The graphics finally being stuck on at stagecoach in Wiri, the buses new permanent home... five minute walk from our central branch. Stagecoach will look after all the maintenance, there is refueling and cleaning on site too.

 

Hopefully this is the last photo of a plain white surface...better be, running out of time before the big launch.

 

Possibly the only VDL mobile library... in the world! You get alot of stuff with the VDL, the whole chassis can be lowered of course, but also raised for when I next need to get on a car ferry (its called ferry lift in the manual).. also the bus has 13 computers running various stuff..... 13... we shall see how well "computers" and the number "13" function in the coming months. (cross your fingers).

The seats we have are pretty cool, you sit on them, they sense your weight and adjust automatically, you can feel them moving around to cushion you, that must be what, two..three computers worth.

 

Closer look at the entrance rails with the walking stick / umberalla stand encorperated.

 

 

 

Back in Manukau, I have been looking forward to parking the new one right next to the old one. Only eight more days driving the old MAN ... it will be a bit sad to let it go after 13 years or so, but I think I'll get over it.

 

 

An arty shot of a mirror... its electric, it has... de-fogging ability... now lets not knock it off...

 

All ready to drive away and driving it was soooo nice, really quiet, really lite and easy.
It was fun to watch people on the side of the road as we went past... you could see the thinking, "what?" "there are not many windows, what is it.... a fancy new way of transporting prisoners or something".. yes graphics is the next bit.

 

The rear lounge area finished, little fold down tables on the side, would have liked the colour to match the shelving really...but they are functional.

 

Shelving, including the display shelf with is own little lights.

 

Pic from upstairs showing the handcrafted stainless steel railing...all OSH approved.

 

Pictures taken on pick up day.. 20.03.07

 

Somewhere in here is a little mobile library....

Well the new bus has a name.....

"Te Hiku"... meaning The Hook.

 

The old and the new

 

The seat of power... oh ok... "!!!SEAT of POWER!!!"... and yes there is a cup holder there somewhere. I think they thought I may have been not completely serious when I said "wheres the cup holder?.. CUP HOLDER!!! early during the building process.

 

Paul pointing out how the mobile library service could connect with local youth through the use of dance. Click to enlarge..please.

 

Wheelchair access, a simple fold over ramp. Normaly we would be next to a curb, also the bus can kneel a further 100mm, you will almost be going downhill to get on apparently.

 

Someone a kiwi has a sense of humour....
I think we may go for a personalised plate!

 

Childrens dept, we are going to put red backing squabs on to make it more comfy. Though the exposed wood does look nice. ==

 

 

 

 

The shelving is in, lots of shelving, now all we have to do is work out how to organise the stock. Kids in the kids dept up the back, adult stock on the low floor.