Neoplan AN440
| Neoplan Transliner | |
|---|---|
 A CNG-powered high floor AN440A operating in Albuquerque, New Mexico. | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Floor type | Step entrance/Low floor |
The Neoplan Transliner was a series of related mass transit bus models introduced by Neoplan USA in 1981.
Models
The Transliner was available in a wide variety of body styles. Transliners could be ordered in 26', 30', 35', 40', and 60' lengths. Standard (high), completely low, or semi-low (with steps to access the rear section) floors were available.
NeoPlan offered a variety of engines, both diesel and CNG fueled. Depending upon the model, Detroit Diesel 40 or 50 series or the 6V92TA; Cummins ISM, C-series, or ISL; or CAT C-9 engines could also be had. Most Transliners featured Allison B400 or B500 "World Transmissions". However, ZF (4HP590) and Voith transmissions were also available on some models.
- 26–30 foot models
- AN430
- AN408
- 35 foot models
- AN435
- AN435LF (low front section, high rear section)
- 40 foot models
- AN440
- AN440LF (low front section, high rear section)
- AN440TLF (full low floor)
- 45 foot models
- AN445TLF (full low floor)
- 60 foot models
- AN460
- AN460LF (low front section, high rear section)
History
In late 1983 through 1985, Neoplan delivered an order for over 1000 buses for the state of Pennsylvania. By 1989, the largest transportation network in Pennsylvania, SEPTA, had 1092 Neoplan AN440s in service. However over the years as they were heavily replaced mainly by New Flyer low-floor buses, that were placed in service since 2001, While the remaining 35 Neoplan AN440s (EZ models) were retired on June 20, 2008, following after the final delivery of the New Flyer trolleybuses was completed. SEPTA ordered 155 Neoplan AN460s from 1998-2000 to replace their aging Volvo B10M articulated buses and about 60 AN460 high floor buses are in service until 2013, they were being replaced by Novabus articulated LFSA buses, as of 2016, after delivering the last remaining set of Novabus Artics, all of the remaining AN460 buses were retired.
In the 1980s, WMATA Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, also known as Metro, and PAT Port Authority Transit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania complained about frame problems with their Neoplan coaches. However, today, they both run new Neoplan buses — WMATA with the AN460, a 60-foot articulated version, and PAT with AN460s and AN440LFs, the low floor version of these buses.
However, the AN440 and AN460 models ordered by the San Francisco Municipal Railway proved troublesome. Among the problems were insufficient, excessively noisy cooling fans (sounds reached up to 90 dB), faulty transmissions, maintenance intensive brake systems (needing service every 5,000 miles), and cracking frames. The problems were compounded when Neoplan eventually refused to fix the problems, instead choosing to repossess the remaining spare parts and abandon its overhaul yard located in San Francisco.[1][2][3]
Specifications
Construction
Self-supporting monocoque steel construction made of seamless square steel tubes, electrically welded. Exterior roof and side wall panels are of double galvanized steel, sealed to the skeleton with a combination of spot welding and gluing. Stainless steel wheelhousings and stepwells.
Seating Accommodations
Seating capacity for up to 46 passengers.
Engine, V Drive, 1992
V Drive:
Detroit Diesel Series 50, DDEC III, 275HP
Cummins L10, Bravo Phase III 275HP
Cummins L10 Bravo Phase III, CNG / LNG optional
T-Drive:
Detroit Diesel Series 50, DDEC III, 275 to 315HP
Cummins L10, Phase III 275 to 300HP
Cummins L10 CNG / LNG optional
Transmission
V-Drive:
Allison V731 or VR731 3 speed with integral retarder
ZF HP590 5 speed
Voith D883
T-Drive:
Allison World Transmission B400 / B500, Retarder optional
Axles
Front: Rockwell 17100 Series, IFS hubs
Rear(V-Drive): Rockwell 50738 Series with ratios to provide top speeds between 55 and 65 MPH.
Rear (T-Drive): Rockwell 61100 Series with ratios to provide top speeds between 55 and 70 MPH.
Brakes
Dual circuit air brakes
Bendix "S" cam with automatic slack adjusters and spring type parking brake.
Anti-lock brake systems and tractiona control optional
Notable customers
The 40-foot buses were made for over 50 transportation networks all over the United States. The bus networks that have or have had them in service are MBTA in Boston, Massachusetts; SEPTA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; WMATA in Washington, DC; ABQ RIDE in Albuquerque, New Mexico and LACMTA in Los Angeles, California.
San Francisco Municipal Railway (SF MUNI) ordered Neoplan AN440s and AN460s to replace their aging bus fleet during 2001-2004, but they are unique in that they have rear windows, with the air conditioning unit mounted on the roof.
Bi-State Development Agency, dba Metro, has a small fleet of Neoplan Buses for its MetroBus service, and since March 30, 2009, has retired them.
See also
References
- ↑ Matier, Phil (October 3, 2005), "Commissioner wants probe of police union chief", San Francisco Chronicle, retrieved December 27, 2007
- ↑ Epstein, Edward (February 8, 2001), "Muni's 'Screaming Banshees' Costing City Folk Sleep", San Francisco Chronicle, retrieved December 27, 2007
- ↑ Matier, Phil (January 20, 2003), "Wayward nuts put Muni in a bind over new coaches", San Francisco Chronicle, retrieved December 27, 2007