Accessibility

Accessibility Options.

SmartRider™

An industry-first in fully accessible, easy access level boarding from curb to aisle.

New Flyer developed SmartRider™ to create an unmatched accessibility experience for all passengers – enabling buses to kneel to variable heights and minimize the slope difference between a low-floor ramp and bus floor.

SmartRider™ is an advanced smart leveling system, providing unmatched accessibility for all passengers using intelligent kneeling with variable height capability. It uses intelligent technology to kneel and adjust to environmental surroundings and offers optimized boarding from the curb to the aisle. 

 

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SmartRider™

SmartRider™ vs SmartRider™ Plus.

SmartRider™ is available on all Xcelsior® models, in one of two configurations, SmartRider™ and SmartRider™ Plus. SmartRider™ includes basic features on the front axle. SmartRider™ Plus applies to all axle systems, lending additional features such as curb-side kneeling, high ride/low ride and platform-level boarding.

  • Included

  • Optional

Features
Front Kneel
Curb-Side Kneel
Enhanced Roll Stiffness
Over-Raise
Diagnostics
Platform Level
High Ride/Low Ride
Self-Leveling Auto Ramp Deploy
SmartRider™
SmartRider™ Plus
Available with SmartRider™ ramp
Available with SmartRider™ ramp

Why SmartRider™?

The SmartRider™ system is a breakthrough in public transit accessibility, offering:

  • Unmatched accessibility

  • Reduced energy consumption and upgraded components for increased reliability and lower maintenance

  • Increased stability and improved sway control

  • Actively maintained ride height on uneven road surfaces

  • Integrated suspension kneeling operation with SmartRider™ ramp to facilitate single operation for accessible boarding to a defined ramp angle.

Benefits of SmartRider™ and SmartRider™ Plus.

These  systems are a breakthrough in public transit accessibility, offering optimized boarding and unmatched line accessibility for all passengers.

  • 1:6

    SmartRider™ and SmartRider™ Plus can achieve a 1:6 slope ratio.

  • Intelligent technology that eliminates the driver’s decision on when and how far to kneel.

  • Obstruction

    Sensors enables ramp to detect an obstruction. Ramp will stop and reverse to a vertical position within the doorway.

  • Intelligent, independent monitoring of controlled wheel positions for enhanced stability.

  • Maintenance

    Easy diagnostics and fewer parts and maintenance with reduced air spring wear, no external linkage, and easily replaceable linear sensors.

How the SmartRider™ ramp system works.

The SmartRider™ ramp and suspension system work together to make ramp deployment and bus kneeling an automated operation. At a single touch of a button, a driver can deploy the ramp to enable the following:

SmartRider™
SmartRider™
SmartRider™ frame
SmartRider™ frame
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Advanced styling that drives accessibility.

Our Xcelsior® buses can be equipped with a range of accessibility features designed to ensure that all passengers, including those with disabilities, can travel comfortably and safely. These features include low-floor designs for easy boarding, ramps for wheelchair access, and priority seating. We are committed to providing an inclusive transit experience, making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go.

Advanced styling accessibility options.

Wide Doors

Increased entry and exit space allow passengers to board and disembark more faster.

Streetside Doors

Dual-side boarding ensures faster, more flexible boarding and enhanced passenger experience.

Interior + Exterior Bike Racks

Bike racks make public transit more accessible to cyclists, extending the range of their trips.

Preferred Seating Layouts

Customized seating layouts can balance accessibility, safety, comfort, and capacity to meet diverse passenger needs.

Bridge Plates or Ramps

A smooth transition between the curb and the bus makes boarding and disembarking more accessible, efficient, and safer for all passengers.

New Flyer offers an optional three-door configuration that includes a street-side door for bus rapid transit (BRT) application. Available on all Xcelsior® 40-foot and 60-foot buses, the three-door bus design ensures faster, more flexible BRT platform boarding and enhanced passenger experience.

Benefits

  • A center median can become a platform with a single station for both directions
  • Curb lanes are freed up, making for an uninterrupted flow of vehicle traffic along the right-side curbs
  • Left-side doors bring new options for one-way streets or dedicated right-of-ways
  • New designs for BRT stations are now possible with faster boarding and de-boarding