Is this the best Demand Responsive Transit Bus? Hino Poncho Revew

[@Ngspacetrain]

Great video! As for the chime on the Poncho, here in Japan an automatic announcement along the lines of "We will be stopping at..." rings when the bell gets pushed. I've noticed that the voice is different for each company, so I guess Hino expects the bus companies to input the announcements themselves...

[@TalkingPlanning]

Thank you! In Australia almost all of our buses just have a chime to indicate that the bell has been pressed, rather than any announcements. I wish we had announcements, it would be helpful for passengers who don't regularly use that service!

[@davidperlmutter9441]

Great video! The Hino Poncho is also used on The Ponds service by Cooee Busways, northwestern part of Sydney.

[@TalkingPlanning]

Cheers! There are quite a few on a variety of demand responsive services now. They are a great alternative to a Toyota Coaster or Mitsubishi Rosa where low floor access is important.

[@acde9355]

Hino Poncho is probably one of the best mini low floor community buses in the market and is perhaps the only Japanese-made bus I like. Unfortunately, Hino Australia is not doing a great job in making this product suit our transport needs, as several problems mentioned in the video can be easily fixed aftermarket.

[@TalkingPlanning]

It's an interesting thought, they seem to be quite popular with demand responsive Transit trials, but not more broadly. I always have thought they would be excellent for community transport and aged care facilities where they often use modified Coasters or Rosa's, which whilst more common, are much less accessible.

[@australianphotographer234]

One of these have arrived at the Laidley bus Queensland depot, quite unsure as the normal route 539 buses are 49,48,47,46 and on occasion 24, all large 53 or more seater coaches.

[@TalkingPlanning]

Interesting... wonder if there's a town bus on the cards. Haven't been to Laidley in a long time but I do find it strange how many regional towns don't have a loop service in them

[@JordanMB94]

Love this! Just wondering if you have any other pics of 27CBS doing the 533 run while Westside was waiting to get their own poncho?

[@TalkingPlanning]

I don't think I have any others sadly, only got to go out there once before they picked up 100 WBC. Its not uncommon to get other buses on the 533 either now.

[@JordanMB94]

@@TalkingPlanning Yeah same with 27, it's rarely out either, they might have to give LCBS their poncho to test out some weekend services in parts of Logan where buses are lacking, especially on runs north of the M1