On the right track
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TESTING is well under way at the Motor Industry Research Association's Nuneaton test track of the West Midlands PTE Passenger Transport Executive's guided bus technology.
The PTE has now received all 15 MCW Metrobuses ordered for the demonstration project on its 'Tracline` route 65. They are equipped with guide wheels to enable them to run on the special guideway being installed for 600m down the central reservation of Streetly Road.
A preview of the "hands off" steering possible on the guideway was given earlier this month to county councillors and representatives from the other PTEs on a specially-built test track at MIRA.
The guide wheels protruding three inches either side are beyond the legal maximum width and so special dispensation has been sought from the Department of Transport for the operation on route 65. Because of this, the buses are unable to be used elsewhere before Tracline operations begin in the autumn.
The Tracline project is being jointly developed by WMPTE, MCW and GKN.