The purpose of this manual is to provide a framework for the assessment of the suitability of routes for the operation of 14.5 metre buses. The length of buses in New South Wales is normally limited under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 1996 to 12.5 metres. Bus operators currently use 14.5 metre long rigid buses on suitable routes. While the transport efficiency gains from the use of these higher capacity buses offer undoubted advantages, the buses are not as manoeuvrable as standard length buses and they are not suited to all routes. The overall length, larger than normal front overhang and rear tailswing and consequent swept path characteristics are not always readily apparent to other road user (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians), nor even to the inexperienced bus driver. It is essential therefore that routes for the operation of these buses be selected so as to minimise risk to other road users and property. Accordingly RTA requires 14.5 metre buses be only operated on specified routes that have been assessed and meet the requirements of this manual. Uses for 14.5 metre buses include: (a) suburban route; (b) long distance route; (c) ad-hoc charter; and (d) tourist service. Where a bus operator provides a a service under the terms of a service contract with the NSW Department of Transport it is a condition of that contract that 14.5 metre buses must meet RTA's registration and vehicle safety standards. Local advice is available to bus operators by contracting the relevant RTA regional office, see Appendix A. National guidelines for 14.5 metre buses may be implemented in the future. Consequently any routes assessed under this manual may require re-assessment under amended New South Wales or future national guidelines. This manual supersedes RTA's Technical Direction 92/15 and its attachment `Provisional guidelines for assessment of routes for operation of 14.5 metre long buses', 11 June 1992. (A)
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