Alexander ALX500 facts for kids
The Alexander ALX500 was a special type of body built for double-decker buses. It was designed to be a low-floor bus, which means it's easier for people to get on and off. This bus body was made by a company called Alexander and later by TransBus International. They built these bodies from 1997 to 2002.
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What is the Alexander ALX500?
The Alexander ALX500 is what's called a "coachwork body." Think of it as the main part of the bus where passengers sit. It's not the engine or the wheels, but the structure that goes on top of the bus's frame. This body was made for double-decker buses, which have two levels for passengers.
Key Features of the ALX500
- Low-Floor Design: One of the most important features was its low-floor design. This means the floor of the bus is very close to the ground. It makes it much easier for everyone to get on and off, including people using wheelchairs or strollers.
- Three Axles: The ALX500 body was designed for buses with three axles. An axle is a rod that connects two wheels. Most cars have two axles, but larger vehicles like these double-decker buses often need three for better support and to carry more weight.
Which Bus Frames Used the ALX500?
The ALX500 body was not a complete bus on its own. It needed to be built on a "chassis." A chassis is like the skeleton or frame of a vehicle. It includes the engine, wheels, and steering system. The ALX500 body could be fitted onto two main types of bus chassis:
- The Dennis Trident 3 chassis
- The Volvo Super Olympian chassis
Where Were These Buses Used?
The Alexander ALX500 bus body was mostly sold in Hong Kong. Double-decker buses are very popular there for public transport. However, some of these buses were also brought to the United Kingdom.
