October 21, 2003
More diesel laughter.
Seattle has ordered more than 200 hybrid diesel buses to replace their "aging" Breda buses.
Although the press release glowingly reports on the increased fuel efficiency, decreased odor, and on-road performance, it doesn't mention the engine noise. And engine noise is what caused the San Francisco MUNI's latest buses to earn the nickname "Screaming Banshee". Although we now ruefully bear the 90 dB whine of the Haight St. buses, it was a rude awakening two years ago when the new fleet went into service. Complaints to MUNI, who weakly pushed back at their contractor, Neoplan, to meet the specified 83 dB engine noise level. No palpable reduction took place, and the whiny roar of the buses has joined the squeak grinding of the N-Judah in the MUNI audio bestiary.
