NJT Engineering Evaluation of Frame Cracks on Articulated Transit Buses

New Jersey Transit (NJT) acquired a fleet of fifty-five articulated 60 foot buses from Neoplan USA in 2005. Subsequently, Neoplan USA ceased operations, and New Jersey Transit found cracks developing in the frames of several of these articulated buses.

NJT contracted with TRC to undertake an analysis of these frame failures, determine the cause, and design appropriate repairs. TRC provided a team of engineers to inspect the bus frames and conduct comprehensive stress tests on the frames. The Finite Element Analysis revealed the source of adverse stress forces which were affecting the frames. TRC then designed repair parts and repair procedures to strengthen the frames in affected areas. TRC provided on-site instruction and supervision of repairs on the first two buses to instruct NJT personnel on the repair process.