Crapo: Ineel Contributions Central To Yellow Bus Development

Washington, DC â??A modernized version of the traditional Yellowstone National Park tour bus aimed at providing an all-season, alternative transportation choice for our national parks, was unveiled at a news conference held today on Capitol Hill. At the event, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo spoke to a diverse group of public and private interest, praising the collaborative effort in developing the low-emission, cost-effective bus. Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Montana Senator Conrad Burns also spoke at the event.â??The new Yellow Bus is really a story about how divergent groups can come together, and with ingenuity and expertise, create a prototype vehicle that meets a variety of needs,â?? Crapo said. â??For the last three years, communities, businesses and federal agencies have worked together to achieve a result that will benefit our environment, improve the experience of all who visit our national parks, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. The Yellow Bus stands as proof that this type of collaborative effort truly works.â?? The new bus, painted bright yellow, retains the conventional feel of the older park buses while introducing modern features including sophisticated suspension system for a smooth ride, a low floor access system that complies with the American with Disabilities Act, audio-visual capabilities, and alternative fuel opportunities. The bus also has a retractable roof to allow passengers greater visibility in the outdoors, and the optional feature of tracks for traveling over snow in the winter. Crapo also lauded the participation of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) in the completion of the vehicle. â??As the team leader for the project, INEEL was central in assembling the partners and identifying new technologies to be used on the vehicle,â?? Crapo said. â??The new Yellow Bus represents a real-world example of how our national laboratories system can be used to provide new technologies and unique solutions in solving problems facing our national parks and the nation.â?? A satellite feed with Crapoâ??s remarks and footage of the bus on Capitol Hill is available today at the following time and coordinates:1:45-2:15 p.m. Mountain Time/ 12:45-1:45 p.m. PacificGalaxy 3 (C-Band) Transponder 7 HorizontalDownlink Frequency 3840Standard Audio# # #FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://crapo.senate.gov or www.senate.gov/src/radio.