Arboc Speciality Vehicles has announced the recall of transit buses of the models known as Freedom and Spirit of Mobility. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between April 1, 2011 and March 25 of this year. 57 units in total are affected by the recall.
The recall was issued because it was discovered that the Prolo roof escape hatches of these vehicles do not comply with standard safety norms. Specifically, two components of this part of the vehicle could experience an increased amount of friction that could cause the amount of opening force to be too great. This defect would put them out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 217, which pertains to emergency exits on buses and their retention and release.
This poses an issue wherein there is a possibility that anyone inside the bus would be unable to open the roof hatches during an emergency. This would be especially problematic if passengers needed to get out of the bus in an expedited manner.
The vehicle owners will be notified by ARBOC, although the company has not yet provided a window as to when this may happen. When contact is made, consumers will be provided free service kits by Specialty Manufacturing, along with repair instructions. All of this should be done without the owner being charged.