Hybrid Bee Line Buses

[hudson144 150]

In a recent news release from the County Of Westchester 95 new buses in the fleet of Bee Line buses will be Hybrid type buses. As we all concern ourselves with MVA/MV Fires I am sure that these buses will add additional concerns as firefighters. I am sure that before the full fleet is on the road we might be able to spread the word on here as well as maybe getting a training session similar to the session that they gave yrs ago with the stretch or accordian buses.

[Bnechis 3,961]

In a recent news release from the County Of Westchester 95 new buses in the fleet of Bee Line buses will be Hybrid type buses. As we all concern ourselves with MVA/MV Fires I am sure that these buses will add additional concerns as firefighters. I am sure that before the full fleet is on the road we might be able to spread the word on here as well as maybe getting a training session similar to the session that they gave yrs ago with the stretch or accordian buses.

It would be a great idea for the county to let us know how to deal safely with these busses. They are already in service and on the street, I saw one today

[dadbo46 50]

Trainers going down to the factory soon. Training coming to a firehouse near you this fall.

Two quick things to do if there is an incident with a hybrid bus:

1. Turn off the fuel with the "Emergency Fuel Shutoff Valve" in the engine compartment on the right hand side.

2. Turn off the batteries with the disconnect switch in the curb side rear compartment.

The new hybrids (bus # 205 - 299) utilize "parallel" hybrid technology. Simply put, the engine will run at a constant RPM and the batteries, located on the roof, are charged and add supplemental power to the propulsion system.

[Anthony Tester 13]

Batteries and lots of them with voltages around 600 dc (regardless if the bus is a standard kneeling or the large articulated buses). Typically these buses are manufactured by s hand full of companies and are built to the buyers specifications. Not too sure what Bee-Line has purchased, but the layout of these buses are pretty similar regardless of who makes it. The buses batteries for normal operations are usually on the drivers side of the bus in a compartment and clearly marked. The batteries that are for propulsion are usually located on the roof in a "tub" or "tubs". There are battery shutoffs located on the exterior of the bus and usually behind a compartment door that is labeled. Regardless if the bus is CNG, Diesel, or a Hybrid, a small fire can take off real quick and spread from one end of the vehicle to the other rapidly thanks to the air conditioning systems. Most fires that I have investigated originated in the engine compartment and were either electrical (most) or mechanical in nature. Many municipalities have incorporated dry chemical extinguishing systems with optical and heat sensors. They work and work very well and will either completely knock the fire right down if not extinguish it fully. You know right away if the extinguishing system failed, the bus is usually a total loss. Firefighting tactics should include first getting everyone off the bus, activating the extinguishing system, and shutting the power off. If you do not get the power off in time the Air Conditioning will blow a fire in an engine compartment to the front of the bus! Here in NYC, there has been no problems with the Hybrids. Shut the power as soon as you can. Also, a word of caution, do not crawl under a bus for any reason unless you have it properly cribbed. There air suspension can lose air causing the bus to "kneel" trapping whoever is underneath. Bottom line, use caution and ask the bus operator where the shutoff switches are located.

[hudson144 150]

Anthony- we talking about a bus or a C5-A at Stewart? lol Thanks for the info- I am also told that the persons in authority are looking into future training.

[RWC130 594]

I saw one of the new Hybrid Buses in Peekskill yesterday,

LOOKS NICE!

[Anthony Tester 13]

Anthony- we talking about a bus or a C5-A at Stewart? lol Thanks for the info- I am also told that the persons in authority are looking into future training.

LOL- These vehicles are loaded with wiring and electrical components (and these components are all over the place). They have not been a problem for us and should not be a problem in Westchester. Be aware of the hazards and be very cautious doing any type overhaul. Besides the obvious Hybrid issues, some buses have ether bottles installed on them for cold starts in the winter.

[dadbo46 50]

LOL- These vehicles are loaded with wiring and electrical components (and these components are all over the place). They have not been a problem for us and should not be a problem in Westchester. Be aware of the hazards and be very cautious doing any type overhaul. Besides the obvious Hybrid issues, some buses have ether bottles installed on them for cold starts in the winter.

Ether bottles ? Wow.....haven't used them inside. All of the hybrid buses will be stored indoors. Starting is easy.