Mid-1990’s Orange County Superbus – Doing Mass Transit the “Old School” Way

Most people outside of Southern California (SoCal) would likely think that trailer buses (buses using a separate tractor hauling a trailer outfitted with seats) were obsolete and gone in the US by the end of WW II.  But they had a short-lived resurgence in the 1990’s in Orange County – it was called the “Superbus.”

In the late 80’s, looking for ways to increase their commuter ridership, Orange County Transit District (now Orange County Transit Authority – OCTA) looked to the past and decided to field a new tractor-trailer bus that could hold more passengers than the typical suburban/commuter coach of the day.  They had a local California company build two trailers with seats, each 46 feet in length.  The seating was similar to a commuter bus with forward facing seats and individual lighting.  Safety considerations were met with the driver having a video feed from the trailer and also a two-way intercom.  The trailer used a robust steel framework and also had the latest anti-jackknifing technology.  A three-year trial period was then implemented using Fullerton to downtown LA as the test route.  

After declaring the trial period a success, bids were solicited and a new company called Superbus Inc. won the contract – and built ten trailers starting in the early 90’s.  These new trailers could hold 56-58 seated passengers.  In addition to the Fullerton route (721), the Huntington Beach to downtown LA route (701) also transitioned to the Superbus.  The tractor/prime mover was a White Xpeditor low-cab-over with a 10 liter Cummins L10 six cylinder diesel and an Allison HT-740 automatic transmission.  

What did passengers think?  From what I could gather online they were pretty satisfied, noting the interior was fairly quiet being isolated from the engine. However, it was mentioned that the trailers didn’t have an air-bag suspension and could ride “hard” when lightly loaded.  If any of our readers have first-hand experience, please comment below.  

So, what happened to the Superbus?  All in all, OCTA was happy with the two Superbus routes and was considering plans in 1992 to expand and buy more trailers.  But then it was discovered Superbus Inc. (trailer-maker) was having  financial difficulties and had stopped paying rent on its facilities.  Then allegations of fraud emerged.  The company folded several years later.  OCTA also realized articulated buses could hold even more passengers while sharing components with the existing bus fleet.  

As a result, by the mid-90’s, it was Goodbye Superbus.  Several were sold to other SoCal transit agencies, Sunline and Riverside Transit being two, who used them for several more years.  One other was reportedly converted into a police/fire Mobile Command Center.  

How about today?  OCTA currently uses New Flyer C40LFR units configured as a suburban for the 701/721 routes, with Cummins-Westport engines using CNG.

Fun Fact 1:  Many countries/areas still use trailer buses, primarily in Mexico, Cuba and Africa.  

Fun Fact 2:  Though they have significantly dwindled in numbers, a few “cattle cars” – a ride in which was once a right of passage for all new military recruits – are still in use by the US military.  The picture above was taken at Fort Leonard Wood in March 2024.