Omni kneels to the left or right
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• Omni Coach's side-kneeling derivative of its midibus was unveiled at the Accessible Transport '92 conference and exhibition last week. The model will spearhead its attack on the stage carriage market (CM 25 June-1 July).
A 6.6m prototype was put through its paces at the show in Twickenham where it demonstrated that the far and nearside of the vehicle can be lowered separately or together.
The 310mm floor height is reduced to 190mm when either side kneels, or 210mm when the complete vehicle is lowered.
There is also a ramp which can be released automatically when the suspension is lowered to bridge the gap between the kerb and vehicle for wheelchairbound passengers. The lm extension, like the lowering options, is operated from the driver's seat.
Shildon-based Omni Coach expects to be selling the kneeling bus by the end of the year. It says it will cost a maximum of 30% more than the standard Omni at £.36,750.
But first it has to get certification from the Department of Transport. It plans to apply for DipTAC certification in August, giving it time to incorporate some of the changes suggested at the vehicle's debut.
The prototype was funded by the Department of Transport in its initiative to encourage mobility innovations. It has 17 passenger seats: five forward, nine inward, and three rear facing. The rear facing seat opposite the entrance is for wheelchair passengers although it can be used as a temporary tip-up seat. It is fitted with a safety belt and a side safety arm.
Omni Coach reckons the stepless Omni will overtake sales of the standard version, and with a side access ramp which meets a bus stop's kerb it will be more suitable for stage carriage routes. The current Omni is fitted with a rear kneeling device.
Omni Coach also hopes to convert its 5.5m and 7.5m sixwheeler versions to take the kneeling device. All models will be exported to Canada and Japan.
Omni Coach chairman Fred Davies, who lives in Canada, says the design has taken Canadian weather conditions into account. The ramp, which folds into the side of the Omni, is prevented from icing over by its rack being heated by the exhaust.