[KL42]

Originally Posted by Fx14

These models are best suited for the new generation multi-lane expressways being built, where they can cruise effortlessly, providing higher comfort levels with minimal engine noise filtering in due to their rear mounted engines, as compared to the locally built buses with front engines.

True, These days most of new intercity buses coming out for service are default sleeper coaches. Even state transport corporation have shifted to sleeper coaches KE/KA SRTC's have quite a few and they are extremely comfortable compared to the seater coaches.

Its like how Ola and Uber. Once you are used to it, rarely a customer shifts back to the seater bus.

On Another note, the competitive offerings from AL/TATA/Eicher and Bharat Benz are not bad either. With increasing competition from Volvos, Scania's and Merc's, old guards too have upped their game with much better NVH even after being front engine set up.

[GeeTee TSI]

The wood finish floorboard pictured near the driver's seat is so Scandinavian! One can expect the ubiquitous green floor mat in buses pressed into service

Very graceful profile, much like a ship.

[Rahul Rao]

Originally Posted by ads295

I've always wondered how these buses are maintained.

If you ever come to Pune I can show you a parking where the buses stop between journeys. Even a bus that does 1000+km 20 hr trip in one direction is fully checked and repaired before it starts back within 3-4 Hrs. Team of 4-5 people attend to the bus. One sweeps interior, then washes windshield, then passenger door and then rest of the bus, front to back. That's why you may see a bus clean up front only especially during heavy rains.
Two others change bed sheets, and curtains if needed. Two others first check all the drive belts, fuses, bulbs, then clean the air filter (This is a daily job), drain water from the air tank, and have an overall look over the bus.
Oil change is at 1,00,000 km (1 lakh km) and many buses achieve this run in little over 3 months. The 1 lakh km service also has other component changes, components like tie rod ends etc are service replacement components. Major service is at 3 Years or 8 Lakh km where even more components are changed.
A bus with a good team looking after it easily does upto 30 lakh km on original engine when OEM's refuse to service it.
Most big transporters run the buses to 16-17 lakh km in 5 years before selling them to second owners, and usually retain these vehicles with them on contract basis for shorter routes.

[volkman10]

Volvo 9600 sleeper coach:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_tyyhLCro