Unitrans RTL1014

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Unitrans RTL1014 at the Unitrans garage (photo taken in 1996)
Unitrans RTL1014 at the Unitrans garage (photo taken in 1996)

Unitrans RTL1014 is an ex-London Transport double decker bus once operated in regular service by Unitrans in Davis, California. RTL1014 is to be the only double decker bus in the Unitrans fleet to retain its original "pre-select" manual transmission (the other, RT742, is scheduled to have a new engine and transmission installed in 2008). RT1014 is the only double decker bus in the Unitrans fleet to retain its original engine, and upon its retirement was the oldest operating example of this model bus (an RTL) in regular revenue service anywhere in the world. It is also one of the first two original double decker buses purchased by Unitrans at the start of service in 1968. RTL1014 was retired from service on December 14, 2007 due to stricter state-mandated emissions standards going into affect in January, 2008.

[edit] Technical Specifications

Manufacturer (chassis): Leyland Motors Ltd

Manufacturer (coachwork): Park Royal Vehicles

Model (chassis): Leyland Titan PD 2/1 RTL

Model (coachwork): Park Royal RT8

Date built: 1950

Engine: Leyland 9.8 liter diesel with air operated Wilson preselector gearbox

Length: 27 feet, 6 inches

Width: 7 feet, 6 inches

Seating capacity: 56 (26 downstairs, 30 upstairs)

Original operator: London Transport

Original fleet number: RTL1014

Original license plate number: KYY 712

Date acquired by Unitrans: September, 1967

Current status: Unitrans Fleet - Retired

[edit] References

  • UC Davis Transportation and Parking Services (2001-10-15). TAPS 2001 Fleet Inventory, Davis, CA: University of California, Davis
  • McCormack, Kevin (1998). Glory Days: RT - The History of a Classic London Bus, Shepperton, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 0-7110-2581-9