East New York Posted January 20, 2012 Share #1 Posted January 20, 2012 In 2001, NABI launched a new line called the CompoBus, a revolutionary line which used a body built from composite fiberglass as opposed to the traditional steel. This model was also notable for being the first transit bus in North America to be available in a 45-foot length (model 45C-LFW) in addition to the standard 40-foot (model 40C-LFW). Though, on paper, the CompoBus looked to be an eventual success and a standard setter for transit buses, the model instead floundered for a multitude of reasons including a lack of customers, financial losses stemming from shell production, the expiration of Buy America Act waivers, and an uneasiness from transit authorities to buy a non-steel bus. While these factors led to the discontinuance of the Compobus line in early 2005, the CompoBus was revived when Los Angeles County Metro approved the purchase of up to 260 from NABI, now called the Metro 45C. The CompoBus™ unique single piece structure contains both the bus’ body and chassis elements. Made from glass-fiber reinforced, vinyl-ester resin laminate it gives the bus a high strength to weight ratio thus providing significant weight reduction, simplicity of repair and absolute resistance to corrosion. ***Thread Under Construction*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C40LFR Posted January 22, 2012 Share #2 Posted January 22, 2012 Silver Line Compo at Artesia Transit Center: And a local: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compobus fan Posted January 26, 2012 Share #3 Posted January 26, 2012 More potential good news, CTA is willing to give this bus another look, even considering the 436 fiasco, Pace had a 45C-CNG to demo for a week or so, liked it, as did the CTA the first time they tested it. To me this bus is what the evolution of the GMC "Fishbowl" might have been 50 years later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East New York Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted January 28, 2012 CTA has been interested in the bus since they demo'd it back when. If NABI had been able to deliver, I'm quite sure they would have a lot less D40LF's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compobus fan Posted March 9, 2012 Share #5 Posted March 9, 2012 Just an update, Valley Transit (Veolia, Phoenix) is seriously considering adding a 20 unit piggyback to the 2013 LACMTA Compobus order, which would be implemented in express service, and free up some artics for more cross routes including Mesa 30 Line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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