Nova Bus LFS

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Nova Bus LFS
Nova Bus LFS
Years of manufacture 1995 to present
Length 40 feet
Width 102 inches
Power/Fuel Diesel
Nova Bus LFS

The Nova Bus LFS is a North American, low floor transit bus. In 1993, a Den Oudsten Alliance bus was imported to Quebec for evaluation. Using the Den Oudsten design as a basis for the LFS's design, two prototypes of the LFS were built in 1994. The LFS stands out in North America due to its sloping front and large single-piece windshield, two features that are more commonly found on European buses.

The LFS's monocoque frame was originally of carbon steel, but beginning with the second generation, stainless steel is used. The structure is clad with fibreglass panels adhered to the frame. Easily replaceable thermoplastic skirt panels are added along the lower sides of the bus to ease maintenance as this area is prone to wear. They are almost always grey so they do not have to be painted and Nova only need produce panels in one colour. Some agencies however request the skirt panels be painted such as Disney Transport or the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.


Contents

Aesthetic and design changes

First generation (1995-1999)

The early LFS units up to Laval's 9605 (late 1996) had a curved eliptical recess and the NovaBUS logo under the windshield. The rear top equipment access door and rear window were originally flush with the body with the rear destination incorporated into the window. The side passenger windows had sharp corners.

The LFS was initially available in a full low floor or partial low floor configuration. The full low floor option had a low floor toward the middle of the bus where the aisle would slope up slightly. The seating in the rear half were on elevated platforms. Because of the intrusion of the rear wheel wells, there usually is a pair of seats facing forward and a pair facing backwards on top of them, a rarity in the North American bus market. The partial low floor option had a step before the rear wheels up to a high floor section.

To achieve the full low floor to the rear, the LFS used a T-drive powertrain offset to the left of the rear and ZF portal axles. The engine's cooling system is mounted above the engine. This is a similar configuration to the Orion VI.

Second generation (1999-2009)

In 1999 at the UITP Congress, Nova unveiled the second generation LFS. Improvements included a stainless steel frame, a multiplex electric system, and an electronically controlled engine.[1]

Between 1999 and 2000 there was a gradual shift in the exterior look of the LFS. Starting mid-1999 with the Chicago Transit Authority prototypes, gasket sealed windows with rounded corners replaced the earlier square passenger windows. By 2000, round tail lights (either small or large) became the norm, replacing the square tail lights inherited from the Classic model. Finally, by mid-2000 with the production CTA buses, the rear panel of the bus was simplified with a gasket sealed window and a separate, obtrusive rear destination sign. These changes intended to reduce the costs of construction of the CTA order, were soon adopted for all production buses.

The fully low floor option was dropped in 2005. All LFS buses since have a high floor section just after the rear doors.

In 2008, Nova Bus redesigned the headlight clusters of the LFS, moving the lights further to the edges of the bus. The standard halogen headlight or dual projector headlights could be specified. This was likely a response to BC Transit's modifications which had the headlights stacked vertically to address visibility concerns with bike racks. A horizontal decorative slot was also added to the front panel between the headlights. It must however be noted that until April 2009, most Quebec buses were delivered with the old headlight configuration.

The LFS is available with wide or narrow front or rear doors. Beginning with Coast Mountain Bus Company's first LFS order, an option for a 1/3 2/3 front door configuration was made available. This option is as wide as the wide door option, but the forward leaf would be the size of the narrow door option and the other leaf would be the size of the remainder. The front leaf can be controlled independently.

Early LFS buses had a simple exhaust pipe that stuck straight up and was cut off at a diagonal. This design would carry through to early EPA 2007-compliant buses. These buses also received a grid of vents on the rear access panel next to the rear window to deal with the heat of the particulate filter.

Third generation (2009-present)

A new rear design debuted in 2007. The engine mounted longitudinally at the centre of the rear with the cooling system mounted high (above rear window). This centred rear engine placement became standard in early 2009.

With the new engine placement, the rear of the LFS was restyled. The taillights are stacked vertically in a red background moulding stretching from the top to the bottom of the bus. Later background colour options would be available such as black or white. Early 2009 saw the introduction of flush mounted glazing as an option. The first production model debuted at the CUTA Trans Expo 2009 in Montreal, QC on BC Transit 9370. The rear design was also slightly altered with replaceable corner panels with the tail light molding ending above the reversing light. The 2007 headlight configuration became standard on all buses. Greater Sudbury Transit and Thunder Bay Transit's 2009 orders were the first to have the brake lights and rear turn signals the same size as the reversing light as an option.

The exhaust pipe initially curved away from the radiator and intercooler package. Later EPA 2007-compliant buses built that year went straight up then curved back at a 90 degree angle and received a Venturi exhaust tip. The tip, which had a bulge after the curve and flared out at the end, was designed to mix and cool the hot exhaust gas from the 2007-compliant engine with air. EPA 2010-compliant buses received an updated exhaust tip which flares out to the front after the curve with a gap and flares out to the rear like the previous tip, but to a shorter distance.

The horizontal slot in the front panel of the bus was dropped mid-2010 from Plattsburgh-built buses starting with the first batch of buses for Calgary Transit. Late in 2010 the plain front panel also became standard for buses built in St-Eustache.

With the third generation LFS and LFS Artic, there were changes to the interior. Stanchion design became less rigid and curved towards the ceiling instead of being stopped by the horizontal grab rail with separate attachments to the ceiling. New finishes were introduced which included matte grey coated stanchions, black textured walls, and transparent or frosted modesty panels. The seating above the engine (and over the middle wheels and fuel tank on the Artic) is proprietary to Nova. The sitting area is molded thermoplastic, initially in the style of American Seating's 6468, now in the style of their InSight model.

At the 2011 APTA EXPO, Nova debuted their updated interior design. They introduced a ceiling using an asymmetric concept, with the subtraction of the standard base lights on the driver's side and introduction of a low profile channel that hugs the ceiling and wall above the windows to provide air flow. In addition to the LED cabin lights above the seats, there is an option for LED crossbar lighting above the aisle which can be dimmed. The anchors for the stanchions and grab rails uses a modular molded part. The partition behind the driver was made lighter and thinner, while giving more room for the driver and the passenger behind. The front wheel housings now have a stainless steel protective panel on the area most prone to wear. In an effort to ease cleaning, Nova smoothed out the area where the wall meets the floor and used cantilevered seating with covers at anchor points. Nova also added an frosted, patterned modesty panel after the rear door that illuminates when the door opens. At the request of customers, Nova added an option to not have a rear window. To offset for the loss of light, there is an option for transparent emergency hatches. Some of the first custormers of the new interior include Saskatoon Transit and Grand River Transit.

  • Front styling from 1995 to 2006.

  • Rear styling from 1995 to 2000.

  • Rear styling from 2000 to 2009.

  • Headlight modifications found on 2006 BC Transit models.

  • The current styling with dual projector headlights.

  • The current styling with single halogen headlights.

  • The current rear styling.

  • BC Transit LFS with flush glazing.

Specifications

Dimensions

  • Length: 40 ft.
  • Width: 102 in.
  • Height:
    • 124 in. (new rear)
    • 123 in. (old rear)
  • Wheelbase: 244 in.

Engine

Transmission

Floor

  • Plywood subfloor (1995-2008)
  • Composite subfloor
    • Altro Transflor
    • Gerflor Tarabus

HVAC

  • MCC: standard (heat only)
  • Carrier RF-353
  • Thermo King Athenia
  • Thermo King LRT

Electric system

  • Volvo Bus Electronic Architecture

Axles

  • Front:
    • ZF RL 85
    • Meritor FH-946 (No longer offered after 2005)
  • Rear:
    • ZF AV 132
    • Meritor RC-26-720 (No longer offered after 2005)

Brakes

  • ABS disk brakes with traction control

Operators

Canada Flag of Canada.png

United States Flag of the United States.png

Demonstrator and engineering units

Below is a list of known demonstrator and engineering buses.

Fleet number Thumbnail Year VIN Engine Transmission Notes
1 1994 R3000001
  • Launch vehicle at the APTA Conference (Boston MA) in Sep. 1994
  • Demoed in Calgary AB in Feb. 1995
  • Demoed with the STCUQ in Apr. 1995[2]
2 1994 R3000002 Cummins C8.3 ZF Demoed with the STCUQ in Oct. 1995[2]
3 1995 S3000001 Possibly demoed with SEPTA as 9901 in Apr. 1996
4 1995 S3000002 Cummins C8.3 Allison B400R Demoed with the STCUQ in Jan. 1996[2]
1996 2NVYL82K9T3000021 Cummins C8.3 Allison B400R
  • Altoona test bus from Sep. 1996 to July 1997
  • Later received OC Transpo livery
  • Modified with rounded corner windows and front vent by Oct. 2001.[3]
1996 2NVYL82P1T3000039 Sold to Knoxville Area Transit 651 in Dec. 1998
999? 1997 2NVYL82KXV3000001 NYC MTA demo
1001 1998 2NVYL82P3W3000001 Detroit Diesel Series 40 Allison B400R
995 1998 2NVYL82P5W3000002 Detroit Diesel Series 40E
1998 2NVYL82P1W3000031 Detroit Diesel Series 40 Allison B400R Sold to Ohio State University CABS, became 98542
1998 W3000170 Ortech Corp shaker test bus
1998 W3000171 Volvo Bus test bus
B7298 1998 2NVYL82S2W3000172 Cummins C8.3 Allison B400R
  • Delivered in BC Transit livery
  • CMBC demo from Apr. 1999 to July 2000
  • Loaned to Edmonton Transit from July to Sep. 2000
  • Returned to CMBC and stored
  • Sold to WVMT in Nov. 2002, became 981
1999 X3000064 Cummins Allison Sold to Ohio State University CABS 99541
1999 X3000190 Cummins ISC ZF 5HP552C
6400 (first) 1999 2NVYL82S4X3000191 Cummins ISC ZF 5HP552C
2000 Y3000187
  • Demoed with STCUQ in Aug. 2000
  • Demoed with OTC
  • Displayed at APTA Conference (Calgary AB) in May 2001
  • Sold to Transport Verreault in Oct. 2003, became 459
  • Currently active as Granby 00070
21-201 Société de transport de la communauté urbaine de Montréal 21-201.jpg 2000 Y3000300 Cummins ISC ZF 5HP552C
no# 2001 13000234

13000235

none none
  • 2 unpowered shells (with CTA specs) that were to be made magnetic induction battery buses by H. R. Ross Industries for MBTA
  • Both stored, one painted MBTA yellow
  • Current plans to power one shell and convert to Command Post bus
2003 2NVYL82S633000199 Cummins ISC ZF 5HP552C Sold to Belleville Transit in Oct. 2004, became 0458
2003 2NVYL82S933000200 Cummins ISC ZF 5HP552C
14401 Edmonton Transit System demo 14401.jpg 2004 43000048 Cummins ISL ZF 5HP552C
2004 2NVYL82U643000173 Cummins ISL ZF 5HP552C Sold to Brantford Transit 9051 in 2005
2004 2NVYL82U843000174 Cummins ISL ZF 5HP552C Sold to Brantford Transit 9052 in 2005
179-1 2005 2NVYL82UX53000033 Cummins ISL ZF
  • Displayed at OTE in Apr. 2005
  • Displayed at the Montreal F1 Grand Prix in June 2005
  • Sold to Belleville Transit in July 2005, became 0559
184-1 2005 53000081
180-1 2005 2NVYL82U753000118 Cummins ISL ZF
  • Displayed at APTA Conference (Dallas TX) in Sep. 2005
  • Displayed at APTA Conference (Anaheim CA) in May 2006
  • Sold to Belleville Transit in June 2006, became 0660
P1002 2005 53000128 Cummins ISL ZF 5HP552C
  • Part of rejected OTC oder
  • Demoed with CMBC as P1002 from Nov. 2005 to May 2006
  • Sold to DRT in Aug. 2006, became 8172
182-1 2005 53000157 Cummins ISL ZF 5HP552C
  • Demoed with CMBC as P1001 from Nov. 2005 to May 2006
  • Sold to DRT in Aug. 2006, became 8173
L176 2006 2NVYL82U563000233 Cummins ISL Sold to Belleville Transit in May 2007, became 0761
L280 2006 73000027 Cummins ISL ZF 6HP552C
  • Demoed with CMBC from Nov. 2006 to 2007
  • Demoed with Metro Transit (Halifax) from July to Sep. 2007
  • Sold to Galland Tremblant in 2008, became 770
254-1 2007 73000035 Cummins ISL
  • Displayed at OTE in Apr. 2007
  • Possibly sold to Timmins Transit in Oct. 2007, becoming 90
H1 (L271-1) 2007 Cummins ISL
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • Received a roof battery rack by April 2008
  • Received production 3rd generation rear cap by May 2013
255-1 2008 2NVYL82U983000089 Cummins ISL
  • Displayed at OTE in Apr. 2008
  • Possibly displayed at the Nova Bus Plattsburgh plant site in Apr. 2008 [7]
  • Sold to Belleville Transit 0863 in July 2008
2008 2NVYL82U783000091 Cummins ISL Intended to become a demo, but immediately sold to Belleville Transit in 2008, became 0862
356-1 2008 2NVYL82U883000150 Cummins ISL
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • Demoed with King County Metro (Seattle WA) in May 2008
  • Demoed with CMBC in May-June 2008
  • Displayed at APTA Conference (San Diego CA) in Oct. 2008
  • Sold in 2010? to Regina Transit, became 629.
H3 (L373) 2008 2NVYL82UX83000151 Cummins ISL Voith D864.5
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • Displayed at the Nova Bus Plattsburgh plant site in Apr. 2008 [7]
  • Altoona test bus from June to Oct. 2008 (with added HEV battery pack cover)
  • Received production 3rd generation rear cap and converted to CNG by March 2013
356-2 2008 Cummins ISL9
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • EPA 2010 demo with TARC from June to July 2009.[8]
2008 2NVYL82U283000290 Cummins ISL9
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • Displayed at 2009 NYSERDA Albany
  • Sold to Regina Transit, became 630
358-1 2008 2NVYL82U093000001 Cummins ISL
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • Demoed with RTC in Nov.18 2008[2]
  • Sold to Codiac Transit 701 in 2009
2008 93000002
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • Sold to Codiac Transit in 2009, became 700
456-1 2008 2NVYL82U893000019 Cummins ISL ZF 6HP554C
  • 2009 model
  • Prototype 3rd generation rear
  • PF2010 ATUQ demo, demoed with STM in Mar. 2009
  • Demoed with Calgary Transit in Sep. 2009
  • Displayed at STTR in Oct. 2009
  • Loaned to CITSV as 0919 from Sep. to Nov. 2010
  • Moved to the Sunwin Bus plant (Shanghai, China) in 2011 and refit with Sunwin electric propulsion as an LFSe prototype
432-1 2009 Cummins ISL ZF 6HP554C
  • Production 3rd generation rear
  • Flush glazing
  • Displayed at OTE in Apr. 2009
  • Displayed at the Nova Bus Plattsburgh plant opening in June 2009.[9]
  • Sold to GTAA.
June 2009 4RKYL82U194000001 Cummins ISL ZF 6HP554C
  • First unit assembled at the Nova Bus Plattsburgh plant.[10]
  • Sold in 2010 to GTAA, became 85-0927
2009 4RKYL82U394000002 Cummins ISL ZF 6HP554C

Sold to CrimsonRide, became 7018 or 7019

2009 4RKYL82U594000003 Cummins ISL ZF 6HP554C

Sold to CrimsonRide, became 7018 or 7019

2009 2NVYL82U693000309 Cummins ISL9 ZF 6HP554C Sold to Woodstock Transit 10-12 in late 2010
0055 2009 Cummins ISL Allison B400R
  • Production 3rd generation rear
  • Demoed with the MTA from Jan. to Mar. 2010
30-256U Société de transport de Montréal 30-256U.jpg 2009 93000610 Cummins ISL9 ZF 6AP1400B
  • Production 3rd generation rear
  • Nova Bus/STM EPA 2010 demo
2010 4RKYL82U4B4000001
  • 2011 model
  • Built in Plattsburgh NY
  • In blue swooping livery with LFX accessories
  • Has early 3rd generation radiator grill (4 slits instead of 3)
  • Sold to Codiac Transit, became 720
June 2010 4RKYL82U6B4000002
  • 2011 model
  • Built in Plattsburgh NY
  • In blue swooping livery with LFX roofline
  • Has normal 3rd generation radiator grill (3 slits)
  • Displayed at NYPTA Trade Show (Albany NY) in Nov. 2010
  • Displayed at OTE Apr. 2011
  • Sold to Codiac Transit, became 721?
2011 4RKYL82U4C4500001
  • LFS Smart Bus demo, 2012 model
  • Full-length roof trim
  • Sold in 2012 to GTAA
4691-4692 2011
  • On trial with Houston Metro from Sept. 2011 to March 2012, given METRO livery and interior
  • Returned to Nova Bus
2012 2NVYL82U4D3000706 Cummins ISL9 ZF 6AP1400B

Sold to Belleville Transit Nov. 2012, became 1370

References

  1. ↑ Nova BUS Unveils 2nd Generation of LFS Buses at UITP Congress (Press release). Nova Bus. 26 May 1999. Retrieved on 13 January 2009.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 RTC Quebec List. busfanplace.com. Retrieved on 1 May 2009.
  3. ↑ Older NovaBus LFS Demo Spotted. cptdb.ca. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  4. ↑ Maintenance Training RTS. chicagobus.org. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  5. ↑ Edmonton Transit System NovaBus LFS Trial. kevinsbusrail.com. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  6. ↑ Brampton new bus order, Not NFI this time..... cptdb.ca. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Heath, Dan (17 August 2008). Governor announces Nova Bus plant for Plattsburgh. Press Republican. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  8. ↑ A Nova among Gilligs. bustalk.info. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  9. ↑ Nova Bus' Plattsburgh Plant Officially Open (Press release). Nova Bus 15 June 2009. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
  10. ↑ Heath, Dan (13 June 2009). Nova Bus plant in operation. Press Republican. Retrieved on 05 July 2010.
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