RTS - Legend

The RTS bus is one of the most versatile and durable transit products ever produced.  The RTS meets all city and suburban transit needs, particularly for operators concerned with life-cycle costs.  Thanks to the excellent track record set by the 25,000 plus RTS buses in service in all types of climates and transit conditions, the RTS has become a LEGEND in the transit bus industry.   The RTS is configured to allow for ADA compliant lifts in either the front or rear door.   The RTS stands alone in overall strength and durability.  No other bus has this type of history.   Stainless steel, modular monocoque design and assembly remain set the standard for a truly unique transit bus for the long haul.  A multitude of options allow various passenger comfort levels and interfaces as well as alternative fuel options and storage configurations.  Updates to the electrical system, sign system, and fare collection system as well as vehicle communication systems have allowed the timeless design of the RTS to remain as a LEGEND in the transit bus industry.

Quality

RTS has a long tradition of quality.  The RTS bus design, acquired from General Motors in 1987, features an innovative manufacturing process proven in automotive production.  This manufacturing process has allowed Millennium Transit to produce a quality bus that has proven to provide a superior product life.  The stainless steel construction assures that this long life will equate to low total cost of ownership.

Customer Base

Over 25,000 RTS buses have been built since 1977, more than 20,000 are still in service across North America.  The RTS has proved its durability across many climates in over 45 states as well as in Canada.  In fact, a major Texas transit authority just joined an elite group of others who have finally retired their RTS buses with over ONE MILLION MILES.  Those buses were then sold to operators in Mexico and were driven to their new local and placed directly into service.  Over the past two decades, the RTS bus has established a solid track record of performing beyond the expected life of heavy-duty transit buses.  In a 2000 customer satisfaction study conducted by a third party^*, the RTS Heavy Duty Transit Bus ranked at its Highest (good to excellent) in the following categories:

• Reliability of the Chassis/Power Train
• Reliability of the body
• Exterior Design
• Traffic Safety

Reparability

When the occasional accident occurs which involves the structure of the RTS, the bus is not scraped, but simply repaired.  The damaged module is removed and a new module put into place.  Other products are a total loss due to their body-on-frame construction.

Safety First

Operational safety and driver comfort are also prime considerations.   Roof escape hatches and emergency window releases are standard.  A special “sensitive edge” design automatically re-opens rear doors in case of emergency.  Taillights remain visible even when the engine door is open, and the engine compartment door pro rod safety pin must be released before lowering.  The driver workstation is designed to meet ergonomic requirements of the driver.

Maintainability

The RTS transit bus is built to keep maintenance costs low, from the stainless steel body structure right down to the power train, which is mounted on a cradle for easy removal.  Diagnostic access ports and switches are conveniently located in driver’s area, and all component compartments are easily accessed to minimize service downtime.  Exterior upper stainless steel side body panels are maintenance-free, and the rear side bumper opens for easy radiator cleaning and servicing.

Most manufacturers recommend that their buses be treated against corrosion every two years.   To qualify for the 12-year durability warranty, it is recommended that all metal exposed to corrosion be properly covered with a rust proofing treatment.  Since stainless steel buses require no such treatment, they spend even more time on the road, which saves both downtime and money.

Life-Cycle Cost

Recent studies have shown that acquisition cost is not the key factor in a purchasing decision.  To obtain a more realistic evaluation, major transit authorities are considering the life cycle cost, which takes into account costs related to repair, maintenance, downtime, lost revenue and replacement vehicles.

Millennium Transit believes our customers, particularly professional buyers, choose products that offer the best value rather than the lowest price.  What’s the point of saving a few dollars on items that require more maintenance, place users at higher risk and are replaced more often?  We believe in added value, good quality and durability.  A case in point: our RTS model.

Click here for your copy of the RTS Legend specs.

^* Study conducted in 2000 by Infratest Burke.