New Dublin Bus GT Class

bk

AngryLips wrote: »

Hopefully there's been no compromise on accessibility in the design of these busses so

As long as the front door can get at the footpath, there shouldn't be an issue. The odd wheel chair or buggy can exit via the front door if the side door hasn't quite reached the footpath, everyone else can get off the side door like normal.

It really isn't rocket science. It is done every day around Europem, where the vast majority of buses have minimum of 2 doors and up to 6!!

And don't give me this rubbish about them having better stops, while generally true, I've often seen and used multidoor buses that didn't pull up to the footpath in other European countries, quiet frequently actually.

Only in Ireland does this seem to be an issue.

The_Wrecker

Too true, i was in Tallinn last year and the buses (some bendy) had more doors than windows! Loading and unloading regardless of kerb distance. Another difference was that no one parked in the bus stop area. Tight locations like Dun laoghaire station didnt exist either.

LXFlyer

bk wrote: »

As long as the front door can get at the footpath, there shouldn't be an issue. The odd wheel chair or buggy can exit via the front door if the side door hasn't quite reached the footpath, everyone else can get off the side door like normal.

It really isn't rocket science. It is done every day around Europem, where the vast majority of buses have minimum of 2 doors and up to 6!!

And don't give me this rubbish about them having better stops, while generally true, I've often seen and used multidoor buses that didn't pull up to the footpath in other European countries, quiet frequently actually.

Only in Ireland does this seem to be an issue.

That does not mean however that many bus stops do not need to be brought up to standard. Westmoreland Street where city bus routes and intercity/airport/port services share a stop springs to mind. It frankly is an accident waiting to happen. I happen to think a city bus with dual doors being open a traffic lane outside a parked coach is an unacceptable risk.

foggy_lad

How strong are those centre doors and how are they secured? is there much chance of people being lost through the doors on roundabouts or other tight corners when the bus is packed and people are resting against the doors?

bk

lxflyer wrote: »

That does not mean however that many bus stops do not need to be brought up to standard. Westmoreland Street where city bus routes and intercity/airport/port services share a stop springs to mind. It frankly is an accident waiting to happen. I happen to think a city bus with dual doors being open a traffic lane outside a parked coach is an unacceptable risk.

Oh I agree completely about the issues at Westmoreland St and other stops and with Taxi drivers blocking stops, etc.

However I'm just making the point that it is a separate issue from multi-door operation and that this talk of insurance issues is just a red herring.

bk

foggy_lad wrote: »

How strong are those centre doors and how are they secured? is there much chance of people being lost through the doors on roundabouts or other tight corners when the bus is packed and people are resting against the doors?

I'd imagine zero risk, as there design indicate they slide out and to the side, thus no possibility of being forced open.

Again most countries operate multi-door buses with up to 6 double doors without people falling out, really not an issue :rolleyes:

Captain Chaos

foggy_lad wrote: »

How strong are those centre doors and how are they secured? is there much chance of people being lost through the doors on roundabouts or other tight corners when the bus is packed and people are resting against the doors?

Ever been on a Luas or a rush hour DART in 2001-2005. Being squashed against a door is a regular every day thing on the way to and from where you want to get to.

It's a non issue really that has been dealt with in this and other countries for many years.

Andrew33

CIE wrote: »

More small-diametre wheels (rims and tyres)? Those scared me on the KD-class (especially when I was once on a route 86 bus that skidded across the intersection of Johnstown Road and Bray Road in Cabinteely). I would feel safer with a bigger foot print.

I reckon the advances in tyre technology combined with ASR (or whatever the latest acronym for skid control is) make the modern small rimmed, low pro tyred buses much much safer than the KD's eveer were.

The_Wrecker

I drove the KD's with their 'Wheel of fortune' brake pedal, will it skid, will it stop... Late 70's technology. The new stock has an ECU monitoring everything.

miller50841

bk wrote: »

Yes, who says a bus has to pull right up to the footpath?

I often see buses stop one to two meters from the footpath, due to obstructions and people have to step on the road to get to and from the bus, even with single door buses. I really don't see how a second door is any different.

The company has a view on this if there is a vehicle in the bus stop or whatever obstruction the bus is to continue to the next stop.

Now this has to be done sometimes but for the driver its only going to turn into a fight against them from passengers wanting off or passengers waiting on the bus its crazy the bus stops just need to be enforced properly as they are bus only 24hours a day not for taxi parking or pulling in for a second to collect something out of the shop.

miller50841

Davidth88 wrote: »

I was stuck that it's obvious that the staff have been asked for input to these new buses ( via their union ). However the passengers seem to have no input.

However they seem nice enough.

I would like to have seen LED signs to tell you the next stop

I didn't spot if these buses ' kneel down ' , but I assume they do.

I don't know of any drivers that were asked for input as they don't listen about the driving seat all been a bad and uncomfortable design.

They all Kneel and ramp is at front only

foggy_lad

Captain Chaos wrote: »

Ever been on a Luas or a rush hour DART in 2001-2005. Being squashed against a door is a regular every day thing on the way to and from where you want to get to.

It's a non issue really that has been dealt with in this and other countries for many years.

bk wrote: »

I'd imagine zero risk, as there design indicate they slide out and to the side, thus no possibility of being forced open.

Again most countries operate multi-door buses with up to 6 double doors without people falling out, really not an issue :rolleyes:

Ah ok, i was just thinking back to times when C.I.E./Dublin Bus/Bus Eireann/Irish Rail maintenance meant doors were to be avoided especially emergency doors on school buses, and also times when the older buses had centre doors which would often be held on by nothing more than the grace of the Almighty and there was usually more wind and rain inside the bus than outside on wet and wild evenings.

The_Wrecker

miller50841 wrote: »

I don't know of any drivers that were asked for input as they don't listen about the driving seat all been a bad and uncomfortable design.

They all Kneel and ramp is at front only

My input would have been to add the drivers emergency exit that we had on the RV class. Spring loaded cab doors, jammed windows = a coffin.

miller50841

The reason I brought up about been able to pull in safely at stops is that this is Ireland not any other EU country as it's now turning into sue for anything you can.
If the bus is not at the kerb the driver is leaving themselves open to be doing the wrong thing as it's more of a chance of someone triping.
I have seen people getting on and off even with the bus pulled right to the kerb level with the path and trip and fall now saying that it's funny sometimes.:pac:

parsi

bk wrote: »

As long as the front door can get at the footpath, there shouldn't be an issue. The odd wheel chair or buggy can exit via the front door if the side door hasn't quite reached the footpath, everyone else can get off the side door like normal.

It really isn't rocket science. It is done every day around Europem, where the vast majority of buses have minimum of 2 doors and up to 6!!

And don't give me this rubbish about them having better stops, while generally true, I've often seen and used multidoor buses that didn't pull up to the footpath in other European countries, quiet frequently actually.

Only in Ireland does this seem to be an issue.

In France at the moment and Northern Brittany and I can attest that the 16a is far from wheelchair accessible. They also drive in a poorer fashion than we are used to with speeds seeming lower.

I note that Golden Ticket holders have to have their RFID-enabled pass (the 10-journey carnet is also RFID) or else they have to pay cash. An interesting way to detail the travel patterns of golden ticket users - eg does a guy based in Athy need to travel to Galway free of charge ?

Poxyshamrock

How come the new buses don't have the bars mounted on the upper deck front window?

dublinman1990

Does anyone have a date when these buses come into service?

kieran4003

They should be in service mid - late september. Deliveries have started, GT1-3 arrived in Broadstone today, with GT4-6 expected over the weekend. They will need to be registered first. They are similar to the existing VG class so driver training will not take long.

irishconvert

kieran4003 wrote: »

They should be in service mid - late september. Deliveries have started, GT1-3 arrived in Broadstone today, with GT4-6 expected over the weekend. They will need to be registered first. They are similar to the existing VG class so driver training will not take long.

How are they transported down to Dublin? Do they drive them down?

AlekSmart

parsi wrote: »

In France at the moment and Northern Brittany and I can attest that the 16a is far from wheelchair accessible. They also drive in a poorer fashion than we are used to with speeds seeming lower.

I note that Golden Ticket holders have to have their RFID-enabled pass (the 10-journey carnet is also RFID) or else they have to pay cash. An interesting way to detail the travel patterns of golden ticket users - eg does a guy based in Athy need to travel to Galway free of charge ?

Parsi,Interesting times ahead for Irish "Golden Ticket" Holders,however I expect some strident opposition to the principle of asking such folks anything at all about their entitlement....;)

http://etcproceedings.org/paper/smartcard-data-on-use-of-free-concessionary-travel-by-older-and-disabled-bus-p

http://www.nctr.usf.edu/2011/11/ridership-impacts-of-south-floridas-easy-smart-card/

joegriffinjnr

How are they transported down to Dublin? Do they drive them down?

Yep they drive them down. I think they use trade plates.

kieran4003

They should carry trade plates similar to this Bus Eireann example:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46691524@N08/6846122669/in/set-72157629855074408

dublinman1990

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek:

7 to get new buses first rather than be one of the last routes to keep the oldest ones in the fleet. How about that!

It is great news, even the 4 will get them too.

I would say around 80% of buses being driven along the Rock Road bus corridor including Booterstown and Blackrock will be GT's.

stehyl15

are they strictly kept on the 7 or will they be used on other routes

liger

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek:

7 to get new buses first rather than be one of the last routes to keep the oldest ones in the fleet. How about that!

The 7 rte was the first to have the AX fleet on it too. Spoilt out that way arent you's!!! :P

The_Wrecker

stehyl15 wrote: »

are they strictly kept on the 7 or will they be used on other routes

15 for rte7, the other 6 will wander QBC areas.

dublinman1990

Just found this video of GT 1 & 2.

This was from Dublinbus.cc which also includes new photos of them at Broadstone Garage

The_Wrecker

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

How come the new buses don't have the bars mounted on the upper deck front window?

Different bodybuilder.

Terrontress

does anyone else think they'd look better if the Wrights logo was a different colour or had the chrome trim?

joegriffinjnr

does anyone else think they'd look better if the Wrights logo was a different colour or had the chrome trim?

Something like this...

stehyl15

look the exact same as a vg with a middle door on the outside but the real surprises are inside

dublinman1990

More info on the GT's below.

The reg numbers for the new GT's are listed here with this link. The list from the Irish road passenger transport forum will be updated at anytime of the day.

GT 1 is to be registered as 12-D-35990, it was pictured at Donnybroook Garage. It has started driver training along with GT 2 & 7 .

GT 4 to 6 were delivered recently with a rear shot of the newer buses added in.

There is also an article confirming the routes for the new buses from Herald.ie.

dublinman1990

Have a look of this photo of GT 7 and spot one difference in it. It is a fairly odd bus alright.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/darren_hall/7849914900/sizes/z/in/photostream/

The oddity is in the display just beside the front door. It may be a glitch in the software. Let's hope it is not happening for the other GT's.

miller50841

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Have a look of this photo of GT 7 and spot one difference in it. It is a fairly odd bus alright.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/darren_hall/7849914900/sizes/z/in/photostream/

The oddity is in the display just beside the front door. It may be a glitch in the software. Let's hope it is not happening for the other GT's.

Lucky number 7
it nows its a 7 so wont accept another route haha:D

starviewadams

These in service yet?

Thought I saw a Dublin Bus with a middle door on Dorset Street yesterday.

joegriffinjnr

Some of them are out on driver training. Should be hitting the road very shortly.

miller50841

Why were'nt they fitted with DRL's like the new BE coaches

joegriffinjnr

Why were'nt they fitted with DRL's like the new BE coaches

Dublin bus have gone for the older wrights design unlike Bus Eireann who have the new design. Dublin bus have the VG,s in service already which will share most parts with the new GT,s. This will save Dublin Bus money in the long run on parts etc etc.


Dublin Bus VG:



Dublin Bus GT:


Bus Eireann VWD


Note the difference in the newer model. This would mean more parts for Dublin Bus.

dublinman1990

Dublin Bus have done extra small additions on their livery.

They now have the Transport For Ireland logo painted in black rather than white. Also, a noticable wifi logo has been placed on the left side of the new fleet.

Darren Hall's Flickr account is displaying GT4 & 5 having the new work done.

_Kaiser_

joegriffinjnr wrote: »

Dublin bus have gone for the older wrights design unlike Bus Eireann who have the new design. Dublin bus have the VG,s in service already which will share most parts with the new GT,s. This will save Dublin Bus money in the long run on parts etc etc.

Note the difference in the newer model. This would mean more parts for Dublin Bus.

Now I know there's likely some long-winded admin/red-tape driven reason for this, but CIE is still CIE regardless of the "separate" companies.

Surely it would have made sense to make sure that the BE version was the same as the others? As well as probably getting a better tender price, parts and maintenance pricing/sharing would have been easier too.

dfx-

starviewadams wrote: »

These in service yet?

Thought I saw a Dublin Bus with a middle door on Dorset Street yesterday.

Some of the very old AVs have a middle door too and would be on Dorset St operating a 16/41.

Though thankfully some of those will be going soon..

Neewbie_noob

foggy_lad wrote: »

Are the centre doors going to be used in buses

Probably not, on some of the older models they had the centre doors but they stopped using them in the mid naughties because people were jumping on and off and dodging fares.

miller50841

Neewbie_noob wrote: »

Probably not, on some of the older models they had the centre doors but they stopped using them in the mid naughties because people were jumping on and off and dodging fares.

Still happens even with the 1 front doors.

The NTA wanted the centre doors but will have the same problems as you said above.

Buses coming in were ment to be tri axle also but would take too long to be ready.

The GT type are fitted with a camera for centre doors in cab and also bus is fitted with a black box similar to aircraft. Speed and driving style are recorded and also annoyingly talks to driver statin g too fast and so on

miller50841

Neewbie_noob wrote: »

Probably not, on some of the older models they had the centre doors but they stopped using them in the mid naughties because people were jumping on and off and dodging fares.

It got to the stage like the RV's when centre doors were used most of the time the bus would have to be turned off and back on to try get it to engage gears again as when door was opened it kicked out of gear.

KD345

The first of these buses entered service today on the 7.

devnull

Do we know if the double doors are being used and if there are any RTPI displays on the top deck?

KD345

devnull wrote: »

Do we know if the double doors are being used and if there are any RTPI displays on the top deck?

Centre doors are being used, and there are full RTPI displays on both the lower and upper saloon displaying next stop and route information.

bk

KD345 wrote: »

Centre doors are being used, and there are full RTPI displays on both the lower and upper saloon displaying next stop and route information.

Great, are the RTPI screens like the ones that were trialled previously or are they just standard LCD screens?

A few pictures would be great

devnull

Good news, some pics may be nice, now all they need to do is make the timetables on the Ballsbridge corridor more reliable and perhaps I will consider going back to the bus in future.

monument

KD345 wrote: »

devnull wrote: »

Do we know if the double doors are being used and if there are any RTPI displays on the top deck?

Centre doors are being used, and there are full RTPI displays on both the lower and upper saloon displaying next stop and route information.

Good stuff.

It would have been disappointing if the NTA had allowed anything less.