Orion Bus Industries 05.501 CNG (9400-9449)

In order to expand the TTC fleet and allow disabled persons to access the TTC the Commission put out an order for 185 vehicles to be built for the TTC by Orion Bus Industries. Out of the 185 vehicles order were natural gas powered lift equipped buses. In 1996 the TTC took delivery of the 50 natural buses. Similar looking to the sister 1990-1992 units, the 1996 model had it's differences such as the reduction of seating capacity, bigger destination sign, different engine, overhead CNG tanks and a wheelchair lift. The first few months and years were rough on these buses. Their first problem to pop up was a steering arm failure and then fuel leaks put these buses put of service for months for safety reason. The buses did not return to service until the overhead fuel tanks were replaced with new fuel tanks which do not leak. The problem with the tanks were that the manufacturer that produced the tanks that leaked went out of business and so the TTC was forced to look to another source for Compress Natural Gas tanks. Now that they have had their tanks replaced these buses are back on the road also running problem free with the odd empty tank of Natural Gas these buses are only towed to the garage for now a days. A note that as of last year 9402 was converted to diesel and has had the overhead tanks removed and an engine retrofitted from a retired D40-90.

 

March 23, 2004 0:00 AM

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