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When it comes to investing in a transportation solution, the upfront cost is just the tip of the iceberg.  The true cost of ownership includes everything from fuel efficiency and maintenance to safety and downtime. At Frontrunner Bus Group, Inc., we believe that every dollar you spend should yield reliable, long-term benefits. Here’s why the Frontrunner®’s low-floor minibusses are not only a smarter investment but also a better choice for your passengers and your bottom line. 1. Fuel Efficiency that Saves You Thousands—Year After Year Fuel costs represent one of the most significant ongoing expenses for any transportation fleet. The Frontrunner’s innovative design features a  lightweight yet high-strength body and chassis structure , allowing it to achieve an impressive  10-14 miles per gallon —up to twice the mileage of comparable cutaway class buses with similar passenger capacity. Why This Matters: For a typical fleet traveling  30,000 miles annually , switching to the Low Floor Frontrunner could save operators  over $5,000 per year in fuel alone . These savings compound quickly, turning what might seem like a higher upfront cost into substantial long-term financial benefits.   Example: If you operate a fleet of just five vehicles, that’s a potential savings of  $25,000 per year —enough to reinvest in your business or expand your service offerings.   2. Maintenance That Won’t Break the Bank Repairs are more than just an inconvenience—they can cripple your budget, especially when it comes to wheelchair lifts. Traditional wheelchair lifts are prone to failure at the worst times, leading to costly repairs and frustrating delays for passengers. The Frontrunner addresses this issue head-on with its  virtually indestructible fold-out ramp , which is simpler, more reliable, and far less expensive to maintain.   In Numbers: Traditional lift repair:  These can cost $2,000–$3,000 per incident. Frontrunner ramp maintenance:  Minimal, with significantly lower costs and downtime.   Why It’s Better: By reducing both the frequency and cost of repairs, the Frontrunner keeps your vehicles on the road and your maintenance budget under control.   3. Safety Means Savings—Fewer Incidents, Lower Costs Safety is not just a moral imperative—it’s a financial one. Accidents, injuries, and liability claims can quickly escalate costs and damage your reputation. The Frontrunner’s  spacious low-floor design  eliminates the need for steep steps, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls for seniors and other passengers.   The Financial Impact: Average cost of a liability claim:  $10,000–$30,000 per incident. Cost of preventing incidents:  Minimal, with Frontrunner’s safer design.   Real-World Scenario: Imagine avoiding even one slip-and-fall claim per year—that’s up to  $30,000 in potential savings . Additionally, safer design can lead to lower  insurance premiums , saving even more over time.   4. Extended Lifespan — A Smart Long-Term Investment While a traditional cutaway with steps and a wheelchair lift may come with a lower initial price tag, they historically have  short lifespans  due to rust, lower-quality materials and higher failure rates for the critical frame, body and components. In contrast, the Frontrunner is built to last with  high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials  that withstand the rigors of daily use.  The hot dip galvanized chassis is up to 200 times more corrosion resistant than cold rolled steel with environmentally unfriendly undercoating over plywood. The Frontrunner’s patented lightweight composite bus structure sets a new standard for durability and comfort in a cutaway class bus.      Long-Term Benefits: Lower depreciation:  Retains value better than comparable models, making the Frontrunner a great vehicle to lease. Fewer replacements:  Extended service life means fewer costly replacements.   The Bottom Line: Replacing a vehicle prematurely doesn’t just cost more — it disrupts operations and drains resources that could be better spent elsewhere.   5. True Comfort — For Passengers and Your Budget A cutaway chassis was never designed to carry passengers. Their heavy-duty leaf springs and stiff suspension were designed for box trucks. Making matters worse, wheelchair occupants ride in the rear of the bus and suffer the indignity of being lifted four feet in the air and a poor bouncy ride. Cramped, dated, noisy, rattle prone, and poorly lit interiors are a common complaint of traditional multi-step cutaways, leading to dissatisfied passengers and, ultimately, fewer return customers. The Frontrunner’s  spacious, bright interior  and easy-to-navigate layout enhance passenger comfort, making it an easy choice for organizations that prioritize rider comfort and satisfaction.  Built from the ground up for people, the difference is significant and undeniable.   Why Comfort Matters Financially: Satisfied passengers are more likely to recommend your service, boosting both  customer retention and revenue . Additionally, a comfortable, efficient vehicle reduces loading and unloading times, allowing you to  serve more passengers per hour . Studies have shown that loading a wheelchair occupant with a ramp vs. a wheelchair is 6X more efficient.   Customer Feedback: “ Our passengers love the extra space and smooth access of the Frontrunner. We’ve seen a noticeable increase in both satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals ,” says a Frontrunner operator in California.  "It was perfect! As soon as we could, we bought two more" 6. Lower Total Cost of Ownership — The Numbers Don’t Lie When you add up all the factors - fuel savings, reduced maintenance, longer lifespan, customer satisfaction, and fewer incidents — the Low Floor Frontrunner’s total cost of ownership is significantly lower than that of traditional cutaways with steps and a wheelchair lift or a cramped van attempting to emulate a low floor. What might seem like a higher initial investment quickly proves to be the more economical choice in the long run.   Cost Breakdown: Fuel savings:  Up to $5,000 per year per vehicle. Maintenance savings:  Potential to cut costs by 50% or more. Safety-related savings:  Thousands in avoided liability claims.   Over a 10-year period, a fleet of five Frontrunner minibuses could save operators more than $250,000 compared to similar models.   7. Invest in the Frontrunner — See the Savings for Yourself The choice is clear: The Low Floor Frontrunner’s superior design doesn’t just lower costs—it transforms the economics of your fleet management. Investing in a Frontrunner means more than just cutting expenses; it’s about delivering  safer, more comfortable, and more reliable  service to your passengers. Ready to see the difference for yourself? Contact us today  to schedule a test drive and discover how the Frontrunner can save you money, mile after mile.   Smart Spending is About More Than the Sticker Price Choosing the right transportation solution isn’t about spending less—it’s about  spending smarter . The Frontrunner’s lower total cost of ownership makes it the clear choice for fleet operators who want to maximize every dollar. From fuel efficiency to safety and passenger comfort, the Frontrunner® is built to save you money—without compromising on quality.   Get in touch today  to learn more about how the Frontrunner can transform your fleet’s bottom line!

Press Release: March 3, 2025 We are excited to announce that New England Wheels, Inc. has officially changed its name to Frontrunner Bus Group, Inc. This name change reflects the growth of our brand around our groundbreaking Low Floor Frontrunner and our commitment to growth and innovation. Efficiency, accessibility, and reliability are crucial to all transportation operations. Our Low Floor Frontrunner addresses these pain points, offering an efficient, user-friendly design that enhances the passenger experience while optimizing operational costs. As we look toward the future, we will soon be introducing more innovative solutions that continue to raise the bar in mid-sized bus transportation and benefit all levels of mobility in public and private transit. For more information, contact: Gina Ciampa 1-800-886-9247 Frontrunner Bus Group, Inc. 33 Manning Road Billerica MA 01821

At Frontrunner® Bus, we’re pleased to share the latest development in accessible and efficient public transportation: Lassen County, California, has incorporated the Frontrunner into its fleet, dramatically enhancing transit options for its rural residents. As a new addition to the Lassen Rural Bus (LRB) service, the Frontrunner makes daily commutes smoother and safer, particularly for elderly and disabled passengers who depend on reliable public transit for essential travel. Meeting Lassen County’s Unique Needs Located in northeastern California, Lassen County’s geography presents distinct transportation challenges, from rugged terrain to significant winter snowfall. With a high proportion of riders requiring accessible services, the LRB service, managed by the Lassen County Transportation Commission, sought a solution that would meet these unique needs. Enter the Frontrunner Bus. Caleb Schortz, General Manager for Paratransit Services, first discovered the Frontrunner through a chance email—and the bus’s low-floor design immediately stood out. “We need low-floor vehicles for our Dial-A-Ride service, which serves many wheelchair and elderly passengers,” said Schortz. “The Frontrunner’s design is exactly what we need.” Why the Frontrunner Works for Lassen County The Frontrunner’s thoughtful design is proving invaluable for Lassen County. Its low-floor entry and ample wheelchair space make boarding and exiting much easier, while its small body size and tight turning radius allow it to navigate city streets with ease. Since joining the LRB fleet in 2022, the Frontrunner has been primarily used on the City Express Route, achieving an impressive 92% on-time performance—an essential metric for public transit reliability. Nick Shoemaker, the fleet’s mechanic, praised the Frontrunner for its ease of maintenance. “Apart from a minor issue with a cooling hose, it’s been straightforward to maintain,” Shoemaker noted. A Bus for Both Riders and Drivers The Frontrunner has quickly become a favorite among LRB drivers, who appreciate its comfort and safety features, such as supportive seating and a narrower A-pillar to reduce blind spots. Passengers, too, have responded positively, particularly elderly riders who value the bus’s spacious, open floor plan and low noise level. With a state-of-the-art HEPA filtration system, the Frontrunner also meets today's passengers' health and safety concerns, enhancing air quality during transit. Built for Lassen County’s Weather Lassen County faces tough winter conditions, and the Frontrunner’s design has risen to the challenge. While chains are still necessary for severe weather, the bus’s lightweight structure allows it to “float” on the snow, maintaining stability and safety. Its four-corner air suspension, with the latest ECAS system, offers unmatched comfort and fuel efficiency, lowering the bus at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and providing the lowest step-in height and ramp angle in the industry. Future Plans for the Frontrunner in Lassen County The success of the initial Frontrunner deployment has paved the way for growth. Lassen County Transit is preparing to order additional Frontrunner buses to meet the needs of its expanding service area. Assistant Transportation Planner Jasleen Mutti confirmed that they plan to continue investing in the Frontrunner, recognizing it as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in their fleet. “The Frontrunner has quickly proven its value in our community,” said Mutti. “We’re excited to see how it will support our long-term goals for service connectivity and efficiency.” Driving the Future of Rural Public Transit The addition of the Frontrunner Bus to Lassen County’s fleet marks a significant step toward accessible, efficient, and reliable public transportation in the region. By addressing the specific needs of Lassen County’s residents and adapting to environmental challenges, the Frontrunner is more than just a new vehicle—it’s a transformative tool for the community. As Lassen County Transit continues to expand and evolve, the Frontrunner stands poised to become a cornerstone of rural public transit, enhancing quality of life for those who depend on it every day. Learn More and Contact Us For more details on the positive impact of the Frontrunner in Lassen County, please read the full article in BUSRide . If you have any questions or need further information about Frontrunner®’s accessible transportation solutions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Visit our Contact Page or reach out to our customer service team—we’re here to help! Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how transportation is evolving to meet the needs of every passenger. Together, we make strides towards creating a more accessible and inclusive community.

In an enlightening feature by Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor of Busline Magazine, the spotlight shines on Cities Area Transit (CAT), a beacon of collaborative and innovative public transportation serving the Grand Forks, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area. This story, rich with the spirit of cooperation across state lines and institutional boundaries, unfolds the growth and optimistic future of CAT's services. Covering Grand Forks, ND, East Grand Forks, MN, and the University of North Dakota, CAT exemplifies the positive outcomes of shared vision and joint efforts in public service. From its inception in the early 1980s, the partnership between these two cities and the university has propelled a comprehensive transit system forward, offering fixed-route bus services, dial-a-ride paratransit, and specialized senior rider services. Dale Bergman, Cities Area Transit Division Director, shares insights into the system's evolution, highlighting significant ridership growth, technological advancements, and the seamless integration of services across state lines. This narrative also delves into the operational strategies and community engagement efforts that have shaped CAT into a model of public transportation excellence. As CAT continues to adapt and expand, its story in Busline Magazine's November/December 2023 issue offers valuable lessons on collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of service improvement in the public transit arena. Read Article:

At Frontrunner® Bus, we are proud to announce a significant achievement in public transportation accessibility—a recent collaboration with Cincinnati Metro has led to the launch of 10 new Access paratransit vehicles, designed and manufactured by Frontrunner®, with state-of-the-art accessibility features. Innovative Accessibility Features Our Frontrunner® vehicles come equipped with an impressive kneeling suspension system. This innovative feature allows each vehicle to lower, facilitating easier boarding and exiting for passengers with mobility challenges. Additionally, these vehicles feature a new ramping system that replaces traditional lifts, ensuring a smoother and more efficient boarding process for wheelchair users and individuals using mobility aids. Commitment to Passenger Comfort This initiative is part of Cincinnati Metro's broader commitment to prioritizing the needs of all riders, as echoed by Darryl Haley, CEO/GM of Metro, "Metro continues to prioritize the needs of all riders across every line of service. By incorporating these new features from Frontrunner®, we are ensuring that our passengers with disabilities have a comfortable and convenient travel experience." Frontrunner® Bus' Dedication to Accessibility As a leading manufacturer of accessible transportation solutions, Frontrunner® Bus is dedicated to enhancing transportation for everyone. Our collaboration with Cincinnati Metro on these vehicles reflects our commitment to innovation and accessibility in public transit. Looking Forward These 10 vehicles are just the start, as Cincinnati Metro plans to upgrade its entire fleet of nearly 50 Access vehicles to include more of Frontrunner®'s advanced models. This ongoing effort aims to improve the overall experience for passengers, reinforcing both Metro's and Frontrunner®'s dedication to accessibility and convenience. Learn More and Contact Us For more details on these advancements, please read the full article in Metro Magazine . If you have any questions or need further information about Frontrunner®’s accessible transportation solutions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Visit our Contact Page  or reach out to our customer service team. We're here to help! Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how transportation is evolving to meet the needs of every passenger. Together, we make strides towards creating a more accessible and inclusive community.

FrontRunner® was recently featured in Metro Magazine’s Shuttle Ops supplement! Described as a “bus that has broken all the rules”, the FrontRunner® is built on the Ram Promaster 3500 chassis and features a lowered-floor and gross vehicle weight of 9,350 pounds. New England Wheels kept 3 key points in mind when building the FrontRunner®: Strength, Durability and Light-Weight. It uses ultra-high strength lightweight steel in its purpose-built chassis, which is then fully dipped in a hot-dipped galvanized process for superior corrosion resistance and fully composite wall panels, patented for their light-weight. Because of this lightweight, the FrontRunner® is fuel efficient, and according to end-users getting as high as 16-17 miles to the gallon on the highway. The vehicle is also front-wheel drive, making is significantly easier to handle, especially in the elements due to its tighter turning radius. The FrontRunner® lowered-floor minibus successfully completed the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Altoona Testing program with a score of 91 on the new pass/fail test. Read the full article.

In a recent commendation that underscores the transformative potential of the Low Floor Frontrunner Bus, Rodriguez Kimbrough, the Director of ECAT (Escambia County Area Transit) in Pensacola, Florida, shares an inspiring perspective on the future of public transportation. "Seeing things like this gets me excited about the future of transit," states Kimbrough, reflecting on the Frontrunner's innovative design and performance. This endorsement highlights the growing enthusiasm among transit professionals for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. The Frontrunner Bus, with its advanced features and eco-friendly efficiency, is at the forefront of this shift, promising a greener, more accessible future for communities nationwide. Kimbrough's insight not only underscores the importance of innovative transit solutions but also signals a bright future for the industry, with the Frontrunner leading the way.

In the dynamic realm of university transportation, the quest for reliability, efficiency, and comfort in student transit solutions is perpetual. The University of Iowa's CamBus service recently made a significant stride in this direction by incorporating the Frontrunner buses into their fleet, a decision underscored by a glowing endorsement from Mia Brunelli, the Operations Manager at CamBus. Brunelli's praise, "It was perfect (Frontrunner). As soon as we could, we bought two more," encapsulates not just satisfaction but a testament to the transformative impact the Frontrunner buses have had on their operations. This endorsement speaks volumes about the Frontrunner's performance and its alignment with the needs of a bustling university transport system. The decision to expand their fleet with additional Frontrunner buses reflects a broader trend toward prioritizing sustainable, comfortable, and efficient transportation solutions in academic environments. As institutions across the globe strive to enhance their transport services for students, testimonials like Brunelli's offer valuable insights into the benefits of investing in innovative transportation technologies. The Frontrunner, with its exceptional fuel economy, passenger comfort, and durability, stands out as a model of how modern engineering can meet the diverse needs of campus transportation efficiently and effectively.

Featured in the Busline Magazine, the Low Floor Frontrunner Bus emerges as a beacon of innovation in the transportation sector. Designed to surpass traditional expectations in the cutaway bus class, the Frontrunner embodies the future of travel with its superior fuel economy, safety, convenience, and passenger comfort. Garnering an impressive 91% in the Altoona durability test, it not only sets a new benchmark for durability but also champions environmental sustainability with its exceptional fuel efficiency. Its advanced composite body structure and unparalleled design innovations underscore its position as the most technologically advanced low floor mini-bus in today's market. This article, published in Busline Magazine's September/October 2023 issue, offers an in-depth look at the revolutionary features of the Low Floor Frontrunner and its significant impact on reshaping the transportation landscape. Read Article:

Since its development in 2016, the purpose built , low-floor Frontrunner minibus has raised the bar in every aspect of passenger transportation.

Introducing the NEW Standard in Lowered Floor Commercial Transportation. When we set out to design and build the country’s first true lowered floor fully composite ⁱ front wheel drive mini-bus we were determined to break the mold. For decades the American bus industry has relied on tubular steel bus body structures built on rear wheel drive chassis that are heavy, fuel inefficient, and where ride-quality and vehicle aesthetics are often an after-thought. With the introduction of the front-wheel drive Pro-Master cutaway the opportunity to be unencumbered by a rear drive-train allowed our engineering team to design a true lowered floor mini-bus that redefines what up until now has only been available on larger transit style buses. A traditional 15 passenger bus does not address the needs of our aging population. For many of the country’s aging baby boomers, navigating three 10.5” steps can be an impossible task. For those confined to wheelchairs, the notion of being hoisted four feet in the air can be an uncomfortable experience. For operators, traditional wheelchair lifts take up valuable space, add significant weight to the vehicle, limited seating capacity, and most importantly serve as a source of frequent downtime due to service related interruptions. The Frontrunner from New England Wheels changes all of this and redefines what commercial transportation in the 15 passenger class should be! Step in height in the kneeling position of only 8.5” makes entry and egress more universally acceptable than a traditional three step bus. Our simple reliable aluminum ramp weighs a mere 60 pounds and meets the proposed ADA standard of 6:1. When the ramp is not needed its low profile swing out functionality preserves valuable passenger space. Fold-away seating for up to six passengers provides the flexibility of accommodating up to three wheelchair positions with the benefit of knowing that ambulatory seating is available when wheelchair accessibility is not needed. With the challenge of building a mini-bus whose GVWR is less than 9,350 pounds our engineers have stepped outside of the box of traditional bus design and thinking to bring to market a light-weight, fuel efficient, flexible, and comfortable 15 passenger transportation solution. As attractive as it is functional, this ground breaking patented design replaces traditional steel with composite materials that are lighter and stronger than a traditional bus design. Our unique use of sandwich panels for our bus structure provides a rattle free, quiet, and smooth ride with additional thermal properties no tubular steel construction can offer. High strength structural adhesives replace traditional steel welding offering the latest in bus building technology. We hope you too will experience the finest lowered floor mini-bus available in the market today. We will continue to re-define value and introduce cutting edge products that shape the way America transports passengers of all ages and abilities. Sincerely, Paul LaRose President

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