Abstract: A vertically inclined engine low floor bus in which the prime mover for the bus is a rear engine oriented above the rear axle of the bus in a vertically inclined position with the transmission assembly being connected to the rear axle through a gear transfer case closely adjacent the front of the axle to enable the floor of the bus to be constructed at a lower position than arrangements in which the floor must be oriented vertically above the upper limits of movement of the rear axle assembly. Orienting the engine in this position also enables the overall height of the bus to be less than conventional while maintaining desired passenger compartment height and further enables the wheel base of the bus to be increased without increasing the overall length of the bus.

Abstract: A vertically installed engine low floor bus in which the prime mover for the bus is a rear engine oriented vertically above the rear axle of the bus to enable the floor of the bus to be constructed at a lower position then arrangements in which the floor must be oriented vertically above the upper limits of movement of the rear axle assembly. Orienting the engine vertically enables the wheel base of the bus to be increased without increasing the overall length of the bus. The vertically mounted engine enables the engine and transmission assembly to be mounted on a sub-frame that is pivotally supported for downward swinging movement of the engine and transmission assembly to a generally horizontal position projecting rearwardly from the bus to enable increased accessability to the engine and transmission assembly as well as the accessory components.