BUS INDUSTRY UPDATE 2004

Bus manufacturers are keeping a close eye on the impending reauthorization of TEA-21 to see what its effect will be on strained state economies, and, indirectly, on new bus procurement. The article explores trends that are emerging; such as consideration of smaller buses; the seeming growth of interest in bus rapid transit, the industry's answer to light rail; basic bus design; and cleaner burning diesel engines that seem to be the overwhelming favorites.