The RapidPenang buses are all Higer buses. At least those above
10m long.
All also appeared to be fitted with Voith 4 speed. But there
seems to be 2 variants of the voith. One is the B9TL type, 3 + 1
overdrive. The other, some of our MKIV DM type, 2 + 2
overdrive.
The former was shiok when going for the winding hilly
roads. And from these trips, I fell in love with Voith even
more.....its very smooth although the driver kept braking, and the
engine-braking was terrific for winding down-hills.
The latter was shiok for wide open roads but sucked at the
mainly congested roads. Unlike the former, this one has no problem
hitting above 80km/h. Like our MKIV DMs with this type, the last
gear only appears after 65km/h.
The Higers came in the 10+m, and 11+m variants.....and appears
to be fitted with Cummins. That and the voith and the ever
wonderful (no sarcasm this time) M'sian drivers made me look
forward to every ride with the bus.
Unfortunately, it is also not uncommon to see buses with cracked
exit door windows. And its not hard to tell why.
not sure why. that time i went and all i took were
Allison...
