Thomas Saf-T-Liner

Not to be confused with Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2.
Thomas Saf-T-Liner

Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX
Overview
Manufacturer Thomas Built Buses (body and chassis)
Production 1978-present
Assembly High Point, North Carolina
Body and chassis
Class Type D (transit-style)
Layout front-engine 4x2
rear-engine 4x2
rear-engine 6x2
Body style(s) school bus
Powertrain
Engine(s) Diesel
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Transmission(s) Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 181–277 inches (4.6–7.0 m) (HDX)
Width 96 inches (2.4 m)
Curb weight GVWR Up to 36,200 pounds (16,400 kg) (HDX)

The Thomas Saf-T-Liner is the name of the transit-style (Type D) school bus product line produced by Thomas Built Buses. Introduced in 1978, the Saf-T-Liner marked the transition to in-house chassis production by Thomas. In addition to school bus applications, variations of the Saf-T-Liner have been produced as activity buses, specialty vehicles, and commercial/transit buses.

Currently, all versions of the Saf-T-Liner model line are produced in High Point, North Carolina.

Design history

Prior to its reorganization as Thomas Built Buses in 1972, Thomas Car Works produced both front and rear-engined transit-style school buses to compete with other manufacturers. As was the common practice during the era, production of the chassis was outsourced to another manufacturer. Thomas offered its transit-style buses on a wide variety of chassis in comparison to other manufacturers (changing between Dodge, Ford, GMC, International Harvester, and Volvo). In contrast, Blue Bird, then the largest school bus manufacturer in the United States, manufactured its own chassis (as did West Coast manufacturer Gillig).

In 1978, coinciding with an updated body design necessitated by federal school bus safety regulations, Thomas became a chassis manufacturer with the launch of the Saf-T-Liner EF and ER (EF=Engine Front, ER=Engine Rear). For the first time, the Saf-T-Liner was produced on a Thomas-designed chassis.

Current models

Saf-T-Liner HDX

Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX (CNG)

In 2001, Thomas introduced its current generation of rear-engine bus with the debut of the Thomas Saf-T-Liner HD (HD=Heavy Duty); for 2004, the HD was re-branded as the HDX.

Serving as the replacement for the Saf-T-Liner ER and WestCoastER, the HD/HDX would use much of the same body, with the exception of the drivers' compartment forward. On the outside, the front roofcap was completely redesigned, fairing in the front warning lights; the "School Bus" lettering was changed to a reflective decal. In a move to increase visibility, the windshield was enlarged and reconfigured to a 2-piece curved configuration. A distinguishing feature of the redesign would be the design of the sideview mirrors. To improve forward sightlines, all three sets of sideview mirrors (flat, convex, and blind-spot crossview) were integrated into single roof-mounted units, eliminating a number of brackets.

Several parts of the redesign reflected the acquisition of Thomas by Freightliner. While the chassis remained a Thomas-produced unit, parts of the body were sourced from Freightliner, including the headlights (from the Century Class) and instrument panel (from the Business Class M2 and Sterling trucks). In a further move to improve visibility, the instrument panel was centrally-mounted. Other changes were intended for the HD/HDX to accommodate a wide variety of bus drivers. The HD/HDX includes a fully adjustable driver's seat, a tilt/telescoping steering column, and an optional adjustable pedal cluster.[1]

Saf-T-Liner EFX

Thomas Saf-T-Liner EFX

In the fall of 2011, the Thomas Saf-T-Liner EF was given its most extensive redesign since 1991. As part of the redesign, it was re-branded the EFX, bringing its naming in line with the rear-engine HDX model. The EFX and the HDX also share the same roof cap design; a large 2-piece curved windshield replaced the 4-pane flat glass unit used previously. Aside from the front grille, the EFX is also distinguished by its use of separate crossview mirrors instead of the integrated units seen on the HDX. Inside, the interior is sourced from the 2010 update of the EF; the gauge cluster (sourced from Freightliner) is now offset towards the center of the bus.

Discontinued models

Saf-T-Liner EF

Thomas Saf-T-Liner EF (2008-2011 model)

Introduced in 1978, this model underwent minor redesigns during the 1980s that reduced its chrome trim. In 1984, it received rectangular headlights. However, as lower-cost front-engine transits came onto the market in the late 1980s and early 1990s, this model was gradually replaced by the All Star EF and the Saf-T-Liner MVP EF. Today, the Saf-T-Liner EF name lives on as the MVP-series EF lost its prefix in 2007.

Saf-T-Liner MVP

Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP EF

Standing for Maneuverability, Visibility, and Protection, the MVP series of the Saf-T-Liner represented their first substantial update. Introduced as new series for 1991, the MVP represented Thomas's entry into lower-cost Type D school buses, a segment created by the Blue Bird TC/2000 and Wayne Lifestar. From the outside, the MVP EF and ER had much larger windshields, and updated drivers compartments. To distinguish them from the Saf-T-Liner ER, the MVP series had dual headlights instead of quad headlights. In 2004, the MVP ER was discontinued as Thomas replaced it and the Saf-T-Liner HD with the HDX. The MVP EF, with minor updates in 2007 and 2010, was produced until it was replaced by the EFX in 2011.

Saf-T-Liner ER

1991-2000 Thomas Saf-T-Liner ER (WestCoastER) operated by Los Angeles Unified School District

Introduced in 1978, the ER was produced through the 1980s with relatively few detail changes. In 1984, the headlights and front turn signals were switched from round to rectangular units. In 1991, the driver's compartment was redesigned, with a much larger windshield. During the late 1990s, this model was distinguished from MVP-series ERs by its optional black plastic headlight trim.

WestCoastER

WestCoastER nameplate

Shortly after the introduction of the Saf-T-Liner ER, this variant was introduced by Thomas for West Coast markets (primarily California and Washington State). To better compete with the Crown Supercoaches and Gillig Transit Coaches that had long dominated West Coast school bus sales, Thomas upgraded the Saf-T-Liner ER with heavier duty components; this upgrade was not made to the EF. Additionally, on 90-passenger models, a second rear axle was an option. As it was a regionally-focused model, the WestCoastER did not sell in large numbers. However, as Crown Coach and Gillig both exited the school bus industry in the early 1990s, Thomas gained significant ground on the West Coast.

Current model specifications

Both current models of the Saf-T-Liner are available with diesel engines (or optional natural gas engine in the HDX), and have a maximum seating capacity of 90 passengers.

Model Name Saf-T-Liner EFX[2] Saf-T-Liner HDX[3]
Seating Capacity to 90[2] to 90[3]
Overall Length (inches)
Body Width (exterior) 96 inches (2.4 m)
Wheelbase 136–231 inches (3.5–5.9 m)[2] 189–273 inches (4.8–6.9 m)[3]
Interior Headroom 78 inches (2.0 m)[2][3]
GVWR Up to 36,200 pounds (16,400 kg)[2][3]
Fuel Type(s) Diesel
  • Diesel
  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Engine Cummins ISB
(200–260 hp or 150–190 kW)[2]
  • Cummins ISB
    (220–300 hp or 160–220 kW)[3]
  • Cummins ISC
    (260–300 hp or 190–220 kW)[3]
  • Cummins ISL-G CNG
    (250–280 hp or 190–210 kW)[3]
  • Mercedes-Benz MBE926[4][5](discontinued 2010)
    (250 hp or 190 kW)

Comparable products

Thomas Transit Liner HDX
Thomas Transit Liner EFX
Thomas Transit Liner ER
Current
Recent (1995-2010)
Historical (1978-1994)

References

  1. ↑ http://www.thomasbus.com/bus-models/school/saf-t-liner-hdx/standard-features.asp
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Thomas Saf-T-Liner EFX Product Literature" (PDF). Thomas Built Buses, Inc. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX Product Literature" (PDF). Thomas Built Buses, Inc. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  4. ↑ http://detroitdiesel.com/pdf/engines/2008_MBE900_specs.pdf
  5. ↑ "2008 Thomas HDX Brochure" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-01-28.
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