WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — ABC Companies announced Oct. 5 the launch of COR Transit, a heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer developing a 40-foot diesel bus for the North American public transit market.
The company is targeting a prototype in 2027 and initial deliveries in 2028. It plans to manufacture the buses in the United States but has not selected a site.
ABC said the launch responds to challenges facing transit agencies, including aging fleets, longer vehicle lead times, rising costs and fewer choices in the heavy-duty bus market.
“For ABC, this did not start with a desire to become a manufacturer. It started with our customers,” said Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies. “If we know there is a need, and we believe we have the ability to help address it, what are we going to do about it? For us, COR Transit is the answer to that question.”
Founded in 1972, ABC provides vehicle distribution, refurbishment, training, technical support, parts and service to transportation operators across North America.
Through ABC Parts Source, the company supplies parts to more than 700 transit agencies. Its nationwide network includes 10 facilities, more than 142 service bays and more than 730,000 square feet of parts and service infrastructure, according to ABC.
The company said its experience supporting fleets is helping shape COR Transit’s development, with an emphasis on reliability, ease of maintenance, parts availability and long-term support.
“Our goal is straightforward: Build a reliable bus. Make it practical to operate and maintain. Support it throughout its lifecycle. And give transit agencies another strong choice in the market,” Cornell said.
ABC said it will continue to represent and support its existing manufacturer partners while expanding into bus manufacturing.
The new bus is being developed to meet applicable Buy America requirements. The company also expects it to complete Altoona testing as development advances toward commercial production.
“COR Transit represents a significant long-term commitment,” Cornell said. “Our history may open the door, but we know the product and our support must earn the confidence of transit agencies. We are ready to do that work.”
ABC is providing information about COR Transit and its other products and services at booth 631 during APTA TRANSform & EXPO through Oct. 7.
Additional information is available at cortransit.com.
