[May/June 2020] SA Transport observations

[The Phonj]

Greetings all and welcome to the May/June observations thread. Not much usually happens in May or June, they're typically pretty quiet months. Especially moreso with the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Work progresses on the Southern Expressway extension, and the extension of the Tonsley railway line to Flinders. The bridge pylons and spans have been installed; now awaiting fitout of the desk, fencing etc.

Work progresses on electrification of the Gawler line. A recent drive-past shows stanchions installed where the line parallels War Memorial Dr. The stanchions seen aren't the concrete ones commonly seen on the Seaford line; but metal ones instead. Some mounted to one side; some mounted on both sides. Recent works appear to have seen the demolition of the former Islington Works platform; and the removal of much of the 'back road' at Islington station, restricting Broad Gauge access to the works to being from the Northern (Dry Creek) end.

Torrens Transit's Camden Park depot closes after last service Sunday 10 May, I wonder what will happen to the site.

14 CNG MAN SL202's remain in service; with more retirements every month. Time to get those final photos, sound recordings and rides of these fine workhorses before they're gone forever.

Please... Post your South Australian transport observations here that wouldn't seem to warrant their own thread.

[Crispy!]

542 has been renumbered 1542 that’s gonna be hard to get used too.

[jibb]

542 has been renumbered 1542 that’s gonna be hard to get used too.

Wonder why this bus was chosen? We have lots of buses with only 3 numbers--ie O-Bahn Scania 509

[busrider]

Someone suggested a theory of dropping the leading 2 from the fleet number of ex-SouthLink buses that get transferred to Torrens Transit with the outer northern contract, to integrate them with TT's fleet numbering system, the only two conflicts would've been with 542 (2542) and 840 (2840). 840 might be retired by the time the changeover happens, or it might be renumbered, or they could completely overhaul the fleet numbering system altogether.

[TA3001]

So ex Serco 230 will suddenly become 224 after sporting the number 2224 for so long?

There is no logic behind additional changes of the fleet numbers. TT can save themselves a lot of money by leaving them exactly as they are.

LCB shared the 1000 range with TT, so I can't see the issue with Busways and TT having buses with the same first digits.

[busrider]

Like I said, just a theory. And really, how much do you think it'd cost to peel off a single digit from the fleet numbers of the Elizabeth buses?

[jibb]

Someone suggested a theory of dropping the leading 2 from the fleet number of ex-SouthLink buses that get transferred to Torrens Transit with the outer northern contract, to integrate them with TT's fleet numbering system, the only two conflicts would've been with 542 (2542) and 840 (2840). 840 might be retired by the time the changeover happens, or it might be renumbered, or they could completely overhaul the fleet numbering system altogether.

Also Torren Transit has 751(2751).

[Route 506]

Also Torren Transit has 751(2751).[/quote]

2751 is Lonsdale so depending what Busways do re numbering it may be okay. If Busways also drop the 2 in front of numbers I guess 2751 could go to 724 could it? Being different to its original number.
Same situation with 2806, 2807, 2808 and maybe 2803, 2804, 2805.

Ironic if 542 is to become 1542 as that was the original fleet numbers before Serco took over 1501-1595 making them 501-595.

[Crispy!]

Someone suggested a theory of dropping the leading 2 from the fleet number of ex-SouthLink buses that get transferred to Torrens Transit with the outer northern contract, to integrate them with TT's fleet numbering system, the only two conflicts would've been with 542 (2542) and 840 (2840). 840 might be retired by the time the changeover happens, or it might be renumbered, or they could completely overhaul the fleet numbering system altogether.

Also Torren Transit has 751(2751).

And SouthLink currently have 2751 ex 2724

[Skexis]

Someone suggested a theory of dropping the leading 2 from the fleet number of ex-SouthLink buses that get transferred to Torrens Transit with the outer northern contract, to integrate them with TT's fleet numbering system, the only two conflicts would've been with 542 (2542) and 840 (2840). 840 might be retired by the time the changeover happens, or it might be renumbered, or they could completely overhaul the fleet numbering system altogether.

Does it really matter which fleet number a bus carries? To my mind renumbering ONCA buses would be a pointless and unnecessary exercise.

[Crispy!]

1286 was involved in a rock throwing accident at the bakewell underpass at Mile End this evening.

[jibb]

Someone suggested a theory of dropping the leading 2 from the fleet number of ex-SouthLink buses that get transferred to Torrens Transit with the outer northern contract, to integrate them with TT's fleet numbering system, the only two conflicts would've been with 542 (2542) and 840 (2840). 840 might be retired by the time the changeover happens, or it might be renumbered, or they could completely overhaul the fleet numbering system altogether.

A further sign that this might be happening is that Torrens Transit Mile End Depot has a Scania CB 80 numbered 450(assume it was Southlink 2450 based at Lonsdale) sitting out the back of the workshops.

[jibb]

Layout changes have occured with the layout of bus tracks at Mile End Depot all uniform now(previously 2 tracks were angled(or herringbone) in straight lines. this to allow for additional buses to be located there from Camden Park Depot when it closes this weekend.

[jibb]

Torrens Transit MAN SL 202 887 has been withdrawn.

[TA3001]

[quote="jibb"
A further sign that this might be happening is that Torrens Transit Mile End Depot has a Scania CB 80 numbered 450(assume it was Southlink 2450 based at Lonsdale) sitting out the back of the workshops.[/quote]

It would be more logical to renumber ex 2450 to 1576, with 509 being renumbered 1553. Otherwise there will be randomly numbered Scanias all over the place, with very little consistency.

[jibb]

[quote="jibb"
A further sign that this might be happening is that Torrens Transit Mile End Depot has a Scania CB 80 numbered 450(assume it was Southlink 2450 based at Lonsdale) sitting out the back of the workshops.

It would be more logical to renumber ex 2450 to 1576, with 509 being renumbered 1553. Otherwise there will be randomly numbered Scanias all over the place, with very little consistency.[/quote]
Easier to just remove the 2 rather than renumber 130 plus buses.

[Route 506]

Just had 886 on a 203 to City! Would think in his last days of service.

[jibb]

Someone suggested a theory of dropping the leading 2 from the fleet number of ex-SouthLink buses that get transferred to Torrens Transit with the outer northern contract, to integrate them with TT's fleet numbering system, the only two conflicts would've been with 542 (2542) and 840 (2840). 840 might be retired by the time the changeover happens, or it might be renumbered, or they could completely overhaul the fleet numbering system altogether.

A further sign that this might be happening is that Torrens Transit Mile End Depot has a Scania CB 80 numbered 450(assume it was Southlink 2450 based at Lonsdale) sitting out the back of the workshops.

450(Mile End Depot) has entered service this afternoon on a 265 Route service from the City.

[TT]

I saw 450 doing a J7 towards West Lakes: had to rub my eyes, thought I was seeing things.

[jibb]

I saw 450 doing a J7 towards West Lakes: had to rub my eyes, thought I was seeing things.

Then back on a 232 and onto Mitcham on a 190B/ Get used to seeing more 3 digit Fleet numbers in the next 8 weeks.

[jibb]

Camden Park buses are being moved today(excluding those on shifts today and tomorrow) to Morphettville and Mile End depots which have both had additional tracks added.
Not sure what will happen to 167C buses on weekday interpeak services that used to use the Camden Park Depot to turn around in readiness for its next City-bound trip or laid over for a break?
I believe Camden Park also stored a few retired MAN SL 202'?

[TA3001]

I know there is probably a thread that is more appropriate for this query than this one. But has hills Scania 3314 had ongoing diesel intake issues over the years?

There is only one other (now withdrawn) bus that it reminds me of, which happens to be 1640.

[jibb]

Some of the Torrens Transit changes so far 1209 Camden Park to St Agnes. 1009 Camden to Port. 1824-1825 Port Depot to St Agnes.
1015 Camden Park to Mile End.
Fleet lists has been updated to reflect all the movements.

[Crispy!]

Some of the Torrens Transit changes so far 1209 Camden Park to St Agnes. 1009 Camden to Port. 1824-1825 Port Depot to St Agnes.
1015 Camden Park to Mile End.
Fleet lists has been updated to reflect all the movements.

1010-1014 - Morphettville
1015 - Mile End
1301-1306 - Morphettville
1320-1324 - Morphettville
1331,1332,1334 - Morphettville
1351-1365 - Morphettvile
1419-1420 - Port Adelaide.

[jibb]

Some of the Torrens Transit changes so far 1209 Camden Park to St Agnes. 1009 Camden to Port. 1824-1825 Port Depot to St Agnes.
1015 Camden Park to Mile End.
Fleet lists has been updated to reflect all the movements.

1010-1014 - Morphettville
1015 - Mile End
1301-1306 - Morphettville
1320-1324 - Morphettville
1331,1332,1334 - Morphettville
1351-1365 - Morphettvile
1419-1420 - Port Adelaide.

954 from Morphettville to St Agnes
1210-1212 to Mile End
remaining 1900's to Mile End.