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[MA] More problems with the MBTA's Neoplan AN440LF's

 
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RailBus63
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Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 1063

PostPosted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:28 am    Post subject: [MA] More problems with the MBTA's Neoplan AN440LF's Reply with quote

Boston Globe - T wrestles again with cracks in its buses
2d defect since '06; state will inspect for safety


Quote:
For the second time in little more than a year, the MBTA plans to replace a key part of the rear suspension systems on its 193 low-floor buses, because they are cracking after traversing Boston-area roads.


Quote:
Over the course of a year beginning in March 2006 , the manufacturer of the suspension frames, Ridewell Corp. of Springfield, Mo., replaced the rear suspensions on the entire fleet, saying that faulty welds had caused cracks. The cost, which a company official did not know yesterday, was covered by the buses' warranty. T mechanics had noticed the cracks that forced the first round of repairs.

Ridewell and T officials said they do not know whether the new round of repairs will be covered by the warranty or whether the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will have to pay. T officials had no cost estimate on the repairs.

Ridewell officials blamed the new cracks yesterday on a design flaw by the bus manufacturer, Neoplan USA Corp. of Colorado, which they said did not give the suspensions enough room to rise, causing the systems to come down on the chassis much harder.

"The suspension takes a far greater beating" than it was designed to withstand, said Ridewell vice president John E. Millsap.


This is disconcerting:

Quote:
MBTA officials did not publicly disclose the problem until contacted by the Globe yesterday, nor had T officials contacted the state Public Utilities Department.


Makes you wonder what kinds of problems the T is having with the Neoplan artics and trolley buses that they're not telling anyone about.

Jim
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Bill D




Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 332
Location: Waterbury, CT

PostPosted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is quite troubling that a vehicle is falling apart so quickly. How did it pass certification requirements by the FTA if the bus was not designed to allow the suspension to operate properly? It appears to be fortunate for MBTA that Neoplan was unable to fulfill the entire order of buses.

I would have to be especially concerned about the trackless fleet, since there were initial concerns as to whether the installation of a left hand door would weaken the structure of the vehicle.
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