🚀 go-pugleaf

>Don't know if anyone has commented on the (almost) new buses...you know, 
>the ones that hug the road closer, and "kneel" for people who need 
>assistance in getting on the bus.  Personally, I find that the only 
>redeeming feature of the bus is the fact that it kneels.  Otherwise, all 
>I have for the new bus is complaints.

Ah, yes.  Those brand new New Flyer Industries low-floor buses...

>The construction of the side of the bus does not 
>look like it can withstand the impact of another vehicle, and does not 
>look think enough to act as a cushion.

Apparently tests WERE done and the new buses will stand up to any
collision that an older style "high floor" bus can withstand...

>3) There is much less seating in the new bus than on the old ones.  
>Couple that with #2 above, and you'll see that the buses have actually 
>reduced the total seating capacity entirely.  This is probably due to the 
>(unnecessary) plush seating.

The reason that there are less seats is the intrusion of the front
wheel wells into the passenger area.  You'll notice just behind the
driver and behind the front door two large humps...

>4) There is an irritatingly long delay in the mechanism for opening the 
>rear doors.  The sign on the back doors state "Push to open", but when it 
>takes a second or two for the door to open, it makes people wonder if 
>they've pushed it hard enough or not; this means that people may attempt 
>again, with more force.  This may potentially result in avoidable 
>repairs (ie. if the mechanism had no delay in the first place).  Why 
>don't you just stick with the good old "weight" sensor on the step instead?

To my recollection, when the trolleys first arrived in 1982-83, and
when the New Flyer D40's first arrived in '92-'93, the rear doors were
also slow.  It takes awhile for the rear doors to be adjusted
properly.

The "good old weight sensor on the step" can't be used on the low
floor buses because there IS NO step!  

>I don't know who designed this bus, or who suggested their use.  However, 
>I'd just like to say that the new buses _*SUCK*_, and that if they are to 
>be used, at least make sure that they are limited to low capacity routes, 
>and not to moderate capacity routes, such as going to UBC and Metrotown.

Low floors were designed to accomodate handicapped and the elderly
passengers who would find it difficult to climb the steps of a regular
high floor bus.  Wheelchair lifts were difficult to maintain and prone
to mechanical breakdowns.



Derek
dcheung@wimsey.com
50164
All comments and opinions are my own and no one else's.

"It's the wrong trousers, Gromit, and they've gone wrong!"
                                                  Wallace