Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

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385BUZ
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Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by 385BUZ »

Hi all,

This year and onwards, there will be some changes regarding threads in the QLD section, in line with what has been discussed with Admin.

We will have 4 threads replacing the current 2. They are:
- Transport for Brisbane Observations
- Transport for Brisbane Discussion / Questions
- Rail and Private Observations
- Rail and Private Discussion / Questions


An example of a post that could be posted in the Transport for Brisbane Observations thread could be:
Bus T2914 in service this morning on a 385.
An example of a post that could be posted in the Transport for Brisbane Discussion / Questions thread could be:
Does anyone know what happened to bus T1229? I haven't seen it in service for months!
An example of a post that could be posted in the Rail and Private Observations thread could be:
Hornibrook bus #99 has been withdrawn and is up for auction on manhiem.
An example of a post that could be posted in the Rail and Private Discussion / Questions thread could be:
I reckon CBS 45, 46 and 47 will be the next to be retired as they reach 20 years service next month.

Here's to a great 2021! 🙂
Regards,
385BUZ

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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by AirBusTrain »

Whats the difference with this one to the other one??
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by 385BUZ »

AirBusTrain wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:18 pm Whats the difference with this one to the other one??
This thread is for pure observations. The other thread is for questions and general discussion that does not involve observations.

This is just a trial. If it doesn't work, we will revert to the previous threads next year.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by 385BUZ »

Bus & Coach Australia sales data states that 3 new MAN 19.320s with volgren bodies have been delivered to Surfside.

https://www.busnews.com.au/bus-sales-data/data [See December 2020]
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

That will make either 5 of 6 MAN 19.320 chassis with Volgren Optimus bodywork and fitted with seat belts for regional work.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by BT Enthusiast »

Weird because they have a long history of purchasing only bustechs
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by 1whoknows »

Not weird at all. Surfside used to be owned by the same family that owned Bustech. Now the ownership of both Surfside and Bustech has changed so there is no particular reason to maintain the brand loyalty. It should be said that their other operation, Skybus, has a history of purchasing Volgren single decks (with other makes as well) and Bustech double decks.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by 385BUZ »

The reason they are purchasing volgrens is because bus tech currently do not make a single door, seat-belted VST
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by AirBusTrain »

385BUZ wrote: Fri Jan 29, 2021 8:19 pm The reason they are purchasing volgrens is because bus tech currently do not make a single door, seat-belted VST
Incorrect. It's been built before.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Discussion / Questions 2021

Post by verbatim9 »

Rigid beam OHE has replaced catenary from the Valley to Roma Street on Tracks 1-4. Apparently this is the second place in Australia to receive this new infrastructure. It was first installed for the Sydney Metro for efficient tunnel operations.ImageImage
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by verbatim9 »

^^Sorry guys I was meant to post here, but posted in the other thread by accident. I linked the post to the other thread above.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Discussion / Questions 2021

Post by verbatim9 »

Transport Minister Mark Bailey was stating in this evening's news that the Gold Coast fast rail line is pretty much guaranteed to be completed and ready for 2032. The other lines were not mentioned.

I hope as well as many others that both the Sunshine coast and Toowoomba electric fast rail lines will also be open and operational by the end of the decade.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by AirBusTrain »

Sunbus 5725 was sighted at Burpengary around 7.30am this morning with what looked like 622 Noosa Junction on the desto? Said Noosa Junction or Noosa Heads. Was then seen later on the 11.30am 615 Maroochydore.

Bit of an odd sighting, if anyone's got any info on what it was doing, please let me know.

Thanks!
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

Hornibrook Bus Lines bus 99 is doing a 327, bus 109 is doing a 326, and Brisbane Transport bus 1046 is doing a 326. I assume several leased buses are undergoing maintenance.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

929 is showing up in the real time feed at Sunbus Cairns.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by boronia »

The Nambour Tramway was officially launched today at 12.00. A lot of local dignitaries present and making speeches while I was there about 10.30.

There was a loco in the depot/station with a ceremonial ribbon in front of it, but no sign of any carriages.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

927 is also showing up in the real time feed at Sunbus Cairns.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by B7RLE92 »

ABS wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 4:52 pm 929 is showing up in the real time feed at Sunbus Cairns.
I can confirm 929 is out and about in Translink colours and Surfside decals in Cairns. Has been on the road since at least Friday 15/05
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by B7RLE92 »

ABS wrote: Sat May 15, 2021 6:13 pm 927 is also showing up in the real time feed at Sunbus Cairns.
Spotted this afternoon on an inbound 133 approx. 5:30pm. As like 929, still in full Translink livery with Surfside decals
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

926 and 928 are also at Cairns. That makes at least 4 buses (926 to 929) transferred to Cairns. I have not seen 925 in the real time feed recently.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by B7RLE92 »

I was talking to a driver the other day and he mentioned there was 5 of the MAN buses here in Cairns. I have seen 926 but yet to see 928 and I would assume the fifth unseen bus might be 925.

It should be interesting to see if they stay in Translink colours with Surfside logos or if they get repainted for longer-term use. It also raises the question of why Cairns has now had an extra 9 buses added to the fleet. Is it because they're getting the 7 B12's ready for retirement or just extra capacity given that Sunbus and Love's Bus Service are now a single entity? Only time will tell...
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

925 is definitely at Sunbus Cairns. Currently in the real time feed doing a 110.

With the Cairns fleet ageing, just like the Sunshine Coast fleet, it is good to see Cairns getting some new buses.
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by superbossgc »

are all 5 MANs at cairns for a while or permanent?
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Re: Rail and Private Operator Observations 2021

Post by ABS »

925 to 929 appear to be back on the Gold Coast. I have not seen 928 in the real time feed but 925, 926, 927, and 929 are back doing Gold Coast runs.
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