Review of Man buses: characteristics and useful options for tourist trips

Future guest from the present

Andrey Filippov, photo by the author

2005 year. On a busy route, full of stops and with a large rotation of passengers, most of whom are elderly, there is an acute shortage of buses. The dispatcher is doomed to remove my Ikarus 260 from reserve. One-way flight - 5 minutes late. On the way back - it’s already 10. Another circle - and three MAZ-103 buses arrive at the dispatch station at the same time as me, 20 minutes late. On command from the CDS, I am removed from the line to reserve. But on routes where there are longer stages and deeper holes, I could easily give a head start to any MAZ-103. It turns out that ideally each route needs its own bus?

100% city dweller

It is not news that the main advantage of low-floor aircraft is the ability to quickly disembark and embark passengers, and this is primarily relevant for passengers with prams and disabled people. They usually have a folding ladder and a special place for attaching a child's or wheelchair, but the situation with older people is somewhat different. Old people and parents with children 2–5 years old have to use ordinary seats, which very often stand on podiums.

In MAN Lion's City this problem is solved in an original way. Some of the seats are made one-and-a-half and have folding armrests. They can comfortably accommodate overweight people; you can sit a child nearby so as not to hold him in your arms. At the same time, the passage between the rows is 330 mm wider than with the standard four-row arrangement for low-floor machines.

The rear part of the cabin is intended for young people. However, despite the podiums and the narrowness of the passage, riding there is quite comfortable. This is indirectly evidenced by the fact that the entire shooting of the interior was carried out in motion, and the photos, as you can see, turned out to be clear. There is, however, one catch. There are no horizontal handrails in this half. Most likely, this was done deliberately in order to show that it is not intended to transport standing passengers. But in our realities this decision will not meet with understanding.

There is no point in describing the layout of the rear part of the cabin of the NL273 version; it is better to look at the photo. A person of slightly below average height (168 cm) will not even have to bend down in the gallery.

The issue with ventilation has also been resolved in a unique way. If the air conditioning is not used, passengers have four windows and a pair of driver-controlled overhead hatches at their disposal. If the air conditioning is turned on, the hatches are battened down, and the folding embrasures are simply locked with a key, which will avoid disputes with passengers.

As a passenger who often uses public transport to travel with a small child, a child's bicycle or just a large suitcase, I consider the MAN Lion's City one of the few examples of completely low-floor buses that are truly easy to use...

Sublime Excellence

While exploring the interior of the German airliner, we were amazed at how well thought out and humanely everything was done here. Why can’t ours do that?! I would advise all Russian designers responsible for the layout of our buses to spend one day of their lives and carefully study the MAN A39 Lion's City DD. I think this is a masterpiece (!) in planning and there is a lot to learn here.

Take, for example, the arrangement of the rear double seats on the ground floor, located vis-a-vis. Or the shape and location of brightly colored handrails. Surprisingly, but true: they are always at hand, no matter what part of the cabin you find yourself in, and they are easy to reach for a passenger of any height, and not just “Uncle Styopa”. At the same time, they do not interfere with exiting seats located on high ramps, unlike domestic buses. In ours, with my height of 183 cm, I constantly hit my head on them.

Flat floor along the entire length of the cabin

Large storage area in the center of the bus

The “zest” of the first floor layout is the chairs installed “face to face”

In the cabin we found an automatic ticket office for fares, installed so that it does not interfere with the main flow of passengers, unlike the Moscow ASKP validators with fork fences

The first floor is not much different from ordinary city buses, except that the ceiling is noticeably lower, but this does not interfere with free movement around the cabin. Another thing is enviable: with such a complex task as the layout of a double decker, MAN designers, with all the compromises, created a completely low-floor airliner on the lower floor - there are no steps along its entire length! Moreover, two of the three entrances are equipped with ramps for wheelchairs, and a wide passage between the seats allows a disabled person to move around the cabin in a wheelchair (!). In the middle part of the bus there is a huge storage area with folding seats. There are not many people - you can sit down, and if there is a crowd, the folding strap-on seats will free up space for a couple of additional passengers.

In order not to interfere with the driver's view, the front doors do not extend out of the opening, but rotate around their axis. Behind the cabin you can see the stairs to the second floor

Contrary to fears, the stairs leading to the second floor do not take up much space in the cabin. In front, wheel arches are hidden under them, and in the rear is the engine compartment

Passengers must sit on the second floor

Hello ceiling!

The most iconic places are in front of the windshield

View of the rear staircase

The stairs are of particular interest. In the 1930s, one of the main complaints about the double-decker EEC Guy and YaTB-3 trolleybuses plying around Moscow was the presence of only one narrow and steep staircase, which during rush hours caused confusion, since two passengers could not pass each other on it. In Lion's City DD, this problem is minimized - there are two stairs, they are wider, so that you can sideways pass an oncoming passenger (at least for us it was easy). The second floor is completely dedicated to seating - standing there while moving is prohibited. Firstly, this is inconvenient for passengers, since the height of the cabin on the second floor is only 170 cm, and secondly, the driver monitors compliance with the strict rules through a video camera. There is a rational grain in this, since standing passengers on the second floor increase the center of gravity of the bus.

The crowning places on the second floor are, of course, near the windshield. The unprecedented driving sensation - higher than all the trucks and neighboring buses - is incomparable to anything! Now it’s clear why many double-decker city buses are used as tourist, excursion and interregional buses - the view from the second floor is amazing. The delight of being elevated above traffic and the bustle of the city allows you to relax and enjoy the city views.

On the second floor there is an electronic information board and a video camera peephole.

Facing the driver

When you get behind the wheel, the first thing you want to do is look around, figure it out, and preferably without prompting. If it succeeds, it means that the machine is understandable and the ergonomists have not been too clever in their research. On a MAN bus, all keys and instruments are clear, and the algorithms for turning them on are clear. I didn’t even have to look for steering wheel adjustment, like in the MAN Lion’s Coach R07. But how to turn on the gear if there is no lever or buttons? I turn to the instructor for help. Hmmm, I would never have thought that a “lamb”, similar to a light switch, is responsible for selecting GMF modes. Although I could have guessed - it’s signed. It turned out to be very convenient to use.

The surprises didn't end there. The bus is so easy and obedient to operate that a couple of times during the first five kilometers it hit the side of the road. The driver's seating position here is lower than in a minibus, and the sensations are similar to driving a passenger car, so you forget about the width. As soon as I understood this feature, all the problems disappeared.

In standard driving mode in the city and on the highway there are no complaints about the car. The main thing is to learn how to properly use your full potential. Out of habit, believing that all braking options are concentrated on the pedal, I first used it for braking. Like, if you press a little bit, you brake with the engine, but if you press harder, the main brakes are activated. But on the advice of a MAN instructor, I tried to use the engine brake lever. Colleagues, this is the thing!!! The bus is slowed down by the engine almost to a complete stop. And most importantly, it doesn’t matter at all what the initial speed was. Moreover, the force developed by this “retarder” can be adjusted.

The bus turned out to be very maneuverable. For the shoot, they crammed the MAN into a nook that you couldn’t get into even on a more compact bus, but we managed, and didn’t even have to go outside to make adjustments. An important role in this was played by the steering angle of the wheels, a large glass area and excellent mirrors.

I really liked the two-piece interior mirror. It is interchangeable with the left outside rear view mirror. As a result, there was no secluded place left in the car where a “particularly gifted” teenager could, unnoticed by the driver, make a note that he was here, and his college is a strength. But I didn’t feel the real benefit of the sphere at the 2nd door. It is much more convenient to control the process of boarding and disembarking using a regular right lens, and in our realities, no one except the driver will recline the ramp.

There is one more nuance that alarmed me. The same buttons control the opening and closing of the door, and the position of the door can only be determined by the light that lights up when opening. While everything is new, I don’t see any problems. But when the drive wears out, the contacts oxidize, and the door begins to freeze in winter, how can you determine whether the drive works to open or close? It’s the same during rush hour – while the door is open, the light is on, but it’s not clear where the drive is working.

Special opinion

Two decks - not for Russia

“Our company could supply double-decker buses to Russia.
But it is simply unrealistic to cover all passengers in such transport in Russian conditions. The experience of other countries shows that two decks are relevant where the influx of passengers during peak hours is small. With us, you can’t force anyone upstairs, unless the trip is made by an idle person. Even in ordinary transport, everyone strives to take seats closer to the entrance, but who will climb up?! No, two decks are not for Russia yet.” Source: https://www.gruzovikpress.ru Topic: Bus test

Self service for the bus

The bus is stately. There are no special design frills in it, and this adds convenience to operation, since in Russian ATP the main funds are invested in rolling stock, and not in equipping support services. For example, the automatic car washes in use are simply not able to wash away dirt from all the hard-to-reach depressions and protrusions born of the creative imagination of automobile fashion designers.

Beauty is beauty, but the main thing for the serviceman is the filling. As for service, everything is fine here too. Access to the engine compartment is through the aft hood and a pair of side hatches. From the rear it is possible to replace belts and various filters, and from the side it is very convenient to repair the muffler or remove the cylinder head. If this is not enough, there are a couple more hatches in the cabin through which you can get to the horizontally located power unit. By the way, the peculiar fastening of the seats above the motor ramp is a consequence of concern for their use.

The problem with battery placement was originally solved. The boxes for them are located under the one-and-a-half seats on the starboard side and occupy unused space in the cabin, and are accessible through the outer hatch.

The designers did not forget about the need to control the pneumatic system.
The control elements are located under the outer cover to the left of the driver's compartment, and each is neatly labeled for ease of operation. Technical characteristics of the MAN Lion's City A21 NL273 bus

More about the Man Lions Coach

Buses

"premium class"

MAN Lions Coach (2011-2013 onwards)

MAN Lions Coach buses are designed for people who know what they want!
In terms of equipment, technology and design,
the MAN Lions Coach is classified as a top-class bus. For its original design, an international jury consisting of recognized experts awarded the bus one of the most prestigious awards “ reddot award” . product design ".
German quality, safety. Everything here is top-notch, from the floor and luxury seats to the luggage rack, ceiling panel and diffuser overhead lamps. The buses are equipped with the GLONASS system. Comfort turns travel into a real event!

Premium class bus with everything for your convenience, in the cabin:

• well-lit entrance doors and secure steps for passengers of all ages
• opening the front door using the remote control
• spacious 57-seat cabin with original design, factory tinting of all passenger windows
• numbering of each seat
• modern ergonomic luxury chairs with seat belt and adjustable tilt (45 degrees) and width
• folding tables with stands for glasses for each passenger fixed on the back of the seats (except for seat 55)
• folding footrests, double-sided luggage racks under the ceiling (exception 55th place - no footrest)
• diffused overhead lighting lamps with a pleasant soft LED glow; ceiling panel with reading lights; adjustable fan nozzles
• speaker volume control button
• service call steward button
• comfortable handles and handrails (folding) near each seat
• blackout sun curtains
• arrangement of seats without narrowing the space towards the end of the cabin (bus length 13 m 80 cm)
• spacious storage compartments
• interior air conditioning system, climate control, air intake hatches
• special installation for recharging your mobile phone, computer
• automatic hand sanitizer dispenser
• mini-fridge for use by tourists (there are capacity restrictions - please note)
• for entertainment: video or DVD system, with two LCD screens, microphone for guide
• for physiological needs: mini-kitchen with 9-liter boiler, toilet.

All rear sofa seats No. 53-54-55-56-57 are adjustable for rearward tilt and only 20 percent (without width adjustment). Armchairs Nos. 53-54, 56-57 include amenities (tables, individual panel, footrests).

Chair No. 55 is located without a table, without a footrest, without an individual panel).

This is important to know!

If a “premium class” bus is declared on your route, the Tour Operator reserves the right to replace the specified bus with a “branded tourist class” or “tour class” transport with a compensation of 100 rubles. /ticket

• The toilet cabin is used by tourists in exceptional cases, so parking is offered on the highway or in accessible roadside cafes;
• Refreshment of tea or coffee (1 cup per passenger) along the route is a complimentary offer from the Carrier, and is provided strictly at stops according to the “breakfast”, “lunch”, “dinner” schedule and can be limited to the accompanying person. We recommend taking your own thermos with you.
• During breaks between free hot drinks (breakfast-lunch-dinner), tea/coffee is offered additionally at the rate of 50 rubles/cup
• On tours with overnight travel, boiling water, tea, coffee, sugar, and disposable tableware are offered. On tours without overnight travel - boiling water, tea, sugar, disposable tableware. The exception is pilgrimage tours (with overnight travel) - boiling water, tea, sugar are served
• Boiling water in parking lots is provided free of charge based on the remaining amount of water in the bus system, with a possible limitation on the provision of boiling water to passengers in large volumes of more than 200 grams for brewing instant cereals, soups, etc. (the volume of the boiler in buses is limited)
• When transporting large items (for example bicycles), write to the Company before the start of the trip (by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view.), we must confirm your place in the luggage compartment - if this will be possible.

During the high season, the Tour Operator uses buses not only from its own fleet, but also from other carriers, therefore

• bus plans originally announced may differ from the original (slightly)
• when choosing a tourist service, the category of the bus on which the trip will be carried out is indicated in your voucher/ticket (premium class bus or branded tourist class bus or tourist class bus)
• Please note that 35-seat buses do not initially have coolers, boilers and coffee makers installed, there is no kitchen equipment, and some models of 45-50-seat buses have kitchens with a capacity of only 5-6 cups of hot water in 30 minutes. We recommend taking your own thermos and mug with you.

Distinctive service on board, on the road

premium bus

Upgrading passenger service class.

We keep up with the times.

ROMANOVA TRAVEL not only owns a modern fleet of buses, but also offers distinctive service on board. Tourists who purchase vouchers with travel on premium buses and Customers who accept buses on a rental basis have the opportunity to use the service. The number of services provided on the bus may vary only due to the length of the tours. We bring to your attention an approximate list of available services.

Everything for you, dear tourists!

Comfort turns travel into a real event!

For tourists on a
MAN
:

1. Quickly find your accompanying person or driver: stewards and drivers on routes wear orange T-shirts (or jackets).

2. Mandatory accompaniment along the way: on the route you are always accompanied by a Company escort, whose competence includes resolving a number of issues along the bus route, including organizing tea and coffee at the stops.

3. Treats on board: “Vzlyot” lollipops are a must at the beginning of the journey to lift your spirits. We serve tourists delicious sweets on branded Khokhloma trays.

4. Showing a special film on safety: will help tourists quickly adapt to the bus, introduce them in an accessible form to the equipment of the bus, and convey information about safety on the road.

5. Tourist recognition: a special travel sticker for each tourist, issued on the bus, will allow tourists to quickly get to know each other, quickly find “theirs” in the parking lots, and save time gathering a group along the route.

6. Hand disinfection: special automatic dispensers on the bus will allow tourists to “disinfect-wash” their hands without water using the most modern disinfectants.

7. Free drinks: tea, coffee, sugar, boiling water, disposable tableware. The bus system uses only bottled water to prepare hot drinks.

8. On-board service: travel entertainment rental with a special collection of travel games, children's books and puzzles, will help you pass some time on the journey (available with a refundable deposit) - *not available on all routes.

9. Entertainment along the way: a specially selected collection of modern family comedies, “old Soviet films” and pleasant relaxation music will help you relax along the route.

Portable video player for rent (supplied with disposable headphones and a selected disc) - you can use your own discs!

10. On-Board Amenities: Use of the public mini-fridge on board the bus to cool personal water or store medications. It is recommended to have plastic water bottles no larger than 0.33 ml (due to service limitations).

11. General first aid kit: available to tourists along the route and includes a list of necessary medications.

12. The call button above the seat allows you to quickly call the accompanying steward to your seat.

13. Insurance protection: contract of compulsory insurance of civil liability of the carrier for damage to life, health, property of passengers of JSC "VSK"

No. VSKX22078983441000 dated 03/19/2020, valid from 03/20/2020 to 03/19/2021. (without applying a franchise).

14. Charge your mobile phone (free)

15. Blankets

Additional service

premium bus

Comfort is the most important aspect of traveling by bus.

• For a purely symbolic fee, 100 rubles, tourists can purchase an inflatable headrest pillow on board our branded buses. The product is intended for people who would like to travel for a long time and feel in a cozy and pleasant environment during their move. The headrest pillow is packed in a cardboard box and made of high-quality material by INTEX. The neck pillow-headrest allows you to relieve tension from the neck muscles, relax during a long journey and rest comfortably. You can purchase this product through the bus driver or through an accompanying guide. This service is available only on ROMANOVA TRAVEL branded buses.

• For a purely symbolic fee, 200 rubles, on board our branded buses, tourists can purchase a set - an inflatable headrest pillow + earplugs + darkening glasses. The product is intended for people who would like to travel for a long time and feel in a cozy and pleasant environment during their move. The set is packed in a soft velor mini bag. The cervical headrest pillow allows you to relieve tension from the neck muscles, relax during a long journey and rest comfortably. A darkening blindfold will protect you from excess light while you sleep, and earplugs will protect you from disturbing otherworldly noise, allowing you to fully relax and sleep soundly. You can purchase this product through the bus driver or through an accompanying guide. This service is available only on branded buses of TK Olga Romanova.

You can always find out the full list of goods on board from the “information sheet” on board the Company’s branded buses

• Man bus diagram
• presentation of company transport
• compliment in 2022

Welcome aboard!

Station wagon for the streets

Domestic bus manufacturers have a lot to learn from their German colleagues. At least when designing buses aimed at Europe. After all, MAN designers were able to create a bus where care for disabled people was declared not in words, but in deeds. And the driver will not feel like a free addition to the hardware. MAN seemed to me a very harmonious bus, in which functionality was not sacrificed in any way to design, and care for one category of passengers did not in any way affect the comfort of another.

MAN Lion's City A21 is a universal machine. It can easily maneuver in the narrow streets of old buildings and will not fail on the wide avenues of new buildings. A powerful engine will allow you to overcome steep climbs without any problems, and the engine retarder will prevent the brakes from overheating on the descent. In general, this is a wonderful city car that allows you to transfer rolling stock without harming transportation, ignoring, within reasonable limits, the peculiarities of a particular route. But at the same time, she knows her own worth, which, unfortunately, is quite considerable.

The car was provided for testing by the General Importer in Russia, MAN Automobiles Russia LLC.