TURKEY Private Public Buses now offer an enhanced level of service, even in congested traffic, using advanced technology to increase public transport comfort in Diyarbakir in Southern Anatolia. As a providor of public service vehicles for people with disabilities, Private Public Buses has been operating 23 Allison-equipped Isuzu Citibus models for almost a year. The Turkish company recently took delivery of 10 more Isuzu buses.
The Isuzu Citibus has a low turning radius, is easy to manoeuvre and features a special ramp at the middle door for the convenience of passengers with disabilities or those with buggies. The 9.5m bus is equipped with a 152kW (204hp) Euro 5 engine and an Allison 2000 Series fully-automatic transmission – a drivetrain package delivering improved fuel economy.
Mehmet Pervane, President of Private Public Buses – Cooperative Number 126, said: “As our city continues to expand, bus service duty-cycles constitute ongoing stopstart operations. Allison-equipped buses provide passengers with a comfortable traveling experience while in heavy traffic every day.
“The most important advantages of an Allison transmission include ideal acceleration in every condition and ease of manoeuvring. Since there are no manual gear changes, drivers can fully focus on the road. Allison transmissions help decrease maintenance costs by eliminating clutch repairs and offering longer maintenance intervals. They have also reduced fuel consumption. Drivers also appreciate them. Because of their satisfaction and high demand, we would like the same vehicles to fulfil our future needs.”
The Allison 2100 model is suitable for buses with engines up to 172kW (230hp). It offers six forward speeds and one reverse; it features helical gears for quieter operation, a torque converter and uninterrupted power shifts for comfortable and efficient operation. Adaptive shift strategy and an economy calibration contribute to lower fuel consumption.