The Transliner was available in a wide variety of body styles. The Transliners could be ordered in 26', 30', 35', 40', and 60' lengths. Standard, completely low, or semi-low 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 and Voith transmissions were also available on some models.
26–30 foot models
* AN430
* AN408
35 foot models
* AN435
* AN435LF
40 foot models
* AN440
* AN440LF
* AN440TLF
45 foot models
* AN445TLF
60 foot models
* AN460
* AN460LF
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, they were heavily replaced mainly by New Flyer Low Floor buses that were placed in service between 2001 and 2005. The remaining 35 Neoplan AN440s were sent to the SEPTA Frankford Depot following retirement of the 1979 AM General Trolleybuses that were retired in 2004 and were retired on June 20, 2008 following the final delivery of the New Flyer trolleybuses. SEPTA ordered 155 Neoplan AN460s from 1998-2000 to replace their aging Volvo B10Marticulated buses and about 60 AN460 high floor buses were in service until 2017, being replaced by Novabus LFS Artic articulated buses. In the 1980s, WMATA, 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, faulty transmissions, maintenance intensive brake systems, 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.
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.
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 5HP590 5 speed Voith D883 T-Drive: Allison World Transmission B400 / B500, Retarder optional
Axles
Front: Rockwell 17100 Series, IFS hubs Rear: Rockwell 50738 Series with ratios to provide top speeds between 55 and 65 MPH. Rear : Rockwell 61100 Series with ratios to provide top speeds between 55 and 70 MPH.
