What PT did you get today? (2019-)

[triumph]

(R3) (Forgot to write it down at the time)
674 (R2)
458 (R2)
722 (R3)

[lukeo25]

330, 436

[L94UBbusfan]

Yesterday (17/7/24)

723 (30)

Today (18/7/24)

457 (26)
012 (R1)
642 (R4)
603 (R4)
527 (71)
807 (65)
354 (R4)
482 (R4)
653 (R8)
428 (26)

Lots of learner drivers out this morning (none of the designated trainer buses though  ) . I also saw 318 on an R7 (which I think is uncommon) this morning in the city.

[Snorzac]

I'm sure I explained it here at some point but the actual training buses are only used for initial training/assessment and licensing upgrades, all formal training is done in buses which are in service as drivers need to be familiarised with each type of bus.

To keep on topic
Today-
387

[Barry Drive]

Lots of learner drivers out this morning (none of the designated trainer buses though

In addition: they're only "learner drivers" if the bus is showing actual L plates. (When drivers are upgrading to articulated buses they must also display L plates when receiving training and being assessed.)

If the bus is displaying "Driver Training", but there are no L plates then the driver holds a license to drive the bus, but is undergoing familiarisation training.

[triumph]

In addition: they're only "learner drivers" if the bus is showing actual L plates. (When drivers are upgrading to articulated buses they must also display L plates when receiving training and being assessed.)

If the bus is displaying "Driver Training", but there are no L plates then the driver holds a license to drive the bus, but is undergoing familiarisation training.

Expanding, most of the fleet are 2 axle buses requiring a medium rigid (MR) licence.
Buses in the fleet with 3 or more axles require a heavy rigid licence. Interestingly, the articulated buses are classed in the heavy rigid group.
It follows that upgrading a licence to HR would require L display on both steer-tag and articulated buses used for training. L plates on an articulated bus would not be necessary for familiarisation of a driver transferring from steer-tag driving, or who otherwise already holds an HR, or higher, licence.
A nuisance factor for licence upgrades for those only intending to be bus drivers, is that they must become familiar with a lot of knowledge relevant to freight type vehicles (caveat - unless TC has arranged for the licencing to include limitations).
(Licence class details can be found in an appropriate Access Canberra web site.)

 

[L94UBbusfan]

Thanks for the extra information surrounding training buses. Especially interesting regarding the different licenses for rigid groups. I saw many different types of buses around yesterday, I saw 320, 589, a bustech Scania and a MAN diesel, none had L plates though, meaning they are undergoing familiarisation, instead of actual learning how to drive a bus. I was mainly surprised about the quantity of buses out, but it makes sense since its school holidays and less buses are required.

[triumph]

980 (64)
982 (65)

So far, these after lunchtime services have been fairly consistent for Renaults use.

Looked for 960 and 963 without success. Pleased to read report that they have been in service after the school holidays.

[Sylvan Loves Buses]

Tuesday 23rd:
419 (R4N)
309 (R2W)
366 (R4E)
670 (31N)

Wednesday 24th:
980 (72S)
982 (81S)
310 (73N)
310 (71N)
396 (R4N)
550 (R5S)

[Sylvan Loves Buses]

Wasn't really planning on riding the Renault's today but I thought after I dropped off something in Belconnen, if I saw one, I'd get one. Saw 963 on my way in but didn't see the route rip, and was very lucky to have 960 arrive as I was heading out. "The 47 is on the way to Tuggeranong" I said to the driver and is the absolute last time I'll probably ever see 960 again as he claims after today it's getting scrapped. According to the driver that 47 will be its official last route (and I got to ride it ) rip. 600k on the mileage counter, I'd assume that's probably more like 3.6mil right?

626 (R4N)
960 (45E)
960 (47S)
604 (66S)
500 (71S) - this bus has been stalking me since I caught my 500th bus of the year (982 on Wednesday), it better stop now that I've ridden it lol

[743]

Yesterday (26/7):

371 (66)
678 (R4)
979 (77)
475 (R5)
963 (32)

[triumph]

726 (R3)
748 (R3)
549 (59)
979 (65)
980 (64)
730 (R4)
708 (R3)

My impression of 748 was similar to previously commented on 749, except no easy cruise to check if the transmission power also 'hunts'.

[lukeo25]

560 - R4 - Woden to City

[L94UBbusfan]

306 (23)
430 (26)

Now all the Belconnen Renaults are gone, I am now focusing on riding more Irisbuses.

[triumph]

982 (64)
979 (65)
520 (R5)
586 (54)
398 (54)
729 (R7)
351 (71)

[Sylvan Loves Buses]

Won't cure my current sickness, but definitely helps improve the mood.

982 (72S)
317 (71N)

[L94UBbusfan]

396 (30)

[triumph]

3rd August
732 (R9)
010 (R1)
559 (R4)

5th August
481 (R3)
626 (R2)
466 (R2)
014 (R1)
659 (R9)
452 (R3)

Today
982 (64) See note
980 (65) See note
531 (R5)
684 (R5)

Note: The two series of services scheduled for non-accessible buses has been consistently operated for at least a fortnight by Renaults variably selected from the three still available for service.

[lukeo25]

320 (R6)

[Sylvan Loves Buses]

Yesterday (Monday 19th)

982 (72S)
982 (77N)
323 (57N)
652 (57S)
527 (R5S)

980 was on the other shift again. Haven't seen 979 in a while, although I haven't been checking anytrip every day like I had been.

[triumph]

According to AnyTrip, only 982 was about after lunch doing one of the two usual runs (rte 64 today) to Weston area. First time for some weeks that only one of the usual Renault pair has appeared.

[lukeo25]

733
698

[L94UBbusfan]

715 (23)
319 (25)

[triumph]

980 (65)
614 (64)

982 on the other Weston (Rte 64) service. So two Renaults today, as is currently normal. Yesterday with only one, was an exception. I was unable to co-ordinate using both today.

Two passengers boarding 980 "Oh, forgot these don't kneel" and "Could/should be a heritage bus".

[lukeo25]

534, 419, 420, 605, 577

[L94UBbusfan]

722 (23)
696 (26)
356 (26)

As well as riding and getting a photo of 356s AOA, I also saw 548 with its new AOA. Also worth noting the earlier 26 leaving JPC actually left on time so all JPC students were on 356 and all the regular commuters from Gungahlin were on 696. Previously when I have caught this route that hasn't happened.

[triumph]

25th Aug
560 (R5)
602 (R5) (Diversion in TC alerts due to the closure of part of Commonwealth Ave N bound, did not happen. Workers were packing up much sooner than early the next day in the alert.)

Today
671 (R3)
683 (R4)
700 (57)
982 (64) Passenger boarding commented on bus - driver responded 'The rest of this week, that's it".
980 (65)
338 (R5)
671 (R3)

[triumph]

372 (R3)
731 (R2)
526 (R4)
812 (64) MyWay+ Demonstrator. What is being 'demonstrated'? Seemed normal except for missing validator, to me.
980 (65) Antepenultimate final public service of bus and of P100.2 Mk 2 class. Cooleman Court - Woden. Validator u/s.
980 (77) Penultimate final public service of bus and of P100.2 Mk 2 class. Whole route Woden-Tuggeranong
980 (73) Final public service of bus and of P100.2 Mk 2 class. Whole route Tuggeranong - Woden.
(Caveat - no surprises next week.)

Noted 816 and 820 in service
489 (R5)
730 (R3)

[743]

561 (66)
508 (R4)
980 (77)
533 (R4)
540 (R5)
473 (R4)
980 (73) 🎉
504 (66)

triumph - we both caught that last PR100.2 trip!

[triumph]

I was vaguely surprised there wasn't a crowd. The Renaults and colour scheme were such a substantial part of Canberra transport for so long. Good that you had the opportunity too.
The driver of the 64 I travelled on was the same chap who seemed to be a regular on that service. So from almost  the oldest bus to almost the newest.

[triumph]

...
980 (77) Penultimate final public service of bus and of P100.2 Mk 2 class. Whole route Woden-Tuggeranong
...

For the sake of future accuracy, the Cowlishaw St shortcut was taken.

[triumph]

2nd September
424 (R3)
438 (54)
556 (54)
014 (R1)
654 (R9)
405 (R3)

Today
547 (R3)
695 (R4)
609 (57)
817 (76) No validator or PID.
812 (77) In contrast to 817 this bus has a PID (no validator).
562 (R4)
341 (66)
548 (47) The new John Gorton Drive bridge over the Molonglo (Coppins Crossing) is progressing. Approach road works began earlier this year and actual bridge construction has now begun.
547 (R3) Aug 28th the first and last buses were the same one. Happened again today. Seems I fluked the same services both days.

[lukeo25]

620 (70)

[L94UBbusfan]

712 (23)
713 (R2)

[triumph]

Yesterday
584 (R3)
565 (32)
673 (32)
653 (R3)

[triumph]

711 (R3)
637 (R4)
811 (57)
644 (R6)
347 (76)
602 (R5)
729 (R3)
469 (R3)

[triumph]

732 (45)
480 (R2) Validators removed, PID just had line saying trip not operating. Jumping the gun on the published 20th
733 (45)
800 (R2)
390 (R3)
424 (R3)

Noted 930 at lunchtime yesterday passing through Woden Temporary Bus Station, and 962 this morning passing through Westfield stop, Belconnen. Both prominent 'L's and training bus advertising displayed.

[lukeo25]

642 (R5)
594 (R2)
692 (R6)

[L94UBbusfan]

346 (26)

[Sylvan Loves Buses]

337 (72S)

[Snorzac]

I'll make a rare post in this topic...the buses I drove this week;

Sunday 8/9
812

Monday 10/9
800

Tuesday 11/9
400

Wednesday 12/9
805
511

Friday 13/9
480
389

Saturday 14/9
802

[L94UBbusfan]

591 (23)
378 (26)

[lukeo25]

700 (R6)
LRV-002
508 (27)
678 (28)
LRV-008
404 (R6)

[triumph]

Yesterday
723 (R4)
522 (R5)

Today
541 (R3)
505 (57) Bad rattles
411 (R5)
003 (R1)
583 (R8)
623 (R3)

Noted at lunchtime today, training bus 982 passing both ways through Woden Temporary Interchange

[L94UBbusfan]

Noted at lunchtime today, training bus 682 passing both ways through Woden Temporary Interchange

Do you mean 982?

[triumph]

Yes 

[L94UBbusfan]

748 (26)
335 (26)

Finally rode an Element 2! I didn't plan to get any buses today, but I saw one at Gungahlin and couldn't miss the opportunity to finally ride one!

[triumph]

7347 (F1)
7347 (F1)

7347 has registration MO7347 (NSW). Route F1 is between the City and Floriade.
This particular bus has no rear door but does have a rear window, also a Floriade wrap.
The lack of a rear door for these crowded shuttle services, coupled with frequent pram/stroller (and presumably wheelchair) using passengers, creates long delays in alighting and boarding.
The disabled cross seats also have no grab rail or pole in front of the seat, making standing up difficult.
The outbound journey was comfortably full. The return was crowded with numerous strap hangers. It was clear that some had no experience of bus travel as they just stood there, and when the bus braked, then suddenly discovered they needed to hang on
The route is rather indirect. Starting at the Interchange in London Circuit, the bus then has to pick up in Ainslie Ave. at the Canberra Centre. That involves negotiating the very busy congested shared area of Bunda St., and the even busier pedestrian crossing in Ainslie Ave. between parts of the Canberra Centre. From there, still not direct as the next pick up is in London Circuit adjacent to the Legislative Assembly. Thus the bus passes opposite its starting point before turning left into Northbourne Ave. towards Commonwealth Ave.. Adding in numerous traffic lights, it is a very slow trip.
At Floriade there are marshalls to manage the bus stop and patrons.
The return trip also has issues. Due to the layout of Commonwealth Ave., to access the City bound side, the bus has to take Barrine Dr. round the Lake edge past Henry Rolland Park (another very congested area) to enter Commonwealth Ave. via Corkhill St..
I feel sorry for the driver who has to cope with the various congestions and inexperienced passengers all day long.
An interesting way to reach Floriade. However, for the fit and healthy, walking or using the regular buses to the Floriade stop in Commonwealth Ave and then walking, would be quicker

[Snorzac]

This week;
16/9
801
511

17/9
527

18/9
516

19/9
803
806
534

20/9
806
523

21/9
572

22/9
400

[Bus 400]

An interesting way to reach Floriade. However, for the fit and healthy, walking or using the regular buses to the Floriade stop in Commonwealth Ave and then walking, would be quicker

Better than the earlier loop. Which ran via Mercue Hotel & through Braddon. With the 1 double decker bus from Sydney. When the DD was running, the driver use to go over Commonwealth Avenue Bridge & loop around Flynn Drive. That was quicker than the normal exit, especially weekend afternoons.