I have scanned the article from "The Canberra Times" (10/01/09) it can be found at: http://s550.photobucket.com/albums/ii421/JulianHamstead/?action=view¤t=IMG_0002.jpg
Thanks for the scan!
I think we might just turn this into the thread for discussion/delivery of the 14.5's and the next batch of MANs
We've now got an article in the news blog.
It'll be a while, ha ha, at least a year.
Mid-year according to the article but yeah, could be longer..
Just wondering what do you mean with the MAN deliveries in this topic heading?
ACTION are reportedly purchasing:
27 x 14.5m's (Scania?)
100 x MAN (18.310?)
they will then be delivered to ACTION..
Aha, sounds good that MAN have the 100 bus contract. Would this order of 100 buses be onew of the biggest on off orders?
That article mentions clean diesel. Which would more than likely mean Adblue, am I right.
No, MAN don't have a SCR engine in the buses, they use EGR.
The article was about the 14.5s but they wouldn't get Adblue for 27 buses.
Scania also use EGR, so neither of the mentioned chassis require adbule. However, with recent developments in the heavy diesel sector, the use of adblue is inevitible.
They're phasing out artics - that's a shame. But the new buses look alright as well.
Just alright?
Have you been on one?
They have lots of power (assuming we're getting 310's) and they are just overall really nice buses!
Scania's are meant to be diesel, don't let gas Scania's make you think they're crap.
i dont give a crap what we're getting really, i love our old artics and i hope they retain them for some purpose
Artics should stay on school services, but we'll be lucky if that even eventuates.
I'm not sure if the use of AdBlue will be inevitable, seeing as Scania just released a Euro V vehicle, EGR technology is rapidly increasing.
But I strongly disagree with Scanias way of achieving their emissions target, small engine, large turbo. That just doesn't work, especialy if the turbo experiences mechanical difficulties, or is underpowered.
ALL of the major engine manufacturers have stopped development of EGR engines in favor of SCR. I'm sure Scania are in the same boat, as it would be a major gamble to go against what the R&D of all of your competitors has found.
Yeah? In that case, you're right, it is inevitable!
I sya to ACTION: Stop putting off the inevitable, just do it! Get AdBlue.
Quote from: Mr Snrub on January 10, 2009, 02:23:26 PM
ACTION are reportedly purchasing:
27 x 14.5m's (Scania?)
100 x MAN (18.310?)
they will then be delivered to ACTION..
On what evidence do you base this assertion? The
Canberra Times article mentions 100 buses only (as does anything else I could find about this topic for the Wikipedia page). It also says that Tom Elliot would not comment until contracts were completed - meaning the contracts are not yet completed.
I can believe that there will be 27 x 14.5m's (most likely Scania) to replace the MkI body artics and 73 standards. From the article it looks like both bus types would be delievered at the same time with 5 to 10 14.5s in the first year and 15 to 20 standards.
(Ryan - there was an error in the blog entry which said the 14.5 are $100000
less than a standard bus instead of
more than.)
I agree with you there Martin, 100 buses over the next 4 years was what the budget was based on. So we can expect 27 14.5's and 73 rigids to be delivered BY 2012, not from 2012 as previously stated. The ACT govt has a policy of replacing buses at a rate of 25 per year at the moment.
I don't know what to believe, some people say the 27 14.5's are included in the 100 new buses, however some people say the 14.5's are in addition to 100 MAN's
The 14.5ms are included in the order, they always have been, even when it was going to be 11 artics and 89 rigids, it was always included in the order.
Thats what I thought but some people are saying they are additional...however it's not in the budget so I don't know
The article and my post were just going on what I'd been told. I'll edit the news article.
Does anyone know if these new buses will have the rear desto number thingy?
One would assume so
Quote from: Busnerd on January 10, 2009, 07:55:39 PM
Scania's are meant to be diesel, don't let gas Scania's make you think they're crap.
The 14.5m Scanias in Melbourne absolutely hoon, they are great fun to ride!
The 14.5s for Metro, and even their rigids are simply fantastic buses, fast, smooth (I know!) and generally, a comfortable ride.
Well a source on facebook has told me the first 14.5 is at this stage due around June/July.
Wow, thats a few months.
Interesting, I've heard that the tenders are just taking forever, which consequently might leave us waiting in limbo a bit longer. Not sure if anoyne has even been awarded the contract yet......
You may have better chances then me. All contracts can be searched under http://www.contractsregister.act.gov.au but all I get is a blank screen.
Also under the article I scanned, it states the first batch are due in July/August & will include 5-10 of them.
But, remember, what ACTION say and what happens are completely different things.
Today's Canberra Times states that 24 14.5's will be purchased, with the first four set to arrive in October. The tender for 100 buses has also been completed.
The 24 14.5's are a part of that 100 new buses.
24? Thats just simply pathetic! What happened to the original 27?! Far out man........
Why must they always get an uneven number!
So they would be... 390 - 413!!
What, they couldn't get one more so that the mans are 415 - 515
How many people can get on a 14.5 compared to an articulated bus ?
I believe its slightly less than an artic, so i think it would be around 55-60 seated.
CDC's CC Bodied Scania K310UB 14.5m are 56 seaters. Same with their Volgren's.
Brisbane Transports is 56 (54 + 2 Wheelchair, which I believe is included in the above CDC total aswell), with a total capacity of 98.
Articulated buses can carry far more, particularly when it comes to standing capacity. 14.5m buses are just Artics they can't afford.
You can't say that...
Each type of bus has it's own features and advantages/disadvantages.
If you want the capacity, then buy artics, if you just want a slightly increased capacity but more for commuters than students/charters then get 14.5's.
I have been informed that someone made a HUGE stuff up with the 14.5 Scania's. Apparently the mechanics know that the 14.5 buses can't get around Canberra roundabouts. So these buses will be stuck of Redex1 1 & 2 or 300 services.
It must of been the same person who ordered the gas MAN's that just fit in the workshop & don't fit in the bus wash & that was after it was altered for the Scanias which couldn't fit in the bus wash to start with.
So maybe (just maybe) ACTION might have to pick up new artics & hopefully we get the MAN artic. As they are beautiful & have a few wis bang gadgets that no other ACTION MAN has. But most likely that won't happen for a while as these new artics cost $750,000 each & have a capacity of about 110-120 people.
Quote from: MaxiZac on May 25, 2009, 04:15:27 PM
You can't say that...
Each type of bus has it's own features and advantages/disadvantages.
If you want the capacity, then buy artics, if you just want a slightly increased capacity but more for commuters than students/charters then get 14.5's.
He can say that, and he DID!
He's right too, the 14.5m rigid is not a replacement for an artic.
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 11, 2009, 01:41:14 PM
So these buses will be stuck of Redex1 1 & 2 or 300 services.
If they can't get around roundabouts, they won't be on any routes at all.
I assume you mean the smaller suburban roundabouts - for which the 313, 318 and 319 travel through.
Not to mention the rather small roundabout at Cameron & Chandler Sts..
Quote from: Buzz Killington on June 11, 2009, 05:01:22 PM
If they can't get around roundabouts, they won't be on any routes at all.
I assume you mean the smaller suburban roundabouts - for which the 313, 318 and 319 travel through.
Not to mention the rather small roundabout at Cameron & Chandler Sts..
It's rather smallness is why the island is 2-level, so large vehicles can just drive over the 1st level.
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 11, 2009, 01:41:14 PM
I have been informed that someone made a HUGE stuff up with the 14.5 Scania's. Apparently the mechanics know that the 14.5 buses can't get around Canberra roundabouts. So these buses will be stuck of Redex1 1 & 2 or 300 services.
It must of been the same person who ordered the gas MAN's that just fit in the workshop & don't fit in the bus wash & that was after it was altered for the Scanias which couldn't fit in the bus wash to start with.
So maybe (just maybe) ACTION might have to pick up new artics & hopefully we get the MAN artic. As they are beautiful & have a few wis bang gadgets that no other ACTION MAN has. But most likely that won't happen for a while as these new artics cost $750,000 each & have a capacity of about 110-120 people.
14.5's, especially the Tag Axle version, are actually quite versatile. From what I understand, and have been told the 14.5 Tag axles are almost like driving a standard rigid and can get around most obsticles. If they can get around some of the stuff Sydney has to offer, I am sure Canberra's roads will be a piece of cake. Have only been on one Hillsbus one, and they seem to turn qith much ease, riding in the rear of one it almost feels as though you 'glide' around the corner.
As for the height of the MAN's, you can blame CC For that. The EvoII body is alot higher than your standard CB60, add the Pod ontop of that and it is quite a tall vehicle. I do not know of one CC Gas Rigid that has a recessed Gas Pod, that seems to be a Volgren feature, however we know ACTION decided not to touch the CR228L body.
Artics will probably be a long while away. If they are purchasing 14.5's to replace artics, that can almost be seen as a death sentence as the artics are well used on school and charter services which on a good day will be packed to the rafters (Thankyou 7, I just plugged a show for you). They are also used on the well patronised Xpresso routes, which also can be quite jammed in depending on which run it is. I Can see ACTION Keeping the artics for a while longer, if only used for School and Charter/special event's services (That is my own speculation, and we will find out soon enough what ACTION will do). They can always double head the run's, however the cost of paying a driver and fuel cost's for two vehicle's may be outweighed by the ease of use the artic offers. The 14.5's are a good idea for something like the Intertown, or the proposed RedEx routes where capacity no longer is able to sustain an artic (Unless it is Skyfire, or a similar event).
Also while someone else is paying to look after the buses, they should use the hell out of them. But I have also been "informed" that the PR180.s MkII's are due to go first. It has to do with something that was changed from the MkI's to MkII's & this has made them of poorer quality. But I have noticed that the bendy bits on the MkII's is alot more torn then on the MkI's & I have seen every single artic at Tuggeranong Depot.
All of this was explained to me that the mechanics tell the starters/shift makers what bus type can go on what run & they know that the 14.5 buses are unable to go on most roundabouts in Canberra. But every bus should be able to do every single run.
The Mk Is will go first because they are all fucked. None of them go well at all and they are the oldest buses in the fleet.
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 12, 2009, 12:03:21 AM
Also while someone else is paying to look after the buses, they should use the hell out of them. But I have also been "informed" that the PR180.s MkII's are due to go first. It has to do with something that was changed from the MkI's to MkII's & this has made them of poorer quality. But I have noticed that the bendy bits on the MkII's is alot more torn then on the MkI's & I have seen every single artic at Tuggeranong Depot.
All of this was explained to me that the mechanics tell the starters/shift makers what bus type can go on what run & they know that the 14.5 buses are unable to go on most roundabouts in Canberra. But every bus should be able to do every single run.
AFAIK, there is no difference between the MkI and MkII Artic's apart from the installation of Saydair Seating and an Alcatel Flip Dot desto.
They have had 1 14.5 demonstrator at Belconnen Depot for a few hours, so I don't know how they would be able to base any fact to the claim they won't get around our roundabouts. They are probably confusing the Tag Axle vehicles we are getting with the standard 14.5m. Tag Axle vehicles are designed to give the same turn that any standard rigid does, and as I said are more versatile than your average 14.5. The only roundabouts of concern I can really see are the ones in Wanniassa, which have the curved islands to slow you down. However, if an artic can get through them I am very sure a tag axle 14.5 will be able to do it.
All 14.5s have Tag Axles, ACTION's are to have steerable Tag axles fitted. Tag axle is just a term used for an unpowered axle.
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 12, 2009, 12:03:21 AM
All of this was explained to me that the mechanics tell the starters/shift makers what bus type can go on what run & they know that the 14.5 buses are unable to go on most roundabouts in Canberra. But every bus should be able to do every single run.
*shakes head*
There are so many reasons why that comment is incorrect, not even worth trying.
As for the 180.2s, thats a worry, but wait and see, as you should know by now, 'Depot rumours' are easily spread, usually incorrect and shouldn't be believed.
Although, could be correct, Ansair may have changed their construction techniques, as it was the last Ansair bus ACTION received, so we can't compare it to any newer Ansair bodies.
While farewelling drivers on the morning runs, I managed to speak with a mechanic who was working on a 700 series standard. We got talking about when those 700 100.2's would be replaced & got talking about the 14.5m. But I have noticed that the bendy bit in a few of the MkII artics are ripped to shreds. While the MkI artics look unripped.
Bellows can be an aftermarket thing, but maybe the mechanics in the bellows are different in the MkI Artics compared to a MkII, don't know. The mechanic may very well be correct.
My sources have informed me that ACTION are expecting the first MAN is early September. However the Scania's are still in pending acceptance testing stage.
Below is an email I sent to one of my sources & their reply:
Quote
-Are you able to tell me when ACTION are due to recieve their new 14.5 Scania or standard MAN buses?
The expectation is that the Standard MAN's will be here early September
The Scania's are a little further in the future pending acceptance testing
-Are the MAN's going to be the CB60 body shape as per the current MAN's?
CB60 EVOii
-Is Belconnen Depot going to be trusted with any of these new MAN's?
Belconnen will be the launch depot. Both depots are equal as far as performance & quality are concerned
-If the 14.5 Scania's complete testing will the allocation for these buses be the same as the same allocation for the Renault PR180.2's?
ACTION will require large capacity vehicles that comply with the ACT Roads regulations as replacements for the aging PR180.2's
-Will the MAN's just start off with 390 & the artic replacement continuing after that?
BUS 390 is the next number in sequence for the Rigids
BUS 500 will be the next number sequence for the next large capacity vehicles
That should help to clear up a few questions some may have. That also means that the numbers (should) start to make a bit of sense & it look if ACTION will have the same amount of MAN it has had in the past (Previously 410 to 584=174 & now 374 to 499=125)
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 19, 2009, 10:14:26 AM
That also means that the numbers (should) start to make a bit of sense & it look if ACTION will have the same amount of MAN it has had in the past (Previously 410 to 584=174 & now 374 to 499=125)
You may want to check your maths, as well as the fleet history. ACTION had 152 MAN SL200s; 374 to 499 equals 126 buses.
But just because the 14.5s are starting at 500 doesn't mean that all numbers up to 499 will be used (yet) or will all be MAN 18.310s if they are used. The current order is for 100 buses in total - so that means only 76 new diesel MANs (for a total of 92).
What you should have asked is how many (if any) buses will be disposed of once the new buses are delivered.
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 19, 2009, 10:14:26 AM
Is Belconnen Depot going to be trusted with any of these new MAN's?
Don't quit your day job, because your humour is pathetic.
Otherwise, thanks for sharing the e-mail with us.
Quote from: Martin on June 19, 2009, 01:05:15 PM
What you should have asked is how many (if any) buses will be disposed of once the new buses are delivered.
I know it has been mentioned before that 60 of the new buses are replacements & the other 40 are to be added to the fleet. But I'll see what info is available.
Quote from: Virusbus Rider on June 19, 2009, 04:58:38 PM
Don't quit your day job, because your humour is pathetic.
But you've got to love the diplomatic response
Quote from: TP 3000 on June 19, 2009, 09:14:21 PM
But you've got to love the diplomatic response
Yeah, it is the Government after all, one would expect nothing else.
Interesting to know they'll go to 500 for the 14.5 fleet numbers.
But yeah, someone needs to ask what the plans for the artics are - disposal or school/specials?
I have been told that 467-499 are vacant numbers (just like 200 series). The buses due to be decommissioned will be decided early next year. I am unable to get more info at this stage.
Quote from: Martin on June 19, 2009, 01:05:15 PM
ACTION had 152 MAN SL200s
Correction: ACTION had 151 MAN SL200s.
At the Info night the Northern Manager confirmed the first diesel MAN will arrive on September 14 at Belconnen Depot.
I see that you have used your 'undercover' powers TP 3000.
Kinda, anyway the Fleet Services Manager was there as well. All they said on the artic replacements was that they would be replaced with high capacity buses. But it sounds like it was confirmed that day (yesterday 04/08/09)
But I couldn't anyway as all those that turned up-I knew who they were & half knew me.
I haven't seen or heard of any confirmation that contracts for new MAN fleet additions including ST buses have been signed as yet. Has anyone else?
Apon driving through the depot today looking into the workshops I spotted a MAN. The driver I was with went into the starters office to find out what it was doiung there and they said that it was BUS 390 and it arrived yesterday!
Is it another CB60?
Quote from: particleman on August 25, 2009, 05:58:37 PM
Is it another CB60?
It should be as the new MAN's will have body shape CB60 EVOii
if it did arrive yesterday, it probably came during the cover of darkness to be protected
I only saw the rear as it was in the workshops but I would say that it is a CB60, in fact I have no doubt that it is a CB60. I actually though it might of been one of the gas MANs so it would be the exact same body.
The starters say that it has some grunt!
Wow, that'd be great if it has already arrived. Just in time for RedEx, eh.
Anyone seen the mystery 390?? No sign of it at B depot.
On a side note, expressions of interest have been called for drivers for the Redex trial. Judging from the criteria there will be a seperate roster with only drivers who are part of the trial doing the runs. Rostering will be done in a block unlike current ACTION shifts.
For the benefit of the drivers when I saw it, it was inside the last door of the workshops as you are heading in towards the bus wash.
Went & did a walk around today. All I saw was an AEC & what looked like the back of a Scania. I say that as it didn't have a rear desto.
I spoke to a driver this morning and apparently it is in a Special livery for the 'World's First Euro 5 MAN'!
Are we allowed to see these pictures or do we have to wait until the official release?
Quote from: TP 3000 on August 27, 2009, 11:19:04 AM
Went & did a walk around today. All I saw was an AEC & what looked like the back of a Scania. I say that as it didn't have a rear desto.
Which depot did you walk around? It is in the workshops at
Belconnen and it is not visible if you walk around the depot. To see it you have to be in the depot while that particular workshop is open.
I walked around Belconnen
Yeah, you won't see it, if you are with a driver and they have to layover in the depot though, it is a great chance to get a peek
Yeah that person (for me) is off for 5-6 weeks.
Quote from: TP 3000 on August 27, 2009, 06:39:42 PM
Are we allowed to see these pictures or do we have to wait until the official release?
Who said anything about pictures?
You
Quote from: Lemon on August 27, 2009, 11:01:28 PM
Who said anything about pictures?
Quote
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I spoke to a driver this morning and apparently it is in a Special livery for the 'World's First Euro 5 MAN'!
Mr Swift has pictures :)
ie Head of ACTION Swift
Right......
I wonder how long this special livery will stay on? Also what standard are the other green liveried buses in the ACTION fleet? I know that Transperth have a sticker telling you what Euro standard is.
Darts and Iris' are Euro II, Scanias are Euro III (320-361, 363-366) and V (362, 367-373), and the MAN Gassies are all Euro IV.
Quote from: TP 3000 on August 28, 2009, 12:11:47 AM
I wonder how long this special livery will stay on? Also what standard are the other green liveried buses in the ACTION fleet? I know that Transperth have a sticker telling you what Euro standard is.
Probably for aslong as it takes for it to wear off.
I was told today by another driver that at around 13:30 most days this week 390 has been at Tuggeranong Interchange. The first day or so it was in the ACTION Standard livery, but did change. I won't be able to find out where it will be next week until Wednesday
Would anyone who has seen the driver compartment like to describe what it looks like? 2 drivers have told me that it looks just like the Iris compartment, but roomier. For those that have seen the Tuggies MAN's, has anything changed between 389 & 390?
It will be exactly the same as the CNG MANs!!! The only change with this is that there is no gas pod and the air conditioner is at the front, and of course with 390 only the MAN stickers.
It is the same body on the same chassis that are being made 12 months apart, nothing will have changed.
Don't forget the different gearbox *apparently* will be ZF, so you might get a ZF hub on it...but otherwise exactly right, will look the same basically!
BUS 390 is on display in Civic Square this arvo. It has the old style bike rack
Yeah, they had a media launch. The bike rack is actually one of the bike rack purchased from BT. This is a great bus, its a voith box from what I can tell after my ride today.
WIN news states that 'the second new MAN will arrive in Canberra tomorrow'. I assume that means that 391 will be here!
What a pity the media thing wasn't later, they could of had 2 new MAN's either side of Stanhopey.
Quote from: Lemon on September 15, 2009, 07:27:55 PM
WIN news states that 'the second new MAN will arrive in Canberra tomorrow'. I assume that means that 391 will be here!
WIN news was right. The bus which will become 391 (once it gets registered, has fleet numbers applied, gets a radio, ticket machine, bike rack and a wash) arrived at Belconnen Depot yesterday. It has the standard decals (including 'Air Conditioned for your comfort') so from the side it could be mistaken for an Irisbus (if you were only looking at the roofline).
Quote from: Martin on September 17, 2009, 12:02:29 PM
WIN news was right. The bus which will become 391 (once it gets registered, has fleet numbers applied, gets a radio, ticket machine, bike rack and a wash) arrived at Belconnen Depot yesterday. It has the standard decals (including 'Air Conditioned for your comfort') so from the side it could be mistaken for an Irisbus (if you were only looking at the roofline).
Yep, saw it this afternoon, driving on the corner of Cohen and Lathlain, in Belco. Had its desto set on the old 33 to the War Memorial. I thought it was 390 at first, but I saw no number plate or fancy graphics, so I thought that this would be 391.
No number plate eh?
Perhaps somebody can confirm if 391 has been plated yet.. if so, could it be 392?
I wonder why it had the old destos programmed in it?
390 has not been used on the 1st southbound 300 these last 3 days but I've seen it in the Belco Depot sheds each morning around 0730...it is due to be used for driver training over the next 2 days.
The most likely reason is that Belconnen has never had a hanover bus before, and probably only had an old file in their computer system to put in it!
Because don't they program the desto's in the other buses through the Module? Where as in the new buses they send a cord from a laptop to the desto thing.
Quote from: MaxiZac on September 23, 2009, 07:41:22 PM
The most likely reason is that Belconnen has never had a hanover bus before, and probably only had an old file in their computer system to put in it!
It does raise the question as to where and when the new buses get their desto programs loaded. Perhaps it is done at Custom Coaches and they don't have an updated file.
Chris_Guru reports that a new MAN was seen at Belconnen Depot today. No fleet numbers or bike rack.
According to 'buscrazy' at ATDB, two MANs are at Custom Coaches in Adelaide, and one of them is 394.
I saw that post, could any of the other vechiles he spotted be for ACTION?
http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=522601#p522601 (http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=522601#p522601)
no.....
MAN to become 393 appears to have arrived at B depot this evening.
Quote from: Buzz Killington on September 24, 2009, 09:42:11 PM
According to 'buscrazy' at ATDB, two MANs are at Custom Coaches in Adelaide, and one of them is 394.
If this information is true then it will be the first MAN delivered with fleet numbers already attached. So far all the units delivered have only had ACTION corporate logo's and that is it on them (apart from the air con crap on the roof).
Quote from: Chris_Guru on September 24, 2009, 11:51:22 PM
MAN to become 393 appears to have arrived at B depot this evening.
Are you sure it's a new one and not 392? The body number is in a different format (ACTME 41), so it doesn't give any clues as to which one it is. I noticed that it already has a scrape on the side .
I've noticed an un-numbered MAN around the back of the northern shed on the past 2 or 3 mornings.
MAN 390 has been inside the north shed most mornings this week when I've gone past at around 0730.
390, 391, 392 & 393 were all in the depot this morning and all visible together.
Quote from: Martin on September 25, 2009, 10:42:36 AM
Are you sure it's a new one and not 392? The body number is in a different format (ACTME 41), so it doesn't give any clues as to which one it is. I noticed that it already has a scrape on the side .
First up, I couldn't find an 'introduce yourself' section, so I had better do it here: I literally grew up on buses, my grandfather owned a rural company until I was about 14...why 'Goldstar'? Because, naturally, as a child I use to pretend I owned a company, Goldstar Coachlines... :)
With regard to the 14.5m Scanias, if they are (slated, I know) to start arriving from December, might not they (or at least one) be fitted out/in testing already? - I assume they are going to be CC or Volgren bodied, in which case, anybody seen one at the factories???
(btw, great forum you've all got going here)
Welcome! Thanks for introducing yourself, we look forward to you contributing to our forum.
As far as we know, the 14.5m will be Custom Coach bodied, and more than likely, built in the Adelaide CC plant.
There are a few people in Adelaide that regularly swing by the CC plant, so as soon as they know, we will.
Welcome Goldstar!
We did have testing with the 14.5's (in a way) when a Sydney MetroBus came down a few months back. There's some photos in the Multimedia section.
Drat, I'm at ANU nearly all the time, but didn't see it...I have a lecture theatre where I watch the 3 go past, even the normal 12.5s have to take the roundabout on Ward Road and Liversidge Street really gingerly, would have been a treat to watch that metrobus take that turn, assuming it was tracing the 3 route to see how it could handle it...
Here's a photo as the Metrobus travels over Sullivans Ck - http://actbus.net/forum/index.php?topic=1582.0 (http://actbus.net/forum/index.php?topic=1582.0)
And yeah, that's exactly right, there were seeing if a 14.5m bus could tackle the ANU streets, but I've heard conflicting reports of whether it passed or failed.
Is anyone able to give more info on this:
In the latest Transit Australia magazine (October Issue) it mentions about the new buses & how 2 of the 74 new MAN's will be fitted with Euro 4 engines & the rest with Euro 5 engines. Is there any specific reason behind this or not?
An interesting thing also in this magazine & bus deliveries is that Transperth placed an order for 848 buses back in 1999 & after 10 years only 90 are left to be delivered. I'm sure whoever had that order would be sad to see those 90 go, but Transperth Mercs are quite lovely buses.
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 30, 2009, 08:17:20 PM
In the latest Transit Australia magazine (October Issue) it mentions about the new buses & how 2 of the 74 new MAN's will be fitted with Euro 4 engines & the rest with Euro 5 engines. Is there any specific reason behind this or not?
If true, then there would be a reason. Supply problems are most likely.
This could explain the unusual VIN and Body Number for 393 (ACT M
E4 1) - it might actually be a Euro IV MAN 18.310 !
394 was parked outside at Belconnen Depot today - lacks most of the usual decals other than the bus number and ACTION logo.
394's details have been added to the Wiki (except for body date - forgot to check that). Since 394's body number is ACTM003, that probably makes 392 and 393 the two Euro IV MAN 18.310s.
I noticed 394 parked in the same spot at Belco Depot again tonight - but with 395 parked next to it. Both buses still carry only their numbers and ACTION logos.
It seems that 390 is currently in Sydney for the Bus & Coach show.
Unless another ACT Bus member managed to get a photo of 390 at the bus show, a part of 390 can be spotted in photo 3 in this thread http://busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46252. (http://busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46252.)
that picture is the only reason that I know its there, it really should be on the road though. Belconnen need to be able to start sending buses back to Tuggeranong who are really struggling at the moment. 335 went back to the depot today at 1610 and it was starting another run with a different driver running late at the Tuggeranong Interchange about 5 mins later, same deal with 371 as well today. Belco need to get these MANs in service so they can get buses back to Tuggies (and Woden for that matter).
Looks like the detailing on 394 started today as well
Wasn't sure about picture as somone had mentioned earlier in the week. It'll be fun when Redex starts up
Maxizac confirmed that it was 390 there.
You can see a reflection of the fleet number in this thread: http://busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46267 (http://busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46267)
Have known for a couple of weeks now that 390 was to appear at the bus show (just forgot to mention it). It is scheduled to be in sydney for 7 days, not sure why the extra time was needed in Sydney before the bus show.
Just did a rego search on some of the new MANs. 394 and 395 are still not registered (no surprise there); 393s search came back with model name 'A6918320' which, if it is a Euro IV, is incorrect because it should be A6918310. Looks like an email to ACTION is needed to resolve the question of whether 392 and 393 are 18.310 or 18.320.
390 got back from the bus show today at about 12pm, I believe that it went out on the road because at 2pm there was no sign of it in the depot anywhere.
Don't know if it went out or not, but from at least 1645 onwards it was parked at the back of the workshops (closest to the staff carpark) with a front number plate and no bike rack. Also it has a '18.320' decal next to the front door. (I'll try to get a photo today.)
It sure does, the 18.320 badge is only on one side and was applied by MAN for the show. I have a photo I took at the bus show, I will post it here as soon as I am on my desktop.
Would the body already of been decided for all the MAN's? Or is their a very slight chance that ACTION might received a Custom Coaches CB80 (http://busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46242&st=0&sk=t&sd=a (http://busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46242&st=0&sk=t&sd=a))? As the story is that some a being built for Perth at the moment & 463 isn't due until 2011ish.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2469%2F3997078834_f512290efd_o.jpg&hash=feaf3d8a66db1aed23f336b1730d02914b9e2ba4)
Quote from: Bus 400 on October 10, 2009, 11:51:38 AM
Would the body already of been decided for all the MAN's? Or is their a very slight chance that ACTION might received a Custom Coaches CB80
I sure hope so. They seem to be ruining the aesthetics of their designs judging from those images.
Going by the info sheet on these buses CB60 EvoII is the set body type.
Just like the MAN 18.310s!!!!!
There is only one CB80 at this stage.
Having a look at an old thread (Tender for 100 new buses-http://actbus.net/forum/index.php?topic=389.0#quickreply). Something from the Government actually cam early (note the date on the original post):
Quote from: Lemon on October 10, 2008, 01:41:10 PM
Just received an e-mail from ACTION regarding this tender, evaluations will be conducted towards the end of the month, this is the e-mail I sent and they have put there answers below my questions.
5. Is there a possible time frame that we can expect the first of the
100 buses?
November 2009
396 arrived this morning from Adelaide. With 7 buses now delivered, would be great to see them actually performing duties.
390 was operating a 710 this morning
Went on 390 on a 56 tonight. There are a few minor change compared with 374-389, besides the speakers next to each overhead light. The foot area in the seat just behind the door is a bit bigger, also there is a strip of black that has been put in on the inside at the top of the windows. The front half of the bus feels higher compared to Buses 374-389. The driver cabin is also slightly bigger & appear easier to access.
The engine is a lot bigger compared to Bus 374-389 & you can feel it has a bit more power. The RedEx desto isn't programmed into 390 (not even the original RedEx 1 & 2), so the program update must from February 2009.
Quote from: Bus 400 on October 10, 2009, 11:51:38 AM
Would the body already of been decided for all the MAN's? Or is their a very slight chance that ACTION might received a Custom Coaches CB80
Mass production of the CB80 won't begin until June/July next year, and if ACTION expresses interest in the CB80, there will be a high chance, we will receive it on some chassis.
I'll see how observant everyone is with 390. Are you able to see what temperature the air conditioning unit is set to in 390?
Yes the black strip along the window replaces the panels that the Gassies had, they would have had it though to help support the gas pod, but since its a diesel it just has the tinted black stuff instead.
The roof height is the same. Also to note is that one of the seats up the back on the offside has a little raised foot area but on the nearside opposite it does not have this. The drivers cab was very comfortable to sit in, and had lots of room. There was stickers on the coin tray saying what coins go where, plus the bike rack is more of a cheese yellow now.
Bus 400: You can see that on all the gas MANs as well. At a guess it would be set to 22 degrees. In regards to the black strip on the window I would say that 390 is the only one with those as it would have to do with all the writing above the window line.
MaxiZac, the engine has a tad more power 10hp to be exact, and I believe that the gas MANs also have the coin stickers on them.
I noticed that air con temp today, it was set to 22.5.
Things might change in the future, but I like the new 18.320's better then the 18.310's.
Uh, actually, the Gas MANs have a completely different engine to the diesels, as per the ACTION spec sheets;
MAN Gas (Max Power): 228 Kw (260 HP) @ 2000rpm
(Max Torque): 1250 Nm @ 1400rpm
MAN Diesel (Max Power): 250 Kw (320 HP) @ 2000rpm
(Max Torque): 1450 Nm @ 1200rpm
The Diesel powered MANs are much more powerful, due to a completely different engine.
So, technically, calling the Gas MANs 18.310s is false, they are rather 18.260s.
This was pointed out to me by 'Chris_Guru'.
Just looking at those values again, I think the Gas MANs would be better suited to a ZF gearbox (torque higher up), that would certainly be interesting!
Quote from: Lemon on October 12, 2009, 11:43:28 PM
Bus 400: You can see that on all the gas MANs as well. At a guess it would be set to 22 degrees. In regards to the black strip on the window I would say that 390 is the only one with those as it would have to do with all the writing above the window line.
The Black Strip just replaces the panel as found on the Gas MAN vehicles as Maxizac has stated.The writing on the outside does not actually touch the windows, so the black strip would not have anything to do with that.
I don't think it's a "completely different" engine, just different performance from CNG vs Diesel (and perhaps modified to meet the Euro V spec).
Yeah, that would be likely.
The reason I stated that is, again, due to what I read on the ACTION spec sheets;
MAN Gas (Engine model): E 2866 LUH 01/02 CNG EEV specification.
MAN Diesel (Engine model): D 2066 LUH 12 EURO5 specification.
It's times like these we need (minties lol) someone from ATDB that really knows engines (Powered by CBG comes to mind).
isn't it 'PoweredbyCNG'?
Also the engine layout would be different in 390 as the fuel tank is now next to the engine & not at the other end of the bus, as is the case with 389.
Quote from: Lemon on October 12, 2009, 03:39:41 PM
390 was operating a 710 this morning
Lol, I was waiting for an intertown yesterday morning, saw the pod-less LED desto approaching and thought to myself "oh, sweet!"
My hopes were dashed, of course, as when it got closer I noted it had 710 on the desto and flew straight past the stop :( a very packed 118 eventually turned up ..
Spotted 390 in the Depot at around 1430, parked parallel to Josephson St, and at around 1600 doing a 56 out of City.
16:29 to be exact, the same driver that had 390 on Monday had it today. I have more info on the certain runs, but don't think it would be right without the drivers permission.
Do these new MAN's have a badge advising that they have Euro 4/5 engines? I noticed today on the new RFS Tankers they have a badge on the front that just says "Euro IV"
Martin reports that 397 arrived at the depot today
399 arrived this morning, my name sake is almost here. It looked weired with no number plates or ACTION signage, but came in with "401 School Bus" on the desto.
The story I'm hearing now is that the buses that are a part of RedEx will be operating out of Woden Depot when it opens. Which kinda makes sense as these buses haven't been allocated a bay at Belconnen Depot.
Martin's twitter feed states that 398 is not here yet.
This can also be found on the twitter feed:
QuoteSauces reports that 391 may have been on the road yesterday (15/10), but this is uncorroborated. (My source is named 'sauces').
I thought one of the new MAN's was doing an Intertown south, until I saw 401 on the desto & 399 on the side.
It was waiting behind 374 for a while & just as I got around to the gates end of Platform 1 399 drove off somewhere else in the depot.
A source informs me that when they had a look at 392 it looked like it wasn't even ready for service yet (wayfarer, etc).
I found out that if anyone would like to see a few of the MAN's sitting outside Belconnen Workshop, all you have to do is walk along the perimeter fence on the Coulter Drive side. The buses are parked were 914 & 703 were.
390 just came past my house on a 313
398 arrived today
Source: Martin's Twitter.
391 was on a workshop test drive this afternoon, so it shouldn't be too long before it is on the road.
390 was on the Belconnen bricks this afternoon as well.
Seen outside the western shed at Belco Depot this am - 392, 393, 395, 398 and 399.
391 was inside the shed, but there was no sign of the un-numbered bus I saw yesterday.
Quote from: Bus 400 on October 22, 2009, 04:26:17 PM
391 was on a workshop test drive this afternoon, so it shouldn't be too long before it is on the road.
390 was on the Belconnen bricks this afternoon as well.
390 is on the bricks possibly because of a flat battery after the lights left on. Just to let you know Bus 400 I don't think that any of the others will be on the road until Redex otherwise I assure you they would be out on the road by now.
I am wrong! Ed reports seeing 391 in service today
Some very upsetting reports on Twitter tonight
Quote
Unconfirmed reports that Bus 400 will stay in Adelaide for 6 months as an O-Bahn evaluation bus.
Although it means my baby should feel special she has been selected as an O-Bahn evaluation bus, she is away from me for too long.
Quote from: Martin on September 17, 2009, 12:02:29 PM
The bus which will become 391 (once it gets registered, has fleet numbers applied, gets a radio, ticket machine, bike rack and a wash) arrived at Belconnen Depot yesterday. It has the standard decals (including 'Air Conditioned for your comfort') so from the side it could be mistaken for an Irisbus (if you were only looking at the roofline).
Actually 391 has "
Climate Controlled For Your Comfort" on the roofline & it is in different font to 300-389.
Noticed this morning that 392 and 393 now carry the message '....For Your Comfort' up near the roof line, presumably awaiting the lettering 'Climate Controlled..'.
398 and 399 were back in the shed today with their engine bays open - no decal detailing done on either bus yet, nor do either have number plates fitted.
Bus 400 arrived this afternoon
I can't remember, but did 390-399 arrive with their ACTION logos? Or am I right in thinking 400 is the first to come with ACTION logos already on?
392 onwards I believe with the logos and 394 onward with the fleet numbers.
A few updates (based on what I have seen): the new decals have been applied to 392 and 395 (possibly 393 and 394 also); up to 395 now have bike racks fitted (DL2); up to 397 are now registered. Provided they have ticket machines available, I expect 392 to be ready to go on the road very soon with 393 and 394 not far behind.
Bus 399 (for whatever reason) arrived without any ACTION logos, the rest arrived with the side logos but none on the front or rear.
Are they still stealing ticket machines from artics?
Actually what will they do once they can't steal ticket machines from artics? Would the MAN's be left ticketless or would they be stolen from the PR2's?
It would be a nice recognition of ACTION's heritage if they painted one of the new MANs in the original ACTION livery dating back to 1975 - but "pigs might fly"....
393 looked almost ready when I saw it driving around the depot today. From what I could see it was only missing the rear ACTION logo (couldn't see inside bus).
391 was doing runs yesterday and I noticed it didn't have a front numberplate. Is it going to get one?
nope. I got 391 yesterday on a 7 as stated in what bus and compared to 390 it is nothing!
401 is now at Belco as reported on my twitter feed, Martin's twitter feed and the ACT Bus feed.
Details are as follows:
VIN: WMAA69ZZ59C013883
Body Number: ACTM010
Body Date: 10/09
It has already been fitted with a DL2 Bikerack.
Today 396 was left around the side of the depot with the engine running for at least 3 hours with 312 on the side desto, it seems that this bus has a broken front desto. 391 was doing some testing with 225 on the desto this morning and it seems that 390 went out in the morning and has been put on the bricks.
12 MANs, isn't that just enough for RedEx? And good to see they're working out all of those teething problems.
BTW, congrats on 2000 posts Zac!
I noticed that on 396, 396 went out & it looked like nothing was on the front. But 312 was on the rear desto.
390 returned to the depot around 12:00 & was sent straight to the bricks.
The media release states that 11 of ACTION's newest buses would be used. Only 16 drivers were required for Redex shifts.
Quote from: Chief Minister Media Release
Mr Stanhope said that the new service will be operated by 11 of the new 100 buses that were funded in the 2008/09 Budget, for nearly $50 million.
393 has entered service.
hope you sourced that from my Twitter feed :P. I went for a short ride on it, a picture coming soon
Martin also reports that all the MANs now have ads for Redex on their rear. I am assuming that this is with the exception of 390.
Does anyone know if 396 is still at Belconnen Depot?
As the guy that drove 396 out of Belconnen Depot yesterday looked like the guy that delivered 400 & with the possible faulty front desto I thought CC could of delivered 401 & taken 396.
At least we know where we can find the new buses from Monday. From 402/3 onwards might be a bit harder (unless as the new buses come into service the older 18.320's enter normal service).
396 was at Belco depot this morning
I've been told that six of the new MANs are going to be transferred to Tuggy depot.
401 is at Tuggeranong Depot, 1 other is on Tuggers bricks & 2/3 are inside the workshop, they all had a rear Redex ad. This transfer would be to accommodate the Tuggeranong drivers who showed interest in being a Redex driver.
Would be great if somebody could confirm if/which MANs have allocated to Tugg..
Hopefully it's not one of those stupid arrangements and is just 401 - 406
I agree, 400 needs to be on the southside.
I think transferring these buses is stupid. Tuggy can use the gas MANs and belco with the diesel. Belco needs the accessible buses there is only 20 of them at belco currently used regularly not including darts and today at 3pm there was already 6 in the workshops. 3 of those 6 buses have not moved once since the weekend.
I neglected to mention that 394 entered service today. I sighted it operating school run 463 from my school
Over the coming weeks as new MAN's arrive Belconnen will make up the buses transferred. Anyway this Redex is only a trial, if it fails those 6 buses may return to Belconnen.
The following diesel MANs were at Tuggeranong Depot today: 396, 397, 400 and 401.
(There may have been others there that I did not see).
Quote from: Lemon on November 10, 2009, 10:07:16 PM
Martin also reports that all the MANs now have ads for Redex on their rear. I am assuming that this is with the exception of 390.
I thought I saw 390 with the Redex ad on the back today (but I stand to be corrected!).
But I do suspect that all buses assigned to Redex shifts will have the rear Redex ad, this partly shows that this bus is on another run. As we may remember Stanhopey wanted these buses in a different livery (much like this bus http://actbus.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=18622&g2_serialNumber=2). But ACTION advised against that move.
Saw 390 on a school run this am and can confirm that it did NOT have the Redex advert on the back .....the original Euro 5 stuff is still there.
396 went on its first shift with Tuggeranong today.
398 & 1 other bus were delivered to Tuggeranong today. It would appear that buses 396-401 will be allocated to Tuggeranong Depot.
393 & 394 were also in service today.
392 was in service today
The ticket machine in 394 doesn't have the small screen facing the passengers. The wording on the buttons is also different, I suspect it is one of the machines ACTION bought from another company (I think it was Darwin).
I kept on thinking the machine was missing something but just couldn't picture it.
I spotted 393 in Tuggers this arvo, and the driver kept changing the desto. I suspect he was showing off the interior display screen to the driver of 113 who was parked behind it and had ventured into 393 for a stickybeak.
Crossed 396 doing a northbound 64 at Monash at around 1555 today and later, dead running southwards along Athllon Drive at 1830.
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 12, 2009, 08:08:37 PM
The ticket machine in 394 doesn't have the small screen facing the passengers. The wording on the buttons is also different, I suspect it is one of the machines ACTION bought from another company (I think it was Darwin).
I kept on thinking the machine was missing something but just couldn't picture it.
As far as I am aware, Darwin Bus Service do not use Wayfarer machines (That is according to this months TA Magazine). They may have been from Perth. Or it may have just had the screen removed. The other option is they may be second hand from an international operator.
I've also heard that ACTION got Validators/Wayfarers from Darwin when they retired them but that's all I know.
I believe the consoles are from Busways
Has anyone here seen the new MAN's kneel yet? Yesterday the driver of 396 tried to, but the bus wouldn't kneel.
It is the same as the gas MANs, they are using the wrong button, there is two. with the button they are using the bus will go down but won't stay down unless they hold the button
Yay there is a new cheat. The cheat in the gas MAN's is to push the up button just before the doors shut. Otherwise you're stuck there until the bus is at ride height. But now all they have to do it let go of the button
A site visitor informs us that 397 was spotted in service this morning.
I did neglect to mention that I saw 399 operating a 318 this afternoon.
The Tuggeranong allocated MAN 18.320's have been allocated an area next to the artics. 2/3 of these were in service when I went past.
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 14, 2009, 04:39:52 PM
The Tuggeranong allocated MAN 18.320's have been allocated an area next to the artics. 2/3 of these were in service when I went past.
"In service" - WTF are you talking about? 4 were parked in the sheds, the other 2 were parked on "the bricks".
Lemon reports that 402 has arrived at Belconnen Depot and is destined to be Tuggeranong's 7th (and final) Redex bus. Which means all new MANs after 403 will be for general service.
I couldn't see any pod-less green buses at Tuggeranong bricks
Martin reports that the final Redex bus (403) was delivered to Belconnen depot today. The next one 404 will be for general service.
BUS 400 has a different numberplate to the others. I spotted it on a 3 leaving Belconnen about an hour ago.
The delivery schedule for the MANs are listed in the contract (http://www.contractsregister.act.gov.au/contracts/cr.nsf/0/988D66D2DA4ADEB4CA2576500018F955/$File/C09140%20-%20confidential%20text.pdf).
ACTM013 & ACTM014 were due to be delievered to MAN (from Custom Coaches) before the end of November - so they should be arriving soon. #15, 16 and 17 are due in December, then 2 buses in January, 7 in February, 3 in March, 3 in April, 2 in May, 2 in June, 3 in July, August, September and October.
As revealed on the ACT Bus Twitter feed today, 402 has entered service.
Was it on Redex or general duties? For Martins info it is a Belco bus.
I saw it several times during the day, each time on a 727.
I wasn't sure which Depot it was at - the interim article on the Wiki had Tuggeranong so I left it at that, but i'll change that now (if Martin hasn't already)
Not exactly news, but I did sight 403 inside the Belconnen Workshops last night. Don't know if it will see service this year.
Still no sign of the 2 buses which were due in November.
403 finally entered service yesterday. Still no sign of any more new ones - at least not at Belconnen depot.
I haven't seen any newly delivered MAN diesels at Tuggeranong other than the initial batch sent from Belco for Redex; the Tuggy Redex MANs still sport their moustaches whereas I think the Belco ones are now all clean shaven again...
Yes, the Tuggy ones could do with a shave. They are an embarrassment to the rest.
'King Long' reported seeing Bus 404 at Belconnen Depot yesterday.
403 has been operating Redex services this week; still based in Belconnen. I understand another 2 diesel MANs are to go to Tuggeranong in due course.
No they wont. I have been told that tuggy will keep two gas MANs on redex. 404 will be general service.
Ed is the man at the moment, he now reports that 407 has arrived at Belconnen depot.
Nice work Ed!
Quote from: King Long on February 09, 2010, 04:38:45 PM
Ed is the man at the moment, he now reports that 407 has arrived at Belconnen depot.
It was parked at next to 406 at the Northern end of the workshops this morning.
Also, 464 is here (I know, it's not a MAN).
408 was there this morning.
Saw 409 this arvo near the fuelling station, looked like it had just arrived from Adelaide.
Chris_Guru has reported that 410 arrived today.
404 still hasn't gone out in service (that I could see), which makes 7 new MANs not in service.
I saw 403 speed past epic today so i presume its the latest to enter service or is it not?
403 is the latest in service, but its been in service for quite some time.
The word is that 404 will be in GENERAL service on Monday.
Now we just need to get all of the MANs out on the weekends. If it can be done for show services, it can be done every weekend.
Going by the MAN Contract, Custom Coaches were only required to fit internal screens for the first 10 MAN buses.
But the contract also states that these buses are 18.310 engines.
This contract can be found at (http://www.contractsregister.act.gov.au/contracts/cr.nsf/0/988D66D2DA4ADEB4CA2576500018F955/$File/C09140%20-%20confidential%20text.pdf (http://www.contractsregister.act.gov.au/contracts/cr.nsf/0/988D66D2DA4ADEB4CA2576500018F955/$File/C09140%20-%20confidential%20text.pdf))
I am yet to ride 402 or 403, do they have screens. If they were only fitting 10 then 399 would be the last one but 401 has one, as does 464.
Well, they'd better all have screens from now on!
Not only does it make the bus look more modern, but it's potential advertising space, as well as real time travel information. They're simply too good to refuse in my opinion!
there is mention of tickiting system fittings on page 34 on the link Bus 400 provided us with.
and according to the delivery schedule in that 427 should already be here
Quote from: King Long on March 04, 2010, 12:15:07 AM
I am yet to ride 402 or 403, do they have screens. If they were only fitting 10 then 399 would be the last one but 401 has one, as does 464.
402 has a screen.
Excuse the double-post, but King Long reported via Twitter today that 404 has entered service. (Apologies Martin - didn't see your tweet asking if I had seen it until just now)
All I know is that it was allocated to a shift on Monday, but that shift was then done using 390 until today. I'm not sure whether today was its first day of service or not.
It was on Redex this arvo. Only way to find out would be thew wayfarer. It may be on a certain shift operating in the West Belconnen area later tonight.
412 is now hear, no sign of 411 though
Can confirm that the first service 404 operated was the 314 I sighted it on this morning.
Saw 407 outshopped this am @ Belco Depot; got the impression it was ready to go out on the road.
How knows, 405 has a validator bus no console. 415 has arrived, haven't seen 411, 413 or 414 yet.
Quote from: Scania K320UB on March 16, 2010, 06:08:29 PM
haven't seen 411, 413 or 414 yet.
According to a certain twitter feed (that we are all aware of), someone has spotted Bus 414.
Someone has, but it wasn't me. I was just reporting what I was told by a reliable (non-ACTION) source.
410 and 412 already have their bike racks. 407 did not appear to have a ticket machine and may not even have a radio yet. 405 will be next to go on the road - looks like it just needs a Wayfarer console and it's good to go. I'm sure they could just remove the one from 464 since it won't be needing one for a few weeks (months?).
Bus 416 is on the Tuggy bricks.
Interesting...
Looks like they are running out of room to store them at B!
Bus 405 was in service this afternoon.
405 & 406 both entered service today
as mentioned on Twitter
Yes, my bad.
Quote from: Buzz Killington on March 23, 2010, 06:20:37 PM
405 & 406 both entered service today
Do these have TV monitors as with the main Redex fleet?
(I noticed some of the Belco 390 series MANs being used on Tuggeranong routes today and wondered if the Belco Redex runs were being covered by 400 series buses).
406 was on Redex as was 404. 404 has screens so I dare say the rest would have them.
413 is here as well, at Belco, still no sign of 411
Noticed that Belco starters appeared to be issuing diesel MANs for several non-Redex shifts yesterday morning; passed one doing a northbound 26 near Cooleman Court yesterday pm.
417 was outside Belco workshop this am - no number plates yet.
Yeah they have been, yesterday each platform at Cohen had a diesel MAN, 403 on a 52 (403 was rear ended this morning on Haydon Drive), 390 on a 710 and 402 on the 314 that has 404 as a shift bus.
418 has arrived-Martin's twitter feed.
Looks like 407 was in service for the first time today.
Martin's Twitter Feed advises that 411 has been spotted in Tuggeranong Depot. Not sure how long it's been there for.
Yes, there have been a number of diesel MANs parked at Tuggeranong Depot since at least Easter Monday...in row zero at the northern end of the shed. Albino Scania is still on the bricks and the two steer tags remain parked at the western end of the bricks.
Bus 408 was on Redex this afternoon (I checked the Twitter pages first this time).
The diesel MANs which have been cluttering up the gas bus layover area at Belco Depot for several weeks were nearly all gone this am - making me suspect Belco has now started issuing some of the more recent arrivals to Redex shifts (as the original Belco Redex MANs seemed to be in heavy use on general routes today).
I spotted a few of the 40# series on Redex this arvo (including two right behind one another, both operating Redex), so that sounds about right.
I saw 420 and 421 arrive together at Tuggeranong Depot at around 0930 this morning.
They're now parked in amongst the trees on the grassed area immediately south of the tennis courts....
Lol, they're really starting to run outta room..
Ed said 424 was there as well
Is it so hard to deliver these buses in order?!
Maybe thats why woden depot will have buses going to it starting monday as smitho reported earlier
Special Needs is moving to Woden
Quote from: Scania K320UB on April 09, 2010, 10:48:56 PM
Special Needs is moving to Woden
Never thought we'd see you move from Belco..
haha, no.
There appears to be 3/4 unregistered MAN's in at the workshop end of Tuggeranong shed. That is besides 420 & 421 that are up on the grass with what appears to be some sort of trolley under 421.
Bus 416 has moved from in front of 465.
I saw 424 in the grassed are today.
As at yesterday morning, stored diesel MANs @ Tuggy Depot included 411, 415, 419 and 420 (all in Row Zero, main garage) and on the grass were 416 and 421....didn't check out the workshop area, but I guess 424 was over there. Not much seemed to have changed today. As far as I can tell, all are fitted with TV monitors.
409 is close to entering service, workshops were driving it around Belconnen this afternoon, still needs a wayfarer
Bus 409 was spotted on London Circuit with 51 on the desto tonight.
Mentioned in the Woden Depot thread also, but just to cover all bases, three diesel MANs were parked at Woden Depot this evening
Does anyone know why it seems to take around 6 weeks from delivery of the new buses to the new buses entering service? If it has to do with the new ticketing system, why not install the new ticketing machines in these buses & start to trial with a small group like Seniors Gold Card holders. I was going to suggest school students, but a group of them out there will more then likely damage the buses within a term.
I dare say it takes so long because ACTION are fucked!
Quote from: Bus 400 on April 23, 2010, 11:25:28 PM
Does anyone know why it seems to take around 6 weeks from delivery of the new buses to the new buses entering service?
Testing and whatnot to make sure it doesn't shit itself once its out on the road I'd assume, but six weeks seems a bit much.
Buses 422 & 423 have arrived at Woden Depot. I spotted the extra 2 buses sometime this week.
It looks like one of the other MAN's has moved as where Bus 414 was, a Scania 14.5 is now in its place (468 hasn't moved).
403 and 405 are were out today
Bugger that's 5 as 391,392 & 395 were also out & about.
Bus 410 has a special rear number plate like Bus 400, except it is red & not black.
It's not special, it's plastic. The plates normally used the same ones previously used on the old buses. So if they use re-made plates it means they lost the original set.
As hinted at on Twitter, expect to see 412 in service soon (today perhaps) and 411 shortly afterwards (next week perhaps).
There are a few more MAN's at Woden Depot, with a few now using the north shed (no idea what each shed is called, but north shed is closer to Woden).
Buses 415 & 420 are the 2 extras, Bus 422 has been moved away from Woden Depot.
Quote from: Bus 400 on May 08, 2010, 05:47:40 PM
Buses 415 & 420 are the 2 extras, Bus 422 has been moved away from Woden Depot.
You might consider getting your eyes checked. 422 was there today around 1.30 pm. It is 413 which was not there (or at least I did not see it) - so it may also be getting ready to go into service.
Never saw 413 when it was there
411 entered service this afternoon
Saw 406 along with 351 been driven into Belco depot with the number plates on today, I am assuming the guys driving were from Custom Coaches as they weren't ACTION. They both left in 351 a few minutes later.
Most of the today's Intertowns worked by Belco drivers operated with diesel MANs. Good to see.
They should almost be able to do Sunday's entirely low floor now, meaning the whole network would be accessible. The last two 905s have been 18.320s
Quote from: smitho on May 16, 2010, 04:36:37 PM
Most of the today's Intertowns worked by Belco drivers operated with diesel MANs. Good to see.
Wondered why I saw 412 on a 961 yesterday..
Quote from: Stacka on May 16, 2010, 04:43:59 PM
They should almost be able to do Sunday's entirely low floor now, meaning the whole network would be accessible. The last two 905s have been 18.320s
Still plenty of orange going my way.. (956 (http://www.action.act.gov.au/Routes_25_May/Route_956wkend.html)) :(
Saturday's are good for me though for some reason.
Quote from: Stacka on May 16, 2010, 04:43:59 PM
They should almost be able to do Sunday's entirely low floor now, meaning the whole network would be accessible.
That would entirely depend on how many Irisbuses are NOT in the workshops. But they should be able to cover all 900s with low floors by now.
I spotted another MAN at Woden Depot today (behind 'Matilda') which was Bus 416.
The front fleet numbers have been removed from Bus 417, it is still (from what I could see) the only bus at Woden Depot with the bit sticking out the front of the bus to attach the bike rack to.
414 has now moved to Belco workshops.
And 415 + 416 have joined it. How long before one of these (413, 414, 415, 416) make it into service?
Saw 390 on a 319 with either 410, 411 or 412 the other day.
???
410,411 or 412 were following 390 for some reason
apparently 413 has had a door removed.... seems ACTION are cannibalizing the newer ones to keep the older ones going
There has been some movement - 413 is in the workshops (ticket machine ? front door ?) as is 416 (bike rack ?).
noticed 412 operating a 27 then a 2 this evening in woden
Quote from: Stacka on May 30, 2010, 07:48:05 AM
apparently 413 has had a door removed.... seems ACTION are cannibalizing the newer ones to keep the older ones going
Why would they remove a door?, that is madness
well if a door is broken they have to order it from Sydney, so they take the door off another bus (not in service) put it on the in service bus and then when the door arrives it goes on the bus the door was taken on.
I thought you meant they were doing a simmalar scheme to the Irisbuses one door layout
I saw a lot of MAN Euro 5's on 18/19/318/319.
I remember 403 and 406 but there were definately more.
417 has joined his brothers at B depot workshops. Still no sign of any new ones on the road, but it can't be much longer.
I think you will find that buses are female! She has joined her sisters!
Do they whinge n bitch a bit? :P
I may of only caught a glimpse tonight, but can anyone confirm is any other MAN's entered service for the first time today? All I saw was 41* & it didn't like a 0,1 or 2.
410 has been in the workshops for a while, 412 is there as well so you might have seen 413 in service, if so it is the first for almost a month...
Bus 427 arrived at Woden Depot this week.
413 is in service
Once the Reanult's are decommissioned, would the radios striped out of them be used in the new buses? Also once the new tnew ticket system is up & running could that speed up the new buses being in service?
Almost certainly and probably.
Quote from: Bus 400 on June 15, 2010, 10:03:53 PM
Once the Reanult's are decommissioned, would the radios striped out of them be used in the new buses? Also once the new tnew ticket system is up & running could that speed up the new buses being in service?
As I think I have mentioned before, I found it odd that they didn't just decommission a few Renaults now in order to use radios/wayfarers in the MANs that are supposedly replacing some of them.
Yeah, it does make you wonder when high floor, unreliable, unairconditioned vehicles which are over 22 years old are still running around, when brand new MANs are sitting in a makeshift depot, gathering dust.
A simple solution would be one which you have raised, Buzz. The question is, why this hasn't been done yet.
Well, does ACTION have enough vehicles in service to take one out to take out the radio before it gets replaced by a new vehicle? As to take out the radio, it will need to be installed in the other vehicle which would take a good day or two, depending on when it can be installed by the installer.
There's plenty of Renaults in the depots over the weekends. Pay some OT for the installations and get these new buses out in service!
Bus 414 was in service tonight on a 28.
418 has now been transferred to B depot.
Just when I update the Fleet summary: 420 has been transferred to B depot. Presumably, 760 is now at Woden.
I'll see if I can spot it next time I go past.. Possibly tomorrow, more likely Saturday.
415 is in service. Saw it on an 80 on Monday.
Spotted 418 in service this afternoon.
Interesting, they have been going in numeric order until now...
419 is currently doing an on road test, it looks ready for service except for ticket machine
I wonder what is up with Buses 416 & 417?
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Both Metrobus and myself have seen 417 in service today.
'MyWay' reports 419 is in service
Also spotted by me tonight. I still wonder about 416?
416 is apparently almost ready, as is 420
Saw 419 in service through Curtin on a northbound No 2 at around 1700 this afternoon.
421 was on the bricks @ Tuggeranong for many weeks (months?) but has gone from there in recent times...
I dare say 416 entered service today, the mechanics had it out this morning, it was fitted with ticketing equipment, etc.
Noticed a CC "CB60 EvoII" bodied MAN passing though Wagga this afternoon (1:20ish), pity I didn't have the camera ready!
Well I was wrong about the possible CB80 production, I dare say it was 428
The first CB80 will be going to Hoppies in Sydney FYI
Both 428 & 429 recently arrived at Woden depot.
416 is still not in service but it's possible that 420 is. Will confirm later.
As reported by both Martin and myself on Twitter, 416 is now in service, the latest from Martin is that 763 is a withdrawal, only 764 and it is on to the tuggies buses
Quote from: Metrobus on August 09, 2010, 09:50:27 PM
...only 764 and it is on to the tuggies buses
Can anyone translate this into English?
... only 764 left to be withdrawn from B depot then buses will start being withdrawn from T depot. Which will probably mean more MkIIs will have to be transferred from B to T.
Thanks to Metrobus and MyWay, 420 has entered service and 430 has arrived at Woden.
The Canberra Times reporting today that "more than twelve" new buses are currently sitting unused in Woden Depot despite services being canceled daily due to bus shortages.
Acting GM James Roncon quoted as saying he was unaware that there were unused new buses at Woden.
Not all dropped runs are due to "bus shortages" (some are due to driver shortages). The underlying cause of bus shortages though is that the workshops are over-worked. Newer buses would help, but the workshops needs to find the capacity to fit them out. Reform of workshop practices and/or more staff is what's needed not just new buses. And let's not forget that some of these unused buses can't be used across the entire network anyway.
It is concerning that the GM is unaware of what's happening in his own organisation.
He knows exactly what's happening. Some pre-emptive self destruction in the media before their coming butt kicking me thinks.
Buses 421,422,423 have left Woden Depot.
Bus 432 arrived at Woden today.
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421 and 422 are both ready for service at Belconnen
As reported by Metrobus on Twitter and subsequently retweeted by ACT Bus, 421 is now in service.
422 should be as well, it was parked in the fuel lane earlier in the day with 421 so I dare say it is.
Can anyone confirm if 431 has arrived? We've had mentions of 430 and 432 but none of 431.
431 is not at Woden depot. So unless it's hiding somewhere else, it hasn't been delivered. Also 422 is not yet in service (no ticket machine).
Bus 424 & possibly others is/are now at Tuggeranong Depot.
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As another 1/2 are missing from Woden.
Bus 422 entered service this afternoon.
Quote from: Bus 400 on August 26, 2010, 12:28:14 PM
Bus 424 & possibly others is/are now at Tuggeranong Depot.
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Saw 424 @ Belconnen Depot this am.
423 was also being fitted out at B in the morning.
431 & 434 are the latest arrivals at Woden depot.
Again a number is skipped. If they are the 2 I spotted in Woden Depot, then 425 has left & there wasn't a MAN next to the SNT's tonight.
425 was sighted at Belconnen depot earlier this afternoon
423 looks to be ready for service, apart from a ticket machine.
I Think I saw 423 Today on a 319going through to Lanyon.
435 now at Woden Depot.
I'll try & find out if Bus 433 has arrived yet in the coming days.
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426 has just arrived at belco
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 08, 2010, 05:20:03 PM
I'll try & find out if Bus 433 has arrived yet in the coming days.
Bus 433 hasn't arrived yet.
425 has got a bike rack
427 now at B depot.
Bus 423 near ready except for a validator.
426 is nearly ready for a DL2
Bus 423 has been in service for a week or two now. It is having a seat repaired.
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424 in service today.
428 is now at Belconnen
429 now at Belconnen as well.
433 has arrived at Woden depot.
425 was in service this evening.
Bus 436 arrived at Woden Depot in the last 2-3 weeks.
It looks like Bus 432 is being inspected as the battery panel is up.
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426 in service
393 has now got a veloporter bike rack. ???
lol, must have had an accident. That will look strange, just like 330.
I am pretty sure 430 is now at Belconnen
Quote from: Metrobus on October 14, 2010, 04:50:03 PM
I am pretty sure 430 is now at Belconnen
Certainly there @ Belco Depot last Sunday.
Saw 430 on Barry Drive mid morning yesterday; on Workshop tests.
427 confirmed in service from today. 431 & 432 now at B depot.
Pretty sure it was in service on Friday-refer to Twitter for details.
It wasn't. I checked.
Okay
Bus 428 spotted in service this afternoon.
Thanks to Bus 400 we can report that 429 is in service.
Bus 430 is now in service with 400:D being the first member
Three buses in service within a week?? This must be a first!
It appears that these buses are being rushed into service as 430 is missing a screen & only has the old ticket system.
I caught 428 on Sunday. It didn't have the internal passenger screen. Can't say I paid enough attention to the ticketing setup, but I don't recall seeing anything MyWay.
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 12, 2010, 03:32:25 PM
It appears that these buses are being rushed into service as 430 ... only has the old ticket system.
No new buses will have the new ticket system. This is nothing to do with being "rushed into service", the new system is being fitted by contractors not by ACTION. Once the new system is in operation (mid January), then new buses will require only that system to be installed.
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 12, 2010, 03:32:25 PM
It appears that these buses are being rushed into service as 430 is missing a screen & only has the old ticket system.
No I'm pretty sure I saw it with a Myway setup.
Bus 437 recently arrived at Woden Depot. Probably when Bus 434 went up to Belconnen Depot.
Still no sign of Bus 438, why o why can't the buses be delivered in fleet number order?
430: only has "old" Wayfarer system.
Thanks to Metrobus we can report Bus 431 in service, beat me by 3 hours.
My source was chris_guru. Although by the time i had tweeted it i had ridden it
Noticed yesterday that 428 has a ding in right hand side bodywork...not too bad though.
This week Buses 440 & 441 arrived at Woden Depot.
No confirmation on where Bus 438 is.
Quote from: smitho on November 27, 2010, 04:06:42 PM
Noticed yesterday that 428 has a ding in right hand side bodywork...not too bad though.
Didn't notice any ding. There's a scrape on the near side though - either side of the rear door. 430 has sustained some damage to the rear bumper.
Quote from: MyWay on November 13, 2010, 12:43:56 AM
No new buses will have the new ticket system. This is nothing to do with being "rushed into service", the new system is being fitted by contractors not by ACTION. Once the new system is in operation (mid January), then new buses will require only that system to be installed.
427 definitely only has MyWay, 428 definitely only has the old system (well, as of a couple of days ago when I rode them both). Seems a little erratic!
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 27, 2010, 07:00:11 PM
No confirmation on where Bus 438 is.
I can now confirm that Bus 438 has finally arrived.
I checked. 427 has both ticketing systems. 432 though could be the first bus to enter service with just the MyWay system.
Bus 442 arrived at Woden Depot this month.
It appears that Bus 436 to 442 are the only MAN's at Woden Depot currently.
The latest one at Belco is 434, some may have gone to Tuggeranong, I doubt it though.
435 is at B depot with bike rack fitted. Don't know when it arrived.
Buses 443 & 444 arrived at Woden Depot this week.
Chris_Guru reports that 432 entered service, and for those who haven't seen it 431 has been back in service for about a week.
In the last month, Bus 445 arrived at Woden Depot.
I don't drive them very often so any tips on which ones are good/dogs?
Before anyone else jumps in, I should point out that's probably a question best answered by those who actually drive them, so no "zomg 405 goes hard!!!!!1!" please
They are really all the same slow off the mark, great once in the higher gears and extremely speedy up hills, 420 however seems a bit different in that it is a little faster off the mark. If anything 390 would be the dog with excessive rattles and poor suspension but it performs like the others.
**Edit this info does come from another driver, lol at Buzz's post**
why do the man euros seem to always have this jerk when they take off?
Quote from: CNG on February 15, 2011, 09:44:18 PM
why do the man euros seem to always have this jerk when they take off?
Only when you're onboard CNG
it is like as if the breaks take ages to realise.
Quote from: CNG on February 16, 2011, 06:52:23 AM
it is like as if the breaks take ages to realise.
What was that you were saying about being a good speller?
Quote from: Chris_Guru on February 16, 2011, 12:00:07 AM
Only when you're onboard CNG
Exactly what I was thinking!
shit I just looked at that spelling, disgusting.
Well thankyou for pointing that out martin, you should become an english teacher
thats Martin with a capital m :P
Busn00b did you forget a capital T at the start of a sentance and a full stop ;D
Nah, just chose not to use 'em
Irisbus Rider reports that 436 is in service without a bike rack. I have being informed by a T driver that there is another two 18.320s like this as well as 474 operating out of T depot due to a major bus shortage, these buses also have no two way in.
Quotethese buses also have no two way in.
So why are these buses pressed into service?
I would be worried about not having a radio in the vehicle and it being in service. At this stage it is rumour, but if it is true I am sure the union would have something to say about that.
I saw 437 doing a school run without bike rack today. Everything else looked done though.
Surely they had long enough to prepare for this bus shortage as the hassle of covering runs could be heard every afternoon for the past few weeks. I suppose as long as the "security"features work & the driver has a mobile phone for issues the bus should be all right.
Quote from: Sir Pompously on February 28, 2011, 02:11:49 PM
At this stage it is rumour, but if it is true I am sure the union would have something to say about that.
No Todd it isn't.....these buses are 'as delivered' ie. no pre service maintenance (speed limiter set at 100 still).
The three MANs are 436, 7 and 8. Only certain drivers are allowed to drive them, the radio room have their phone number and shift and if there is anything affecting the driver they send out an SMS.
EDIT: MyWay also reports that they have no front number plates
Since only certain drivers can take them, I am safe to assume only certain shifts have these buses?
If that is the case, one comes into Belconnen around 16:30 on a 10 from the City & another leaves the City around 17:15 on a 785 Xpresso.
so really they would probs be on std or pr 3 shifts then
Quote from: Bus 400 on March 02, 2011, 07:52:33 PM
Since only certain drivers can take them, I am safe to assume only certain shifts have these buses?
If that is the case, one comes into Belconnen around 16:30 on a 10 from the City & another leaves the City around 17:15 on a 785 Xpresso.
i think that 785 is usually a midi shift
Why does it matter?
With buses 436-438 entering service at Tuggeranong (prematurely be it all), does this mean that Belconnen Depot has fulfilled their allocation of the MAN's in the current tender?
no, these will most likely come back to Belconnen, to have equal accessibility Belconnen will need to receive all but 5 MANs (396-400).
433 entered service on Monday or Tuesday. And then went back to the workshops today.
Bus 450 is the latest MAN delivery. Which means only a bakers dozen to go.
Bus 437 has been returned to Woden Depot.
I saw BUS 453 at the Woden depot this afternoon. That means only a few more to go ;D
Metrobus reported 435 is in service today.
I saw it in service too - might have even been yesterday.
I spotted us 454 & 456 at Woden Depot today, Bus 455 could be at Woden Depot as there were some buses I couldn't see fleet numbers.
Also Bus 439 now sports a bike rack.
458 and 459 are the latest arrivals at Woden Depot. 436 has now been sent back to B depot, so perhaps it will be put into service soon.
446 onwards will be fitted with the old (Tait 2000) radios. 446 & 447 appear to be nearly ready for service.
446 was reported to be in service this morning (Friday 27/5)
New (& older) buses 'on shed' @ Woden Depot on 15 June:-
457, 458, 459 (Row 7)
443 (Row 8)
439, 802 (Row 9)
438, 445 (Row 10)
440, 441 (Row 11)
461, 450, 451 (Roiw 12)
460, 455, Historic 611 AEC Regal (Row 13)
477, 478, 479 (Row 14)
Historic ZIB 050 AEC, 476, 452 (Row 15)
456, 454, 453 (Row 16)
THEN
758, 764, 765, 799
768, 755, 762, 777
779, 763, 773, 756
770, 760#, 752*, 783, 754**
# Has Mark 2 style blue skirt livery.
* Ex-Tuggy trainer
** Ex-Belco trainer
Thanks for the update Smitho - good to double check we've got our lists correct :)
441 was at Tuggy Workshops Yesterday.
Also at the back of te Workshops, it looks like there is 3 other Euros there. 442, 443, 444?
Refer to thread on new radio system.
443 was out on a School Bus Today.
It's already considerably dirty on the windows! >:D
It wouldn't have been washed since leaving Adelaide. It is impossible to make the drive and still have it clean after.
443 did its inaugural revenue run (a humble morning school run) ex Tuggy Depot on Tuesday 5th July. 444 & 445 still stabled north of Tuggy W/Shop building.
Just a thought, with the end of the MAN's arriving soon and entering service in the next couple of months, will they buy more of some other type of bus as they still need replacements for the PR100.2's.
A new tender will more then likely go out sometime in the next year. As it was mentioned the Renault's will be withdrawn over 5 years. So new standards have to be purchased to replace these & grow the fleet to service Gungahlin & Molonglo.
445 was at the back of the Tuggy Workshops waiting at the door. >:D
ACTbusspotter reports 449 is now in service. Also for those not on Twitter nine of the ten radio trial buses are in service as well as 448. 440 is the only one yet to enter service, it may be the 'problem child'.
450 was seen in Northbourne Avenue near Antill street yesterday around 3;45pm, then went further to the north.Maybe Gungahlin Marketplace?
The desto said "Chartered 110".
Bus 450 was spotted on London Circuit before running a 314N:
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS450LondonCircuitCITY.jpg&hash=c041830286718b855cb81b7fbc8d8e0e3aeb7657) (http://actbus.net/forum/index.php)
A brand spanking new 451 has been parked at the far end of the Belco workshop sheds - near the car park - for the past few days.
452 was in service today, doing northbound 980. seen at City at 8:11am.
Yours truly spotted it at around 17:00 at City West Layover
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS452CityWestBusStation4.jpg&hash=ce027a8dba8f60df373019e667fc4d672d9d3523)
Bus 451 has also been spotted by yours truly yesterday & has been reported via twitter earlier in the week.
454 was in service yesterday, doing southbound 200 which leaves Gungahlin at 5:46pm.
We really need to start doing regular twitter to forum
Updates, It entered service when 835 left, whatever that day was
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Bus 457 can't be too far off entering service as it is sitting at Woden Depot to the side, racked up & registered.
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Looks like they're installing bike racks and radios in advance. All buses up to 458 have been fitted, even though 455 is next to enter service.
As I mentioned elsewhere, 836 and 837 are parked side-by-side at the rear of B depot workshops presumably awaiting whatever is their fate. Joining them there this morning were newbies 461 and 462 (plateless). Wish I had the camera on me to capture this unique sight: the old and the new or the outgoing and the incoming.
457 is in service. Saw it on Monday.
...and a plateless 463 was spotted at the rear of B workshops this morning.
Yeah, 457 entered service on Friday first reported on Twitter on Monday. Looks like they are going at one per week from now.
Sorry, I gave Metrobus what turned out to be incorrect information. 457 may have entered service on Saturday, not Friday, but not 100% sure.
Yes, 463 now at B depot for bike rack and wiring. Might still be 6 weeks before it sees service.
458 was placed into service yesterday afternoon.
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Quote from: Metrobus on October 21, 2011, 08:50:46 AM
458 was placed into service yesterday afternoon.
It was operating the shuttles for the Nara Candle Festival on Saturday evening, carriying between one and two passengers every time I saw it :P
As reported by ACTbusspotter via Twitter:
Quote......459 entered service tonight at B depot. ...
Yours truly hunted down Bus 459 & snapped this earlier:
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS459CityWestBusStation.jpg&hash=bfb10369dafb7dbbbda0075c963feebc775563d3)
460 & 461 have been doing charter work for the Obama visit. But don't know if they've performed regular route service yet.
462 was spotted looking all wet 'n' shiny when parked near the B depot wash this AM.
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on November 17, 2011, 12:57:39 PM
460 & 461 have been doing charter work for the Obama visit. But don't know if they've performed regular route service yet.
At least 460 does; spotted it 5pm at City today doing a 58 to Belco.
461 was doing scheduled runs yesterday (Wednesday).
450 was parked on 'the screen' (ie the Dart stabling area) @ Tuggeranong Depot yesterday morning.
Quote from: smitho on November 24, 2011, 12:25:10 AM
450 was parked on 'the screen' (ie the Dart stabling area) @ Tuggeranong Depot yesterday morning.
Bus 450 spotted in service with a Belconnen driver at the wheel this afternoon.
Bus 491 arrived at Woden Depot today.
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Quote from: Bus 400 on November 24, 2011, 07:23:12 PM
Bus 450 spotted in service with a Belconnen driver at the wheel this afternoon.
Bus 491 arrived at Woden Depot today.
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Could be that Belco driver was just laying over @ Tuggy Depot...strange place to park his bus though.
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 24, 2011, 07:23:12 PM
Bus 491 arrived at Woden Depot today.
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Now that makes sense why a MAN was at Woden Depo this afternoon, surrounded by the service-not-yet S'Tags.
462 is in service also. Was doing a northbound Intertown yesterday afternoon.
Metrobus reports via Twitter that Bus 492 has arrived at Woden Depot.
Hopefully these buses enter service as quickly as they arrive.
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Quote from: Bus 400 on November 28, 2011, 07:06:34 PM
Hopefully these buses enter service as quickly as they arrive.
No reason why they can't. Expect two per month from now until June (1 in Jan, 3 in Feb, 1 in June). Should be able to put 1 bus in service every 2 weeks.
I wouldn't be surprised if the next 8 or 9 MANs (491-498/499) were to go to T depot - giving them 20 or 21 in total.
Bus 493 arrived at Woden Depot today.
Buses 491-505 feature a camera covering either side of the bus & a rear facing camera.
Bus 491 features a sticker stating it is the 75th Euro V MAN Custom built for ACTION.
Quote from: Bus 400 on December 03, 2011, 03:02:37 PM
Bus 491 features a sticker stating it is the 75th Euro V MAN Custom built for ACTION.
Does it actually say Euro V (or Euro 5)? Because 491 is NOT the 75th Euro V, it's the 73rd. (392 & 393 were 18.310 - Euro IVs)
The big sticker mentions MAN 75 Custom ACTION, with Euro V at the bottom.
It doesn't make sense anyway as (including 374-389), Bus 491 is actually the 91st MAN Custom built for ACTION, with Bus 448 being the 75th. Excluding 374-389 it is still the 73rd bus, so someone must of forgotten about buses 392 & 393.
Now that my internet is back up & running.....
For those who don't have access to twitter, here are the photos of the new cameras on Bus 491 & 492 & 491's special sticker.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS491WodenDepot1.jpg&hash=ad71574dfce4581a6695e99334e91cba610eb589)
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS491WodenDepot2.jpg&hash=272e5936801fdf0a19ecb1f999bc3acfbcf27284)
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS492WodenDepot1.jpg&hash=b4ce62098354d0c02c82a9955378f070a244a77d)
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS492WodenDepot2.jpg&hash=eb527ac1d12236a219aad869ec3d739c52ff62d3)
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS491WodenDepot.jpg&hash=5b3edadbdce99f2a415b372b432d7e2ae65da7dd)
Good scoop, Bus 400.
With camera work like that, methinks ASIO will be after you.
Well done indeed 400. Nice effect with the lens close up to wire fence. Gives an interesting texture, almost like lens flare.
The sticker is totally wrong as they forgot the gas MANs. Even without them, they seem to have forgotten they built some SL200's in the 70's for ACTION too!
Of the current body style of MAN, how many more are due to arrive under the present contract? I understand that a newer contract will go out in the next year to provide for even more vehicles to replace the ageing .2s.
It will be interesting to see what they will look like, e.g. how different they might appear, if at all. And what new features they might have: hot and cold running water, sleeping compartments, on board baristas, electronic bogan detectors (with prods), destos in several languages..., who knows?
Bus 505 should will be the last MAN of the current contract.
In relation to new buses, if Custom Coaches win that tender, the new standards will have the same body shape as the new artics, except in standard form. If you want to see what buses will look like if Volgren win the contract, search Perth Volgren Volvo in Google Search (or I will post a picture tomorrow).
Bus 494 arrived at Woden Depot some day after Tuesday this week (95% thinking Thursday).
491 entered service yesterday from Tuggeranong Depot. 492 is still being prepped at Belconnen, so I don't anticipate it entering service this year.
492 was moved to T depot this morning I believe.
Bus 492 was returned to Woden Depot.
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on December 22, 2011, 02:15:48 PM
491 entered service yesterday from Tuggeranong Depot. 492 is still being prepped at Belconnen, so I don't anticipate it entering service this year.
491 was in service today - carries a classy looking rear end sign featuring an orange wreath on a black/grey background with wording along the lines..
"MAN
75th Custom bus
built for ACTION
Euro 5".
These details are repeated on a smaller sign near the front entrance. As with 493, 491 carries a left-side camera affixed near the front door and aimed down along the side of the bus - presumably to assist drivers in checking the entry and exit of punters at bus interchanges etc.
Quote from: Bus 400 on November 30, 2011, 06:04:00 PM
Bus 493 arrived at Woden Depot today.
493 spent the Christmas break behind the workshops at Belco. Was still there when I left work today. No bike rack.
493 has been parked on northern side of Tuggy Workshop for several days now.
Bus 492 entered service today, those who are super keen can see a photo on Twitter at @Bus400.
yesterday actually, I failed to report the sighting though.
Spotted 493 on a southbound 61 this afternoon
494 in service today; saw it parked @ Tugg Depot this pm...
Bit too soon for 494 to be in service. It's now at B depot for fit out. Will probably be ready by next week.
As smitho and ACTbusspotter have already mentioned, 494 seemed to be gone when I visited Woden Depot this afternoon.
Although I spotted an MAN CB60 on the different spot of the Depot. I'd say 495 has arrived.
ACTBusSpotter has also spotted Bus 495 at Woden Depot.
Quote from: Bus 400 on January 28, 2012, 12:15:17 AM
ACTBusSpotter has also spotted Bus 495 at Woden Depot.
Thanks for confirming , Bus 400 and ACTbusspotter.
ACTbusspotter reports via Twitter that Bus 496 has arrived at Woden Depot.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Quote from: Bus 400 on February 02, 2012, 11:08:50 PM
ACTbusspotter reports via Twitter that Bus 496 has arrived at Woden Depot.
Actually I only reported that it had been "delivered" - without mentioning where. Last known sighting of 496 was at B depot.
Did a half day Saturday Detail last weekend; unusually, I didn't pass a single Renault (PR 2 or PR 3) the whole morning.
Wouldn't have thought it unusual. Pretty rare to see a Renault in service on a weekend.
There is usually one or two Belconnen Renault's out each weekend day.
Well, when every Irisbus is in the workshop queue it doesn't leave them with much choice I guess.
Quote from: Buzz Killington on February 07, 2012, 05:46:53 PM
Wouldn't have thought it unusual. Pretty rare to see a Renault in service on a weekend.
Well last Saturday was the first time I didn't cross at least 1 or 2 Renaults.
494 was being worked on outsiude Tuggy Workshop this morning...
496 also looks ready to enter service.
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on February 14, 2012, 03:42:46 PM
496 also looks ready to enter service.
Then could it be Bus 497 at Woden Depot? I saw one MAN CB60 there today.
Try 495.
(Merv319: you should consider using twitter, then you'd be able to keep up to date with bus whereabouts. I usually post movements and sightings to twitter first.)
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on February 14, 2012, 10:14:38 PM
Try 495.
(Merv319: you should consider using twitter, then you'd be able to keep up to date with bus whereabouts. I usually post movements and sightings to twitter first.)
495? So they sent 496 out of Woden while 495 is still there?
Anyway, thanks for the suggestion.
I don't think 496 was ever at Woden.... Would it be safe to say 496 out of Belconnen, 495 out of Tuggeranong.
Not sure it's safe, but it's certainly possible. Based on potential withdrawals, B depot should get 5 more "standard length" buses (and 4 Scania K320s). So 496-500 is possible. Won't know for sure until they enter service.
Noticed 494 on Adelaide Ave today
Based on the contract, 497 & 498 should have arrived by now (497 due 3 Feb, 498: 10 Feb). So where are they? Anyone seen them?
Saw 494 heading towards Woden Interchange today. Had 110 on the desto.
495 & 496 could be in service any day now - possible one or both already are.
A photo has surfaced of 498 currently overnighting in Wagga Wagga, so should be here Tuesday 28th.
Ed reports 496 & 497 in service at T depot with 495 on "the bricks". And with that, the 50% low floor threshold has been achieved. (This suggests that 497 has been hiding at T since it was delivered.)
I had 492 last Sunday; ran a bit roughly as does 491...still bedding in.
Latest report from Bus400 is that 497, 498 & 499 are at Woden Depot. So earlier report of 497 in service was incorrect. Possible that 497 has only just arrived.
497 was at Tuggeranong last week when I went past on my way from the bowling alley I'm pretty sure.
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on March 18, 2012, 12:19:36 AM
497 was at Tuggeranong last week when I went past on my way from the bowling alley I'm pretty sure.
Could it have been 495? 497 is plate-less at Woden which makes me think it was delivered there directly.
I've now seen 495 in service the past two days and 496 many times last week.
This afternoon I spotted Bus 495 for the second & my first time to photograph it.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS495CityBusStation.jpg&hash=a4a3d7c57fdc92b37a684092eb11d87ec8d55ae5)
Then for the next 2 hours every second MAN I saw was Bus 495.
Then while I'm at it, I found Bus 496 in Kambah:
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FACTION-MAN%252018320%2FBUS496BoddingtonCrescentKAMBAH.jpg&hash=5a9a8c28dd1b1eb81fe84407e2fa16f36b7a3358)
Quote from: smitho on March 24, 2012, 10:33:37 PM
495 - with new style Hanover desto entry module in cockpit.
I'm now curious as to what this looks like. I am aware of a newer unit coming out with something like 4x the memory of the current units.
It looks quite different from the other version...more modern looking...but works in much the same way.
The REAL eye turner in the newer MAN diesels is the large, protruding bus stop buzzer buttons; I've had quite alot of positive comment about them from older people and one or two disabled.
The re-located Bus Stop Brake button (Short Stop) takes a bit of getting used to, although most times, I use the parking brake for short stops (so that I'll develop big arm muscles like Ed's).
LOL, the desto contoller in question is fitted to both 126 and 147 and all units after 491.
A few weeks ago, Bus400 on Facebook posted a photo with a possible new camera mounted under the front bumper. I've had a close look, and I think it's the horn. So, question is: do 491 onwards have a different horn?
Below is the posted picture with said query:
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On other news, The MAN Euro V information sheet on the ACTION website has been updated to include Buses 491-505.
The sheet can be found at https://www.action.act.gov.au/doc/aboutus/MAN_Euro_5_Spec_Sheet.pdf (https://www.action.act.gov.au/doc/aboutus/MAN_Euro_5_Spec_Sheet.pdf)
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on April 03, 2012, 05:09:42 PM
So, question is: do 491 onwards have a different horn?
Answer: no.
Bus 500 was delivered to Woden depot today.
Great photo Bus 400.
Bus 501 arrived at Woden Depot on Thursday.
Latest arrival at W is 503, not 502 as previously thought.
Quote from: smitho on March 24, 2012, 11:33:59 PM
It looks quite different from the other version...more modern looking...but works in much the same way.
After seeing the desto unit in Bus 494 today, I am curious as to what the button on the far right does? I know you've got your button that lets you start entering numbers, then your scroll up/down/across buttons (in the 2 every unit has). But this last button is a puzzler. But I do like the look of the bigger screen.
ACTION have started announcing new buses in service via twitter:
(A) Let's see if it actually enters service as promised.
(B) Someone doesn't know the difference between "addition" and "edition".
Quote from: Bus 400 on April 29, 2012, 07:08:42 PM
After seeing the desto unit in Bus 494 today, I am curious as to what the button on the far right does? I know you've got your button that lets you start entering numbers, then your scroll up/down/across buttons (in the 2 every unit has). But this last button is a puzzler. But I do like the look of the bigger screen.
sorry, can't recall if that far right button does anything useful.....
With shift spill in full progress now, several senior Tuggy drivers have asked what does 'Euro' mean on the new shift cards; 'Euro' is not a common term used south of the Lake and was not commonly used on Tuggy shift cards until now.
As soon as you say, 'Diesel MAN', the penny drops.
Quote from: Bus 400 on April 29, 2012, 07:08:42 PM
After seeing the desto unit in Bus 494 today, I am curious as to what the button on the far right does?
I've had a play with one: the far right button is a "down" arrow. Very useful - allows you to scroll through numbers backwards. Will came in handy for weekend routes.
The "left" arrow button works slightly differently as well - when a dest has been selected, the down button operates as the left button does on the older model (scrolling down through the list); the left button will take you back to where you were if you don't choose a new dest code.
Bus 504 arrived at Woden Depot today. With Bus 502 yet to be spotted, we have only 2 MAN's left in this current contract.
Responding to ACTBusspotter's query about 502 on Twitter, Custom Coaches said
Quote
502 has left Custom and is with chassis supplier for their final pre delivery checks
It was good that they replied. But it still leaves us no closer to knowing when it might arrive.
499 was on T - bricks this evening. Appears to be in service.
Bus 505 has arrived at Woden Depot (in the last few days). Still no sign of 502.
Bus 500 now appears to be revenue ready - has been stabled outside front of Tugg W/Shops.
Bus 500 was in service today, Friday 25th may.
Bus 503 was out on a 63 to Tuggeranong yesterday arvo around 3.30pm.
504 sighted in service today a few times.
Bus 502 finally arrived at Woden Depot. Keeping with 90% of the previous 115 bus deliveries, it would of arrived on Thursday.
Now once 502 & 505 enter service, that is the end of the 115 bus purchase. So I wonder how close we were to the original 60/40 bus replacement program?
Quote from: Bus 400 on June 02, 2012, 11:41:35 AM
So I wonder how close we were to the original 60/40 bus replacement program?
Monthly Movements (http://www.actbus.net/fleetwiki/index.php?title=Monthly_Movements) on ACT Bus Wiki can help answer that query. But it's easier to use my Excel spreadsheet.
When 390 entered service in September 2009, the fleet size was 393. If "stored" buses are not counted as withdrawn, current fleet size is 435. Therefore net fleet growth was 42 (with 72 "replacements"). This includes 490, but not 502 & 505.
From @ACTBusFleetWiki - graph of fleet growth to Nov 2011
(https://p.twimg.com/AfYjGi4CAAIuvyr.jpg)
Low floor %age went from 29% in Sep 09 to 53% now.
I'm not sure if anybody else has noticed this, but the newer MANs (491 - 505)
seem to have names like the Scania L94's. Well I've only seen 504 with one but I think the others do to.
Your figures are very interesting thanks ACTbusspotter.
I noticed late last week that 502 is still parked @ Woden - in the open, over near the western fence. Also, the stored buses that were parked under the 'new' Ainslie Depot busport (i.e., backing on to Athllon Drive fence) have now been moved back into the main shed @ Woden.
505 seen in service today. 502 may have left B depot - so should be in service by next week.
Mayor McCheese reported Bus 502 in service yesterday.
Bus 491 has lost it's big round stop buttons & now has the style that appears in the CB80 artics. From tonight's sighings, no others have changed button style (yet).
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 30, 2012, 01:05:03 AM
Bus 491 has lost it's big round stop buttons & now has the style that appears in the CB80 artics. From tonight's sighings, no others have changed button style (yet).
You mean this one?
http://actbus.net/gallery/index.php/ACTION-Buses-Current/Scania-K360UA/Bus-506/StopBell1
That is correct.
Possibly not the perfect topic for this, but I've noticed lately that the shoddy videos have been replaced on the in-bus monitors with much clearer (Powerpoint?) slides advertising various things for ACTION - Twitter, Xpresso, Capitals sponsorship..
Saw in distance today what looked like Bus 505....after long stint at Belco Workshops.
I saw 505 last week in service. I think you mean 502 which is still sitting engineless at B workshops.
Quote from: The Love Guru on May 14, 2013, 06:30:00 AM
I saw 505 last week in service. I think you mean 502 which is still sitting engineless at B workshops.
Ah, OK. Thanks.