They do have retarders. Its just too quiet. I drove these many of times and the engine brake light comes on when you brake. Its a red light on the dash that says "engine brake".
If you listen hard enough you can almost hear it.
It was actually an ok drive, it just doesnt suit the 553 though with all the shoppers and casino workers. It quickly became standing room only. There just trying to get all of us comfortable with the nabis, but the 553 aint the route for that.
The T444E is a terrible engine, which is why maxxforce 7,8,9,10, DT is the new age engine for school buses, they pack so much power with a heavy load. Ive only heard of the C2 with a MBE or cummins. The MBE was discontinued due to problems. The only option since is cummins w/ engine braking.
Theres is NO DEMAND for a Philly/Camden New Brunswick route....you must be on dog food. What I got outta that plan was basically you thought because theres a Rutgers in Camden & New Brunswick that could justify such service.
Taking it down Weymouth-Malaga Rd is just senseless, never mind the fact there is no demand, let alone those ppl on that quiet little Weymouth-Malaga Rd wouldnt go for that.
Penns grove has more philly ridership via 468 to 401 or 402.
A few packed buses still wont change the fact without ttc njt mercer would be down under. There ridership is low for that part of njt.
In fact it would add too much time to the already long 401. They want the 401 to quick turn around to get them buses back to woodbury fast. Jake brakes are banned in pennsville and they dont want mcis making noise through there. Basicslly why the 402 is mia outside of rush hr.
If it wasnt for TTC NJT Mercer would have went under long ago, i have never seen buses with high ridership outside of TTC.
Its the same with the 468, with out the 401, there would be no 468.