Orion VII (Toronto Transit Commission bus)

TTC Orion VII bus
A TTC Orion 07.501 "VII" bus #7549 shown at Kennedy Stn. On route 43B Kennedy.
Overview
Manufacturer	Orion International
Production	2002–2012
Assembly	Mississauga, Ontario Oriskany, New York
Body and chassis
Class	Transit bus
Body style	Stainless steel
Layout	T-Drive or series hybrid
Doors	2 doors
Floor type	Semi low-floor
Related	Toronto Transit Commission bus system Toronto Transit Commission bus fleet
Powertrain
Engine	Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR (2002–2005) Cummins ISB (2006–2009) Cummins ISL (2006–2007, 2010) Cummins ISL9 (2011–2012)
Transmission	Allison B400R (2002–2007 diesel models, 5 speed and 2010–2012 diesel models, 6 speed) BAE HybriDrive system (hybrid models)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	190 in (4.83 m), 226 in (5.74 m), or 286 in (7.26 m)
Length	40.5 ft (12.34 m)
Width	102 in (2.59 m)
Height	127 in (3.23 m) (diesel) 132 in (3.35 m) (diesel electric hybrid)
Chronology
Predecessor	GM New Look
Successor	Nova Bus LFS Artic

The TTC Orion VII buses are standard semi low-floor transit buses used for public transport operated by the Toronto Transit Commission built by Orion International in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are the most common buses in the TTC fleet. This model is manufactured for the TTC by Orion International in Mississauga, Ontario and Oriskany, New York.

The buses are the first model of bus that TTC has purchased in the 21st century. Built with a stainless steel frame, low-floor front and high floor back (semi low-floor configuration), the Orion VII addresses many of the complaints the TTC had about the Orion Vs and VIs, including poor quality construction, poor metals that corroded prematurely, inadequate passenger capacity, inadequate accessibility, and excessive emissions. The Orion VIIs use a stainless steel design that won’t corrode like the earlier carbon steel frames. The bus is fully accessible, includes Luminator Horizon LED destination signs for greater visibility, has more seats and floor space than other low-floor buses on the market, and employs a clean-burning diesel engine, eliminating the need to invest in alternative fuels and technologies.

These buses have been delivered since 2002. The GM New Looks and other older models have been retired as the Orion VIIs have been added to the fleet. Orion VII aren't the only models in the TTC fleet with the other being Nova LFS.

Around 2001, a C32Y01883 contract was awarded to bus manufacturers for 220 diesel buses to replace some of their existing fleet in need of retirement from their short lifespans. Thirteen companies were issued copies of the proposal documents; four companies expressed interest during the proposal period: NovaBUS, Neoplan, New Flyer and Orion. Neoplan withdrew because it was concerned about its inability to comply with the proposal requirement that products be fully made of stainless steel (the TTC standard for future orders). NovaBUS had to pull out due to a backlog of orders in Quebec. New Flyer and Orion were proponents on the proposal as the RFP was cancelled and negotiated with the two companies. Orion's proposal consisted of a bus with an 18-year design life, which was the Orion VII which launched that year. New Flyer proposed 100 D40LFs and 120 D40i "Inveros" for the 2003 and 2004 order but the carbon steel is not designed as a result, Orion met the TTC requirements and was awarded the contract.