Recent posts

#11

Fleet / Re: Renaults a go go: the fina...

Last post by Bus 400 - April 16, 2024, 07:41:06 AM

I wonder how hard it would be to convert a gas to electric? 

AFAIK, Port Stephens Coaches bought & converted a couple of ex-Brisbane CNG buses. I'm not aware of anyone else attempting this or how the buses are faring. 

#12

Fleet / Re: Renaults a go go: the fina...

Last post by L94UBbusfan - April 15, 2024, 09:08:48 PM

Ah yes, I had a feeling this was the reason, but was unsure considering the fleet retirement wasn't in fleet order. As you said it really is a lose lose for TC. The remaining Scania and new electric buses better arrive soon or else there will be a short term bus shortage. This would mean the Renaults may stay even longer (Which I personally wouldn't mind!)

#13

Fleet / Re: Renaults a go go: the fina...

Last post by triumph - April 15, 2024, 07:20:22 PM

Looks like TC will lose either way. Costly to attend to tanks, or costly to sell 20 year old vehicles to buyers who will undoubtedly factor the same costs into the buying price. Selling, provided enough new replacement are arriving, seems to me to be the better option, as the buses are entering high maintenance age and the replacements will be much better for the environment.
Another issue is the impact on Renault fleet reduction. A further complication is that it has been publicly said that each new bus into service equals one Renault retired.

#14

Fleet / Re: Renaults a go go: the fina...

Last post by Bus It - April 15, 2024, 05:55:52 PM

Long story short, the CNG Scanias entered service from June 2004 with CNG tanks installed just prior to delivery. These tanks are rated (strictly) to 20 years where they either have to be replaced or the vehicles would need to be converted back to diesel or scrapped. I personally thought TC would have gone down the diesel conversion path however who knows how much this, plus tank removal would cost for each vehicle.

It's now become quite apparent that they intend on scrapping them for now at least when mechanical repair is not economical for only a few months of residual life. Just like the Renaults, were seeing these vehicles being scrapped from some things which would almost be considered routine for them.

#15

The Playground / Re: What PT did you get today?...

Last post by L94UBbusfan - April 15, 2024, 05:21:10 PM

714 (R2)
336 (58)
383 (58)
348 (R2)

#16

Fleet / Re: Renaults a go go: the fina...

Last post by L94UBbusfan - April 15, 2024, 01:04:21 PM

Sorry if this is off topic, but does anyone know why 345, 352 and 365 are withdrawn, and 326 and 342 out of service due to "mechanical reasons. Why were they the first to be withdrawn and not the remaining 3 Tuggeranong Renaults? As my name suggests, I want to get some more rides on the L94UBs before they all go out of service due to "mechanical reasons"

#17

Routes and Timetables / Re: Network 2023

Last post by triumph - April 12, 2024, 11:17:17 PM

... Also, on a somewhat unrelated note, I've noticed a regular shift I get on is marked as non-wheelchair accessible on the TC website but gets a Belconnen EURO every day - has never gotten a PR2 ever so far as I know. Perhaps with the current timetable, TC has overestimated the number of PR2s needed for a regular weekday.

I also have noticed many runs marked non-accessible which PR2s don't seem to regularly appear on. It has already been reported in the Forum that if an accessible bus is available, then it will be substituted for a PR2. Because of the potential variability in the use of PR2s. I had assumed that TC was being cautious in showing any run which might be allocated a PR2 on occasion, as non-accessible. Certainly I don't think there are enough active PR2s to simultaneously cover all the services now shown as non-accessible. The only downsides are for enthusiasts trying to find PR2s and the possibility of mis-interpretation of the prevalence of non-accessible services. The latter fair enough, as that is what is now published.
There are currently 6 new buses on hand, with the potential to enter service by the end of the school holidays. Thus, if that happens, the PR2 active bus fleet could be almost halved going into the next term.

[933]

#18

The Playground / Re: What PT did you get today?...

Last post by triumph - April 12, 2024, 10:55:43 PM

933 (47) 2nd oldest bus in service use.
544 (47)

#19

Routes and Timetables / Re: Network 2023

Last post by Bus 503 - April 12, 2024, 08:34:34 PM

Have recently noticed some Irisbus shifts have been all over the place with bus allocations - often "upgraded" to MAN and K320UBs, at least once to an articulated bus. Perhaps the increase in Bustechs at Belconnen means more EUROs available to take out in place of Irisbuses. Also, on a somewhat unrelated note, I've noticed a regular shift I get on is marked as non-wheelchair accessible on the TC website but gets a Belconnen EURO every day - has never gotten a PR2 ever so far as I know. Perhaps with the current timetable, TC has overestimated the number of PR2s needed for a regular weekday.

#20

The Playground / Re: What PT did you get today?...

Last post by triumph - April 10, 2024, 09:37:46 PM

705 (R3)
706 (R4) Consecutive fleet numbers is quite rare for me.
633 (57)
382 (57) Very unusual, just after mid-day, a full load boarded at Federation Mall stop. Had MyWays too.
399 (R3)