Gas turbine for GM's kneeling coach
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• An experimental transit coach with a "kneeling" capability to lower the step height, interior appointments similar to a jet airliner, a gas turbine engine and other unique engineering and design concepts is being developed by the GMC Truck and Coach Division at Cleveland, Ohio. Known as the RTX, (rapid Transit Experimental), the coach was recently unveiled at the American Transit Association convention.
The new vehicle meets "passenger-oriented bus design criteria" recommended by the National Academy of Sciences and has been wider development for several years. Says GM: "A possible date for production of the RTX cannot be determined until development work is completed on critical The 40ft coach is 14in. lower than current models and the floor 12in. lower without a reduction in ground clearance. Its unique suspension system enables the coach to "kneel" as much as 3in. at stops without kerbs. Roof and side panels are installed with structural adhesives, the absence of rivets contributing to the clean styling. A special loading ramp to permit wheelchairs to be loaded and a braille bus stop reader for the blind are provided.
• The directors of Lancashire United Transport Ltd. have announced an estimated E80,800 profit for the half-year ended June 30 after charging depreciation but before providing for taxation 11967; actual profit £86,500).