When did the MTA start the bus depot program(divisions and stickers)? What were the depots' names before this program?
The depots have always been assigned to a borough/division. They have always had names like they do now. The depot stickers/decals from what I remember started apearing in the mid 80's like 1983 or 84 with the Quality Control Bus portion appearing later on. Manhattanville for example used to be the 132nd Street Depot before being replaced by the current structure. Mother Hale was the 146th Street bus depot and when it was in service their was the 54th street bus depot, and their was the West Farms depot in the bronx also. That's just a few and I hope that helps you!
Peace!
DaShawn
what are triboro coach and queens surface buses doing in the command bus lot on fountain avenue in brooklyn? are they awaiting scrap?
Both Queens Surface and Triboro just received large amounts of Orion CNG buses for their express routes. Perhaps the buses you saw at Command were surplus following the arrival of the new Orions.
Correct, This is one of the sites that NYCDOT is staging buses FOR SALE ... interested ? Some only driven by a little old lady on Sunday thru Calvery Cemetery ;-)
Mr t__:^)
What triboro buses are in there?
BUSMAN316
Thurston,
I placed the WABCO calendars in the mail this morning. It cost me $2.97 to send. Please enjoy.
I love this site, thanks David, and also to our host David Pirmann !
Mr t__:^)
#181 had an accident. Is it going to return to service or is it going to be scrapped?
Good question! I hope that if it can be saved that they do some alterations to it. For example make an exchange of power and change it to a series 50 engine or change the transmission to a allison world series instead of that horrible MT740. These changes or combination would make this a great bus as well as improve the rest of the fleet of the first generation orion V's. Just a thought!
Peace
DaShawn
If you need any Bus Routing Details ,,present routings only ,ask
(including Short Turns)
'
I will help you out
DOT
NYC Transit
Private Bus--Boro Park to Williamsburg
Ferry Service
Roosevelt Island
NJT Regular and Contract Routes
Westchester Bee Line
LI Bus
Juliemeatball@webtv.net
Steve
Sweet! Can you give me information on the NY Fast Ferry service and also the TCT Transit contract with NJ Transit route 123 and 125.
Thanks
Peace
DaShawn
The Ferry Stuff I Have to research
HOWEVER
123 Union City===New York
eff 7/1/'96
beggining on Palisade Av at Paterson Plank Rd
Via
Palisade Av
30 St
S Marginal St
Blvd East
Linoln Tunnel East
Ret via
Tunnel
NJ 495 West
Park Av Ramp'
N Marginal St
31 St
Palisade Av
to End
WASHINGTON TOWERS SERVICE
beginning at Central Av
va Paternson Plank Road
Palisades Av
to NYC
Ret via
Pateraon Plank Rd
to Central AV --Washinton Towers
TROY TOWERS SERVICE
Begiining at 18 st
via Mountain Road
Gregory Av
Highland Av
Palisdae Av
ret via
Palisadses Av
Highpoint Av
Gregory Av
Mountain Rd
18 St
Palisade Av
125 Journal Sq ----New York
Beginning at Journal Sq Platform B--1
via Sip A
Bergen Av
JFK Blvd
30 ST
S Marginal St
Boulevard Eas
Linoln TUnnel
Ret via
Tunel
NJ 495 west
Ramp to Park Av
N Marginal St
31 St
JFK Blvd
Pavonia Av
to
Journal Sq Lane B
Thank you very much for the information! I will remeber to keep it to 2 routes per request. The reason I asked about NY fast ferry was because I have been seeing alot lately on the East River in the evening time especially since I work nights.
Thanks & Peace!
DaShawn
STATEN ISLAND PORTION
VIA
Forest av
Richmond Av
Deppe Pl
Watchque Rd
Bradley Rd
Victory Blvd
Bay St
to Slip 7 and 8 ,on the south side
GREEN ROUTE
via 34 st
3 av
57 st
2 av to stand
ret via
2 av
34 st to Ferry Terminal on East River east of FDR
Blue Route
via
34 st
Madison Av
57 st
5 av to stand
ret via 5 Av
34 st
Purple
via
34 st
6 Av
57
5 Av to stand
ret via
5 Av
34
to Ferry Terminal ,east of the FDR
Red Loop
via
Ferry
34 st
2 Av
23 st
8 av
34 st
7 av to stand
ret via 7 av
23 st
1 av
34 st
to ferry
How long would it take by bus from midtown NYC to Hackensack New Jersey by bus? Which bus should I take? Thank you.
If you are headed for downtown Hackensack, the NJ Transit #165 is your bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Mid-day local trips take about 45 minutes. Rush-hour Turnpike expresses make the trip in about a half hour. Service is generally frequent (e.g., every 20 minutes mid-day and on Saturdays). If you are coming from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, you will want the NJ Transit #178 or 182.
Hackensack is served by the 165 in addition to the 163, 164, and 168 (163 and 164 don't go to "downtown" Hackensack, though).
From GWB, you can also take the 175, in addition to the 178 and 182.
The 165 and 168 are probably take the longest (except if you take a "Turnpike Express" trip, which skips the local streets of North Bergen, Guttenberg, Fairview, Little Ferry, etc.)
http://members.xoom.com/FDNY843/BUSROUTES.htm
Sweet! Can you give me information on the NY Fast Ferry service and also the TCT Transit contract with NJ Transit route 123 and 125.
Thanks
Peace
DaShawn
Steve, What can you tell me about the 10 bus Hudson Rail Line which is somehow part of Metro-North. They're about to get DOT "private" type Cubic fareboxes.
Mr t__:^)
ROUTE A
Riverdale Metro North ,W 254 St,Riverdale Av to W263
PM NB,,,AM SB
________________
ROUTE B
AM Peak
Riverdale Metro North ,Riverdale Av,Deadhead,Broadway ,David Sheridan Plaza,is the First Stop,,Moshulu Av,,W 256 st,Arlington Av,W 259 st,Riverdale Av,to Station
Pm Peak'
Station,,W254 ,Riverdale Av,W256,Arlington Av,W259 Broadway to David Sheridan Plaza,,last stop,,,Deadhead via Moshulu Av and W 254 st
___________________________
ROUTE C
Off Peak
Riverale Station ,,DHD via 254,Riverdale Av,256 ,,Arlington Av,W259 st,Riverdale to first stop at W 261 street,,then via W261,,Broadway ,David Sheridan Plaza,Moshulu ,,W 256,Arlington Av,W 259 st,to last stop on Riverdale,,then DHD to Station
_____________________________
ROUTE J
Peak AM
Sputyn Duyvil RR
Via East on Edsall av,then DHD on Palisdae av 232,Independance Av ,W238 ,Blackstone Av,W 239 to Start,,via Independance av,W 237 ,HH Pwy ,Independance Av,Kappock St,Johnson Av,to Edsall AV Eastbound RR Station
Peak PM
From Spuyten Duyvil RR ,,via East on Edsall ,Johnson Av,Kappock St,Indpendance av,Henry Hudson Pwy,Johnson Av,Riverdale Av,W 239 to Stand at Independance av
then DHD via Independance ,232,Palisade Av,,Johnson Av,to Edsall Av,EB
____________________________
ROUTE K
AM and PM Peak
Spuyten Duyvil RR,via Johnson Av,Irwin Av,Riverdale av to 246 st,return same
_____________________________
ROUTE L
off peak
Spuyten Duvil
via Edsall av EB,Johnson av,Irwin Av,Riverdale Av,246 st ,Riverdale av ,staart here,,,return via Riverdale,239 ,Independance ,237 st ,,HH Pwy ,Independnce Av,Kappock St,Johnson Av,Edsall Av Eastbound to RR
It's field trip day for me today ... armed with this post I may stop by Cubic Manhattan office to see if I can get more details out of them about the 10 buses that are scheduled to get the "private" farebox.
Thanks, Mr t__:^)
Does anybody know if the MTA will publish a 99 edition of the Insiders Bus Guide? When is it usually published? Thanks for any info
CALL 1-888 NYCT Bus
Steve
If anyone has pictures of the old Crosstown bus depot, please post them on bustalk. I appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
You might check the monthly newsletter, the Leader; They often have a photo of old depots, etc.Call 1-888-NYCTBUS, for further info.
Can anyone tell me what kind of bus #9900 is? According to UTC Roster it is an RTS is this true? Also is 4903 going to be hybrid or what kind of alternative fuel? because according to the UTC roster it is going to Manhattanville.
Thanks & Peace
DaShawn
I can't say for sure, but I saw 9900 several weeks ago at 23rd & Bway in Manhattan. It is an RTS and I assumned it was diesel electric from the sounds it made in relation to its movement.
Thank You!
When i took the Bx12 to work or going home. I only heard two announcements out of 27 articulated buses and i don't understand why other buses didn't announcements. The rule said they must announcement every bus stop or make a last stop. The buses I took it
1000,1001,1004,1010,1012,1013,1014,1015,1019,1021,1027,1032,1033,1035,1036,1037,1038,and 1039. Most of buses I took more than one bus with same number.
I also rode 1000 on the BX12 last night and I did hear announcements at key stops.
Wayne
HUH? What are you talking about?
-Hank
Some buses use the microphone to make announcements. Others use the phone like device. I never rode those buses but maybe they're missing 1 of these 2 devices.
BUSMAN316
If I understand the broken speech, someone would like to know why announcements aren't being made on the buses. Since this person's experience seems to be solely aboard Artic buses, they're assuming it's a problem with the artics. It's not. The announcements on the buses (all of them) can be made 3 ways:
1)The Bus Command Center can broadcast.
2)The operator lifts the handset to the radio, and sets it up so that what he says goes over the bus PA system.
3)The operator uses a gooseneck microphone (usually mounted on the left front pillar) that is connected directly to the PA system.
All of these require a human element. Sombody has to talk into the microphone/handset. 99% of the problems with bus announcements are drivers not making them. By LAW (ADA), they must announce stops. Whether this means EVERY stop, or only major stops and transfer points, I don't know.
-Hank
To all our bus fans-- I'd like to see a page of Bus FAQs such as: The private companies-history, routes, their fleets, etc; NYCT bus fleet,depots of each company, etc.
I am not too well versed in bus history but I'm sure we have enough talent here to do so a page. How about it!
perhaps Wayne or FDNY could do the mark-up
Well, I can do a LITTLE bit of it, I'd call it version 0.00000001
Maybe I'll get it done tonight, if I don't fall asleep at the switch. I'll need a lot more info, though, since most of mine is on TA/OA operations.
-Hank
I'll be glad to help any way I can.
Wayne
Thanks. I look forward to seeing the Bus FAQ Page! anyone can e-mail to me- I can handle ASCII< windows Text and even Word(I have a word viewer).I can even take excel spreadsheets(Have a viewer). I will compile and forward to Wayne (Mr Slant 40) and have it marked up. I am not fluent in hypertext-sorry :-(
I am interested,,I can not do the computer stuff,,I have only Web Tv,,but I can supply information
Steve
914 6689218
I would love to help also! This sound like the start of something Great!
Peace
DaShawn
I can handle the HTML "computer stuff" once the thing starts to come together and add it to the bus pages. So what we now need to do is come up with topics. Here are some ideas:
Depots - which lines come from which
Roster (already covered by other sites but could be incorporated)
Private Companies - which TA routes came from which companies (already have Manhattan info on the site)
Not being too much into buses I'll let you all flesh out the faq outline..
Another topic:
Bus fleets: Type of Buses- goldfish bowl GMC, Flxible goldfish bowl, RTS slop, RTS straight, Orion, Artics, etc. A page per model along the lines of thwe page for each subway car model. Perhaps Thurston or Fernando could give us tech specs such as number of passengers, length, width, etc.
Of course,,I will contribute my Agenda Materials ,monthly and other Stuff
Steve
Thanks. I appreciate the posts of the MTA agendas but I think they should be the ones putting them on the web. I don't wish to appear to be disseminating official info on behalf of the MTA so I don't think they'll be in any sort of FAQ. (Posting them here is fine!)
Something HAS to be done about the Q32 route. Two words: IT STINKS! I waited almost 1 hour for a Manhattan Bound Bus at 7:00pm. It's become a daily routine. I got on after an hour wait and simply asked the driver why the long wait. He got nasty with me and told me that he didn't want to talk to me. This happened on Wednesday night run 113 bus #9506. Ever since the Q32 has extended it's schedule and has received these new buses, SERVICE HAS BEEN HORRID! Something has to be done. EMAIL me with comments. PLEASE!
BUSMAN316
Hey Busman don't talk to driver about why the bus take so long and they will get piss at any people in the bus. That not the driver fault, it the traffic fault and make everybody get suck in the traffic. Well Queen is the worse place to go and i been there many time. I still hate the Queen but I have no choice to go to Queen.
BUSMAN,
Perhaps you should note the absolutely horrible route the Q32 has? I know of no one who would pick onto the 32, having to deal with not only 5th and Madison Avenues but the 59th Street Bridge too everyday?
And it serves no purpose to ask the operator where he has been. How do you know? He could be on his time according to his paddle report. Maybe his 4 or 5 leaders are nowhere to be found or perhaaps they were put in place by console.
The b/o is probably aggravated enough that he's carrying -- interrogating him with unanswerable questions does not help anybody.
MJM
I'll probably be taking the QM-2 from College Point to 6th Ave in Manhattan tommorow. Inbound via LIE, return is via the 59th bridge.
It looks like the Q32 uses 60th street, the QM-2 uses 57th, which isn't much better to get to 59th.
HOWEVER, my previous trip on this route wasn't bad ... I had the advantage of travling non-rush hour.
Mr t__:^)
I admit I made a mistake asking him about why the bus took so long. But if they're going to be these problems constantly persisting, can't they have some buses terminate @ Queens Plaza and some go into Manhattan?
ex: All Stengel Buses: Last stop Queens Plaza
All Hudson Pier Buses: Last stop Penn Sta
Service has been horrid! longest wait I had was over 75 minutes.
For a line that is that busy? IT'S PATHETIC!
BUSMAN316
At this depot we call them trippers, & the senior guys fight for them.
Mr t__:^)
is in service. I saw it this past week on the Q32.
BUSMAN316
8248 has been back in service about a month and a half and she looks pretty good despite the ugly white paintjob and seems to run good too!
Peace
DaShawn
Hey, if they can make the Q60 go only to 47 or 33 St, they sure can shorten the Q32. And more Q32 buses on the road can be a help too, and not all in 1 direction!
BUSMAN316
Are air brakes different from hydrylic brakes in sense of operation?
How are they the same or different? Heard you needed more experience
and knowledge to operate them. Compare to subway care, are they like SMEE or non-SMEE equiptment?
Frist of all you need to take a special test for your commercial licenses to drive anthing with air brakes. Air brakes are alot different then hydrylic brakes. If you want to find out how you can go to any NYC DMV and pick up a Cpmmercial Driver's Manual anf read chapter #5. This chapter is all on the differents that air brakes and hydrylic brakes have. As for experience it do take some time to get use to them. I drive for the city and when you have alot of people on the bus it does not that good and with no People on it.
I hope you look into the Manual and it help you. Because if you want to drive any commercial vecial with air brakes, you have to take a road test on a vecial with air brakes.
Are there any places left in the US where any transit agencies are running unmodified RTS slopeebacks???
The last I knew of:
Johnstown, PA had some running. These are about as unmodified as you can get and are in a small city so they are in very good shape.
Cleveland, OH pulled the last of the slantbacks they had running last month but they were rebuilt at one point several years ago.
RDChilds
Does any one have a picture or Slantbacks?? I didn't remember how the slantbacks look like? Just post this bustalk.
If you look at the older NYCTA buses that received the white paint on the upper half, you can see the "outline" of how the slopeback looked -- look at where the air conditioning unit is and you will see a slanted outline by the border of the black and white. You can somewhat visulialize the appearance of a slopeback this way.
There's a not-so-great picture of a 35-foot slopeback from Santa Clara County, California, at http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/dtrains/vta-79-1.htm
Liberty Lines probally still has a bunch, though they may be in storage. We ran a couple of dozen of them until 12/98, so many up there are in running condition. I believe they plan to save and restore at least one (we had it & it looked in pritty good shape).
Mr t__:^)
Like most slopebacks still around, those were modified at some point, so they do not retain their original slopeback look. I believe the Queens Surface buses from Bridgeport (#193-204)were also slopebacks that were later modified. Queens Surface had 2 slopebacks back in the very early 1980's, but I think they are long gone; they were #1 and 2 in the fleet. Green Bus has some modified slopebacks (I think they are something like #1001-1015). I think Triboro had a few slopebacks too, but don't recollect much about them.
SEPTA used to have slopeback buses until 1997, when they were replaced by NABIs.
The bunch we borrowed from Liberty last year still have the Slopeback appearence with the exception of the add on A/C unit. These are different from the other -03s that had sheet metal added to make them look like the later RTS.
Mr t__:^)
Nobody will be seeing #9601 bus on the road for some time, maybe 2 years. I'll tell you why:
QS bus #277 I thought that this bus was a goner. Back in 1996, it was involved in a serious accident in College Point. The front was SEVERELY damaged. I thought it was retired until October or November of last year when I saw it for the 1st time in almost 3 years on the Q66. If #9601 is in the same shape as #277 was, figure 1-2 years off the road tops.
BUSMAN316
PS Thurston, any update on bus #334?
We'll see. It's in E.N.Y Base shop now.
Do you think the TA will extend the B-39 to Delancey and Bowery Station since the station will be closed between 10PM and 6 AM Daily. Also how long will it be before the TA will have to start a Shuttle Bus between the Marcy Ave J/M Station and the Bedford Ave L Station
Anybody know how many runs are going to be working on the 39 with the bridge closure? I think it's only something like 8 now. And i would assume a system pick is in progress for this next pick to cover the addistional work in FP?
It might make sense for the TA to extend the B39 west to Varick Street via Bowery to Broome Street, returning via Spring Street to Bowery. This will at least allow B39 passengers easier access to the N,R,A,C,E,1 and 9 trains, as well as M103,M1,M6, and M10 buses. This extension will make it a little easier for those impacted by the WB closing to get to and from work in Manhattan.
I don't see that happening. There will be train service from Essex to Broad St. from 6 AM to 10 PM daily (cut back to Chambers on weekends). The buses will be needed to return to Brooklyn to make additional trips over the bridge so as not to be tied up in Manhattan for a long period of time. The buses would be tied up in heavy traffic in Manhattan and lots more buses would be needed under this senario.
I see a lot of postings on many buses involved in accidents. Is there an average as to how many bus accidents are there in a week or month?
Here's a question that I have been wondering about. When the 8000 series RTS's first arrived they were the first buses to have the "Trap Oxidizer" feature on them. Which included a dual exhaust pipe system and a air acutuated device that was activated when the bus went from 1 to 2nd gear or when in fast idle or neutral. The Orions had them also. Then after a while all of them are now with one exhaust pipe and they do not seem to have the device anymore. Can anyone confirm if they still use the traps or are they using something else or were they modified? Thanks in advance for the information!
Peace!
DaShawn
Does Triboro Coach still run buses M1-M6? All I see on the road are the 2136-2147 buses.
BUSMAN316
No,thet are in storage at a lot across from the old Command garage with some fishbowls.Queens Surface has buses stored there also.
Queens Surface is expecting 140 hard-seat CNG buses by the end of this year. Buses 193-204 are going back to Bridgeport. Also set to leave are buses 24-42 and 205-243. 244-248, 250-258, 270-274 QS will keep, for a while. I don't know what Triboro's besides M1-M6 are set to leave but if anybody knows, please let me know via email. It would mean a lot. Thanks.
BUSMAN316
QS 306 had aluminum front wheels today
We bought a few as a test, so you'll see them occasionally. Mr t__:^)
Can anyone enlighten me about why most of the Orions are in Queens & Staten Island and Manhattan & Brooklyn are almost exculsively RTS? Also, why are all the low floor CNG New Flyers going to be in Brooklyn? Wouldn't they be practical in Manhanttan where air quality issues and and frequency of passenger boarding and unboarding would would be expedited by cleaner fuel and the convenience of fewer steps? Also, why are all the articulated buses in the Bronx. Wouldn't they be good on the main North-South Manhattan routes? As a Manhattan resident, I think a little variety would be nice since, apart from Express buses, just about all we get is RTS and only recently a handful of Orions.
1 depot in Manhattan, I believe it's Amsterdam will be all Orion buses soon. Some depots have no room for articulateds in Manahttan because they're 60 feet long.
BUSMAN316
Not only Amsterdam but MotherHale is also going all Orion also.
Peace
DaShawn
Why can't Brooklyn get the New Flyers? Don't Brooklynites deserve some changes in there buses as well? Being that we are the largest borough, it is only fair. If Brooklyn dont get them, then Queens should. Take your cabs and subways Manhattanites.
Brooklyn is getting New Flyers! Your getting 190 C-40LF's and also Flatbush is supposed to go all Articulated with the new order of 400 being delivered starting in December of this year. Routes B41, 44 & 46 will be the lines they are going on. Just relax and you will see.
Peace
DaShawn
I cant wait... I'll be at Eastern Pkwy and Utica Ave waiting for that limited......
The New Flyers CNG's are going to Gleason because its the only depot in the TA that is equiped for CNG until next year when Coluseam Depot reopens.
West Side Depot is scheduled to receive the articualted buses later this year for service on the M27/50,M42 and M102 routes.In addition 126th Street is scheduled to receive them for the M15 and when 100th Street reopens in 2001 for the M101 and M103.
Flatbush Depot in Brooklyn is to get them for the B41,B44 and B46 bus routes
Do you know what the rationale is for this distribution of equipment?
I also like to see a variety of buses - which is why I'm tired of seeing RTS's. This is not the first time the TA has done this. In the early 1980's the TA started making it's depots either all Grumman Flxible 870 or all GMC RTS and the remaining GM and Flxible new looks were scattered all over. Of course when the TA withdrew the Grumman 870 from service this practice ended. Now that there are serveral hundred Orions in the fleet the TA can once again simplify things by having each depot have one (or two in the case of the artics and MCI's) type of buses. Manhattan and Brooklyn will get articulated buses also. INHO - I don't think the Queens bus division needs artics .
Wayne
I always liked the looks of the Grummans and hoped the TA would get more new Flxibles. There was supposed to have been an order for 50 a couple years ago but I heard somewhere that Flxible went bankrupt. If this is true, I wonder if they will reorganize and start building buses again. What conditions make the use of articulated buses desirable?
I always liked the Flxible 870/Metro also. I hated to see them go. I have since moved to the Wash DC area where WMATA has lots of Flxible Metro and very few RTS's. Baltimore MTA is another city to visit if you like Flxibles. Flxibles are common in Baltimore like RTS's are in NYC. Unfortunately Flxible did go out of business.
Waune
If you liked the Grummans that were in NYC, the majority of them are still running in New Jersey for NJ Transit and the private operators. If you want to see them, do it quickly, as all of the ex-NYC Grummans are supposed to be replaced by the end of the year. Of course, the replacements are RTS's!
I used to go to Maryland many times before. They really do have many Flixble buses, and of many varieties. I never knew that Flxible went bankrupt. also, RTSs used to be very common on Metro. I rode on a few of them myself. I guess, because of the bankrupcy, WMATA started to purchase NABI (Ikarus) articulated buses. Also, Metro uses Orions and MAN articulated buses.
Charlotte, N.C. has a lot of Flexibles. They also have RTS and Articulated buses.
Charlotte recently got rid of its articulated buses. The newest equipment in Charlotte is: Gilligs and Low-Floor Nova Buses.
I did not know that. I havent been there in a while. Yet I am not too far from there...... Thanks for the info. Do they still have the Flexibles.
According to Bus Rosters on the Web, Charlotte Transit still has 8 of the 1982 Grummans out of the original batch of 135-176. It also has 227-268, which were Flexible Metros delivered in 1992. I should also note that the Gilligs are 701-720 (typo in roster) and the Low-Floor Novas are 801-844. There is a picture of a Low-Floor Nova at the roster site. You can find the Index at www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9036/index.htm
I believe WMATA had purchased their NABI articulateds before Flxible went under. WMATA has 2 Orion orders. The first is for 60 buses (9600 series) in 1992 and the most recent is the 1998 order of 262 buses (3900 series - 30 feet long) and 40 footers (4200, 4300 series).
Wayne
Was it from the 1998 WMATA order from Orion that WMATA rejected a bunch of buses that eventually made their way to Queens Surface (700-705) and Green Bus Lines (5500-55??), or did WMATA reject an earlier order?
That's a very interesting question. I have assumed that for what ever reason WAMTA didn't need the last 50 on their order, vs REJECTED them.
Orion made NYCDOT a deal that was to their likeing & so the "privates" got some new equip. sooner then they thought.
Maybe someone can confirm this REJECTED theory & add a WHY. At this depot we're happy enough with them.
Follow up question ... is there a difference between the diesel Orions LI Bus got & these ?
Just Mr (curious) t__:^)
Yes, it is. I know the original order was for 262 buses and it appears that WMATA has 212 1998 Orions. I've been very curious about the "Rejected" label too. I've ridden one of the GBL (5506) buses and it seems to be as tight as those at WMATA.
Thurston - Are you referring the 600 series (diesel) Orions at LI Bus??? They are closer to WMATA's 1992 Orions as, both have Detriot Diesel 6V-92 (6-cylinder) engines and WMATA's 1998 Orions have the DD Series 50 (4-cylinder) engine.
I'm guessing that the 212 1998 Orions have replaced WMATA's new look GM and Flxible buses.
Wayne
You took me too literally! I didn't mean "reject" in the strict sense, but intended that it cover the situation under which WMATA didn't want that many buses. If that's what happened, then the buses are not rejects for a quality reason, but for an economic one. I believe that was the case.
P.S. Has Green Bus Lines now painted all their Orions, or are there any left in the all-white unpainted scheme?
Green Lines have officially painted all of their Orions #5501-5544.
5501 and 5502 are black and have the talking system. 5503-5544 have white paint scheme and no talking system.
BUSMAN316
[You took me too literally! I didn't mean "reject" in the strict sense ...]
Sid, Thanks for the clarification ! I feel better now :-)
Mr t__:^)
triboro coach 3060 is all white scheme paint job.
so is bus 3049.
[Thurston - Are you referring the 600 series (diesel) Orions at LI Bus??? They are closer to WMATA's 1992 Orions as, both have Detriot Diesel 6V-92 (6-cylinder) engines and WMATA's 1998 Orions have the DD Series 50 (4-cylinder) engine.]
Wayne, To be frank I just knew they had some "V" diesel & CNG Orions, but now I have little more detail. We still don't have an answer to the question. (I did know all our Orions were 4 cyl)
BTW, I've not heard anything negitive from our maint. folks about the six diesels we have. If there was some problem we would have given them to Green as the CNGs started comming in. If we only had more fareboxes we could put more buses on the routes that need them.
P.S. There is an order for some, so s-o-o-n things will gety better.
Mr t__:^)
I used to go to Maryland many times before. They really do have many Flixble buses, and of many varieties. I never knew that Flxible went bankrupt. also, RTSs used to be very common on Metro. I rode on a few of them myself. I guess, because of the bankrupcy, WMATA started to purchase NABI (Ikarus) articulated buses. Also, Metro uses Orions and MAN articulated buses.
Charlotte, N.C. has a lot of Flexibles. They also have RTS and Articulated buses.
Charlotte recently got rid of its articulated buses. The newest equipment in Charlotte is: Gilligs and Low-Floor Nova Buses.
I did not know that. I havent been there in a while. Yet I am not too far from there...... Thanks for the info. Do they still have the Flexibles.
According to Bus Rosters on the Web, Charlotte Transit still has 8 of the 1982 Grummans out of the original batch of 135-176. It also has 227-268, which were Flexible Metros delivered in 1992. I should also note that the Gilligs are 701-720 (typo in roster) and the Low-Floor Novas are 801-844. There is a picture of a Low-Floor Nova at the roster site. You can find the Index at www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9036/index.htm
I believe WMATA had purchased their NABI articulateds before Flxible went under. WMATA has 2 Orion orders. The first is for 60 buses (9600 series) in 1992 and the most recent is the 1998 order of 262 buses (3900 series - 30 feet long) and 40 footers (4200, 4300 series).
Wayne
Was it from the 1998 WMATA order from Orion that WMATA rejected a bunch of buses that eventually made their way to Queens Surface (700-705) and Green Bus Lines (5500-55??), or did WMATA reject an earlier order?
That's a very interesting question. I have assumed that for what ever reason WAMTA didn't need the last 50 on their order, vs REJECTED them.
Orion made NYCDOT a deal that was to their likeing & so the "privates" got some new equip. sooner then they thought.
Maybe someone can confirm this REJECTED theory & add a WHY. At this depot we're happy enough with them.
Follow up question ... is there a difference between the diesel Orions LI Bus got & these ?
Just Mr (curious) t__:^)
Yes, it is. I know the original order was for 262 buses and it appears that WMATA has 212 1998 Orions. I've been very curious about the "Rejected" label too. I've ridden one of the GBL (5506) buses and it seems to be as tight as those at WMATA.
Thurston - Are you referring the 600 series (diesel) Orions at LI Bus??? They are closer to WMATA's 1992 Orions as, both have Detriot Diesel 6V-92 (6-cylinder) engines and WMATA's 1998 Orions have the DD Series 50 (4-cylinder) engine.
I'm guessing that the 212 1998 Orions have replaced WMATA's new look GM and Flxible buses.
Wayne
You took me too literally! I didn't mean "reject" in the strict sense, but intended that it cover the situation under which WMATA didn't want that many buses. If that's what happened, then the buses are not rejects for a quality reason, but for an economic one. I believe that was the case.
P.S. Has Green Bus Lines now painted all their Orions, or are there any left in the all-white unpainted scheme?
Green Lines have officially painted all of their Orions #5501-5544.
5501 and 5502 are black and have the talking system. 5503-5544 have white paint scheme and no talking system.
BUSMAN316
[You took me too literally! I didn't mean "reject" in the strict sense ...]
Sid, Thanks for the clarification ! I feel better now :-)
Mr t__:^)
triboro coach 3060 is all white scheme paint job.
so is bus 3049.
[Thurston - Are you referring the 600 series (diesel) Orions at LI Bus??? They are closer to WMATA's 1992 Orions as, both have Detriot Diesel 6V-92 (6-cylinder) engines and WMATA's 1998 Orions have the DD Series 50 (4-cylinder) engine.]
Wayne, To be frank I just knew they had some "V" diesel & CNG Orions, but now I have little more detail. We still don't have an answer to the question. (I did know all our Orions were 4 cyl)
BTW, I've not heard anything negitive from our maint. folks about the six diesels we have. If there was some problem we would have given them to Green as the CNGs started comming in. If we only had more fareboxes we could put more buses on the routes that need them.
P.S. There is an order for some, so s-o-o-n things will gety better.
Mr t__:^)
Here in Norfolk, TRT uses a combination of Flxible Metros and 1993 NABI's. What they've done with their Flxibles here is replace the rear engine compartment with a NABI look alike and move the rear tailpipe to the top of the bus with a chromed pipe to resemble the NABI's
the reason all the new flyer low floors will go to gleason is because it is the only cng equipped depot.
Doesn't TRT have Orions? Someone here in the NY Div. Electric RR Assn. meeting had a picture of one. Or was that a NABI? Did they convert the Flxibles to 4 cylinder? Which ones were these? The old 8 cylinder 400's, or the newer 700's? Do they still have the 35 ft RTS's (500's)?
I heard that MCI bought out the Flxible design. I don't know how true this is, but I'd love to see them with the new interior lighting NY is using in the RTS's and Orions.
On many buses especially long distance buses, I noticed a switch label "Fast Idle". My question is what is the function of that swirch?
To make the engine run faster at idle but what is the use? It just uses more fuel. Why do drivers use this feature? Do city buses have this switch?
I don't know the real reason for the fast idle switch. I thought that buses, both intercity and transit automatically went to fast idle mode once you took them out of gear. Maybe the fast idle switch is there to force the engine to run at fast idle while it's in gear - just a thought. I know that cars (especially in cold weather) will idle high until the engine reaches it's normal operating temperature. Of course their idle speeds up when you shift out of gear.
The fast idle does not come on automatically unless the switch is in the ON position.
Fast idle is NOT supposed to engage when the transmission is in gear and the parking brake is not set. If it does, there is a defect in the switch wiring, or the neutral switch on the transmission or the parking brake sensor. It could be very dangerous if the fast idle does engage whiel the bus is not secured (parking brake on and out of gear).
The reason for the fast idle is to make the engine turn faster (duh!) but more importantly, turn the air conditioning compressor a bit more than idle speed (which usually doesn't provide much a/c). It also makes the oil pressure go a little higher inside the engine itself; this is very important on most Detroit Diesel two-cycle engines, as the oil is forced up a tube inside the center of the piston connecting rod, where is sprays the underside of the piston to assist in keeping it from overheating from combustion.
Not only do highway buses have the fast idle switch, most newer city buses do too. On a GMC RTS, the switch is on the panel to the right of the driver seat, along with the driver compartment light switch, the chime switch, and sometimes (as where I work) the silent alarm button. Gillig Phantoms have is to the left front of the driver above the master control; New Flyer buses have it two or three switches behind the master control on the driver's left. Not sure of other makes.
The fast idle is on most transit and intercity coaches. It allows for quick build up of air pressure when the bus has first started as well as quicker warm-up during cold weather.
It's not good to allow a diesel engine to idle for excessive periods of time and the fast idle helps eliminate some of the problems associated with idling (one example - the heavy black smoke that you sometimes see from a bus pulling away from a stop which is fuel that is not completely burned from what I have been informed).
Some people refer to fast idle as 1/3 throttle.
RDChilds
On newer RTS's 1990 and on the fast idle prevents the bus from shutting down after 5 minutes which is a feature built into them for enviromental reasons.
I believe I've also seen a switch for fast or high idle on the Orion CNG buses used for LI Bus.
John
FDNY:
Do you happen to have any bus readings for Command Buses in Bklyn? Especially the B100 and B103?
Ihave to locate them ,here
Steve
B100
FILLMORE
56 DR --MILL BASIN
B100 FILLMORE
KINGS HWY STATION
B100 FILLMORE
FLATLANDS AV==SO SHORE HS
B103 EXPRESS
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN
B103 EXPRESS
CANARSIE
B103 STARRETT CITY
EXPRESS
BM1 EXPRESS
DOWNTON ONLY
BM1 EXPRESS
DOWNTOWN ---WALL ST
MIDTOWN VIA MADISON
BM1 SUPER EXPRESS
MIDTOWN ONLY
BM1 EXPRESS
MILL BASIN
BM1 SUPERV EXPRESS
MILL BASIN
BM2 EXPRESS
DOWNTOWN ---WALL ST
MIDTOWN VIA MADISION
BM2 EXPRESS
DOWNTOWN ONLY
BM2 SUPER EXPRESS
MIDTOWN ONLY
BM2 EXPRESS
CANARSIE
BM2 EXPRESS
STARRETT CITY
BM2 SUPER EXPRESS
STARRETT CITY
BM3 EXPRESS
DOWNTON ==WALL ST
MIDTOWN VIA MADISION
BM3 EXPRESS
DOWNTOWN ONLY
BM3 SUPER EXPRESS
MIDOTWN ONLY
BM3 EXPRESS
KINGS BAY
BM3 SUPER EXPRESS
KINGS BAY
BM4 EXPRESS
DOWNTON --WALL ST
MIDTOWN VIA MADISON
BM4 EXPRESS
DOWNTOWN ONLY
BM4 SUPER EXPRESS
MIDTOWN ONLY
BM4 EXPRESS
GERRITSEN BEACH
BM4 SUPER EXPRESS
GERRITSEN BEACH
BQM1 EXPRESS
MIDTOWN VIA MADISON
BQM1 EXPRESS
STARRETT CITY
BQM1 EXPRESS
CANARSIE
ALSO ADD THE RACETRACK RUNS
ETC
What streets does the B103 run on? I know it run by Boro Hall and Brooklyn College..........
Starting at Cozine and Ashford,,via Cozine ,Van Siclen ,Vandalia Penn Av,Seaview Av,Louwisiana Av Flatland Av
Normal Trips start at E94 and Flatlands via flatlands,E 105 St,Avenue M,E 80 st
Note---Buses turnaround from E94 via Remsen and Av J and Rockaway Pkwy,,Depending on Direction from which they originated
E 8o ,Glenwood Road,Av H,Flatbush Av,Cortelyou Rd,Coney Island Av, Church Av,Prospect Ex,Windsor Place,4 Av,Union St, 3 Av
( returning via 3 av ,UNion or President St,4 Av,17 st ,Expw,19 st,10 av,20 st,McDonald Av,Church AV)
3 Av,Schemrhorn St Temple Square, Flatbush Av,,Livingston St,Booreum Pl,,,Adams St,,to Tillary to Stand
Turnaround via Tillary,Cadman,Johnson ,Cadman West
I took a ride on the B-103 leaving downtown Brooklyn earlier today. I was somewhat surprised that none of the bus stops in downtown Brooklyn were marked for the B-103. Moreover, this route is not shown in the latest (September 1998) Brooklyn Bus Map. Private bus routes are identified at bus stops in Queens. Is the B-103 so new that the stops are not identified? Same question with regard to the Bus Map, especially since the B-100 is shown.
When did the B103 start its operation?
Where can I get the best Bus Operator book for the exam?
Library or a bookstore.
BUSMAN316
Hey B14Mike go to www.passbooks.com and have a lot of diffirent books.
My favorite place which I have been going to for years is the ARCO civil service book store on Worth St between Broadway and Churh St. Purchased the bus dispatcher book there and I passed the test!
Hey Feranado Perez I bought the conductor book at ARCO Cibil Sevice Book Store and i been study for a month now. I hope i will pass the test in June. That is the best place to buy books and don't buy it at any bookstores because you won't find it.
Barnes and Noble sold me the motormans study book. They may still sell them today although I bought and sucessfully used mine 11 years ago.
if you live on staten island or want to take the ferry here. its a beautiful ride in the spring. when you get off board an s62 bus on ramp a to clove road. go to clove lAKES BOOK STORE. THIS QUAINT LITTLE STORE HAD PLENTY THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE.
Hi all,
I know we talked about this a while ago on the SubTalk side of things but I'm curious if any NJ busfans have stuff about the bus system at Rutgers University. I'm trying to put together a little page about it just for my own purposes (not as part of this site), with a roster and photos. Anyone have any info?
Thanks,
Dave
What kind of bus is this Click This ?
#4822 was a 1972 GM Fishbowl or New Look (T6H-5309A). It was operated by MABSTOA, and was part of an order for 120 (#4800-4919).
I was looking at the Bus Album 2 and I was suprise that i never saw these two buses in my life. How come they not on the road? Were they use for test? Well look at two pictures Hino bus and Renaultpr100 bus .
Those two buses were both demonstrators from Japan and France, respectively. The TA never ordered any and, evidently, sent the demonstrators back after some use in NYC.
I remember some buses that used to run on express late 70s and late 80s downtown and after that ran some on local. This these buses rebuilt and renumber to 5000 series? These buses used to be at 100st Depot and check this picture from #6901-6956 and model GMC T6H-5310A . Those buse used to be #6900 series.
There were some Blitz T6H-5309/10A rebuilds, but this one (5128) is a T6H-5305A. Unless you're looking at the back of the bus or know the fleet numbers of the models it's difficult to distinguish the T6H-5305A from a T6H-5309A or 5310A.
Here are the Blitz rebuild model and fleet number series
TDH-5303 5000
T6H-5305A 5100-5200
T6H-5309/10A 5300-5500
After the rebuilding these nues were assigned to OHS, AMS, HUD, QV, FLA and YUK depots.
Wayne
I have a picture of TDH-5303 #5002 with my father on the bus.
The test buses from Renault and Hino did not stay very long. I rode them several times on AMS routes.
Wayne
As owner of the pictures, I can attest to the fact that the buses did exist on property.
I saw the Hino running on the M4 across from Penn Station, but not the Renault.
Anyone have shots of the earlier "caoches" used on the Staten Island Express routes. They probably were around at the same time that the WMATAs were in NY.
Also, I remember when Queens Transit ran "coaches" for a while. Not suburban manual trans. fishbowls, but the split level versions.
I suspect I took a picture of one of the Staten Island "coaches" when they ran, but after several moves in recent years, it'll take me awhile to look for it. I believe the MTA leased them from Greyhound shortly after the Grumman's were removed from service, so they probably did run around the same time as the WMATA borrowed buses. As for Queens Transit, I think they received a few GM PD-4107's about the same time Liberty Lines and New York Bus Service got theirs. Subsequently, I recollect Queens Transit getting a few more second hand from either of those 2 operators. Although they usually ran on the express routes, I do remember seeing one on the QBx-1 between Flushing and Co-op City.
NYCTA did lease a bunch of MCI MC8's from Greyhound, but I think the WMATA buses had gone back to DC.
I remember the Queens Transit GM coaches. I thought that they were from NYBS because I think I remember seeing the NYBS blue/red seats in them. Also the PD-4107 is a 35 foot model. Some of Liberty's were second hand hand but I believe NYBS and most of Liberty Lines' GM coaches were 4905's (not sure of the prefix.) or H6H-649's?????
Wayne
I remember Queens Surface having a coach bus for a very short time. I saw it on the QM2 along Northern Blvd with number H577. Probably got rid of it.
BUSMAN316
At the time of the Grumman Crisis there was a collapse of the piers at the Statan Island's Edgewater Depot. I have a newspaper pic showing three fishbowls partially in the water. Does anyone know if there were any WmATA buses invloved and if any remain at the bottom of NY Harbor?
I don't know if any WMATA buses were involved, but there are none still in the water. Pollution codes required they be removed. Makes me wonder how many redbirds will wind up as an artificial reef. What's left of Edgewater is now a parking lot for 1 Edgewater Plaza, and an area that is on the land side is being used for RTS storage.
-Hank
I recall seeing old artics on SI, with a large 'Big Apple Buses' logo on the side. They were using the then-new TA turnaround at Arthur Kill Rd and Richmond Ave. Still have no idea about them.
-Hank
hMM H577. That sounds like it was a former Shortline bus. That's the only company that I know of that uses letter H as part of the fleet number and Shortline has operated many GMC intercity buses.
Wayne
Just received a promo for the Intl' Public Transit Expo to be held at Orlando Oct 10-14 1999. So, if any of you are making plans for a visit to see Mickey Mouse about that time ...
Mr t__:^)
Metro mag., a trade, has a nice photo of this bus in their Jan/Feb '99 issue ... in TA colors too (#1106).
Mr t__:^)
Here is a list of some Green Orions with steel wheels:
5515, 5533, 5538, and 5544
BUSMAN316
The follwing Stengel Orions have steel wheels:
401 front wheels only
454, 535 and 565
BUSMAN316
Some QS buses are getting aluminum wheels. Buses like 38, 227, 238, 251, 255, 256, 280, 306, 352, 382 and 383.
BUSMAN316
Sorry, but my maint. source says you're all wet on this one. The Orion diesels all came with alum. wheels, we bought a few more as spares & we HAD a few left over from a test.
Mr t__:^)
I forgot about the Orions. I'm used to seeing the CNG orions, they have steel wheels. Why half a paintjob on those buses? The sides are painted but not the front and back. When are the local CNG'S arriving in? What's up with bus 334?
BUSMAN316
Ps About the tour of the depot: sometime in May will be fine, I'll get back to you for a date.
QS 334, I think that's the one I saw in the shop missing the front end. It's on the list of buses in for heavy (long term) maint.
Mr t__:^)
Here's a fact: Do you know that Triboro Coach Corp. doesn't have 1 bus with aluminum wheels? I'm not so sure about Command and Jamaica. Anybody know. Post it here on BT. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
Command and Jamaica do not have any buses with Aluminum wheels. The thing with Aluminum is that on the Positive side it reduces the weight of the bus, it helps the brakes remain cooler. The negative is that because of the constant chane in temperature after a while the Aluminum wheels are hard to replace due to wheels being stuck to them, also I was told from a friend at Hudson Pier depot that these buses have alot of trouble keep the appropriate PSI in their tires due these wheels. How true this is I personally do not know. But that is just a little info I have to share with you.
Peace
DaShawn
Triboro Coach bus M2136 doesn't have the original enjoy clean air painted on the sides. Looks kinda dull. M2137 has a black bumper in the back. I saw it on the Q18 last week. M2138 rattles like a snake. Every 20-30 seconds, there's a rattling sound near the back door. After a while, this sound is annoying. Triboro buses aren't in tip top shape like QS or GL. The only buses that are in tip top shape at Triboro are buses 761-794, 3001-3060. Can't something be done?
BUSMAN316
How about the following change:Reroute the B-16 between Dahill Rd/Caton Ave and Ft Hamilton Pkway/56-57th Streets via Ft Hamilton Pkway instead of its current route via 13th/14th Ave.
Start a new route bewtween 20th St/Prospect Park West and VA Hospital via Mc Donald Ave,Caton Ave,then via current B-16 route along 13th and 14th Aves then via 13th Ave,86th St,14th Ave ,Cropsey Ave to VA Hospital. This route will be extended to 95th St/4th Ave Station replacing the current B-8 service which will terminate at the VA Hospital at all times
Why not have a painted insert between the aluminum wheel rim and tire lip?
Why not use a stainless steel wheel?
Along the lines of the portable shoe-shine store across from Livingston Plaza that reads "You can't be dressed without a nice, clean pair of shoes" it follows that a new bus will look old and not as nice without aluminum wheels.
Mechanics aside, hubcaps would make a Jaguar look bad while nice wheels could really improve the looks of a GM car.
How is it that only the TA has encountered tire removal and pressure problems? Lots of severe service trucks use aluminum wheels, and plenty of road trucks/tractors use these as well. T
Aluminum wheels do not oxidize as quickly as steel wheels, so it is surprising that the aluminum wheels have the "sticking" problem. Also, aluminum lug nuts can't rust to the wheel surface, so at least a stuck wheel will be easier to dismount.
Stop and go, stop and go. Buses brake very frequently, and the heat can't dissipate that fast. So it continues getting hot, and expanding. Then, when it does cool, it shrinks. This can be even worse in the rain. Trucks aren't in the stop-and-go business all day, so the heat has a chance to dissapate.
-Hank
Thats right, also many operators have complained that aluminum wheels make the bus lighter thus making traction even worse in snow and rain. I have had days that the bus would slide right through intersectons in the rain in very slow speeds.
I passed a copy of the orig. post by Elias to my Maint. source. He adds "The oxidation occurs between the aluminum wheel and the steel studs on the brake drum due to excessive heat. After long period they become one." As I said before this depot tryed a few aluminum rims & decided to stay with steel, except for the ones that came with the diesel Orions.
P.S. During my "field trip" last week to Manhattan I was sitting in one of our buses waiting for mine to arrive while the supvr & a couple of drivers were talking about buses loosing tracksion. It was the supvr giving the rookies some advise. The next day one of these drivers saw me at the depot and asked if I got back OK ... nice to work for a small company !
Mr t__:^)
Anyone seen Stengel bus #453 lately? The number shrunk in the back. The only way to see the number is up close.
BUSMAN316
There are 2 numbers on the back of this bus, 1 on the left 1 on the right. Is bus 648 in storage @ Command yard? 2071 has the number on the left and not where it usually is (on top in the middle)
BUSMAN316
Last night, I saw New CNG bus #549 on Northern Blvd and 100 Street broken down. Now everybody will agree that the older buses are so much better than the newer. They may be junky and in riggy-raggidy shape, but they get where you need to go, unlike bus 549.
BUSMAN316
That can be with the diesels too. The newer diesels that I've seen at Casey Stengal run a lot rougher than the old ones.
Was that an Orion CNG bus? What was the route?
With our LI Bus CNG fleet, I like the oldest 600 series(657-666) buses the best. They are the most stable and run very good.
As they say shit happens, pardon my French. It might have run out of CNG because someone forgot to fill it up, that's a big problem because the service truck doesn't carry a can of CNG in the back.
I'll tell you all this ... the CNGs get more maint. attention then the diesel fleet, not because they need it, but because every gov agency that has anything to do with buses has added some rule or reg that we have to adhere to.
What's the point, with all those inspections we're more lible to catch a problem with a CNG before it dies on the road. So, for you CUSTOMERS that's a good thing !
P.S. Repeat ... on Wed. I rode two CNGs to/from the city, they seemed to be working just great ? I also put my top down for the ride home & will have to admit that ride was better ;-)
Mr t__:^)
Well I can tell you that in my opinion the diesels appear to age much faster than the CNG's.
Our oldest CNG buses here at LI Bus are in better shape than alot of the diesel Orion buses I see from Casey Stengal.
All buses break down. I've seen plenty of NYCT's diesel fleet out of commission in the middle of the summer with their engine covers up.
I rode on only 1 Orion CNG and that was QS bus #504. It's a very comfortable ride, but I couldn't take the "new scent" after a while becuase I was getting a headache. I like riding the Triboro CNG'S #2050-2073 because I like listening to the engine. They sound different than all of the buses that I've ridden on.
BUSMAN316
The RTS was the first bus I was able to ride on without feeling sick from the diesel fumes. Riding behind those old transit buses in a car was even worse than riding in them. This fact alone makes newer diesel buses better, and CNG buses even better. There are a lot of trolley/light rail lovers and bus haters out there. Aside from nostalgia, I think fumes, which electric trolleys did not have, have a lot to do with it. Get rid of those fumes and perhaps people will stop thinking of buses as third class transportation. I'm all for the CNG buses, and hope the fuel cell buses work someday.
#350 has Noah's Arc the movie shrink-rapped. #380 has an ad but I saw it in a flash. By the way, bus #380 doesn't have a number in the front. Any other buses receive shrink-rap as of lately, besides buses 348, 356 and 360?
BUSMAN316
has Aluminum wheels.
Gee, great. Can't you post full sentences, and something besides a bus number and 'has aluminum wheels' or 'is shrink-rapped'?
BTW, it's WRAPPED! RAP is music, or tapping.
-Hank
Hank, Tone down the flame a little ... he's in college learning about such things, and is the NEXT generation of bus buff. Remember when you got realy excited about such things ?
Mr t__:^)
To Hank: Go ahead and jump down everybody's throat because we don't place stats the way you do. Nobody is perfect in this world and if I want to place stats the way I do, I certainly will go ahead and do so!
Gee, I'm just stating facts about buses and this is the thanks that I get for it?! All that I can say now is I'M SORRY, BUSMAN316 will just have to keep his trap shut!
BUSMAN316
We dont mind your posts its just that you post so many for a little info. How about one post with all of your observations? It would be quicker to read than clicking ten messages that just make slight observations.
Yes, it looks like Hank's comments had the opposite effect on the number of post from our bus chaseing friend ;-)
And who said only trains buffs chased after transit equip. ?
Mr t__:^)
Thank you. That's what I was trying to say.
-Hank
I did go a little overboard, didn't I? Sorry, guys and girls. I'm just tired and jobless and a born nitpicker.
-Hank
It's o.k. because we still have love for you regardless!
Peace
DaShawn
I agree ... it's a e-mail thing, i.e. it's so easy to react in a way that gets someone else mad at you, you didn't realy mean it that way or didn't count to 10 first, then after you push it's too late. That's why I always use a "smilie" at the end so, just in case someone thinks I making a mean comment, they'll know I not.
Mr t__;-)
Hank, I gotta say I'm sorry too. I do put too many short stats but I'm just trying to put each bus depot seperate from the others. Hey, we wouldn't have a lot of stats if it wasn't for you. Let's put this in the past and start brand new. What do you say?
BUSMAN316
is in storage at College Point.
Some buses that are not in service are in service (ex: 8248)
Some buses moved: (ex: 3910, 3913-3914, 3930-3931, 3933 From JAM-QV)
Some buses went from running to storage/scrap (3911- KB-SCRAP, DON'T KNOW WHY, 3924 from JAM-COLLEGE PT. STORAGE)
Some received new buses!
A favor: Update weekly, especially with the arrival of new buses and the departure of old buses!
BUSMAN316
No one here, to my knowledege, keeps a roster. The on-line NYCT Roster is maintained by the UTC. There's an email address on the \page. Email them with any info you have, they appriciate it.
-Hank
C/O: Mr. John Walsh
Chief Maintenance Officer
Department Of Buses
MTA New York City Transit
25 Jamaica Ave.,
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11207
I am writing in regard to the upcoming 1999 New York City Transit
Bus Roadeo scheduled for June 5th.
As a current customer who commutes with todays current N.Y.C. Transit bus system, along with being an advocate for improved MTA Bus
Service; I also like to relive the vintage Former Transit Authority Buses manufactured from the 1960's that I recall riding on during
the 1970's by attending "The N.Y.C. Transit's Department Of Buses
Bus Roadeo. One of the particular Museum Buses I would like to see
on display at the upcoming local bus roadeo is the T.A.'s Former
1969 Flxible New Look Bus (bus #4727/ housed at Queens Villiage Bus Depot). When attending the 1996 Bus Roadeo at the Casey Stangel Bus Depot, I could not spot any 1969 Flxible New Looks (4000 Fleet) at that past bus event. During the 1970's, I can remember riding 1969 Flxible New Look Buses painted in blue on the R2 Bus Route when traveling with my Mom and Brother down to the St. George Ferry Terminal. Just seeing this classic 1969 New Look #4727 Bus from
the Queens Villiage Depot would bring back many of my earlier childhood memories. In addition, if this now green 1969 Flxible happens to be present at the late Spring bus event, I would also like
to take a picture of it for my own personal remembrance. Therefore,
please try desperately to include this 1969 Flxible among the many other antique buses at this years MTA Bus Roadeo. With that in mind,
I hope that the Bus Maintenance Crew can have this bus tuned up just
in time for the event. Thank you for your courtesy.
PS: If you have any comments, you may either contact me at the above
E-Mail Address, or at my Mailing Address as follows...
104 Duer Ave., Apt. #1
Staten Island, N.Y. 10305
Did you post this for our benefit, or are you looking for official info? This site is not affiliated with the MTA or NYCT.
-Hank
Does anyone have, or know where I can get, a roster for the buses operated by Short Line of Mahwah, NJ, also known as Hudson Transit Lines? I've tried getting one from the Company but have struck out. Thanks.
No answer here, just an observation: You may have noticed that our FDNY friend just gave me the lines that the seven bus "Hudson Rail Line" does, i.e. they connect with Metro-North at Riverdale & several other stations. I'm still hoping to get more detail on who they are from a Cubic source. It seems that they are part of the MTA somehow.
You'll notice that I said 7 vs. 10 buses, it seems that they bought 10 fareboxes for 7 buses, i.e. spares ? Maybe they're going to get some more buses, because if it was me I would have bought 8 vs. 10.
Well, Sid sorry to cover you post with unrelated info.
Mr t__:^)
I don't know if anyone here noticed, but a State Supreme Court judge ruled that the city (Council) cannot simply refuse to give any licenses to private vans that agree to follow all the regulations. So, unless the City Council appeals, the Taxi and Limosine Commission will start awarding licenses to legitimate operators.
I think this is a good thing. Since NYCTA loses money on the bus system, it can't afford to run buses all the time everywhere, and the buses are crowded. Legitimate, regulated vans mean more people riding mass transit.
I think the MTA should make peace with those who want to start their own transport business, perhaps allowing them to buy into the MTA health plan and join the Metrocard system (if they are willing to buy a farebox). How about you?
The MTA and it's unions in particular are terrified of competition, but competition will only make the MTA better.
Anyone who wants in on the MetroCard system should be able to do so whther it be private vans, non-franchised express buses, PATH, NJT or any other business. The MTA is too rigid to realize that the more uses (transit or non-transit) for MetroCard means more cash earning interest in the MTA's vaults. But like everything else in NYC regarding mass transit MetroCard has become a political issue.
I would love to see an automatic-replenishing MetroCard similar to my EZpass; when my balance get down to a certain level EZpass replenishes automatically via my credit card. I'm sure that subway turnstiles can probably be adapted to do this now. The buses would require a new fare box with data transmission capabilities but we are not talking about rocket science here, are we.
I'm somewhat undecided about private vans competing with buses. Unlike what I've read in the papers over the years, the private vans seem to be competing with NYCity Bus on the latter's routes with more frequent service (rather than routes poorly served), e.g., Q5, B41. If vans take the cream of NYCity bus's business away, MTA's bus service will not only get worse, but will be more expensive to operate. On the other side of the coin, if the van operators can do a better job at less cost, maybe the "more efficiently" operated service should win out over the less efficient one. As a bus fan, I certainly don't look forward to the day there will be no Q5 bus because it is replaced entirely by private vans. Perhaps there is a close-to-perfect combination of the two types of services that could be achieved. On certain routes in New Jersey, there seems to be both good bus service and lots of van service.
They are more efficient than the city buses. Although I am an employee I noticed it is one dollar to ride a van, say from Lefferts Blvd to Queens Blvd. Because the TA attitude is one of a monopoly they just ban competition but the illegals keep coming. Many train passengers at parsons on the E train are faced with a free ride transfer on their matrocard or pay an additional dollar to ride padded seats and not have to wait 20 minutes for the free ride. The TA further loses money by auditing the fareboxes and then claiming ridership decline then decreasing headways. To some time is worth the extra money and I would pay a dollar if I didn't have to if I had the van service up my way.
Today as I Left the Subway at 137 Street to go on my break I notice some cunfussion with the Busses. 1 bus said 1 Train to Dyckman ST. Another bus said No.1 Express to Dyckman. I understud that the first bus was a Local and the Express went directly to Dyckman St. But this is what throw me off on some busses read 1 Train to 168 Street. That was news to me. I thouth they all went to Dyckman St.
One other Qestion why did the signs say No 1 Train. Shouldn't say No. 1 Shuttle bus.
But anyway everyone helped as much as they can. I saw the Bus Dispachor who had lot things to do between given orders and Passengers bugging him. Ofcause I got bugged with question when I started standing around on the sidewalk after 5 Minute in my uniform. Ofcause I Directed most to the Local Bus. I talked to some Bus Drivers and I now have a lot of respect for Bus Operaters. Then I returning back into the Subway after break.
All I have to say thank god it was not a hot summer day.
I hope you don't have a lot of respect for them when they vote for the $60 media tax and the upcoming contract.
I for one is voting NO!
Please don't start this 'Union is run by bus drivers who hate us' thing again!
-Hank
I didn't start that! Talk to mike. Besides I really don't like talking about the Union. Also I do not no what the Bus Drivers postion on the $60 thing iS and really can care less. But all I said was I have a New respect for Bus Drivers after talking to a few. I don't know how they do it. If more people from RTO talk to Bus Drivers about the average day more would Respect Bus Drivers . Besides for a Union to work All workers have to be united.
One final note I Don't hate any deportment. If Station Agents, Conductors,T/O,Bus Drivers go with and not agenst one other we have alot of power.
I was wondering if we can all cut out the arguements and maybe stick to the reason why we read these type s of "Newgroups" and Discussion Pages
Thank you
Steve
Do you have route descriptions available for these shuttles including end of line turn around routings
Thank you
Steve
Have any one ever rode this "Bat Wing" bus? Well this bus look very ugly and i hate to ride "Bat Wing" buses. The buses is very slow. So this is the only "Bat Wing" bus in MTA? Here the picture # 8466 . How about #8624? any see that bus?
What was wrong with the "Bat Wings" roof advertising? In the mid-1960's when it was first around, I felt it looked rather attractive. Unfortunately, a lot of the buses suffered tree damage due to the increased height.
As for the bus being slow, ALL the buses were slower in those days. They all had 6V71 engines, and Allison VH two-speed transmissions. They weren't built for speed, but rather reliability.
These were the best of the fishbowls that MaBSTOA had! They were indeed attractive on the outside. The interiors were functional and attractive as well.
I have posted several comments and responses regarding the bat wings. Both in BusTalk and SubTalk.
I beg to disagree. The "bat wing" GMs, including the 6700/6800 MABSTOA and the 8800/8900 NYCTA were very attractive on the outside, especially at night with the ads lit up. Unfortunately, in their later years the side route signs were often inoperative and the AC often didn't work (except on the non AC 67/6800s, of course).
Too bad the bat wings were discontinued after 1970 or so.
Does any one when is the Bus Fleet99? Well just me know and put it on bustalk. Peace out Justin2669
Does any one know when is the Bus Fleet99? Well just me know and put it on bustalk. Peace out Justin2669
IF you need them,,let me know what you need
Steve
Does anyone need any info
Steve
I'd like to see rosters for both Green Bus Lines and Triboro. Thanks in advance.
UNION LOCALS
18-22 Plainfield--North Plainfield TCT
NEWARK SUBURBAN
61 Monmouth Bch-Newark via Rte34 Academy
HUDSON LOCALS
2 Secaucus===Journal Sq TCT
88 N Blvd ==Journal Sq TCT
HUDSON INTERSTATES
123 Union City--NY TCT
125 Journal Sq==NY TCT
NORTHERN AIRPORT AND SPECIAL SERVICES
302 Newark Airport AIRLINE O N E
305 Liberty State Park Lafeyette
306 Loop Red & Tan
309 Toms River==Island Beach State Park--Not active
NORTHERN PARK AND RIDE LINES
322 Meadowlands --to Plaza to NY Academy
323 Garden State Arts Ctr to NY Academy
RAIL SUBSTITUTION ==ALL NJT Operated
330 Amtrak
331 Path
332 NE Corridor and Princeton Branch
334 Raritn Valley
335 Morris and Essex
336 Boonton Line
337 Main
338 Bergen Cty
339 Pascack Valley
340 Atlantic City
341 PATCO
347 Newark City Subway
SOUTH JERSEY INTERSTATE
423 Penns Grove--Pennsville--Wilmington Del, Salem
Cty
SOUTH JERSEY LOCALS
468 Penns Grove ---Manningto n--Woodstown Salem
Cty
BERGEN LOCALS
751 N Bergen ==Edgewater--Parmamus Community
752 Oakland - Ridgewood--Hackensack same
753 New Milford --Paramus same
756 Ft Lee--Paramus same
762 Hackensack-New Milford--Paramus same
772 New MIlford--Moonachie=Secaucus same
775 Paterson --Century Rd--Paramus Red & Ta
780 Englewood--Passaic Communit
MIDDLESEX LOCALS-
-Operated by Academy
1 Metro Park Loop
2
3
4
5
Operated by Red and Tan
m10 New Brunswick --Woodbridge Ctr
M11 new Brunswick --South River
M13 Perth Amboy--Middlexsex Cty College
M14 N Brunswick-New Brunswick--Middlesex Cty College
M15 New Bruncwisk to Woodbridge Ctr
M17 Perth Amboy --Campbells Jct
M18 New Brunskwick ----Old Bridge
Operated by Academy
M19 Piscataway --Plainfield--Metuchen----MIddlesex Mall
MONMOUTH LOCALS
Operated By TCT Transit
M20 Asbury Pk--Pt Pleasent Bch
M21 Red Bank --Monmout Mall--Long Branch
M22 Red Bank --Monmouth Mall ---Asbury Park
M23 Red Bank---Freehold Racemway Mall
M24 Red Bank to HIghlands
M25 Red Bank to Sea Bright
M26 Asbury Pk to Freehold
M27 Long Branch ==Asbury Pk,---Seaview Sq Mall
MORRIS LOCALs
Operated by PATCO
MCM 01 Morristown ---Boonton
MCM 02 Morristown---Morris Cty COllege
MCM 03 Morristown to Livingston Mall
MCM 10 Morristown to Rockaway Mall
WARREN LOCALS
operated by Delaware River
890 S Main St
891 Heckman St---(Norht Main St)
NORTH JERSEY SUBURBAN SERVICES (WHEELS)
965 CTY COLLEGE OF MORRIS--PARSIPANY
966 Convent Station Employer Shuttle
967 Sparta Diamond Express
970 Passiac --CLifton ---Totawa--Wayne
971 Downtown Hackettstown Shuttle
Town and Country operated 965 966 967 973
Red and Tan operate the 970 and 971
CNTRAL JERSEY SUBURBAN SERVICES==(WHEELS)
976 Lawrence--Princetown Jct.--Rail Station Shuttle
977 W Windsor ---Princetown Jct Rail Shuttle
operated by Lion COrp
978 Newark---Raritan Ctr
979 Irvington --Raritan Ctr
operated by Red and Tan
980 Centenial Av Employers Shuttle
986 Murray Hill Connection--not runing
989 Hillsborough ==Bedminster--Not running
operated by Suburban
925 Fare Simulation Training --707
926- 709
927- 712
928- 722
929- 742
930- 744
931- 746
932- 748
933- 758
934- 770
250 Allentwon --NY operated by TransBridge
251 Doylestown--Frenchtown--NY TransBridge
NJT Operated
390 N Division Mail Truck
394 NY Lot Person--38 St
399 Southern Div Mail Truck
C-Lot NY Lot Person---C Lot
556 Substitute Atlantic City Rail Line Service
operated by the Egg Harbor Garage
OPERTATIONAL TRAINING
900 Fare simulation Northern (300)
901 (81) Southern (551)
902 N (302) S (502)
903 N (193 S (553)
904 N (94 ) S (554)
905 N (165)
906 Not Assigned
907
908 Fare Simulation Norther (159) SOuthern (409)
910 Not Assigned
911 F.Simulation Northern (171)
912 Not Assigned
913 Fare Simulation (Southern --313)
914 (Northern 114)
915 Not Assigned
916
917
918
919 Fare Simulation Northern-319 Southern-319
920 Northern Division 320
921 Northern Division 87
922 Northern Division 126
923 Northern Division 702
924 Northern Division 705
++++Northern+++++++
Hilton
Orange
Big Tree
Newark
Greenville
Ironbound
Howell
Market St
Wayne--Warwick
Oradell
Fairview
Medowlands
+++Southern ++++++
Wahingtown Twshp
Egg Harbor
Newton Av
Hamilton Twshp-Mercer Cty Lines
Could you possibly list the location (address) of each garage, or at least, the town in which it is situated, please? Thanks a lot.
What you need is the 1999 Insider's Guide ... don't know if they came out with it yet, did see someone ask, but didn't notice a reply.
It has been free for the asking from a office in Brooklyn. There's one for the subway also, last year one of their Supt. provided them in exchange for a small donation.
Disclaimer: I don't work for the TA or MTA
Mr t__:^)
Is there a web site that I can email them to send me the 1999 Insider's Guide for Buses?
BUSMAN316
No, we'll just have to wait for one of the "employees" who use this site to learn that it's available & post same here.
For the bus Insider's Guide there was a number to call, but I'm sorry to say that I misplaced it. Maybe someone else remembers it.
Mr t__:^)
The 1998 Insider's Guide says that for more copies of the Guide, call the Bus Customer Relations Center, toll-free, at 1 (888) NYCT BUS.
Stupid me there it was on the inside page, sorry about that :-(
I would like to know on which depots do each NJ Transit bus operates out of. Please post this on Bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
I would like to know on when will the new bus desination signs by NYCT
be available. Please post this on Bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
Does any body remember there was a runway bus that ran down the ramp and crash to the store at 100st Depot?? That was in 1987 or 1988. But i have four picture of wreck bus #3324 that took place in side the 100st Depot in the late 80s. The picture is Black and White.
While riding the Q88 Friday, I saw bus 4923 parked with the left bumper pushed in. Looks like it'll be a while before this bus will be on the road again.
BUSMAN316
I think you have the wrong #. The bus in question was a 5200 series Blitz rebuild. 3324 is an RTS # which spent most of its' life at Hudson & Fresh Pond.
Are you telling me im wrong???? This is not what im talking about 5200 series Blitz rebuild and im talking about RTS #3324 used to be at 100st from 85 until #3324 has a accident at 100st Depot. I know they rebuilt and send it to Hudson & Fresh Pond because my father was there when the #3324 had a accident. I have a proof of four pictures that taken inside 100st Depot and i ask my father to take some picture of them and he did. Remember #3324 used to somewhere in the bronx before they went to 100st Depot.
Peace out Justin2669
I remember the 5200 that crashed into a store. The brakes had failed in part due to a missing 25 cent cotter pin according to the news. The end sign bulkhead was crushed in and the bus was scrapped.
Regarding 100St depot accidents you may be both right. It had occurred many times as I hear from former 100 St operators. In fact rumor has it that the resturant accross the street has been rebuilt courtesy NYC transit many times as well.
Thank you Fernando but my father told me the operator forgot to put the brake on and the bus start rolling down the ramp than crash to the store. But i heard they rebuild and put back on the road. #3324 is now running in Brooklyn at Ulmer Park Depot.
I remember 3324 when it was at Hudson Pier and if I am not mistaken the whole 1983 3000 series was the ones that were all rebuilt by ABC bus at their mid life point. This is news to me that 3324 was at 100 street are you sure it was not 3224 which was at 100 street for a long time, at least until the 4500 series started coming in to 100 street.
Peace
DaShawn
P.S.
If you can try to get those photos posted here on the site so we can see them! It sounds like some interesting photos.
#3324 wasn't last at 100st Depot before the accident and my father who used to work at 100st Depot took four black & white picture. I have a negative but i don't have the pictures. I will send it to devepment soon. I remember they have 3000, 3100, 3200, and 3300 series were in 100st Depot at the time.
My farther was midnight crew at 100th street up untill it closed. The depot has may of these accident happend, so you both might right. I now work out of Ulmer Park, and let me tell you that if 3324 was one of these buses, then they should have sraped it then. 3324 is one of the slowest buses in fleet. Only good thing is that it is going to be sraped when we get buses from other depots.
I guess you're still not going to get any brand new buses.
I don't remember 3324 ever being at 100st. I know it was originally was at Hudson.
It was orginally when they delivered to Hudson Depot and didn't stay that long than transfers to 100st Depot in 1986 or 1987.
I've always kept track of NYCT buses, especially MABSTOA, but I just cannot recall any 3300's ever being at 100St. I know that when these (1983) buses were delivered - the MaBSTOA depots that rec'd them were Amsterdam (3100's), 100st (31-3200) and Hudson (32-3300). I remember them staying at their respective depots for a few years before they were transferred. I cannot prove that 3324 was not at 100st, but I really don't think it was, however I do know that 3224 was originally delivered to 100st where it stayed for a few years.
Wayne
That is exactly what I said because when I moved to West Harlem/Hamilton Heights in 1983 I was riding on the M100/M101 corridor everyday and my grandmother lives on the Lower East Side where I am now and I never saw any 3300's out of 100th Street and My mom just moved from West Harlem 3 months ago. Back then the M100 came out of Amsterdam depot and we were riding on Grumman 870's and then we got the 3200's at 100th Street and 3300's in Hudson.
Peace
DaShawn
Hey Wayne i do have a picture of RTS #3324 accident inside the 100st Depot and my father remember that bus because he was there when there was a accident.
Justin,
Please understand that I'm no by any means calling a liar - and I certainly can't say for sure that the bus was never there. As we all know NYCT buses move around quite often and it's quite possible that 3324 did go to 100 Street. What we're saying is that as bus spotters we cannot recall any 3300's operating out of 100 street. BTW-Did you ever see 3324 in service on a 100 street route??? I ask this because it's possible that it was there for another reason. Example: Many times I've driven past Hudson depot and spotted buses there from Castleton and Yukon. In this case I was sure that they simply had developed a problem - and if I'm right it makes perfect sense to take the bus to a Manhattan depot that's close by.
Wayne
All i remember is RTS #3321-3325 was in 100st Depot in 1987-88.
I would like the rosters for QS, GL and Triboro Coach. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
Green Bus Lines
1001
1003-105 GMC RtS02 1979
221-238
240-268
649 GMC RTS 04 1985
636-639
641-647 GMC RTS 04 1985
650 RTS 04 1985
270-292 RTS 04 1986
602-608
610-635
640
648 RTS 06 1986
651
652 RTS 06 1986
701-704 MCI Classic 1989
705-712 Same 1989
713=716 same 1989
1150-1186 TMC RTS 06 1994
5501-559 Orion 501,5 1997
____________________________________________________
Queens Surface Corppration
181-192 GMC RTS-02 1979
193-204 GMC RTS 02 1979
24--42
205-234
236-243 GMC RTS 04 1985
43-54
244-248
250--258
270- 270 GMC RTS 06 1986
900-954 MCI CLassic 1988
275-389 TMC RTS 06 1994
___________________________________________________
Triboro Coach Corporation
621
623 GMC of Canada T8H 5307A 1979
640=684 GMC RTS 04 1985
685-715 GMC RTS 04 1986
M1-M6 GMC RTS 04 1986
Methanol
716-740
761=763 GMC RTS 06 1986
764-794 MCI Classic 1989
2050-2073 TMC RTS 06 1994
CNG
2136-2147 TMC RTS 06 1994
Methanol
2801-2829 TMC RTS 06 1994
Thanks for the info; it is much appreciated.
I think I see some typos/errors for Green. I assume the 1000 series goes up to 1015. Also, the new Orionss go up to 5544 from what I've been told. Also, on the Classics (701-716), do you know which are 2-door transit and which are 1-door suburban?
About 6 months ago I thought I spotted a recent Triboro RTS numbered 1182, which seemed odd at the time. Could it be that Green RTS 1182 wound up at Triboro, even for a temporary period of time?
Sid,
Green, Triboro, Command, & Jamaica are part of the "Cooper" family, so it's quite possible that one lent the other a bus or two.
Also I think all the MCIs that the "privates" have are single door
P.S. Steve's list has to be revised by very recent retirements which are happening almost daily.
Steve, The first group of buses that you said are -02 ... seems to me that Wayne or someone else said that they are realy -03.
P.S. If you working from the DOT "Active Fleet Roster" it has the same error, but it's not going to me that tells them.
Mr t__:^)
Sid: Classics 705-716 have 2 doors. 1183-1184 have been transfered from Green Lines to Triboro Coach. 1182 is still at Green Lines Depot. But here are 3 strangies:
1. I saw Green Bus 1168 with destinations sign that read Q65A Queens Blvd Via Jewel. As we all know, the Q65A is run by Queens Surface.
2. I saw triboro coach bus 2816 on the Q25/34 Route, located at 61 Street and Roosevelt Ave? I wasn't going crazy, that's what the sign said. Q25/34 also run by Queens Surface along Parsons Blvd.
3. The other is triboro bus 2071 on the Q101 route, located at 59 Ave Woodhaven Blvd Queens Center Mall? Q101 is run by Queens Surface via Steinway/21 Street. Green Buses 1185-1189 have been renumbered at Jamaica Bus Lines Depot (I believe the numbers range from 3550-3554)
If anybody is absolutely sure about buses 1185-1189 being renumbered, post it here on BT. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
They probably have all of each other's routes on the electronic signs, just in case of bus swapping or even the possible rebidding of the routes. They probably even have the TA, and the TA might have theirs, just as it had those three express routes in Staten Island that are now covered by private carriers, as was discussed alot on this board a while ago.
Sounds like someone upstairs needs to talk to Green & Triboro about a check. It sure was nice of them to help us out on those heavy routes.
Mr t__:^)
Thanks for the Rosters, FDNY! But I think they're just a few misprints:
GL: TMC 1150-1182
Orions 5501-5544
5501-5502 Painted Black and have Talking System Installed
5503-5544 Painted White No talking System
QS: 181-192 went back to Liberty Lines
270-274
Retired Buses: 26, 37, 42, 44-45, 196, 199-200, 202, 208, 211, 222, 227-228, 237 (If there are more retired, I'll post it here on BT)
500-515, 524, 529, 532, 534-562, 568-581 are 1999 Orion CNG'S (PROBABLY A 5.501 Model) Numbers that are missing are set for delivery.
CTC: 621 and 623 are used for training only.
I'm not sure but some of these buses might be scrap: 641- accident
724-no roof
2143 fire no farebox on board bus.
Stored at Command Yard: M1-M6
Soon to be departing: M2136-M2142, M2144-M2147
1999 Orions CNG: 3000-3060 (Probably Model 5.501) 3000-3016 Painted black
3017-3060 painted white.
Anybody knows about any changes either post it here on BT or email me. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
I get my material from the DOT,,
I am expecting new material any day,will post at that time
Steve
Why are the Methanol Powered RTS's departing? Are they going to be converted to diesel or sold?
Peace
DaShawn
M1-M6 are being sold. They are now sitting in the Command Yard. M2136-M2142, M2144-M2147, all I know is that they are leaving, maybe it's because poor quality or being converted. When I know for sure, I'll post it here on BT.
PS M2143 was involved in a fire-scrap.
BUSMAN316
I passed the Command/Varsity Depot yard on Sunday and saw about 25 Queens Surfice Buses RTS 04 from 1985 as well as 5 Triboro MCI"s.
Interesting there are no surplus equipment from Green or Jamaica
It is not surprising to see surplus Queens Surface and Triboro buses, but not any from Green or Jamaica. Queens Surface and Triboro recently received about 140 new CNG Orion buses between them for their express routes. Green and Jamaica did not receive any new buses from this order, mainly because they are not yet able to handle CNG equipment.
That is right! Speaking of that, Jamaica & Green Line won't be able to accept new CNG equipment until 2001. With this in mind, does this mean that these 2 companies will be getting new depots or are they going to have their current facilities upgraded for CNG?
Peace
DaShawn
Green owns their building, that complicates things. Command & Queens Surface just got new facilities, incl. CNG.
Mr t__:^)
I have requested updated rosters from the DOT
--will be printing them on Bus Talk within the next week
These are Oct 98 ,,and April 99,,to Follow
Steve
COMMAND BUS CO
4903-4931 CNG TMC RTS 06 1994
4934-4935 CNG ORION 5 1998
____________________________________________________
GREEN BUS LINES
1150-1182 TMC RTS 06 1994
5501-5544 ORION 501.5 1997
____________________________________________________
JAMAICA BUSES
3830-3853 RTS 06 1994
----------------------------------------------------
QUEENS SURFACE CORP
700-705 ORION 501.5 1997
275-389 TMC RTS 06 1994
_---------------------------------------------------
TRIBORO COACH CORP
2136-2145
2147 METH TMC RTS 06 1994
2050-2073 CNG TMC RTS 06 1994
2801-2829 TMC RTS 06 1994
1183
1184 TMC RTS 06 1994
____________________________________________________
I am going to be updating this again ,,within 1 month,,from DOT
If anyone needs any additional info...let me know
(pre-1990)
Steve
Triboro Coach: M2136-M2145? Where's M2146? M2143 was involved in a fire- possibly going to be scrapped, not sure. When I do, I'll post it here on BT.
BUSMAN316
<>
Probably because they might have broke down before they got there. I noted like 5 or 6 Green RTS's on the 60 the other day that looked to have front suspension problems as if the kneeler didnt come up all the way but enough for the bus to move. Werent loaded either.
There's a air bag thing that does that, some times it gets a leak. The shaft can get a lot of dirt/rust on it also. It's not the easiest thing to PM (catch before it fails).
Mr t__:^)
Hey Barry, the next time you pass that yard, if you can get the numbers of those buses that are storesd there and either email me or post it here on BT. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
There's some TA RTS buses in College Point (you can see them from the Whitestone Expressway).
Mr t__:^)
That's right by Roosevelt Ave? That's the College Point storage yard.
BUSMAN316
understand the TA has stored buses at the Queens Surfice Yard in College Point. Is the TA taking over Queens Surfice?
The TA maintains a storage area on the south side of Roosevelt Av Bridge just east of Van Wyck/Whitestone Expwy. There are presently about 20 or so old RTS's there waiting to go out to pasture. For a time last fall, Stengel stored some Orions there overnight sincework was being done at Stengel. It was known as the 'Stengel Annex"
But no this is not to be confused with the Queens Surface Colleg Point facility on 28th Avenue.
Queens Surface stored some Flxibles (& maybe a few others) there some years ago, but as Mike said it's NOT our yard.
NYPD stores some of their fleet in our yard, BUT they're not taking over QS either ;-)
Mr t__:^)
Was at FoxWoods this weekend and saw a bunch of "Arrow" buses running Flxibles to/from the casino. I broke even.
Mr t__:^)
Cool - I wonder where they came from. I was at Foxwoods about 4 years ago and I saw some GM of Canada fishbowls and by their interiors I was sure they were former Queens Transit/Steinway Transit buses (T8H-5307A). Thurston - Can you verify this information???
Wayne
Before I left Connecticut in January 1997, I made occasional trips to Foxwoods and Arrow did, indeed, utilize many fishbowls that had previously been Steinway/Queens Transit. I recollect that there were also many RTS's utilized for Foxwood's parking shuttles, the fishbowls used mostly on employee shuttle routes.
Wayne, I'm glad that Sid was able to confirm the linage as NYC-DOT does the selling so we only seldomly know who bought them.
Mr t__:^)
My last visit to Atlanta- winter 1997(?) they were still running goldfish bowl flxibles-and they seemd in bad shape but had some kind of electronic transmission- there was a switch on the Dash marked Forwars, Neutral- Reverse, labeled with dymo(r) embossing tape and another makred fast idle (with a red cover over it). They did have the tape buzzer strip
We had Flxible "bowls" 1975-1990 - complete with bell cords and electric direction controls. One Harford Division bus, 3125 had had the wires reversed (by accident) so that green was reverse and red was forward - the exact reverse of normal (green=forward, red=reverse). The bus ran for three days with a red lettered sign (big enough for passengers to read) warning of the problem. The Harford shop quickly fixed the problem, lest somebody forget, push the switch forward and promptly bang into what's in back.
I'm a little confused. Hartford, CT, did not have any Flxible fishbowls, only tons of GM's (including one of the last orders from GM of Canada). Bus #3125 was a GM fishbowl from the State order in the mid-70's of 125 buses (3003-3127). #3125 started out in another Conn. city (I don't remember which, but it may have been Waterbury or Danbury) and only came to Hartford when it became surplus at its original home.
We is the MTA, Mass Transit Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation. Our 3125 came in the 1975 order (3001-3215) from Flxible. 100 of the group was rebuilt 1987 and reumbered as 3600's. All were retired by 1992.
No wonder I was confused! Next time I'll pay more attention to the "t" not being in "Harford"!
I was wondering if the B54 replaced the Myrtle Av. El or was it already running underneath it?
Same question goes for the Bx15?
I don't know about that B54, but the BX55 is what replaced the Third Ave El. The BX15 (formerly the BX29) always did operate along Third Ave as it does today. I suspect that the B54 existed before the Myrtle Ave El serivce was discontinued. Differences between the B54 and BX55 is that the BX55 only makes the former el stops and the B54 makes regular stops every two blocks or so.
How many rode the "Q" type on that line ? It was just dumb luck that I took one home from Brooklyn Poly Tech one night in the early 60s.
Opps, sorry I forgot, this is BusTalk ;-)
Mr t__:^)
I wish I could've ridden them, but I didn't arrive until 1965 and we lived in The Bronx.
Wayne
I was in Vancouver in the past week and i was fascinated by the BC transit Trolley Bus system there especially at the intersections with all of the catenary and i could not figure out how the poles know where to go when the bus it turning. So..
How do the poles go to the right catenary when the bus turns at an intersection? and How are the poles connected to the catenary?
Justin
I've always had the same curiosity ever since seeing the old St. Louis Car Co. Trolley buses running in Brooklyn back in the 50's. The last of them were replaced by diesel in 1960 after running only 12 years. I hope someone answers your question.
Take a look on the "SubTalk" side ... re JFK ...
Actually, the turn signals on the bus activate a switch at the point of intersection. By signalling left or right, a switch is thrown to guide the poles in the right direction-- as if it were a rail switch.
Hopes this answers the question.
I was just on that bus last week on the Q46. Sorry, but getting rid of some of these 3900's is quite DUM! Some ok, they had to go for ex: 3926. You need some good buses out there, I don't think the new buses are that reliable yet!
BUSMAN316
1st it was 5096 at Jamaica. That bus magically disappeared. Now Orion 6167? Say What?! This is either a typo error or I'm going nuts!
BUSMAN316
Clearly it's a typo. Bus 5167 is the one at Jamaica.
I thought that all 400's out of Stengel are going to MCH when the 6120-6141 arrive. I didn't think 222 was involved too!
BUSMAN316
Sorry, fellow bustalkers, but I made an error! The 400's series that will be transfered when buses 6120-6141 arrive, they will go to Amsterdam with the other 400's there already. My bad!
BUSMAN316
HI I AM H.T.S. VICE PRESINDENT IN MIAMI AND WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE IN N.Y. H.T.S. ABOUT MEMBERSHIP AND ABOUT MEMBER SERVICE. I WILL BE CHECKING FOR A RESPONCE THANK YOU ...
Contact the MTA coordinator, Debra Martinez, at 718-694-3763; She is in operation planning.
THANK YOU FOR THE INFO. I AM CALL HER NOW BUT NO RESPONDS. IF YOU SEE THIS CONTACT ME AT HOME AFTER 8:OOPM AT (305) 551-9950 OR CONTACT PEDRO FLORES WHO IS THE TREASURE OF H.T.S. & M.A.P.S. REP FOR T.W.U. LOCAL 291 AT (305) 264-5434.CALL PEDRO 9:OO AM-3:00PM THANK YOU MANNY
Debra Martinez: 718-694-3779
Old 100st Depot will be torn down this month or next month, So the New 100st Depot will be 400 feet by 200 feet and consist of a four-level, above-ground structure with a partial basement. The Depot will include areas for bus servicing and maintenance, bus parking, employee facilities, administrative offices and support areas. This cost 100st Depot over $50M to build and when is open in 2001, the will have all Articulated buses going to New 100st Depot but i don't know how many Articulated buses going to New 100st Depot in 2001.
Peace Out Justin2669.
Old 100st Depot will be torn down this month or next month, So the New 100st Depot will be 400 feet by 200 feet and consist of a four-level, above-ground structure with a partial basement. The Depot will include areas for bus servicing and maintenance, bus parking, employee facilities, administrative offices and support areas. This cost 100st Depot over $50M to build and when is open in 2001, the will have all Articulated buses going to New 100st Depot but i don't know how many Articulated buses going to New 100st Depot in 2001.
Peace Out Justin2669.
I thought that only coach-style buses are on the Express lines. I saw bus 5146 on X63 this morning, and this is a hard-seater.
BUSMAN316
Occasionally, you can see hard-seat (transit) buses on many of the express routes in all boroughs. With the recent MCI delivery, this is likely to happen less often, at least in Staten Island. Sometimes, the opposite happens: an express bus on a local route. Jackie Gleason depot has several 1800's but no express routes. I've seen some of the express buses on B51 and B61.
Same on S.I. As the old RTS express buses are taken off express routes they are showing up on local routes. I've seen many of them on the S57, S76 and S51 local runs.
saw 5149 a couple weeks ago on X63 as well
After the New York World's Fair of 1964-1965, many of the Greyhound TDH 5303s made their way into the Triboro fleet.
These buses were rather unique. They had jack-knife rear doors, air operated parking brakes (placed to the right of the driver) and their interior sported a gold like color around the windshield and driver/door area.
I understand that some made it to Queens Transit.
Can anyone verify this?
Thurston, what do you think?
Would you believe one of our Road Inspectors has a GMC Operator Manual for the TDH 4518/18 & 5303/04. He was a rookie about that time & doesn't remember our getting any equip. from Greyhound. There is a wall mounted (1993) collection of 12 old buses, it includes a former HAML Corp, '66, and former Rockland '69. The '69 looks the closest to the photo in the manual, except the manual doesn't have the 3 running lights up front (top). My source also says that the 5303 had a hand brake, the air operated version came on the next model. Item last he's never heard anyone refer to the rear door as jack-knife, he calls them accordion (4 part with safety feature if a customer is caught in between).
P.S. We did have quite a few Fishbowles like these, the last few were still here 4 years ago.
BTW, just in case you were querious I did actually have a business reason to see this guy. Just one of my many hats.
Mr t__:^)
Does anyone know a web site where there are good pictures of Mack buses from the 50s? The TA ran C-49s until into the 70s in Staten Island and has one in its museum collection. There was an earlier order of Macks numbered in the 5000s (I think C.50s) which ran primarily in Brooklyn. All their windows slid horizontally -- even the standee windows and rear windows. I don't think any of them were preserved. Did the TA run other Macks? I remember Twin buses running in Brooklyn in the early 50s also. There seem to be very little photo documentation of these.
The 5000 series you refer to is the buses that ran predominently in Flatbush, but probably out of some other depots. I think they were numbered something like 5200-5525 - I'm not exactly sure. One little detail I do remember is that 5308 was the only bus, or maybe one out of a very few, that got the then new two-tone green paint job (rather than the older green and silver or green and white paint schemes). There was at least one earlier order of Macks, in the 5000 and low 5100 series, which did not have the unique windows of the 5200's. I remember the 5000/5100's running in Manhattan in the late 40's and early 50's on the M-15 First/Second Avenue route. Perhaps they came from the private operator who preceded the TA on that route.
I lived in the Lower East Side. Avenue B and East Broadway had their gargage at Rutger Street and Cherry Street. They (ABEB) ran a fleet of 35 foot and 40 foot Macks (C-45), all of which are second hand. They had some C-49 from Cleveland Transit System which were used on their Racetrack runs. The GM sales people sold some TDH4513 4515 and 5305A to replace the worn out Macks.
Phil Hom
Stafford VA
This is a long post...
NYCTA did operate a variety of Mack models. The most famous were the C-50s (some were diverted by Mack to Miami Transit).
Also operated C-41,C-45, and C-49s on most of their routes. In Manhattan, they ran on the M-15 and M-3 (49 & 50 Streets Crosstown) routes.
They also inherited the Macks from Surface Transit in 1962.
Fifth Avenue did run C-50s on the 15 Jackson Heights line. They were unpopular and were turned over to Surface. Yet they were excluded from the take over in 1962.
Regarding Ave. B and East Broadway Transit. Not all of their Macks were used. Numbers 301-310, model C-41-DT, came new from Mack in 1954-1956. All other Macks were demos and/or used. They also had TDH 4519s (#s 606-610); T6H 4521A (#s 611-625) AND T8H 5308A (#s 626-635)
all new from GM. Not to mention the odd ball Flxibles. GM never built a TDH 4513! And Ave. B did not have TDH 4515s or TDH 5305As.
TRIVIA...
a)NYCTA did operate one strange Mack. C-41-DT serial 4497. This had wide doors in the front. Originally purchased by Comprehensive Omnibus and used on their M-3 route.
b)The Fifth Ave. C-50s had fluorescent lights.
c)The Surface C-49s, #3000-3009, had fluorescent lights and a door separating the driver from the passengers! This was removed when they were taken over by MaBSTOA.
d)In 1970 saw a former NYCTA/Miami C-50 rusting away in a truck yard in Miami. Unfortunately I took no souvenirs. I know... forgive me!
I remember MACKS -the ones with the sliding windows-being used on the TA route B60 until the arrival of the fishbowls; the other type -the one with the vertical opening windows- I rode on the B-5, and bus lines in Staten Island...fond memories of barrelling down Victor Blvd on these busses..GREAT!
Also, Jamaica Busses used Macks on their route "C" (or if you wish, Q112..if memory serves me ..been a VERY long time) LIBERTY AVE route running from the Lefferts Blvd Sta of the "A" to Jamaica; and as fill ins when the demand rocketed after 1964 on the "B"/Q111/113 route.
the mack series 5201-5599 ran out of flatbush eny and a queens division garage. as you say none were preserved. the 6000 series ran out of ulmer park and edgewater. they were retired in the late 60s. 6259 was preserved and is garaged at flatbush. you can see it at the bus festival. it used to be in running condition but it may not be any longer.
I am glad to tell you that Museum Mack Bus 6259 is in running condition. It visited Gleason Depot on March 27th in connection with a New York Bus Association Fan Trip, and some of us got to ride it in the neighborhood near Gleason.
Glad to hear it. This Mack C-49 was not at the Bus Festival in 1998 much to my disappointment. Several years ago I saw this bus, obviously on a fan trip, on 23rd street in Manhattan crossing 10th avenue headed east. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was followed by a 5000 series Flxible in original paint scheme. It was like a momentary time warp. I saw it driven a few blocks at the Bus Festival a few years ago. This bus should never be left out of such festivals.
Attn. Phil Hom:
There were NEVER GM models TDH4513 or TDH4515.
There was a TDM 4515 which was the 35' suburban type bus with the
larger windows.
Perhaps you meant TDH4512's???
Thanks Steve. I found out I posted a Boo-Boo after I checked the Ohio Bus site and check the GM Coach production list
Surface Transportation ran Macks on the M lines in Manhattan, Also Fifth Avenue Coach ran them on the 15 line.
NYCT ran them on the Coney Island Avenue Bus when I was in 7th grade.
Just to clear up some earlier posts:
Board of Transportation/NYCTA Macks:
First Macks post WWII generally ran in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Believe most of these were gasoline powered.
Low 5000 C-45 diesel 1948 models generally ran in Manhattan - were diverted from Surface Transportation Corp. when the latter could not pay for all 300 in its original order. Ran on the old Manhattan division routes - York Ave, 1st/2nd Aves, Madison/Chambers, 49/50, 65/66.
C-50 ("Bingham") Macks, the ones with the sliding window sash, mostly ran in Brooklyn and were used to convert many important trolley routes in 1950 and 1951. Some also ran on Staten Island and in Manhattan. These were a unique design that was supposed to be easily converted into an ambulance in case New York was the scene of a war or other calamity (civil defense was a big topic in the 1950's).
C49's, delivered in 1956, ran in Brooklyn and S.I.
Surface Transportation was also a big Mack customer - so was Jamaica Bus. More on these in another post.
The C-45s diverted from Surface Transportation wound up at Flushing Depot's (now Casey Stengel) parking area. The photo I have shows these buses lined up in Surface colors. The then current NYCTS logo was applied and the Surface name and famed motto, Ride The Surface Way, were painted over.
Before the "Bingham" Macks arrived, one GM TDH 5101, #4899, was the prototype for the future C-50s. This bus had sliding standee windows, rear windshield could also be open. It had double wide front and rear doors. In order to accomodate the rear door, the window directly in front of the door was made narrower.
Speaking of the C-50s, Jamica Buses and Green Bus lines both operated a C-50 demo. JB was #9908, GBL was #9911.
C-49-DT serial #1017 arrived in Fifth Avenue Coach colors but wound up as Surface #800 in 1956.
Regarding oddities... The NYCTS also operated a Twin C-52, #3, and an ACF C-48, #2, in 1949 as demos. Both ended their days in Chicago.
The NYCTS even had a Twin articulated numbered 400.
You mention a photo you have of C-45s in Flushing. Is it posted somewhere where it can be seen?
Hey Eric go to Buslist and you will find the Macks buses.
This afternoon, around 4:30 PM, I saw TA bus #8397 . . .
In Clifton, NJ!
It was coming west on Allwood Road and it turned onto Clifton Avenue (anyone else familier with the area?), possibly headed toward Passaic.
Also, since I saw it close up (it was obviously out of service), it sounded like it was running on an alternative fuel or even electricity ("New York Power Authority") was written on the side of the bus.
Does anybody know what this is about?
Also, if anyone is familier with DeCamp bus lines and/or Lakeland, recently, I've been seeing some Prevost buses running for DeCamp (I don't know the exact model -- they're the ones with the tall and narrow windows).
And, it seems like I'm starting to see more MC-9's running for Lakeland (regular MC-9's, not Jersey Cruisers).
Can anybody shed some light on this stuff???
Appreciation in advance.
NYCT 8397 (1990 RTS II-06) was built as a methanol bus and operated(when it was able) out of Casey Stengel Depot. It was recently rebuilt into a hybrid diesel-electric, similar to the Orion VIs operating out of Manhattanville.
David
8397 when first purchased was operated out of Queens Village Depot
under Methanol Power and then spent it's last days of Methanol power at Casey Stangel and was the only RTS in an all Orion Depot. 8397 is now housed at the Manhattanville depot along with it's newer sibling 9900 which is also an RTS built by NovaBus and is also a Hybrid Electric. It is possible this bus was coming from Atlantic Diesel in Lodi? The power plant for the generator is possibly a Detroit Diesel.
Peace
DaShawn
Is Lodi near or far from that area? Maybe it was headed there for repairs.
BUSMAN316
Lodi is not too from Clifton, and it seemed like the bus was headed in that general direction, but if it was in fact going to Lodi, it was taking a lousy route (Rt. 3 west to Allwood Road and then local streets).
A MUCH faster and more direct way would be Rt. 3 west to Rt. 17 north.
If I'm not mistaking, Atlantic Diesel may even be right on or very near Rt 17.
This is a big topic right now. Advocates want seat belts to be installed on all new school buses, and perhaps children required to use them. School bus drivers seem to hate the idea. Some say if school buses have to have them, why not transit buses. What do you think -- should the buses have seat belts so the kids have the option (I think that is the current New York State run)? Should they be required to use them?
I hate bus seat belts, although not required by the State of Florida most private operators seem to install them. Its a pain to get all of the kids to put on the seat belts and keep them on, just imagine a transit bus. But to answer your question, no they should not require them to be installed or worn. School Bus seats are pretty padded and ive hit my head really hard on them and it does not hurt at all and here in Florida with the vinyl seats they get very hot even with all the windows open. If you were going to make it mandatory the cost of retrofitting thousands of buses in the state would be astronomical! The idea has been tossed around in the Miami Herald and the estimated cost would be 2 million gice or take.
Justin
How far the M100 went up in the BX? I think it went up to 263St? How come service was reduced?
What streets did the Bx24 run on? Im thinking low ridership killed that route?
I don't have my old Bronx bus map with me but I will get back to you about the Bx24 but it was because of low ridership that it was eliminated.[Part of the MTA's cut back service project in the early '90s.] but in terms of the Bx 100, what I do know is that the route went as far as the current Bx 7 terminates. I too would like to know why did they cut M100 and turn it into two different routes (M100 & Bx7).
The official word from the scheduling department is that the longer the line is the less reliable it becomes. Thus the reasoning for making the m10's a shorter split route. When the 100's went to 263 from downtown the line was to long cutting down on ontime preformance. since the 100's crosses 125 St this alone on weekends can cause delays even on the shorter version.
My 1974 Bronx map, which I will hopefully get around to scanning this weekend, has the M100 running only as far as 125st and 2 Ave.
-Hank
Bx 24: Riverdale - 256 St to 231 St Broadway or Fordham Plaza
service ran between Southbound 7a - 6:20p (to 231 St.) weekdays
7a - 5p (to Fordham) weekdays
9a - 5:40p (to 231 St.) Saturdays
9a - 4:20p (to Fordham) Saturdays
No Sunday service; service ran every 20 - 40 min
Southbound description: west on 256 St to Riverdale Ave then south to H Hudson Pkwy. continues south then east on Kappock St to Johnson St then North. East on 231 St [Same as the current Bx 10 & Bx20 between Riverdale Ave/256 St and Broadway/ 231 St.] then south on Baily Ave to Fordham Rd. East on Fordham Rd to Webster Ave/ Fordham Plz.
Northbound: 6:40a - 5:56p (from 231 St) Weekdays
7:40a - 5:40p (from Fordham)Weekdays
9:56a - 5:16p (from 231 St) Saturdays
9:40a - 5p (from Fordham)Saturdays
No sunday service; service ran every 40 minutes
Northbound Description: West on Fordham Rd then North on Baily Ave to 231 St. West on 231 St then south on Johnson St to Kappock St. West on Kappock St then North on H Hudson Pkwy and Riverdale Ave to 253 St. East on 253 St then north on Fieldston Rd. terminates at 256 St/ Moshulu Pkwy.
This might determine the reason why the Bx24 was discontinued.
The M100 did terminate at 263rd St-Riverdale Ave. On weekdays some would terminate at 246th St-H Hudson Pkwy.
The BX24 operated between Fordham Plaza and 256th St-Fieldston Rd. I don't remember the exact route in Riverdale, but it started from Fordam Plaza and travelled west on Fordham Rd, north on Sedgewick Ave, north on Bailey Ave, west on 231st Street, south on Riverdale Ave, north on Kappock St, north on H Hudson Pkwy and I believe (not sure) Feildson Road to 256th Street. The BX24 operated out of KB depot. The M100 operated out of AMS then KB and recently (Spring 1998) it returned to AMS.
Wayne
Don't forget, the M-100 also ran out of Walnut Depot between the old Kingsbridge and new Kingsbridge depots.
While driving in Jamaica, Queens, yesterday, I saw NY City Bus #3907 which, I believe, is currently operating out of Queens Village. The depot sticker on the driver's side of the bus looked a little strange, and I thought I saw a NY Mets logo instead of a depot sticker. If anyone else here spots the driver's side of #3907, I'd appreciate confirmation of whether or not I was seeing things! If I was right, it would only be fair for the Yankees to have an appropriately stickered bus out of Kingsbridge or Gun Hill.
Yes, it is a Mets logo.I saw it last September on the Q46.I don't think it was an official order to put it on; probably some maintenance person did it as a joke.
Bus #8362 has the same thing also on the driver's side. That logo should be at Stengel and not QV. The mets reside right across the street from Stengel Depot. It just seems right.
BUSMAN316
Ive always found it strange the Stengel logo carries an RTS when RTS's havent ran out of there in like three years!!!!!!!!!!!
mike mentioned about FP4212 with Bronx style numbers some months ago in subtalk. Guess some TA bigwig saw it and ordered the numbers off because the bus was now out of the Bronx! BTW: that bus STILL has no rear number board! Hope the same doesn't happen to 3907! You know the TA: everything standardized so not to tarnish the corporate image!
In a earlier post I have done the Green Lines, this is my suggestion for Triboro buses. Majority of the bus routes are very small and can be combined if they wanted too. Also guide - a Rides should be placed on these bus stops, for those (like me on some routes) who do not know where or when the bus goes or come. This is what I think:
Q18: extend the route to Metropolitain Ave Station.
Q19: Combine with the Q23
Q19A & B: combine together and they should meet at Astoria Blvd. between the Q19A Jackson Heights terminal and the Q19B east Elmhurst terminal and rename it to the Q50.
Q29: combine with the Q33
Q38 & Q72: Q72 extend to Metropolitain Ave/ Fresh Pond Rd via Eliot Ave. Q38 between 110 Ave & Fresh Pond Ave (Eliot Ave portion) rerouted south on Forest Ave along the Q39 and terminal.
Q39:nothing
Q45/ Q47: combine routes
Q53: To bring in more costomers, make stops at Jamaica Ave, Rockaway blvd and run make it run local south of Rockaway Blvd.
Any comments or suggestions write back.....
I ride triboro buses also. These changes will be horrendous. Especially combining the Q29 with the Q33. Q33 goes to 74 Street anyways, why extend it? So does the Q53 (even though it's an Express route) It'll be a killer to extend the Q29 along Roosevelt, with all the traffic and people there, forget it! The Q45/47 idea I agree with. Both run far too slow and it'll make CTC run more buses.
I agree with the stop at Jamaica Ave only. Not Rockaway Blvd. Know why? Because you Got the Q21 to run local from Rockaway Blvd to the Beach. All GL has to do is add more service there. A 90-120 minute wait is no excuse especially in the summer with all of those people. Wait a sec: I see why you want a stop at Rockaway? Becuase a chance to transfer to the subway. It'll take too long for the people to go from Rockaway to Woodside. If you want the subway from Howard Beach, or Broad Channel, you have the Q21. Jamaica ok, but not Rockaway! Finally, the Q38 is as weird as it is already. A 45 minute ride for a 10 minute walk. Hmmm, which is better? The Q72 has too much traffic along Junction. That should be left alone too. I'd really like to hear your proposed changes for Queens Surface. (especially the Q25/34, 65, 66 and 104) When you have that, post it here on BT! I'd really appreciate it!
PS- For Triboro Coach fans: bus 790 has finally got rid of that dreaded Godzilla shrink-wrapped (thanks Hank!) ad! Now it has something about TLC?! Anybody knows what TLC is?
BUSMAN316
1) I would re write to you about my theory of combining the Q29/ Q33 route and how it will be planned.
2) What about my idea of the Q19a & B combination (Q50) or my Q19/ Q23 combination?
3)I agree with your opinion about the Q21 and Q53. I would not suggested it if the Q21 had better service, but a stop at Jamaica is needed.
4) Q72 and Q38, I was hopping the Q18 or some new version to the Q38 can replace it that is where the Q72 comes along.
5) I do have ideas for QS and will be posted probably by next week or at the end of the week. I want to hear more response to this post. By any chance did you see my ideas for the Green Lines? If not I will be delighted to give to you again.
Bentley
I have not seen the bus yet but can you describe it and I will be able to tell you which TLC advertisement it is and what it means....
Post the Green Line bus routes again........
You must be talking about the R&B group TLC. It must be an ad promoting their album which just came out......
TLC ----> The Learning Channel
To FDNY,
I would like to know if you have the April 1999 NYCT Agenda, if so, can you please post information on Subtalk.
I greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Steve
Meeting April 15,930 AM ,Committee Room,,
347 Madison Av,NYC
April Items
===========
Q3/B15 Span Expansion
Q44/Q20 Limited Stop Implementation and Route
Reconfiguration--Q20A Q20B
Bx31/Bx5 Span Expansion
===all Items published last month in the March
Agenda
Monitoring Reports
__________________
Q32 Eastbound ----Monday to Saturday
11PM==to 12Midnight Service Expansion
June 1998
Discussion of expansion up to 1 AM
April 1999
_____________________________________
Advanced Notification of May 1999 Items
Proposed Route Path Modifications
X2,X3,X4,X5
Effective June 1999
X2 and X5 via 23 St and the FDR Drive,,Both
Directions
NB via Tunnel ,West St,Battery Pk Underpass,FDR to
20/23 st Exit,East 23 st,Madison Av
SB via Lexington,E23 st,Av C,E20 st
entrance,FDR,Battery Park Underpass,West St,Tunnel
X3/X4 Reroute to Battery Park City to replace the X2
X5 Downtown Service
via
NB AM Church St,Murray St,N End Av Vessey to the
World Financial Ctr
SB PM from the WFC,Vessey St,Church St,Park
Place,Broadway
Discussion of PM trips via NJ increased running
times
If anyone needs info from the March Agenda,,feel
free to contact me at Smokiecat@webtv.net
Steve
To FDNY,
I would like to know if you have the new bus signs for 1999 for NYCT. If so, can you please let me know on bustalk so I can request my signs to send to me.
I greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Steve
Sorry,I do not have them ,,as of yet,,I am assuming you mean the Destination Signs
Steve
I recently was in the Willamsburg area when there was a bus eroute called the B110. It ran betwwen Bourough Park and Willansburg. I was wondering who operates it,when does it run what are the streets it operates as well as terminates on?
i believe the B110 transports mostly Jewish passengers. I think It is operated by Command. There are a couple of posts about it. Look back a couple of months.......
The B-110 is operated by a company called Private Bus Lines Inc. or Private Trails in Brooklyn
Since nobody has told you. I asked this question before and it is run by a Jewish private company. I believe when it was posted to me that it cost $2 and it was a fast way to get to Willamsburgh and Boro Park. But what is very interesting that this route (or something like that) has been going on for many years. What is interesting is that the males stay on one side of the bus while the females stay on the opposite side. Weird is in it? I can't remember when I asked the question but it is under "B110" for more more info.
Bentley.....
If you need routing details,,Let me know
Steve
Let me have the routing details once again. Thanks.
50 st and 18 via 50 st,18 Av,,49 st,Ft Hamilton
Pk,McDonald,Terrace Pl,11 Av,18 St,Prospect
Exwy,Gowanus ,BQEAlv,Rutledge St,Bedford Av,Taylor St to Stand at Lee
Ret via
Lee,Middleton St,Wallabout st,Kent,Williamsburg
Street West,BQE,Gowanus ,Prospect Exwy,10 Avm,20
S,,McDonald Ft Hamilton Pwy,50 St to stand at 18
Avenue
Variations
McDonald ,20 st,Prospect Park west,Bartel Circle,15
st,Union St,Grand Army
Plaza,Vanderbilt,,Lafeyette,,Classon Av,same
Ret via Park av,Washingotn St,,Underhill ,St Johns
Place,,,,,or Atlantic ,Vanderbilt ,,,,then Grand
Army ,,Prospect Pk West,20 st ,,McDonald Av
I asked that same question a couple of months ago. You should hear about its origin....
I guess I'm joining kind of late, but I can't find anything in the back searches of the site.
Private Bus Inc,,,,Orthodox Jewish Bus co,,runs from 18 av and 49 st to Taylor st in Williamsburg,,Brooklyn
Steve
how frequent does it run?
is this route a dot route? i dont think so. why are they allowed to call it the b110? as if someone who was not an orthodox jewish person would be able to board it. they should be sued by the DOT. Another question... do hatzola ambulances respond to regular emergencies or is it only for the orthodox?
Do I detect some bigotry in the previous post? If I'm correct, we certainly don't need that here.
Please keep this off the site,,I dont appreciate this --Mr What
The B110 Williamsburg =Boro Park is not a DOT Route--however,,,anyone can ride,,,I have ---I an not Hassidic
Hatzolah does respond to Emergencies,,but no further that the average private ambulance
The only ambulances ,,within the City ,that can work 911 calls are the FDNY or Voluntary Private Hospital units,,,The neighbourhood Vol ambulances work emergencies within their neigbor hoods ,,only
Steve
NYC Fire Department
My sugesstion comes from many years that People in Canarsie, East New York/Starret City have made the coment that it does not make sense that the B6 from New Lots and the B 82 /B50(when it was around) have to turn bake off of flatlands ave just to get to Rockaway Pky Station.My idea is to have rush hour B6 by pass rocaway pky and keep going. Now how do people who have to get to the L train get to it? There are 3 ideas I have 1) allow transfers between Junius and Livonia on the 3,4 and L trains. Why, well it does not make sense to me that rider who lives in East New York Has to come down to Canarsie just to lierally go back in the same direction that they came from And i don't think that many people are looking forward to taking the #,3 or 4 trains to Manhattan just to get the L line. S o say for a rider between Penn av./Cozine ave and New Lots ave/Ashford st. will not have to go in circles to ride a train. I see the Franklin shuttle being connceted to the IRT and I feel that this is also a significant transferpoint. Now that Rush hourB6 buses don't stop there service on this on a complete run of the entire route will be sped up. It will stop at East 105st /Glenwood ave allowing riders who can't wait to get to Rockaway to catch the L by walking in a few Blocks. The B6 from New Lots will still stop at Flatlands ave/Rockaway Pkwy, but will just not turn into east 96st and into the station. B6 that do terminate at Rockaway(and there are alot of them) will terminate at the station and resume the regular run. Other times both buses will enter the station. Because of this tranfer people who live in Starret City will use either the 83 to Penn ave /livonia ave to tranfer later to the L. it may cause ridership increase and decrease at certain points of the route, but with the addition of buses and rescheduling By having addtional service provided between Starret city and Livonia/Penn avs., it can work This is a suggestion that I have been tinkering around about and I know it may seem farfetched and I could be wrong but let me know what you think.
I live right where the cross right over the train. I agree that there need to be a transfer over there. The Rockaway Parkway Sta situation need to be rectify somewhat. Remember, Rockaway Parkway is a major transit hub so it is only fair that these buses connect in this area. I agree on the subway transfer. (I know this is not SUB TALK!!!!)
I live right where the cross right over the train. I agree that there need to be a transfer over there. The Rockaway Parkway Sta situation need to be rectify somewhat. Remember, Rockaway Parkway is a major transit hub so it is only fair that these buses connect in this area. I agree on the subway transfer. (I know this is not SUB TALK!!!!)
I agree with the subway transfer. I lived in that area. However Rockaway Parkway is the only station in Canarsie and it would be fair to have B6, B17(rush hours),B42,B60,and B82 to transfer there. The situation need to be rectify to allow less congestion and time......
Years ago the B11 used to run between Sunset park and Rocaway parkway Brooklyn, Why was it cut,is there any posibliity to see it return at least for the rush hours to help out on the B6 either as additonal service or as local /express stops,adn did the MTA ever consider bringing it back? Also On the B17 during the midday busses to and from Seaview ran up to rockaway when east 80th service was not running why was this stopped will ever be back?
Ditto on the B11 question........
Having lived in Canarsie for many years here is the situation with the B-11 and B-17.
The B-11 was extended to Rockaway Parkway Station in 1978. At that time the TA cut service on the B-6 route.
The B-17 never ran middays to Seaview Ave-E. 80th Street after the branch was reintroduced in 1973. The B-17 then had two branches opearting at all times. One bus to Seaview Ave/E. 108th Street and a second branch to Glenwood Road-Rockaway Parkway. During midnight hours the service was combined into one branch operating via Glenwood Road,Rockaway Parkway and Flatlands Ave then regular via Remsen Ave to E.108th/Seaview.
In the early 1990's the Rockway Parkway branch was combined with the Seaview Ave/E. 80th St branch peak hours only
Currently the B6 Rockaway Pky buses was the replacement for the B11 buses but what I'm very curious is that the B11 is always look as the "second" branch of the B6 because the transfer to/from the B6 and B11 is considered free and you can get a "second" transfer without paying an additional fare. This has been going on since the B11 was cut back to Junction College and was reminded when the metrocard transfers were introduced. My question is was the origin of the B11 had anything to do with the B6?
Bus #177 has arrived back from it's repair at ENY. I saw it on the Q26 yesterday with a paintjob. The bus is so clean that you can see your reflection. Won't be like that for long.
BUSMAN316
QS buses 375 and 387 are shrink-wrapped with a spanish version for advertising for American Airlines.
BUSMAN316
Two Day ago I took the Bx12 #1040, But the #1040 was not on the list of Gun Hill Depot and came from Kingsbridge Depot. Look like they load #1040 to Gun Hill Depot for a while. Than today I saw Bx5 with #1035? This is the First time i saw Bx5 use Flyer Articulated and i know Bx5 have a lot of people on the bus. Well look like we going to have all Flyer Articulated on Bx5 in the future.
They have been using New Flyer Aticulateds on the Bx5 for as long as Gun Hill has had them.
They just don't use them on that line all the time since the Bx12 is now the manditory line for them. So now you will see
them on Bx5 once in a while. My brother in law works at Gun Hill and works the extra list so he drives all the lines. It is possible
once the new order of Articulateds start to come in that their will be more Bx5 Articulated service all though the Bx40/42 might get them
first, but who knows if things change I will post it here on B.T.
Peace
DaShawn
I have seen an NF Artic once on the BX31.
I would like to see the ideas that people may come up if they were able to make their own routes. I want to use Manhattan because it is much easier to figure out.
Here is how it goes.
1) If you were giving a map of Manhattan and was told to plan "local" bus routes in Manhattan: 1) what would be the route pattern or streets it will lie. 2) How would you number this route?
You may use current routes as a guideline. All interboro routes such as B51, Bx7, or Q32 can either remain the same or can be changed.
Here is an example:
I want to create the M12 that servers between Chelsea Piers and the South Ferry.
It will run thru 12 Ave/ W. Side Hwy and then on South St.
This game three things:
1) your ideas
2) someone to plan a simulasted/ reality of how this route work (such as times, how many buses serving, what series bus serve and (I almost forgot) the depot (you name the depots that you want) it comes from.
3) someone to determine a reality or a senerio.
We can put all the routes that you plan and I'll fit in the rest. I will be also in charge of item #2 (temporary, I will need someone else to help.) and #3.
If you are interested plan your routes now.
I have a question, all you want us to do is to is make up a couple of routes in Manhattan and see if it can survive in a simulated reality?
If so, then here is my suggestion:
My M1 would be would run between Inwood/ 207 St and Middle Village/ 8 St. It will run along Madison and Lexington Aves,125 St, Amsterdam, and Broadway.
Also Can I determine the destination signs for the route I plan?
I am in the game.
I'd like to see M200A and M200B. This will be a loop around the perimeter of Manhattan Island using local streets. The reason for A and B is one is clockwise and one is counterclockwise.(Yes, I know that due to one-way streets they wouild be on different avenues.)
Today in the Daily News, there are plans to convert the old West Farms bus depot into a 12 movie theater complex and have a couple of retail stores. The article claims that the depot had been closed for ten years and had been an eyesore. To all my fellow Bx bus talk memers, what you think should happen to West Farms Depot?
www.mostnewyork.com/citybeat/bx
WF was rather small (narrow) to be a bus depot unless it could be a base shop. I'm glad they're doing something with it as it is an eyesore and it would be good for the neighborhood. For those who don't know - Wesr Farms is on Boston Road and 175th Street. It was actually two buildings. #2 and 5 trains offer a good view between 174th Street and E. Tremont Ave stations.
Wayne
Wasn't Coliseum right close to there? Why were they so close? Or were they never open at the same time?
Yes West Farms and Coliseum were very close to each other. Both were open at the same time, but West Farms closed first and it buses went to Walnut. Even though they were about 1/2 mile apart West Farms routes were usually in the S, SE Bronx and Coliseum routes were concentrated in the N, NE Bronx.. The W, NW Bronx was Kingsbridge territory.
Wayne
Gun Hill wasn't open yet?
Gun Hill is fairly new. It opened around September 1989.
West Farms was the first of the Bronx depots to close. It closed around 1983. It's buses went to Walnut which had been a base shop. Kingsbridge closed next - it's buses went to the newly opened Gun Hill . Walnut's buses went to the new Kingsbridge. I believe Walnut once again became a base shop. Next Coliseum closed and it's buses went to Walnut and finally Walnut closed last yeat.
Wayne
Ex-NYCT RTS 4796
-Hank
Ex NYCT RTS 4796 (now NYPD TB QTF 7780)
-Hank
Hi Hank!
Great Photo's can't wait to see the rest! I too will try to get some new photo's posted as well. I will be getting them back from the lab on Wednesday. Keep up the great work!
Peace
DaShawn
Do NYPD officers drive the NYPD busses or are NYCTA staff used?
Thanks.
I would have to assume that the NYPD supplies all personel, but that maintainence is done by Transit. I hung around that bus for a while (voluntarily) and all I saw were badges, badges, and more badges.
-Hank
When an emergency arises the police will take a bus with a Ta operator. But when a bus is needed for a subway sting or police buses these are operated by officers who are trained at the training center to recieve certification to operate Ta buses.
They also have a small fleet that are used for police work, but more often to get them to/from parades. I suspect the NYFD has some for this purpose also ... I have seen volunteer fire dept. on LI using older buses for this purpose. Sometimes they are part of the parade, probally so they don't have to walk back :-(
Mr t__:^)
if you need them ,or NJT let me know which routes you need
and as always,all DOT,and NYC Transit,,and Liberty Lines Bee services and the LI BUS
Steve
10 Bayonne --Jersey CIty
33 Wall St
99S Bayonne --Jersey City --NY
122 Staten Island
144 Staten Island
Steve
Are others having a problem with Bus Talk the past 24 hours? Right now, I can only get posted 2 or 3 messages with today's date. Yet, I know when I was on earlier today, there were many more than 2 or 3 messages posted today. I just want to see if I'm having the problem, or if others are too, in which case it may be a system problem.
It looks fine to me. About 5 posts today and maybe 11 from Saturday and Sunday. I think it's just a slow day.
-Dave
Thanks. I had thought I had seen more messages, but I suspect I got mixed up with the larger volume on Sub Talk. Plus, I was having trouble getting on Bus Talk (and Sub Talk) on Sunday afternoon, but it seems OK now.
There isn't much traffic on the board, and if you have your cookie set 'just right' all you'll see is posts from the last day or so. I keep mine set to 'two days' and currently see 20 messages, not including the ones I've just posted. A 'one day' setting shows 6.
-Hank
Well i don't have problem with other because On weekday you can see alot of bus or subtalks and it like when we are working very busy and weekend it kind a very slow because people go out on the weekend and i go out too. I don't check the sub or bustalks until sunday or monday afternoon. Well it is fun to be on Bus or Subtalk and i really enjoy it. Peace out Justin2669
I have been having problems last week with both bus and subtalks on the weekdays. I was not able to get in at all. Then service came back on my line and I couldn't type messages on subtalk nor I was limited to either seeing one message and could write messages on bustalk but it would not post. Then today it continues to not let me write messages on subtalk but Bustalk is okay. This only happens on my school computer and not my home computer. It has been already two weeks and i would like to know what to do in these situations.
P.S.: I asked the school and they too don't know.
Thank you
Bentley.
I thought that Hudson was supposed to receive buses 5235-5249? What brought about the change? They still have 6167 at Jamaica Depot (MTA) Why is there an Orion at Jamaica Depot?
BUSMAN316
I don't know for sure, but I'd bet that 6167 is a typo.
6167 is definitely a typo. It should have been 5167 (before other Novas numbered near it arrived) and will be corrected on the next version of the Roster.
All I know is that we do have those buses at Hudson. Just got off of 5199 she is really fast! amd 5194 along with 5199 are on the hawks
for the M14A (5194) and M14C (5199). 6167 is definately a typo, she should be headed for S.I.!
Peace
DaShawn
Sorry, but here is the correct order and garages they are suppose to be at
NEW BUS ORDER ASSIGNMENT
NOVAS:
4900-4944 (45) to Queens Village.
4945-5024 (80) to East New York
5025-5054 (30) to 126 Street
5055-5074 (20) to Fresh Pond
5075-5124 (50) to Gun Hill - Different transmission than other Novas.
5125-5144 (20) to Manhattanville
5145-5169 (25) to Jamaica
5170-5189 (20) to Westside
5190-5204 (15) to Hudson Pier
5205-5249 (45) to Kingsbridge
ORIONS:
6000-6065 (66) to Mother Clara Hale
6066-6119 (44) to Amsterdam
6120-6141 (22) to Casey Stengel
6142-6255 (114) to Castleton
6256-6349 (94) to Yukon
6350-6359 (10) to Manhattanville (low-floor) 6350-6354 delivered
Technically 6167 should not even be in service yet because only 6000-6117 have been delivered so far.
Trevor
Please cite your source. Looks copied directly from the UTC Roster. If so, give credit.
-Hank
Dear Hank
This was passed down to me by bus procurement's Joel Brill. In which the UTC site has the correct information. SO yes its copied, and no at the same time.
My site
http:///www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
All information is passed to me by MTA-NYC Bus Official with the correct info
Trevor
This past Saturday, I was waiting at a light on Delancey Street and I saw F5108 RTS bus pass by. Anybody knows what this is about? Post it here on BT. Thanks.
BUSMAN316
NYU runs their own shuttle buses, a contract that is held by one of the many arms of Coach USA. They have academic and dormatory facities all over lower Manhattan.
-Hank
The acutal operator is Grey Line of New York which recently became a Coach USA company and has had the contract for the shuttles of NYU for about a year now. They purchased some used RTS's from Calafornia and they also use some MCI's from Grey and Short line.
Peace
DaShawn
A few years ago, the Capital District Transportation Authority (Albany, NY) replaced Laidlaw as the college shuttle service operator for RPI in Troy, NY. The deal permits students, faculty, and staff to ride any on 4 or 5 routes for free when an ID is displayed. They created a route or two to cover the areas where the old shuttles ran. Overall, reports are much more favorable then the old service.
Anyone ever heard of any other public authority doing this?
I believe the transit authority in Austin, Texas, runs the on-campus shuttles at the University of Texas plus service to and from the campus. Also, the University of Massachussets in Amherst, Mass., has some sort of relationship with PVTA; PVTA may actually run the shuttles, plus there is considerable PVTA service between several college campuses in the Amherst-Northampton area. I suspect there are many more instances of local transit authority provision of bus service on campuses.
UMASS
Amherst and Northampton
PVTA runs numerous routes in the area,,free during the school year
I Lived there from 1996 to 3/98
IF anyone needs info ,,let me know
Steve
BC Transit (Broome County Transit; their logo is 'Peter' on a wheel, from the comic 'B.C.')in Binghamton allows students to ride free, however, the campus has their own bus service, (OCSSA? Gotta ask my girl...) which is run by students. They proudly announce that they are the only public trasnsit in the county that operates on Sundays.
-Hank
Does anyone have any phone numbers or routing details
Steve
Thank you
FDNY
I apologize if this subject has been considered before in Bus Talk, but I am wondering if anyone knows why the single row of seats on NYC Bus's RTS's is on the left (driver's) side of the bus, while the single row is on the right (door) side of the Orion buses. Given the uniformity that seems to pervade NYC Bus's operations, I'm a little surprised by this distinction, although I imagine there's a good reason for it. As an aside, it's good to see that the new RTS's and the Orions both have seats with some cushioning (albeit it slight) instead of those dreaded hard plastic seats.
Same go to Flyer Articulated buses because if you get into buses, you will see single row on the right in the front and single row on the left in the back. I like sitting on the left side. Peace out Justin2669. Any way i never got on the orion buse in my life.
I wondered about this too, but this is way back in the early 1980's. The Grumman 870's had the single seats on the right side then the RTS's came with the single seats on the left side.
Wayne
Can someone tell me about the proposed Q-20 route revision and Q-44 Limited Stop service
Q44 rerouting via Sutphin,Hillside,Queens Blvd and Main St
Q44 Ltd
designated hours
Q20A via regular route,,,20 Av ,,College PT to regular Terminal
Q20B via regular route, 14 av,,COllege PT blvd to regular terminal
Q20A and Q20B extended via Q44 route during hours of Q44 LTD service to Jamaica
Steve
I've noticed that the New Novas are either in accidents or in a fire. EX: Bus 9656- fire. What makes it go on fire? I don't get that!
Somebody just takes it and lights it on fire? Somebody PLEASE explain to me!
BUSMAN316
There are many things that can cause a bus fire. Engine overheating, oil leak onto the exhaust, vandalism, or most common in Orions, an electrical short. There IS a documented defect on the Orions where wiring harnesses are overtightend, chafing the fires and eventaully causing a short.
-Hank
This morning while i waiting for Bx12 limited bus to go to work and i saw Flyer D60 Articulated #1067. I know #1067 came from Kingbridge Depot. Also i saw RTS #4507 on Bx12 local and look like Gun Hill Depot ran out of Flyer D60 Articulated again. So RTS #4507 is so crowdest in the bus.
Gun Hill does not have enough Articulated for all of the runs on the Bx12. So until the new order comes in starting in November/December
of this year you will see RTS's along with the D60's. I rode the Bx12 on Monday and I was on Bus #1031 and then at Eastchester Road
9135 Flys past as a Bx12 Limited also. So soon the Bx12 will be all articulated.
Peace
DaShawn
Today i got on #1095 on Bx12 and i see some problem on Flyer Articulated because in the front have light on and the back have the light off, every time the bus hit the bump than i see the light went on for one second than went off again also there is a lick coming from the bus too from the roof.
Guess bus 4923 looked better than I thought. I saw this bus 2 Fridays ago with the lower left bumper pushed in. I was just on this bus today. Everything looked fine to me.
BUSMAN316
Lately I've been seeing MCI buses getting painted. This morning I saw buses 908 and 911 with brand new paintjobs. My question is why can't they do the same thing with the new 500 CNG'S? I've said this before Green Lines painted their Orions. It looks rather dull white.
BUSMAN316
911 was in the barn for a while for some body & other work, guess they decided to give it a complete paint job.
Mr t__:^)
Busman
They will eventually paint the orions, its all part of a new paint scheme to get rid of the black paint b/w the windows
so it will take time!!!!!
Trevor
according to the latest issue of the leader(official DOB newsletter) new flyer artics 1110-1359 will be sent to gun hill kingsbridge 126 st and west side and not flatbush as stated previously.
The Q44 and the Q46 need new flyer artics on their routes. Has anybody been on these lines as of late? The buses keep getting fuller and fuller by the day. A question though: Are any of the public lines such as QS, CTC and GL thinking of getting artics in their depots? Just wondering.
BUSMAN316
As to the question about the New New Flyer Artic comming in, these buses are slated for service in Manhattan & Brooklyn. Queens service is questionable right now!!!!!
Check out my site for roster info:
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
Trevor
Do you know of a site that have NYC bus rosters according to their depot and future buses coming into that depot?
The UTC bus roster, which gives all the info you mentioned, can be found at: http://hometown.aol.com/glenn6398/nycbusroster.html
I wish I knew how to place that here so you could just click and go there, but I'm not that technologically advanced yet, as other participants in Bus Talk are. If anyone can give me simple instructions or tell me where I may find them, I'd be appreciative of that.
I would tell you, but I don't know how to make the html post without the system reading the html and rendering my post useless to you.
-Hank
Is Jackie Gleason going to be Orions or RTS?
Gleason will eventually be mostly New Flyer Low Floor CNG. I assume they will keep all current CNG buses, mostly Orions but a few RTS's. I don't have the math handy, but that probably leaves the need for a few more non-CNG buses; I don't know what those will be, but more likely RTS's rather than Orions.
I see according to the list, Flatbush is supposed to get some 4700's back soon also. Aren't they getting ready for the Articulateds?
B14 Mike
That are getting some 4700s back until the artics arrive later on this year!
Trevor
What will Flatbush lose, the RTS or Novas?
They will loose some RTSs, by-the-way Nova and RTS are the same thing
Here is the RTS models in NYCT
GMC RTS-04
GMC RTS-06
TMC RTS-06
NovaBUS RTS-06
Just to let you know!!!
Trevor
Where can I purchase the RTS model and can I have a custom made destination sign on my model bus?
B14Mike
Jackie Gleason is going to be made of the following
Orion V/CNG
TMC RTS CNG (#8398, 8399, 8567)
New Flyer C40LF Low Flor CNG
This will be effective by the summer!
Trevor
How many C40LF Low Flor CNG will they have? I will looking forward to riding them this summer?
There will be 190 low-floor New Flyer CNG buses, #800-989. #801 is the only one in at Gleason so far. I believe I saw an earlier posting indicating the deliveries of the rest should begin in May.
actually 54 more will be delivered 5/99-6/99. the rest will arrive in 2000.this probably is due more to nyct ability to accomodate them in gleason rather than new flyers ability to produce them.
Considering Gleason is the only place they can fuel theses buses....
-Hank
They will have 190 new C40LF Low Floor CNGs
One is already in service as a pilot run out of Gleason (bus# 801)
Trevor
Is that enough for all of Gleason buses?
B4,B9,B11,B16,B35,B37,B43,B48,B51,B61,B63,B65,B67,B68,B69,B71,B75,B77
I'NT B4 OUT OF ULMER PARK
I think it is with Gleason now. Also B23 and not B48
Brooklyn Route Assignments:
East New York: B7, B8, B12, B14, B15, B17, B20 (with Fresh Pond), B25, B39, B40, B42, B45, B60, B78, B82 (with Ulmer Park), B83, Q24, Q56
Flatbush: B2, B6 (with Ulmer Park), B31, B39 (with Fresh Pond), B41, B44, B46, B49
Fresh Pond: B13, B18, B20 (with East New York), B24, B26, B38, B39 (with Flatbush), B48, B52, B54, B57, Q54, Q55, Q58, Q59
Jackie Gleason: B9, B11, B16, B23, B35, B37, B43, B51, B61, B63, B65, B67, B68, B69, B70, B71, B75, B77
Ulmer Park: B1, B3, B4, B6 (with Flatbush), B36, B64, B74, B82 (with East New York), X25, X27, X28, X29
A couple of questions on this:
1. I know the B39 does not operate out of Flatbush. They have the B46 go into Manhattan. Does the destination sign on the B46 say Lower East Side-Delancey St?
2. Will this service continue when the WillyB shut down?
3. The B8 is completely out of East New York? I know it was a split route.
4. How come the B6 is a split route with Flatbush? I have a friend who operates out of Flatbush and he drive the B6 between the L and 2,5 trains. Does this have anything to do with it?
5. Doesn't the X25 operate in Manhattan alone?
6. I thought the B4 was supposed to go to Gleason?
7. The B39 operate out of ENY too?
8. Will the B100 and B103 stay with Command or will MTA get theses bus routes as well?
9. It was mentioned on an earlier post that the B60 was supposed to run out of Flatbush. Why?
1. AFAIK, the B46 Operator changes the sign when he or she gets to Bridge Plaza.
2. Yes. The B39 remains unchanged; a "B39W" service is overlaid on it.
3. The splitting of the B8 ended in September 1998.
4. Short service between Rockaway Parkway or Ralph Avenue and Nostrand Avenue is provided by Flatbush.
5. The X25 is exclusively a Manhattan route but uses equipment/personnel from the X27 and X29.
6. The B4 was in Gleason but went back to Ulmer Park.
7. Command operates the B100 and B103, and it will stay that way as long as the present "private" operations remain "private." That's a political process.
8. Because the person who said the B60 would run out of Flatbush was wrong :-)
David
Thanks for your information and time.......
Is there an internet site for this posting? If not where can I find the Leader?
Do you know where the additional order of D60's are going which would be putting them in to the 1500's. Accoding to the February 1999 issue of Bus Ride magazine MTA excercised it's option for 140 additonal units as part of the contract.
Peace
DaShawn
DaShawn
All the new tics are supposed to go to the following garages...
126th Street
West Side
Flatbush
Some might go to Kingsbrdige, Gun Hill, and 1 queens garage but I doubt it!
the option was exercised!!!!!
Trevor
Thanks! Do you know if Hudson will get a few? The reason why I asked is because when Kingsbridge got the rest of the 1100's and late 1000's, we had 1098 run a few trips on the M14C/D and I thought it was in non-revenue service but when I looked out my window it was! People were actually getting off this bus. Thank you in advance!
Peace
DaShawn
P.S.
I love your web site it has alot of great information!
As some of you may know Hudson is slated for closure in 2000 because of Westside highway reconstruction and the tearing down of the pier structure Hudson is in now. All lines in Hudson will be moving into Westside including the M14's, maybe explaining the testing of Artics on the 14's.
Don't forget when the new 100st Depot open in 2001, there will have all Flyer D60 Articulated buses at 100st Depot and i think that could be about 140 Flyer D60 Articulated buses.
From the DOB newsletter said they will have a New Flyer Articulated #1110-1359 will be sent to Gun Hill Depot, Kingsbridge Depot, 126st Depot and West Side Depot. Will be deliver soon.
Anybody seen bus 930 lately? This bus looks weird. New paintjob in the front, shrink-wrapped ad in the back and the sides have the (I don't know what to call it) 2 strip script version on the sides, but the number area is old, black with the number in white and Operator Queens Surface Corp written small on top of the number in black. Why didn't they paint the whole thing. The windows are black too. This is what I call a lazy job.
BUSMAN316
I am currently organizing an express bus service between East Flatbush and Midtown Manhattan. The bus would run along Linden Boulevard, making stops at Remsen, Utica, and Flatbush Avenues. It would make stops along Madison/5th while in Manhattan.
Just leave your name, Manhattan destination, and time you need the service. I will post more information as it becomes available.
Steve L
216 North Fulton Av
Fleetwood,NY 10552
When will this bus service take effect and what bus company will operate it?
The service will start as soon as I get 10-12 riders. It will start with a van and be upgraded to a motorcoach.
L+L Transportation has agreed to provide the service.
My question is about the Orions. Today the driver lowered the bus to help people get off. When he tried to raise it back up, he encountered
a problem. I don't know what he did next. The lights and A/C went off and then back on again. We were on our way. The engine did shutter a little. Anyone know what happened. He did this several times. Did he reset the bus by shutting it down? If he did why didn't the engine go off?
Jim
Yes, they do reset the bus by swiftly moving the dial off then on in which does not give the bus engine enough time to fully shut off, So its shakes and shutters a little.
Trevor
It's part of how a diesel engine works, in why it didn't shut down. Diesels rely on compression ignition, unlike most internal combustion engines, which use a spark.
Basically, what needed to be done in this situation was the elctrical system needed to be reset to allow the valve for the air suspension to reset and allow the bag to fill.
-Hank
Well that happened once with an Orion CNG bus, however this was not with the lift. We were sitting at a light when the driver hit the accelerator to keep the bus from sliding back, so the blower and lights flickered, there was a buzz, the engine shuttered but did not stall.
this was on the N27, there are some spots where drivers have to lightly press accelerators to keep bus from sliding back.
That shouldn't happen. If the brakes can't hold the bus, they're dangerously defective.
-Hank
Sounds like a transmission problem to me. Maybe the bus should not be in service. Could do a lot of damage that way.
All I know is that alot of LI Bus drivers rev the engines while stopped on steep inclines. There are some that don't, but when I was on a bus
on the N27 the driver was being supervised, and TOLD to press the accelerator lightly while stopped at a light on a steep incline. This spot is on the N27 by Roslyn LIRR. The supervisor said to the driver that he has to do this because it will be slower to climb if they were to use just the brakes, so in order to speed things up they rev engines while stopped at inclines. I don't like that at all, it can make me feel queezy, and it strains the engines, and sometimes feel like they are going to stall.
NYCT drivers don't do this, I wonder maybe this is only done with CNG buses??
I was told the samething about the CNG Orions @ Queens Surface on inclines especially with full loads they have a hard time getting started.
Sometimes if you have a slow diesel RTS withe AC running in the summer, like a 3400 or similar series drivers here will do the same thing.
Peace
DaShawn
I've seen them do it with our Gilligs, as well the diesel Orions out of RVC depot. Maybe I just haven't seen an NYCT driver do it because stops and traffic lights aren't on serious inclines? Perhaps on some routes, but I've never been on them.
I think Orion CNG's accelerate better than diesels, in general the older the bus, whether diesel or not, the slower it's gonna be.
But I still like the CNG's better, they give a smoother ride and a quieter engine with faster acceleration. Plus I like the sound of the CNG engines, diesel ones remind me of trucks.
How do the CNG RTS's compare to the CNG Orions?
It's the same engine with a different fuel delivery system. They sound the same to me. The RTS in general is quieter than the Orions, I think they have more insulation around the engine area.
-Hank
I know inclines in Maspeth, Queens that are a pain in the neck for buses. (Bill, you may know these 2). 1 incline is at 65 PL and Queens Blvd. Why have a bus stop at the bottom of a hill? Every time I'm on the bus from Maspeth- Astoria (Q18) I pray that nobody gets on the bus by the walk-in hospital. If it does stop, when the bus is about to take off, it goes backwards then forwards. At 1 time, 65 Pl overpass of the LIRR was closed for construction. I kinda breathed a ssigh of relief. Why kinda? Because the light at 69 Street and Queens Blvd is green for only 10-15 seconds in each direction. Boy that'll slow you down. The other 2 inclines are also along the Q18 route. 1 is at 69 Street past Maurice Ave. Well, I look at it from this point: It's better than 65 Pl. The other is along 53 Ave. The incline when it makes a turn from 65 Pl (from Maspeth). Add this also: There's a stop sign at 66 St, then another incline. No wonder why the Q18 is slow in service, the hills of Maspeth takes a lot of those buses. Plus zigzagging from 69 Street to 65 Place back to 69 Street and again to 65 Place can take a lot out too.
BUSMAN316
In Memphis, TN the operators would have to shut off the A/C from the early model goldfish bowls to climb hills.(800, 900 series). They actually missed the old 600 series (old look style bus) that had a separate motor on the A/C with exposed vent running along the bus roof and a sepaarte exhaust pipe for the A/C Motor.
actually many nyct drivers do this on staten island especially at victory and forest travis bound.on the s74 at van duzer st in park hill this is also done. many transit buses will roll back at these inclines causing driver to get very nervous.
Its not a transmission problem, It had to do with the kneeling system. If a drive cannot get the bus back-up at normal ride height. He/She quickly turns the bus off then back on in-which doesn't get the engine enough time to shut down, SO it just shutters a little, and that cause like a domino effect to all the systems in the bus!
Trevor
Yesterday, while riding the Q66, I saw the strangest thing. I saw bus #4566 from Jamaica Depot on the Q44 RUN 058. The sign said Flushing Main Street. Ok, first of all, wasn't there a change in the route, goes along Union Street makes a right onto Roosevelt Avenue and then makes a left onto Main Street which then proceeds onto regular route? Secondly, Jamaica Depot USED to run Q44 buses out of their depot. Not any more. I heard a Bronx depot (forgot which one) is a candidate for a split with Casey Stengel depot in the future. This bus made a right onto Northern Blvd and made a left at Main Street (the originbal route of the Q44). What's going on here?
BUSMAN316
BUSMAN316
As for the route I can't tell you. From what I heard, when the new Coliseum Depot is built the Q44 will be a split with Casey Stengel because eventually Jamaica will close down for a rebuild. But this is in the far future whenever Coliseum in up. Also when Coliseum is up Gun Hill, Kingsbridge, Mother Clara Hale, Amsterdam, Manhattanville and even Westside will have a super route switch around to adjust to the new depot. But that comes with the territory!
Trevor
If you look on the MTA website, they have somthing about the Q43 and Q44 being rerouted. Im not too much familiar with Queens and dont know if this have anything to do with it?............
What is your worst/best bus route as far as safety issues, reliability, etc?
Going to HS, B6 bus was very dangerous especially on Glenwood Rd @ the Junction. Many students beaten and robbed. Another bus was the B12 around Bway Jct. When it enter the tunnel, students faces would happen to make friends with a fist from a distance. I once saw a cop on the B14 along Sutter Av. Please feel free to comment.......
Does anyone have any info about the Bus that was totaled on the LIE nr Dougleston Pwy WB,,yesterday
It was Light ,involved with accident of 2 trucks and 2 cars
Steve
Wasn't QS Mr t__:^)
I know it was a T.A. bus because my parents were driving on the L.I.E. at the time.I'll presume it was a Queens Village bus since they use the L.I.E. to take buses to different routes.Also, the Cross Island Parkway is near Douglaston Parkway and that takes you to Queens Village depot.I was told that the whole front end of the bus was off.
The TA uses the Cross Island Parkway for a short stretch comming North, but have to get off before Grand Central due to low overpass.
Mr t__:^)
To Trevor,
Since the 260 new articulated buses are due to arrive soon with the seriel numbers 1110-1369 & assigned to Gun Hill, West Side, Kingsbridge, 126th St & Flatbush. How many will each be assigned to these depots including the seriel numbers & which route(s)will they be assigned to out of these depots.Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
MIchael
Micheal
From what I heard this is the order:
Gun Hill assigned to the Bx12 and Bx28
Kingsbridge assigned some on the Bx41 (KB is not getting alot)
126th assigned to the M15
Westside assigned to the M14 (Don't quote me on that one)
Flatbush mostly assigned to the B12
I can't give you serial number because no buses are here yet from that order. Also the option for 140 more have been exercised so the fleet number will go up to 1509 (supposed)!!!!
Trevor
Trevor, the B12 operates out of ENY. Is there going to be a switch of depots on the B12? I doubt that since the B12 passes right in front of ENY.......... I think you got a little confused there.........
Flatbush's artics will be for the heavily travelled B41, 44, 46 and 49
That's what I thought. The B12 is not even in Flatbush. It do not go nowhere near Flatbush depot.
You people doesn't make any sense to me. All i know that Flatbush Depot is not getting the Flyer Articulated and you should wait untill end of this year to find out which Flyer Articulated buses going to Depots. So you have to wait and see.
They're not getting them right away, as originally planned (So Manhattan will get them next). I think this has to do with space inside the garage, or maybe they still need the lifts for them or something. But Flatbush is to eventually get them, when these problems are overcome.
Like in the other post this will not happen right away. Another resaon is because the other lines that do not need articulateds have to be transferred to
other depots. Check the UTC roster which explains the way MTA want to consolidate their equipment by depot.
Peace
DaShawn
Opppssss
I'm sorry, I just checked, it'll be the B60, but if it is not a Flatbush now it will go there when the new buses arrive.
Trevor
That's ENY (the same depot the B12 comes out of!). But I have never heard of these lines getting them. They are not among the most heavily used, like the 41, 44 and 46.
B60 currently operates out of ENY depot.......
Hey Trevor Logan Do you work for MTA?? I just want to know how you know that which Flyer Articulated buses going to?? Well all i know that my father work at West Side Depot and he alway giving me some information about which buses going or going to retires but he told me when the New 100st Depot open in 2001, he all ready found out that New 100st Depot will be getting all the Flyer D60 Articulated in 2001.
P.S I will find out which buses are going to depots.
Justin
These New Flyers are the 1999 batch. The 2001 batch is just in the planning phase, So are 51 new MCI Cruiser Coaches. Yes I do work for the MTA, I am a conductor!!!! But I stay in contact with someone from Bus Procurement so he keeps me posted!!!!!!!
Trevor
Justin
These New Flyers are the 1999 batch. The 2001 batch is just in the planning phase, So are 51 new
MCI Cruiser Coaches. Yes I do work for the MTA, I am a conductor!!!! But I stay in contact with
someone from Bus Procurement so he keeps me posted!!!!!!!
Trevor
Thank you for your information Trevor and i like your web site, any way i do not work for MTA but im study for Conductor test in June and MTA Traffic Checker in July.
Sweet! Do you know if they are going to purchase the diesel low floor buses mentioned in the Bus Guide from the MTA and what kind?
Thanks!
Peace
DaShawn
To Trevor,
I just wanted to say that I enjoy your webpage & I just wanted to know if you have any plans to add on your webpage NYCT electronic desination reading signs for all bus routes in all 5 boroughs, if so, can you post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
Micheal
I don't know how to do that but if you know please share, I would love to post here!!!!
Also I don't know the amounts of the D60s assigned to garages just yet, I have to talk to my source!!!
Trevor
Is that a model of the D60 Atriculated bus? You know where can I pick one up at? At the museum?
B14Mike
If your referring to the bus on my facts page. No thats a toy Grumman-Flxible I found on another site, plus I own one.
Check this site out to purchase one:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/1185/BusModels
Enjoy
Trevor
Thanks Trevor: I just placed an order for one. I might get a NJ Transit as well. Where else can I find other NYCTA bus models for sale? RTS, NOVAS, New Flyers etc?...................
You will love it! I own a NYCT Flxuble metro and a New Jersey Transit one also! I just ordered a CTA, MTD, and a AC Transit one also!
They are great models, enjoy them!
Peace
DaShawn
Yeah, I just ordered the NJ Transit also. I might as well get both of them. The CTA model doesn't look bad either. Is there an additional charge for shipping?
DaShawn
I already own all of them, plus one NYCT RTS and one NJT RTS
I am enjoying them!!!
Trevor
Where can I get the model RTS buses?
Yeah! Me To !
I would love to have both of those also!
Peace
DaShawn
Hey guys can you tell me where you are getting these different model buses for your collection?
Hey can you get customize destination sign on these models buses?
I hope so! That would be grest. I'll see and post it here on BT.
Peace
DaShawn
Can I have the web site with the NYC Transit bus rosters and depots? Also any additional info on the future of new buses coming into the depots of NYC Transit?
Please see my response to a similar message which I just posted a few minutes ago.
Today I was on a new (6100 series) Orion on the M104. The seats had padded inserts. Is this something new for NYC Transit (1st time since 1957 a new non-express bus has padded seats) or a bus that will ultimately see express service?
As of model year 1998 all new MTA-NYCT Buses (Local) will have these new semi-cushioned seats. Buses 9350-9526 were the test buses to see if these would stand up to NYC environment and they did! So all new buses will have these seats.
Peace
DaShawn
I had heard rumors that Nova buses #9526-9699, which now have hard seats, were going to be retrofitted with the cloth-padded seats. Does anyone know if this will come to be, or not?
I think so! Bevause 9526 did not a;wasys have the cushion seats, but she does now!
{eace
DaShawn
According to the UTC Bus Roster, the buses #4987 and below from the current order of Novas (4900-5249) have lower positioned side destinatin signs, while those numbered 4988 and above have upper side signs. Does anyone know why NYC Bus decided to change the position of the side sign?
I believe the upper position sign doesn't obstruct the drivers side view like the lower position one does.
And they were originaly put down low because people had trouble reading them when they were up high.
-Hank
Why I won't support 'Private Commuter Vans'?
On the x17 on my way to Manhattan yesterday, a private bus operated by 'pirate' Island Express, ran two red lights and cut off the TA bus I was on, just to beat the TA bus to the stop.
-Hank
Hopefully there can be a better resolution to this. Maybe some rules and regulations can be set up to make things more easier.
Can anyone tell me the significance of the small orange light below the driver's side window on the front exterior of all TA buses purchased in the past few years? What is it for?
Someone once told me that it has something to do with a brake retarder being enabled )or something along those lines). I'm also interested in knowing what it's for also. The newer Gilligs in Montgomery County , Maryland has this light also on the front and back.
Wayne
When the light is on the retarder is off. When the light is off the retarder is on. Retarder should be turned off during inclement weather.
Whats funny about the light is that it was first featured on the 8600 equipment and Orions. However on the 8800's and on the feature was removed (optional retarder switch) but the light was still there. I notice now though that on the new RTS's the switch is back. The reason for the light is so that field supervisors can tell if the operator is complying with a memo that instructs retarder use as M3 posted on the previous post.
Maybe some folks would like to here an explaination of what a "retarder" is. I know it has nothing to do with disabled folks.
Mr t__:^)
I, for one, would like to hear more about this from someone who knows. Thanks.
I don't know how it works, but I always thought it's function was to aid the brakes in slowing the bus and extending the life of the brakes.
I know that MCI and Prevost offer some osrt of engine braking on their coaches. I usually hear it on big (18-wheeler type) rigs. In an old version of Bus World magazine they referred to it as a Jake Brake.
Wayne
That's right, it's related to braking ... but I don't know enough about it to try & explain it to someone else.
Mr t__:^)
Just like Wayne posted it assists the operator in braking the bus via the transmission. When the bus decelerates to a certain speed you can feel the bus make a serious downshift which occurs when the retarder is activated. When I drove New Flyers in Laguardia Airport these buses always had the retarder on, while on some RTS models like the Orions and 8600 RTS you have a option of turning it on or off. The rule is that the retarder must be off in inclement weather because of the shifting that may occur in snow or rain and loss of control of the bus. While at LaGuardia we were instructed to go very slow in inclement weather since we had no option to shut off or on. In all other weather conditions the retarder must be on so that it saves on wear and tear on brake equipment. And supervisors are reminded through memos to always check the light in front of the bus to make sure of compliance.
The Retarder light actually first appeared on the 8400 series RTS's like the ones we have here at Hudson Pier. The 1996 RTS's starting
with 8750 to 9349 were purchased with the ATEC V-731 3 speed electronic controled transmission. I heard it was a cost saving measure.
Starting with 9350 to current 5249 the VR-731 3 speed with Retarder was once agian purchased.
Peace
DaShawn
Not all of the 1998-99 RTS have the VR-731 Transmission. Buses #5075-5124 have a new ZF Ecomat HP590 Transmission. But they also uses a retarder on them!!!
Trevor
I suspect the different transmission is why that group of buses (5075-5124) is all together at the same depot (Gun Hill).
Thanks Trevor! I forgot to mention that in my posting, because I learned about that on your web site which is very informative by the way.
My brother in law works at Gun Hill and they are the fastest RTS's in their fleet. I wish the rest of the order upto 5249 had the HP590
like once posted.
Peace
DaShawn
Passenger Transport is one of the "trades" that you have to pay for, and it isn't unexpected to see testimonials by vendors. Recently GFI's Kim Green (their chief salesman) wrote about their new "Odyssey Revenue Center", personally I think IFU (Interegated Fare Unit) makes more since than ORC. Anyhow, on the outside it looks just like the old one that took coin, token, dollar bills, and time based fare cards (i.e. good for a qty of rides or a time period vs. value).
The feature that interested me was this boxes' ability to re-charge the dip/swipe card with either rides or money. We know there are a FEW of sites in the outlying boroughs where this feature would be a real SERVICE to customers ... too bad the suits at the TA decided to remove the bill collecting provision from their fareboxes & persuaded (that's the kindest word I can think of) the DOT "privates" & LI Bus to do the same.
Mr t__:^)
Hey Trevor, love your page man! Keep up the good work! Anyway, I have 2 questions for you: 1. When is your pic page going to be finished? 2. The bus pics included are mta and private lines? Email me your response or post it here on BT. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
Hey Busman
Thanks, next time your there sign my guestbook, and tell others about my page!!!!
Pics page will be up by mid-May. and the pictures will be primarly MTA-NYC Buses and some Subway Cars
Trevor
When most NYCTA buses start, there is a loud howling sound from the engine. What is that sound? Sounds like some of air turbine to me.
If it is, why use air to start the engine? Why not just use the tridition method, a starter and a battery? Can scare the S@*T out of you if your not careful.
That sound is coming from the Transmission, if you notice not all models do that!
Just the buses with the Allison VR731, and ZF HP590 Transmissions do that!
Trevor
Diesel engines work on compression, and the easiest way to start them is to force air into the cylinders, and add fuel in small increments until the engine is hot enough to continue running on its own. The 'hard' way is batteries and a starter motor.
-Hank
The RTS 1996 models upto #9349 are the last of the breed to have the Air Starter with that loud noise. 9350 to current RTS's use a new
kind of Air Starter that is much quieter. I prefer the old Air Starters, they sound great!
Peace
DaShawn
By the summer, I will be creating a webpage just dedicated to buses. (Some other things will be included there too!) It will consist of rosters mostly from Queens (Where I live)such as Green Lines, Queens Surface, Triboro Coach, Jamaica, Command, MSBA and don't forget the MTA. I'll give you the address as soon as I have it finished (will be a while). If anybody is willing to help me make a page, please email me and let me know. I'd really appreciate all of your help. Thank you very much!
BUSMAN316
Once you get it up and running you can bet that Hank & I will give you a few hits :-)
Good Luck - Mr t__:^)
Hi
My name is Trevor, I have a similar site up, check it out and sign my guestbook
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
Trevor
Thanks guys for all of your support! I hope to have everything up and running by the middle of the summer (hopefully July). Just a matter of time. I have to get out on the road and take some pics!
BUSMAN316
Listen I'll help you out with technical info if you want we can get in contact by phone for other info.
Trevor
Trevor, for the time being, we'll keep in contact via email. Do you have aol? I can KIT that way too. smoke228@yahoo.com is my email address. What's yours? It's my last week of school this week, after this week, I can KIT other ways too. I appreciate your help, thank you!
BUSMAN316
e-mail is cool. Your in High School Too!! This is my last year also. but I was lucky to land the conductors position! So I'm in the TA.
My e-mail is surface__transit@hotmail.com (That's 2 underscores!!!)
Trevor
Ill be taking the bus operator test next Sat. Any bus operators that would like to help me let me know. Also taking conductors test in June.
Trevor, I'm in my second year of college at St. John's University in Jamiaca. I'm just finishing up final exams. I'm happy that you got a conductor job. Do you know what line you want to work? Best of luck to you. Where do you want to go to college?
BUSMAN316
I'm in high school also. Please post the minimum requirements to become a conductor or motorman.
Looks like this bus is back from reapir. I saw it on the Q17 yesterday with a new paintjob. Also buses 4554, 4574, 4582, 4592, 4595 and 4597 have just recently received paintjobs, yuck!
BUSMAN316
Eventually, all the 1996 NovaBUS RTS (Series 8750-9349) will recieve the new paint scheme, just that those in accidents got the paint scheme quicker!
Trevor
What are the differences between the old paint job #8949 had and the new paint scheme. I can see some differences when the older RTS's get painted (i.e., 8000-8399 and earlier models), but don't know what the differences are for the newer Nova RTS's.
The 1996 Nova RTS were the first buses that were delivered with the current MTA/NYCT logos. The difference between their original and the ridiculous (and unattractive) paint scheme, now being applied by NYCT is: some parts that were black are now being painted white by NYCT - Those are: The entire door frame, the frame of the opening portion of the b/o's window, and the vertical window pillars. I think this is the WORST paint scheme I've ever seen. I'm suprised they didn't paint the individual window frames, but let my not give them any ideas.
Wayne
Thanks for the info.
For what it's worth, I think it's time for MTA/NYCity Bus to adopt a whole new paint scheme. The current blue and white has been with us since the first RTS's were delivered in 1981, making it the longest running paint scheme that I can remember. Of course, with all the new buses being delivered the past months, it's probably too late to think of a new paint scheme. Moreover, the MTA probably wants to retain the current colors.
The Baltimore MTA has been using blue & white since 1971, with minor variations. At first, the blue covered the front (with a white winshield mask) and reduced to a 6" blue stripe to behind the center door, where the "Flying T" emblem in white divided the stripe, with the stripe in green to and around the rear. (The repaints of the 5105's in the new colors resulted it them being labeled "Blue Racoons").
When the first Grumman Flxibles arrived in 1982 they eliminated the green and the entire stripe was blue.
That scheme remains today, only the "Flying T" symbol was replaced with a MTA emblem in 1986.
Is this the longest lived bus (and Light Rail) paint scheme in use?
I forgot to mention that the Flxibles, having a black windsheild mask, reduced the blue to a stripe.
I wish NYCT would go back to the green scheme before the MTA existed. That may be tough tho, since blue & white are the Official Corporate Colors of the MTA!
I have found that entire group doesn't hold their original paint well. Already, FP had repainted: 9160, 9174 & 9177. 9174 was repainted following an accident. Another bus, I believe 9152 has much paint chipped away from the roof & roofline. That one needs it badly. I also feel that the TA needs to put on a little more blue & black paint. But if you look around, city agencies seem to like white. It gives the impression of cleanliness & sleekness. I think it makes everything look too plain. Sanitation started it maybe 15 to 20 years ago with white trucks. NYPD has mostly white vehicles. Most transit systems in the country paint their buses mostly all white with just a tad of darker colors, so the TA and for that matter the NYC Privates are not unique in this country. It is a pleasure to see a picture of a bus at a UTC meeting which is not white, a rarity!
Jamaica Bus Company is the only one, in my knowledge, in the NYC metropolitan area whose buses do not contain any white in their paint scheme. I'm not sure it's necessarily the absence of white, but I think the Jamaica Bus scheme is particularly pleasing to the eye.
I stand corrected. Jamaica is one company, due to its' size and service area, I don't see too much.
Along the lef side near the roof, I'm starting to see paint come off #9523. It's a shame that paint can't hold up on a brand new bus. Aan older model like QV bus #4322 I can see that happening, but NOT on a bus that's not even 1 year old! Completely pathetic!
BUSMAN316
You should see 9152 from Fresh Pond.
It happens, especially without a 'clearcoat' New EPA required paint formulations don't seem to last very long. If you look at a lot of delivery vans and commercial vehicles, you'll see peeling paint there, too. It's mostly a problem with the paint, but it also comes from improper prep, tree scrapes, thrown objects, and UV exposure. The big three had major problems with paint sticking to cars in the late 80s, ESPECIALLY GM products. My father's business has 3 vans, all built 1989-1991, and each has been repainted under warranty.
-Hank
Sanitation is white because it NEEDS to be. You said it yourself, it gives the 'clean' impression, which is precisely what sanitation is out to do. Police cars are white now because of the cost of the previous blue/white paint job. The original plan was for an all-white car with GREEN stripes (ala NYPD's original RMPs), not blue. I also think the white looks a lot better. Many municipalities (especially in NJ) have all-white cars, and some have very little decaling. That's something that's gotten to me lately; all city vehicles, no mmatter the agency, seem to have large decaling on the sides, which seems amazingly oversized everywhere but on FDNY trucks.
-Hank
The buses are painted every three years during the bus's upgrade and/or overhaul. They have essentially eliminated the color black from the paint scheme to save on costs (nearly $1200). Any questions, call them at (718) 927-7740 (the head of maintenance support).
If that is the case, wouldn't the new buses come that way and probably save the TA about $1200.00. Thank you for that information!
Personally I think that if the black is left on these buses that means that you would use less white paint because then you would not have to paint parts of the bus that were not originally white in the first place.
Peace
DaShawn
Hello
For all recent and projects information, please see my site at
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
Enjoy
Trevor
***Sign My Guestbook while you there***
Why the RTS-Nova 9400s is not on the Bus Roster? Because i saw RTS-Nova #9473 on Bx22 today from Gun Hill Depot and i look up the Bus Roster, but is not on the list. Any one know why they not on the list and which Depot have RTS-Nova 9400s?
According to the UTC Bus Roster, the following depots have 9400's:
Hudson Pier: 9488-9534
Flatbush: 9382-9443
An earlier version of the UTC Roster had 9444-9487 at Gun Hill. I assume they are still there, but will check with UTC.
Yes, 9444-9487 are still at Gun Hill, as are 9229-9249. This will be corrected on the next version of the UTC Bus Roster.
I know Flatbush have some 9400's. I believed it is from 9400-9449..... somebody check that please?
Hi; Flatbush has 9382-9443; Gunhill has 9444-9487; Hudson pier has 9488-9534: I hope all this is helpful.
Check this website ( www.Novabuses.com )
Today i went out to rent the movies called "The Siege" and i was watching and i saw GMC-RTS #4199 holding people in the bus. I look very close to the Logo the which Depot come from? Well that bus came from Kingbridge Depot but the bus didn't blow up. Also later in the movie i saw GMC-RTS #5287, #5287????? there is no #5287 on the list but the never have that number on the list, but i look up the Bus Roster RTS Storge Yards list, i saw GMC-RTS #1648 that sold to Pictures Cars,Inc. for the movies set. I think that the bus was in the movie and the bus blew it up. Go rent the movies and watch it , it a very good movie.
The movie was a bit disapointing, actually. The movie buses are, to my understading, privately owned. 4199 appears in several episodes of Law and Order, and at least one episode of Spin City. 5287 is actually the same bus, according to a freind of mine with some connections to production in NYC. The reason for the number switch should be obvious; you can't blow up the same bus twice. (Technically, the 'Blue Bus' was in the possesion of the investigators, not blown up, but you get the point)
-Hank
5287 is on top of the bus in the movie. 4199 is on the sides and back.
MCIMAN2000
the bus is actually 1648 which was sold by nyct to a movie production co. its a 1981 rts which spent most of its transit days in flatbush before retiring from castleton. their depot logo sticker remains on the bus.
was that bus actually blown up and how did they do it?
To my knowledge, 4199 in that movie (and I saw the logo up close in Greenpoint during a break in the filming) had the shadow of a Yukon sticker. It was really 1648 from Picture Cars rented to the producers of the movie. As for 5287, yes there were 2 of them and the movie company actually bought them from a scrap dealer the TA originally sold them to. The movie company changed to original numbers to 5287.
As of right now all 51/52xx series RTS's assigned to Hudson are the only buses that read the following:
M14 Chelsea Piers/West St.
M14 Crosstown
then
M14 via Av A, C or D
Peace
DaShawn
Does anyone know what shuttle bus service (if any), will be provided for Sat. 5/1/99, when the Willie B shutdown commences? I am told that the B-39W will not "kick in" until 5/2/99.
I believe the regular Hewes st-Bedford ave shuttle they have been running when the bridge was closed the past few weekends.Check the M.T.A. website out for a full explanation.
With buses changing depots, how do they move from depot to depot? Are these buses carried or do they have special drivers that drive them to the different depots throughout the city? When does all of this transaction take place? I assume it is during the night.........
There is no special Drivers that drive them to diffrent Depot. They use regluar Bus Driver to transfer the buses to Depot. It like they trade buses. My father use to do that, one time he took the bus to ENY Depot and pick up diffrent bus than drive back to Old 100st Depot that was in the 80s. They do it in the afternoon not all the time but they do it all the time during at night.
I'm told they use extra list drivers, or x-bus drivers between or after runs. I've seen them coming across the Goethals Bridge from Allison/Detroit Diesel, and some Kingsbridge Orions on the Gowanus as well. I also saw some odd signs on some x-buses that were being queued for service at Yukon. 'Bx55 Yankee Stadium' I could swear they stopped running there years ago...
-Hank
Hank - You're right. It has been a few years since the Bx55 has served Yankee Stadium.
Wayne
Have there ever been a 1900, 2000, and 2100 series of buses for NYCTA?
I know there have 1800's series that came out of Ulmer Park? The next series I recognized would be the 2200's series. Can somebody give me more info on this?
In 1962 the TA received 175 TDH-5301's that were numbered #2001-2175. They originally ran in Queens. Some were still around when the first order of RTS's arrived, which is probably why the MABSTOA buses out of that first order began at #2201. I recollect that Surface Transit had some Macks in the high 1000's when the TA took over Surface and 5th Avenue Coach in 1962 (to form MABSTOA), but I don't think any of those Macks were numbered as high as 1900.
The recently delivered order of MCI MC102DLW3 buses for Staten Island express service is numbered 1860-2049.
David
Sorry...1860-2039 (180 buses).
David
There are 50 more MCI's coming by the end of 1999. If the present pattern is followed, they will be 2040-2089. There are also three New Flyer 45 foot coaches coming in soon as test buses. They may also occupy the 2000 series.
I've heard nothing about an additional 50 MCI Cruisers. I'll have to ask Larry....
As for the New Flyer tests, I saw one once, quite a while back, stored at Yukon Depot, carrying number 9?000.
-Hank
I can now confirm the following:
Yes, thanks to the...support of Bob Straniere, Eric Vitaliano, Jay O'Donovan, Betty Connelly, John Marchi,Vincent Gentile, All our passengers, the members of Local 726, and the strong continued editorial support of the Staten Island Advance.....53 more brand new buses will be approved today at the MTA Board.
Delivery by December!
More local service for the Summer will be announced soon! Also, Sunday service on express buses is just around the corner!
I'll assume it is as previously stated, 50 MCIs, and 3 New Flyers.
This comes to me by way of Larry Hanley, president of local 726 of the ATU.
-Hank
Thats good news. I guess thats when Yukon will finally get rid of the rest of its RTS buses assuming most of the new buses will go to Yukon. For now Staten Islanders will still have to put up with the 1700,1800,3800 and 4800 express buses which are destroyed every day when they are used on school runs. Even though I dont care for the RTS busesI have to admit some of them are in good condition and are pretty quick. I have even seen Orions especially from CAS. used on school runs. I also saw MCI bus 1905 with its windows badly scratched up------> must have been vandelized while parked outside Yukon on the street; what a shame.
To vandalize those windows, you'd have to be inside the bus. To high of the sidewalk to reach them from the outside.
-Hank
I bet you whoever did it climbed on someones shoulders. There is a possibility someone did it inside the bus but that doesnt matter. It still is upsetting for me to see.
some 1700 express type rts have been showing up on the B3
As of the first workday of the WillyB shutdown, Fresh Pond will have an additional 40 buses. I have been told they will get low 3000's from FLAT. 4 were in as of a few nites ago. Fresh Pond got rid of their 1984's a few months ago when 5055-5074 came in and now older stuff will come in. They will be ready to be scrapped in 6 months when the bridge reopens.
Fresh Pond will eventually KEEP those buses since the 9100s and 9500s are bound for failure.
And don't forget the failure of 5055-5074. I've noticed that these "NEW" buses are either in fires or accidents. Gee, when I get something brand new, I'm extra careful that I don't "brake" it! I think the MTA should be this way towards the new buses. I think the older the bus, the better the quality. Look at QV: They're receiving 1985 RTS 3900'S, quite a few may I say. I don't think that they trust the 4900 and 9300 series. Here's 1 instance why I think the older the better: Last week I was on 2 different buses on the Q88. One day I was on 3982, that bus runs very well (I like that bus, good pickup!)
The next day I was on bus 9375, pretty much brand new and it's as slow as a turtle. Go figure! Bustalkers: Save the 3900's!
BUSMAN316
In response to new buses being slow i will have to disagree. I ride the new MCI buses which are fast buses but some drivers just dont step on the gas. I have been on the same bus where one day it seemed fast and the next it was slow. It all depends on the driver. I agree that some of the older buses run better; for example Yukon has some 3900's which now have soft seats ( for express runs) in them and they are pretty quick too. I think the MTA is taking good care of the MCIs.
The TA only washes them and cleans out the farebox. MCI contractors do the rest. Any required maintainence, defects, etc. The contract for the buses was 'buy and maintain'.
-Hank
Thanks Hank I wasnt aware of that. Why cant the TA get a deal like that from ORION, NOVA or NEW FLYER?
Couldn't say. I have a few theories. First, the TA, by including maintainence in the purchase price, can amortize the actually maintainence costs; the maintainence costs can be drawn from capital funding; MCI doesn't want the bad press that possible inadequate maintainence by TA personnel would garner; the TA is trying to cut costs; the TA is trying to downsize its mechanics. I'm sure that if they could, they would negotiate such contracts with other manufacturers. I'm sure the new subway car contracts have thewse kinds of provisions in them.
-Hank
Hank! you are so right! I remember when the TA was talking about privitizing the maintainance of the buses a few years ago and now to read about this being part of the contract for these buses. Do you know if they are still trying to privitize the maintainance or even parts of the system?
Thanks & Peace
DaShawn
mci buses are governed at 58 mph. the speed limit on the gowanus is 50 mph. anything above that risks a summons. several of our operators have received summonses for being on the upper level of the bridge in the pm hours from mta bto. your complaints should be addressed to rudolph giuliani.
All i was trying to say was just because a bus is riding slow doesnt mean the bus is slow. I was in no way saying that drivers should drive fast and risk a summons or endanger passengers.
There no way the buses alway slow but depend on the MTA Driver because some driver like to drive slow or little fastest. My father alway drive slow because he follow the rule and must be on time. It is danger for passengers if the driver go real fast and could get into heavy accident.
Not to disagree with you, but I think that an accident at 58 MPH versus say 65 MPH is not going to be much better for those involved. Now what may also be dangerous is a TA MCI on the NJ Turnpike that's tied down at 58 MPH while NJT, Greyhound and others blow past it at 70-75 MPH. I don't know if any NJT TRansit governs any of it's buses, but I've paced one of it's MC-9B's at 73 MPH and I haven seen a Greyhound bus do less than 70 MPH in a long time.
Wayne
That's because the govenors are removed after about 3 or 4 years. This is why the MC-9B's really fly. My step-father drove for Red & Tan in Westwood, and their MC-9B's ruled, with a few slow ones. My favorite was PA5291.
Peace
DaShawn
I never found the MC-9A or B to ever be slow. Their acceleration was never great with those 6V-92TA's but once they got going they were fine. My question is... Why bother governing the buses if it's ging to be removed a few years later??? If buses are like cars then they're a bit quicker (and higher top speed) when they get broken in.
Wayne
At what speeds are the different MTA buses governed?
BTW, when Fresh Pond lays up their buses, they lay up the 9500s and 5000s pretty early.Not all of them though.Interesting nonetheless.You could see them outside of the depot between the "M" line structure before you enter FP road station.Also,a few 8000s from Gun Hill and Mother Clara Hale arrivred today with more 3000s from Flatbush.Bill may be able to put the numbers up.If not, I will have them tomorrow. Long live the 3000s!
From Mother Clara Hale: 8012, 8023 and 8045 (Q54 Mon. 4/26)..........From Flatbush: 3002, 3007, 3010, 3011, 3016, 3021, 3032, 3048, 3052, 3053.
Long live the 3000's!!!!!!!!!!!!! Speaking of 3000's, I saw 3041 operated out of Jamaica awhile back. Is it back at the Bush?
It's scrapped unfortunately
Out there in bus heaven....................
Please say a prayer for it.
Yeah, just saw 3010 on the Q55 today, and was surprised, but figured it must be in anticipation of the Bridge work.
I also heard that the B39 will run buses from all Brooklyn depots.
Eric B,,,I think you were on my bus on Saturday (Q55),,,,,were you the one asking me about the buttons? I ask because I remember someone mention to me about the Bus #3010. Stay Safe. BOB
On the subway side we have been having a problem with flaming to the point where Dave Pirmann is thinking about ending the BBS.
I appeal to the Bus people not to let this BBS degenerate to a flame war or one day instead of bus talk all you'll get is a 404 (the site will be gone! the URL will not be found.)
Please dont let a good thing end--NYC has lost alot of the history-- Ebbets Field, Polo grounds, Automat, Old Penn Station, and many more. I dont want to see Bus Talk on this list.
As I posted on the subway side--
The future is in your hands. Decide now and decide wisely.
Do you want to end the site--flame away!
Do you want the site to continue--post with courtesy and decency.
If you wish to flame someone, do it via e-mail-all of us dont wish to read that x is a *** or Y does &*&* bad thing.save that for somewhere else!!
The time to decide is N O W !!! What is *Y O U R* choice?
Check out this website about GMC in the past
This site has many good photo. If you're a GMC fishbowls fan (like I am) you'll enjoy this one. Has has many NYC area buses their too - (NYCTA, MABSTOA, MSBA, Steinway Transit, Green Bus Lines)
Wayne
I wonder why Green Lines stopped shrink-wrapping their buses? Last year, Most MCI buses (#701-716) were decorated with this type of ad (709 sides and back, rest just the back) Also GMC'S 236, 240, 247, 257 and 277. Triboro stopped decorating the 2800's TMC'S too! Now only the MCI's have shrink-wrap. QS still has shrink-wrap on their MCI, GMC AND TMC buses, but not that many. Anybody knows if the MTA is still shrink-wrapping?
BUSMAN316
The shrink wrap depends on advertisers paying for it, not operator decisions, unless the operator decides they don't want the income anymore, to which they'd have to be quite insane, considering the financial straits that transit funds are constantly in.
-Hank
Was in Newark Del this weekend & saw a bunch of DART buses that looked like Flxibles, but had no mfg markings. Anybody know what they are ?
Mr t__:^)
Thurston, you're right. Most of DART's fleet are Flxible Metros. I know they also had some RTS's also. The Flxibles are very fast. Once I was passing through Delaware on I-95 and I paced one doing about 67 MPH.
I saw several in and around the UofD over two days ... they looked like they'll be in service for a while.
(My wife gave me strange looks as I was obviously checking them out as they past by ... I was driving)
Mr t__:^)
Can somebody please explain what this ad is?! It has something dealing with Peter Marx?! What is that? And on top of that, the back is only shrink-wrapped on top and there's a billboard ad on the bottom. Also like this is QS bus 195 and QS MCI bus 954.
BUSMAN316
The New York Transit Museum will be holding its 7th Annual Bus Festival on Sunday, May 23rd, from 10 AM to 4 PM. As was the case last year, various Museum and contemporary MTA buses, plus some guest buses, will be on display on Brooklyn's Schermerhorn Street, between Boerum Place and Court Street, right outside the Museum. Admission (which includes admission to the Museum) is $5 for adults; $2 for Museum Members, Seniors and Children.
Ill b there. I have to put it in my book.
I'll be there too! Hope to meet you guys!!!!!
Trevor
Looking forward to be at Bus Festival in May and i will bring my nehpew because he love trains and buses. Hope to take alot of pictures. Also i ask my father to come and he said to me i have a enough seeing the buses already.
P.S My father been a MTA Driver for 16 years now and he had drove Grumman, Flxible, GMC fishbowl, GM-RTS, TMC-RTS, Nova-RTS, and GMC with the sign on both side. He never drove BIA-Orion, Flyer Articulated and MCI.
Peace out Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
Maybe we can all meet up at a certain spot at a certain time.....
I hope I'm able to make it. I'd like to meet all of you. But right now, it's a 50-50 shot that I'm going.
BUSMAN316
its too bad he feels that way. im driving 20 years and drove everything except artics and ill defonitely be there.
I'll be going, hopefully, I'll have my digital camera by then....
If not, the prints'll be scanned a day or 3 later....
-Hank
I definitely plan to be there. I think it's a good opportunity for us to meet each other.
Wayne
Hey Guy
I can't wait, yes it would be a great opportunity for all of us to meet!
See you there!!!!!
I'll try to be there and I'll be in my uniform, white shirt and gray pants since Ill have to be at work at 3 Pm in Manhattan.
Give me a time and I will be there. I want to learn from you guys.....
I would like to know when you start your webpage this summer, are you considering adding bus desination reading signs for all bus routes in all 5 boroughs from NYCT to your new webpage. If so, pease post on bustalk. I greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
Mike
I have a site where in I would like to do that, But I Don't Know How??
Trevor
I heard a rumar that there are plans to reopen Crosstown bus DEPOT IN Greenpoint, Brooklyn as a bus depot in the future.
Finally, speaking of Crosstown bus depot, when it ceased as a bus depot in late 1981, I would like to know on what bus routes served Crosstown & how many buses (not routes) served Crosstown.
Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
MIchael
Mike,
I haven't heard anything about that. Plus Crosstown is too small, that is one of the reasons why they closed it down. So I think they are going to keep it as a repaint center.
Trevor
Could someone tell me is the ENY bus depot in the same complex as the ENY central maintenance facility or are they separte item? Also buses that are in storage lots are they to be scraped?
Ron
Yes its all under the same roof
Trevor
Some stored buses will be scrapped, but most are being held 'in reserve'. After the experience with the 870, they like to have a backup plan in case it happens again. Also, with the services gaining riders on an almost daily basis, they need some extra buses. I doubt, given the age of the 1200s and 2200s still in service, that the 3700s and 3800s that are currently 'stored' will be disposed of anytime soon. I rode 1722 today (s78), and it was in pretty good shape, other than for needing a thorough cleaning and paint job. The bus still had faded 'PA' before the number. And the lift actually worked, too...
-Hank
Trevor:
Could you get customize destination signs on your model buses?
How much is shipping and handling?
I would like to know on what bus routes came out of Crosstown bus depot & how many buses (not bus routes) came out of Crosstown before it ceased operations in late 1981. Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
B18,24,29,39,48,59,61,62. Check on this. I asked the same question about a month ago. Check back on a couple of posts...........
Back in the late 1950's and early 1960's, Crosstown Depot had approximately 121 buses assigned to it. #9000-9120 came there when new (the last old-look buses ordered by the TA), and stayed there as Crosstown's only buses until the delivery of #3601-3950 around 1964. I recollect a few of the high 9110's may have run out of Flatbush for a short while, but all 121 of those buses spent their early years at Crosstown. This order was also the first one that came in the two-tone green paint scheme. Two buses (9000 and 9120) had a thin red stipe between the 2 green colors.
This morning, while riding the Q60, I saw bus #4095 on the Q59. The back number is so small, you can see it only with binoculars. 8136 is also like this. What is up with these miniture numbers?
BUSMAN316
Just a quick fix.They should have put the proper type of number on them:Bronx style numbers. I forgot ,Fresh Pond has no appreciation for those numbers. My baby,4212, had them and they took it off.
I know 2 other buses, not from Fresh Pond, but I believe MotherClara Hale that had those types of numbers like 4212 used to be:
4425 and 4469. I haven't seen these 2 buses in ages because I live in Queens and I haven't been in Manhattan observing buses for a while. I just missed riding that bus once on the Q58, I ran for it and it pulled away. I wonder if it has that same style number on the bus? (under stop requested sign) I know 1742, 3040 and 3630 (3040 and 3630 are now scrapped) has or had this original scheme.
Anybody know of any others like this? Post it here on BT! Thanks!
BUSMAN316
177 saw it on the Q26 Friday
509- saw it yesterday on the Q27
4109 saw it on the B24 Friday
4923 saw it on Q46 Friday
BUSMAN316
1 Newark
5 Kinney
7 City Subway
11 Newark WIllowbrook
13 Broad St Clinton Av
24 Newark Elizabeth
21 Main St
25 Springfield Av
26 Irvington Elizabeth
27 Mt Prospect
28 Newark Montclair av--Willowbrook
29 Bloomfield Av
34 Market St
37 Lyons Av
39 Chancellor Av
40 Kearny ---Pt Newark
41 Park Av---Elizabeth Av
42 18 Av
43 Newark ---Jersey City
44 Tremont
Hilton garage is 1 11 25 26 27 37 39 42
Orange garage is 5 11 21 27 28 29 34 41
Big Tree garage 13 39 40
ONE is 24 44 Routes
Greenville is 43
THESE ARE THE ESSEX LOCALS LINES
_____________________________________________________
UNION LOCAL LINES
52 Morris Av Hilton Garage
56 Elizabeth--WInfield Ironbound
57 Tremley Ironbound
58 Elizabeth--Kenilworth Ironbound
59 Plainfield--Newark Ironbound
___________________________________________________
NEWARK SUBURBAN LINES
62 Neawrk Woodbridge Perth Amboy
65 Newark Sommerville
66 Newark---Montainside
67 Toms River ---Lakewood--Newark --Jersey City
68 East Brunswick --Jewark CIty----Weehawkin
70 Newark Livingston Mall
71 Newark --West Caldwell
82 Newark Paterson
73 Newark Orange Livingston
74 Main---Passaic
75 Butler ---Newark
76 newark ---Hackensack
78 Newark ---Secaucus
79 Newark Parsippany Express
Ironbound Garage is 62
Hilton Garage is 65 66 70
Howell Garage is 67 68
Orange Garage is 71 73 79
Markey Street is 72 74
Where is the West Caldwell bus? 165-Hackensack
702 Paterson --Elmowood Pk
703 Haledon --East Rutherford
704 Paterson WIllowbrook Mall
705 Passiac Willowbrook Mall
707 Paterson --saddle Brook
709 Bloomfield ---Paramus
712 Hackensack -Willowbrook Mall
722 Paterson ---Paramus Pk
742 Paterson --Greystone Pk Hospital
744 Passaic -Wayne
746 RIdgewood --Paterson
748 Paterson,,Wayne--Willowbrook Mall
PASSAIC LOCALS LINES FROM MARKET ST GARAGE
-__________________________________________________
BERGEN LOCALS from Market St Garage
758 Passaic ==Paramus Park
770 Paterson---Hackensack
I show
165 Westwood
178 Hackensack
182 Hackensack
Please note,,if you want an actual town by town descriptions for each route ,I will give it to you
These are coming from the actual Routing Materials
Steve
I was in Brooklyn this past Saturday and I saw 3422 on the B44 (FLA). 3422 has had it's original engine (DD 6V-92TA) replaced with the older and less powerful 6V-71. Over the years a few RTS had their 6V-92's replaced with 6V-71's. Some of them were 1308, 1717 and 1743. I'm sure there must have been others as well.
Wayne
That is interesting because most of the 1983 series RTS's (3001-3325) have had their engines replaced with 6V-92TA's and 3160 had been used as the test bus for the Series 50 powered buses we have now. It did seem like the TA is trying to simplify and standardize the fleets engines. I was told that the 6V-71's are not turbo charged. The other thing is that these engines will not make EPA certification and there are no certified kits available for this engine, which there is one for the 6V-92TA. Personally I think that the TA should do like alot of other transit systems and convert a good amount of our buses to series 50's. The buses should be the 8000 series (8000-8563)and definitely the 7000 series should have been done this way also. Just a thought.
Peace
DaShawn
Yes, I agree with you. I was suprised that the 7000/7500 did not get Series 50's. I haven't seen many of the 1983 RTS lately, because when I come to NYC, I spend most of my time in The Bronx and Queens. I know GH still has a few but I guess not many of them are out on weekends. BTW-I also heard that the 6V-71 has no turbo. It is a pretty old engine. I always thought that those RTS's with the "downgraded" engines were probably victims of an engine failure.
Wayne
Personally I feel the "71" series engines were always more dependable than the series 50 and 92 engines. Primary to this is that they don't have the computerization that the 50's and 92's need to operate.
Granted the 71's are an old engine design but new doesn't always mean better. I'd take a 71 series engine any day over a 92 series.
RDChilds
I totaly disagree. Electronic controlled engines make any bus with them more fuel efficent and cleaner burning. I personally like the 6L-71TA which is used on the Westchester County Bee-Line Flxible Metros and they have the DDEC (Detroit Diesel Electronic Controls) series II. The 6V-71 which are used here in the city are underpowered and dirty. When used here and going up a hill you have to turn off the AC to get that extra 30 HP to get up the hill. Even the Non-Electronic 6V-92TA's are better and more powerful than a 6V-71TA which has 277 HP compared to 292HP for the 6V-92TA. The series 50 is just amazing with only 4 cylinders and 275 HP it is clean burning and powerful. The buses here in NYC with these engines are fast and clean.
Peace
DaShawn
I did forget to mention a well maintained 71 series engine.
I agree with you about the pollution however where I'm at in Pittsburgh, there isn't a day that passes that I don't see the side of the road littered with dead buses (2 or more in a 20 minute trip and listening to the scanner you can multiply that number by 40 easily) due to computer failures and engine malfunctions. It was never like that in the days when the 71 series engines ruled here.
A well maintained 8V-71N could outrun a 6V-92TA up the hills here as well with a full load. I would like to see the pollution reduced on them however a well maintained engine is pretty clean burning.
The series 50 I do admit are pretty powerful if maintained. Again, Pittsburgh has these as well and the old 1100's with worn out 6V-71's were able to out run them up hills before they were retired a few years ago.
Looking at it in terms of reliability, the 71 series I feel are much more reliable due to the lack of computerization. Dead buses do not promote ridership on the transit systems well especially when you are on them when they die.
RDChilds
I understand what you are saying, but here in New York City we have an excellent maintainance force that keeps these buses running.
Electronics do make these engines more complex , but if your maintainance people are trained correctly they can fix them and also keep
them running just like a bus with non-electronic engines. I see very few buses here in the city that have been on the side of the road dead
but that might be also due to the fact that we have been operating electronic controlled buses since 1989 and have gone through the
teething problems and know what to look out for ahead of time to keep our buses on the road and not on the side of the road. By the way
I want to take this time out to say Thank You very much for the opearting manuals from PA Transit I enjoyed them very much.
Peace
DaShawn
RE:8V-71 - I would agree that the 8V-71 is a very powerful engine and would outrun a bus with the 6V-92 or even the Series 50. The TA has had very few buses with 8V-71's. However the NYCDOT-Privates, MSBA and Westchester County (Now LI Bus) has had plenty of buses with 8V-71's and they were very fast. Some are still in service at NYBS (Canadian T8H-5308A suburbans) and Jamaica Buses (Grumman Flxible 870). While we're on the topic - does anyone know of any 8V-92's being used in a transit bus. I once drove an MCI 102C3 with the 8V-92 and it had lot's of power.
Wayne
I had a friend who was a driver out of East New York Depot and he told me that in 1992 or 93 they had some test buses from TMC that had
8V-92TA's in them. These 's had special #'s and were the fastest buses, but the problem was fuel efficency. They burned so much diesel
they could not finish their runs without being refueled.
Peace
DaShawn
1 Newark
5 Kinney
7 City Subway
11 Newark WIllowbrook
13 Broad St Clinton Av
24 Newark Elizabeth
21 Main St
25 Springfield Av
26 Irvington Elizabeth
27 Mt Prospect
28 Newark Montclair av--Willowbrook
29 Bloomfield Av
34 Market St
37 Lyons Av
39 Chancellor Av
40 Kearny ---Pt Newark
41 Park Av---Elizabeth Av
42 18 Av
43 Newark ---Jersey City
44 Tremont
Hilton garage is 1 11 25 26 27 37 39 42
Orange garage is 5 11 21 27 28 29 34 41
Big Tree garage 13 39 40
ONE is 24 44 Routes
Greenville is 43
THESE ARE THE ESSEX LOCALS LINES
_____________________________________________________
UNION LOCAL LINES
52 Morris Av Hilton Garage
56 Elizabeth--WInfield Ironbound
57 Tremley Ironbound
58 Elizabeth--Kenilworth Ironbound
59 Plainfield--Newark Ironbound
___________________________________________________
NEWARK SUBURBAN LINES
62 Neawrk Woodbridge Perth Amboy
65 Newark Sommerville
66 Newark---Montainside
67 Toms River ---Lakewood--Newark --Jersey City
68 East Brunswick --Jewark CIty----Weehawkin
70 Newark Livingston Mall
71 Newark --West Caldwell
82 Newark Paterson
73 Newark Orange Livingston
74 Main---Passaic
75 Butler ---Newark
76 newark ---Hackensack
78 Newark ---Secaucus
79 Newark Parsippany Express
Ironbound Garage is 62
Hilton Garage is 65 66 70
Howell Garage is 67 68
Orange Garage is 71 73 79
Market Street is 72 74
Wayne Garage is 75
Big Tree Garage is 76 78
____________________________________________________
HUDSON LOCAL LINES
80 NEWARK AV
81 GREENVILLE
82 HUDSON
83 Hackensack Jersey City
84 Bergenline Av---Park Av
85 Hoboken ---Harmon Meadow---Mill Creek
86 Nungessers--Exchange Place
87 King Drive
89 N Bergen---Hoboken
Greenvile Garage is 80 87
Irounbound Garage is 80 81
Meadowlands 82 83 84 85 86 87 89
____________________________________________________
ESSEX CROSSTOWN
90 Grove St Crosstown Hilto n
92 Orange Crosstow Orange
93 Bloomfield--CitySubw Orange
94 Stuyvesant Crosstown Orange
96 18 Street Crosstown Orange
97 East Orange Montclair Ornage
99 Clifton Av Big Tree
____________________________________________________
ESSEX INTERSTATE from Hilton Garage
107 Irvington --NY
108 Newark ---NY
____________________________________________________
SOMERSET MIDDLESEX UNION INTERSTATE LINES from Ironbound Garage
112 Clark --NY
113 Dunellen--NY
114 Bridgewater---NY
115 Rahway ==NY
116 Perth Amboy ----NY
117 SOmerville ---NY Express
____________________________________________________
HUDSON INTERSATE LINES
120 Bayoonne NY (Wall St)
121 N Bergen Union City --NY
124 Harmon Cove --NY
126 Hoboken ===NY
127 Ridgefield ---Union CIty ---NY
128 Boulevard East---NY
129 Secaucus ---NY
Greenville Garage is 120 126
Meadowlands 121 124 126 127 128 129
Ironbound 126 128
Fairview 128
____________________________________________________
MONMOUTH OCEAN INTERSTATE LINES
131 Sayreville ---NY
133 Old Bridge --Aberdeen ---NY
134 Browntwon ---NY
135 Freehold---Matawan---NY
137 Toms River --NY
138 East Brunswick---NY
139 Lakewood---Old Bridge ----NY via Rte 9
Howell runs all except
139 from Hightown AND Howell Garages
____________________________________________________
BERGEN (PABT) INTERSTATE LINES
144 Fair Lawn --Hackensack
145 Midland Pk Fair Lawn
154 Ft Lee --Palasades Pk--
155 Bogota--Ridgefield Pk
156 EnglewoodCliffs
157 Teaneck --Ridgefield Pk
158 Ft Lee ---Edgewater
159 Ft Lee
160 Elmwood Pk
161 Paterson ---Passaic
162 Maywood
163 Ridgewood
164 Midland Pk
165 Westwood
166 Dumont--Tenafly
167 Harrington Pk----DUmont
168 Paramus
Oardell Garage----144 145 155 155 157 162 163 164 165 166 167 168
Fairview Garage 154 156 158 159
Market St Garage 144 160 161 162 163 164
Meadwolands 167
_____________________________________________________
BERGEN (GWBBS) INTERSTATE LINES
171 Paterson
175 Ridgewood
178 Hackensack
181 Hoboken
182 Hackensack
186 Dumont
188 River road
Market St Garage 171 175 178 182
Meadowlands 181 188
Oradell 186
____________________________________________________
PASSAIC (PABT )INTERSTATE LINES
190 Paterson
191 Willowbrook Lilttle Falls
192 Clifton
193 Pompton Lakes ---Packanack Lake Willowbrook
194 Newfoundland
195 WIllobrook Cedar Grove
196 Warwick
197 Warwick ---Wayne
Wayne Garage
____________________________________________________
NOTHERN AIRPORT
AND SPECIAL SERVICE LINES
303 Newark Penn Station --Broad St Shuttle
304 Pathmark Shuttle
Big Tree Garage
308 Great Adventure Amusmetnt Park to NY
Howell Garage
___________________________________________________
SOUTHERN AIRPORT AND SPECIAL SERVICE LINES
319 NY --ATLANTIC CITY From Meadowlands or Howell Garage
+==================================================
NORTHERN PARK AND RIDE LNES
320 N Bergen Park and Ride --NY
321 Vince Lomobardi Park and Ride---NY
Meadowland s runs 320
Fairview/Howell runs 321
__________________________________
RAIL SUBWSTIUTE SERVICES
330 Amtrack
331 Path
332 NE COrridor ---Princeton Branch
333 N Jersey Coast
334 Raritan Valley
335 Morris and Essex
336 Boonton
337 Main
338 Bergen Cty
339 Pascack Valley
340 Atlantic City
341 Patco
347 Newark City Subway runs out of Big Tree
__________________________________________________
SPORTS COMPLEX AND RACETRACKS
351 Meadowlands Sports Complex ---NY
Meadowlands Garage
___________________________________________________
SCHOOL SERVICES
372 34 Bloomfield HS School
362 62 Linden HS
363 163 Ridgewood --Paramus Catholic HS
THIS IS UPDATED TO 1999
YOU CNA USE THIS FOR YOUR OWN RESEARCH
PLEASE NOTE,,THIS IS THE NORTHERN DIVISION ONLY
STEVE
FDNY
Steve by any chance do you this same NJT Bus Route listing for the Southern division?
I have them all---contact me on smokiecat@webtv.net please
313 Cape May --Philadelphia
315 same
316 Cape May --Wildwood--Philadelphia
317 Asbury Pk ,Ft Dix,Philadelphia
318 Great Adventure ==Philadelphia
319 NY----Atlantic City Express
Washington Twsp handles the 313 315 316 317
Egg Harbor handles the 313 315 316 319
Newton Av handles the 316 317 318
Meadowlands handles the 319
Howell Hnadles the 319
SOUTHERN AIRPORT AND SPECIAL SERVICE LINES
___________________________________________________
SOUTH JERSEY INTERSTATE LINES
400 Sicklerville-Philade
401 Salem --Phila
402 Pennsville---Phila
403 Turnersville=-Lindwold--PATCO ---Phila
404 CHerry Hill Mall--Pennsauken---Phila
405 Cherry Hill Mall--Merchantville--Phila
406 Medford Lakes---Phila
407 Phila--Merchantville-Moorestown Mall
408 Millville ----Phila
409 Trenton--Willingboro--Phila via rte 130 US
410 Bridgeton ---Phila
412 Glassboro---Phila
413 Phila---Mt Holly---Burlington
415 Camden--Island Av (Philadelphia)
419 Burlingto n---Riverside --Phila (via River Rd)
Newton Av handles the 405 407 409 404 413 415 419
Washington Twsh handles thes others
__________________________________________________-
SOUTH JERSEY LOCALS
450 Cherry Hill Mall---Audobon --Camden
451 Echelon Mall ---Camden
452 Camden --Pennsauken Aquarium
453 Woodlynne--Camden
454 Lindenwold PATCO--Haddonfeild (PATCO)
455 Cherry Hill Mall --Woodbury--Paulsboro
457 Mooorestown Mall--Camden
459 Echelon Mall--Camden Cty COllege--Avendale
460 Camden School Services
463 Woodbury --Avandale Park and Ride
459 and 460 463 are Washington Twshp Garages
all others and 460 are Newton Garages
--------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC LOCALS LINES
all from Egg Harbor Garage
501 Atlantic City --Brigantine
502 Atlantic Cty---Hamilton Mall--Atlantic Community College
503 Atlantic CIty School Servcies
504 BUngalow Heights,Chelsea Heights--Ventor Plaza
505 Atlantic City --Margate--Longport
507 Atlantic City --Ocean City
508 Atlantic City-Abescon--Richard Stockton State COllege
509 Atlantic City -==SOmers Point
____________________________________________________
ATLANTIC SUBURBAN LINES
551 Philadelphia --Atlantic CIty ==Ocean CIty
552 Cape May --Atlantic City
553 Atlantic City ---Uppper Deerfield
554 Lindenwold(PATCO)Atlantic City
556 Substitute Atlantic City Rail
559 Lakewood---Atlantic CIty
551 and 554 from Washington Twshp
all others from Egg harbor Garage
_________________________________________________
MERCER LOCAL LINES
from Hamilton Twshp Garage
600 Trenton---Plainsboro
601 Trenton--COllege of NJ--White Horse
602 Pennington --Trenton
603 Mercer Mall,-Quaker Bridge Mall--Hamilton
604 East Trenton ---Trenton Rail Station
605 Montgomery---Princeton -Quaker Bridge Mall
606 Princeton --Mercerville----Hamilton Square
607 Ewing --Trenotn ,,===Independance Mall
608 Hamilton --West Trenton
609 Ewing--QUaker Bridge Mall --Mercer Cty College
610 Trenton School Services
611 Perry St Park and Ride Shuttle
Steve thanks very much for the NJT Southern Division Routes. Your help is greatly appreciated. Make it a good day.
I like the new electronic gearshifts on the new buses. It has a high tech look to it. My question is when parking, why does the driver put
the transmission in neutual? Does it go to neutual automantically?
Can the driver shift from one gear to another while moving(aka. R to D)?
Guess it easier to push a button then to shift a lever.
Usually when the bus is shut off and is restarted the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) which is located in the air conditioning section of the RTS's, New Flyers and Orion's senses that the transmission was last in the D (Drive) position and will reset it to the N (Neutral) position before the engine is started. I also think that these electronics are very cool. The engines are electronic, along with the transmission which make these buses very sophisticated but at the same time very complex and maybe more trouble prone compared to older buses without electronics.
Peace
DaShawn
Yes, but thanks to these electronic controls, these buses are 75% cleaner (emissions) and 60% more fuel efficient.
-Hank
I did forget that part! Thanks Hank!
Peace
DaShawn
I would like to know on how many buses were assigned to Crosstown bus depot until it closed in November 1981. Also, can you checked to see if the B18 & B59 used to come out of Crosstown, I always thought they came out of Fresh Pond depot. Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
Please see my post yesterday or the day before on how many buses were in Crosstown Depot in the late 1950's - early 1960's: 121
I remember a old timer I use to ride with on the M22 who told me that he started in Crosstown and operated the B39.
Yesterday, I get on Triboro Coach bus #664 and I observe that there's NO farebox in site. I guess somebody at Triboro must have hit the Lottery the other night.
BUSMAN316
No that's not it. The deliveries from Orion have been faster then those from Cubic (farebox). We're all anxious to put more equip. on the street to handle the increase is business. Some buses with fareboxes will always be in the barn for work (scheduled or otherwise). Sometimes it's decided to release one of the new ones that doesn't yet have a farebox. It might also be an old one that was going to be retired, but was asked to do one more trip for us :-)
Liberty used to (still) runs one bus on different routes every day that doesn't have a fraebox. It's got a special paint job, so some folks will look down the road before they board the bus in front of them (Westchester County funded the free rides).
We don't need to do that very often :-( so good luck on finding it at Triboro.
Mr t__:^)
UNFORTUNATELY, I can't make it to the Bus Festival on May 23, but I know you guys will take a lot of pics and post it on the web, right? I hope so! I will meet you all sometime soon. I apologize!
BUSMAN316
2 things:
1. bus 170 is back, I was on it this morning on the Q74
2. When are the New Orions expected to be delivered?
BUSMAN316
The Orions will be there within the next month or so!!!!! But I was not aware that Casey Stengel was getting any. I thought on Mother Clara Hale, Amsterdam, Castleton, and Yukon were getting them!!!!
Trevor
Stangel has swapped or will swap a few of their 400 series and like one or two 200 series orions, 22 in total to Amsterdam and Clara Hale, in exchange for 22 new orions #6121-6144 if I am not mistaken.
222 is already at Clara Hale and buses like 400,401, and few others will be transfered to Amsterdam soon!
Peace
DaShawn
they will get 6120-6141 a total of 22. they will also lose buses 5o5 -515 to castleton which in turn will lose 8315-8339 to ulmer park. the balance of the orion order will go to yukon and castleton with 5 more hybrids due at manhattanville.
I saw new Orion #6123 on the Q48 in Flushing last night. I understand a few more new Orions are also now at Casey Stengel.
I've never seen what these new Orions look like. Anybody have pics?
I heard that there's a door in the back?!
BUSMAN316
The new "regular floor" Orions (6000-6349) look pretty much like the Orions currently running. The low-floor Orions (6350-6359) do look very different. In normal configuration, the low-floor Orion has its back door at the very rear of the bus (i.e., behind the rear axle). However, the MTA opted to have the back door in the more traditional position, between the front and rear axles.
I forgot to add that I do have some pictures of the low floor Orions, but I don't have the vaguest idea of how to post them on Bus Talk or anywhere else on the Web.
Can you scan them? If you can scan them, email me, I'll give you more instructions.
-Hank
Hank, I have a scanner, but it's not hooked up yet. When I do hook it up, I'll email you to help me out. Thanks.
BUSMAN316
Give me a e-mail too!
I have well over 100 pics for you to check out if you like
Trevor
Because of Williamburg Bridge construction there will be a mini depot at Williamsburg bridge plaza with about 25 buses expanded crew facilties and swing rooms. There will be operators reporting fro wrok and pulling out from this location.
Does anyone have any suggestions for the name of this temporary mini depot and maybe a logo design?
Williamsburg Plaza Bus Depot.
How 'bout the symbol be that of a falling bridge?
Willamsburg Bridge plaza depot is good and how about a picture of the Williamsburg Bank dome on the logo?
How about Mini Willamsburg Plaza Depot?
How about just naming it "Plaza" or "The Plaza" with a drawing of the WillyB as the logo.
Wayne
Since I live one block away and have been 'hanging out' there for many years, how about Gerry plaza?
What is the story about these Orions, which I understand are hybrid diesel-electrics? Why such a small order of these buses? Earlier I had read that they were going to Jackie Gleason with the New Flyer Low Floors, but they seem to have been reassigned to MaBSTOA Manhattan. I've seen three of them in service. Is this a pilot or is a larger order in the works?
It's a pilot. Basically, if a bus can prove itself in the City, it can work anywhere. The purchase is also being underwritten by the NY Power Authority, and several other agencies, other than the TA.
-Hank
This is no longer a pilot. These 10 buses are here to stay, also there are talks that 9 more may be purchased. Also these were not given to Gleason beacuse Gleason is going to become a all CNG garage.
I read that there is one Low Floor Nova running in Brooklyn. Has anyone seen it or ridden on it? How does it compare with the New Flyer and Orion Low Floors? I saw a picture of one taken in Charlotte, NC. It seemed a very strange-looking bus to me. Maybe it looks better in real life.
Check this website Nova buses and you will find diffirent Nova buses.
According to my information, it is running out of East New York and it bears #999. The bus model is the NovaBus LFS.
From the Staten Island Advance, 4/28/1999.
Reposted within the guidelines of the SILIVE website.
ALBANY -- The state is set to purchase 50 additional express buses for Staten Island for the fall, state officials told the Advance late yesterday.
New York City Transit officials were not immediately available last night to explain how the new buses will be used to improve service -- and whether much-needed South Shore routes will be created.
According to Michael McKeon, Gov. George Pataki's press secretary, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board will approve a $18.6 million "contract modification," which adds 50 buses to the Island fleet of 180 newer buses already on the road.
McKeon said the move will expand a contract entered into in June of 1997 with Motor Coach Industries Inc. The original deal was worth $45.2 million for 120 buses for Staten Island. In December 1997, the contract was supplemented for an additional 60 buses at $23 million. With the latest amendment, a total of 230 newer express buses will be plying Island streets.
McKeon said the board is moving forward with the plan "as a necessary response to a continually growing ridership since the reduction in the express bus fare and the addition of the MetroCard plan."
The additional buses will enable New York City Transit to replace older, 39-seat buses currently serving some routes, to the new 57-seat buses. The new vehicles are expected to be put into service between Nov. 3 and Dec. 10.
McKeon said he "can't be sure without talking to New York City Transit officials" which Island routes would be getting the buses, or whether any new routes could be created on the South Shore.
"We will continue to look at ridership growth and to look at service needs to see if we can do more in the future," McKeon said. "Governor Pataki believes Staten Island has been underserved for too long and has demonstrated his commitment repeatedly by encouraging the MTA to make sound investments in express buses."
But not everyone is optimistic about the MTA's plans.
Larry Hanley, president of Local 726 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, said people should keep an eye on what develops.
Reading from an internal MTA memo on the bus purchase that he acquired yesterday, Hanley said the "internal propaganda doesn't leave me gleeful in terms of their intentions."
According to Hanley, the document specifies the new buses "will be used as substitutes for 61 lower-capacity buses." This would suggest that a total capacity of 471 seats would be added to the express system. But conspicuously absent from the memo is any mention of whether the added capacity will be used for more South Shore routes.
"What this all means in practice, I don't know," Hanley said. "Probably, if ridership continues to grow with these buses in service, they might just keep the old buses in [to meet the demand]."
He said that the added capacity will help with the problem of standing-room-only conditions on the smaller, older buses.
"I don't think the purchase will address [South Shore routes]," Hanley said. "The bottom line is that Guy [Molinari] has this affection for some private bus companies. Who knows, maybe the governor will do the right thing and add service. What this purchase gives us is a point in time in the fall where they will have the on-the-ground capacity to increase service dramatically. And it will be the political patrons of the MTA, the mayor [Rudolph W. Giuliani] and the governor, who will decide what happens. What we will do is renew our appeal to the governor to use new buses to enhance service to the South Shore."
The union leader has been a vocal opponent of Borough President Molinari's plan to have private express bus franchises service new routes on the South Shore. Hanley said Molinari should be petitioning the MTA to increase service.
While the borough president was unavailable for comment last night, Molinari defended his private bus proposal in the past by saying that he has lobbied Transit to improve South Shore service but Transit has been historically unwilling.
The reportedly strained relationship between Pataki and Molinari over the governor's differences with Giuliani prompted at least one political observer to note that the gift of 50 buses may be meant as a dual message. Pataki might be putting public buses in place to frustrate the borough president's private bus plan, and to show Islanders that despite real or perceived differences between the governor and Borough Hall on political issues, he will continue to deliver for the borough, the observer said.
Craig Donner, spokesman for Rep. Vito Fossella Jr., who has long lobbied for expanded public bus service and who also backs private franchise buses, said, "Now that we [have] 50 new buses, the congressman urges the MTA to seize the moment and increase service for our beleaguered community."
Hanley said the internal memo states that the MTA will also purchase an additional three high-capacity buses from a company called New Flyer to be used on the Island.
Hanley said while it doesn't list a price for the New Flyer vehicles which will come into service in October, the memo does say that "New York City transit will not purchase any additional buses from New Flyer until they get feedback on the trial vehicles."
Maybe we will get some routes south of Richmond Avenue. I hope so because all those damn south shore commuters are now parking on MY block since the DOT moved the Tysens Lane bus stop two blocks north on Hylan Blvd! Hylan x-route suggestions: Downtown route starts in Tottenville at Amboy Road & Craig Avenue, then along Hylan with last northbound pick up at Richmond Avenue, then non-stop to Manhattan via Verrazano. P.M. first drop-off at Richmond, then same to Tottenville. East Side & West Side also start at Amboy & Craig, then along Hylan, west on Arden Avenue, then thru NJ via West Shore Expwy, Goethals, NJ Turnpike, etc to Manhattan.
What bus company runs along Hylan Blvd from Totteville to Richmond Av & non-stop from there to Lower Manhattan. Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
None yet. I was suggesting such as a route as a uttilization of the additional MCI equipment arriving on Staten Island later this year.
mta is not planning any new routes in the immediate future in si. the x2 and x5 will only make uptown stops effective 6/99 and run via fdr drive. x3 and x4 will be rerouted to serve west st and the financial center.
As far as I know, New Flyer doesn't produce any 45 foot buses. Moreover, I believe they produce only low floor and high floor transit buses, in other words nothing comparable to an MCI cruiser. Does anyone know specifically what kind of flyer buses (3) the MTA is getting to try out on Staten Island later this year?
I had assumed that the New Flyer reference in the article was to articulated buses like those running in the Bronx and soon to be elsewhere. Am I wrong?
I don't know, I'm only told that they would be "New Flyer 45' Test Coaches"
-Hank
new flyer artics are 60 ft long. these will be new flyers first attempt at building a coach or express bus and nyct will be the guinea pig in this experiment.
Not quite a guinea pig...the three buses NYCT ordered are tagged onto the end of a 104-bus order for Houston Metro. So Houston Metro's the guinea pig, while NYCT's just testing.
David
[new flyer artics are 60 ft long. these will be new flyers first attempt at building a coach or express bus and nyct will be the guinea pig in this experiment.]
Wrong! This new bus is the model S45 and we will be the second system in the country to order them. Houston Metro is the first to
order them and they are the actual guiney pigs for this. These buses are very nice looking and have the same drive train as an MCI
102DLW3. The Detroit Diesel Series 60 is standard and the Cummins M11 now ISM is Optional. They also come equipped with and Allison
ATEC B-500R world Transmission.
Peace
DaShawn
Interestly, New Flyer doesn't seem to have anything about this new model on its Web Page. Perhaps they want to make sure it works first!
New Flyer has not updated it's website in a while, especially the news section. I hope they will do this soon.
Peace
DaShawn
I thought the New Flyer may have been a 45 foot version of the low floor model (D45LF???) or a 45 foot version of the regular transit model (D45???). New Flyer has a D60LF that was being tested at WMATA.
Wayne
These New Flyer test coaches are being custom-made for the TA. Another company, North American Bus Industires (NABI nee IKARUS) are producing a similar coach to compete with the NovaBUS RTS Super Suburban in which NJ Transit is looking at right now. Low- or High-floor is unknown, most likely High!
Trevor
What is the length of today's buses? I hope to meet you people at the Bus Festival........
The 'standard' length, which all NY Metro area companies (noted exception-MSBA) run, is 40'. The NYU shuttle buses (transit type) are 35', and the New Flyer Artic is 60'; the MCI Cruisers, 45'. Generally, buses for 'local' service come in30', 35', and 40' models, depending on manufacturer. Suburban 'cruiser' buses are usually 45' (three-axle) but there are many 2-axle, 40' versions (Westchester Bee-Line)
-Hank
MSBA, now Long Island Bus, runs some 35 foot Gilligs, but has mostly standard 40 foot buses. Other notable NY Metro area exceptions to the 40 foot standard bus are Suffolk County and Transport of Rockland. The former has both 30 and 35 foot buses, while TOR has many 35 foot buses. TOR is also most notable for having only 1 door on all its transit buses, even the 40 footers. Connecticut Transit in Stamford has one 35 foot bus on its roster. I assume there are other operators with less than 40 foot buses north of Westchester County.
Gun Hill Depot now have GMC-RTS #3502 on Bx39. #3502 came from Kingbridge Depot.
Maybe we will get some routes south of Richmond Avenue. I hope so because all those damn south shore commuters are now parking on MY block since the DOT moved the Tysens Lane bus stop two blocks north on Hylan Blvd! Hylan x-route suggestions: Downtown route starts in Tottenville at Amboy Road & Craig Avenue, then along Hylan with last northbound pick up at Richmond Avenue, then non-stop to Manhattan via Verrazano. P.M. first drop-off at Richmond, then same to Tottenville. East Side & West Side also start at Amboy & Craig, then along Hylan, west on Arden Avenue, then thru NJ via West Shore Expwy, Goethals, NJ Turnpike, etc to Manhattan.
What bus company runs along Hylan Blvd from Totteville to Richmond Av & non-stop from there to Lower Manhattan. Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
None yet. I was suggesting such as a route as a uttilization of the additional MCI equipment arriving on Staten Island later this year.
mta is not planning any new routes in the immediate future in si. the x2 and x5 will only make uptown stops effective 6/99 and run via fdr drive. x3 and x4 will be rerouted to serve west st and the financial center.
As far as I know, New Flyer doesn't produce any 45 foot buses. Moreover, I believe they produce only low floor and high floor transit buses, in other words nothing comparable to an MCI cruiser. Does anyone know specifically what kind of flyer buses (3) the MTA is getting to try out on Staten Island later this year?
I had assumed that the New Flyer reference in the article was to articulated buses like those running in the Bronx and soon to be elsewhere. Am I wrong?
I don't know, I'm only told that they would be "New Flyer 45' Test Coaches"
-Hank
new flyer artics are 60 ft long. these will be new flyers first attempt at building a coach or express bus and nyct will be the guinea pig in this experiment.
Not quite a guinea pig...the three buses NYCT ordered are tagged onto the end of a 104-bus order for Houston Metro. So Houston Metro's the guinea pig, while NYCT's just testing.
David
[new flyer artics are 60 ft long. these will be new flyers first attempt at building a coach or express bus and nyct will be the guinea pig in this experiment.]
Wrong! This new bus is the model S45 and we will be the second system in the country to order them. Houston Metro is the first to
order them and they are the actual guiney pigs for this. These buses are very nice looking and have the same drive train as an MCI
102DLW3. The Detroit Diesel Series 60 is standard and the Cummins M11 now ISM is Optional. They also come equipped with and Allison
ATEC B-500R world Transmission.
Peace
DaShawn
Interestly, New Flyer doesn't seem to have anything about this new model on its Web Page. Perhaps they want to make sure it works first!
New Flyer has not updated it's website in a while, especially the news section. I hope they will do this soon.
Peace
DaShawn
I thought the New Flyer may have been a 45 foot version of the low floor model (D45LF???) or a 45 foot version of the regular transit model (D45???). New Flyer has a D60LF that was being tested at WMATA.
Wayne
These New Flyer test coaches are being custom-made for the TA. Another company, North American Bus Industires (NABI nee IKARUS) are producing a similar coach to compete with the NovaBUS RTS Super Suburban in which NJ Transit is looking at right now. Low- or High-floor is unknown, most likely High!
Trevor
What is the length of today's buses? I hope to meet you people at the Bus Festival........
The 'standard' length, which all NY Metro area companies (noted exception-MSBA) run, is 40'. The NYU shuttle buses (transit type) are 35', and the New Flyer Artic is 60'; the MCI Cruisers, 45'. Generally, buses for 'local' service come in30', 35', and 40' models, depending on manufacturer. Suburban 'cruiser' buses are usually 45' (three-axle) but there are many 2-axle, 40' versions (Westchester Bee-Line)
-Hank
MSBA, now Long Island Bus, runs some 35 foot Gilligs, but has mostly standard 40 foot buses. Other notable NY Metro area exceptions to the 40 foot standard bus are Suffolk County and Transport of Rockland. The former has both 30 and 35 foot buses, while TOR has many 35 foot buses. TOR is also most notable for having only 1 door on all its transit buses, even the 40 footers. Connecticut Transit in Stamford has one 35 foot bus on its roster. I assume there are other operators with less than 40 foot buses north of Westchester County.
Hi, I just got off the phone w/ Transit Bus Customer Relations; they insist that despite announcements to the contrary, the B-39 is NOT a free fare bus if it is your first ride; that is unless you have fare media(they did not specify which type) in your possession, you must pay on the B-39... Go figure...
The "Service Notice" brochure on "No trains over the Williamsburg Bridge" is just as confusing. On the first inside panel is a paragraph that reads, "B39 buses provide free service over the bridge between Marcy Av and Delancey St-Essex St every 2 to 5 minutes during rush hours." But on the following panel it says, "If you use the B39 bus, ask for a free magnetic strip transfer at the Marcy Av or Essex St-Delancey St stations so you can re-enter the subway free at the other side of the bridge." I wondered how you can board a free bus and get a free transfer to the subway at the other end. Unless there's going to be special boarding at each station for those coming off the subway so they won't have to pay or swipe upon entering the bus. Under that scenario, those boarding the bus from the street would have to pay, as usual. The other possibility: The B39 will be free, but those magnetic stripe transfers are available only within either station. Guess we'll find out real soon.
[TA brocure says "If you use the B39 bus, ask for a free magnetic strip transfer at the Marcy Av or Essex St-Delancey St stations so you can re-enter the subway free at the other side of the bridge."]
1. The bus driver CAN issue a paper/mag Transfer irrespective of how you pay. Normally you're only entitled to one if you pay cash & that Transfer is only good to another bus.
2. Apparently the TA has modified the Turnstiles on each end of the bridge to take paper/mag Transfers ... Just like they do on SIRT. This way you only have to pay ONCE if you orig. paid via MetroCard.
Disclaimer: This is not a official statement, as I don't work for the TA or DOT.
Mr t__:^)
You can also get a FREE ride on our Q69, but no free ride on the ferry across the East River, sorry about that :-(
Mr t__:^)
No modification neccesary. Just tell the computer that code xyz is valid for entry. My understanding is that it is very easy to do, can bee done from the booth computer if neccesary.
-Hank
[Just tell the computer that code xyz is valid for entry.]
The "customer" can't do that ??????
I think the TA has to modify the "Tables" so the Turnstile will accept a paper/mag Transfer from B39.
Mr t__:^)
The transfer is actually a special transfer like the one used on the Franklin Shuttle. The terminal in the booth communicates with the mainframe in Brooklyn and presumably the mainframe talks back. I am sure that the tables wre updated for Marcy and Delancey/Essex.They are good for 48 minutes
Oh .... EYE want one !
As most of you know I collect tokens/MetroCards/etc., so if someone has this SPECIAL Transfer I would love to trade you something of mine for it !!! Just think of me and don't throw it away ... thanks.
Mr t__:^)
I promise to keep that in mind when I ride the B39 on Sunday!
Peace
DaShawn
Although I have not seen any yet, I have heard from various sources that a "paper magnetic" is indeed being used. I wonder if it is programmed for entry at stations other than Essex/Marcy Aves. Those in the know please check this out.
in two letters - NO! When the card is encoded (via a bus fare box)in the booth or on the bus it is coded with a route number and the "table" (computer software) knows the route and will not allow entry if it is not at the proper location.
The booth terminal does not have a feature to encode transfers--they are handled via a bus fare box placed in the booth--I haver worked the Lincoln Road entrance at prospect Park on the D. We push the transfer button on the farebox and the transfer pops out (just like on the bus.) When a customer enters the subway with this special magnetic card rtansfer, they swipe at the turnstile which allows entry if valid. If the transfer is not valid it refuses entry. The custmoer then gripes to the station agent who checks the card in the computer which tells us that it is a special bus transfer and when it was issued--the time period is 24 minutes (48 minutes for the J diversion.)
While I am sure that the terminal might bwe able to issue transfers, a software upgrade would be needed and we'd have to stock the special magnetic transfers (They come in rolls).
Personally, I'd rather issue a paper MetroCard transfer rather than punch block tickets(they are good for two days) but they dont ask us-we just have to follow the rules.
I trust this answers your question.
In today's Daily News, there is a story about a bus stop that is a hang out for loiterers. It is the Q22 bus at B.116 and Rockaway Beach Blvd. The bus stop is in front of the library. Can anybody fill in about this situation?
Neighborhood is complaining about undisireables hanging out ,,at the Bus Stop (intox)
I lived in the Rockaways for many many years
The Q22 originally stopped on the corner (SW) of Bearch 116 ,,on Rockaway Beach Blvd
It now stops closer to Beach 117 near the Library
Steve
Just received info on the bus operator exam next saturday. It is getting down to that time. Anybody with info please share. Email me if possible........