The Neoplan order was the largest order in history of SEPTA. As well for Neoplan USA back in 1982. One thousand ninety two (1092) units were purchased from 1982-1989. While many buses throughout the orders changed, much has remained the same.
Group of Neoplans at Frontier
Taken by Ryan Lock
SEPTA changed their specifications on their new bus order each year. The Neoplan AK’s (8285-8410) which was SEPTA’s first order of Neoplans had longitudinal seating meaning all there seats face towards the aisle. However, there suburban counterparts (8411-8434) had only longitudinal seating in the rear of the bus. The back door features a wheelchair lift, which was also problematic forcing SEPTA to deactivate them, and also spec out the wheelchair lift operations on there next order of coaches from Neoplan. These units also sported a nine liter 6v92 engine and Allison HT-740 transmission.
Interior of the 1982 Neoplan AK - Suburban Style
Photo by Michael B.
The 1983-1985 order of Neoplans were part of Penn Dot's 1000 bus order for the entire state. SEPTA got about 600 buses, Pittsburgh around 300, and the rest were split up amongst the smaller TAs across the state. These buses had the following changes, the seating arrangements on the 1983 (BD) order were single seating on the right of the bus red and blue hard plastic seats on the city transit units unlike the previous (AK) order. These units still had the same powertrain which was sport on there 1982 counterparts.
1303 on the Route 121
Photo taken by Michael B
Photo by Michael B.
As for the BM/CD 1984-1985 changes were the transmission which was the Allison HT 747 and a few other modifications as well. A total of 275 of these coaches were built from both of these orders. There fleet numbers were "8601-8875", most of these units throughout the years made there way around the systems.
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