Accessible Transit in Action
Merrimack Valley Transit revolutionizes mobility with the Low-Floor Frontrunner — delivering a new era of comfort, dignity, and inclusion for every rider.
Originally published in BUSRide Magazine (Oct/Nov 2025) by Emma Green. "Merrimack Valley Transit Revolutionizes Accessible Transit with the Low-Floor Frontrunner"
A Shared Commitment to Accessibility
Located in the northeastern corner of Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) serves over 400,000 residents across 16 cities and towns — from dense mill cities like Lawrence and Haverhill to the coastal and rural communities in the east.
To meet the diverse needs of its riders, MeVa has integrated the Low-Floor Frontrunner into its paratransit fleet — making accessibility, comfort, and efficiency the standard for all passengers.
“Our riders really need low floor the most,” said Noah Berger, Administrator & CEO of MeVa. “Lifts are slow, rickety, and uncomfortable. So, upgrading to the Low-Floor Frontrunner was our first priority.”
Watch this video to hear Noah Berger explain why Merrimack Valley Transit chose the
Low-Floor Frontrunner for their fleet—and how it’s been a game-changer for passenger satisfaction and operational success.
Watch the Video
Design That Welcomes Every Passenger
The Low-Floor Frontrunner bridges the gap between traditional heavy-duty buses and smaller cutaways. Its purpose-built lowered chassis, single-step curb-height entrance, and the lowest ramp angle in the industry allow passengers — both ambulatory and non-ambulatory — to board together, comfortably and safely.
This seamless boarding experience eliminates the need for lifts, reduces wait times, and ensures that every rider — from those using mobility devices to parents with strollers — feels welcome and dignified.
“It’s really about dignity, comfort, and ease of use,” said Paul LaRose, President & CEO of Frontrunner Bus. “No one should have to be lifted or climb steps just to board.”
“Our customers love it,” Berger explained. “They roll or walk on board and feel like they’re in a real transit vehicle. Riders actually get disappointed if they don’t get this bus now.”
Praised by Drivers and Riders Alike
When the new Frontrunners arrived at MeVa, the transition was immediate — and positive.
Drivers praised the bus for its quiet performance, smoother ride, and improved visibility thanks to a narrower A-pillar that reduces blind spots.
Passengers — especially seniors and people with mobility challenges — shared how effortless boarding felt and how spacious the interior seemed compared to traditional cutaway vehicles.
Innovation Engineered for Reliability
Built from the ground up, the Low-Floor Frontrunner combines robust engineering with unmatched passenger comfort. It features the first and only four-corner air suspension in its class, tuned with heavy-duty shock absorbers for a smooth, stable ride — even after long operating hours.
Its next-generation ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) system lowers the front end at highway speeds for better aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The kneeling system drops the entrance to just under 10 inches — the lowest in the industry — and can safely be driven in a kneeled position during emergencies.
“We put our vehicles through the wringer — 14 to 16 hours a day — and they’ve held up incredibly well,” said Berger. “That’s a testament to how the Frontrunner is built.”
Read the Full Article
Originally published in BUSRide Magazine (Oct/Nov 2025) by Emma Green. "Merrimack Valley Transit Revolutionizes Accessible Transit with the Low-Floor Frontrunner"
The Frontrunner in Action
From the busy streets of Lawrence to the coastal towns of Massachusetts, the Low-Floor Frontrunner keeps MeVa moving — efficiently, reliably, and accessibly.
The article "Merrimack Valley Transit Revolutionizes Accessible Transit with the Low-Floor Frontrunner" originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of BUSRide Magazine.
Written by Emma Green, Editor, BUSRide Magazine. Used with permission.
