Nova Bus and CAT Roll Out First Articulated Bus in South Carolina

Feb. 19, 2013
Clemson Area Transit is putting into service the first articulated bus in South Carolina

Clemson University students will be able to set their eyes on a new style of transportation. Clemson Area Transit is putting into service the first articulated bus in South Carolina.

“We double the capacity and only use one bus to accomplish as much transportation,” said Al Babinicz, CAT general manager. “The ‘bendy bus’ technology eventually could help solve transportation problems throughout South Carolina.”

CAT dubbed its LFS Artic the “bendy bus” because of its center articulation that allows the bus to corner tightly and handle city streets as easily as a regular bus. Similar LFS Artic buses are currently in operation in large urban centers including New York City and Montreal.

The high-capacity vehicle provides optimal passenger flow since it offers the industry’s largest center aisle. It is also equipped with Nova Bus’ proprietary electric engine cooling system, resulting in significant fuel savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and competitive life cycle costs.

CAT plans to use its LFS Artic primarily on the Red Route to transport Clemson University students, faculty and staff to and from campus. As part of its plan for older buses, CAT expects to retire a total of eight buses, of which several will be replaced by articulated buses.

“We value our partnership with Clemson Area Transit, and we were pleased that they turned to us again for a proven, reliable transit solution to help them tackle their capacity challenge, enhance their productivity and ultimately, better serve the community,” added Jean-Pierre Baracat, president of Nova Bus.