About 10 months ago (October 2009), I brought myself a second Citaro model, which was the first right-hand-drive (RHD) production model from Mercedes-Benz for First Manchester. Less than a month later, news was out that SMRT Buses had taken one (real) Citaro RHD, which was also fitted with a OM 906 hLA diesel similar to the First Manchester’s unit, with a Euro 5 version compared to Euro 2 of First’s unit. Most importantly, it has two doors, an urban use Citaro.

Given some tip-off by a visitor to this site, a few more Citaro RHD are destined for Singapore in the coming months. At this juncture, I decided to get another Citaro RHD model, again a one-door ‘sub-urban’ version, but with a larger radiator, then, in 2006, used for the OM 457 hLA. Presently, all Citaro buses use the larger radiator for greater energy efficiency, a practice since the advent of the Euro 4 model, hence identifying their engines is no longer possible by looking at the radiator itself.

This unit is owned by Arriva Guildford and West Surrey, which is based in Guildford, Surrey. It is located 43 kilometers south-west of London on the A3 trunk road linking the capital with Portsmouth. In 1974, the Provisional IRA carried out the Guildford pub bombing which killed five persons, in which four were off-duty British soldiers. The suspects arrested thereafter are known as the Guildford Four.

Pardon me for the history thing; when it comes to the UK, I always focus myself on the IRA and ethnic conflicts.

Bus services in Guildford is primarily served by Arriva with additional services by Countryliner, Safeguard and Stagecoach.

This Mercedes-Benz Citaro model depicts 3903/BX56 VTW, a O 530 Euro 3, fitted with a 300 PS OM 457 hLA diesel engine. One-door design, barrier-free access and ample amount of seats (42 seating), this Citaro also carries my favorite color of blue matched with grey.

What defines your Citaro? For me are the radiators. Facing the traffic-side for a RHD model, the large and horizontal radiator makes it easy to identify Citaro buses. Another model of bus that has these similarly big horizontal radiators are the Volvo Super Olympians (B10TL).

With the other Citaro models.

A comparison on radiator sizes.

Mercedes-Benz/Evobus/Daimler O 530 Citaro Euro 3
Chassis number: WEB62804023110741
Registration: BX56 VTW
Body and seating code: B42F
New: September 2006
Owner: Arriva Guildford and West Surrey, UK

Some of the coaches seen and taken so far.

Scania K94IB 4×2 with Scania ComfortShift 7-speed transmission

Isuzu LT134P

A rare old breed; Mitsubishi Fuso RK125N with 6D14 diesel of 160 PS only!

After looking at my cabinet containing books, I found a section at the top storing unused items, so I decided to clear out the cabinet, clean it and rearrange all the stuff!

This cabinet contains all my prized books (a few which are long out of print or carries high market value), so I couldn’t afford for the white ants to get to them before I do! There was once a white ant episode in the same cabinet so I am extra careful.

I don’t have photos before the change, here is one when its in progress.

Moe Moe Kyun~!

All the pop culture books.

Another useful item, the (still) leftover Tokyo Figure Show postcards! Thanks to Danny Choo for these.

Stage 1 complete.

Settled placement, after shifting all the magazines inwards and according to chronological order.

All the railway and bus related books.

Good lighting tool, the Lego Brick Light.

Some photos of the Chitson owned Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE.

A filling meal at Manhattan Fish Market.

S rank with Keikyu (京浜急行) 1500 Chopper, Haneda Airport to Keikyu Kamata.

“東名高速バス炎上２件、異なる原因で出火

静岡県牧之原市の東名高速道路で昨年３月と９月、ともにドイツ・ネオプラン社製の大型バスが炎上した事故を受けて、２つの事故を調査していた国土交通省の調査委員会は３０日までに、エンジンのターボチャージャー（過給器）が、異なる要因によって潤滑不良となったことが、出火の原因だったと結論づけた。

２つの事故は、ともにダイムラー社製の同型エンジンを搭載し、走行中に出火しているなど類似点があったため、調査を行っていた。事故車のターボチャージャーには、交換時期が明示されていなかったため、同委員会は、交換時期や定期点検の時期を明確にするよう、バスの輸入会社やメーカーに求めた。

（2010年6月30日19時55分  読売新聞）“

Two separate cases of fire that occured to German-made Neoplan coaches were due to different causes but led to lubrication problems of the engine’s turbocharger, an investigation team of the Ministry of Transport made this finding on 30th June.

The two fires that happened on the Tomei Expressway in Makinohara city of Shizuoka happened to the same type of Daimler engine and also occured while the coach is in motion. The turbocharger of the burnt coaches did not exhibit any date of change to the part, hence the investigation team will request for information on replacement and inspection dates from the importer and manufacturer of the coaches.

☆

The first bus that was burnt in March 2009 was D750-03501 (better known as 1502, its license number), a Neoplan Megaliner (N128/4) of JR Kanto Bus. It was travelling on a upslope section of the expressway when the driver saw fire erupting from the rear. The bus went into a service area nearby, its 78 passenger and crew escaped unhurt but bus was left with write-off damage.

A less-seen picture from sakura.ne.jp showing the burnt out Megaliner.

In September 2009, a Laurel Tour Neoplan Skyliner (N122/3) caught fire at the same upslope area. The driver felt the bus lost power and saw fire at the rear, stopped the bus by the shoulder of the road and evacuated 57 passengers and 2 crew safely. The rear of the bus was write-off damaged.

Both of the vehicle engines are Mercedes-Benz OM 442 LA Euro 3 (V8-TI, 14618 cc) and both buses are fitted with ZF 12-speed automatics.

If its being pointed out, you would notice that the frames of 1502 still remain despite the fire. Then you know how legendary Neoplan vehicles are. Lest, they are betrayed by their engines.

47 News article on the fire of 1502: Link

47 News article on the fire of Laurel Tour’s N122/3: Link

If you have gotten yourself a copy of The Sunday Times (Singapore Press Holdings), flip to Lifestyle and on page 8 ‘Hot’ section you will find an article on aviation, bus and railway enthusiasts in Singapore.

The press approached my friends last week for an interview and I gave my views on the two hobbies that I have, buses and railway. Credits to the two friends who gave us enthusiasts an opportunity to speak to the general public about our hobbies.

In case you are not residing in Singapore and/or have not gotten a copy, here are the scans courtesy of Wei Xiong.

Among the articles, I feel that the aviation one had been well-written on. Not being biased, furthermore not trying intentionally to lower attention of myself, I feel that aviation fans are those who need the most coverage. Many fans overseas have been caught by police, ‘suspected’ of terrorism activities and spend hours interrogated, problems that bus and railway fans have yet been involved in, at least not in a large scale.

Some points I would like to add on to what was quoted from myself, obviously the papers are not big and not everything can be dissected clearly.

From the train article:

Quote:
“has met female train fans overseas but, even then, “men tend to dominate the group”.”

I have seen train fans in Japan who are female and also seen blogs by some of them. True to say, they like the cute side of trains like advertisements and drawings, especially like the recent Sebu trains that feature Galaxy Railway 999. Such things attract females more than just the electric motor and inverters that are not always the mens’ cup of tea as well.

Quote:
“I think men tend to like trains more. Maybe it’s in the genes.”

True to speak, just like above, genes play a large part. Although there are females who like technical aspect of things, the numbers do not exceed that of men. But think on the bright side, there are less men who like cute things than things cold. So isn’t that an equivalent?

From the bus article:

Quote:
“I will check if the air-conditioner duct is leaking, or if the engine is making noise or emitting too much heat in the carriage, and feedback to the operators.”

By common sense I wouldn’t do that every trip, every day. I would only look out for serious cases of engine malfunction. Ears not only play a good part here but identifying the correct component of error. An ‘engine vibration’ is different from the compressor vibrating, hence this takes experience. So far I have only feedback about serious problems that will lead to operational hazard and they are too kept confidential from others.

Nonetheless because I love the technical aspect and spending so much time on it, feedback to operators is not really the thing to do all the time, cause I came to the understanding that operators cannot tend to every small problem. So in the future if you want to try doing the same thing, think about the money going in to this problem, whether there will be any operational problems arising, before making the move.

Now that is not Metro-Cammell Weymann.

Its, the Most Costly Week.

And I believe that it is true, just a picture to show you here.

Typing error, Photobook should be Picture-book. There are no real Tetsudo Musume in the World and if there is, most likely I will be staying with them all by now.

Yeah so there you go, the Most Costly Week, SGD 226.50, not including food and consumables.

Next up will be a photo review on the latest edition to bus model fleet, the 1:76 Scale KMB HK Dennis Dragon 9.9-meter Resin Model.

Afterword: I suppose the moon-clock that Nemuru is holding is spoilt, if its red even if the full moon is over. It used to appear red for one day, on the Lunar 15th, then it will go back to the pattern. Guess Konami spoilt the clock and now wolves are always out.

Introduction

The first Heisei 21 Emission Regulation compliant citybus was launched by Mitsubishi Fuso on 18th May 2010. Boasting the cleanest diesel emission regulation till date in the World, the Heisei 21 Emission Regulation features almost 50% NOx and PM reduction as compared to the current Euro 5 in force since October 2008, and a 65% (NOx) and 63% (PM) reduction from the previous Japanese Emission Regulation (Heisei 17/2005).

Emissions

The values are as follows, average values in brackets.

NOx: 0.9 (0.7)
PM: 0.013 (0.010)
CO: 2.95 (2.22)
NMHC: 0.23 (0.17)

Variants

The New Aero Star is sold in eight variants, one of the most so far in the market for a single bus design. The variants include:

LKG-MP37FKF, a 10.5-meter Non-Step bus (low entry) for urban use. Sliding door. B30+44D.
LKG-MP37FMF, a 11-meter Non-Step bus for urban use. Sliding door. B31+47D.
LKG-MP37FMFS, a 11-meter Non-Step bus for sub-urban use. Sliding door. B32+47D.

LKG-MP35FKF, a 10.2-meter One-Step bus (one step WAB) for urban use. B26+50D.
LKG-MP35FMF, 10.7-meter One-Step bus for urban use, with a choice of sliding door or four-fold doors.
Sliding door version B32+47D. Folding door version B31+49D.
LKG-MP35FPF, 11.4-meter One-Step bus for urban use, with a choice of sliding door or four-fold doors.
Sliding door version B34+52D. Folding door version B33+54D.

LKG-MP35FMG, a 10.7-meter Step Bus (multiple steps non-WAB) for private use. Front door only. B49+31F.
LKG-MP35FPG, a 11.4-meter Step Bus for private use. Front door only. B53+33F.

Specialties

Exhaust treatment

The New Aero Star is powered by a 6M60 T2 diesel engine with 7545 cc (7.5-liter) displacement. It incoporates the Bluetec technology (SCR) by Daimler Group, and being so is the first JDM citybus in Japan to bear the Bluetec logo. In addition to the Bluetec system is the Active DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to further lower emission levels.

Transmission

Allison 6 speed auto is used on all of the variants of this bus. A change to automatic transmission (in the past most buses are sold with manual transmissions) is due to higher safety concern and better working with DPF. With the driver now not needing to shift gears, this enables him to watch out for traffic in urban environment.

Fuel Consumption

This is the first AT citybus that conforms to the Heisei 27 Fuel Consumption Regulation. 4.25 km/l (23.5 liters per 100 km) and 4.10 km/l (24.3 liters per 100 km) fuel consumption for over 14 tons (Urban) and 14 to 16 ton (Private) respectively.

Others

All buses are fitted with ABS (anti-lock braking system). IVIS information system displays fuel consumption and other parameters. A change of design allows more headroom space at the rear. ISO standards of 10-nut for wheels is also implemented.

Target sales is 640 units per year. Retail price 27,142,500 JPY (about 423,000 SGD).

Mitsubishi Fuso Press Release

Welcome to Marina Bay Sands!

One day after the bridge connecting Marina Centre with Marina Bay Sands is open (Bayfront Avenue), I traveled across the bridge on Uncle Manjit Singh’s service 106 bus and arrived at the newest attraction in Singapore. Not yet completed, the Marina Bay Sands pushed forward the opening date to 27th April 2010 (tomorrow) and the whole project is expected to complete by June 2010.

First up, some photos from a visit to the Yan Kit area behind Tanjong Pagar.

Yan Kit Exploration

Yan Kit Swimming Complex.

Lowering your property value; hanging clothes outside!

Pinnacle@Duxton.

到此一游.

YC.

320D.

Marina Bay Sands

On the road to Sands, Clear.

On the road out of Sands, Jam.

Taking a walk back out, Rain.

Also named as the Circle Line Stage 2 Discovery, the open house is held on 4th April 2010 by SMRT Corporation and supported by Citibank, National Heritage Board (museum open house), Alstom (train builders), ST Electronics (infrastructure support) and numerous government and private organizations.

There are 11 stations open for viewing. Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Promenade, Nicholl Highway, Stadium, Mountbatten, Dakota, Paya Lebar, MacPherson and Tai Seng are the stations open for free.

Some selected photos taken at the event.

Visitors checking out the signboards at Dakota Station.

Crowd disembarking at Mountbatten Station.

MacPherson Station.

Paya Lebar Station.

Stadium Station.

Nicholl Highway Station.

Esplanade Station.

Bras Basah Station.

Dhoby Ghaut Station.

Wide Metro-type doors. Still of the hanging-out design…

Photos are without signature nor borders to enhance your viewing pleasure and facilitate in sharing, however, they are not to be distributed freely. Usage on your personal blog/site/facebook/photo hosting require a stated credit and/or pingback to this site. Your friendly site admin appreciates your help in keeping Intellectual Property safe and worth.

An 偶然 (incidental) chance with a foreigner allows me the excuse to advertise my hometown service. Your friendly site admin is the service ‘representative’ for SBS/TIBS/SMRT service 189 since November 1996 (162 months), clocked (an average of) over 3200 trips (since Secondary/High School 1) and 22400 kilometers (7 km on average per trip/mileage more than half of the Earth’s circumference) on this service. TIB1162S is a Mercedes-Benz O 405 G Euro 2 with a ZF 4-speed gearbox and has since been serving permanent S/TQ shifts for 50 months on this service.

After some time on work and organising the Singapore Bus Model Show (SBMS) 2010, I finally found some time to update this space. SBMS 2010 was successful and I would like to thank the organisers and participants who made this possible. I cannot promise anyone, but there may be a second event on bus models to make these gatherings bi-annually.

Some Shenton Way drag racing… The Afro-Asia Building dates back to the 1950/60s and is presently one of the few historical modern-class buildings in Shenton Way.

PZ1163E, a Nissan Diesel RM81KXR (JDM: P-RM81) with Fuji Heavy Industry R16-6B (midi-coach bodywork) on service with JTB logos. The RM81 comes from the Nissan Diesel Spacerunner RM series of midi-coach and city-buses. The FE6 (L6-NA) engine that it carries has 180 PS and is the standard powerplant for this series, until the KK-RM252, and spanned 21 years.

Airport service numbers at Carl’s Junior.

Berkhof MAN Photo Review (Model from WJ)

When posed with the Mitsubishi Fuso Aero King model

With other MAN double deck city-buses

The MAN 24.310/350 city-bus chassis was derived from the 24.350 coach chassis and aimed for the Hong Kong market for high capacity double deck buses. Citybus HK ordered the received the first demonstrator, but the remaining units cannot be registered due to a limit on buses. They were sold to Kowloon Motor Bus later and serving till now under the AMN designation. Although MAN city-buses can be found in Europe, these buses in Hong Kong remain as the only MAN double decks sold as chassis form.

Site Admin of Minibus Group, an Administrator of BusInfoHub, several bus enthusiasts and members of Friends of SMRT (FOSMRT) are invited to the launch of Southeast Asia’s first 100% low-floor Mercedes-Benz Citaro (O530) at SMRT Ang Mo Kio Depot on 9th March 2010. This historical moment marks the progress into a new era in Singapore bus industry, a full low floor, accessibility-friendly and *no internal steps bus.

Some quick facts of this bus:
1 driver, 39 passengers (including fold-up seat for two passengers) and 44 standing passengers.
Full low-floor along the corridor of the bus. One step to access rear section seats.
Fully built bodywork by EvoBus AG in Germany. Basically a one-through manufacture.
Large Gorba front display to enable passengers to spot the service number and route details.

Press Release:
SMRT: http://www.smrt.com.sg/Upload/201031010315179993.pdf

Articles written by enthusiasts on the launch:
BusInfoHub (affiliated): http://businfohub.com/cms/articles/specialfeature/smrtcitarolaunch

Photos taken during the event.

Mr Thomas Bauer, Senior Manager, Bus & Coach, Daimler SEA

Mr Wolfgang Huppenbauer, Executive Managing Director, Daimler Bus (Germany)

Mr Michael Gopfarth, CEO, Daimler SEA

Ms Saw Phaik Hwa, President and CEO, SMRT Corporation

Handover of key to Ms Saw.

Handover of Citaro model (scale 1:32) to Ms Saw.

Round of applause as the bus is driven in.

Demonstrating its wheelchair-friendly feature.

Executives from Daimler and SMRT impressed by the bus’ features.

Interior without stairs; guests move quickly towards the rear, demonstrating what the bus is designed to do.

Showcasing its full 11.9-meter length.

Two buses, decades apart. The step-bus Nissan Diesel U31 RCN (JDM: K-U31) and the Mercedes-Benz Citaro (O530).

I am very grateful to FOSMRT liason officer, Vivian, for finding two staff from Daimler Group SEA who could answer my technical questions. Excerpts.

Q: Why is the OM 906 hLA used on the Citaro instead of the OM 457 hLA that present OC500LE buses are using?
A: Citaro buses come with the smaller 906 as it is suited for the bus. The 457 is designed for sub-urban usage and has a larger power, while the 906 is sufficient for city usage.

Q: Fuel consumption wise, would it be lower and more effective than the 457?
A: This has to depend on many conditions. Different routes, different drivers will affect fuel consumption. At this point there cannot be a specific figure other than benchmark ones.

Q: In achieving this full low-floor design, the engine has to be shifted to the side. Does this mean more sophistication?
A: Yes, a total new design of the engine mounted on the left is what makes it able to achieve a full low-floor specification.

Q: What is special about the radiator system?
A: The radiator for the Citaro uses a hydraulic driven fan. The radiator is mounted on the outer frame, the intercooler on the inner frame. The fan is driven using hydraulic oil. This is different from magnetic driven ones on the OC500LE.

Q: The OM 906 hLA have more horsepower-per-liter compared to the 457. How different would this be in performance?
A: The 906 would be efficient and depending on its mixture method and its efficiency, it would be as effective as the 457.

Q: In the hot and humid climate of Singapore, does the cooling efficiency of the vehicle need special or larger cooling capacity?
A: The Citaro is sold worldwide. They even operate in Dubai, where its a desert climate. One size fits all.

Q: Gearbox of the vehicle?
A: ZF 6HP592C.

Q: Why not the Ecolife drive-line?
A: The Ecolife is suitable for countries with more terrain, and is fitted with the TopoDyn software system. in Singapore, a conventional drive-line is sufficient.

Q: Air conditioning unit?
A: Konvekta.

Q: Does IFS (Independent Front Suspension) make it a more comfortable ride for this bus?
A: You would have to ride it to find out. Basically it is better than a conventional suspension.

Q: Fuel capacity?
A: About 200 liters.

Regarding the secret of full low-floor…

Longitudinal, side mounted horizontal diesel engine.

Scania, Checkmate.

*No internal steps mean no step(s) along the corridor of the bus.

For some folks who have forgotten about the King Long Hybrid Citybus from China that landed in Singapore last year, it was spotted on test at Boon Lay on 4th March at noon. One photo of it on the road:

King Long, model XMQ6121G. Series-parallel system.

A series system is basically straight through hybrid, the diesel engine is small in size and runs the generator, which charges the batteries, and electric motors run the axle with power from the batteries only. There is no direct drive linkage. Examples of these on buses are the Alexander Dennis Enviro 400H and Mitsubishi Fuso Eco Hybrid (BJG-MP37T).

The parallel hybrid system is an added hybrid for a existing framework, little modification to the overall drive. A larger diesel engine runs the drive line, in the middle a small generator is driven to provide current to the batteries. The batteries assist in braking functions and regeneration from engine braking forces, can power lighting and air conditioning of the bus. Example is the Alexander Dennis Enviro 500H.

Series-Parallel is somewhat in the middle, a switch can automatically adjust power between running from batteries or from engine directly. Toyota uses this on their hybrids.

Older hybrid systems included the HIMR from Hino Motors Japan. HIMR stands for ‘Hybrid Inverter Controlled Motor & Retarder System’, which offers the first production hybrid buses in Japan since 1994 (test unit in 1991). Toei Bus (都営バス) is the largest operator, and these buses served many years on as the ‘低公害バス’ (Low Emission Bus). These buses use a three-phrase electric generator and batteries to store energy during braking and use them for power take-off, so as to reduce emissions. It is very successful and technology used later on the Blue Ribbon City hybrids. Production for these buses lasted from the U- (Euro 1 equivalent) to the KC- (Euro 2 equivalent).

Mitsubishi Fuso also had their MBECS (Mitsubishi Brake Energy Conservation System) on some of the modified Aero Star city buses. They use a hydraulic system to store energy during braking and release them when the bus moves off, working like a rubber band theory. These buses are produced from 1995 to 2000 and span only one emission era (KC/Euro 2 equivalent).

Japan currently has two hybrid citybus models in production, the Hino Motors Blue Ribbon City (BJG-HU8J) and the Mitsubishi Fuso Eco Hybrid (BJG-MP37T). Both would be EEV equivalent if certified, so far no units have done so and all production units remain Japan domestic.

Hybrid buses especially those in Japan carry hefty price tags, their batteries are also regularly criticized for being un-green. However in the effort to clear the city air, we may have dumped more waste into the manufacturing areas, away from the city. Hybrid technology continues to improve, we do hope to see electric vehicles on the roads one day, when we can truely enjoy a zero-emission road environment.

Saying that much, I have yet to see large amount of technology like the Japanese from the Europeans. One benefit that Japanese operators have when it comes to hybrid buses are incentives from the government. For every ‘eco-car’ purchase there can be up to 35 percent rebate. That is also why the rate of hybrid introduction is very high in Japan.

Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya have passed the NOx/PM law in Heisei 17 (2005) for all diesel vehicles. Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) more than 3.5 tons and of emission class KC- and below (Euro 2 and below) are banned from entering the metro areas and towns/cities designated by the law. Vehicles that are above the emission limit of (5.9 grams per kWh max, 4.9 grams per kWh average) for NOx are hence affected. If the owner of the affected vehicles wish to continue using them in the metro areas, they must be fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), a popular item in the market now. Offenders of this law are fined not more than 500 thousand JPY (7800 SGD).

Vehicles that were at that time less than 12 years old are allowed to be used up to expiry of their license (which is 12 years in Japan). Many U- and KC- buses of Toei Bus were scrapped or disposed to countryside companies to continue service. Many other Non-Step buses of various companies just meeting 12 years old are hence disposed off. These are perhaps the earliest cases of disability-friendly buses being disposed off in the World, particularly low entry/floor buses being disposed off in bulk.

We do not have such laws in Europe or Asia, but its an eye-opener nonetheless, not to mention a costly move by the government to dispose off vehicles at such a fast rate.

An exciting bus model event coming your way soon. Stay tuned here for more updates!

A filler episode. Having exams lately and just no time to gather more shit to fill this space, so I found some photos that I have taken in the past weeks to post here.

Yong Tau Foo with rice at Siglap Place.

Dennis Dart buses are withdrawing soon and service 42 is the last service you can see them regularly.

Going green even with bus models! MFBM Eco Hybrid at Hortpark.

Mirror repair for Hafiz owned Volvo Olympian SBS colors. The SBS Transit colors unit is the model that I modified earlier to a sweepback mirror.

March is going to be exciting with a bus model event coming up soon. Stay tuned here for updates!

A tour on the Mercedes-Benz O 405 and Dennis Dart was organized by Bus Culture group on 30th January 2010. SBS278S and SBS8009A were chartered. Some photos of the event as follows.

First day of 963R as passengers ask for directions

A clear sky as the Dart is being caught attention of

The side views

The upright inline-6 of the Dennis Dart (Cummins 6BT)…

to the horizontal inline-6 of the Mercedes-Benz O405 (OM447h, 447.908)

Letterings on the original Cummins product

On the way to cross the Yishun Dam

One generation apart; the Mercedes-Benz O 405 G Euro 1

Square butts

Under the Winter Skies

Strong wall of reporters

The unique shape of gear selector on the Dennis Dart

A service that it will probably not run in the future

After two months of hard work the BusInfoHub MiniMag 2009 (Year-end edition) is finally out!

Covering bus happenings in 2009, photos of new buses, ‘cameo’ appearances and bus outings, it is one of the most comprehensive local (Singapore) bus enthusiast magazine in the new-media (Internet) published to-date!

Among the articles is one on Overseas Buses, contributed by your friendly site admin! It covers the new Heisei 22 Emission Regulation in Japan in-force this year for vehicles with GVW > 3.5 tons.

The link to download the publication is here and also in the download section of this site!

The MiniMag is a quarterly publication available on the BIH site as well as Minibus Group.

Minibus Group, as its honorary affiliate, wishes BIH all the best in the upcoming MiniMag publications!

Isuzu Gala from Nakanoshima Kotsu. Information courtesy of folks on 2ch. Photo copyright Yomiuri News.

２日午前１０時４５分頃、群馬県渋川市赤城町勝保沢の関越自動車道上り線で、初詣でツアーの大型観光バスが中央分離帯を突き破り、下り線に飛び出した。

乗員と乗客計４６人のうち新潟県南魚沼市上原、パート桐生千代さん（６５）、新潟市西区浦山、主婦長橋悠子さん（７２）の２人が腰の骨を折るなどの重傷、３１人が軽いけがをした。現場は緩やかな下りカーブ。群馬県警は、バス運転手の大崎修さん（３５）（新潟県燕市花見）から自動車運転過失傷害容疑で事情を聞き、原因を調べている。

この事故で、下り線の渋川伊香保―赤城インター間が約５時間、通行止めとなった。

乗客らの話によると、バスは貸し切りで、新潟から埼玉県川越市に初詣でに向かう途中だった。後部に座っていた新潟市の女性会社員（５１）は「突然、ガクンガクンと振動した」と話していた。
（2010年1月2日19時53分 読売新聞）

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20100102-OYT1T00233.htm

http://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/news/pref/7566.html

Video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbpqep_yyyyyy-yyyyyy-100102_news

2nd January, at Gunma Prefecture on the Kanetsu Expressway, a share-bus (chartered coach) traveling on the Up (towards Tokyo) direction collided with the center divider, broke through and landed on the Down direction.

Out of 46 persons, two were seriously injured to the hipbone. 31 were slightly injured. The location of the accident is a smooth curve. Gunma Police is investigating the accident from the driver Okasaki Oki (35-year old) suspected of dangerous driving causing injuries.

The accident caused a 5-hour traffic standstill on the section of expressway.

Passengers said that the bus was chartered from Niigata to Kawagoe City (Saitama Prefecture) for the first-shrine visit of the year. 51-year old OL (office lady) from Niigata who was seated at the rear said ‘Suddenly there was a vibration and ‘Gakun-gakun’ sound’.

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http://business4.plala.or.jp/m_takasi/newpage140.html

The website of the company with the actual bus involved in the accident, a 2008 Isuzu Gala Super Hi-Decker (いすゞ・ガーラ (スーパーハイデッカー) PKG-RU1ESAJ) with Hino E13C (460 PS), rego (okay for those who really want to buy 4D or just-to-know) 長岡200 か ・538. Its one of three buses of the same model in the company.

深夜急行バス, ‘Night Rapid Bus’ which a ride would cost 400 to 1900 yen or more in Tokyo. But in Singapore, its just 170 to 270 yen equivalent (SGD 2.50 – 4). Remember, a cab ride of 18 kilometers can cost JPY 6000 (SGD 90), so bus is still as cheap as here!

The oldest Mercedes-Benz O405 (Pre-Euro) on a sponsored night bus from Tiger Beer.

Two Mercedes-Benz O405 Euro 1 on respective Night Rapid services.

31st December 2009 was also the last day of operations for TVMobile.

Moove Love with fireworks.

Mercedes-Benz OC500LE Euro 5 waiting for clearance to return to depot.

Some trips of the Night Rapid Bus was operated by Bendies, as demonstrated by TIB1202K, a Mercedes Benz O405G Euro 2 ‘Habit’.

Night Rapid = NightRider.

Haha welcome to another episode of the Toaru series! No railgun, no trains, but buses instead!

Did you have a merry christmas? Hope you did, cause I had a sweating afternoon having pictures taken at River Valley, of A Certain SMRT Route Change! Let the pictures ROLL~!

Its EOY 2009 tomorrow but I am not 100% looking forward to it… Call me stupid or childish, but I felt sold-out by the organisers, who contacted me only yesterday to announce that there are no more media passes for some (or majority/all?) of the bloggers, apparently they ran out of passes.

Please, this is foreseeable, contact those who will not get passes (due to dislike of blog/site/really limited number) earlier, instead of two days before the event. It was super disappointing!

I had looked forward to covering EOY 2009 on my site because its going to be the first chance to become more un-bus, well, Minibus Group has always seem to be a bus company, but no, I aim to be a diverse bus company. Sadly the nil-issue of the media pass would mean a big separation from what I have envisioned.

If I see the organisers tomorrow in-person, this feedback is definitely going to them.

Spent the previous hour of my life doing this up… Totally off the charts, the fever is on and so some fan made stuff must be produced!

First the ‘original versions’ for comparison…

And finally, this!

All pictures shown as examples (first two images) are copyright respective to their owners.