The U.S. transit industry has essentially converted to low-floor
transit buses for most new orders. Much of the rationale for
choosing these designs is based on two primary arguments:
customer convenience and more cost-effective compliance with
accessibility regulations. As was the case first in Europe, and
later in many cities worldwide, low-floor transit buses have
virtually completed their conquest of the North American
marketplace. Indeed, no manufacturer now offers a standard-floor
vehicle (i.e., a higher floor with steps at the doors). Low-
floor design advantages include faster boarding and alighting
for the majority of passengers, as well as elimination of the
traditional wheelchair lift, which has been one of the biggest
sources of maintenance-related road calls since accessible buses
began to be mandated in the U.S. However, there are applications
where these benefits may be trumped by those of standard-floor
buses, including the accommodation of the preference of many
riders who would rather sit hig