Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Darwin/NT & Tasmania Transport Discussion
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Tas Bus Nut
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Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by Tas Bus Nut »

Well, it has been a while since the Tasmanian scene has been updated. Most information is being relayed on Facebook.

2020 saw quite a few arrivals of new buses as well as collection of second-hand units, different to the mainland trend.
Metro Tasmania has almost completed their bus acquisition program of 100 Bustech XDi units (built in TAS) and have ordered an additional 26 (Ver.1:1 as they're called) How they'll vary from the current 100 units, is anyone's guess.
Merseylink in Devonport have purchased 9 brand new Mercedes Benz O500LE / Volgren Optimus, (6 delivered Jan 2020, 3 Dec 2020).
O'Driscoll Coaches (New Norfolk) have bought 3 Mercedes Benz O500LE / Express (2 early 2020, 1 Dec 2020) plus numerous second-hand units from Victorian operators.
Manions Coaches (Beaconsfield) also have 4 MB O500LE / Express (most recent two delivered Nov.2020) along with an ex Reef 'n Hinterland MAN with "wedge' body, enabling all passengers (including those at back) uninterrupted views forward.
Oakleys Coaches in Snug have purchased a couple of second-hand Higer RoadBosses, likewise Calow Coaches of St Helens.
Redline (as they are now known) also had acquired 10 Higers late 2019 and all now on the road (numbered 130 > 139). Tasmania's own Redline have rebranded themselves (as at 20 Dec 2020) to Redline, with new logo, livery, website AND introduced a new express service from Spirit of Tasmania to Hobart via Launceston (a service State Growth discontinued back in Feb.2020)
RD & FH Sainty have bought two brand new wheelchair-lift BCI Classmasters for their NE Bus services to Bridport and early in 2020 (off memory) Wells Waggons in Smithton acquired Greg Fenton's operation at Boat Harbour.
So, quite a bit happening on the Apple Isle. If you'd like photos of some of the new vehicles, scroll to the photo page and there shall be some new posts featuring the new additions.
BusPlaneTrainTram
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by BusPlaneTrainTram »

Thanks Neil for this update.

With the North West changes from the 17th January, will Burnie have sufficient buses for the service improvements?

Very pleasing news about the extra 26 buses for Metro.
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yoda
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by yoda »

BusPlaneTrainTram wrote: Sun Jan 10, 2021 9:37 am With the North West changes from the 17th January, will Burnie have sufficient buses for the service improvements?
Plenty. With the earlier change to the Hospital Link service (Metro -> Merseylink) some vehicles were sent over to Launceston.
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by BusPlaneTrainTram »

Thanks Yoda ... and now almost all the Scania N113CRB Oranas are retired. No fleet list update since November ... will be good to see the lay of the Tassie land!
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yoda
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by yoda »

BusPlaneTrainTram wrote: Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:15 pm Thanks Yoda ... and now almost all the Scania N113CRB Oranas are retired. No fleet list update since November ... will be good to see the lay of the Tassie land!
Six N113's remain - 639, 640, 648, 649, 658, 659.
They'll kick on a touch longer, 899 was expected to arrive today.
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by BusPlaneTrainTram »

Thanks yoda.
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Busnut704
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by Busnut704 »

Hi everyone. Just an update on the Scania N113's left are:

639
640
648
658
659
649 RETIRED ON 15/07/21 - Sold converted into Motorhome
Last edited by Busnut704 on Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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1whoknows
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by 1whoknows »

A post on facebook suggested that they had all been withdrawn during July.
"Inside Every Progressive Is A Totalitarian Screaming To Get Out"
David Horowitz.
tasstockau
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by tasstockau »

639 and 658 sighted in revenue service yesterday during the off peak so still kicking at the moment.

P
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Re: Tasmanian Bus Observations - JAN > JUN 2021

Post by Busnut704 »

Buses are moving around the depots lately but seeing bus no's like 812, 856, 204, 205, 206, in around Hobart last few weeks.
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