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For The Transit Fans: Vehicle Profile: Gillig Low-Floor


Stalliongrad

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The Gillig Low-Floor began the "Low-Floor" transition in the transit field which was necessary for easier ADA compliance. Utilized primairly by medium sized and smaller transit agencies due to lower running costs the Gillig Low-Floor has had repeat customers for decades.

 

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Sound Transit Gillig Low-Floor Hybrid (Revision)

 

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Manufacturer Quick Facts:

 

Founded: 1890 by Jacob Gillig

Main Office: Hayward, California

Industry: Transit Buses, Formerly School Buses

Notable Product: Low-Floor BRT, Phantom, Advantage

 

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DASH (Driving Alexandrians Safely Home) Gillig Advantage Hybrid in Alexandria, Virginia

 

Model Quick Facts:

 

Vehicle Length: 29, 35 and 40 ft

Vehicle Height: 116 inches

Vehicle Width: 102 inches

Engine: Cummins ISB or ISL, Caterpillar C9 or C8 or Detroit Diesel Series 40 or Series 50

Seating Capacity: 40

 

Overview: With lower running costs, the Gillig Low-Floor has seen great success with smaller operators. It is arguably one of the simplest transit bus designs on the market today. To compete with the larger competitors for sales with larger transit operators, the Low-Floor was given a facelift and added configuration flexibility. Frameless side window arrangements and improved Hybrid technology using the Cummins ISB engine have been made available.

 

 

 

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Long Beach Transit Gillig Low-Floor (Revision)

 

Third Party Modifications: In its standard Diesel only configuration the Gillig Low-Floor has a relatively low roof line and a sturdy frame. There are several companies not associated with Gillig that safely modify the Gillig Low-Floor into a double decker for transit or tourist/sightseeing applications. These are often favored over purpose built double deckers which are often more expensive.

 

 

 

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Gillig Low-Floor Double Decker Modified

 

Driving Experience: The Low-Floor handles well and because its the "cheaper" option isn't slowed down by extra weight from bulky add on equipment. It can dart away from red lights faster than its more expensive rivals. Tail Swing is moderate and the ease of control is why the bus is often used in suburban and shuttle services. Used to train new drivers on transit vehicles the bus offers the bare minimum while still delivering superior performance.

 

Summary: Gillig gets enough repeat customers to stay in business and with plans to expand the Low-Floor into a new model the bus will continue to be an option for low cost fleets and shuttle services.

 

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Shuttle UM (University of Maryland) Gillig Low-Floor

 

 

Shuttle UM Gillig Low-Floor

 

Ride-On (Montgomery County Maryland) Gillig Low-Floor Hybrid

 

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