Home · Maps · About

Home > BusChat

[ Post a New Response | Return to the Index ]

(338107)

view threaded

Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by kcram3500 on Fri Feb 7 18:07:28 2020

Following the redesigned front end of the X3-45 coach, the commuter version receives a full-width destination sign instead of the split-sign compromise of the previous model. In the Prevost press release announcing the latest MTA contract, there was a very small image of the updated X3-45 with a full-width sign, but it was almost impossible to tell if that was just a rendering. Now we know the full-width sign is real!

I can only imagine they may have had a better shot at the NJT contract had they done this 5 years ago. This updated X3-45 would look great in NJT colors, as well as Academy, Coach USA, Lakeland, and DeCamp.

From the Altoona test report:


















Post a New Response

(338108)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Joe V on Fri Feb 7 19:01:06 2020, in response to Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by kcram3500 on Fri Feb 7 18:07:28 2020.

The front end now looks like an MCI.
Prevosts are more comfortable when making sharp turns. MCI's tend to lean in the opposite direction.

Post a New Response

(338109)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by kcram3500 on Fri Feb 7 19:52:59 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Joe V on Fri Feb 7 19:01:06 2020.

The front end now looks like an MCI.

And that's why this may sell better than expected. MCI is putting their eggs in the D40/45 CRT design, with and without the rear door/low entry. Very overstyled in my opinion, the front sign window is too small for the sign (cutting off multiple rows and columns of LEDs), the headlights are too high and the front turn signals again are overstyled, and the bumpers will not survive urban environments. The new X3 gives enough of the best features of the MCI D4000/4500CT while still being modern enough for passengers to recognize it's not the same ol' same ol'.

Post a New Response

(338111)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Dan on Sat Feb 8 08:57:55 2020, in response to Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by kcram3500 on Fri Feb 7 18:07:28 2020.

The split destination sign never made any sense to me.

Post a New Response

(338113)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by northshore on Sat Feb 8 09:57:33 2020, in response to Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by kcram3500 on Fri Feb 7 18:07:28 2020.

I like the wheelchair entry better than the new MCI.

Post a New Response

(338114)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Joe V on Sat Feb 8 11:11:35 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by northshore on Sat Feb 8 09:57:33 2020.

Wheelchair thing seems to be further back.

I like the wheel chair seat in the MCI. The window ledge is smooth vinyl for my elbow, not hard, jagged aluminum.

Post a New Response

(338115)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by northshore on Sat Feb 8 12:47:01 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Joe V on Sat Feb 8 11:11:35 2020.

But the wheelchair space of the MCI is in the baggage compartment away from the other passengers. And it creates a narrow aisle space with single seats on the upper level

Post a New Response

(338116)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Joe V on Sat Feb 8 13:01:52 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by northshore on Sat Feb 8 12:47:01 2020.

Not on any MCI I have been on. All double seat rows, though not all rows are evenly spaced.

Post a New Response

(338117)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by northshore on Sat Feb 8 13:47:25 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Joe V on Sat Feb 8 13:01:52 2020.

I am referring to the new MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach

Post a New Response

(338118)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by kcram3500 on Sat Feb 8 15:30:04 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Dan on Sat Feb 8 08:57:55 2020.

It was a low-cost compromise because Prevost didn't know if their commuter version would sell. Now that they know they have a market, they were able to incorporate the R&D of a full-size sign with the other changes of the X3-45 redesign.

Post a New Response

(338119)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by WayneJay on Sun Feb 9 13:14:00 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by kcram3500 on Sat Feb 8 15:30:04 2020.

That totally makes since as the split destination sign was clearly a improvise of sorts on an existing design. I was afraid that in time we'd see many NYCTA Prevosts with one side working and the other malfunctioning. I'm happy that it appears that they've done well to not have this become a problem.

Post a New Response

(338120)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by pragmatist on Sun Feb 9 14:19:31 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by WayneJay on Sun Feb 9 13:14:00 2020.

The commuter series acceptance of the X3-45 represented a major change for Prevost. They were never a high volume builder years ago. Plattsburgh has enabled them to build X3's in pretty high numbers..Don't know if they could have handled (or even would have pursued) the Greyhound/Bolt work back in the day.

Post a New Response

(338121)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Joe V on Sun Feb 9 14:27:34 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by pragmatist on Sun Feb 9 14:19:31 2020.

Does Plattsburgh build buses from scratch or are the shells shipped down from Quebec ?

Post a New Response

(338122)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by pragmatist on Sun Feb 9 14:34:11 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Joe V on Sun Feb 9 14:27:34 2020.

I think the frames come down for NOVA and Prevost, not the full shell, but I could be wrong....

Post a New Response

(338124)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Feb 10 12:09:45 2020, in response to Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by kcram3500 on Fri Feb 7 18:07:28 2020.

In general it's nice. But compared to the buses that come up through to the US from Mexico, or other parts of the world; it seems old fashioned now.

Post a New Response

(338125)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by kcram3500 on Mon Feb 10 14:25:02 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Orange Blossom Special on Mon Feb 10 12:09:45 2020.

Keep the market in mind, though. The X3-45 is the basic line-haul coach for Prevost and the commuter version is intended for customers like MTA who want a basic motorcoach for specific services. A coach that's sporting lots of styling and features that appeal to luxury charter and line service would not be cost-effective in urban environments. Replacing body panels and bumpers from constant dings and dents is a lot easier when they're basic interchangeable parts.

Post a New Response

(338126)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by Joe V on Mon Feb 10 15:46:52 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by kcram3500 on Mon Feb 10 14:25:02 2020.

Do they make any 40' buses ?

Post a New Response

(338127)

view threaded

Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter

Posted by kcram3500 on Mon Feb 10 16:33:13 2020, in response to Re: Pics - Redesigned Prevost X3-45 Commuter, posted by Joe V on Mon Feb 10 15:46:52 2020.

Prevost's last 40 was the conversion shell version of the X - that was dropped several years ago.

Post a New Response


[ Return to the Message Index ]