At Frontrunner® Bus, we’re pleased to share the latest development in accessible and efficient public transportation: Lassen County, California, has incorporated the Frontrunner into its fleet, dramatically enhancing transit options for its rural residents. As a new addition to the Lassen Rural Bus (LRB) service, the Frontrunner makes daily commutes smoother and safer, particularly for elderly and disabled passengers who depend on reliable public transit for essential travel.
Meeting Lassen County’s Unique Needs
Located in northeastern California, Lassen County’s geography presents distinct transportation challenges, from rugged terrain to significant winter snowfall. With a high proportion of riders requiring accessible services, the LRB service, managed by the Lassen County Transportation Commission, sought a solution that would meet these unique needs. Enter the Frontrunner Bus. Caleb Schortz, General Manager for Paratransit Services, first discovered the Frontrunner through a chance email—and the bus’s low-floor design immediately stood out.
“We need low-floor vehicles for our Dial-A-Ride service, which serves many wheelchair and elderly passengers,” said Schortz. “The Frontrunner’s design is exactly what we need.”
Why the Frontrunner Works for Lassen County
The Frontrunner’s thoughtful design is proving invaluable for Lassen County. Its low-floor entry and ample wheelchair space make boarding and exiting much easier, while its small body size and tight turning radius allow it to navigate city streets with ease. Since joining the LRB fleet in 2022, the Frontrunner has been primarily used on the City Express Route, achieving an impressive 92% on-time performance—an essential metric for public transit reliability.
Nick Shoemaker, the fleet’s mechanic, praised the Frontrunner for its ease of maintenance. “Apart from a minor issue with a cooling hose, it’s been straightforward to maintain,” Shoemaker noted.
A Bus for Both Riders and Drivers
The Frontrunner has quickly become a favorite among LRB drivers, who appreciate its comfort and safety features, such as supportive seating and a narrower A-pillar to reduce blind spots. Passengers, too, have responded positively, particularly elderly riders who value the bus’s spacious, open floor plan and low noise level. With a state-of-the-art HEPA filtration system, the Frontrunner also meets today's passengers' health and safety concerns, enhancing air quality during transit.
Built for Lassen County’s Weather
Lassen County faces tough winter conditions, and the Frontrunner’s design has risen to the challenge. While chains are still necessary for severe weather, the bus’s lightweight structure allows it to “float” on the snow, maintaining stability and safety. Its four-corner air suspension, with the latest ECAS system, offers unmatched comfort and fuel efficiency, lowering the bus at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and providing the lowest step-in height and ramp angle in the industry.
Future Plans for the Frontrunner in Lassen County
The success of the initial Frontrunner deployment has paved the way for growth. Lassen County Transit is preparing to order additional Frontrunner buses to meet the needs of its expanding service area. Assistant Transportation Planner Jasleen Mutti confirmed that they plan to continue investing in the Frontrunner, recognizing it as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in their fleet.
“The Frontrunner has quickly proven its value in our community,” said Mutti. “We’re excited to see how it will support our long-term goals for service connectivity and efficiency.”
Driving the Future of Rural Public Transit
The addition of the Frontrunner Bus to Lassen County’s fleet marks a significant step toward accessible, efficient, and reliable public transportation in the region. By addressing the specific needs of Lassen County’s residents and adapting to environmental challenges, the Frontrunner is more than just a new vehicle—it’s a transformative tool for the community. As Lassen County Transit continues to expand and evolve, the Frontrunner stands poised to become a cornerstone of rural public transit, enhancing quality of life for those who depend on it every day.
Learn More and Contact Us
For more details on the positive impact of the Frontrunner in Lassen County, please read the full article in BUSRide.
If you have any questions or need further information about Frontrunner®’s accessible transportation solutions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Visit our Contact Page or reach out to our customer service team—we’re here to help!
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how transportation is evolving to meet the needs of every passenger. Together, we make strides towards creating a more accessible and inclusive community.
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