Ashok Leyland showcased the ‘Janbus’ and the ‘Janbus Midi’, the world’s first front-engine, fully flat floor buses at the International Bus and Utility Vehicle Show held at Greater Noida. Feature-rich and technologically advanced, both these vehicles are innovative transport solutions addressing urban transportation needs. While the Janbus is ideal for easy, comfortable and affordable city travel, the Janbus Midi will serve as a feeder bus.
“These two vehicles are for faster, smarter and safer urban mobility,” said Mr. Rajive Saharia, Executive Director, Marketing, Ashok Leyland. “Both the Janbus and the Janbus Midi are examples of innovative Indian engineering and reflect our understanding of Indian customer requirements and the unique operating conditions in the country. Both these buses with 650 mm floor height offer significant savings on BRTS infrastructure and are passenger-friendly, driver-friendly and operator-friendly.”
With a floor height of 650 mm, the Janbus has uniform floor height right from the driver’s work station to the rear for hassle-free passenger movement. Boarding and alighting is easy, thanks to its wide doors and single step entry which also significantly reduces halting time at bus stops. The kneeling arrangement on the left hand side is a special feature. It can carry more passengers, and powered by a 225 hp, BS4, CRS diesel engine, the ‘Janbus’ promises better pick-up and reduced journey time. Another standout feature of the Janbus is ‘Leymatic’, the automated manual transmission that ensures fatigue-free driving.
The Jan Bus is replete with multiplexing, passenger information systems, vehicle tracking and infotainment complying with the latest MoUD 2 urban bus specifications and the bus code. It offers a high degree of customization with multiple options for door placement and seating arrangements. It can be configured for various applications like BRTS, airport tarmac and normal city travel in both A/C and non-A/C versions.
The eight-metre Janbus Midi, with a uniform floor height of 650 mm, is specially designed for feeder services, offering passengers last mile connectivity from metro stations, BRT corridors to their final destinations.
Metro feeder operations require quick boarding and alighting for which the bus is equipped with wide doors and a single-step entry. The fuel-efficient ‘H’ Series 120 hp BS3 diesel engine and reliable driveline addresses the need for frequent stopping and continuous operation. The power steering with tilt and telescopic arrangement reduces driver fatigue considerably. Its comfortable seating, ample leg room, wide and spacious windows, LED lighting and softer parabolic suspensions make for a comfortable city ride. The vehicle sports an all-new, stylish fascia and offers door and seating arrangement options. It can also be used as school and staff bus.
Both Janbus and Janbus Midi are also available in BS 4 Diesel and CNG variants.