Recent posts

#11

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by Busnerd - May 18, 2023, 10:05:27 PM

Sounds like it may also be to avoid spinning the wheels, as all the power is instantly available on EV's, putting your foot flat to the floor from a stop will generally cause the wheels to spin as it struggles to gain traction under full power, this would be another benefit of limiting the available power which again would not really affect most drivers.

#12

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by triumph - May 18, 2023, 11:25:46 AM

I believe the last time you were on my bus I was in an electric so hopefully my braking was up to standard.

The key to achieving smooth braking (and acceleration for that matter) sounds very obvious and that is remembering that you are in an electric bus. Braking earlier is certainly key to smooth braking in the electrics as the retarder or regenerative braking is a little less sensitive than a conventional diesel bus.

Likewise accelerating the buses are designed with a feature that will cut power if you accelerate too quickly so as to keep the ride safe, I've heard a lot of drivers express dislike this function however by taking care to remember that I am driving an electric bus and gradually feeding the power in (rather than flat to the floor and easing off like you would in a diesel bus) I rarely see this feature activate.

I have yet to identify you, but am sure you would have been 'up to standard' or better.

Thank you for your interesting and informative comments.

The protection factor on acceleration goes beyond passenger comfort. There is a need to avoid excessive current draw to protect the battery and electrical power system generally. Back in the day and relating mainly to Hobart systems, if too much power was demanded in either tram or electric bus (nothing new about electric buses, what is new is the source of power, battery in lieu of trolley wires) the circuit breakers would operate (these were bulky shoebox sized items). Power would be shut of instantly with a loud bang from the breakers and a violent jolt as acceleration instantly disappeared. The driver would then manually have to reset the circuit breakers (hand sized levers). The Yutong's protection system is so much better, as would be expected these days.

#13

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by Bus967 - May 18, 2023, 05:52:03 AM

• The Woden Temp Interchange provides no protection from Canberra's erratic weather what so ever:
  -white concrete making the sun reflection blinding when you step off a bus in summer.
  -Seats placed in line with the openings of the shipping containers so you're in direct morning/evening sun glare.
  -No wind protection unless you stand at the ticket vendor or Pt1-2.

That windy/rainy day a couple weeks ago was absolute hell. Sitting in those containers (esp Pt3-4) while trying to stay at normal-ish body temperature while it's windy AF for 30 minutes is impossible. Excluding Dickson and Belconnen at least (most) of the other past/present interchanges had/have something you can hide in/behind.

Honestly this is exactly what I loved the old Woden interchange, especially those glass shelters that used to have electric heating in them and the canopy was always super wide so if you were getting wet or anything like that or getting cold from the wind you could always try and make a couple of steps back and not actually get superduper Cold/wet, and honestly if the bus stops are gonna be like the light rail stops, I'm not really looking forward to it because I know those don't really offer much protection From the elements

#14

Fleet / Re: Bus Discussion (2019-)

Last post by Sylvan Loves Buses - May 18, 2023, 03:44:24 AM

Oh so those aren't [REDACTED] buses, wrong sticker haha

[design]

#15

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by Bus 400 - May 17, 2023, 10:37:24 PM

Not a reason to roll over and give up. Pressure needs to be applied for product improvement.
Incidentally at a recent meeting I attended a TC representative referred to design and acquisition in relation to the new LRVs needed for the extension of LR to Commonwealth Park.

Most certainly not a TC only issue & is system wide. But no one procuring public transportation vehicles actually has any knowledge of what's a passenger needs. 
Listening to the sales pitch from the manufacturers, not specifying what they, as the purchaser, want. 

#16

Fleet / Re: Bus Discussion (2019-)

Last post by Snorzac - May 17, 2023, 09:00:27 PM

This is for "National Road Safety Week" which takes place this week

#17

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by Snorzac - May 17, 2023, 08:59:22 PM

(Perhaps Snorzac could elaborate on the pros and cons of achieving smooth braking.)

I believe the last time you were on my bus I was in an electric so hopefully my braking was up to standard.

The key to achieving smooth braking (and acceleration for that matter) sounds very obvious and that is remembering that you are in an electric bus. Braking earlier is certainly key to smooth braking in the electrics as the retarder or regenerative braking is a little less sensitive than a conventional diesel bus.

Likewise accelerating the buses are designed with a feature that will cut power if you accelerate too quickly so as to keep the ride safe, I've heard a lot of drivers express dislike this function however by taking care to remember that I am driving an electric bus and gradually feeding the power in (rather than flat to the floor and easing off like you would in a diesel bus) I rarely see this feature activate.

#18

Fleet / Re: Bus Discussion (2019-)

Last post by triumph - May 17, 2023, 08:54:08 PM

A yellow 'sticker' in the form of a bow with black lettered slogan 'Drive So Others Survive!' on it, has appeared on the exterior next(aft) to the front entrance, has appeared on TC buses.

#19

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by triumph - May 17, 2023, 08:45:32 PM

Another subtle feature I noticed today is the wheel chair sections are equipped with retractable belts to secure chair and occupant.
The number plates also have the mandated 'EV' symbol (required to assist emergency services in identifying a vehicle as electric).

#20

Fleet / Re: 12 Yutongs

Last post by triumph - May 17, 2023, 08:41:54 PM

.... The ride quality is a bit bumpy, and the brakes seem quite strong and instead of gently coasting to a stop it's kinda seems to be a bit stop start stop start ....

I am inclined to attribute jerky braking to the driver. Quite a few seem to need to slow up to stops in a series of brake applications. If anything the electric buses should be smoother in acceleration and deceleration, and that has mostly been my experience. (Perhaps Snorzac could elaborate on the pros and cons of achieving smooth braking.)