WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University will expand its student transportation fleet with the order of two new 32-passenger commercial buses built on the S2C chassis from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC), according to a release from FCCC.

The new buses will join the Washington, D.C. university's existing eight-bus fleet and will carry students between the campus and nearby public transportation routes. Gallaudet provides a liberal arts education and career development programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.  

The front-engine diesel-powered FCCC S2C is built on a shuttle bus chassis rather than a traditional truck chassis. The university needed larger-capacity commercial busses with a single-door cab to allow the driver to more easily and safety assistant students in the back of the bus, according to the release.

The University needed its new buses to offer wheelchair accessibility to meet the specifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Coach manufacturers can add or remove certain cab amenities, including the rear wall, seating, and passenger door, allowing for a customized product. Manufacturers working with the FCCC S2C benefit from the all-inclusive chassis design because they only need to address the vehicle's body, seating, and wheelchair capabilities.

The S2C is powered by an EPA 2010 Cummins ISB 6.7-liter engine with up to 260 hp and an Allison automatic six-speed transmission. The engine utilizes Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, which is proven to meet long-term EPA 2010 emissions requirements by dramatically reducing nitrous oxide (NOx), particulate matter, and fine particle emissions without increasing fuel consumption.

Additionally, the S2C features a sloped hood for easy engine access and visibility, and includes a lightweight Freightliner cab. Its aluminum frame reduces flex and bowing to minimize coach stress and keep the driver and passengers comfortable. A 55-degree wheel cut provides extra maneuverability for city driving, according to the release.