, FTA Project No. WV-26-7008, May 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The fuel economy testing accommodates a wide range of fuel sources 
and propulsion technologies. Transit buses historically have been 
produced in relatively low volumes totaling about 5,000 units of all 
types annually. Due to these low volumes, the majority of buses rely on 
the medium and heavy-duty truck powertrain and incomplete chassis 
vehicle supplier marketplace from which to source their bus propulsion 
systems. The current OEM powertrain market supplies complete gasoline 
and diesel powered cutaway chassis for body-on-frame buses. The OEMs 
also supply diesel and natural gas engines combined with traditional 
mechanical (automatic) and hybrid-electric transmissions with energy 
storage systems for the heavy-duty urban transit bus manufacturers. 
Additionally, there are third-party alternative fuel conversion 
suppliers that provide compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied 
petroleum gas (LPG (propane)) conversions of OEM gasoline cutaway 
chassis used by the bus manufacturers. Hybrid-electric and full 
electric conversions of OEM cutaway chassis are also available in the 
market. Heavy-duty bus OEMs are now developing and producing their own 
full electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric powertrains in low 
volumes.
    FTA used the Bus Testing Program fuel economy results from 2010 and 
newer bus models to establish the proposed fuel economy and fuel 
consumption scoring scales. The test results for the 2010 and newer bus 
models reflect the current state of bus propulsion technologies that 
are compliant with current EPA emissions laws and their impact on 
transit bus fuel economy. FTA is proposing four different scales to 
score the fuel economy results based on the bus model fuel type: liquid 
fuel (gasoline, diesel, propane and liquefied natural gas); CNG; 
hydrogen; and electric. For each proposed scale, the minimum was based 
on the measured or estimated fuel economy/fuel consumption of the 
largest transit buses--that is, a 60-foot long articulated bus, for 
each fuel type category. The scale maximum of each fuel scoring 
category was based on actual or estimated maximum results for each fuel 
type category with an additional margin to allow for future 
improvements in fuel efficiency. In formulating the proposed fuel 
economy scoring system, FTA focused on the intended purpose of 
providing information for bus model procurement decisions and fleet-
level decisions about fueling infrastructure investments and bus 
operations.

[[Page 36129]]

    Commonly, bus procurement solicitations already specify the length, 
the passenger capacity, and the fuel type. It is unlikely that transit 
agencies would be comparing bus testing fuel economy results for buses 
of different fuel types and significantly different passenger 
capacities when reviewing bids. Bus fleet strategy parameters such as 
bus design type (heavy-duty urban, cutaway, or paratransit), passenger 
capacity, and bus fuel type are usually decided prior to issuing a bus 
procurement request for proposal (RFP). Once the desired fuel has been 
decided, minimization of the overall fuel cost is the objective. 
However, this cost includes several variables including the unit price 
of the fuel, the amortized cost of any fuel specific fueling 
infrastructure, and the fuel efficiency of the bus models over its 
intended transit routes. Of these considerations, only the fuel 
efficiency of the bus is addressed by the Bus Testing Program, as fuel 
prices--including alternative fuels and electricity--are subject to 
market forces. Fueling infrastructure requirements vary by the type of 
fuel used, the size of the bus fleet, and the characteristics of the 
bus routes. Due to the existence of these and many other variables that 
affect fuel operating costs FTA believes it is not critical to use an 
identical measure to score the fuel economy of the four fuel types.
    FTA considered other fuel economy scoring systems recommended by 
the bus manufacturers and their powertrain suppliers. FTA considered a 
universal energy efficiency scoring scale like British Thermal Units 
(BTUs) per mile or diesel miles per gallon equivalent, etc. This type 
of scale was rejected as it does not take into account the other 
variables related to fuel cost (e.g., regional pricing differences, 
availability of fueling infrastructure, etc.), the change in relative 
efficiency between fuel types when operating in extreme climates, 
particularly in cold climates, and due to the significantly greater 
efficiency of electric buses, the resulting loss in granularity of the 
scale would greatly minimize the difference in score between bus models 
of similar size and fuel type, which defeats the objective of the 
program. We also considered a passenger miles per gallon or equivalent 
fuel consumption version of this metric. This type of metric was 
rejected as it assumes that buses are always operating with a full 
passenger load, that it would show that larger buses are more efficient 
even though they consume more fuel, which is counter-intuitive to 
consumers. FTA believes this metric could motivate bus manufacturers to 
over-maximize the passenger capacity of their bus model submitted for 
testing. This metric would also penalize bus models submitted for 
testing that employed a seating layout that was optimized for 
passengers who use wheelchairs, as the resulting total passenger 
capacity would be lower than that of the same bus model optimized for 
seated or standing passengers. FTA considered a ton-miles per gallon 
metric but this was rejected as it again would indicate that heavier 
buses are more efficient even though they consume more fuel. Lastly, 
FTA considered the merits of establishing multiple scoring scales based 
on bus size or bus passenger capacity. This approach could further 
increase the granularity of the scoring, highlighting differences 
between similar bus models. However, this type of scoring system was 
rejected due to concerns about manufacturers artificially manipulating 
the characteristics of the test bus to gain entry into the category 
that had most advantageous scoring system.
    The proposed base score for satisfying the performance standard is 
1.0 point. The remaining 6.0 points would be determined based on one of 
the applicable scales for the dominant fuel type of the bus model. For 
liquid-fueled buses, the average miles per gallon measured would be 
scored from the range of 1 mile per gallon (MPG) to a maximum of 13 
MPG. All bus models that average 1 MPG or less would be awarded the 
base points. Bus models that average 13 MPG or more would be awarded an 
additional 6.0 points. Test results between 1 and 13 MPG would be 
awarded a prorated score between 0.0 and 6.0.
    All CNG-fueled bus models that consume an average of 50 standard 
cubic feet per mile (SCF/mile) or more would receive the base score. An 
additional 6.0 points would be awarded for a test result of 10 SCF/mile 
or less. (Note: since the SCF/mile metric is a consumption metric, 
numerically lower values of SCF/mile would indicate greater 
efficiency). Test results between 50 and 10 SCF/mile would receive an 
additional amount of points prorated between 0.0 and 6.0.
    All hydrogen-fueled bus models that consume an average of 98 
standard cubic feet per mile (SCF/mile) or more during the test would 
receive the base score. An additional 6.0 points would be awarded for a 
test result of 15 SCF/mile or less. Test results between 98 and 15 SCF/
mile would receive an additional amount of points prorated between 0.0 
and 6.0. The hydrogen scoring scale was developed by a relative 
comparison of the measured performance of hydrogen fuel-cell powered 
40-foot buses during National Fuel Cell Bus Program demonstrations and 
scaling the results for a 60-foot bus model.
    Bus models whose primary source of power is electricity would be 
scored based on the consumption metric of kiloWatt-hours per mile (kW-
hr/mile). Test results of 3 kW-hr/mile or greater would receive the 
base score. Averaged test results of 1 kW-hr/mile or less would be 
awarded an additional 6.0. (Note: Since the kW-hr/mile metric is a 
energy consumption metric, not a fuel economy metric, numerically lower 
values of kW-hr/mile indicate greater efficiency). Test results between 
3 and 1 kW-hr/mile would receive an additional score prorated from 0.0 
to 6.0.
D.1.6. Emissions Tests
    The proposed scoring of the Emissions test results is shown in 
Table D.-2. A total of seven points would be available in this 
category. The proposed scoring is based on a combination of satisfying 
the emissions performance standard and the test results for six 
measured emission products averaged over the Manhattan, Orange County, 
and HD-UDDS transit bus driving test cycles. A base score of 1.0 point 
would be awarded to each new bus model that meets all applicable EPA 
exhaust emissions standards. The remaining six points available are 
distributed among the six exhaust emission categories measured during 
the transit specific Bus Testing Program emissions test with 4.0 points 
available in the carbon dioxide (CO2) category and 0.4 points available 
in each of the five other categories of carbon monoxide (CO), total 
hydrocarbon (THC), non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), nitrogen oxides 
(NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The CO2 category was assigned 10 
times the available points of the other categories due to the fact 
that, while it is now regulated by the EPA, the gross amount of these 
emissions is significantly greater than the others and CO2 emissions 
vary among similar size bus models based on their fuel type and 
propulsion technology. FTA would like to highlight the difference in 
CO2 emissions between bus models.
    The scoring scale for each category of exhaust emissions was 
developed from the test results of the 49 bus models tested since 2010. 
These bus models represent the current state of production bus 
emissions performance. The results for all current bus models would 
fall within the range of the performance bounds proposed. Bus Models 
with overall test results for CO2 emissions of 4,000 grams per mile or 
greater would

[[Page 36130]]

receive the base score and an averaged test result of zero grams per 
mile will be awarded an additional 4.0 points. Averaged test results 
between 4,000 and 0 grams per mile would receive an additional amount 
of points prorated between 0.0 and 4.0. Test results for carbon 
monoxide emissions of 20 grams per mile or greater would receive the 
base score and an averaged test result of zero grams per mile would be 
awarded an additional 0.4 points. Averaged test results between 20 and 
0 grams per mile would receive an additional amount of points prorated 
between 0.0 and 0.4.
    Test results for total hydrocarbon emissions of 3 grams per mile or 
greater would receive the base score and an averaged test result of 
zero grams per mile would be awarded an additional 0.4 points. Averaged 
test results between 3 and 0 grams per mile would receive an additional 
amount of points prorated between 0.0 and 0.4.
    Test results for non-methane hydrocarbon emissions of 3 grams per 
mile would receive the base score and an averaged test result of zero 
grams per mile would be awarded an additional 0.4 points. Averaged test 
results between 3 and 0 grams per mile would receive an additional 
amount of points prorated between 0.0 and 0.4.
    Test results for oxides of nitrogen emissions of 2 grams per mile 
or greater would receive the base score and an averaged test result of 
zero grams per mile would be awarded an additional 0.4 points. Averaged 
test results between 2 and 0 grams per mile would receive an additional 
amount of points prorated between 0.0 and 0.4.
    Test results for particulate emissions of 0.1 grams per mile or 
greater would receive the base score and an averaged test result of 
zero grams per mile would be awarded an additional 0.4 points. Averaged 
test results between 0.1 and 0 grams per mile would receive an 
additional amount of points prorated between 0.0 and 0.4.
D.1.7. Noise Tests
    The proposed scoring of the Noise Test results is as shown in Table 
D-2. The Noise Test category would be worth a total of 7 points with 
3.5 points assigned to interior noise level and 3.5 points to the 
exterior noise level. Both noise performance standards address the 
noise levels produced by the bus while accelerating from 0 to 35 mph at 
its maximum rate. Test results for interior noise at or below the 
performance standard threshold of 80 decibels would receive 0.5 base 
points and test result of 30 decibels would be awarded an additional 
3.0 points. Test results between 80 and 30 decibels would receive an 
additional amount of points prorated between 0.0 and 3.0. Test results 
for exterior noise at the performance standard threshold of 83 decibels 
would receive 0.5 base points and test result of 50 decibels would be 
awarded an additional 3.0 points. Test results between 83 and 50 
decibels would receive an additional amount of points prorated between 
0.0 and 3.0.
D.1.8. Performance Tests
    The proposed scoring of the three Performance Tests is as shown in 
Table D.2. A total of five points would be available in this test 
category. The first sub-category tests the acceleration from 0-30 mph. 
A bus that accelerates to 30 mph in no greater than 18 seconds would 
satisfy the performance standard and receive 1.5 points. The maximum 
sustained speed on a 2.5 percent grade is the next sub-category. A bus 
model that is determined to be capable of sustaining no less than 40 
mph on a 2.5 percent grade would satisfy the standard and receive 1.5 
points. The maximum sustained speed on a 10 percent grade is the next 
sub-category. A bus model that is determined to be capable of 
sustaining no less than 10 mph on a 10 percent grade would satisfy the 
standard and receive 2.0 points. No discretionary points were assigned 
to this test category. FTA believes that performance in this category 
above the proposed performance standards is not necessarily beneficial 
to all transit agencies.

D.2. Calculation of the Aggregate Score

    The aggregate score would be the summation of all of the individual 
test sub-category scores. The raw aggregate score would be rounded to 
the nearest whole number by rounding down when the first digit to the 
right of the decimal point is below 5 and rounding up when the first 
digit to the right of the decimal point is 5 or greater. Table D-3 
presents the scoring for two bus models within the study group, report 
numbers PTI-BT-1007 and PTI-BT-1108. Both buses are 40-foot heavy-duty 
diesel-hybrid electric bus models with a 12-year service life.

[[Page 36131]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23JN15.002


[[Page 36132]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23JN15.003


[[Page 36133]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23JN15.004

E. Pass/Fail Standard

    In order to allow an amount of discretionary points available that 
provides meaningful dispersion of test scores and to maintain the test 
category scoring weights consistent with the relative importance 
between test categories, FTA proposes a pass/fail standard of 60 
points. Under the proposed Bus Model Scoring System, a total of 60 
points is achieved when a bus model meets, but does not anywhere 
exceed, the minimum requirements of each of the performance standards.
    With regard to the testing at issue in this rulemaking, in order 
for a bus to be eligible for FTA funding, MAP-21 now requires that it 
meet two criteria. First, under paragraph 5318(e)(1), FTA funding is 
allowed only if the ``bus . . . met . . . performance standards for 
maintainability, reliability, performance (including braking 
performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise, 
as established by the Secretary by rule.'' That is, a bus would be 
required to at least meet the minimum standards proposed in today's 
NPRM. Second, under paragraph 5318(e)(2), the bus also would need to 
pass the proposed ``Bus Model Scoring System'' based on the bus' 
aggregate score. With the proposed pass/fail standard, FTA is choosing 
to link those two requirements. Without the two requirements being 
linked, FTA believes it would not be possible to establish a pass/fail 
standard that requires some level of performance above the minimum 
levels established by the performance standards. However, FTA seeks 
comment on whether or not there are alternatives to this approach. 
Additionally, FTA proposes that, to eliminate confusion for recipients, 
a bus model that fails to satisfy one or more performance standards 
would not be issued an overall score until the failures are resolved. 
This is necessary to prevent the situation where a bus model fails an 
essential performance standard but scored very high in one or more 
other categories, potentially elevating the aggregate score above 60.

[[Page 36134]]

E.1. Effective Date of Pass/Fail Requirements

    The performance standards, Bus Model Scoring System, and pass/fail 
standard would become effective ninety days after the final rule is 
published and would apply to both new bus models and previously tested 
bus models subsequently produced with major changes that require 
partial testing. The date of the signed contract for testing would 
determine the applicability of the new rule to a bus model.

E.2. Resolving the Failure To Meet a Performance Standard

    When a new bus model undergoing testing fails to meet any one of 
the minimum performance standards, testing would be halted, pending a 
review of the test result by the Bus Testing Facility operator, the FTA 
Bus Testing Program Manager, and the bus manufacturer. Except for the 
test categories of Structural Integrity Test, Maintainability Test, and 
Reliability Test, FTA proposes that for test results that achieve 95 
percent or greater of the value set for the performance standard but 
fail to meet the standard, that the test would be conducted one 
additional time at no additional cost to the manufacturer. For failures 
to meet the performance standards in the Structural Integrity Test, 
Maintainability Test, and Reliability Test, FTA proposes that a 
manufacturer propose and implement a design remedy to directly address 
the failure and then repeat the test(s) necessary to validate the 
design remedy. The FTA Bus Testing Program would bear 80 percent of the 
costs associated with one re-test in these test categories. If the 
proposed bus modifications necessary to remedy a performance standard 
failure are considered a ``major'' change in configuration or 
component, additional testing may be required.

E.3. Scoring of New Partial Tests

    Existing bus models that undergo major changes in configuration or 
component (as defined in 665.5) that would require partial testing 
after the effective date of this rule would be scored based on the 
results for the new tests conducted and on the older test results that 
did not need to be repeated. During the partial test determination 
process, FTA would review the existing test data for that bus model and 
may require the retesting in categories where the existing report 
indicates a failure to meet a performance standard, in addition to the 
test categories affected by the major change in configuration.

             TABLE E-1--Partial Retest Requirements Example
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Original Bus
          Test category           Report No. PTI-BT-  Partial Bus Report
                                         1007          No. PTI-BT-1007-P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structural Integrity
    Shakedown...................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Distortion..................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Static Towing...............  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Dynamic Towing..............  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Jacking.....................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Hoisting....................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Durability..................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
Safety
    Hazards.....................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Stability...................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Braking.....................  Met...............  Retest.
Maintainability.................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
Reliability.....................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
Fuel Economy....................  Met...............  Retest.
Emissions.......................  Met...............  Retest.
Interior Noise..................  Met...............  Retest.
Exterior Noise..................  Met...............  Retest.
Acceleration....................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
Gradeability....................  Met...............  No Retest
                                                       Required.
    Are All Performance           Yes...............  Yes.
     Standards Met?.
    Overall Results.............  Pass..............  Pass.
    Scoring Subtotals...........  24.9..............  25.4.
    Aggregate Score.............  85................  85.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.4. Scoring of Existing Bus Models

    Due to the administrative and financial burden of retesting all 
existing transit buses under the testing program proposed in today's 
NPRM, FTA proposes that buses with a valid test report conducted under 
the current testing program would remain eligible for FTA financial 
assistance until the bus undergoes a major change in component or 
configuration, because a major change in the configuration or a 
component might invalidate the data contained in its test report that 
was based upon a particular component (e.g. engine) or configuration 
(e.g., front- vs. rear-mounted engine). A major change is currently 
defined by the Bus Testing Program rule (49 CFR 665) as:
    (1) Major change in chassis design means, for vehicles manufactured 
on a third-party chassis, a change in frame structure, material or 
configuration, or a change in chassis suspension type;
    (2) Major change in components means:
    (a) For those vehicles that are not manufactured on a third-party 
chassis, a change in a vehicle's engine, axle, transmission, 
suspension, or steering components;
    (b) For those that are manufactured on a third-party chassis, a 
change in the vehicle's chassis from one major design to another;
    (3) Major change in configuration means a change that is expected 
to have a significant impact on vehicle handling and stability or 
structural integrity.
    For the benefit of purchasers, FTA proposes that the data from 
existing test reports would be evaluated using the new criteria to 
calculate an aggregate score, with the resulting amended test report 
reflecting the vehicle's performance using the new criteria, along with 
new scores for any additional partial tests that conform with the new 
criteria. The amended report would apply the scoring system

[[Page 36135]]

adopted in the final rule and generate an aggregate score for the 
applicable performance standards.

E.5. Re-Testing of Existing Bus Models To Raise the Overall Score

    FTA would approve the execution of one partial test of an existing 
bus model that has undergone non-major changes (e.g., adjusting engine 
or transmission control software in order to improve mileage, replacing 
wall insulation in order to further reduce interior noise) in 
anticipation of achieving a higher aggregate score. Existing bus models 
that undergo major configuration changes would continue to be eligible 
for partial testing. If a bus fails to obtain a passing score, the 
vehicle is ineligible to participate in FTA-assisted procurements.

F. Other Proposed Program Changes

F.1. Bus Payloading Procedures

    There are three bus loading conditions currently employed during 
the testing process. Portions of the Durability Test are performed at 
curb weight (CW = bus weight including maximum fuel, oil, and coolant; 
but without passengers or driver), seated load weight (SLW = 150 pounds 
load in each passenger seat and 600 pounds per wheelchair position), 
and at gross vehicle weight (GVW = seated load weight plus 150 pounds 
for every 1.5 square feet of free floor space). Under the current Bus 
Testing Rule, loading to GVW is performed even if the gross vehicle 
weight rating (GVWR) or the axle weight ratings (GAWR) have been 
exceeded. While this loading procedure is a good approximation of the 
potential peak passenger loads in actual transit service, it creates 
some negative impacts that are difficult to resolve. For instance, not 
all buses are designed for transporting standing passengers and those 
that are not designed for standees could be loaded beyond the ratings 
of the chassis components. Thus, analysis of durability and reliability 
failures during the test will be confounded by the overloading, and the 
bus model's ability to satisfy the performance standards at its rated 
load is unknown. Additionally, a bus model's compliance with FMVSS in 
an overloaded condition is also unknown, as bus chassis and chassis 
component warranties are contingent upon their usage within their 
weight ratings.
    Therefore, we propose to modify the existing test to only load the 
bus up to its maximum weight rating, in contrast to the current 
procedure of loading the vehicle with a full complement of seated and 
standing passengers, even if this would exceed the vehicle's weight 
rating. By testing within the rated passenger capacity of the bus 
model, all manufacturers would be treated equally as they would be 
specifying the capacity of their bus models. Under the proposed 
performance standards, FTA would require that Durability and Class 2 
Reliability failures be remedied by the end of the test. Vehicle 
manufacturers should be aware that chassis and chassis component 
suppliers might not offer any remedies to these failures if they 
believe that overloading is causing the failure.
    FTA proposes the following changes to the bus payloading procedure:
    (1) Manufacturers are to specify, on the interior bulkhead of the 
bus, the maximum number of standee passengers their bus model is 
designed to carry.
    (2) The maximum number of standee passenger loadings would be based 
on 150 pounds and 1.5 square feet of free floor space per standee 
passenger.
    (3) Free floor space would exclude the designated areas for 
wheelchair passengers, ingress/egress areas, area under seats, area 
occupied by feet of seated passengers, and the vestibule area.
    (4) Seated Load Weight (SLW) would be 150 pounds for every 
passenger seat, the driver's position, 600 pounds per wheelchair 
position, plus the curb weight of the bus.
    (5) Gross Weight (GW) would be SLW plus the total standee weight 
(product of 150 pounds * maximum (rated) number of standees).
    The ability of a bus model to carry its full complement of seated, 
wheelchair, and standee passengers would be assessed by measuring the 
weight at each wheel position with the bus loaded to GW and comparing 
to the GVWR, the GAWRs, and the maximum wheel and tire load ratings. 
Buses that exceed any of their ratings when loaded to GW would not be 
tested until the passenger rating is within the rated weight capacity 
of the bus. FTA seeks comment on these proposed changes.
    FTA is also proposing changing the definition of Curb Weight in the 
665.5 of the rule from ``Curb weight means the weight of the empty, 
ready-to-operate bus plus driver and fuel.'' to ``Curb weight means the 
bus weight including maximum fuel, oil, and coolant; but without 
passengers or driver.'' so that it is the same as used in the current 
Bus Testing Program procedures and consistent with automotive industry 
practice. This change results in no new costs as the current practice 
remains the same.

F.2. Elimination of On-Road Fuel Economy Testing

    FTA proposes that the Fuel Economy Test only be performed on the 
chassis dynamometer in conjunction with the emissions testing. The bus 
testing facility operator has been measuring fuel economy performance 
on both the test track and on the chassis dynamometer since the 
emission testing capability became available in 2010. A chassis 
dynamometer is a device used to replicate the motion resisting forces 
that act on a vehicle when it is driven. A chassis dynamometer consists 
of a large diameter drum, a drive system, and a control system. The 
drum is mounted indoors in the floor of the emissions test laboratory. 
The bus drive wheels are placed directly onto the top of the drum and 
the bus is physically restrained in place with chains and ratcheting 
straps. During the fuel economy/emissions testing the bus is driven at 
the speeds prescribed by each test duty cycle. The dynamometer applies 
a resistive load as it spins that replicates the total motion 
resistance the bus would experience if it was actually on a road.
    While the duty cycles used in the dynamometer-based emission 
testing are not the same as those used during the on-road testing, they 
have proven to be comparable. The on-road (test track) fuel economy 
test determines fuel economy over three different duty cycles:
    1. ``Central Business District (CBD)'' phase of 2 miles with 7 
stops per mile and a top speed of 20 mph;
    2. ``Arterial'' phase of 2 miles with 2 stops per mile and a top 
speed of 40 mph;
    3. ``Commuter'' phase of 4 miles with 1 stop and a maximum speed of 
40 mph.
    The dynamometer fuel economy test is also conducted over three 
different duty cycles:
    1. ``Manhattan'' phase of 2 miles with 9.5 stops per mile and a top 
speed of 25 mph;
    2. ``Orange County Bus Cycle'' phase of 6 miles with 5 stops per 
mile and a top speed of 41 mph;
    3. ``HD-UDDS'' phase of 5 miles with 2 stops per mile and a max 
speed of 58 mph. The CBD and the Manhattan cycles represent urban bus 
operation, the Arterial and the Orange County Bus Cycle represent 
suburban or express operation, and the Commuter and HD-UDDS cycles 
represent commuter type bus operations. While the test results for the 
same bus model will not be same for both urban, suburban, and commuter 
tests (on-track vs. dyno), the rank order relationships of the 
resulting fuel efficiencies has proven to be the same with the urban 
having the lowest and

[[Page 36136]]

the commuter having the highest. There is no compelling need for the 
dyno test cycles to be exactly the same as the on-track testing. 
Maintaining three distinct test cycles for our transit consumers is the 
primary objective.
    FTA believes that the test results from the dynamometer test would 
be more accurate and more consistent than the on-road results, since 
the variables of wind and ambient temperature range are minimized or 
eliminated. The Manhattan and the Orange County Bus Cycle are real 
world measured duty cycles. The CBD, Arterial, and the Commuter are 
analytical representations of the real world that took into 
consideration the limitations of conducting the test on the test track. 
Elimination of the on-road fuel economy test would also reduce test 
program costs and shorten the length of the overall test schedule. FTA 
requests comments on this proposal.

F.3. Bus Passenger Load for Emissions Testing

    The current Emissions test specifies a bus payload equal to two-
thirds of the maximum seated passenger load. The origin of this 
requirement was from previous heavy vehicle exhaust emissions 
research.\26\ FTA proposes that the Emission test be conducted at 
seated load weight (SLW), instead of two-thirds SLW, to enhance the 
efficiency of the testing process. In this way time and labor costs are 
reduced for bringing the SLW down to two-thirds SLW. This change 
results in a 4-6 percent increase in the total test weight, thereby 
slightly reducing measured fuel economy and slightly increasing 
emissions. All of the other bus performance tests are conducted at SLW. 
Maintaining consistency with past emission research does not provide 
additional value to the Bus Testing Program. Additionally, the Bus 
Testing Program Emissions test is not used to determine regulatory 
compliance other than the proposed performance standards in this 
notice. The proposed Emission performance standards were formulated to 
allow for the slight increase in vehicle test weight that this change 
would impart. FTA requests comments on this proposal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ West Virginia University, Center for Alternative Fuels, 
Engines & Emissions, Transit Vehicle Emissions Program, Dr. Scott 
Wayne, FTA Project No. WV-26-7008, May 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F.4. Bus Testing Entrance Requirements

    Currently, an entity desiring to test a bus enters into a contract 
with the bus testing facility operator, without any pre-approval or 
pre-authorization from FTA. Therefore, FTA proposes new procedural 
requirements for a bus to enter the Bus Testing Program as follows: 1) 
Bus models submitted for testing must be from a transit vehicle 
manufacturer (TVM) whose Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals 
have been submitted to FTA, consistent with 49 CFR Part 26 
Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of 
Transportation Financial Assistance Programs. 2) Test model buses also 
must comply with applicable NHTSA requirements in 49 CFR Part 566 
Manufacturer Identification; 49 CFR Part 567 Certification; and 49 CFR 
Part 568 Vehicle Manufactured in Two or More Stages--All Incomplete, 
Intermediate and Final-Stage Manufacturers of Vehicle Manufactured in 
Two or More Stages.
    In order to commence testing, FTA proposes that test model buses 
would also need to identify the maximum quantity of standee passengers, 
be capable of negotiating the Durability Test course at the requisite 
test speed under all conditions of loading (curb weight, seated load 
weight, and gross weight), and be capable of following the test duty 
cycles used for Fuel Economy and Emissions Test within the established 
test procedure standard for allowable speed deviation.

F.5. Buy America

    Lastly, FTA is proposing that bus models submitted for testing 
satisfy the domestic content requirement of FTA's Buy America 
regulation (see 49 CFR 661.11, Rolling Stock Procurements). FTA 
believes this change would not be a significant impediment to 
commencing testing, as section 665.11 of the bus testing regulation 
already requires test models to be ``substantially fabricated and 
assembled using the techniques, tooling, and materials that will be 
used in production of subsequent uses of that model.'' This change 
would ensure that the buses and components tested would be similar, if 
not identical to, the vehicles ultimately manufactured for FTA 
recipients. FTA does not expect any change to the component costs 
because the test buses will be identical to the production models, 
however, FTA is seeking comment regarding component changes that might 
result in incremental costs to vehicle manufacturers.

F.6. Scheduling of Testing

    Currently, the scheduling of a full test can be accomplished by 
going directly the facility operator and completing a bus testing 
contract and submitting other required documentation (http://www.altoonabustest.com/schedule_testing). Request for partial testing 
must go to the FTA Bus Testing Program Manager first for a 
determination of the set of tests necessary to bring the new bus model 
configuration into compliance with the rule with respect to its major 
changes in configuration. The bus manufacturer then submits the partial 
testing determination letter provided by FTA to the facility operator 
to schedule the partial test program.
    FTA proposes that all requests for full or partial testing be 
submitted to the FTA Bus Testing Program Manager for review prior to 
scheduling a test with the Bus Testing Facility operator. All requests 
shall provide: A detailed description of the new bus model (or 
previously tested bus model incorporating major changes) to be tested; 
the service life category of the bus; engineering level documentation 
characterizing all major changes to the bus model, and documentation 
that demonstrates satisfaction of each one of the testing requirements 
outlined in paragraph 665.11(a). FTA would review the request and 
determine if the bus model is eligible for testing and which tests need 
to be performed. FTA would prepare a written response to the requester 
for use in scheduling the required testing with the Bus Testing 
Facility.

F.7. Test Requirements Review Milestone

    FTA proposes the addition of a Test Requirements Review Milestone 
that examines the results from the initial check-in inspections of the 
bus (which occurs when the bus first arrives at the testing facility), 
passenger payloading results, and the results of initial testing 
operations. The purpose of this milestone is to verify that the bus 
matches the bus documented in the test request and has satisfied the 
program entrance criteria prior to the expenditure of FTA program 
funding on this bus model. The intent of this Test Requirements Review 
Milestone is to ensure that buses submitted to the Program are ready 
for testing. The review would be conducted during the expenditure of 
the 20 percent manufacturer fee and before the expenditure of the 80 
percent Federal matching program funding. If the bus has met all of the 
requirements 49 CFR 665.11, testing of the bus model would continue.

F.8. Penalty for Unauthorized Maintenance and Modification

    Unauthorized maintenance and repairs by bus manufacturer 
representatives, such as the replacement of vehicle parts or repairs 
that were not captured by the bus testing facility

[[Page 36137]]

operator and recorded into the test report can lead to erroneous test 
results that are not reflective of the bus model in its documented 
configuration. To prevent this situation, FTA proposes that the Bus 
Testing Facility operator investigate each occurrence of unsupervised 
maintenance and repairs and determine the potential impact to the 
validity of the test results. Tests where the results may have been 
impacted would be repeated at the manufacturer's expense. Undocumented 
bus modifications can also lead to results that do not reflect 
accurately the performance capability of the documented configuration 
of the bus. FTA proposes that the facility operator perform all 
modifications on the test vehicle, consistent with the manufacturer's 
specifications, unless the operator determines that the nature of the 
modification is best performed by the manufacturer under the operator's 
supervision. Significant vehicle modifications performed after the test 
has started would first require review and approval by FTA. If the 
modification is determined to be a major change, some or all of the 
tests already completed may need to be repeated or extended. 
Additionally, the facility operator would halt testing after the 
occurrence of unapproved or unsupervised test vehicle modifications. 
The vehicle manufacturer would submit a new test request to FTA that 
addresses all the requirements in 49 CFR 665.11 to reenter the Bus 
Testing Program.

F.9 Testing of Remanufactured Buses

    FTA is not proposing the application of the Bus Testing Program 
requirements to remanufactured bus models in this NPRM. However, FTA is 
seeking comments related to the testing and the appropriate service 
life expectations of remanufactured buses. Previously performed in-
house by transit agencies or by their contractor as part of one's fleet 
maintenance, rebuilt (``remanufactured'') used transit buses are now 
being sold to FTA recipients by third-parties as an alternative to 
acquiring a newly-manufactured bus model. Bus testing requirements have 
never been applied to rebuilt or remanufactured buses (in-house or 
contracted) by the transit operators regardless of the level of 
configuration changes performed, as this was part of a transit agency's 
asset management obligations and the overall grant program risk was 
considered low. The availability of fully depreciated (service life 
requirement satisfied) used transit bus models with sound (at least 
perceived sound) structures at a low cost enables a potentially 
attractive value proposition to transit operators and enables a new 
business opportunity for bus rebuilders.
    The current Bus Testing Program policy for new and used bus models 
is presented in Table F.9-1. Used buses and remanufactured bus models 
that retain their production design configuration are not subject to 
additional testing as long as the bus model already underwent a full 
test. Remanufactured bus models with a major change in configuration 
procured using procedures employed to acquiring new buses could be 
treated as ``new'' bus models and subject to testing. However, the 
regulation does not identify a service life requirement. For these 
reasons, FTA has not applied the program requirements to remanufactured 
bus models. However, FTA seeks external input regarding the 
expectations and requirements for remanufactured bus models.
    Specifically, FTA seeks answers and comments to these questions:
    1. What, if any, problems are recipients experiencing with 
remanufactured buses? For example, are remanufactured buses being 
prematurely retired compared to reasonable expectations and in light of 
the assumed reduced purchase cost? Do such buses need more maintenance 
than should be reasonably expected?
    2. If recipients are experiencing problems with remanufactured 
buses, can the problems be addressed by subjecting the buses to FTA 
testing and scoring? If so, what standards should FTA use for testing?
    3. What types of buses and how many are being remanufactured 
annually?
    4. What actions are performed when remanufacturing a bus?
    5. What are common entrance criteria for a used bus entering into 
the remanufacturing process? Mileage limits? Age? Usage history?
    6. What structural inspection techniques are employed during the 
selection of candidate buses?
    7. Should FTA apply Bus Testing requirements to all remanufactured 
buses or just the ones procured through a bus acquisition project?
    8. What service life length should be applied to remanufactured 
buses?
    9. Is a prorated service life requirement based on the ratio of the 
acquisition cost as compared to a similar new bus model appropriate?
    10. What information is available for estimating the benefits and 
costs of testing requirements and a scoring system for remanufactured 
buses?

                    Table F.9-1--Current Bus Testing Requirements for All Bus Acquisition Projects Subsidized With FTA Capital Grants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Existing bus model                               Used bus model         Used bus model
                                       Completely new bus       with a ``major''        New and used bus     (remanufactured with   (remanufactured with
                                              model                  change                  models           no design changes)      a major change)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required Testing...................  Full test (all test     Partial test to          No testing if the model has been through a   Meets the definition
                                      categories).            address design                       full test already.               of a ``new bus
                                                              changes. Durability                                                   model''. Full or
                                                              test required only If                                                 partial testing is
                                                              the chassis or body                                                   required. Durability
                                                              structure was altered                                                 test required only
                                                              or structure is                                                       If the chassis or
                                                              loaded beyond the                                                     body structure was
                                                              load level of the                                                     altered or structure
                                                              original test.                                                        is loaded beyond the
                                                                                                                                    load level of the
                                                                                                                                    original test.

[[Page 36138]]

 
Durability Test Length.............   25% of manufacturer designated or \1\ minimum
Ex: A 12-year/500,000 mile service     required service life distance, whichever is
 life bus will be tested the                             greater.
 equivalent of 125,000 miles (25%
 of 500K). Actual durability test
 distance is 12,500 miles as the
 test track was designed to provide
 a 1 to 10 mile acceleration
 factor.).
                                                                                     Undetermined.........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G. Section By Section Analysis

Section 665.1 Purpose

    FTA proposes to amend the purpose of the regulation to reflect a 
new pass/fail test and scoring system.

Section 665.3 Scope

    FTA proposes no changes, as the requirements of this part continue 
to apply to recipients of Federal financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 
Chapter 53.

Section 665.5 Definitions

    FTA proposes changing the definition of Curb Weight from ``Curb 
weight means the weight of the empty, ready-to-operate bus plus driver 
and fuel.'' to ``Curb weight means the weight of the bus including 
maximum fuel, oil, and coolant; but without passengers or driver.''
    FTA proposes changing the definition of Gross Weight from ``Gross 
weight, also gross vehicle weight, means the curb weight of the bus 
plus passengers simulated by adding 150 pounds of ballast to each 
seating position and 150 pounds for each standing position (assumed to 
be each 1.5 square feet of free floor space).'' to ``the seated load 
weight of the bus plus 150 pounds of ballast for each rated standee 
passenger, up to and including, the maximum rated standee passenger 
capacity identified on the bus interior bulkhead''.
    FTA proposes changing the definition of Seated Load Weight from 
``Seated load weight means the weight of the bus plus driver, fuel, and 
seated passengers simulated by adding 150 pounds of ballast to each 
seating position.'' to ``the curb weight of the bus plus seated 
passengers simulated by adding 150 pounds of ballast to each seating 
position and 600 pounds per wheelchair position.'' This 600 pound 
figure is based on the minimum load-bearing capacity for wheelchair 
lifts and ramps in the USDOT's accessible bus specifications at 49 CFR 
Sec.  38.23(b)(1) and (c)(1).

Section 665.7 Certification of compliance

    FTA proposes to amend this section to reflect that the recipient 
must certify that a bus has received a passing test score, but 
acknowledges that parties may seek assistance from FTA, consistent with 
FTA's role in reviewing partial testing requests as described in 
section 661.11(d). FTA is also removing the term ``Grantee'' from the 
section heading and throughout this part, as FTA now uses the term 
``recipient.''

Section 665.11 Testing requirements

    FTA proposes additional requirements for a bus to enter the Bus 
Testing Program. New bus models submitted for testing would be from a 
Transit Vehicle Manufacturer that has submitted its DBE goals to FTA 
consistent with 49 CFR part 26. Test model buses would also comply with 
applicable requirements in 49 CFR part 566 Manufacturer Identification; 
49 CFR part 567 Certification; and 49 CFR part 568 Vehicle Manufactured 
in Two or More Stages--All Incomplete, Intermediate and Final-Stage 
Manufacturers of Vehicle Manufactured in Two or More Stages. Bus models 
would also need to have the maximum rated quantity of standee 
passengers identified on the interior bulkhead in 2 inch tall or 
greater characters, be capable of negotiating the Durability Test 
course at the requisite test speed under all conditions of loading 
(curb weight, SLW, and GVW), and be capable of following the test duty 
cycles used for Fuel Economy and Emissions Tests within the test 
procedure for allowable speed deviation. Lastly, bus models submitted 
would satisfy the domestic content requirements for rolling stock in 49 
CFR part 661, Buy America Requirements.

Section 665.13 Test report and manufacturer certification

    FTA proposes adding language to this section for a requirement for 
the Bus Testing Facility operator to score the test results using the 
performance standards and scoring system outlined in Appendix A of this 
part. FTA also proposes that the bus testing facility operator obtain 
approval of the Bus Testing Report by the bus manufacturer and by FTA 
prior to its release and publication. Finally, FTA proposes that the 
bus testing facility operator to make the test results available 
electronically to supplement the printed copies.

Section 665.21 Scheduling

    FTA proposes that all requests for testing, including requests for 
full or partial testing, be submitted to the FTA Bus Testing Program 
Manager prior to scheduling with the Bus Testing Facility operator. All 
test requests would provide: a detailed description of the new bus 
model to be tested, the service life category of the bus, engineering 
level documentation characterizing all major changes to the bus model, 
and documentation that demonstrates satisfaction of each one of the 
testing requirements outlined in paragraph 665.11(a). FTA would review 
the test request and determine if the bus model is eligible for testing 
and which tests need to be performed. FTA would prepare a written 
response to the requester for use in scheduling the required testing 
with the Bus Testing Facility operator.

Section 665.23 Fees

    FTA is proposing a requirement that the manufacturer's share of the 
test fee would be expended first during the testing procedure and that 
the bus testing facility operator would obtain approval from FTA prior 
to committing FTA program funds.

[[Page 36139]]

Section 665.25 Transportation of Vehicle

    FTA is not proposing any changes.

Section 665.27 Procedures During Testing

    FTA is proposing additional language for this section to require 
the Bus Testing Facility operator to inspect the bus model 
configuration upon arrival to compare it to that submitted in the test 
request; to compare the gross vehicle weight and gross axle weights to 
the ratings on the bus; to determine if the bus model can negotiate the 
test track and maintain proper test speed over the durability, fuel 
economy and emission drive cycles; and to provide these results to the 
bus manufacturer and FTA prior to conducting testing using FTA program 
funds.
    FTA is also proposing additional language that requires the Bus 
Testing Facility operator to investigate each occurrence of 
unsupervised maintenance and assess the impact on the validity of the 
test results and to repeat any impacted test results at the 
manufacturer's expense. FTA proposes additional language to address 
modifications to bus models undergoing testing. Specifically, this 
section requires that the Bus Testing Facility operator perform or 
supervise and document the performance of bus modifications only after 
the modifications have been reviewed and approved by FTA. The language 
also states that testing would be halted after the occurrence of 
unsupervised bus modifications. The Bus Testing Facility operator would 
not continue testing until FTA has issued a testing determination 
regarding the modifications.
    FTA proposes moving the test requirements from Appendix A into 
section 665.27 and assigning performance standards to each of the test 
categories as MAP-21 requires. FTA proposes amending the Performance 
Test category by removing the language regarding the Braking 
Performance Test and moving it into the Safety Test category. FTA also 
proposes adding the requirement for a review of the Class 1 failures 
documented in the Reliability Test category to the Safety Test 
category.

Appendix A to Part 665--Bus Model Scoring System and the Pass/Fail 
Standard

    FTA proposes adding a bus model scoring system and Pass/Fail 
Standard to Appendix A of Part 665 to outline the requirements of the 
Bus Model Scoring System and the Pass/Fail Standard.

H. Regulatory Analyses And Notices

H.1. Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures.

    This rulemaking is a significant regulatory action within the 
meaning of Executive Orders 13563 and 12866, and FTA has determined 
that it is also significant under DOT regulatory policies and 
procedures because of substantial State, local government, 
congressional, and public interest. However, this rule is not 
``economically significant,'' as defined in Executive Order 12866.
    This section explains: the purpose of the Bus Testing Program, why 
we are proposing a pass/fail requirement with a point-based system and 
how that fits within our mission, the alternative scoring systems we 
considered, the logic that we employed in determining the weights 
assigned to the different test categories, our rationale for 
prioritizing use of the manufacturer's portion of the testing fee, and 
our analysis of the costs and benefits.
Purpose of the Bus Testing Program
    The Bus Testing Program was originally created to provide transit 
agencies an independent source of bus performance results that could be 
used to inform their bus procurement decisions. Without the program, 
transit agencies would have to rely on either manufacturer supplied 
information, information supplied by third parties (FTA is not aware of 
third parties currently providing performance information about buses), 
information from their own pilot bus demonstrations potentially 
supplemented with specific engineering laboratory test procedures, or 
on the experiences from other agencies with a particular bus model. 
Without a centralized independent testing program, FTA believes the 
introduction of new bus models would be limited, as the perceived 
procurement risk would be high. As a result, successful bus adaptation 
to new transit requirements would be slowed considerably.
    Once the Bus Testing Program was established, the availability of a 
test report was considered an adequate safeguard from catastrophic and 
systemic failures of portions of a bus fleet. For popular bus types 
where there are several competing bus models, FTA believes this 
assumption holds true. However, for less common bus types, where there 
are at times only one or two manufacturers capable of supplying, the 
risk of the new bus model may be overshadowed by the risk to an agency 
of not having a new replacement for the buses they are currently 
operating. The proposed Pass/Fail rule was designed prevent the risk of 
an inadequate bus model from being overshadowed by other priorities, 
such as financial resources available for new buses, vis a vis funds 
available for maintaining existing vehicles in a state of good repair.
Alternative Scoring Systems Considered
    While reviewing and developing scoring systems to meet the MAP-21 
requirements, FTA considered a number of alternatives. To begin, we 
considered the importance of the entirety of the safety tests within 
the existing Bus Testing Program. Noting how integral to the Bus 
Testing Program each of the testing categories were, we wanted to 
ensure that the buses that were tested, at the very least, met all of 
the minimum performance standards, regardless of the scoring system 
that we adopted. Stated differently, we resolved that the scoring 
system would have to preclude a bus model from passing the test solely 
by attaining additional points in other categories (while failing in 
one or more key categories), resulting in points greater than the 
threshold that we set for the pass/fail standard. We also wanted to 
ensure that whatever system we adopted would be relatively simple, 
straightforward, and easy to understand, and provide meaningful 
information to both transit agencies and manufacturers. As discussed 
below, using these principles, we assessed various systems that we 
could adopt or implement to meet the requirements of MAP-21.
    We first considered various qualitative systems. We reviewed a 
``five-tier'' based system, as used by other organizations. We liked 
the simplicity of the five-star system for grading buses that met the 
minimum requirement of passing all of the tests. While our review of 
various systems indicated that such qualitative systems are simple to 
implement, they can be very subjective. Moreover, the five-tier system 
did not capture the level of detail and differential information that 
we desired to convey to the transit industry and manufacturers. We also 
reviewed and considered an ``A to D'' based grading system. Again, 
while this would have resulted in a fairly simple and straightforward 
system, it did not convey the level of information or the level of 
detail that was our goal. Thus, we rejected these two qualitative 
systems. While they were simple, straightforward, and easy to 
understand, they did not meet our goal of providing meaningful 
information to transit agencies and manufacturers.

[[Page 36140]]

    Next, we considered quantitative point-based systems with the 
minimum threshold requirement of passing all of the tests. We 
considered various scales. We rejected a 50-point based scale for lack 
of simplicity. We considered an 80-point scale (10 points for each test 
category) and rejected it because it did not capture the relative 
importance or weighting of the categories. We also considered various 
levels for the pass/fail threshold for each of the scales. Finally, we 
settled on a 100-point scale due to its universality. FTA initially 
considered a minimum passing score of 40 points, believing the 60 
discretionary points would provide purchasers with a greater range with 
which to evaluate different vehicles, but given the grading systems 
used in schools and other applications, FTA established a minimum 
passing threshold of 60 points with 40 discretionary points. This 
quantitative scale with the minimum threshold of passing all of the 
tests met all of our goals that the scoring system is relatively 
simple, straightforward, and easy to understand, and will provide 
meaningful information to transit agencies and manufacturers.
Logic Used to Determine Weighting for Tests and Sub-Tests
    After deciding to propose a 100-point scale for the Bus Testing 
Program, we had to weigh the importance of each of the test categories 
within the Bus Testing Program. After much deliberation and 
consultation, we determined that the Structural Integrity and Safety 
Tests were the most important components of the Bus Testing Program, as 
both were critical to the operation of the vehicle while on the road. 
Therefore, we allotted 50 of the total 100 points to these two tests. 
Between the two tests, we determined that, while both were important, 
the Structural Integrity Test was more important than the Safety Test, 
based on its greater importance in evaluating a vehicle's construction 
and design. Hence, we assigned 60 percent of the points for these tests 
to the Structural Integrity Test and the remaining 40 percent to the 
Safety Test.
    Within the Structural Integrity Test are seven sub-tests 
categories, of which six are pass/fail tests. Thus, we allotted one 
point each for the Shakedown, Distortion, Static Towing, Dynamic 
Towing, Hydraulic Jacking, and Hoisting Tests. The Durability Test, as 
the most important component of the Structural Integrity Test, received 
the remaining 24 points. Within these Durability Tests, we allocated 
body and power train failures equal accord and each category received 
12 points based on their importance to daily operation.
    For the Safety sub-tests, we determined that the Hazards Test was 
as important as the other two sub-tests within this category and 
allotted it one-half of the total 20 points. The Stability and Braking 
Tests have three component tests that require a pass/fail grading and 
one that is a performance based allocation. We valued each of these 
tests equally, based on their relative importance when evaluating a 
vehicle. Hence, we apportioned 25 percent of the remaining points to 
each test.
    For the Maintainability and Reliability Tests, we assessed the 
Maintainability Test to be twice as important as the Reliability Test, 
but both tests to be as important as the remaining tests, as both 
directly affect a transit agency's operating costs. Maintainability 
reflects how much time and resources the transit agency should expect 
to budget over the course of a vehicle's service life to perform 
routine maintenance, and reliability reflects a vehicle's ability to 
meet its service life requirements without significant service 
disruptions caused by unscheduled maintenance. For ease of assigning 
points within the weightings, we allocated 24 points (or just less than 
one-half of the 50 points for the remaining tests) to these two tests. 
Hence, within our weighting scheme, the Maintainability Test received 
16 percent of the total points and the Reliability Test received eight 
percent of the total points.
    Assessing the remaining four tests, Fuel Economy, Emissions, Noise, 
and Performance Tests, we determined that each was about the same level 
of importance based on comments from transit agencies, but that two, 
Fuel Economy and Emissions Tests, were slightly more important in terms 
of helping a transit agency to budget for a vehicle's fuel consumption 
over its lifetime and in calculating the vehicle's incremental benefit 
towards meeting Clean Air Act requirements. Therefore, as opposed to 
assigning equal weighting to each of the remaining tests, we allocated 
slightly more weight to the Fuel Economy and Emissions Tests than the 
Noise and Performance Tests. This resulted in a point allocation of 
seven points or 27 percent of the remaining points for to the Fuel 
Economy and Emissions Tests and an average of six points or 23 percent 
of the remaining points for the Noise and Performance Tests.
    The Fuel Economy Test allocates points on a performance basis 
determined by the output of the type of fuel. For the Emissions Tests, 
we apportioned one-half point for each of the five Emissions Tests that 
are already regulated by other Federal agencies and the remaining 
points for the Carbon Dioxide Test. This weighting for carbon dioxide 
captures the importance of alternative fuels with respect to greenhouse 
gases.
    The Noise Test allocates points on a performance basis determined 
by the level of decibels produced. We weighted the Interior Noise and 
Exterior Noise Test equally (3.5 points each). As for the Performance 
Test, we weighted the bus model performance on a 2.5 percent grade and 
the performance during the acceleration test as being equally important 
and together being worth 60 percent of the five points available. The 
performance on a 10 percent grade was valued at 40 percent of the 
Performance test category.
Testing Fee Prioritization
    In order to preclude buses that are not ready to complete the Bus 
Testing Program, the NPRM proposes to exhaust the manufacturer's 20 
percent contribution for the total testing fee prior to employing funds 
from FTA's 80 percent contribution. This prioritizing of the 
manufacturers' portion of the test fee is purposed to incentivize 
manufacturers to ensure that the bus model submitted will, at a 
minimum, clear the initial check-in inspections, passenger payloading, 
and initial testing operations. FTA estimates that, depending on the 
bus model, nearly 20 percent of the testing fee should encompass the 
check-in process and threshold tests.
    Based on previous testing experience, FTA determined that bus 
models that fail these preliminary activities will not perform well 
during subsequent tests. This proposed policy minimizes the cost to FTA 
from bus models submitted before they are ready for testing, thereby 
conserving Federal resources and ensuring that the proper incentive 
structures are in place. This will encourage manufacturers to ensure 
their product can withstand the rigors of bus testing. FTA would 
continue to pay the 80 percent Federal match for one retest and would 
contribute no Federal funds for a third test or subsequent tests 
required to pass the instant test.
Benefit-Cost Analysis
    This section contains FTA's analysis of the benefits and costs of 
the proposed rule. FTA estimated the proposed rule's benefits and costs 
through two steps: First, FTA identified and analyzed the benefits and 
costs of the existing Bus Testing program (baseline). Second,

[[Page 36141]]

FTA identified and analyzed the expected benefits and costs of the 
proposed rule relative to the baseline. To determine the benefits and 
costs of the proposed rule, FTA reviewed the test data for all bus 
models that had been tested at the Bus Testing Facility between January 
2010, when the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) current Diesel 
Engine Emission Standards took effect (40 CFR part 86, as amended, 66 
FR 5002, January 18, 2001), and February 2013, when this rulemaking 
commenced. The resulting diesel engine exhaust after-treatment systems 
used to satisfy the 2010 requirements potentially impacted the 
reliability, maintainability, fuel economy, emissions, and noise test 
results for a portion of the 49 buses. Additionally, there were OEM 
product updates to many of the medium-duty chassis used by the five, 
seven, and ten year service life buses that would affect test results 
in several test categories. A total of 49 buses had been tested over 
this period. FTA believes that the test results for these 49 bus models 
tested since 2010 provide the best available source of information for 
determining the cost of the proposed rule on future buses that would be 
tested (and the models they represent). All bus types and sizes are 
included in the group of 49, from accessible vans to 60-foot 
articulated bus models. Buses fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG), 
electricity, diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were 
present within this group. To determine qualitative benefits, FTA also 
examined the test results and the transit experience with two bus 
models tested (prior to 2010) that failed to meet their service life 
requirements in transit service. FTA has placed the test results of the 
buses that it analyzed in the docket for this rulemaking.
    A summary of the results of our cost analysis is presented in Table 
H-1. Eight categories of costs were identified, analyzed, and 
annualized:
    1. Cost of Required Bus Design Changes: This category is the 
estimated annual cost of applying the design changes and components 
necessary to comply with all of the proposed performance standards to 
all affected bus models produced in one year.
    2. Lost Value of Test Buses: This category estimates the 
depreciation cost of a bus subjected to the testing process. For each 
of the 49 buses models tested from 2010 through 2012, the full retail 
value was estimated by identifying a recent purchase value from the 
2013 APTA Fleet Report and applying a depreciation factor of 50% to bus 
models that underwent a durability test and a factor of 20% for bus 
models that only underwent performance and other non-durability related 
tests.
    3. Shipping of Test Buses: This category estimates the cost of 
shipping the test buses to the Bus Testing and Research Center and back 
to the manufacturer. The actual/estimated distance that each of the 49 
bus models traveled was determined and was used for our calculations. 
Table H-0 presents this data.

          Table H-0--Distance Traveled To and From Test Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Actual/
                                          estimated
                              Service     shipping     Shipped via truck
         Report No.             life     distance to    to and from test
                                        and from test        center
                                           center
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1001........................        7             490
1002........................        7             490
1003........................       12             549
1004........................        7             490
1005........................        7            1014
1006........................       10             490
1007........................       12             310
1008........................        7             490
1009........................        7             490
1010........................       10             975
1011........................       12             780
1012........................        7             490
1014........................        7             490
1015........................       12            1400
1016........................       12            1400                  X
1017........................        4             490
1101........................       12            1400
1102........................        7             490
1103........................        7            1112
1104........................       10             490
1105........................        7            1112
1106........................        7             490
1107........................       12             574                  X
1108........................       12             482
1109........................       12            2676                  X
1110........................       10             490
1111........................        7             490
1112........................        7             490
1113........................        7             430
1114........................        7             490
1115........................        4            1112
1116........................        7            1112
1117........................       12             310
1118........................       12            1400                  X
1120........................        7             490
1201........................        7             490
1202........................       12             310
1203........................        7             430

[[Page 36142]]

 
1204........................        7            1112
1205........................       12            1400
1206........................       12            2676                  X
1207........................        7            1112
1208........................        7             430
1210........................        7            1112
1211........................       12            1400
1212........................        7             955
1213........................       12             482
1214........................        7            1112                  X
1215........................        4             490
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For 10-, 7-, 5-, and 4-year buses, a cost of $2.00 per mile was 
used to estimate the shipping cost. This cost is based on a recent 
shipment of a mid-sized bus on a truck. For heavy-duty 12-year diesel 
fueled buses, a cost of $1.61 per mile was used to cover the costs of 
driving the bus to the test center and back. The estimated fuel costs 
were calculated using the bus model's measured highway fuel economy and 
a fuel price of $3.00 per gallon was added. For heavy-duty buses 
powered by natural gas or electricity, a shipping cost of $4.00 per 
mile was applied. This cost represents the cost to ship these bus 
models on a truck.
    4. Parts Consumed: This cost category is for the cost of parts 
consumed during the test. FTA seeks comments on the average cost of 
parts consumed during the test process as FTA had no data on which it 
could estimate those costs.
    5. On-Site Personnel: This cost category is for the cost of 
maintaining manufacturer personnel on-site at the test center. For each 
test of a heavy-duty bus, the cost of a mechanic's labor ($20.35 an 
hour), lodging, and per diem at State College, PA for three full 
months. Manufacturer personnel are often on-site during the testing of 
heavy-duty bus models.
    6. Paperwork Burden: This cost category covers the costs to 
manufacturers of providing mandatory information to the Bus Testing 
Program.
    7. Manufacturer Testing Fees: This cost category covers the 20 
percent testing fees that the manufacturers pay to have testing 
conducted.
    8. FTA Program Cost: This cost category covers the funding provided 
by FTA to cover 80 percent of the costs associated with testing a bus 
model.

    FTA estimates the costs of the existing Bus Testing Program are as 
follows: The maximum total annual program cost is $3,750,000 with 80 
percent ($3,000,000) covered by FTA and 20 percent ($750,000) paid by 
transit vehicle manufacturers who submit a bus for testing. The current 
Paperwork Reduction Act reportable costs are $9,016. The estimated 
annual cost of on-site manufacturer personnel is estimated to be 
$76,673. The value of the parts consumed in the testing process is 
unknown. The annual estimated bus shipping costs for the current 
program is $63,743.

    The estimated annual test bus depreciation cost is $1,591,714. The 
annual cost of bus design improvements as a result of the current 
program is assumed zero as there are no minimum performance standards 
requirements. For the purpose of this analysis, FTA assumes that 
manufacturers do not take remedial action to buses when defects are 
identified through testing. FTA also assumes that there are zero costs 
resulting from buses being designed or manufactured differently in 
response to the existing testing requirements. FTA seeks comments on 
both these assumptions.
    To estimate the costs of the proposed rule, FTA first identified 
all of the bus models in the study group of 49 that would fail to meet 
the proposed standards. The most significant cost, of those FTA was 
able to estimate, was the cost of retesting to validate the remedies 
needed to achieve passing test results. The testing fees for the 
program are broken down by test and sub-test categories, with 
manufacturers charged fees only for the tests that must be conducted. 
The fee schedule for the current program is shown in Table H-3. Next, 
FTA determined the performance issues that need to be remedied and the 
tests that would need to be repeated. Then FTA estimated the costs for 
retesting, and in two cases, the cost of a potential remedy. FTA 
provides a summary of this analysis in Table H-4.

[[Page 36143]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23JN15.005

    The results from this analysis indicate that annual costs would 
increase in several areas. The impact of the proposed performances 
standards to the FTA program cost is estimated to be $133,448. A total 
of $33,362 in additional manufacturer's fees would be collected from 
the additional tests. An additional paperwork burden of $767 would be 
incurred from the required failure analysis and remedy proposal 
process. An additional $5,103 would be expended for on-site personnel 
expenses incurred performing test bus modifications at the test site. 
An unknown amount of additional parts and components would be consumed 
during the retesting. FTA estimates that one of the eight failed buses 
would be returned to the manufacturer for systemic modifications 
incurring additional round-trip shipping expenses of $2,034. FTA 
believes that the retesting process will not depreciate the test bus an 
additional amount beyond the first test. In many cases the test bus may 
be worth more once the failure modes have been resolved and test buses 
have inherent remaining value in the future as testing mules. FTA is 
not able to quantify the additional cost of remedying buses in response 
to failing one or more performance standards. Nor is FTA able to 
estimate potential costs from design or manufacture changes made to 
buses to obtain higher testing scores. FTA seeks comments on the extent 
of such costs and requests information to develop estimates. However, 
FTA believes there are no additional costs to the program from 
implementing the proposed Bus Model Scoring System. The scores will be 
calculated automatically once the test results are finalized.

[[Page 36144]]

    FTA also analyzed the costs of the discretionary program changes 
proposed in this NPRM. The proposed rule would modify two test 
procedures (payloading and emissions test payload) but does not impose 
any completely new testing procedures, and would eliminate the On-Road 
Fuel Economy Test procedure, thereby reducing the aggregate costs 
currently associated with the Bus Testing Program. For the revised bus 
payloading procedures, FTA estimates an annual decrease in the program 
cost of $294 and a decrease in testing fees of $74. These are a result 
of labor cost savings from loading the mid-sized buses with fewer or no 
simulated standee passengers. FTA estimates an increase in the annual 
paperwork burden of $1,488 from the increased manufacturer labor 
required to determine and report to FTA the total passenger capacity of 
new bus models submitted to the program. The only other cost identified 
with this proposal is the new requirement to add a placard on the 
interior bulkhead of the bus identifying the maximum standee passenger 
rating in 2 inch or taller letters. FTA estimates the annual cost 
impact to new bus models is $58,038. This cost analysis is presented in 
Table H-2.

                                                 Table H-2--Cost of Standee Passenger Rating Placard ($)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Standee Rating Placard (source: www.edecals.com using a     Estimated cost
 2.5 inch tall lettering stating ``XX Standees Maximum'')   per decal (using                      Labor amount to     Estimated cost
     Labor rate assumes a category of ``assembler and        a quantity of     Labor rate (hr)      install (hr)         per bus       Total annual cost
                fabricator'' from bls.gov                         500)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
annual cost for new production transit buses (5600 units                8.99              13.74               0.10              10.36             58,038
 a year).................................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Table H-3--Current Bus Testing Program Costs and Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  500,000 mi--12  350,000 mi--10   200,000 mi--7   150,000 mi--5   100,000 mi--4
              Test                 year service    year service    year service    year service    year service
                                       life            life            life            life            life
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check-In........................           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000
Inspect for Accessibility.......           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintainability (scheduled and
 unscheduled)...................                       Included in the durability test cost
Selected Maintainability........           4,500           4,500           4,500           4,500           4,500
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reliability.....................                       Included in the durability test cost
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safety..........................           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance.....................           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000
Brake...........................           3,100           3,100           3,100           3,100           3,100
Shakedown.......................           6,000           6,000           6,000           6,000           6,000
Distortion......................           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000           3,000
Static Towing...................           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
Dynamic Towing..................           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
Jacking.........................           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
Hoisting........................           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
Structural Durability...........         117,890          85,270          55,760          40,060          25,970
Fuel Economy....................           6,000           6,000           6,000           6,000           6,000
Interior Noise..................           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
Exterior Noise..................           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500           1,500
Emissions.......................          44,000          44,000          44,000          44,000          44,000
    Total for Full Testing               203,990         171,370         141,860          77,660          60,570
     (100%).....................
Manufacturer's Portion Fee (20%)          40,798          34,274          28,372          15,532          12,114
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                 Table H-4--Summary of the Costs for Retesting Failed Bus Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                   Shipping of
                                                                                                                  test bus back
                                                                                                                       to
                                                                       Cost of required bus design   Lost value   manufacturer    Additional    On-site     Paper-work    Testing    FTA program
           Bus (report number)                Failed test category               changes              of test          for          parts      personnel      burden     fees (20%)      cost
                                                                                                       buses      modifications    consumed
                                                                                                                  and return to
                                                                                                                     Altoona
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Cost of remedying and retesting bus models (2010-2013) that would fail a proposed performance standard ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PTI-BT-1214.............................  Structural durability......  unknown--upper body                    0               0      unknown        4,374          215       11,152       44,608
                                                                        structure failing.
PTI-BT-1208.............................  Structural durability......  unknown--body structure                0               0      unknown        4,374          215       11,152       44,608
                                                                        cracks.

[[Page 36145]]

 
PTI-BT-1110.............................  Structural durability......  unknown--body to frame                 0               0      unknown        4,374          215       17,054       68,216
                                                                        interface is cracking.
                                                                        Potentially need a new bus
                                                                        body mount design..
PTI-BT-1108.............................  Powertrain durability......  unknown--multiple different            0            2034      unknown  ...........          710       23,578       94,312
                                                                        powertrain failure modes
                                                                        need to be remedied.
                                          Maintainability............  if powertrain durability               0               0      unknown  ...........            0            0            0
                                                                        failures are corrected
                                                                        this standard would be met
                                                                        as well.
PTI-BT-1108.............................  Performance................  unknown--the maximum                   0               0      unknown  ...........            0          600        2,400
                                                                        propulsion power delivered
                                                                        to the wheels needs to be
                                                                        increased.
PTI-BT-1009.............................  Powertrain durability......  unknown--multiple different            0               0      unknown        2,187          215       11,152       44,608
                                                                        powertrain failure modes
                                                                        need to be remedied.
PTI-BT-1107.............................  Structural durability......  $130--radius rod mount was             0               0  ...........  ...........           42            0            0
                                                                        re-welded to correct
                                                                        manufacturing defect.
                                          Powertrain durability......  unknown--multiple different            0           4,592      unknown  ...........          380       23,578       94,312
                                                                        powertrain failure modes
                                                                        need to be remedied.
                                                                        Transmission cradle was
                                                                        the primary issue.
                                          Performance................  unknown--the maximum                   0  ..............      unknown  ...........           42          600        2,400
                                                                        propulsion power delivered
                                                                        to the wheels needs to be
                                                                        increased.
                                          Safety-braking.............  additional test trials                 0               0            0            0            0          620        2,480
                                                                        needed to achieve greater
                                                                        brake lining contact with
                                                                        brake rotors.
PTI-BT-1107.............................  Maintainability............  0--if the powertrain                   0               0      unknown  ...........            0            0            0
                                                                        durability failures are
                                                                        corrected this standard
                                                                        would be met as well.

[[Page 36146]]

 
PTI-BT-1006.............................  Interior Noise.............  $211--this trolley bus                 0               0            0            0          133          300        1,200
                                                                        exceeded the proposed
                                                                        interior noise standard by
                                                                        4 dB at the driver's
                                                                        seating position.
                                                                        Commercially available
                                                                        (dynamat xtreme) sound
                                                                        dampening material applied
                                                                        to the floor and engine
                                                                        cover area would reduce
                                                                        the average noise level by
                                                                        5 dB. 20 square feet of
                                                                        this material costs
                                                                        $170.00 retail and a two
                                                                        hours of mechanic labor (2
                                                                        x 20.35 = 40.70) to
                                                                        install.
PTI-BT-1010.............................  Interior Noise.............  $211--this trolley bus                 0               0            0            0          133          300        1,200
                                                                        exceeded the proposed
                                                                        interior noise standard by
                                                                        4 dB at the driver's
                                                                        seating position.
                                                                        Commercially available
                                                                        (dynamat xtreme) sound
                                                                        dampening material applied
                                                                        to the floor and engine
                                                                        cover area would reduce
                                                                        the average noise level by
                                                                        5 dB. 20 square feet of
                                                                        this material costs
                                                                        $170.00 retail and a two
                                                                        hours of mechanic labor (2
                                                                        x 20.35 = 40.70) to
                                                                        install..
                                          Total Cost ($).............  unknown....................            0           6,626            0       15,309        2,300      100,086      400,344
                                          Annual Cost ($)............  unknown....................            0           2,209            0        5,103          767       33,362      133,448
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The annual cost savings of eliminating the on-road fuel economy 
test is $64,000 for the FTA program and $16,000 in manufacturer test 
fees. FTA estimated that 15 on-road fuel economy tests would be 
eliminated annually and the cost of the dynamometer based fuel economy 
test is already captured in the cost for the emissions test. One full 
electric bus is expected to be tested annually. Electric bus models do 
not need to undergo emissions testing. As a result, the cost for 
conducting one electric bus fuel economy test was not eliminated.
    FTA is also proposing changing the bus passenger load for the 
emissions test from \2/3\ seated load weight to full seated load 
weight. FTA estimates a cost reduction of $470 for the FTA program 
portion and $118 in reduced fees to the manufacturers. The cost savings 
is derived from eliminating the labor of unloading and reloading \1/3\ 
of the seated passenger load as all of the other non-durability 
performance tests are conducted at full seated load.
    The proposed program entrance requirements are expected to increase 
the annual FTA program costs by $2,654 and require $664 in additional 
manufacturer costs. The additional costs are a result of the proposed 
Buy America bus configuration inspections conducted at bus check-in. 
The details

[[Page 36147]]

of this cost analysis are outlined in Table H-5.

                              Table H-5--Buy America Configuration Inspection Cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor category                   Hourly rate        Source      Total hours per bus        Cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
diesel auto service tech..................              20.35      bls.gov                        4        81.40
technical writer..........................              31.49      bls.gov                        4       125.96
                                            .................  ...........             Cost per bus       207.36
                                            .................  ...........    Total annual cost (16       $3,318
                                                                                             buses)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed revisions to the test scheduling process are expected 
to increase the annual paperwork burden to bus manufacturers by $1,322. 
The test entrance requirements review milestone is not expected to add 
any costs to the program as only FTA will be reviewing the results of 
the check-in process and determining the outcome of the milestone 
review.
    Lastly, the annual cost of the proposed penalty for unauthorized 
maintenance and modification is estimated to be $800 for the FTA 
program cost portion and $200 in fees to the manufacturers. The costs 
were determined by amortizing the cost of test track upgrades for 
physical security and surveillance over a 10-year period.
    A summary of the estimated annual benefits of the Bus Testing 
Program is presented in Table H-6. Seven categories of program benefits 
were identified and analyzed:
    1. Greater probability of meeting service life and reduced 
unscheduled maintenance: This category estimates the annual benefits 
achieved by all of the NPRM proposals that potentially improve the 
probability new model bus models entering the fleet will satisfy their 
service life requirement and the benefits obtained through a reduction 
of unscheduled maintenance in actual service. While we provide a 
potential estimate of this benefit, we do not include it in our 
quantitative analysis, but note that this will most likely be a cost 
reduction (qualitative benefit) to the industry.
    2. Reduced safety risk: This category estimates the benefits 
derived from the NPRM proposals that reduce the safety risk of new bus 
models entering transit service.
    3. Improved recipient awareness and accuracy of total bus passenger 
capacity: This category of benefits examines the benefits obtained from 
determining and communicating the rated standee passenger capacity of a 
bus to recipients to inform their procurement process and their bus 
operations.
    4. Improved recipient knowledge of Buy America and Bus Testing 
production configuration: This category improves knowledge of both Buy 
America and the Bus Testing provisions herein. We do not quantify these 
benefits.
    5. Increased confidence the delivered production buses will perform 
the same as the test bus: This category examines the benefits of the 
proposals in increasing the understanding and confidence that the bus 
model a recipient procures and is delivered matches the bus tested with 
respect to its design configuration and major components. FTA requests 
comments on the extent recipients or the public is concerned that 
tested buses may not meet Buy America requirements.
    6. Faster comprehension of test results/scores and motivation for 
improved bus performance: This category examines the benefits derived 
from the proposals to increase the speed and depth of comprehension of 
the bus testing results.
    7. Simplified test scheduling process and elimination of 
unnecessary testing: This category examines the benefits of maintaining 
one point and process of program entry and the benefits of eliminating 
unnecessary testing.
    FTA was unable to provide monetized benefits for many of the 
benefit categories. For many of the categories where FTA believes there 
are benefits but was unable to quantify, the result is identified as 
``unknown''. For categories where FTA believes there is no benefit, the 
result was identified as ``0''. The benefits of a greater probability 
of bus models meeting their service life was quantified, but only to 
inform our qualitative assumptions. FTA seeks comments related to the 
benefits of categories with an ``unknown'' result.
    Overall, FTA believes that the current program provides potential 
benefits in all of the seven categories identified when the information 
generated by the program is used in the procurement decision process. 
FTA is not aware of any means to determine these benefits, but FTA 
believes the proposed minimum performance standards will reduce safety 
risks, reduce unscheduled maintenance, and ensure a greater probability 
of a bus model meeting its expected service life.

                                          Table H-6--Summary of the Estimated Annual Benefits for All Proposals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Increased
                                    Greater                             Grantee      Improved grantee   confidence the       Faster      Simplified test
                                probability of                       awareness and   knowledge of Buy     delivered      comprehension    scheduling and
                               meeting  service   Reduced safety      accuracy of     America and bus     production     of test scores     process &
             Item                  life  and           risk            total bus          testing         buses will     and motivation   elimination of
                                    reduced                            passenger        production       perform the      for improved     unnecessary
                                  unscheduled                          capacity        configuration     same as the          bus            testing
                                  maintenance                                                              text bus       performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseline--Current Program....  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown........  unknown........  unknown
Proposed MAP-21 Minimum        Cost reduction..  unknown.........  0...............  0...............  0..............  0..............  0
 Performance Standards.
Proposed Scoring System......  unknown.........  unknown.........  0...............  0...............  0..............  unknown........  0

[[Page 36148]]

 
Proposed Discretionary         ................  ................  ................  ................  ...............  ...............  ...............
 Program Changes.
Revised Bus Payloading         unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  0...............  0..............  0..............  0
 Procedures.
Elimination of On-Road Fuel    0...............  0...............  0...............  0...............  unknown........  0..............  Cost reduction
 Economy Test.
Revised Bus Passenger Load     0...............  0...............  0...............  0...............  0..............  0..............  Cost reduction
 for Emissions Testing.
Bus Testing Entrance           0...............  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown........  0..............  unknown
 Requirements.
Revisions to the Scheduling    0...............  0...............  0...............  0...............  0..............  0..............  unknown
 of Testing Requirements.
Test Requirements Review       0...............  0...............  0...............  0...............  0..............  0..............  unknown
 Milestone.
Penalty for Unauthorized       unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown........  unknown........  0
 Maintenance and Modification.
Estimated Program Benefit      Cost reduction..  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown.........  unknown........  unknown........  Cost reduction
 (Baseline and all Proposals).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                           Table H-7--Benefits Achieved from the Minimum Performance Standards
                       Projected benefit from the service life loss prevention resulting from the proposed durability requirements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                             Estimated
                                                                                                   Estimated                   annual
                                                                                     # of tested  quantity of                 service
                                                Service                              models that   buses sold                life value   Total cost of
                                                  life      # of units  # of models     failed      in 2013    Average new      loss       new transit
                  Bus size                      category     sold in    tested 2010-  durability   that have    bus value     (assumes    buses procured
                                                 (yrs)       2013 \1\       2012     (structural   failed the    \2\ ($)        bus          in 2013
                                                                                          or        proposed                 retirement
                                                                                     powertrain)   durability                  at 50%
                                                                                                    standard                 life) ($)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 55 foot articulated.......................           12          172            2            0            0      760,766            0      130,851,752
45 foot.....................................           12           18            2            0            0      449,712            0        8,094,816
40 foot.....................................           12        1,906           10            1           38      439,954    8,385,523      838,552,324
35 foot.....................................           12          373            2            1           37      286,972    5,352,028      107,040,556
30 foot.....................................           10          283            4            1           14      207,528    1,468,261       58,730,424
< 27 foot...................................      4, 5, 7        2,892           29            3           60       62,410    1,867,135      180,489,720
    Total...................................  ...........        5,644           49            6          149  ...........   17,072,947    1,323,759,592
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Table 9A, FY 2013: http://www.fta.dot.gov/about_FTA_16073.html.
\2\ See APTA Public Transportation Vehicle Database. http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Pages/OtherAPTAStatistics.aspx.

    FTA is not able to provide a monetized value for the safety risk 
reduction. Further, we have estimated potential benefits of bus models 
meeting their service life requirements, but we used this to inform our 
qualitative assumption that there would be aggregate benefits to the 
industry. We did not include this in our quantitative calculations 
because we were uncertain of the potential aggregate savings on a year-
to-year basis into the future as the industry adapts to the instant 
rulemaking. The results of this analysis are presented in Table H-7.
    The analysis presented in Table H-7 used the 2013 transit bus 
procurement data outlined in Table 9A in the FY 2013 FTA statistical 
summaries by bus size category and quantity. This analysis also 
estimated the average cost of a bus model in each size category using 
the cost information in Table 9A. FTA then determined the quantity of 
bus models tested in each of the size categories from 2010-2012 (49 
buses total) and the number of those that failed the proposed 
durability performance standard (6). FTA estimated the quantity of bus 
models sold in 2013 that would have been restricted from FTA recipients 
in each bus size category. This estimate assumes that 20 percent of the 
bus models sold in 2013 were bus models tested between 2010 and 2012. 
The other 80 percent of the sales were assumed to consist of existing 
bus models tested prior to 2010. FTA then estimated the projected 
quantity of failing buses by applying a ratio of the number of tested 
buses that would fail the proposed durability standard by the number of 
bus models tested in that size category to 20 percent of the 2013 bus 
sales figures. This resulting quantity of buses was multiplied by the 
average monetary value of that bus size category

[[Page 36149]]

and divided by two to obtain the average amount of service life value 
lost assuming that each of the failed buses only satisfied 50 percent 
of their service life requirement. FTA notes that this analysis assumes 
that all six models were not modified by the manufacturer prior to 
procurement, as the agency has no information concerning whether or not 
any modifications did in fact occur. If modifications did occur, then 
the potential benefits discussed here may be overstated.
    We note here that though we conducted this analysis, we did not 
include these values in our quantitative calculation of benefits. We 
conducted this analysis to inform our qualitative assumption of 
potential benefits. We found, as shown above in Table H-6, that 
potential for a major cost reduction for the industry is great, but we 
are uncertain of the potential aggregate savings on a year-to-year 
basis into the future as the industry adapts to the requirements 
enumerated herein. FTA seeks comments on this analysis.
    As another baseline, the lost service life value of two tested bus 
models known to have failed in service but outside the study window 
from 2010-2012 was also estimated. The results of this analysis are 
presented in Table H-8. Again, while we performed this analysis, we did 
not include these values in our quantitative calculation of benefits. 
We used this analysis to inform our qualitative assumption of potential 
benefits. We found again, as shown in Table H-8, that the potential for 
a major cost reduction for the industry is great, but we are uncertain 
of the potential aggregate savings on a year-to-year basis into the 
future as the industry adapts to the requirements enumerated herein. 
FTA seeks comment on this analysis.

                      Table H-8--Estimated Service Life Value Loss of Two Failed Bus Models
 Estimated benefits from Service Life Loss Prevention of Proposed Durability Requirements with known bus models
                                    that failed in service from 2003 to 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             Estimated annual
                                                                      Initial bus value  service life value loss
                     Bus size                           Quantity             ($)         (assumes bus retirement
                                                                                             at 50% life) ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60 foot articulated..............................                226            451,328               51,000,064
23 foot hybrid electric..........................                 70            150,000                5,250,000
    Total Service Value Loss.....................  .................  .................               56,250,064
    Estimated Annual Loss over 2003-2013.........  .................  .................                5,625,006
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FTA, though, was able to estimate the quantified benefits provided 
by the proposed durability performance standards in the form of reduced 
unscheduled maintenance, which we estimate to be $531,990 per year. FTA 
was only able to estimate the reduction in labor costs and not the 
associated reduction in the costs of replacement components. The basis 
for the reduction in labor costs was the estimated reduction in 
unscheduled maintenance hours after the design remedies for structural 
and powertrain durability were applied to the failing bus models 
identified in the study group. The results of this analysis are 
presented in Table H-9.

                                                Table H-9--Benefits From Reduced Unscheduled Maintenance
                        [Benefit Derived from reduced bus maintenance requirements as a result of proposed durability standards]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Average
                                                                    unscheduled       Average        Estimated
                                                    # of tested     maintenance     unscheduled     quantity of    Benefit from the
                                                    models that    hours per bus    maintenance    buses sold in     reduction in      Benefit from the
                                   Service life       failed       eliminated by   hours per bus  2013 that have  maintenance hours    reduction in the
            Bus size              category (yrs)    durability      durability     avoided over     failed the        @ 20.35/hr          amount of
                                                  (structural or     standard       50% service      proposed      (diesel service   components replaced
                                                    powertrain)     during test     life (until     durability     technician) ($)
                                                                   (25% service        early         standard
                                                                       life)        retirement)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 55 foot articulated...........              12               0               0               0               0                  0  unknown
45 foot.........................              12               0               0               0               0                  0  unknown
40 foot.........................              12               1             103             206              38            159,300  unknown
35 ft...........................              12               1             113             226              37            170,167  unknown
30 ft...........................              10               1               4               8              14              2,279  unknown
< 27 foot.......................         4, 5, 7               3              82             164              60            200,244  unknown
    Total.......................  ..............               6  ..............  ..............             149            531,990  ...................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FTA believes the proposed results scoring system will provide 
benefits in the areas of reduced unscheduled maintenance, reduced 
safety risk, with the faster comprehension of test results, and provide 
industry motivation to seek bus models with higher test scores. FTA 
seeks comments on the benefits of the proposed scoring system as it is 
currently unable to quantify these benefits.
    FTA is confident the proposed revisions to the bus payloading 
procedures that require the posting of the maximum rated standee 
passenger load on the interior bus bulkhead will provide benefits in 
the areas of greater probability of a bus meeting its service life 
requirements, reduced amounts of unscheduled maintenance, reduced 
safety risk, and greater understanding of the total rated bus passenger 
capacity.
    FTA believes that eliminating the current on-road fuel economy test 
and only publishing the fuel economy test results from the dynamometer 
based test will provide recipients more realistic

[[Page 36150]]

and reliable test results than the current on-road fuel economy test. 
Having only one set of fuel economy test results will also eliminate 
the potential confusion to recipients and manufacturers with respect to 
the scoring of the test results. FTA was unable to quantify the 
benefits, beyond the program cost reduction, of eliminating the on-road 
fuel economy test.
    For the proposal to revise the bus passenger load for the emissions 
testing to seated load weight instead of the \2/3\ seated load weight 
that was unique in the emission test. The benefit of this change is a 
minor cost reduction from the reduced labor of unloading and loading 
\1/3\ of the seated load weight just for this test. FTA does not expect 
any other benefits from this proposal.
    The proposed program entrance requirements are expected to provide 
benefits with reduced safety risk, greater awareness and accuracy of 
the bus passenger capacity, greater understanding of the Buy America 
compliant bus configuration with respect to major component systems, 
and prevents unnecessary retesting due to bus production configuration 
anomalies discovered during or after the test is completed. FTA was 
unable to quantify these benefits.
    The primary benefit of the revisions to the scheduling of testing 
requirements is that the process will be same whether it is a request 
for full testing or partial testing. By establishing a single point of 
entry for the program there will be less confusion about the program 
requirements and the process and consistency in the resulting 
determinations. FTA was not able to quantify this benefit.
    The benefit of the proposed test requirements review milestone is a 
program event that will deliver the benefits of the bus entrance 
requirements. This event will provide all testing stakeholders 
(manufacturer, bus testing facility operator, FTA, and potentially a 
recipient) a clear understanding of a new bus model's program 
eligibility and readiness for testing. FTA did not quantify the benefit 
of this proposal.
    The proposed penalty for unauthorized maintenance and modification 
is the repeat of all potentially affected tests. This proposal provides 
benefits in all the categories identified except with the ``simplified 
test scheduling and elimination of unnecessary testing'' category. FTA 
was not able to directly quantify these benefits.
    Using a 3 and 7 percent discount rate over a ten-year analysis 
period using the information developed above, FTA calculates that the 
Net Present Value of the changes encompassed within this proposed rule 
would yield a positive $3,606,732 at 3 percent discount and a positive 
$2,969,704 at 7 percent discount. Table H-10 shows our DCF analysis.

                                            Table H-10--Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and Net Present Values
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Year                         Costs         Benefits      Net cash flow   Discount rate     DCF @ 3%      Discount rate     DCF @ 7%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................        $109,171        $531,990        $422,819            0.03        $410,504            0.07        $395,158
2.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         398,547            0.07         369,306
3.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         386,939            0.07         345,146
4.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         375,669            0.07         322,567
5.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         364,727            0.07         301,464
6.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         354,104            0.07         281,742
7.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         343,791            0.07         263,310
8.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         333,777            0.07         246,085
9.......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         324,056            0.07         229,986
10......................................         109,171         531,990         422,819            0.03         314,617            0.07         214,940
                                                                                                     NPV       3,606,732             NPV       2,969,704
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

H.2. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    This NPRM has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism'''). This 
NPRM does not include any regulation that has substantial direct 
effects on the States, the relationship between the national government 
and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among 
the various levels of government. Therefore, the consultation and 
funding requirements of Executive Order 13132 do not apply.

H.3. Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments)

    This NPRM has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13175 (``Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''). Because this NPRM does 
not have tribal implications and does not impose direct compliance 
costs, the funding and consultation requirements of Executive Order 
13175 do not apply.

H.4. Executive Order 13272 (Intergovernmental Review)

    The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding 
intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities do 
not apply to this rulemaking as the bus testing program does not 
involve direct Federal assistance, nor does it involve direct Federal 
development.

H.5. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-611) requires each 
agency to analyze regulations and proposals to assess their impact on 
small businesses and other small entities to determine whether the rule 
or proposal will have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. Although the testing requirement imposes 
minor compliance costs on the regulated industry, including bus 
manufacturers who meet the definition of ``small businesses,'' Congress 
has authorized FTA to pay 80% of the bus manufacturer's testing fee, 
defraying the direct financial impact on these entities. FTA has 
estimated the additional costs and the projected benefits of this 
proposed rule, above. I hereby certify that this rulemaking would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

H.6. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532, et seq.) 
requires agencies to evaluate whether an agency action would result in 
the expenditure by State, local and tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector, of $151 million or more (as 
adjusted for inflation) in any one year, and if so, to take steps to 
minimize these unfunded mandates. FTA does not believe the

[[Page 36151]]

proposed rulemaking would result in expenditures exceeding this level.

H.7. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520), a Federal agency must obtain approval from OMB before conducting 
or sponsoring a collection of information as defined by the PRA. 
Because the proposed regulation contains a new provision that would 
require manufacturers to provide technical specifications regarding 
their vehicles to FTA in order to receive approval to proceed with 
testing, FTA will submit a revised information collection estimate to 
OMB.
    In compliance with the PRA, we announce that FTA is seeking comment 
on a new information collection.
    Agency: Federal Transit Administration.
    Title: Bus Testing Program.
    Type of Request: Modified information collection.
    OMB Control Number: 2132-0550.
    Form Number: Not assigned.
Requested Expiration Date of Approval
    Three years from the date of approval.
Summary of the Collection of Information.
    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice 
announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to 
request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to update the 
following information collections for the FTA Bus Testing Program. The 
information to be collected for the Bus Testing Program is necessary to 
ensure that buses have been tested at the Bus Testing Center for 
maintainability, reliability, safety, performance (including braking 
performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise 
and have met the required performance standards.
Description of the Need for the Information and Use of the Information
    Title 49 U.S.C. Section 5323(c) provides that no federal funds 
appropriated or made available after September 30, 1989, may be 
obligated or expended for the acquisition of a new bus model (including 
any model using alternative fuels) unless the bus has met the 
requirements of FTA's Bus Testing Program. Title 49 U.S.C. Section 
5318(a) further specifies that each new bus model is to be tested for 
maintainability, reliability, safety, performance (including braking 
performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise. 
In addition, any existing bus models being produced with a major change 
must also comply with the requirements of the Bus Testing Program. Upon 
completion of the testing of the vehicle, a bus testing report is 
provided to the manufacturer. 49 CFR part 665.7(a) states that a 
recipient of federal funds must certify that any new bus model acquired 
with FTA financial assistance has been tested in accordance with the 
requirements of Part 665, and that the recipient has received a copy of 
the applicable Bus Testing Report before expenditure of any FTA funding 
on a bus.
    The Bus Testing Program (often referred to as ``Altoona Testing'' 
due to the location of the primary test facility) is operated by The 
Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute (LTI), an 
interdisciplinary research unit of The Pennsylvania State University in 
the College of Engineering. Founded in 1989, LTI operates the Bus 
Testing Center, conducts the tests, and documents the test results 
under a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration 
(FTA).
    The Bus Testing Program has proven to be valuable to the transit 
industry. As of March 31, 2015, testing has been completed on 437 buses 
with a total of 9,214 bus malfunctions identified. Of those 
malfunctions, 44 could have resulted in serious injuries or significant 
property damage had they occurred in revenue service. Many of the other 
malfunctions would adversely impact transit service (e.g., resulting in 
mechanical breakdowns and stranded passengers), and all would increase 
maintenance costs by requiring corrective maintenance actions. By 
testing new bus models before they are purchased, recipients and 
manufacturers can often address problems before the fleet is built, 
potentially saving the federal government and grant recipients 
considerable money and time and avoiding inconveniencing passengers. 
The information collected by the Bus Testing Program is used to: (1) 
Determine the eligibility of a new bus model for testing as per 49 CFR 
665.11; (2) determine the amount of testing necessary; (3) satisfy the 
legal and administrative requirements necessary for the Bus Testing 
Facility to schedule the testing of a new bus model; (4) to collect new 
bus model design, and component information for inclusion in the final 
report; (5) determine compliance with the fuel economy and emissions 
performance standards; and (6) determine the maximum rated standee 
passenger capacity of a new bus model.
    Information addressing items 1 and 2 will be collected by FTA 
through a standardized electronic form to be available on the FTA 
internet site and used by FTA to process the request for new bus model 
testing. An outline of this proposed standard form is included as an 
information collection instrument in the ROCIS system. From the 
information collected on the standardized form and previous bus model 
testing history, if any, FTA will determine the amount of testing that 
is necessary. Once complete, FTA will provide the testing determination 
results to the requester and to the Bus Testing Facility operator if 
testing is required. If FTA determines that no testing is required, no 
additional information is collected for that request.
    In order to schedule a bus test at the Bus Testing Center (item 3), 
bus manufacturers must submit a variety of information to LTI. The 
steps for submitting a vehicle for testing are outlined on LTI's Web 
site at http://146.186.225.57/schedule_testing. The first piece of 
information that must be submitted is two signed copies of the testing 
contract. The contract outlines that LTI is the official operator of 
the bus testing facility and that they are under a cooperative 
agreement with FTA to conduct testing of transit vehicles in accordance 
with FTA regulations and the established testing procedures. The 
contract can be found as an information collection instrument in the 
ROCIS system and online at http://146.186.225.57/scheduling_pdfs/Contract_Dec_2013.pdf. Additional information that must be submitted 
before testing begins includes; a spare parts inventory list, evidence 
of adequate liability and physical damage insurance coverage on the 
bus, and a check for the manufacturer's share of the testing fee.
    To address item 4, bus manufacturers are required to complete the 
bus model information template. This information can be submitted at 
the time of test scheduling or later, as it is included in the final 
bus testing report to document the bus configuration tested. This 
template is included as an information collection instrument in the 
ROCIS system. For item 5, bus manufacturers need to submit a copy of 
their compliance documentation prepared to address the applicable 
Federal requirements of 49 CFR part 535, 40 CFR part 86, and 40 CFR 
part 1037 as evidence of satisfying the proposed FTA performance 
standards for ``Fuel Economy'' and ``Emissions'' outlined in the Bus 
Testing Pass/Fail NPRM.
    The Pass/Fail NPRM also proposes that bus manufacturers identify 
the

[[Page 36152]]

maximum rated standee passenger capacity on the front interior 
bulkhead. This rating will be used for the purposes of payloading the 
test bus and will also inform FTA recipients about the total rated 
passenger capacity of the new bus models.
Description of the Likely Respondents
    Bus manufacturers are the primary respondents.
Estimate of the Total Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden 
Resulting From the Collection of Information
    The hourly burden and cost to respondents is driven by the 
information collected during the test request process, the test 
scheduling process, and the report preparation and the pass/fail 
compliance process. The program averages 46 requests for testing 
annually and assumed that the number of test requests will remain at 46 
annually. FTA estimates that with the use of a new standardized form 
for requesting testing, that all 46 requests will require 0.75 hour for 
the respondent to complete regardless if the request is for full or 
partial testing. The estimated hourly burden and annualized cost to 
respondents for the test request process is outlined in Table H-10 
below. The estimates assume that a mechanical engineer will complete 
the standardized test request form.
    On average annual basis, five test requests were of a higher level 
of complexity that FTA needed more information in order to assess the 
scope of the partial test program. The additional information consists 
of engineering drawings, 3-D depictions, finite element analyses, sub-
system specifications, and similar documents. These items are already 
part of the bus manufacturers' normal product development process and 
FTA believes it would not require significant additional time or costs 
to create. FTA estimates that each of these five expanded information 
collections required an additional 4 hours each to prepare and send to 
FTA. Labor categories and rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
(http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/) were used to estimate the annual 
labor costs.

                                            Table H-10--Estimated Cost and Burden of the Test Request Process
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Labor rate ($/
                   Item                       Labor category (BLS code/    hr) (May 2013    Time (hrs)        Annual       Total annual    Total annual
                                                       title)             BLS statistic)                     quantity          hours         cost ($)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standardized test request form............  17-2141 Mechanical engineer.           41.31            0.75              46            34.5         1425.20
Partial Test Determination Request          17-2141 Mechanical Engineer.           41.31             4.0               5            20.0          826.20
 (Expanded).
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Annual Partial Test               ............................  ..............  ..............  ..............            54.5        $2251.40
     Determination Request Burden.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The estimated hourly and cost burden related to scheduling a bus 
for testing with the bus testing facility operator is presented in 
Table H-11 (see below). FTA estimates that a lawyer, accountant, 
mechanical engineer, and admin personnel will be involved in the 
preparation of the request. An average of 16 tests is scheduled with 
LTI annually

                   Table H-11--Estimated Labor Burden and Cost for the Test Scheduling Process
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Labor rate
                                              Labor category (BLS code/    ($/hr) (May  Preparation
                   Item                                 title)               2013 BLS    time (hrs)    Cost ($)
                                                                            statistic)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Testing Contract..........................  23-1011 Lawyer...............        63.46          1.0        63.46
Proof of Insurance........................  23-1011 Lawyer...............        63.46          1.0        63.46
Payment Check.............................  13-2011 Accountant...........        34.86          1.0        34.86
Spare Parts Inventory List................  17-2141......................        41.31          3.0       123.93
                                            Mechanical Engineer..........
Bus Design Characteristics Information....  17-2141......................        41.31          2.5       103.28
                                            Mechanical Engineer..........
Assembling/Mailing of Test Scheduling       43-000.......................        16.78          1.5        25.17
 Package.                                   Office/Admin Support.........
Postage for package.......................  .............................  ...........  ...........         8.63
    Total burden per test request.........  10.0.........................       422.79
    Total Annual Burden (16 tests a year).  160.0........................     $6764.64
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There is an additional paperwork burden associated with submitting 
documentation to FTA and the Bus Testing Facility operator for the 
retesting of a failed performance standard. Bus manufacturers will need 
to submit to FTA a failure analysis and a proposed corrective action 
report for bus models that fail to meet one or more of the proposed 
performance standards. They will also need to submit additional test 
fees associated with the tests that are repeated. The estimated burden 
and cost is presented in Table H-12. Over the three-year study period, 
seven bus models would have required a request for retesting resulting 
in an average of 2.33 requests annually.

[[Page 36153]]



   Table H-12--Estimated Burden and Cost for the Request of Retesting to Address a Failed Performance Standard
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Labor rate ($/
                 Item                   Labor category (BLS code/  hr) (May 2013    Preparation      Cost ($)
                                                 title)           BLS statistic)    time (hrs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment Check for Retesting Fees......  13-2011 Accountant......           34.86             0.5           17.43
Check Mailing.........................  43-000..................           16.78             1.0           16.78
                                        Office/Admin Support....
Postage for package...................  ........................  ..............  ..............            5.60
Preparation of Failure Analysis and     17-2141.................           41.31             7.0          289.17
 Modification Proposal.                 Mechanical Engineer.....
    Total burden per test request.....  8.5.....................          328.98
    Total Annual Burden (2.33 retest    20......................         $766.52
     requests a year).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One of the proposed revisions to the payloading process requires 
that the maximum standee passenger rating be placarded inside on the 
front bulkhead of the test bus. The estimated cost and labor burden for 
this information collection is presented in Table H-13.

                 Table H-13--Estimated Burden and Cost for the Revised Bus Payloading Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Labor rate ($/
                 Item                   Labor category (BLS code/  hr) (May 2013    Preparation      Cost ($)
                                                 title)           BLS statistic)    time (hrs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Standee Passenger Capacity      17-2141.................           41.31             2.0           82.62
 Calculation.                           Mechanical Engineer.....
Placard (source: www.edecals.com using  ........................  ..............  ..............            8.99
 a 2.5 inch tall lettering stating
 ``XX Standees Maximum'' and a
 quantity of 500).
Installation of Placard...............  51-2099.................           13.74            0.10            1.37
                                        Assembler and Fabricator
    Total burden per test bus.........  2.10....................           92.98
    Total Annual Burden (16 buses )...  33.6....................        $1487.68
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed revisions to test scheduling (49 CFR 665.11) introduce 
additional documentation requirements during the test requesting 
process. The manufacturer must verify that the vehicle complies with 
applicable FMVSS requirements and that the vehicle meets the Buy 
America content requirements in 49 CFR 661.11. The estimated cost and 
labor burden of these requirements for this information collection is 
presented in Table H-14.

               Table H-14--Estimated Burden and Cost for the Revised Test Scheduling Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Labor rate ($/
                 Item                   Labor category (BLS code/  hr) (May 2013    Preparation      Cost ($)
                                                 title)           BLS statistic)    time (hrs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submission of Documentation for 49 CFR  17-2141.................           41.31             1.0           41.31
 part 565 Vehicle Identification        Mechanical Engineer.....
 Number Requirements; 49 CFR part 566
 Manufacturer Identification; 49 CFR
 part 567 Certification; and where
 applicable, 49 CFR part 568 Vehicle
 Manufactured in Two or More Stages--
 All Incomplete, Intermediate and
 Final-Stage Manufacturers of Vehicle
 Manufactured in Two or More Stages.
Submission of Documentation for Buy     17-2141.................           41.31             1.0           41.31
 America U.S. content requirements of   Mechanical Engineer.....
 49 CFR Sec.   661.11, Rolling Stock
 Procurements.
    Total burden per test bus.........  2.0.....................           82.62
    Total Annual Burden (16 buses )...  32.0....................        $1321.92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total burden and cost for this NPRM is summarized in Table H-
15. FTA estimates the total annual burden and cost of the information 
collections resulting from the proposals in this NPRM as 300 hours and 
$12,593. The previous burden estimate for the existing program was 210 
hours and $9,016.

[[Page 36154]]



 Table H-15--Total Estimated Annual Burden and Cost of the Proposed Bus
                         Testing Pass/Fail NPRM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Annual burden
      Information collection               (hr)         Annual cost ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Request Process..............               54.5           $2251.40
Test Scheduling Process...........              160.0            6764.64
Request of Retesting to Address a                  20             766.52
 Failed Performance Standard......
Revised Bus Payloading Procedures.               33.6            1487.68
Revised Test Scheduling                          32.0            1321.92
 Requirements.....................
    Total.........................              300.1          12,592.16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments are invited on:
     Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the Department, including 
whether the information will have practical utility.
     Whether the Department's estimate for the burden of the 
information collection is accurate.
     Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on respondents, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please submit any comments, identified by the docket number in the 
heading of this document, by any of the methods described in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. Comments are due by August 24, 
2015.

H.8. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each year. The RIN number contained in the heading 
of this document may be used to cross-reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

H.9. National Environmental Policy Act

    The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended 
(42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), requires Federal agencies to consider the 
consequences of major federal actions and prepare a detailed statement 
on actions significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment. FTA has determined that this rulemaking is categorically 
excluded pursuant to 23 CFR 771.118(c)(4).

H.10. Privacy Act

    Anyone is able to search the electronic form for all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comments (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit 
www.regulations.gov.

H.11. Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice)

    Executive Order 12898, ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,'' and DOT 
Order 5610.2(a), ``Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 
Populations and Low-Income Populations (see, www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/ej_at_dot/order_56102a/index.cfm), 
require DOT agencies to achieve environmental justice (EJ) as part of 
their mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, 
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental 
effects, including interrelated social and economic effects, of their 
programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-
income populations in the United States. The DOT Order requires DOT 
agencies to address compliance with the Executive Order and the DOT 
Order in all rulemaking activities. To meet this goal, FTA has issued 
additional final guidance in the form of a circular (Circular 4703.1, 
``FTA Policy Guidance for Federal Transit Recipients,'' July 17, 2012; 
http://www.fta.dot.gov/legislation_law/12349_14740.html), to implement 
Executive Order 12898 and DOT Order 5610.2(a).
    FTA evaluated this proposed rule under the Executive Order, the DOT 
Order, and the FTA Circular. Environmental justice principles, in the 
context of establishing a quantitative scoring system for public 
transit vehicles, fall outside the scope of applicability.
    Nothing inherent in this proposed regulations would 
disproportionately impact minority or low income populations, as the 
primary parties affected by this proposal are those transit vehicle 
manufactures who would be subject to the bus testing procedures and the 
new quantitative scoring system. FTA has determined that the proposed 
regulations, if finalized as proposed, would not cause 
disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental 
effects on minority or low income populations.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 665

    Buses, Grant programs--transportation, Public transportation, Motor 
vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Issued in Washington, DC, under the authority delegated at 49 
CFR 1.91.
Therese McMillan,
Acting Administrator.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble and under the authority of 
49 U.S.C. 5323(c), 5318, and the delegations at 49 CFR 1.91, the 
Federal Transit Administration proposes to revise Part 665 of Title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, to read as follows:

PART 665--BUS TESTING

Subpart A--General
Sec.
665.1 Purpose.
665.3 Scope.
665.5 Definitions.
665.7 Certification of compliance.
Subpart B--Bus Testing Procedures
665.11 Testing requirements.
665.13 Test report and manufacturer certification.
Subpart C--Operations
665.21 Scheduling.
665.23 Fees.
665.25 Transportation of vehicle.
665.27 Procedures during testing.
Appendix A to Part 665--Bus Model Scoring System and Pass/Fail 
Standard

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5318 and 49 CFR 1.91.

Subpart A--General


Sec.  665.1  Purpose.

    An applicant for Federal financial assistance for the purchase or 
lease of buses with funds obligated by the FTA shall certify to the FTA 
that any new bus model acquired with such assistance has been tested 
and has received a passing test score in accordance with this part. 
This part contains the information necessary for a

[[Page 36155]]

recipient to ensure compliance with this provision.


Sec.  665.3  Scope.

    This part shall apply to an entity receiving Federal financial 
assistance under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53.
    Sec.  665.5 Definitions. As used in this part--
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Transit 
Administration or the Administrator's designee.
    Automotive means that the bus is not continuously dependent on 
external power or guidance for normal operation. Intermittent use of 
external power shall not automatically exclude a bus of its automotive 
character or the testing requirement.
    Bus means a rubber-tired automotive vehicle used for the provision 
of public transportation service by or for a recipient of FTA financial 
assistance.
    Bus model means a bus design or variation of a bus design usually 
designated by the manufacturer by a specific name and/or model number.
    Bus Testing Facility means the facility used by the entity selected 
by FTA to conduct the bus testing program, including test track 
facilities operated in connection with the program.
    Bus Testing Report means the complete test report for a bus model, 
documenting the results of performing the complete set of bus tests on 
a bus model.
    Curb weight means the weight of the bus including maximum fuel, 
oil, and coolant; but without passengers or driver.
    Emissions means the components of the engine tailpipe exhaust that 
are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA), plus carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).
    Emissions control system means the components on a bus whose 
primary purpose is to minimize regulated emissions before they exit the 
tailpipe. This definition does not include components that contribute 
to low emissions as a side effect of the manner in which they perform 
their primary function (e.g., fuel injectors or combustion chambers).
    Final acceptance means the formal approval by the recipient that 
the vehicle has met all of its bid specifications and the recipient has 
received proper title.
    Gross weight (Gross Vehicle Weight, or GVW) means the seated load 
weight of the bus plus 150 pounds of ballast for each standee 
passenger, up to and including, the maximum rated standee passenger 
capacity identified on the bus interior bulkhead.
    Hybrid means a propulsion system that combines two power sources, 
at least one of which is capable of capturing, storing, and re-using 
energy.
    Major change in chassis design means, for vehicles manufactured on 
a third-party chassis, a change in frame structure, material or 
configuration, or a change in chassis suspension type.
    Major change in components means:
    (1) For those vehicles that are not manufactured on a third-party 
chassis, a change in a vehicle's engine, axle, transmission, 
suspension, or steering components;
    (2) For those that are manufactured on a third-party chassis, a 
change in the vehicle's chassis from one major design to another.
    Major change in configuration means a change that is expected to 
have a significant impact on vehicle handling and stability or 
structural integrity.
    Modified third-party chassis or van means a vehicle that is 
manufactured from an incomplete, partially assembled third-party 
chassis or van as provided by an OEM to a small bus manufacturer. This 
includes vehicles whose chassis structure has been modified to include: 
a tandem or tag axle; a drop or lowered floor; changes to the GVWR from 
the OEM rating; or other modifications that are not made in strict 
conformance with the OEM's modifications guidelines where they exist.
    New bus model means a bus model that--
    (1) Has not been used in public transportation service in the 
United States before October 1, 1988; or
    (2) Has been used in such service but which after September 30, 
1988, is being produced with a major change in configuration or a major 
change in components; or
    Operator means the operator of the Bus Testing Facility.
    Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) means the original 
manufacturer of a chassis or van supplied as a complete or incomplete 
vehicle to a bus manufacturer.
    Parking brake means a system that prevents the bus from moving when 
parked by preventing the wheels from rotating.
    Partial testing means the performance of only that subset of the 
complete set of bus tests in which significantly different data would 
reasonably be expected compared to the data obtained in previous full 
testing of the baseline bus model at the Bus Testing Facility.
    Partial testing report, also partial test report, means a report 
documenting, for a previously-tested bus model that is produced with 
major changes, the results of performing only that subset of the 
complete set of bus tests in which significantly different data would 
reasonably be expected as a result of the changes made to the bus from 
the configuration documented in the original full Bus Testing Report. A 
partial testing report is not valid unless accompanied by the 
corresponding full Bus Testing Report for the corresponding baseline 
bus configuration.
    Public transportation service means the operation of a vehicle that 
provides general or special service to the public on a regular and 
continuing basis consistent with 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53.
    Recipient means an entity that receives funds under 49 U.S.C. 
Chapter 53, either directly from FTA or through a direct recipient.
    Regenerative braking system means a system that decelerates a bus 
by recovering its kinetic energy for on-board storage and subsequent 
use.
    Retarder means a system other than the service brakes that slows a 
bus by dissipating kinetic energy.
    Seated load weight means the curb weight of the bus plus the seated 
passenger load simulated by adding 150 pounds of ballast to each 
seating position and 600 pounds per wheelchair position.
    Service brake(s) means the primary system used by the driver during 
normal operation to reduce the speed of a moving bus and to allow the 
driver to bring the bus to a controlled stop and hold it there. Service 
brakes may be supplemented by retarders or by regenerative braking 
systems.
    Small bus manufacturer means a secondary market assembler that 
acquires a chassis or van from an OEM for subsequent modification or 
assembly and sale as 5-year/150,000-mile or 4-year/100,000-mile minimum 
service life vehicle.
    Tailpipe emissions means the exhaust constituents actually emitted 
to the atmosphere at the exit of the vehicle tailpipe or corresponding 
system.
    Third party chassis means a commercially available chassis whose 
design, manufacturing, and quality control are performed by an entity 
independent of the bus manufacturer.
    Unmodified mass-produced van means a van that is mass-produced, 
complete and fully assembled as provided by an OEM. This shall include 
vans with raised roofs, and/or wheelchair lifts, or ramps that are 
installed by the OEM or by a party other than the OEM provided that the 
installation of these components is completed in strict conformance 
with the OEM modification guidelines.

[[Page 36156]]

    Unmodified third-party chassis means a third-party chassis that 
either has not been modified, or has been modified in strict 
conformance with the OEM's modification guidelines.


Sec.  665.7  Certification of compliance.

    (a) In each application to FTA for the purchase or lease of any new 
bus model, or any bus model with a major change in configuration or 
components to be acquired or leased with funds obligated by the FTA, 
the recipient shall certify that the bus was tested at the Bus Testing 
Facility and that the bus received a passing test score as required in 
this part. The recipient shall receive the appropriate full Bus Testing 
Report and any applicable partial testing report(s) before final 
acceptance of the first vehicle.
    (b) In dealing with a bus manufacturer or dealer, the recipient 
shall be responsible for determining whether a vehicle to be acquired 
requires full testing or partial testing or has already satisfied the 
requirements of this part. A bus manufacturer or recipient may request 
guidance from FTA.

Subpart B--Bus Testing Procedures


Sec.  665.11  Testing requirements.

    (a) In order to be tested at the Bus Testing Facility, a new model 
bus shall--
    (1) Be a single model that complies with NHTSA requirements at 49 
CFR part 565 Vehicle Identification Number Requirements; 49 CFR part 
566 Manufacturer Identification; 49 CFR part 567 Certification; and 
where applicable, 49 CFR part 568 Vehicle Manufactured in Two or More 
Stages--All Incomplete, Intermediate and Final-Stage Manufacturers of 
Vehicle Manufactured in Two or More Stages;
    (2) Have been produced by an entity whose Disadvantaged Business 
Enterprise DBE goals have been submitted to FTA pursuant to 49 CFR part 
26;
    (3) Identify the maximum rated quantity of standee passengers on 
the interior bulkhead in 2 inch tall or greater characters;
    (4) Meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as 
defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in part 
571 of this title;
    (5) Meet the Buy America U.S. content requirements of Sec.  661.11 
of this chapter; and
    (6) Be substantially fabricated and assembled using the techniques, 
tooling, and materials that will be used in production of subsequent 
buses of that model.
    (b) If the new bus model has not previously been tested at the Bus 
Testing Facility, then the new bus model shall undergo the full tests 
requirements for Maintainability, Reliability, Safety, Performance 
(including Braking Performance), Structural Integrity, Fuel Economy, 
Noise, and Emissions Tests.
    (c) If the new bus model has not previously been tested at the Bus 
Testing Facility and is being produced on a third-party chassis that 
has been previously tested on another bus model at the Bus Testing 
Facility, then the new bus model may undergo partial testing in place 
of full testing.
    (d) If the new bus model has previously been tested at the Bus 
Testing Facility, but is subsequently manufactured with a major change 
in chassis or components, then the new bus model may undergo partial 
testing in place of full testing.
    (e) The following vehicle types shall be tested:
    (1) Large-size, heavy-duty transit buses (approximately 35'-40' in 
length, as well as articulated buses) with a minimum service life of 12 
years or 500,000 miles;
    (2) Medium-size, heavy-duty transit buses (approximately 30' in 
length) with a minimum service life of ten years or 350,000 miles;
    (3) Medium-size, medium duty transit buses (approximately 30' in 
length) with a minimum service life of seven years or 200,000 miles;
    (4) Medium-size, light duty transit buses (approximately 25'-35' in 
length) with a minimum service life of five years or 150,000 miles; and
    (5) Other light duty vehicles such as small buses and regular and 
modified and unmodified vans with a minimum service life of four years 
or 100,000 miles.
    (f) Tests performed in a higher service life category (i.e., longer 
service life) need not be repeated when the same bus model is used in 
lesser service life applications.


Sec.  665.13  Test report and manufacturer certification.

    (a) The operator of the Bus Testing Facility shall implement the 
performance standards and scoring system set forth in this part.
    (b) Upon completion of testing, the operator of the facility shall 
provide the scored test results and the resulting test report to the 
entity that submitted the bus for testing and to FTA. The test report 
will be available to recipients only after both the bus manufacturer 
and FTA have approved it for release. If the bus manufacturer declines 
to release the report, or if the bus did not achieve a passing test 
score, the vehicle will be ineligible for FTA financial assistance.
    (c)(1) A manufacturer or dealer of a new bus model or a bus 
produced with a major change in component or configuration shall 
provide a copy of the corresponding full Bus Testing Report and any 
applicable partial testing report(s) to a recipient during the point in 
the procurement process specified by the recipient, but in all cases 
before final acceptance of the first bus by the recipient.
    (2) A manufacturer who releases a report under paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section also shall provide notice to the operator of the facility 
that the test results and the test report are to be made available to 
the public.
    (d) If a tested bus model with a Bus Testing Report undergoes a 
subsequent major change in component or configuration, the manufacturer 
or dealer shall advise the recipient during the procurement process and 
shall include a description of the change. Any party may ask FTA for 
confirmation regarding the scope of the change.
    (e) A Bus Testing Report shall be available publicly once the bus 
manufacturer makes it available during a recipient's procurement 
process. The operator of the facility shall have copies of all the 
publicly available reports available for distribution. The operator 
shall make the final test results from the approved report available 
electronically and accessible over the internet.
    (f) The Bus Testing Report and the test results are the only 
official information and documentation that shall be made publicly 
available in connection with any bus model tested at the Bus Testing 
Facility.

Subpart C--Operations


Sec.  665.21  Scheduling.

    (a) All requests for testing, including requests for full, partial, 
or repeat testing, shall be submitted to the FTA Bus Testing Program 
Manager for review prior to scheduling with the operator of the Bus 
Testing Facility. All test requests shall provide: a detailed 
description of the new bus model to be tested; the service life 
category of the bus; engineering level documentation characterizing all 
major changes to the bus model; and documentation that demonstrates 
satisfaction of each one of the testing requirements outlined in Sec.  
665.11(a).
    (b) FTA will review the request and determine if the bus model is 
eligible for testing and which tests must be performed. FTA will 
prepare a written response to the requester for use in scheduling the 
required testing.

[[Page 36157]]

    (c) To schedule a bus for testing, a manufacturer shall contact the 
operator of the Bus Testing Facility and provide the FTA response to 
the test request. Contact information and procedures for scheduling 
testing are available on the operator's Bus Testing Web site, http://www.altoonabustest.com.
    (d) Upon contacting the operator, the operator shall provide the 
manufacturer with the following:
    (1) A draft contract for the testing;
    (2) A fee schedule; and
    (3) The test procedures for the tests that will be conducted on the 
vehicle.
    (e) The operator shall process vehicles FTA has approved for 
testing in the order in which the contracts are signed.


Sec.  665.23  Fees.

    (a) The operator shall charge fees in accordance with a schedule 
approved by FTA, which shall include different fees for partial 
testing.
    (b) Fees shall be prorated for a vehicle withdrawn from the Bus 
Testing Facility before the completion of testing.
    (c) The manufacturer's portion of the test fee shall be used first 
during the conduct of testing. The operator of the Bus Testing Facility 
shall obtain approval from FTA prior to continuing testing of each bus 
model at the Bus Testing Program's expense after the manufacturer's fee 
has been expended.


Sec.  665.25  Transportation of vehicle.

    A manufacturer shall be responsible for transporting its vehicle to 
and from the Bus Testing Facility at the beginning and completion of 
the testing at the manufacturer's own risk and expense.


Sec.  665.27  Procedures during testing.

    (a) Upon receipt of a bus approved for testing the operator of the 
Bus Testing Facility shall:
    (1) Inspect the bus design configuration and compare it to the 
configuration documented in the test request;
    (2) Determine if the bus, when loaded to Gross Weight, does not 
exceed its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Axle Weight Ratings, or 
maximum tire load ratings;
    (3) Determine if the bus is capable of negotiating the durability 
test track at curb weight, seated load weight, and Gross Vehicle 
Weight;
    (4) Determine if the bus is capable of performing the Fuel Economy 
and Emissions Test duty cycles within the established standards for 
speed deviation.
    (b) The operator shall present the results obtained from the 
activities of Sec.  665.27(a) and present them to the bus manufacturer 
and the FTA Bus Testing Program Manager for review prior to initiating 
testing using the Bus Testing Program funds.
    (c) The operator shall perform all maintenance and repairs on the 
test vehicle, consistent with the manufacturer's specifications, unless 
the operator determines that the nature of the maintenance or repair is 
best performed by the manufacturer under the operator's supervision.
    (d) The manufacturer shall be permitted to observe all tests. The 
manufacturer shall not provide maintenance or service unless requested 
to do so by the operator.
    (e) The operator shall investigate each occurrence of unauthorized 
maintenance and repairs and determine the potential impact to the 
validity of the test results. Tests where the results could have been 
impacted must be repeated at the manufacturer's expense.
    (f) The operator shall perform all modifications on the test 
vehicle, consistent with the manufacturer's specifications, unless the 
operator determines that the nature of the modification is best 
performed by the manufacturer under the operator's supervision. All 
vehicle modifications performed after the test has started will first 
require review and approval by FTA. If the modification is determined 
to be a major change, some or all of the tests already completed shall 
be repeated or extended at FTA's discretion.
    (g) The operator shall halt testing after any occurrence of 
unapproved, unauthorized, or unsupervised test vehicle modifications. 
Following an occurrence of unapproved or unsupervised test vehicle 
modifications, the vehicle manufacturer shall submit a new test request 
to FTA that addresses all the requirements in 665.11 to reenter the Bus 
Testing Program.
    (h) The operator shall perform eight categories of tests on new bus 
models. The eight tests and their corresponding performance standards 
are described in the following paragraphs.
    (1) Maintainability Test--(i) The Maintainability test shall 
include bus servicing, preventive maintenance, inspection, and repair. 
It shall also include the removal and reinstallation of the engine and 
drive-train components that would be expected to require replacement 
during the bus's normal life cycle. Much of the maintainability data 
should be obtained during the Bus Durability Test. All servicing, 
preventive maintenance, and repair actions shall be recorded and 
reported. These actions shall be performed by test facility staff, 
although manufacturers shall be allowed to maintain a representative 
on-site during the testing. Test facility staff may require a 
manufacturer to provide vehicle servicing or repair under the 
supervision of the facility staff. Since the operator may not be 
familiar with the detailed design of all new bus models that are 
tested, tests to determine the time and skill required for removing and 
reinstalling an engine, a transmission, or other major propulsion 
system components may require advice from the bus manufacturer. All 
routine and corrective maintenance shall be carried out by the operator 
in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
    (ii) The Maintainability Test Report shall include the frequency, 
personnel hours, and replacement parts or supplies required for each 
action during the test. The accessibility of selected components and 
other observations that could be important to a bus purchaser shall be 
included in the report.
    (iii) The performance standard for Maintainability is that no 
greater than 125 hours of total unscheduled maintenance shall be 
accumulated over the execution of a full test.
    (2) Reliability Test--(i) Reliability shall not be a separate test, 
but shall be addressed by recording all bus failures and breakdowns 
during all other testing. The detected bus failures, repair time, and 
the actions required to return the bus to operation shall be presented 
in the report.
    (ii) The performance standard for Reliability is that the vehicle 
under test experience no more than one uncorrected Class 1 failure and 
two uncorrected Class 2 failures over the execution of a full test. 
Class 1 failures are addressed in the Safety Test, below. An 
uncorrected Class 2 failure is a failure mode not addressed by a design 
or component modification that would cause a transit vehicle to be 
unable to complete its transit route and require towing or on-route 
repairs. A failure is considered corrected when a design or component 
modification is validated through sufficient remaining or additional 
reliability testing in which the failure does not reoccur.
    (3) Safety Test--(i) The Safety Test shall consist of a Handling 
and Stability Test, a Braking Performance Test, and a review of the 
Class 1 reliability failures that occurred during the test.
    (ii) The Handling and Stability Test shall be an obstacle avoidance 
double-lane change test performed on a smooth and level test track. The 
lane change course will be set up using pylons to mark off two 12 foot 
center to center lanes with two 100 foot lane change areas 100 feet 
apart. Bus speed shall be

[[Page 36158]]

held constant throughout a given test run. Individual test runs shall 
be made at increasing speeds up to a specified maximum or until the bus 
can no longer be operated safely over the course, whichever speed is 
lower. Both left- and right-hand lane changes shall be tested. The 
performance standard is that the test vehicle can safely negotiate and 
remain within the lane change test course at a speed of no less than 45 
mph.
    (iii) The functionality and performance of the service, 
regenerative (if applicable), and parking brake systems shall be 
evaluated at the test track. The test bus shall be subjected to a 
series of brake stops from specified speeds on high, low, and split-
friction surfaces. The parking brake shall be evaluated with the bus 
parked facing both up and down a steep grade. There are three 
performance standards for braking. The stopping distance from a speed 
of 45 mph on a high friction surface shall satisfy the bus stopping 
distance requirements of FMVSS 105 or 121 as applicable. The bus shall 
remain within a standard 12-foot lane width during split coefficient 
brake stops. The parking brake shall hold the test vehicle stationary 
on a 20 percent grade facing up and down the grade for a period of 5 
minutes.
    (iv) A review of all the Class 1 failures that occurred during the 
test shall be conducted as part of the Safety Test. Class 1 failures 
include those failures that, when they occur, could result in a loss of 
vehicle control; in serious injury to the driver, passengers, 
pedestrians, or other motorists; and in property damage or loss due to 
collision or fire. The performance standard is that at the completion 
of testing with no uncorrected Class 1 failure modes. A failure is 
considered corrected when a design or component modification is 
validated through sufficient remaining or additional Reliability Tests 
in which the failure does not reoccur over a number of miles equal to 
or greater than the additional failure up to 100% of the durability 
test mileage for the service life category of the tested bus.
    (4) Performance Test--(i) The Performance Test shall measure the 
maximum acceleration, speed, and gradeability capability of the test 
vehicle. In determining the transit vehicle's maximum acceleration and 
speed, the bus shall be accelerated at full throttle from rest until it 
achieves its maximum speed on a level roadway. The performance standard 
for acceleration is that the maximum time that the test vehicle 
requires to achieve 30 mph is 18 seconds on a level grade. The 
gradeability test of the test vehicle shall be calculated based on the 
data measured on a level grade during the Acceleration Test. The 
performance standard for the gradeability test is that the test vehicle 
achieves a sustained speed of at least 40 mph on a 2.5 percent grade 
and a sustained speed of at least 10 mph on a 10 percent grade.
    (ii) [Reserved].
    (5) Structural Integrity Test--Seven individual Structural 
Integrity Tests shall be performed.
    (i) Shakedown Test--A shakedown of the bus structure shall be 
conducted by loading and unloading the bus with a distributed load 
equal to 2.5 times the load applied for the gross weight portions of 
testing. The bus shall then be unloaded and inspected for any permanent 
deformation on the floor or coach structure. This test shall be 
repeated a second time, and shall be repeated one more time if the 
permanent deflections vary significantly between the first and second 
tests. The performance standard shall be that the maximum measured 
permanent deflection is no greater than 0.006 inch after the third 
loading cycle.
    (ii) Distortion Test--The bus shall be loaded to GVW, with one 
wheel on top of a curb and then in a pothole. This test shall be 
repeated for all four wheels. The test verifies:
    (A) Normal operation of the steering mechanism and;
    (B) Operability of all passenger doors, passenger escape 
mechanisms, windows, and service doors. A water leak test shall be 
conducted in each suspension travel condition. The performance standard 
shall be that all vehicle passenger exits remain operational throughout 
the test.
    (iii) Static Tow Test--Using a load-equalizing towing sling, a 
static tension load equal to 1.2 times the curb weight shall be applied 
to the bus towing fixtures (front and rear). The load shall be removed 
and the two eyes and adjoining structure inspected for damages or 
permanent deformations. The performance standard shall be that no 
permanent deformation is experienced at static loads up to 1.2 times 
the vehicle curb weight.
    (iv) Dynamic Tow Test--The bus shall be towed at CW with a heavy 
wrecker truck for 5 miles at 20 mph and then inspected for structural 
damage or permanent deformation. The performance standard shall be that 
the vehicle is towable with a standard commercial vehicle wrecker 
without experiencing any permanent damage to the vehicle.
    (v) Jacking Test--With the bus at CW, probable damages and 
clearance issues due to tire deflating and hydraulic jacking shall be 
assessed. The performance standard shall be that the vehicle is capable 
of being lifted with a standard commercial vehicle hydraulic jack.
    (vi) Hoisting Test--With the bus at CW, possible damages or 
deformation associated with lifting the bus on a two post hoist system 
or supporting it on jack stands shall be assessed. The performance 
standard shall be that the vehicle is capable of being supported by 
jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight. (vii) Structural Durability 
Test--The Structural Durability Test shall be performed on the 
durability course at the test track, simulating twenty-five percent of 
the vehicle's normal service life. The bus structure shall be inspected 
regularly during the test, and the mileage and identification of any 
structural anomalies and failures shall be reported in the Reliability 
Test. There shall be two performance standards for the Durability Test, 
one to address the vehicle frame and body structure and one to address 
the bus propulsion system. The performance standard for the vehicle 
frame and body structure shall be that there are no uncorrected failure 
modes of the vehicle frame and body structure at the completion of the 
full vehicle test. The performance standard for the vehicle propulsion 
system is that there are no uncorrected powertrain failure modes at the 
completion of a full test.
    (6) Noise Test--(i) The Noise Test shall measure interior noise and 
vibration while the bus is idling (or in a comparable operating mode) 
and driving, and also shall measure the transmission of exterior noise 
to the interior while the bus is not running. The exterior noise shall 
be measured as the bus is operated past a stationary measurement 
instrument. There shall be two minimum noise performance standards: One 
to address the maximum interior noise during vehicle acceleration from 
a stop, and one to address the maximum exterior noise during vehicle 
acceleration from a stop. The performance standard for interior noise 
while the vehicle accelerates from 0-35 mph shall be no greater than 80 
decibels A-weighted. The performance standard for exterior noise while 
the vehicle accelerates from 0-35 miles per hour shall be no greater 
than 83 decibels A-weighted.
    (ii)--[Reserved]
    (7) Emissions Test--(i) The Emissions Test shall measure tailpipe 
emissions of those exhaust constituents regulated by the United States 
EPA for transit bus emissions, plus carbon dioxide (CO2) and 
methane (CH4), as the bus is operated over specific 
repeatable transit

[[Page 36159]]

vehicle driving cycles. The Emissions test shall be conducted using an 
emission testing laboratory equipped with a chassis dynamometer capable 
of both absorbing and applying power.
    (ii) The Emissions Test is not a certification test, and is 
designed only to enable FTA recipients to relatively compare the 
emissions of buses operating on the same set of typical transit driving 
cycles. The results of this test are not directly comparable to 
emissions measurements reported to other agencies, such as the EPA, or 
for other purposes.
    (iii) The emissions performance standard shall be the prevailing 
EPA emissions requirements for heavy-duty vehicles outlined in 40 CFR 
part 86 and 40 CFR part 1037.

Appendix A to Part 665--Bus Model Scoring System and the Pass/Fail 
Standard

1. Bus Model Scoring System

    The Bus Model Scoring System shall be used to score the test 
results using the performance standards in each category. A bus 
model that fails to meet a minimum performance standard shall be 
deemed to have failed the test and will not receive an aggregate 
score. For buses that have passed all the minimum performance 
standards, an aggregate score shall be generated and presented in 
each Bus Testing Report. A bus model that just satisfies the minimum 
baseline performance standard and does not exceed any of the 
standards shall receive a score of 60. The maximum score a bus model 
shall receive is 100. The minimum and maximum points available in 
each test category shall be as shown below in Table A.

2. Pass/Fail Standard

    The passing standard shall be a score of 60. Bus models that 
fail to meet one or more of the minimum baseline performance 
standards will be ineligible to obtain an aggregate passing score.
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