Edmonton Transit System
Blue Bird Ultra LF Trial

From February 15th to 28th, 2005, ETS had a 2004 or 2005 Blue Bird Ultra LF (30ft. Low Floor) demo bus running in revenue service. It is allocated to the Route 304 Southpark Village from February 15th to February 21st and is expected to serve other community shuttle routes/runs after the 21st until the 28th. According to information posted at ETS's website, ETS is expecting to test out a variety of smaller medium duty type transit buses in anticipation for future replacement of some Ford-ELF Overland low floor community shuttle buses. ETS also anticipates future expansion of the community shuttle program and is also testing smaller buses for this reason. The 30 foot version of the Blue Bird Ultra LF was the first of these anticipated demo buses.

The Ultra LF demo is likely powered by the Cummins ISB engine with a 200-230 horsepower rating with an Allison automatic transmission. The bus has 24 seats or 18 if both wheelchair positions are in use. This demo unit was equipped with a front and rear door, air conditioning, a USSC driver's seat, LED taillights, and a FM/AM/CD? radio/player.

Perhaps the most noticeable observation about the Ultra LF is the interior noise level that the Cummins ISB produces on acceleration. It is much louder than an ELF community shuttle and likely louder than the Cummins ISC/ISL used in the D40LF's that ETS has. The seating arrangement in this particular demo unit felt cramped in most parts of the bus. This demo unit was also not equipped with a destination sign. But an opening on the front is provided for one, all be it a smaller than usual for a front destination sign opening. As a result, ETS used a Route Card displayed in the front windshield.

Some good points about the bus was that the bus could handle tight turns in parking lots with ease, although obviously it would still take up much more space than a regular car. The ride was smooth and the doors are wide enabling quick turnover times. This demo bus was also equiped with an air conditioner which is a standard feature on the diesel version of the Ultra LF.

Photo Captions- The first time (and probably will be the only time) I rode the bus was on February 16th, 2005. I waited at Southgate Transit Centre for the demo Blue Bird Ultra LF to arrive on Route 304 Southpark Village. As it pulled into Southgate I took a front and rear photo (1, 4). From there I boarded and took the 25 minute round trip where I took interior photos (7, 8, 9). As the Ultra LF left Southgate Transit Centre on another run on the 304, I took photos (2, 3, 5, 6)

Please do not re-use these photos without prior permission from the respective photographer.

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Interior Views

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