Passenger Buses Equipped with Allison's Transmissions Gain Popularity

Allison Transmission, who made a significant contribution to the development of the urban passenger bus (Agrale MA 17) in Brazil during the past year, has confirmed positive results during the testing stage. This bus was assigned to the transportation company TUA to estimate the operating characteristics and benefits of Allison’s products, when buses are used on a daily basis.

Agrale MA 17

The company, which will celebrate its 50-year anniversary this year, currently employs a fleet of 47 vehicles, most of which have lifts for passengers with disabilities. The company’s fleet operates at 32 lines and its personnel exceed 100 specialists. During the estimation (testing) period, the bus received positive references from drivers and users. The vehicle proved to be extremely comfortable in operation with precise and timely shifting.

Learn more about Allison’s 3000 Series

The Allison 3000 Series installed in the bus is also notable for a number of different features: Allison xFE solution, refined gear ratios coupled with the FuelSense® Max technology, allowing the converter to lock at lower speeds, enhancing fuel economy. The technology implemented in this bus has already gained popularity in Argentina, and can become a success at other markets of the region.

Nice video on the FuelSense® Max technology

According to the TUA official, the testing period was not long enough for the company’s experts to estimate other strengths of Allison automatics, such as decreased vehicle downtime and better serviceability. Compared to manual models, where fleet owners frequently have to pay for replacement of clutch system elements, vehicles that come with Allison’s automatics turn out to be extremely reliable. But even a short testing experience turned out to be sufficient for TUA experts to understand that the Allison solution is ideal for passenger buses that operate on city streets with intensive traffic. It should be noted that the passengers taking part in tests were delighted with the trips.

Allison's rich experience in Argentina proves that automatic buses ensure better travelling experience, as engines run at a lower ratio. Advanced automatics turn out to be ideal for city buses, which frequently have to operate in stop-and-go traffic.