Neoplan AN440

The Transliner was available in a wide variety of body styles. The Transliners could be ordered in 26', 30', 35', 40', and 60' lengths. Standard (high), completely low, or semi-low (with steps to access the rear section after the rear doors) floors were available.

NeoPlan offered a variety of engines, both diesel and CNG fueled. Depending upon the model, Detroit Diesel 40 or 50 series or the 6V92TA; Cummins ISM, C-series, or ISL; or CAT C-9 engines could also be had. Most Transliners featured Allison B400 or B500 "World Transmissions". However, ZF (4HP590) and Voith transmissions were also available on some models.

• 26–30 foot models
  • AN430
  • AN408
• 35 foot models
  • AN435
  • AN435LF (low front section, high rear section)
• 40 foot models
  • AN440
  • AN440LF (low front section, high rear section)
  • AN440TLF (full low floor)
• 45 foot models
  • AN445TLF (full low floor)
• 60 foot models
  • AN460
  • AN460LF (low front section, high rear section)

In late 1983 through 1985, Neoplan delivered an order for over 1000 buses for the state of Pennsylvania. By 1989, the largest transportation network in Pennsylvania, SEPTA, had 1092 Neoplan AN440s in service. However, over the years, they were heavily replaced mainly by New Flyer Low Floor buses that were placed in service between 2001 and 2005. The remaining 35 Neoplan AN440s (EZ models) were sent to the SEPTA Frankford Depot following retirement of the 1979 AM General Trolleybuses that were retired in 2004 (as the buses served as the temporary replacement for the trolleybuses) and were retired on June 20, 2008 following the final delivery of the New Flyer trolleybuses. SEPTA ordered 155 Neoplan AN460s from 1998-2000 to replace their aging Volvo B10M articulated buses and about 60 AN460 high floor buses were in service until 2017, being replaced by Novabus LFS Artic articulated buses.

In the 1980s, WMATA, also known as Metro, and PAT Port Authority Transit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania complained about frame problems with their Neoplan coaches. However, today, they both run new Neoplan buses — WMATA with the AN460, a 60-foot articulated version, and PAT with AN460s and AN440LFs, the low floor version of these buses.

However, the AN440 and AN460 models ordered by the San Francisco Municipal Railway proved troublesome. Among the problems were insufficient, excessively noisy cooling fans (sounds reached up to 90 dB), faulty transmissions, maintenance intensive brake systems (needing service every 5,000 miles), and cracking frames. The problems were compounded when Neoplan eventually refused to fix the problems, instead choosing to repossess the remaining spare parts and abandon its overhaul yard located in San Francisco.[1][2][3]

The 40-foot buses were made for over 50 transportation networks all over the United States. The bus networks that have or have had them in service are MBTA in Boston, Massachusetts; SEPTA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; WMATA in Washington, DC; ABQ RIDE in Albuquerque, New Mexico and LACMTA in Los Angeles, California.

San Francisco Municipal Railway (SF MUNI) ordered Neoplan AN440s and AN460s to replace their aging bus fleet during 2001-2004, but they are unique in that they have rear windows, with the air conditioning unit mounted on the roof.

Bi-State Development Agency, dba Metro, has a small fleet of Neoplan Buses for its MetroBus service, and since March 30, 2009, has retired them.

• List of buses

• www.neoplan.de — Neoplan in Germany
• The History Of The Neoplan Order at SEPTA