State Transit Tri-Axle Orana Bus Ride | Bus Vlog #30

State Transit Tri-Axle Orana Bus Ride. Join me on 3420, Jonathan Stuart’s Scania L113TRB with an Ansair Orana body. This bus is frozen in time, seemingly untouched since its withdrawal 5 years ago. This is a nice cinematic journey with commentary and many camera angles.
Filmed on the 7th of July 2024

[@BensSydneyFerryVideos]

Im hungry

[@coolsoap8]

Eat something then

[@aussiejohn5835]

I somehow missed this video when it was released. I have driven this bus in service, and I have worked with Jonathan at State Transit. These buses were controversial when first introduced as they contravened the regulations regarding the length and width of public passenger vehicles. Westbus had purchased 14.5m buses but were unable to register them and therefore kept them in storage. STA was given an exemption and started to bring them into service but was required to test them on various routes as to their suitability and then apply for a permit to operate on the selected routes. Westbus and the Bus and Coach Association appealed and were then granted permission to register and operate their 14.5m buses but also needed to have their routes approved. The Westbus 14.5m vehicles were originally tapered inwards at the rear to lessen the possibility of tail swing damage. The STA vehicles were speed limited, but they had a feature that could switch to highway diff and therefore override the speed limiter and reach speeds of 100klph or more. The rear axle was a "tag" axle, and for weight distribution and not a drive axle. I enjoyed driving with the senior driving instructor along the many routes to test for suitability and quickly found routes that were not suitable. Excellent video, well done 👏 👍

[@coolsoap8]

Thanks for sharing your story John! Westbus’ original 14.5m buses have long since been withdrawn, with one in preservation and another STILL sitting out the back of Foundry Road depot. I could imagine the Oranas were super futuristic when they were new, and they’ve aged incredibly well for a now 31 year old design! I remember seeing the tri-axle Oranas all the time when I was little since I grew up in the Botany area, and it was so nice being able to ride one again. Don’t be shy to share your stories as I love interacting with my viewers and I enjoy a good read especially when I learn from it. Thanks for sharing your 14.5m history and of course thanks for watching John, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@pauljordan4452]

Calming video - thanks.

[@coolsoap8]

You’re very welcome!

[@pauljordan4452]

@@coolsoap8 I used to be obsessed with buses as a boy. And when you're riding, you're usually chilled, aren't you.

[@coolsoap8]

@@pauljordan4452it is quite relaxing, although it can be a bit unsettling when you’ve got a bad driver 😂

[@pauljordan4452]

@@coolsoap8 I know mate. There was this speeding Indian driver and I complained about him.

[@RobotsSharkTaleAndNIMH2Fan2005]

Most of these buses have been scrapped

[@coolsoap8]

Yes that is correct

[@therealgeneralaladeen]

Litterally my entire childhood

[@coolsoap8]

Same for me 😭

[@MrAnsairDude]

How TF DID I forget HCVA was using 3420 today should’ve gone

[@MrAnsairDude]

Btw when is hcva held I forgot

[@coolsoap8]

It’s different each time, the best way to stay updated is to follow them online.

[@MrAnsairDude]

For the sta bus day at sbm will they be bringing out the trbs and also where will it be held

[@coolsoap8]

@@MrAnsairDude I think it’s just from the museum to around the general Leichhardt area. I have no idea what buses will be there but last year it was mostly just PMC O305s and O405s. There’s a good chance of some rare ones such as their PMC “160” or O305G will be there, and private owners are allowed to bring their own buses too so there might be a TRB or two. As I was saying I have no idea so we’ll just have to wait and see! :)

[@MrAnsairDude]

@@coolsoap8 ooh

[@MrAnsairDude]

They bringing out 3683 3693 uhm and a few more I believe for sta bus day I’ll be going on the man if they have a crb tho might go on that

[@MrAnsairDude]

Trbs should not have been retired even though they don’t have accessible access it can be used for people that don’t need it it’s dum to see what Sydney buses did to it

[@MrAnsairDude]

Wish it was still here sob I always went on these from kings grove

[@AlecsSuburbanTrainVlogs]

"quite unattractive compared to 3420"

[@coolsoap8]

I mean I’m not wrong… 🤷‍♂️