Schedule Testing
To schedule a vehicle for bus testing, please follow the steps below. If you have general questions about the bus testing program or the federal regulations governing the program, please contact David Klinikowski at dxk6@psu.edu or (814) 863-1898. Before scheduling, please learn more about testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Step 1
To learn more about submission requirements, visit the bus testing determination and authorization section of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) web site. For FTA technical questions or suggestions, contact the FTA Bus Testing Program Manager.
Step 2
After a determination letter with statement of authorization to test is received from the FTA, contact Jennifer Noll at jmn33@psu.edu or Jennifer Lego at jdw175@psu.edu to obtain an appropriate Contract for Testing and the Time and Fee Schedule, as well as additional information required for testing.
Step 3
Once you have reviewed the information and are able to determine an approximate date on which the bus will be delivered for testing, please return two completed, original Contracts for Testing, one copy of the insurance certificate, license plate, and vehicle registration or certificate of origin. These documents should be returned to Jennifer Noll at jmn33@psu.edu or Jennifer Lego at jdw175@psu.edu at the Altoona Bus Testing Center. The contract and insurance certificate will be processed at Penn State and a fully executed copy of the contract will be returned to the manufacturer.
Detailed insurance requirements are set forth in Paragraphs 12 and 13 of the contract. Briefly, the certificate must include Automobile Liability insurance for $1,000,000 U.S., and Physical Damage coverage (collision, comprehensive). Penn State University must be included on the certificate as an additional insured.
Step 4
Contact Brad Long at bjl9@psu.edu at the Altoona Bus Testing and Research Center several days prior to the expected date of shipment to arrange for delivery and unloading. The bus must arrive at the Altoona Bus Testing and Research Center (2237 Plank Road, Duncansville, PA 16635) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Step 5
Upon delivery of the bus and receipt of all required paperwork (including spare parts and service documentation), the bus will be scheduled to begin testing. A check for the Manufacturer’s 20 percent portion is due at this time before any testing can begin. The start date for testing is handled on a first come-first served basis and is subject to the availability of personnel and facilities. The bus must meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), have a valid VIN plate affixed, and have proper license and insurance for operation on public roads.
