Gillig Buses: Understanding Their Length And Dimensions

Gillig is an American designer and manufacturer of buses, founded in 1890 by Jacob Gillig, a carriage builder and upholsterer. The company is based in Livermore, California, and is the second-largest transit bus manufacturer in North America. Gillig buses are available in various lengths, including 29 feet, 35 feet, and 40 feet, with different body configurations and propulsion systems such as conventional diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, compressed natural gas, and battery-electric. The 40-foot Gillig bus, for example, has a maximum seating capacity of 40 passengers and a turning radius of 43 feet.

The length of a Gillig bus varies from 29' to 40'

The length of a Gillig bus varies from 29 to 40 feet. Gillig, the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States, offers a range of bus lengths to cater to different needs. The variety in length allows Gillig to provide solutions for various transit applications, including airport shuttle services and public transportation.

The 29-foot Gillig bus is an option for those seeking a more compact vehicle. This length is particularly suitable for routes with tight turns or narrow roads, providing maneuverability in constrained spaces.

On the other hand, the 40-foot Gillig bus represents the largest size offered by the company. These buses are designed to accommodate higher seating capacities, making them ideal for high-demand routes or areas with high passenger volumes.

Gillig also offers intermediate lengths, such as the 35-foot bus, which strikes a balance between the 29-foot and 40-foot options. This length provides a versatile solution for operators who require a combination of maneuverability and seating capacity.

The different lengths of Gillig buses are not just limited to their standard transit bus configurations. The company also offers variations in length for specialized models, such as the Low Floor BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and the Trolley Replica. These models are designed with specific purposes in mind and are available in lengths of 29, 35, or 40 feet to meet diverse operational needs.

Gillig's commitment to customization and flexibility is evident in their broad product offering. By providing a range of bus lengths, the company ensures that transit operators can select the most suitable option for their unique requirements. Whether it's navigating narrow streets or accommodating large passenger numbers, Gillig's variable bus lengths offer a tailored solution for each operator's specific conditions.

The Gillig Low Floor is the most popular model

The Gillig Low Floor is known for its durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in maintenance and operation. It features a stainless-steel chassis and an aluminium body, resulting in a lighter-weight, high-strength bus. The bus is offered in three nominal body lengths: 29 feet, 35 feet, and 40 feet. The 40-foot length has a maximum seating capacity of 40 passengers and a turning radius of 43 feet.

The Low Floor model is available with various powertrain options to cater to different transit applications. These options include conventional diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, compressed natural gas, and battery-electric. The diesel-electric hybrid configuration, introduced in 2004, features the Cummins ISB engine and is identified by its roof-mounted battery pack.

Over the years, the Gillig Low Floor has undergone several revisions to its body design. Updates have been made to the windshield, side windows, entry doors, and bodywork. In 2017, Gillig introduced the Low Floor Plus, which combines the roof fairing of the BRT Plus with the body of the standard Low Floor model. This new variant offers a lightweight appearance package while delivering industry-leading passenger capacity and manoeuvrability.

Gillig buses are manufactured in Livermore, California

Gillig is an American designer and manufacturer of buses, founded in 1890 by Jacob Gillig, a carriage builder and upholsterer. The company is headquartered in Livermore, California, and manufactures its buses there too. The Livermore facility includes a 600,000-square-foot main building and two smaller buildings, measuring 50,000 sq ft and 27,000 sq ft. The company moved to Livermore in 2017 from Hayward, California, where it had been located for over 80 years.

Gillig is the second-largest transit bus manufacturer in North America by volume and has a strong reputation for its low-cost, high-quality buses. The company has a long history of manufacturing buses, dating back to the 1930s when it first started producing school buses. Today, Gillig offers a range of bus lengths, including 29', 35', and 40', with various propulsion systems such as clean diesel, hybrid electric, and compressed natural gas.

The Gillig Low Floor, introduced in 1996, is a popular model that serves as a foundation for each of Gillig's designs. It is known for its durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, with a stainless-steel chassis and aluminium body that makes it lighter and stronger. The Low Floor model is offered in various configurations, including the BRT, BRT Plus, Low Floor Plus, and Trolley Replica, each with its own unique features and options for powertrains and body lengths.

Gillig's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its buses, and the company takes pride in building reliable and cost-effective transit solutions that connect communities and contribute to a greener environment.

The company is the second-largest transit bus manufacturer in North America

Gillig buses are available in lengths of 29, 35, and 40 feet. The company is the second-largest transit bus manufacturer in North America by volume, behind New Flyer.

Gillig, formerly known as Gillig Brothers, is an American designer and manufacturer of buses, with headquarters and manufacturing operations located in Livermore, California. The company was founded in 1890 by Jacob Gillig, a carriage builder and upholsterer who opened his own shop in San Francisco. In the following years, his son Leo and grandson Chester joined the business, and it became known as the Leo Gillig Automobile Works.

In 1914, Leo and Chester Gillig reorganised the company as Gillig Brothers, which remained its name for the next 50 years. Although the company initially manufactured custom vehicle bodies, they built their first motorbus body in the same year. In 1932, Gillig designed its first school bus body, and in 1937, they introduced their first flat-front, transit-style school bus.

Over the years, Gillig expanded its product line, entering the transit bus segment in the mid-1970s and introducing the Gillig Phantom, their first dedicated transit bus, in 1980. In 1996, they introduced the H2000LF, their first low-floor bus, which was followed by the full-scale production of the Gillig Advantage in 1997.

Today, Gillig continues to innovate, offering buses with various powertrain options, including clean diesel, hybrid electric, and compressed natural gas (CNG). As of 2013, the company held an approximate 31% market share of the combined United States and Canadian heavy-duty transit bus manufacturing industry.

Gillig's buses are known for their durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, with a stainless-steel chassis and aluminium body that results in a lighter-weight, high-strength bus. The company's modular design allows operators to customise their buses according to their specific needs, making Gillig a leading choice for transit agencies in North America.

Gillig buses are known for their low maintenance and operational costs

Gillig buses are available in lengths of 29, 35, and 40 feet, with a variety of propulsion systems and styling packages to meet the unique needs of different operators. The company's buses are known for their low maintenance and operational costs, making them a cost-effective choice for transit operations.

The durability and reliability of Gillig buses contribute to their low maintenance requirements. The buses feature a stainless-steel chassis and aluminum body, resulting in a lighter-weight yet high-strength construction. This robust design minimizes the need for frequent repairs, reducing maintenance costs for operators.

Additionally, Gillig buses offer a range of powertrain options, including conventional diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG), and battery-electric configurations. This flexibility allows operators to choose the most suitable and cost-effective propulsion system for their specific requirements. For instance, the diesel-electric hybrid option, introduced in 2004, offers reduced fuel consumption and is expected to lead to lower maintenance costs over time.

The company's commitment to cost-effectiveness is further demonstrated by their customer-focused design and build process. Gillig works closely with customers to understand their unique needs and provides customized solutions. This approach ensures that operators acquire buses that are tailored to their specific requirements, optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing unnecessary expenses.

Moreover, Gillig's buses are designed with modular flexibility in mind. This means that operators can easily select and integrate different propulsion systems and styling packages while maintaining fleet commonality. This flexibility allows for cost-effective upgrades and modifications, ensuring that the buses can adapt to evolving needs and technological advancements without incurring excessive expenses.

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