Transport for Brisbane Observations 2023

[verbatim9]

I'm surprised that, a year after the rollout of the new Translink branding, that both these and the new e-buses for Hornibrook still use decals of the old Translink logo.

Yeah I noticed that too. I thought the bus would showcase the new Aqua and Dark Blue livery.

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[TheDragonFire123]

https://twitter.com/tamhus8/status/1660812793149558784

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That seems to be a feature of the new, awful-looking Mobitec desto controller. Personally I think it's a bit pointless; except at Brisbane GPO, the bus will be departing almost immediately after stopping anyway.

[TheDragonFire123]

Managed to get a quick pic of one of the two new electric buses running on route 30 yesterday.

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What's the story about the ownership of these, I wonder? Are they just stock buses purchased by Translink and then handed over to TFB? They seem to mostly be left at default with regards to seating.

[pasha241]

i think why they still use green livery maybe because the old livery is really suit for E bus goals (Make environment greener)

[BT Enthusiast]

I wonder if it is actually state govt that owns these (state MP pledge)?

[verbatim9]

I managed to get a few more pics yesterday of these new buses. Front and side view this time.

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[Megumi]

I managed to get a few more pics yesterday of these new buses. Front and side view this time.

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Thanks for sharing the photos. I've seen this pair of buses in VCV Brisbane, Wacol, since a couple of weeks ago.

[Megumi]

Filmed a short video on the E1597 on Spring Hill loop service on Saturday afternoon.
https://youtu.be/Y_fMn6w37PI

[verbatim9]

Good video, Sounds like a quiet ride and I like the new onboard announcements. Apparently, the onboard announcements and PIDs will be rolled out across the Translink/BCC bus network.

I also noticed in your video that the driver cab is now fully enclosed for driver safety.

[Megumi]

Good video, Sounds like a quiet ride and I like the new onboard announcements. Apparently, the onboard announcements and PIDs will be rolled out across the Translink/BCC bus network.

I also noticed in your video that the driver cab is now fully enclosed for driver safety.

Thanks for watching my video. The driver cab isolation screen seems now well designed instead of the bare fence as we see on previous Volgren buses, not to mention that in WA, they simply lock the driver into a "cage". One thing I really like about the PIDS is that the system now provides bus transfer information for corresponding stops.

And the electronic mirror is of exceptionally high quality in terms of definition and low latency, which really impressed me and I wish all the city buses can have such an accessory.

[Merc1107]

I personally prefer the "fence" as you call it. Can still hear people, no added reflections and protection against the majority of incidents that can occur. Really sad that society has reached a point where the innocent have to be locked away for fear of perpetrators who go unpunished for their (sometimes repeated) actions... And this "solution" offers no respite for the poor passengers, who have to sit, unprotected, beside these parasites who assault drivers, vandalise the buses and probably don't pay for their ride either.

[Lachlan-Conley-102]

Good video, Sounds like a quiet ride and I like the new onboard announcements. Apparently, the onboard announcements and PIDs will be rolled out across the Translink/BCC bus network.

I also noticed in your video that the driver cab is now fully enclosed for driver safety.

Sadly, the 16 Hornibrook Buslines BZL's do not have the fully enclosed cabin like the TFB ones do. It's interesting how no other operator has the flashing Bus Stopping lights but TFB.

[Merc1107]

It's interesting how no other operator has the flashing Bus Stopping lights but TFB.

Council buses have lots of little nuanced quirks that set them apart from the same buses elsewhere, in a positive way.

[TheDragonFire123]

Some recent TFB destos have taken a page straight from Bus Queensland's playbook and made the "Sorry... Not in Service" desto also alternate to the "Drivers Wanted!" display as well.

[BT Enthusiast]

What happened to "Sorry... Not in Service, Have a Good Day!"?

[daveeyh]

E1663 was on a 66 towards RBWH today at about 1.50pm. Wonder if anyone got on the bus at Cultural Centre thinking it was on a 60 Glider service...

[DanielRob]

Appears 5114 has quietly moved to Sherwood as I spotted it leaving the depot this evening as S5114.

Anyone know if this is temporary or a permanent transfer to make up for the recent B8 transfers?

[daveeyh]

Sighted a clean skin T 1065 at Indooroopilly this morning

[Megumi]

Any words for the Yutong E12 trial (E6001-E6004) in TfB? How is their performance? Does the BCC plan to purchase any Yutong E12 in the future?

[BT Enthusiast]

Oh, I remember reading in June 2021 that the electric buses would be used for a two year trial, it is soon to reach the two year anniversary of Yutong introduction.

It's my prediction that future buses will be electric. I spoke to drivers who think T will get all diesels while E will go electric. That makes me think that when the rest of the Toowong CNGs depart, they will be replaced by Eagle Farm B7s, while new electric buses will go to E. However, that is just my prediction.

[^^__^^]

W5095 now S5095, presume 5096 & 7 have followed?

[daveeyh]

W5095 now S5095, presume 5096 & 7 have followed?

5096 and 5097 were already at Sherwood.

[IHateSherwood]

rest of the Toowong CNGs depart, they will be replaced by Eagle Farm B7s, while new electric buses will go to E. However, that is just my prediction.

It’s unlikely tfb will purchase any more Yutong vehicles, especially for standard service. I have heard tfb was unhappy with the Yutong’s product, after numerous issues with driving at higher speeds, driving on hills, as well as lack of driver/mechanic familiarity.

Tfb initially planned for Yutongs to operate the Spring Hill Loop, and wanted to avoid Volvo BZL’s due to their price and previous volvo contact dramas.

The fact that they have purchased BZL’s as a trial electric bus clearly indicates there will be no more Yutongs purchased.

BZL’s may act as a replacement to CNG’s if the trial is successful, if E goes all electric. Keep in mind E would have to remain partly diesel as it operates artic B8’s on the 60, which won’t fit into toowong depot.

In saying this, i don’t see tfb withdrawing the Yutongs from service anytime soon, despite their issues.

Heard rumours E’s B5 Hybrid 1595 is being set and to operate 30 loops along with the BZL’s, as a back up bus - unsure if this will happen.
Seems possible as only select few (i believe 15/20) E drivers are to be trained on the BZL.

[Merc1107]

The fact that they have purchased BZL’s as a trial electric bus clearly indicates there will be no more Yutongs purchased.

The full Translink branding, and those buses being promised by a politician, has me in doubt about the ownership of the new BZLs.

[DanielRob]

rest of the Toowong CNGs depart, they will be replaced by Eagle Farm B7s, while new electric buses will go to E. However, that is just my prediction.

BZL’s may act as a replacement to CNG’s if the trial is successful, if E goes all electric. Keep in mind E would have to remain partly diesel as it operates artic B8’s on the 60, which won’t fit into toowong depot.

What's stopping tfb from transferring the blue cityglider to Sherwood depot?