I agree that the 40-foot Neoplans are noisy for a trolleybus. I would like to have seen some shots of the exterior of a Neoplan in motion. But, it is a nice video and I like the final scene of a passenger alighting through the centre left-side door.
I rode on a Silver Line dual-mode Neoplan bus and it did seem that diesel mode was just as noisy as electric mode. The propulsion systems came from Eastern Europe I forget where exactly, but the dual-modes have Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines. Philadelphia's recently-delivered New Flyer Trackless Trolleys seem just as loud as the MBTA Neoplans. Type in "805 Trackless Trolley" for a ride inside one.
I always thought that electric buses would be quieter. We lost all of our trolleybuses in the U.K along time ago.
One thing that I noticed was the driver is exposed to the public. Unthinkable in London since the 1990s 'cos of all the scum that don't think twice about attacking bus drivers.
You would *think* that electric buses would be quieter, but this is the MBTA we're talking about here. Neoplan was probably the lowest bidder so, naturally, the T awards the contract to them. In return, we get low quality buses that are already falling apart after no more than 4 years in service.
How are fares collected and enforced in London if the driver is holed up in his seat? What happens if people evade fares?
@MBTAguy, ya should have awarded contract to New Flyer; they have E40LFR and E60LFRs, and still do. but they also sound like cars accelerating
GordonFreemanD40 1 year ago
I hate the MBTA Neoplan Trackless-Trolleys. I'v rode them on the 71 route twice and both rides were terrible.
DoubleA1200 1 year ago
I agree that the 40-foot Neoplans are noisy for a trolleybus. I would like to have seen some shots of the exterior of a Neoplan in motion. But, it is a nice video and I like the final scene of a passenger alighting through the centre left-side door.
trolleyhaven 3 years ago
I rode on a Silver Line dual-mode Neoplan bus and it did seem that diesel mode was just as noisy as electric mode. The propulsion systems came from Eastern Europe I forget where exactly, but the dual-modes have Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines. Philadelphia's recently-delivered New Flyer Trackless Trolleys seem just as loud as the MBTA Neoplans. Type in "805 Trackless Trolley" for a ride inside one.
RDG484 3 years ago
I always thought that electric buses would be quieter. We lost all of our trolleybuses in the U.K along time ago.
One thing that I noticed was the driver is exposed to the public. Unthinkable in London since the 1990s 'cos of all the scum that don't think twice about attacking bus drivers.
Butchuk2007 3 years ago
You would *think* that electric buses would be quieter, but this is the MBTA we're talking about here. Neoplan was probably the lowest bidder so, naturally, the T awards the contract to them. In return, we get low quality buses that are already falling apart after no more than 4 years in service.
How are fares collected and enforced in London if the driver is holed up in his seat? What happens if people evade fares?
MBTAguy 3 years ago
The driver is still responsible for fare collection...except on the "Bendy-buses".
He sits behind a screen with little holes in it so he can still talk to passengers.
And also he can slide the screen upwards if he feels safe enough..!!!
Fares are paid to the driver through a gap at the bottom of the screen, and there
is also a pre-paid card swipe system.
On the bendy buses there is only a card system or pre-paid tickets must be bought at bus stops.
Butchuk2007 3 years ago
I must add that frequent checks by ticket inspectors are [supposed] to be made.
If you are caught evading a bus fare it can lead to a court appearance and a criminal record, but usually just a £20 fine.
Fare evasion is costing the London tax-payer about £40 million a year..[A half way figure.. It could be even more]..!!
Well, London has just elected a new mayor... Lets see what he can do about this sorry state of affairs..??
Butchuk2007 3 years ago
thanks for posting this but next time can you get longer footage of the mbta etb at harvard sq station showing the left hand door!
sieman700 3 years ago