Tasmanian Bus Observations - Jan 2012

[CB80]

Why are Metro getting more CB60's rather than CB80's?

[yoda]

And today, went on 515. Wonder if these are my last trips on the M.A.N machines?

Close to it if the rumoured 12/1/12 change date occurs.

Why are Metro getting more CB60's rather than CB80's?

Uniform to the fleet - less parts to keep on hand.

On another MAN note, #521 is now all white as part of it's disposal from public service.

[leyland clippers]

Observed in Argyle Street yesterday that there wasn't a queue of cars waiting to get into the Argyle Street Car Park @ 10.30am as has been the case in the past. In the past at around that time the car park would have been full. IMO the additional spaces have made a difference. The car park hasn't filled up all week. Have Metro drivers noticed any difference

[yoda]

A lot of office staff still on holidays... give a week or two and see how it goes!
Still plenty of moronic drivers out there - last night I watched someone turn left onto Elwick Road from the right lane of the Brooker Highway.

[stevegj52]

Why are Metro getting more CB60's rather than CB80's?

Uniform to the fleet - less parts to keep on hand.

On another MAN note, #521 is now all white as part of it's disposal from public service. [/quote]


They will have to move over to the CB80 sooner or later as production will eventually cease as more operators are moving to the CB80, Sydney and Adelaide have changed to the far better CB80 and they seem to have no problem with parts or fleet being uniform so I dont think that would be an issue to be honest after all its still a Custom Body weather CB60 or CB80 and if Volgren came along and offered their body at a few thousand less and a better deal Metro would buy Volgren so there would go the uniform fleet idea. The CB60 is starting to look dated anyway

[sharp77]

On another MAN note, #521 is now all white as part of it's disposal from public service.

A picture of it would be nice to see. I bet it's the cleanest one of these machines have been in ages!

Also snapped this picture yesterday of #507. Are all of the M.A.Ns are being disposed of? Because that's one bus I haven't ridden yet. Hopefully if I can catch it on Monday, I will.

[yoda]

They will have to move over to the CB80 sooner or later as production will eventually cease as more operators are moving to the CB80, Sydney and Adelaide have changed to the far better CB80 and they seem to have no problem with parts or fleet being uniform so I dont think that would be an issue to be honest after all its still a Custom Body weather CB60 or CB80 and if Volgren came along and offered their body at a few thousand less and a better deal Metro would buy Volgren so there would go the uniform fleet idea. The CB60 is starting to look dated anyway

Agreed they will have to change eventually, but with a new tender due, it may be a complete change

Are all of the M.A.Ns are being disposed of?

Not whilst there is still the use for them (Doorstoppers)

[stevegj52]

Yeah they may change builders, guess who ever offers them the cheaper price, I would like to see Express body work down there.The ones here on the K280's look great and comfortable and no rattles

[Bedford-29]

Or Metro may think of going pommie and purchase some Alexandra Dennis Enviro 200 Darts.

[Tas Bus Nut]

A picture of it would be nice to see. I bet it's the cleanest one of these machines have been in ages!

[Tas Bus Nut]

Noticed today that REDLINE have a NEW BCI on their Main Road service. #39 BCI Cruiser. Caught my eye, because the REDLINE signage is very high up @ the back compared to #38.

[yoda]

The PMC bodied Hino midi thing that was at Manheim Fowles for the last year or so has sold.
Now located at the top of Maranoa Road.

[leyland clippers]

The new HobartHopper free Saturday shuttle bus service will start this Saturday (14 January).
Two shuttle buses will operate in a continuous loop between the hours of 8.30am and 4pm, connecting the City Centre with Salamanca Market.
There will be stops located close by each of the off-street car parks (stops on Argyle Street, Melville Street and Murray Street).

Other key stops include:
* Treasury
* Hobart Waterfront (corner Elizabeth Street and Franklin Wharf)
* Princes Wharf Shed No. 1
* CSIRO
* Salamanca Market
The service will initially be introduced on a six month trial basis.
* Every 10 minutes (approximate wait time between services).
* For visitors, tourists and residents

Also people catching buses into the city can hop on as well.

[Tas Bus Nut]

Would THIS be one of the vehicles being used as well as a Toyota Coaster

[Tas Bus Nut]

Other key stops include:
* Treasury
* Hobart Waterfront (corner Elizabeth Street and Franklin Wharf)
* Princes Wharf Shed No. 1
* CSIRO
* Salamanca Market
The service will initially be introduced on a six month trial basis.
* Every 10 minutes (approximate wait time between services).
* For visitors, tourists and residents

Also people catching buses into the city can hop on as well.

Can you see them sticking to a 10min wait time around Salamanca on a Saturday
I DON'T THINK SO They'd need more than 2 buses to achieve those times

[leyland clippers]

Would THIS be one of the vehicles being used as well as a Toyota Coaster

I don't think so somehow . Cerebal Palsy Tasmania will operate the trial and according to "The Mercury" the buses will have wheelchair accessibility.

[leyland clippers]

I think it will take a bit longer than 10 minutes to do the loop especially around the middle of the day. Maybe someone at Metro said this would be the approximate wait time

[royaltiger]

I don't think so somehow . Cerebal Palsy Tasmania will operate the trial and according to "The Mercury" the buses will have wheelchair accessibility.

That suggests ex521 will be one of the buses, what will the other one be?

[yoda]

Off the top of my head, 517 was destined for the mainland for a camper, but 518's purchaser is unknown by me.....

[leyland clippers]

Some new bus zones have popped up around the city for the HobartHopper. These will operate 8.00am-4.00pm on Saturdays. Argyle Street on the three meters just before the Argyle Street Car Park. Elizabeth Street adjacent Jetty Surf before the two Metro Bus stops near the Midcity Motor Inn. Melville Street outside the Wesley Church Hall. Another pick up point is in Murray Street outside Myer. Another stop is outside the Treasury Building in Murray Street. The bus zone near Princes No 1 shed. The Metro stop in Castray Esplanade on the Salamanca Place side which Metro do not use on the weekend. Another bus zone is in Elizabeth Street between Morrison Street and Franklin Wharf before returning to Argyle Street. These zones are pick up and drop off only. Where there are meters on these bus zones they will be hooded to prevent people from parking cars on them. I think ex Metro #521 will be one of the buses used, not sure what the other bus will be. Will check out today.

[leyland clippers]

Two Toyota Coaster buses are being used for the HobartHopper today. Will post some pics later.

[Tas Bus Nut]

Naa naa naa BEAT YA


Button went off too quick on the second bus Was waiting between tips to see if I could sight them

[yoda]

I did chuckle when the slight bit of drizzle passed today... external paper signs + rain?

[trainiac]

705 in a yard behing The Engineering Company at Bridgewater. For repairs, or disposal? Still has its registration plates attached.

[Tas Bus Nut]

From some comments made by some drivers in more recent months . . . . . should be there for BURIAL