Bus News- Good News
Grande West's Vicinity buses complete FTA test
2016-06-21 07:41 MT - News Release
Mr. William Trainer reports
GRANDE WEST TRANSPORTATION GROUP INC.: VICINITY COMPLETES ALTOONA BUS TESTING
Grande West Transportation Group Inc. has completed testing of its Vicinity 30-foot model buses in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) bus test program at Altoona, Penn. The Vicinity was tested for the maximum allowable 12-year, durability testing. Full reports are available on the company's website.
The Altoona test is an internationally recognized tough testing regime as it essentially performs 12 years of a New York heavy-duty cycle upon completion of the testing. It allows customers to measure performance and estimate life-cycle costing of the vehicle.
United States regulations require all new bus models used for mass transportation revenue service and purchased with FTA proceeds to complete an Altoona test. The primary focus of the test program evaluates the structural durability and integrity, reliability, performance, maintainability, safety, noise, and fuel economy.
"We are very proud of the Vicinity achieving this important milestone and its exceptional performance in all categories of the Altoona test. Our engineering team has designed and manufactured a great bus for the market. The Vicinity has accumulated millions of miles of safe and reliable service since its introduction with BC Transit in 2010," said William Trainer, president and chief executive officer of Grande West. Mr. Trainer added: "The Vicinity performed superbly and clearly distinguished itself against other mid-sized buses in this heavy-duty 12-year test program. The Vicinity has completed its testing as best in class in many categories. The company, and our large distribution partner, Alliance Bus Group, has been eagerly awaiting completion of the Altoona test. The company and Alliance Bus Group can now address the massive sales potential in the U.S. marketplace."
Also to further assist the company's corporate efforts, Grande West is pleased to add John LaGourgue to its board of directors. Mr. LaGourgue has over 20 years of management, sales and investment experience in public and private companies. He has also served in senior management and director's roles in TSX Venture Exchange-listed companies. Mr. LaGourgue will be a great asset to assist the company's management team with communications and capital market strategy.
Mr. LaGourgue will be granted 250,000 stock options at 58 cents per common share. The options will vest in accordance with the company's stock option plan. The options granted are exercisable until June 16, 2021, subject to exchange approval.
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