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The Copenhagen Bus goes on and on

19th March 1983, Page 62
19th March 1983
Page 62
Page 62, 19th March 1983 — The Copenhagen Bus goes on and on
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TEN YEARS have now elapsed since the formation of the Greater Copenhagen Transport Authority HT and the experience, gained in that period, from the integration of road and rail facilities in the entire North Zeeland region has been put to good use in the design of "new generation" vehicles.

The term "Copenhagen Bus" has of course been synonomous with advanced mechanical specification and body design ever since DAB introduced the first semi-integral vehicle with Leyland running units in 1964, when an example of this model was brought over to the Earls Court Commercial Motor Show.

With a total fleet approaching 1,200 units (including contractors' vehicles), HT has just announced its plans for the 1983/84 replacement programme, and while orders are divided between Scania, Leyland-DAB and Volvo-based models, all but 22 of the 145 buses ordered will have a threedoor layout.

With the operator's continued proclivity towards the underfloor-engined chassis, provision of a rear platform and door behind the drive axle is relatively easily accomplished.

The door configuration has

now been found to give very much improved boarding and alighting facilities which, in turn contribute to reduced loading times at stops. Only two bodybuilders are involved in the new Copenhagen programme DAB, which is also responsible for the supply of 32 complete Leyland-engined buses, and Aabenraa Karosserifabrik, whicl has been designated as builders of the 68 Volvo B 10 N1basedunits.

A gradual change in continental psv operating practice and in particular the move away from the limitations of "passenger flow" with doors designated exclusively for entering and leaving the bus has also influenced the design c the new Fiat Effeuno (F1) bus.

Capable of carrying up to 120 passengers the new bus is powered by a longitudinally rear-mounted 9.8-litre engine developing 205bhp, and driving through a fully-automatic transmission.

A novel air-suspension syster is said to have been introduced, with the front suspension permitting a wheel angle of almost 60 degrees for manoeuvrability in congested city streets.

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Locations: Copenhagen

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