The changing costumes of a Hybrid

[Craig]

The changing costumes of Grenda / Ventura #287 (Iveco Metro Hybrid, Volgren)


The original outfit, SmartBus colours for use on Route 900 (Caulfield - Stud Park) seen at Oakleigh on a wet afternoon in July 2009 when brand new. (some better photos from Bradley here - http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewt ... 98&start=0)


After failed tests on the limited stops 900, it was decided to move the bus to the stop-start 828, where it will make better use of its regenerative technology. It first emerged in Grenda livery in November 2009. Seen here in April 2012 at Merinda Park.



And this week 's latest transformation, it now wears PTV livery, minus the special hybrid decals, seen this morning departing Glen Waverley.

I will update this thread when I have time with a shot from it's trial at North Fitzroy depot as #2870.

Kind Regards


Craig

[stadt80]

Whatever happened to the Designline Hybrid?

[maxy54]

Whatever happened to the Designline Hybrid?

Went to Transdev, however I don't think it's moved a muscle since the takeover due to it being very unreliable

[msheldrick]

Whatever happened to the Designline Hybrid?

Went to Transdev, however I don't think it's moved a muscle since the takeover due to it being very unreliable

Transdev got it going for a bit after the takeover, running 200/1/3/7's and the occasional 305, I think it's currently being stored way up the back of North Fitzroy depot

[ABS]

Is hybrid technology so mainstream now that we don't need to even mention it on the livery? </sarcasm>

[krustyklo]

Is hybrid technology so mainstream now that we don't need to even mention it on the livery?

Given the many derogatory comments on how well it works, maybe it's more a case of "Move along, nothing to see here..."

[ajw373]

Is hybrid technology so mainstream now that we don't need to even mention it on the livery? </sarcasm>

Noting your sarcasm, clearly O/S hybrid is very main stream, but here it has me buggered why it isn't.

[dex]

It turned up at our Depot for the bus expo a few years ago in Ventura blue. Looked pretty nice!

[Craig]

Think you mean this one, now in storage with Transdev.



Ventura struggled to keep it running after Designline's financial issues and staff moving on.

Transdev got it running again around the time of the takeover, but like 4D double decker train, didn't last a month...

Kind Regards



Craig

[Mitch]

What is wrong with the Designline hybrid? Was it just a quick manufacture during Designline's financial woes or is it just mechanically screwed?

Thanks,
Mitchul [;

[V981]

In regards to Ventura 287, I believe the general consensus is that the Volvo B7RLE vehicles generally use less fuel anyway than even the Hybrid, pretty much making a mockery of the Hybrid program in large commercial vehicles.

[B7RLE]

Yes, The Volvo B7RLE is more reliable than the hybrid. It quiet often throws tantrums and refuses to do any thing

[V981]

Yes, The Volvo B7RLE is more reliable than the hybrid. It quiet often throws tantrums and refuses to do any thing

Was just looking at these photos again B7RLE. Say, in the second last photo of 287 in the original post, is that somebody you might know quite well in the drivers seat offering a very enthusiastic peace sign?