Does anyone have any info on the following
Academy Buses
Carefree
Friendly Bus
DeCamp
regarding Local Bus Operations out of Journal Square,Hoboken,Bayonne ,I need the
Route Numbers
Line Names
etc
Thank you
Steve
Academy operates 1 local route, the #22 between Hoboken Terminal and Fort Lee (not sure of the exact routing, but it spends a lot of time on Bergenline Avenue).
Academy also operates a limited service between Hoboken Terminal and Lincoln Harbor.
They also run the IKEA shuttle between the Port Authority and IKEA Elizabeth.
Carefree Bus Lines (formerly Friendly -- Friendly is no more) operates two routes:
#22 between Bloomfield and Journal Square
#55 between Bloomfield and New York (midtown -- does not go to the PABT).
Both of these services are very limited and do not operate middays or weekends.
DeCamp does not service Jersey City or Hoboken, nor do they offer local service.
They have 6 lines:
#32 between Nutley and New York
#33 between West Caldwell and New York (Bloomfield Avenue, Broad Street, West Passaic Avenue, then Route 3).
#44 between Bloomfield and New York
#66 between West Orange, Montclair, and New York
#88 between Orange and New York
#99 between North Arlington, Kearny and New York
On weekdays, the 44 and 88 operated seperately. The 88 joins with the 33 at Bloomfield Avenue and Broad Street. On weekends, the 44 and 88 are combined and operate as one line (the 88 route to Bloomfield Center, then the 44 route to New York. The 33 operates on its own).
Academy also has a rush hour line that runs between Hoboken Terminal and Boulevard East/West New York.
STEVE
This bus is still without a fare box. It could be used on school trips. Either that or it's ready to be stored later on when the hard-seated CNG'S arrive.
BUSMAN316
What does "CTC" stand for?
Ditto.............
Ditto............. i tninking of Charlotte buses.
Actually, it stands for Triboro Coach Corporation! While the real initials are TCC, the company's logo looks like "CTC."
David
Last Night, I saw bus 6067 on the M104. Gee, the bus looks the same as the original Orions, except cleaner.
BUSMAN316
Of couse all the buses are the same and i like the Bia-Orions because it look better than RTS buses. Im tired looking at RTS buses.
I agree about seeing RTS's but I disagree that Orions look better than RTS's. Orion's are just square, but if you look at a New Flyer those I like better than an RTS. The new Orions are still much nicer than the 1993 Orions. My reason is that the 93' Orions ride nice but that MT-740 trasmission is horrible and it makes those buses jerk a bit. The 94' orions are my favorite along with the 99' 6000 series. These buses have the B-400R transmission and Series 50 engine which is a nice combo and they are fast.
Peace
DaShawn
I agree with you Dashawn about the New Flyer Articlated and i love these Flyer Articlated. I take that bus everyday to work coming from the train. I would like to see RTS into Flyer Articlateded and call Nova-RTS Articlated. Do you think i have a great idea?
That's interesting! I like that idea!
PEace
DaShawn
I was also tired of RTS's. I was never cared much about them and to live in a city with over 3000 of them was too much. I was thrilled with the Orion V's either, however I was so happy to see something other than an RTS being delivered. I used to live near to the Grand Concourse and Kingsbridge was one of the "luck" depots to have Orions. At that point I would usually pass up an RTS to ride a Orion.
BTW-In the early 1980's GM did build a prototype articulated RTS, but it never did go into production.
Wayne
I felt the same way. It would be nice if the TA was to purchase the New Flyer D40 coach which is virtually the same coach as the D60 just 20 feet shorter, and they share the same components.
Peace
DaShawn
I agree that NYC has nearly been RTS'd to death is recent years. I find transit systems with varied equipment more interesting to use. Things are getting better, though. Now in addition to the thousands of RTS's, there are Orions, articulateds, low floor Orions and MCI express buses wearing the blue stripe. Soon there will be New Flyer low floor buses as well. The problem remains that the equipment is segregated in garages by type. Being in a part of the city where the only non RTS one sees is an Orion or MCI express bus passing through, I still wish there could be more variety. I seem to remember a while when GM and Flxible new look buses were fairly well mixed throughout the city.
I agree with all of you guys. A vaired bus system is much better than all just 1 kind. I believe that Stengel Depot is a little boring because only Orions?! RTS buses should be there too.
I like riding the 400 and 500 series buses from Stengel. Also buses 291-297, 299-300. I hate the other Orions, the engine sounds terrible, it rides good, but I just don't like it. One night, I rode the Q48 bus 277 and it made me bounce in the air. I'm not no skinny guy to bounce around. They bounce around too much. The coaches, different story. I love those seats. I can easily fall asleep on those buses. And I never fall asleep while I'm traveling, but when I get on those, just let me sleep.
BUSMAN316
That is the truth! When I lived in New Jersey that was the only thing that I loved more than the buses in NY. Cushioned reclining seats even on the Flxible suburbans from Transport of NJ. When the MCI's arrived here I said it was about time and long overdue for anyone who comes from SI to Manhattan and vice-versa.
Peace
DaShawn
But there are several advantages to using a single type of bus. Smaller stock of spare parts, no need to train operators on multiple types of vehicles, train mechanics to repair different buses, having a 'fluid' look to your fleet.
-Hank
You'll soon see some buses coming in from Europe. They are 40 foot Breda buses. I don't know when exactly (contractual issues), but follow up with the New Bus Procurement department at NYCT.
Would like to know more about this. Any information would be appreciated
Bredas eh, lets hope there straight diesel and none of this duel mode nonsense like what seattle has.
The only cosmetic differences in the exterior are the addition of a steel sheild under the marker lights on the sign bonnet, and an chrome exhaust pipe that extends above the roofline of the bus.
-Hank
That steel sheild first debuted on the 400 series, and I like that crome exhaust pipe!
Peace
DaShawn
I know that buses 8000 (still with Castleton Depot Logo) 8006 (has fresh pond logo) and 8023(see yesterday's post) are in. What are the others?
BUSMAN316
I've seen reports of the following recent arrivals at Fresh Pond: 8001, 8002, 8003, 8012, 8023, 8030 & 8045. Also, 1792, 1799, 1823, 1824, 1841, 1846, 1855, 3002, 3010, 3011, 3016, 3018, 3021, 3032, 3048, 3052, 3053, 3309, 3310 & 3311.
I see that 3309-3311 are making their return to Fresh Pond. They have been there before. I bet that the 1700, 1800 and 3000 series are just stored there. They're not in service.
BUSMAN316
8000 is not from Staten Island, it is Manhattan's Mother Hale Depot with the rest of the 8000's coming from the same depot. Staten Island has alot of late 8200's and 8300's.
PEace
DaShawn
The 1700s,1800s,and 3000s ARE in service.They need 40 additional buses for service because of the Willy B closure.
Fresh Pond has also added service to the Q58, Q59, B38, B26 & B52.
I hope they run most of the transferred buses on the Q58.
I hope FP runs the soft seaters in a logical fashion. That is: assign them to the lower ridership routes like the B18 & B24. I always wanted to ride over the Kosciusco (don't bother me about the spelling!) Bridge on a soft seater with my favorite bus operator.
Real Good! LOL LOL LOL.
Does anyone know when are we getting the new low-floor diesel buses?
According to the Bus Dept insiders guide of 1998 we were supposed to have 250 or 200 diesel powered low floors being delivered. I guess they are waiting to see how the Nova LFS holds up to our Transit Environment.
Peace
DaShawn
Those buses are 190 CNG New Flyers, (C40LF) that are being delivered to Jackie Gleason, which is the TA's only CNG facility. So far, the only diesel low floors are the 10 Orion VIs out of Manhattanville, which are actually diesel-electrics.
-Hank
Thanks for the response Hank! Maybe if tests go well with #999, the Nova LFS test bus we might see some of these on the streets in the near future.
PEace
DaShawn
Why do the Orion jerk so much when it downshifts? When the bus slows down, it feels like your being thrown forward. Doesn't happen in the RTS. They should really do something about that.
They can't because that is the design of the Allsion MT-740 transmission. This is the same transmission used in the Sanitation garbage trucks of which some have the same engine as the 1993 Orions we have here. The RTS's do not suffer from this problem because they use the Allsion VR-731 transmission which is a much smoother transmission. I hope this helps you.
Peace
DaShawn
Thats not the bus its the Allsion Trasmission used in the bus and yes RTSs number 5075-5124 have the same jerking motion with its ZF Transmission so its just that, the Transmission!!!
Trevor
You are right, but the jersking is not even as bad as on the Orions. I like the Novas with the ZF HP590's with the series 50, these buses are wickedly fast! I rode 5123 last night on the Bx5 and we flew, it was great!
Peace
DaShawn
Yes, well the ZF transmission is a highway-type of transmission and is designed for speed. Most NJ Transit buses built after 1993 are equipped with that transmission.
Also the Orion CNGs are a ZF Transmission bus too!
Trevor
Red Caboose do have Bus Models but they have only Grumman Flxible Model buses from diffirent city. I have NYCMTA Grumman Flxible and it only cost about $10 dollar.
Peace Out Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
So they do have Model Buses? What does it say on the destination sign? Can you customize the destination sign?
Also they do have NYCT-MTA buses right?
They have NYCT-MTA and the destination sign said (M42 Crosstown)with no number.
Can you reserve these buses? Do they have enough in stock? Ill purchase one on Friday....
I called them yesterday and a representative said that those bus models were discontinued. But he said some brass Fishbowls will be out in 4-6 mos if anybody interested........ I plan to take a trip up there Friday and see for myself..........
Do you have the routings for any or all of Lakeland Bus Lines' four routes (24, 46, 78, and 80)?
Thanks in advance.
Do you know them,,,bidirectional
Steve
I have no idea of Lakeland's routings -- I was asking you if you had them!
For some reason, Lakeland doesn't have any maps or charts of its routes, nor does it even include locations in its bus schedules.
The timepoints in the schedules just say the name of the town, such as Summit or Madison, but it doesn't include any street names or intersections (with the exception of a few timepoints in the #46 schedule).
Another thing is that Lakeland doesn't display the route number on their buses (the route numbers are obtained from the highways that the bus routes operate on or near -- I-78, I-80, Rt. 24, and Rt. 46).
I also tried contacting Lakeland regarding the routing, but to no avail.
-Vartan
I am going to try both of these carriers
But first,,I am working on Academy Locals
Steve
There is a news announcement at Academy Bus's web site (www.academybus.com) that they have merged with Red Apple Bus Lines. Academy is now operating the former Red Apple Hoboken to Port Authority service. According to the announcement, the fare remains at $1.25 even though "the traditional Red Apple buses have been replaced with new, sleek, blue & white Academy Coaches". This must have just happened, as I was on this route on an old Red Apple Flxible (#114) back on April 24th.
Hmmm . . . interesting.
It must have happened literally overnight, since I saw a couple Red Apple buses at the PABT on Friday!
Wonder what will happen to those Flx's. Considering their age, they'll most likely be collecting their pension soon and moving down to Florida ;-).
Now that Academy is operating the route, the fare is $1.25, and they are using MCI Coaches, NJ Transit really has some competition now on the #126 line!
Watch this -- in about month or two, you'll start seeing MCI's showing up on the #126 . . .
Sorry, I just went to Academy's website right after I posted my last message. From the quote that Sid from NJ provided, I assumed that Academy would be using MCI coaches.
Bus then I clicked on "Academy News", and I was staring at a picture of a big, fat RTS bus.
Oh well. So much for a sleek, comfortable coach ;-)
BTW - Academy must have recently purchased new RTS's, because I know that Acedemy has some old RTS's (white interior, probably early 80's).
It's hard to tell from the picture whether #75 is a new or old RTS. The new Academy paint scheme looks nice, although their current one on the RTS's and Flxibles isn't bad either. I hope to ride that route later in the week, so I'll post here what I ride and see.
The RTS's that Academy has are ex-MTA buses that were sold, check the UTC roster to see what buses have been sold to who and where.
Peace
DaShawn
Can anybody tell me why the newer Orions only have 4 seats across the back of the bus? Older Orions have 5 and the new Novas and MCIs have 5. I have yet to ride on a New Flyer so i dont know how many seats they have across the back.
New Flyer Articlated have 5 seat across the back but the problem is it to high and i can't ever reach my feet touch the floor.
I heard that it has something to do with the Detroit Diesel Series 50 engine. Apparently the engine takes up a lot of room. At first I thought that it may have been a NYCTA thing, but Westchester County's Bee Line and WMATA Orions with the Series 50 engine also have four seats in the back. I've never ridden on a CNG Orion, but I have ridden older Orions at NYCTA, MSBA and WMATA with the older Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA engines and they all have the conventional 5 seats in the back.
BTW - There is a 6-cyliner version (Series 60) of the Series 50 which is used in intercity buses and I know that Prevost increased the length of their 40 foot model (H3-40) by one foot, now called the H3-41 to fit in the Series 60 engine.
Wayne
The new Orion CNG's at Queens Surface have only 4 seats in the back.
That's because those new Orions that ASC, Command, and Triboro have also utilize the DDC Series 50 CNG engine
Trevor
It has to do with a different drive arrangement. Until recently, buses used a 'V-Drive' configuration, where the engine was mounted transversely in the rear (across the width), and the driveshat was angled to meet an aff-set differential on the drive axle. New buses use a 'T-Drive' configuration, where the engine is (I believe) mounted longitudinally (with certain arrangements, the engine can still be mounted transverse, which is the reason for my confusion), and the drive shaft angles straight down to a differential that is centered on the axle. The T-Drive configuration extends forward more than normal, and the hump that has replaced the center seat on the Orions covers this part. The seats on the rear bench of ALL Orions, and the New Flyer D60 are on a slight (appx 1") riser, also to clear the mechanicals. This inch is enough to make most people's feet miss the floor, and make it just slightly uncomfortable to sit there (I need to have my feet planted)
-Hank
I was waiting for the Q17 and I saw Limited to Jamaica and Archer Ave?! Can somebody tell me what this is about? The Q17 doesn't have a limited as far as I know.
BUSMAN316
A bug's life is no longer on QS bus 198. I saw it today with some type of ad about going out to lunch?! Anybody know, maybe Thurston?! Post it here on BT. Thanks.
BUSMAN316
IS THIS LIKE A JOKE OR SOMETHING?-"Butthead"
Maybe it is a joke, maybe it isn't. All that I was saying is that A Bug's Life shrink-wrapped ad on QS bus 198 is no longer. I don't know the ad that's on it now. When I do, I'll post it here on BT.
BUSMAN316
Check out my page
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
for the most recent up-to-date info on what is going on in the TA bus department. Update today (May 3rd)
Trevor
I would like to know on what depots, what routes, how many (with the seriel numbers)to each depot will the 260 new articulated buses be going to when they are delivered late this year, please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
Hey Micheal
Here is your info
New buses will be sent to Kingsbrdige, Gun Hill, 126th Street & Westside
Kingsbridge: Bx1, Bx2, Bx55, Bx41
Gun Hill: Bx12, Bx28 (Rush ONLY)
126th Street: M15
Westside: ????? (Going to be spread upon each route)
Trevor
*** The optional 140 have been put into a year 2000 order to be sent to Flatbush*****
This was the 1st Sunday for limited stop service on the B41,44,and 46 buses. The only two buses I can think of with Sunday limited service is the M15 and Bx55. If theres any more please let me know......
(Now only the Artics got to the Bush.):):)
BX!2,,also
Steve
Thanks for the info...... I did not know that.
Actually the Bx12 LIMITED does not run on the weekends, Just all day weekdays
Trevor
I just found that awhile ago. Looked on my Bronx Bus map.
add Q4 LTD,Q5 LTD,BX12 LTD,,M4 LTD,M5 I think ,,m7 LTD (I know this one was proposed)
This is not usually my interests,,just the routings and destination signs
Steve
FDNY
These are proposals right? Ill check my Manhattan and Queens Bus maps. Do you have a complete list of May proposals and changes for NYCT?
I have the April material only ,,at this time
May agenda should be available around the 12 to 20 of the month
Steve
FDNY
Can anybody give a me few hints on what to look for on the bus operator exam this coming Saturday? My email addy is included with this post. All comments and observations are welcome.......
Hey B14 do you have CDL or clean driving record?? I was to take the test for Bus operator this year but i change my mind not to take the test and i will wait for the next test in two or four years from now.
Straight driving record. Never been in an accident. Never got a ticket.
Hope you will pass the test this saturday and take your time, don't rush.
There will be questions on the following:
1. Reading comprehesion. You will be tested on your ability to read and understand rules bulletins, instructions, memos and accident reports and then be questioned on what you just read.
2. Schedules and routes. You will be tested on your ability to understand bus schedules and routes.
3. Safe driving and Rules of the road and NYSDMV laws.
4. New York City geography and landmarks.
Good luck. If your transit buff the test wont be that difficult and might be fun.
Well Im a mini transit buff. I hope that it will come ijto play here.....
Took it today. Pretty straightforward. No calcuations.....
Here in Manhattan, I've only seen the new low-floor buses on two routes...The M2 and the M60. And so far, I see them very infrequently...maybe 10 times.
What other routes are these new model buses serving on? Are they in all five boroughs now?
By the way, is there a simple way to describe what are the three different bus models currently in service? We have the most popular model...the one that's been around for about 20 years now. We have the more box-type model that till recently was rarely seen in Manhattan. What's its name? (I notice now more than half the M104's and about a third of the M7's are of this type. And in Queens ALL the Q27's are this type. Why are these decisions made that some lines get only one type of bus?)
And now we have the new low-floor buses. Do they have another name?
Since I'm on the subject, is there a name for the recently retired 30 year old square buses (the kind where the air conditioner was mounted on the rear end of the roof so you could tell whether a bus was air conditioned or not)? They were still being used occassionally during rush hours till a few years ago. I guess the last one I rode was supposed to be an express bus since it had all seats facing forward and they were well-cushioned. But it was being used on the M104 line.
Reggie
These box-type buses that you see on the M104, M1, M7 are called the Orion V (5).
The low floor buses that you have seen are called the Orion VI (6) Hybrid-Electric. They also have premiered on the M5, M4, M3, M18 routes too!
There are only 5 of these low-floor buses. 190 are to come to Jackie Gleason in Brooklyn by months end. These going to Brooklyn are called the New Flyer C40LF CNG.
Hoped I 've helped
Trevor
A little clarification;
The Orion VI Hybrid: There are only 10 of these buses that have been ordered, with 5 currently in service. So far, these are the only ones of their kind. (6350-6359, 6350-6354 are in service, out of Manhattanville Depot)
The New Flyer C40LF are CNG powered and will run on several routes out of Jackie Gleason Depot in Brooklyn, which is the TA's only CNG facility. (800-989? 801 is in service)
The TA is also testing a Nova LFS, which is the low-floor version of the RTS, numbered 999 and running out of East New York.
Those old 'box-type' buses you refer to are, I believe, GM New Looks, rebuilt by Blitz in the mid 80s, which were last in service on Staten Island. They were retired in 1993, along with the remaining Grumman Flxibles from the late 60s and early 70s. (Blitz Rebuilds were 5000, 6000 series, old Flx were 7000 and 9000 series)
-Hank
Nope he was refering to the Orions because he had said on Route M104 and M7, those now have to box- or square-type buses on them
Trevor
Also the Flxibles of the 1970's are not Grumman Flxibles, they are Rohr Industries Flxibles or Rohr Flxibles, which predated Grumman and GAC (General Automotive Corporation) which was the last owner of Flxible of which GAC went bankrupted and so did Flxible.
Peace
DaShawn.
As looking on some sites and on Bustalk can someone plaeast expalain the diffrent types of seating in use. thanks.
Zack
Here is a run down
Hard Fiberglass Seats
Orion V's (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Series Local)
RTS's (3000, 4000-4899, 8000, 9000-9200 Series Local)
New Flyer Articulateds (All)
Vandal Resistant Fabric Seats
Orion V's (6000 series)
Orion VI Hybrids (6354-6359)
RTS (9350-9699, 4900-5249 Series)
1999 New Flyer Articulateds (all)
New Flyer Low Floor CNG (all)
Recliner Seats
Orion V's (101-172, 610-629)
RTS (3800-3899, 4873-4888, 7038-7047, 9250-9349)
MCI D3 Cruisers (all)
Soft Seat (Non Recliner)
Orion VI Hybrid (6350-6353)
Hoped I Helped!!
Trevor
Buses 3800-3899 have soft two tone blue cushioned seats. Buses 4873-4888 have grey soft cushioned seats with blue stripes. None of these seats recline. Only the seats in the express Orions, Novas and MCIs recline. The TA has put soft seats in several local buses which are similiar to those in 4873-4888 but they do not have an armrest on the isle seat.
Do 9525-9699 have fabric seats? They were originally delivered with fiberglass seats, but there were rumors they would be replaced with fabric seats. Has this happened yet?
9526 has fabric seats. I know a bus like 9612 doesn't. I think they were supposed to get fabric seats.
BUSMAN316
Where is Ulmer Park located?
Ulmer Park Depot is located at 2449 Harway Ave,Brooklyn,N.Y 11214.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
Where can I get Bus Depot Decals? Also some bus route Guide A Ride maps if possible?
I've gotten depot decals at the Transit Exhibit. I bought them a few years ago - and at the time they only had a few depot decals. I also got a Quality Control Bus decal.
Wayne
Where is the Transit Exhibit? Better yet, is it still around?
It's at Boerum Pl and Schemehorn St in Downtown Brooklyn at the old Court St station.I don't think they sell the decals anymore.
They dont. I went there todAY. They do not when they are getting more. Anywhere else I can get them?
I guess that means that they were selling them at one point recently.I haven't seen them in years at the museum.Maybe the store at Grand Central has them.Any busdrivers on this site may know also.
can you give me the correct address for this store? thanks
It should be in the terminal at Grand Central.
Near Metro North or the 4,5,6 trains?
I'm not sure.Look for the Advertisement on the train.
The Transit Museum store in Grand Central, which opened a few months back, is west of the main concourse room. From the Metro North and NYC TA information booths, go west through the corridor that is to the left of the staircase that goes up to Vanderbilt Ave. It should be pretty much straight ahead.
There is also a Transit Museum store in the NY Visitor Center on the east side of 7th Avenue, across from the half-price ticket booth at Times Square. I believe it is between W 46 and W 47 St (or 47 & 48). This one has longer hours than the one in Grand Central, but is not as large.
I don't know whether either sells bus decals.
The Transit Museum store in Times Square is pretty lame. It is between 46 & 47, just south of the theatre where "Beauty & the Beast" is playing. It is open 8a-8p. The store in GCT is better, but too much stuff which are trinkets and toys, having nothing to do with buses and subways.
Neither sells bus decals. The store at the museum in Brooklyn used to have a great collection of memorabilia in the old days, such as boxes and boxes of old roll signs, but no more.
call before you go there ,,to verify the hours
Does anyone know why when NYCTA RTS buses get repainted, areas previously black are painted white. This seems strange since new Novas continue to arrive in the original livery. Why has the integrity of the original more attractive design been preserved? Is there a shortage of black paint in NYC?
The oldest RTS buses have a small rear window on each side out of which passengers riding in the back seat could see. In some later deliveries this small window was blacked out from the inside although it still appeared to be a window from the outside. In the most recent several orders, this small window has disappeared entirely from the exterior design. Is there a logical design explanation for this? Although I have ridden only once on an Orion (#91991, the demonstration bus that ran on the M11 for several months in 1991) my impression is the Orion riders get a better view of the outside world, even from the back seat.
By the way, what ever happened to 91991? Is it currently running somewhere with a new number?
Eric, I think you meant bus 93091. I don't think there was ever a bus with a number of 91991. Orion Bus 93091 is now known as 191, which is now residing at Casey Stengel Depot in Queens.
BUSMAN316
91991 was a demo bus that ran in Manhattan for several months in 1991. I saw it frequently on the M11 and once rode it on this route. When I asked the driver about the strange 5-digit number, he told me that it was a test bus and that the number was the model year preceded by a 9.
93091, fortunately renumbered 191, is a 1993 model which was part of the first regular TA order of Orions.
I believe the demonstrator Orion V went back to BIA. I remember when it was on the M11 too, but I never did remember it's fleet number.
RE:Paint Scheme - We touched on this topic a short time ago. I think it's the worst paint scheme I've ever seen. I've heard that the TA went to this scheme to make the buses more visible. If that's true.. I think it's a poor attempt. Someone else suggested that the TA use the reflectorized decals which we though was an excellent idea. You mentioned that the TA may have a shortage of black paint - I was thinking that they had extra white paint and decided to just plaster it in more places.
Wayne
I also remeber this demonstrator, and it ran on the M1 out of 146th Street aka Mother Hale and then it was running in Brooklyn on the B25 out of ENY. It was an interesting bus at the time, but in 1993 when they were ordered I was impressed with the fact that they were equipped with the Donaldson Dual carbon Trap Oxidizers to control soot. They were really cool, because when they would reach the 1st gear going in to the 2nd the oxidezer would activate and they would get louder like it had turbo boost! It was really cool until they took them out.
Peace
DaShawn
Routes like the Q4, Q5 do not nave enouph off pesk service to warrant limited service. A route like the Q17 should have limited service at least during peak hours. the B49 Should allso have limited service as well. And it might gett it in September Or the next time the route is reviewed. The only reason why the route doesn't have limited service now is because ther is not enouph service in the evening rush hour.
I think that B49 should and will get limited service. It will probably be only at rush hour though........
See the post that I placed about the Q17 Limited.
BUSMAN316
if anybody has the date for this meeting please post. also are these meetings open to the public. many staten islanders are concerned about the route changes to the x3 and x4 buses due to go into effect on june 20,1999.
Do you need any details of these proposals
Steve
FDNY
If anyone needs details ,let me know
Steve
i know the route changes. just need the date and if any one may attend.
I do not know the meeeting details ,,the May Meeting can be found by contacting the MTA 212 878 743
Steve
Can you post on the bustalk NYCT May Committee on Staten Island bus changes. I appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
I noticed on several Express Orions in Staten Island that the bus # is being put under the driver's window. Also the MTA NEW YORK CITY BUS Decal has been moved closer to the front of the bus(where the bus # used to be) so the advertisement doesnt cover it. I was wondering if this is happening to the Casey Stengel Express Orions too.
The TA has done this on the New Flyer Articulateds also.
Wayne
I would like to know whether or not you have received the new NYCT bus electronic desination reading list for 1999. Please post on bustalk if you have it, if not, when do you expect to receive it. I appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
I am not doing any further work on it,,I am working on the NJ Bus Routes only
Steve
As mentioned in a posting earlier this week, Academy Bus took over Red Apple's Hoboken - Port Authority route this past Saturday and, as DaShawn mentioned, is using former NYC RTS's on the route (I assume the numbers on the UTC Roster - Academy did a good job of hiding any trace of the NYC numbers). Some are still in the NYCTA paint scheme of blue and white (#79, 82, 87 & 90), others have been painted all-white with just the Academy name, while others got a new Academy paint scheme (as shown on RTS #75 on Academy's web site announcing the new service). At least there's one place in the metro area where the 1982 RTS's are likely to keep running for awhile! And you can ride them for less that the usual $1.50 fare ($1.00 for local Hoboken trips or $1.25 thru the Lincoln Tunnel).
What is Academy bus companys web page address?
Academy's Web Site address is www.academybus.com
Interesting that Academy mentions that the buses on the 'boken-PABT run are "new" and "sleek".
And Academy fails to mention that they've introduced scratchiti on that route!
Although Red Apple's Flxibles were not the newest, at least they all seemed to have cushioned seats. Although a few of the NYC/RTS's may have express cushioned seats, most have the standard one-and-two hard seats, which are not as comfortable as the Flxible's seats were.
I only rode on 1 Academy RTS a couple months ago (forgot the number -- might have been #51 or 54), but it didn't have an NYCTA interior. It had blue seats, but they were not the same as the type the TA has (they were ever so slightly padded, they were shaped differently (more squarer), and were darker blue than most TA seats). It also had 2-2 seats, and the bars along the top of the seats were black and had sharper corners, rather than silver and curvy on TA buses.
There was also no wheelchair accomidation and the rear door was the more standard type, which keeps with the curvature of the side of the bus.
I think it had a black floor, though.
Those are not ex-MTA buses. RTS #53 is though!!!!
but the others aren't. And with 53, they replace the seats with more NJ Transit-type seats!!!
Trevor
(I live along that line (Route 22))
The reason they say that is because Academy does their own bus remanufacturing/recondition. They are the owners of BodyRite which is who does the majority of their buses like the MCI crusiers that are not the newest. The majority of these MCI's are from Greyhound and then they are extensively refurbished, so I figure that the RTS's went through the same treatment. BodyRite also does complete repainting and the whole works.
PEace
DaShawn
What then happened to the Flxible's that were being run??? Were they reassigned to another route, or are they going to be scrapped???
I believe Rutgers U. has some early RTS' in their fleet now too.
-Dave
I rode that bus yesterday on the Q39 around noontime. The bus has no farebox. Since Triboro usually keeps the same buses on a given route, my son told me he has ridden on that bus several times in recent weeks and the farebox has been missing for awhile. He told me he has also ridden Triboro Coach buses with broken fareboxes. I know they have many new CNG's in and they may have a shortage of fareboxes. Eventhough I appreciated the free ride, I'm curious why that bus even runs. Don't they need the revenue? Surely, they had other buses around WITH fareboxes. If they are so short on fareboxes, then why don't they just run the bus in the rush hours for a couple of trips?
At this Depot we're about to get more Orion CNGs, and a few more fareboxes are on order, but not one for one. We don't have enough for all the buses we can put on the road now, so do we provide less service to the public, i.e. leave 'em standing at the curb or roll out a fareboxless coach once in a while ? It's also not very practicle for us to remove it every time a bus goes in the garage for a day or to. DOT is also going to/has ordered another batch of boxes when these few come in.
It would seem that Orion can get a bus made quicker than Cubic can make a farebox :-(
Mr t__:^)
Sounds like some pretty poor planning on someone's part. I believe the Orion buses had been on order for at least 2 years. Couldn't someone have figured out that more fareboxes would be needed back then? (Or did the original plan anticipate getting rid of more old buses quicker, i.e., the recent surge in ridership was not anticipated.) In any event, you would think some positive publicity could be achieved out of running some buses without fareboxes.
Triboro Coach bus 664 is the same way. I rode on it again yesterday on the Q18 and it still didn't have a farebox. The driver told me that he requests that bus everyday. I know why. I've seen a lot of free Triboro Coach buses as of late. Bus 717 had a change jam last week, ride was free. 2820 didn't work at all. 735 the same result. 710 kept beeping that you paid your fare and that no money is on your card (beep, boop). And figure this out: if the farebox is covered up, some people try and lift the paper cover off the farebox and drop their money in. IT'S a FREE RIDE, IF YOU WANT TO PAY, WAIT FOR THE NEXT BUS! FREE RIDES DON'T COME OFTEN!
BUSMAN316
Hey Sid, do you have a screen name on AOL? That goes for everybody else here on BT too. If you do, email it to me. Thanks!
BUSMAN316
(Or did the original plan anticipate getting rid of more old buses
quicker, i.e., the recent surge in ridership was not anticipated.)
You got the answer ... most of our fleet has over 200,000 miles on them, so replacements have been in the que for a while.
Mr t__:^)
Thurston, I remember when the Steinway buses had fareboxes with no registers, both the Johnson kind and some other kind. Couldn't something like that get dredged up and put to use. At least coin would come in...
1. All the Johnson/Keene/GFI boxes were sold long ago.
2. This AM I followed up with the TA-AFC group on the boxes they are buying for us & hope they'll be here in a week of two (Cubic has some in stock locally, this squeaky asked for THEM).
So, I hope this problem will go away s-o-o-n, but thanks for your suggestion. It would be pursued if we didn't see light at the end of the tunnel.
Mr t__:^)
Thanks to help from Hank Eisenstein, below you will find my recent pictures of these buses. Dave Pirmann will be adding them to this site's picture collection soon.
These buses look like they belong in an Airport. They're different than the other boring buses (Orion, RTS) Too bad that these buses only run in Brooklyn and Manhattan. To some extent, I wish that they were in Queens. Oh well!
BUSMAN316
Thanks for posting these great pictures. I have seen four of the Orions in service but have never seen the New Flyer. Do you have a picture of the Nova low floor bus #999?
I have not seen the Nova Low Floor demo #999 at all. Does any BusTalk participant have a picture of it? I assume it is still running out of East New York.
if you want to see it it is now parked at hudson pier depot where it will go into service while it tours all the boroughs.
Oh Cool! I remeber when we had F1997 which was the New Flyer D40LF demo which ran on the M14A/C/D, which was cool and now I can't wait to ride it. I will try to get a picture of it this weekend and get it posted here on BT A.S.A.P.
PEace
DaShawn
I just caught it today! I went to the Chinatown post office to send my mother and grandmother cards, and tat Chatham Sq., figuring out thether to take a bus uptown to the L, or walk back to Chambers, I see this low-floor running west on E Broadway. I ran, and it was 999, now moved from ENY to Hudson Pier. (I had tried several weeks ago to get a close look at it in ENY, but they wouldn't let me. Ditto for 801 at Gleason).
Inside, it is unlike anything before. on the driver's side, there is a pair of forward facing seats wedged between the drivers seat and the front wheel bay. There is more room at knee level as the driver partition is indented lower down, so you have to slide into this.
toward the back, there are actually a pair of backward facing seats on both sides! so you could face the people in the next row.
Instead of steps to a raised rear level, as in the Flyers, the floor is level, but the seats are up on platforms. (the one behind the driver as well.)
Then, like the Orion, there is the electric "booth" in the rear right corner, and three rear seats with a back window.
The seats are the carpeted kind, like on all new orders.
It also uses cords for the next stop (both vertical and horizontal, like many other companies use)
This is quite a change!
Does anybody have a pic of bus 9900? Wonder what 4903 and 8397 sound like?
BUSMAN316
Are MTA have plan to buy more Low Floor Bia-Orion or New Flyer C40LF in the future???
Yes! But remember that Orion is not BIA anymore they are Orion Bus Industries, this changed when they were bought by Western Star Trucks of whcih they are a subsidarary. The Orion VI Hybrid Low Floors, there 5 more coming. The New FLyer C-40LF's there will be 190 in total all going to Jackie Gleason Depot in Brooklyn. #6354 an Orion VI has been delivered and it now has the mainly all white paint scheme, which to me sucks compared to the other Orions which have the black on the upper portion of the bus which makes them more attractive. The other buses starting with #6354 will probably be all white with very little black or no black at all.
PEace
DaShawn
The reason why Orion VI #6350-6353 have the black is because those use to belong to the NJ Transit Hybrid order in which NJT uses black in between the windows, when NYCB got them they just slapped on the blue stripe and kept steppin'!!!!!
Also there is talk for 9 more Hybrids from Orion (aside from 6350-6359) and also at years end there is a order for 5 NovaBUS RTS Hybrids!!!!!
Trevor
Why such tiny orders? Are they not sure they will work?
The Orion VI is a Hybrid bus that is part of a test. NYC is the 'proving ground' for this bus, and the purchase was partly funded by the NY Power Authority and the NYS DEP, as part of a pollution control initiative.
-Hank
why did njt reject these buses? what do they know that nyct doesnt?
That is a good question! Because I did not know that NJ Transit had rejected the order until I read it here on bus talk and none of the industry magazines talked about it either. Could it be for the same reason that WMATA rejected their order for their Orions? All I know is that they seem to be running well, and while on the subject, #9900 has been in Long Island City for a while and I don't know why. According to the NovaBus web site and Trevor Logan's web site we will be receiving 5 new RTS Hybrids by years end close to 2000. Can't wait to see them and ride them!
Peace!
DaShawn
deshawn
where in long island city have you seen 9900? Is it in a lot or something?
where in long island city have u seen 9900? is it in a lot or something?
Anybody have a pic of 9900?
MCIMAN2000
I got this information from an operator and I will try to get more info on that, bot from what I understand there is some kind of facility out there
that it is being kept in for maintainance. What kind of maintainance? I have no clue. But when I find out I will post it here on BT.
Peace
DaShawn
I saw 3051 yesterday on the B24 1792 on the Q59 this morning. I wish to get on a soft-seater bus b/c in 6 months, say goodbye! 3000 buses also! And those buses probably run better than the new buses. Go figure! Another thing was that I rode bus 6123 on the Q27 yesterday. It's black on the inside and the number is written in the old style inside the bus (ex: look at the outside of bus 540 now). These 6100 orions are very similar to the 5500 orions now at GL.
BUSMAN316
That's right, when the Orions grom GL and other privates were ordered these were the Orions that recieved a few updates, like LED Signal lights, an improved version of the Series 50 which includes a wastegated turbo charger along with a catalytic conveter to clean up emissions, chrome exhaust on the roof, and the latest Allison B-400R transmission. The interiors got a little update also. MTA buses now have full LED systems from the Turn signals, to the exterior marker lights, to the new Mega Max 3000 series destination signs with LED technology. I give them a big thumbs up!
PEace
DaShawn
Oh no! say it isn't so! What's an already suffering X68 rider to do without the 1700 soft seats (the one's that don't get torn to shreds anyway)? Any one know what will replace the 1700's that run out of QV and Jamaica?
Buses 9252-9256 and 9345-9349 will replace the 1700's. Maybe some 3800's will stay around QV TEMPORARILY until some new buses arrive. I'd assume that since S.I. is receiving new MCI buses, they will probably transfer more RTS TMC'S to QV.
Just a Guess. Anybody else can help us out? Post it here on BT.
BUSMAN316
Maybe the MTA will rebuild some old RTS buses and continue the 7000 series like they did for Ulmer Park. As far as I was informed the new MCIS will replace the rest of the remaining express RTS buses on SI which will probably be sold/or scrapped. Only the 4800s are probably worth saving for a few more years.
Actually, some 9200 and 9300 Novas may return, as there are plans for increased service that may take effect before new MCIs are delivered. But the way things are going with x-bus improvements out here, we may keep some more RTS...
-Hank
Hank thanks for all the info you always provide on bustalk its appreciated! I wouldnt mind seeing some of the express Novas return to SI. I noticed Ulmer Park still hasn't removed the orange stickers from the Novas it received from Yukon; maybe those will come back. Or they might use the new Orions temporarily (whenever they get here).
Whe even bother removing the orange stickers?? That would be a waste of time and you would lose flexibility in case those buses had to be transfered again.
I thought the Novas were gone for good since the MTA wants to consolidate its fleet and make Yukon a MCI/ Orion Depot. Besides those buses would not be needed on the X17 or X31 for NJ trips if they return to SI. There are enough MCIs to cover those runs.
The only question remaining is exactly WHAT those orange patches are for. I only know that they are required for the trips through NJ, as many other companies that operate via the Lincoln Tunnel and NJTP have them as well. With EZPass, the green PA 'Non-Stop Tolls' stickers are no lnger necessary.
-Hank
Thank you for that great information Hank! You are our offical Staten Island contact! One thing though? Why did they take those Nova RTS's from you guys any way? This to me was a stupid idea. With the increase in Staten Island Express service, it would have made sense to keep the Novas on SI to help contribute to the imporovement of Fleet age. With the MCI's, Orion's, and Nova's the fleet would have been dramatically younger than it is now. I truly hope you get the Nova's back and that they stay there!
Peace
DaShawn
The Nova express buses (9250-9349 series) are being removed from Staten Island (I don't think they're all gone yet) as new MCI buses come in (180 are in now and 50 more are on order for delivery by the end of the year). The MCI buses have 57 seats, as opposed to 39 on the Novas.
As to speculation that the buses that went to Ulmer Park will be going back to Staten Island, I wouldn't bet on it. Brooklyn's express bus routes are carrying well; if anything, more service will be needed.
David
[Thank you for that great information Hank! You are our offical Staten Island contact! One thing though? Why did they take those Nova RTS's from you guys any way? This to me was a stupid idea. With the increase in Staten Island Express service, it would have made sense to keep the Novas on SI to help contribute to the imporovement of Fleet age. With the MCI's, Orion's, and Nova's the fleet would have been dramatically younger than it is now. I truly hope you get the Nova's back and that they stay there!]
They should give their soft seaters to the NYCDOT who uses decrepid RTS's with hard seats in Express service.
There was talk some time ago that Liberty Lines was to borrow 10 RTS express until they get new buses with state money.
Anybody have an update?
Peace
DaShawn
I just checked the Bus Roster and 3051 is nowhere to be seen.
BUSMAN316
It used to run out of Flatbush .....
It's at Fresh Pond with lots of other 3000s from Flatbush.
Give him time! There is so much movement going on right now.......bus shifting due to FP getting 40 to 50 used RTS's because of the WillyB shutdown & increases in other routes........the current NOVA order winding down......the curent Orion order in full swing.......The list will always be obselete! I'm sure he'll update it on line very soon!
Also, don't forget that they will be holding on to those buses when the Novas start having problems. I can't wait to see them fail!
Why would you say a thing like that! I know we all have a favorite type of bus, but when you say you can't wait to see a type of bus fail, it becomes a problem for all of us who have to ride the buses and then have to wait even longer and deal with more crowds. Or if you look at it from an operators point of view, he or she may not want to be dealing with the whords of people who will complain to him or her like it is their fault. Personally I think that the RTS's are quite sturdy and will last as well as the New Flyers and the also the Orions, even though there was info I got from operators that alot of the 1993 Orions we have had to have modifications done to their frames at the cost of BIA at the time to correct the problem of craking frames some 2 years after they were on the road. RTS's seem to run into this problem after 15 years of being in service not 2.
Just a thought!
Peace!
DaShawn
Hi; I was just on #3051 over the Willie B.
My question is about all NYCTA transit buses. What kind of suspension
are the RTS equipted with? How about the Orions? The Orions seem much more comfortable. Thr RTS seem like there going to fall apart.
BTW, On other buses there is a warning light labled "Drive Axle Overload". What might this mean? How do overload a drive axle?
Appreciate it if somone can answer the second question.
I have a related question: On Greyhound type buses I have seen a switch labeled "Trailing axle unload" and it is covered with a red cover. What is it used for.
Has anyone ever heard of a bus company in New York, that has mexican buses, with mariachi music and sombreros.
I am looking to plan a bachelorette party in the city and thought it would be fun to be carted around in one of these buses. If anyone knows the name or number of such a company, I would greatly appreciate it!
- Debbie
Yes, the company is - Los autobuses de las putanitas (212) 958-0377.
Does anybody know why the left (driver's) windshield is tilted inward on the Grumman-Flxible and Orion V buses? Is this strictly cosmetic or does it serve a function?
Yes,it does serve a function....just as on the Gillig Phantom as well.
The function? Interior glare is less -- the driver doesn't have to see the interior of the bus with the window tilted inward.
As of May 6th here are the buses parked in Command's old lot:
Queens Surface RTS : 26, 30, 34, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 205, 208, 211, 214, 217, 222, 223, 227, 228, 229, 230, 233, 237, 242, 243
TriBorough MCI CLassics : 768, 769, 770, 777, 780, 789
RTS Methanol Powered: M1, M4, M5, M6
Jamaica Grumman Fixible: 403
Does anyone know what year the RTS Methanol buses were produced in? Most of these buses had an X or O/S in the front window.
According to a Triboro Coach roster I saw on the Web awhile back (sorry, don't have the URL handy), M1-M6 were obtained in 1987.
Those were conversions I think and they were also one of the first in the county to operate them along with LACMTA. The interesting thing is that Triboro will be the last system in North America to run Methanol Powered buses for as long as they did. They are getting rid of these buses when I think they should repower them, but then again it is probably better to sell them and use that money to get new buses perhaps. Just a thought!
PEace!
DaShawn
This morning when I was walking on Madison Ave in Manhattan I saw a Jamaica Bus which had an advertisement on the side for an organization promoting tolerence. The text said something about bus seating not being open to all in Alabama in 1954, and there was a B&W picture of the interior of a Mack C-50 with all sliding windows included standee and rear windows. This picture really caught my eye and reminded me of the Macks which ran in Brooklyn in the 50s. There was a website mentioned on the advertisment but I could not read it as the bus went by. Maybe next time.
Not long ago, walking on Madison Avenue all you would see was TA RTSs and, from the private companies MCIs and GM Classics (not my favorite design). The picture has really changed with more and more Orions. I even saw 6352 diesel-electric running on the M4
I have noticed now on the new Orion V 6000 series that in the back on the plate that covers the engine, there is now a sticker that is red and white that says :
"This is not a seat. If you have any questions call 1-888-NYCT-BUS." Are these signs appearing on any other buses in the Orion V fleet?
And why now after we have had buses like this in the fleet for a least 5 years.
Peace
DaShawn
I haven't seen the sign but my 6yr old nephew has been "chased" from that space (seat) by the operator many times.
QS 550, parked outside, says "Not to be Used as a Seat"
Only those equipped with the Detroit Diesel Series 50 engine.
Does anyone know if they are going change the wheelchair lifts on the 1998 RTS's #9350-9699. The reason I ask is because I remember when the infamous TMC Proprietary Lift was introduced on the 84xx series and once they hit the streets they came from the manufacturer in non-working order or with so many bugs that the ADA and other differently abled people were going to put out a law suit and then these buses had their wheelchair lifts replaced with the Lift-U Step-Lift which is by far the best lift. Are they going to do the same with the 1998 RTS or are they going to leave those slow, problematic lifts on these buses. Look forward to all the great comments. And thank you in advance!
Peace
DaShawn
If anyone needs rosters ,,as of Oct 98,,please let me know
I will be posting the April 99 rosters and Agendas shortly
Steve
SMokiecat@webtv.net
FDNY
Where did the original Q21A go? I know terminated at the New Lots 3 station in Bklyn?
Far Rockaway via Rockaway Beach Blvd and Mott av to Beach 20
ran via Lindenwood
It pretty much ran via Linden Blvd ,Cresent St,Sutter Av (Q7 Q8 Route) to Pitkin,84,Pitkin,Cross Bay ,Lindenwood,,and then Cross Bay,,Broad Channel ,Rockway Beach Blvd,Beach 35 ,Channel Drive,B20,
(very Basic Summary only)
Steve
Saw this bus at the corner of 3 and Atlsntic in BKlyn. It did not have any depot sticker om it? Wlll it be part of Jackie Gleason?
saw this bus on Q32 today at 5Av. I think I saw a Castleton depot sticker on it?????????
I saw this bus stalled At Sprngfld Bl and Union Tpke on Wednesday and it still had Casey Stengel Logo on the bus. Guess this bus will be transferred to Cstleton once the other 6100 orions come in.
BUSMAN316
Today i was drving around at Zerega Ave and i saw about 55 RTS Buses at Zerega Ave on Storage Yard. I stop by to see if they have # on the buses but there is no # on the buses but i can see few Bus Stickers. I want to know why they took the number off the buses? Next time i going to stop by and take some picture of Zerega Storage Yard. Does any one know where is Metro North Storage Yard, Edgewater Storage Yard, Carlton Ave Storage and Crosstown Storage Yard are? So i can take some pictures.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
Metro North storage facility is located on W225th Street right before you get to exterior street which runs parallel to the Major Degan. Crosstown is located on Box and Commercial streets. Take the G train to the last stop in brooklyn which I think is Greenpoint Avenue. You can then take the B43 bus to the last stop which is Crosstown. I have been there and taken pictures. It's pretty nice!
I hope this helps.
Peace
DaShawn
Edgewater storage yard is on Edgewater Plaza, one block toward the water from Bay Street. You can take the SIRT to Clifton and hoof it or take the S51.
Chip
Got a question: How do you take pictures? You can't just walk up to the bus and snap away, can you?!
BUSMAN316
There is fences around the Storage Yard but there is no guard or police watching the buses. Im going back to Zerega Storage Yard again and i will take picture outside the fence not inside. There is no way you can take pictue inside the Storage Yard.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
Thank you Chip
The former location of Edgewater Depot, which was closed when it became Deepwater Depot, and made several fishbowls live up to the moniker.
-Hank
Carlton Storage is off Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn (approx. 1/4 mile east of Flatbush Avenue) - it borders the LIRR tracks
Thank you
I passed by there yesterday. Lots of buses. My only question is how do the buses enter the storage yard? I have not seen an entrance to the Carlton storage yard......
Go the end of the yard on Atlantic Avenue, make a right.
Again, go to the end of the yard, make another right.
At the end of the block on your right hand side is the entrance (a guard is assigned there).
Take the ramp down if they allow you in. Lots of junk in there.
They probably won't allow you in.I was there walking around on the street looking at the buses one night and the guard came out and asked me what I was doing.I told him that it wasn't a crime to walk around the outside of private property and write bus numbers down.He left me alone after that.
Thanks for the info
Don't worry about that. Guards don't know what you doing and just tell them i was just looking at the buses. Some place do have guard or without guards like one in Zeraga Storage Yard because there is no guard but there is fence around. All you have to do it just take some picture right in front of fence and you can get a better view. Trust me, You can do it and it not a crime.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a. Mean DJ)
P.S Im planing to take picture of old 100st Depot before they torn down and planing to open my own website about Buses in NYCTA.
I know it's not a crime but apparently they don't. BTW, at Carlton,they have private security, not T.A. property protection.At 100st depot,there is no longer a property protection agent.It is all boarded up with windows missing.Try to take pictures all around the depot.
Im planing to open my own website soon about NYCTA-MTA Buses in New York City.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
Today i stop by Zerage Storage Yard and took couples picture of RTS Buses. Only thing that I didn't see the guard there. There is about 55 RTS Buses and all lines up. Next week my plan is to take some picture at Gun Hill, Carlton Ave ,and Maybe South Brooklyn Yard.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
At Gun Hill, you have to go in through the side street entrance past the security to take pictures of the buses in storage.
I went to Carlton storge yard today. There is guard right at the entrance. There is a lot of buses in the lot especially from Jamaica and QV....... I saw 3023 there.
Hey Mike, what other QV buses are in there?
I plan to go back tomorrow, Ill let you know......
3200s are there.
Today I took some pictures of Old 100st Depot, than went to South Brooklyn Storage Yard took some good picture than i went to 36st Yard and took some picture of work trains.
Is there a way to get to Command Yard via Q35 Flatbush Ave? If not, then somebody show me from Times Square how to get there, I'd like to take some pics.
BUSMAN316
Take the Q35 to Flatbush and Flatlands and transfer to the B82. That will take you to Flatlands and Pennsylvania Avenue. Then you will have to walk to the end of Flatlands avenue and its pretty far. Im not sure you want to walk around there by yourself. I plan to take some pics before the buses are sold and removed from the yard. I will post them as soon i take them. From Times Square take the Command Bus BM2 Canarsie to the last stop. Some BM2 buses go to Starret City so you would want to make sure you get one that does. Get off at the last stop. If the driver is on his last run maybe he will be nice enough to drop you off near the old lot since the new facility is very close to it. Good Luck!!
I'd appreciate it if you took pics for me and maybe sending them to my address. Or email them to me to download. Let me know what you want to do. Thanks!
MCIMAN2000
I saw bus #197 on the Q66 today. The left rear tail light appears to be coming off. And on top of thst, it still has the November Marathon shrink-wrapped. Today is May 8. Time for an update. Oh, and speaking of Bridgeport buses, I think I know why they're going bye-bye:
1. Back doors are a hastle.
2. They're old and seats are a bit uncomfortable.
3. Newer Buses are on the way.
QS plans to keep 2 Bridgeports. I think 1 will be 198 and the other will either be 195, 197, 201, 203 or 204
BUSMAN316
Hi from Binghamton Univ. ;-)
Eye don't think QS is keeping any of the formaer "Bridgeports"
Mr t__:^)
Peter told me 2 were being kept. The rest are history.
MCIMAN2000
I think that Triboro Coach Corp is the poorest bus company out there. Most of their buses are marked up badly, they never arrive on time and the fareboxes are either broken or missing. There has to be improvements sometime soon. The new CNG'S and the MCI'S are the only buses in excellent condition.
BUSMAN316
They must have transferred some cleaners and maintenance folks to Triboro from Green Bus Lines. Several years back, Green was in the same sorry state that Triboro seems to be in now. Fortunately for Green, their buses seem to be better today than several years back. Maybe Triboro can get there too, although, in Triboro's case, they may be doing nothing to most of their older RTS's on the likelihood that they'll all be gone soon.
When are these buses leaving CS? Any others leaving besides the ones posted on the subject? Opinions on the new 6000 orions? Are they gonna last? Post it here on BT.
BUSMAN316
They'll leave as the new buses are brought in, which so far, they haven't been.
-Hank
Does anyone know why the RTS's leak water into the cabin every time it rains
I saw bus 181 with a new paintjob on the Q76 yesterday. It's BACK!
BUSMAN316
My question is about all NYCTA transit buses. What kind of suspension
are the RTS equipted with? How about the Orions? The Orions seem much more comfortable. The RTS seem like there going to fall apart.
There is a gauge on the dashboard labled "Axle Air Pressure."
Why would a axle need air pressure?
BTW, On other buses there is a warning light labled "Drive Axle Overload". What might this mean?
Both buses have air ride suspensions Older RTS buses have independant front suspension like a 70's GM car. Later RTS's and Orions have solid front axles with air ride.
The other questions sound like optional equipment for NYC I do not know what they are for.
The more weight that is on the bus the higher the air pressure needs to be in the air ride bags to maintain correct ride height and comfort.
Once the air ride reaches maximum air compressor outout pressure it cannot maintin the correct ride height and I suppose the bus could bottom out on the blocks causing dammage to the drive axle. I have never heard of this happening but NYC gives more rides than anywhere else. I could happen.
G'Day,
I recently was given a Hudson Cty Bus Guide ..Can someone tell me if
Maria Transportation
Hoboken Bus
Hudson Bus
are still running local Bus routes in Hudson Cty
Thank you
Steve
WHERE DID YOU GET THAT GUIDE????
I've been looking for something like that for a long time!
It was given to me by an official source dated NJT
1991
My original copies of that ,and the Newark Map were given to someone back in 1995,when I had lost my
contacts at NJT
What info do you have on Carefree #22 Route ,once it
leaves the Hudson Cty area on Belleville Tpke/Blvd
---Carefree is my last bit needed for this project I
am working on regarding NJ Transportation
I spoke to them ,,they were not too cooperative.
If anyone knows anything about the Carefree Route
#22,,please contact me ,,asap ,,collect at 914 668
9218 (answering machine will initially pick up )
Steve
#22 Bus --
Not sure of the exact routing within Jersey City, but once it gets on Belleville Turnpike, it stays on all the way to Washington Avenue, turns left, goes one block, then turns right onto Belleville Avenue. It stays on there until Broad Street, makes a left turn onto Broad, a right onto Park Avenue, a left onto State Street, another left onto Liberty Street, and another left back onto Broad Street and terminates at that point.
This is based on what I've personally observed (I know the route up to Belleville Av in Bloomfield is solid, but beyond that, the bus driver may alter the route slightly to accomidate passengers, since almost nobody uses this route and it wouldn't cause much disruption -- it is more like a car pool or limo service than a public bus line!).
Thank you
Steve
Thank you ,Mr Vartan,,
Do you have similar info on the #55 ?
,,I checked the 22 bus on my Hudson Cty Map, You mentioned some other variations are sometimes used ,,do you have the variations??
I am working on a Notebook,,when I finish ,do you want to see my work
Steve
FDNY
Can anyone assist with routing details ,so I can finally complete my New Jersey Bus Project
I need very detailed routing EB and WB directions including Turnarounds
Steve (thank you )
Hi everybody! How are you? I just wanted to post here that BUSMAN316 has retired. My new name is MCIMAN2000. My email address is MCIMAN2000@AOL.COM Figured that I needed a change.
Peace to All!
MCIMAN2000
Good Luck\
FDNY
Good Luck
FDNY
I was wondering what color seats are in the TriBoro MCI Classics. Command has two tone green seats in MCIs 421-470,471 has red and blue(like NYBUS SERVICE), and 472-481 have grey seat w/orange and red stripes(probably from Liberty Lines). Also I think all the DOT Express Orions have grey seats with multicolred stripes. I know that is true for Command.
They are two tone green (just like the Command buses).
call 201-420 7000,,or 732-291-1300,or 609 965
3040,or 732 901 1933 ,or 609 265 2400
or
732 442 6969
Full and Part Time
CDL Training Available
Steve
FDNY
Any idea how much are they starting out with? I'm lookin for a change in career. (I'm in the military)
Call them up
I just wanted to know what the orange sticker on the back left side of the bus and the front right mirror are used for on the Staten Island express buses. I know it has something to do with the buses that go through Jersey. Why do Castleton MCIs have them if none of their buses go through Jersey? Thanks for your help.
The sticker has something to do with the non-stop toll system on the PA crossings, and the Lincoln Tunnel bus lane. Why they still have them, when all buses are equipped with EZPass, I don't know. As for why Castleton buses have them with no routes to NJ, there's always the possibility of the bus being used on a route that does.
-Hank
I suspect the orange stickers on the Staten Island MCI buses are the permits the Port Authority requires for 102 inch buses that use the Lincoln Tunnel bus lane in the morning rush hour. I don't know this for a fact, but in looking at other New Jersey buses, I've only seen the orange square stickers on 102 inch buses. For example, I've seen them on the NJ Transit Flxible's in the 3500 series, but not on the lower 3000's. There are signs at the entrances to the bus lane that buses wider than 96 inches need a permit.
I saw an orange sticker on a 3500 (dont remember the exact #) out of Jamaica Depot todayt. Dont know how or why it got on that bus. I dont remember that bus being in SI. Yukon used to have orange stickers on the 4800 express buses but removed them when they started getting repainted.
The orange patches wound up on the 9200s that were in x-bus service via NJ (these buses went to the x17 and x31 first)
I was informed today that it is for the NJTPK, and indicates that the bus is 'paid for' by the operating authority on a fee-paid basis (the fee is calculated by scheduled daily trips) and that the collecter does not have to colect a toll from the operator of the bus.
-Hank
You may have a point. It's hard to tell because most buses these days (including intercity buses) are 102 inches wide. I know that Greyhound has the sticker on many of their 102D3's, but I've never seen it on any of their 102A3's. Also, I've never seen the orange sticker on any of Greyhound's 96 inch wide buses (MC-9 & MC-12).
Wayne
Are there any bus techs here?
Techs on RTS, Orions, MCIs?
I ask because I have a few technical questions.
Ask away!!
I've worked for the TA in their central maintenance facility.
Anybody know the RTS rosters for Jamiaca and Command Depots? My web page is going to include all of the private bus lines.(Queens Surface, Triboro, Green, Command, Jamaica and MSBA if I have time) When I get it going, I'll post it here on BT.
MCIMAN2000
Command
GMC RTS-04
351-356 (1984)
357-382 (1985)
MCI Classsics
421-481 (1988/9) - some have recently been transferred to NYBS
TMC RTS-06 (CNG)
4903-4931 (1993) - 4927 was in a fire (Command Storage Lot) & 4930 is out being repaired
Orion V (as of 5/7/99)
4932-4950, 4956 (just delivered last weekend), 4961, and 4975 (1999)
the remaining buses should arrive in the next 2 months
Jamaica Buses info - I'll get back to you
Command Bus 4961 has orange destination signs. 4950, 4956,4961, and 4975 do not have any black around the windows or on the back of the bus. Command received 2 new Orions last week --numbers not yet on the buses. The buses are all white right now.
I forgot to add that 351-356 have soft seats with electronic destination signs and are not wheel chair equipped. 357-382 are wheel chair accessible and do not have electronic destination signs. Also they have hard seats. CNG bus 4927 was in a fire due to a mechanics error when the bus was stuck on a median in Manhattan. The mechanic kept rocking the bus to get it off the median and some how it caught on fire. This bus is now covered in a blue bus cover in Varsity's Facility (Command's old facility).
Good afternnon
I have DOT Rosters ,dated Oct 1998
I am expecting updated material for April 1999 ,,any day,,from the DOT NYC Surface Transportation
Steve
Just a couple of questions.
First on city buses, on the left side of the dashboard, there is a guage labled "Axle Air Pressure". Why would a axle need air pressure?
The next two are on MCI buses.
On MCI buses, there is a warning light labeled "Drive Axle Overload".
What does this mean? How can a drive axle overload?
There is also a switch labeled "Trailing Axle Unload". Anyone knows what this does?
I'll take a crack at Trailing Axle Unload. I heard that on other MCI's the trailing axle can be retracted which enables the bus to make tighter turns.
Wayne
Also in bad weather the drive axle may slip. If you unload the weight from the boggie wheels then you have more down force on the drive axle. The older MCI's had a release lever by the rear wheels. If you did not what the wheel on the ground you had to jack it up and chain it in place. The older GMC 4903 and 4905's had a switch on the dash that not only unloaded the air but also raised the wheels so it was a 2 axle coach. (They handled much better with the boggie wheels up. They were designed for 2 axle running but needed the third for weight regulations in some states.)
I have not been around the new MCI's so I can't answer that but for 2 axle transit buses the air rides on all the time with the exception of the kneeler, but that locks the brake interlock while the suspension is down.
My maint. source says ...
- Drive Axle Overload Warning Light = Warns driver that too much weight on bus (I could make a funny about this but won't)
- Trailing Axle Unload Switch = Manual release of "Bellows" air uses:
a. Bad weather to add traction (same comment made by Zeek)
b. SOP when putting bus on a lift, along with need to chain Bellows to chassis (also about the same as Zeek's comment)
My question ... why do you folks want to know this ?
e.g. If you asked how to start a bus I wouldn't reply here.
Mr t__:^)
Just cerious. Saw the overload light on a MCI DINA Marcopolo tour bus.
The Axle Unload is from another poster.
Just a quick question on starting the bus. :-)
Without going into detail, are keys required? I have always wondered about this with large vehicles. I know that on a commercial aircraft, they trust that the start-up process is too complex for the everyday person to accomplish without help. Is it the same with buses?
(If you think this is a security threat to answer, please don't give an answer.)
Thanks,
Brandon Bostian
Depends on the company/authority running the bus. Some do needs keys, most don't.
I know that on the newer tour buses, keys are needed to start.
The driver turns the key to crank the motor like a car. Usually
they have to engage a master switch to get the power flowing to the ignition switch. On NYCTA buses just turn the master switch into the
RUN position and press the ENGINE START button.
Nobody will steal a NYCTA bus because it is govern to have a top speed
of 40 MPH and they have GPS locators. They can find you anywhere in the world.
That would make sense, now that I think of it. :-)
I never realized that the NYCTA busses had speed governers. That is a good idea on their part!
The engines have governors to protect them from overspeeding and destroying the engine. The top speed of the bus is a factor of the engine speed and rear axle ratio.
A low top speed with the same engine and trans. combo will give very good acceleration. A but that tops out at 60 will take much longer to get from 0-20 that a bus that tops out at 40 mph.
I knew that NYCTA was governing their buses, but I never knew the top end was so low (40 MPH). Sounds like a typical NYCTA move. I'm glad I ride buses (WMATA) that are able to keep pace with the flow of traffic.
I was told that the New Flyer D60's are the only ones that are governed to 40 MPH, the RTS's, and Orion's are governed to 55 with some actually hitting the 60 to 67 MPH range. The MCI's are around the 57 to 65 mark.
Peace
DaShawn
I thought that 40 MPH top sounded far too low. It even sounds a bit slow for a artic.
BTW-Just when I was accepting the fact that New Look Flxible and GM's were pretty much gone from Washington (WMATA) - to my delight I saw two Flxibles and one GM Fishbowls this week. Their A/C still works also, but I'm sure their days of revenue service will end very soon.
Wayne
You are right, but my brother in law drives out of Gun Hill and he said when they deadhead back to Gun Hill on the Bruckner/New England Throughway some of the Artics get up to about 65-67 MPH! I was also told that the Goveners are removed after about 3 to 5 years, this is what they do in NJ, this is probably why some operators go for older equipment.
Peace
DaShawn
Why would they remove the governor. Thbe only reason I can think of is that I've heard that a new engine should not be push to it's limit. I heard this when I bought new cars. I don't know if it applies to diesel engines, but a car will usually get a bit quicker and faster when it's broken in. I wonder if this happens with buses also.
Wayne
On most diesel engines the governor is part of the engine control system and cannot be removed but may be reset within limits. I is not like cruise control but is to protect the engine from overspeeding. Usually the maximum speed is needed to run the engine up to peak performance at each shift point. If it is set too low the bus will not run right either.
Interesting! I was told by a maintainance person at Rockland Coaches that on all of the 1984 MCI MC9A's that the govenors were removed because of their age and mileage, this was in 1993.
PEace
DaShawn
Yesterday I saw bus#4986 on Q24 @ Atlantic and Crescent on my way to the exam. When I was coming back from the exam, I saw 4988 on the B83 @ Penn and Pitkin. This morning I saw 4986 again this time on the B12 @ Albany ad Maple. I wish I saw 4987 that would have made my day.....
Just to give you a little uplift I saw 4987 on the B25 last Sunday while on a film shoot at the "Dumbo" (Down Under the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges). She looks great! Hope this makes your day for now until you see her in person.
Peace
DaShawn
Thanks Dashawn!!!!!!!
May I ask what is so special about 4987?
MCIMAN2000
That was the first Nova that I boarded(B12). I took another one but I do not remember the number. It was on the B14. That's why I use in my alias......
9370 was the 1st Nova that I was on. 4926 for the new delivery.
MCIMAN2000
If you put it like that...then the first Nova I ben on was 9394 on B46......4987 was the first for the new order....
I was just wonderning if you happen to have New Flyer Viking Over-the-Road coaches, if so, can you post it on bustalk.
I greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
Sorry to impose, but I have a picture of the demo model that is in the Houston Metro colors. The Viking is known as model D45S. Power comes from a 11.1 Litre Series 60 Engine rated at 330HP coupled to a Allison B500R Transmission. The exhaust system is similar to the D60 articulateds which is located on the roof. The HVAC system is also located on the roof as well. I can scan a picture of it tonight and try to post it here on BT as a message.
Peace
DaShawn
P.S.
Any suggestions on the best way to post a message with a picture would greatly be appreciated.
You haven't posted the picture of the New Flyer Viking Over-the-Road coach bus yet, can you post the picture of this bus on bustalk.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
This bus in in Houston in which I haven't been there, and the ones for NYC are due in August so you will have to wait until then!!!
Trevor
A friend of mine heard from someone who works at the NYCT Department of Buses that Crosstown bus depot is planning to reopen as a bus depot in the forseeable future. I would like to know if you happen to heard this & if so, can you post on bustalk.
I greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
Also, my name is spelled MICHAEL, NOT MICHEAL
Spotted Nova low floor 999 at Pier depot yesterday while driving on West Street (or whatever it's called). Unfortunately it was obscured behind a bunch of RTSs and only partially visable. Drove past again today and it was not there. I guess it was in service. Hope to see it in action. Would appreciate knowing where this bus is seen. Hope it runs on the M11.
I would really like to see this bus along the Q32 either on run 107, 110 or 116. Those are the runs from Pier that I usually get on.
MCIMAN2000
I have a few question about NYCTA Orions and RTSs.
1) First on the RTS, why does the windows leak everytime it rains. The seats near the windows are soaked and nobody can sit in them.
2) On the Orions, when the windshield whiper is turned on, air can be heard comming from them. Are they air operated? Why not just usa a electric motor?
3)On the control panel on the Orions, there is a switch labeled
"Parking Brake Override". I guess it is used when the bus stalls.
By pressing this switch, the parking brake doesn't have to be set
before restarting the engine. Engine can be restarted while the bus
is moving. Is this the main function of the switch?
4) Last question, what is the fourth label on the Master Control knob?
There's "Engine Stop", "Run", "Lights". The fourth position is
labeled "CL LPS". What does this stand for and what is it's function?
Appriciate your help.
"CL LMP" - Could it be clearance lamps??? Occassionally when a bus is parked (engine off) it will have it's lights (but not the headlights) on.
Wayne
Which RTS's are you talking about? The reason I ask is because I notice the older ones which have had their windows changed to the newer type sometimes leaks due to the rubber that runs around the frame of the window. The newest RTS's I have not experienced this problem except for around the Roof vents/excape hatches that sometimes leak due to them not being fully closed or the rubber seals needing to be replaced.
Peace
DaShawn
I saw this bus on the Q104 shrink-wrapped. The ad represented Claritin (for a stuffy nose). 351 has a new ad, I couldn't catch what it was though. Anybody know? Post it here on BT. Thanks.
MCIMAN2000
#351 should be wrapped for Penzoil. White with a yellow racing car.
Here's a fact: Did you know that Green Bus 641 was originally known as Command Bus 393? Before it got repainted, you can see inside the bus that 393 was erased (the #641 was placed on the far right by the door at the time). I have questions about Green Buses 648 and 649
1st about Green Bus 648: Why is there 1 window in the middle on both sides (like the city buses)? About bus 649: Why are the seats arranged like the 1000 series (no wheelchair lift)? Just curious.
MCIMAN2000
Riding daily New York City subway, my hungry eye frames the constant pulse of a humanity in transit in this long theater of long tunnels, where drama and comedy intersect. To rewiew the documentary, please contact by E-mail.
Saw these buses today:
4456 and 8023 was on the B41
4458 and 8030 was on the B46
What depots are these buses from?
Also saw 3192 on the B46 and 3671 on the B14. Bus no 3638 was at Kings Pz also. Did not have Flatbush, Gleason or Ulmer Park depot...... What depot is this bus from?
B41 and B46 are run out of Flatbush Depot. B14 is run out of East New York. 3638 was last listed on the UTC roster as out of Gun Hill, but evidently it has just been moved to one of the Brooklyn depots.
8023 was at Fresh Pond last week. I was on it.
MCIMAN2000
I saw 8006 on the B54 today. 4859 on the B61 and 8030 now was on the B41.
I know what depots those routes come from but I dont know what depots these buses come from.......
Those 8000's series were originally from Mother Clara Hale. The 4400's were recently there also. They are being transferred out as MC Hale receives it's new Orions.
Wayne
All of these buses used to belong to Mother Clara Hale Depot prior to the Orions arriving!!!
Trevor
Anyone know where I can get a RTS or MCI operators' handbook?
Scott... Years ago you could actually buy them from GM! When MCI took over you had to go through Universal Parts and they were not friendly to the "individual".
The copies that I have came from GM and the latest I bought from Royal Coach. They may still have some left. Send me your e-mail address and I'll give you their phone number.
What happened to 4087 that it's now in the scrap yard? It seemed fine when I was on it a month or 2 ago.
MCIMAN2000
Due to the lack of mechanical expertise at FP depot,the bus must have been in bad shape,so they decided to scrap it.
I saw it at Carlton today. Took a pic. It was next to 3682 another good bus. Also saw 1385 which I growed up seeing on the B46.....
The page I'm creating consists of Bus Rosters from Queens Surface, Triboro Coach and Green Lines. Additions still have to be made. If you want to check it out here's the address:
www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/9718
Of course, I'm gonna need everybody else's help too. If a bus is in an accident, fire, storage yard, scrapped, etc let me know and I'll update the page. My email address is posted. (either at smoke228@yahoo.com or MCIMAN2000@AOL.COM). Also let me know what you think of the rosters via email. I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
MCIMAN2000
1770 couldnt make it over the Verrazano Bridge today. This bus broke down during rush hour and caused a little extra back-up on the lower level. I dont know how much longer they can push these 17 year old buses. They have seen better days.
I'm surprised NYC Bus has not gotten rid of all the 1981 and 1982 RTS's. Clearly, they've gotten in enough new MCI's, Orions and RTS's to have done that. Yet, in many cases, they are getting rid of 1983, 1984 and even 1985 RTS's before some of the 81's and 82's. Personally, I find it interesting to see some of the oldest RTS's still operating and will miss them when they're gone. Mathematically, all the RTS's from 1986 or older should have been retired by now, using the Fed's 12-year projected life for a transit bus. As the TA gets more new buses, the older RTS's will certainly be harder to find.
This is one of the main reasons why the TA like the RTS bus because it was and still is designed to get more than 12 years of service life before rebuilding or retirement. This is why they are termed
"Severe Duty" transit buses. They can really withstand alot of the abuse that our streets can give a bus.
Peace
DaShawn
What's wrong with a 17-year-old bus? i drive at RTS that is 19 years old every day, and it will outrun out brand new low-floor New Flyers. And the RTS's I drive have all the California emissions crap on them too.
Nothing is wrong with a 17 year old bus. I am just surprised they still use it on express runs out of SI. I frequently see bus 1770 on school runs in the afternoon and think thats the kind of service they should be using this bus for. These buses served their time and its time for them to be replaced or remanufactured. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Those 1700's actually serve Queens Express Bus riders quite faithfully each rush hour. I know 1757 received a 'mini-overhaul' in 1992, so perhaps others of it's kind will keep running.
Many of the 1700s that SI has did come from Queens. SI had mostly 1800s with a few 1700s but i guess the 1700s were transferred when Queens got their Novas. I would assume all of these buses had several minioverhauls to keep them running this long. I guess I am just a little spoiled with the MCIs. The RTS buses are good buses because if they werent they wouldnt have made it to 17 years old.
A few years ago, when I was walking to school, I used to see RTS buses
carrying a full load of high school students. When there were a lot
of people standing in the front doorwell, the suspension seem to bottom out. The whole entire front door side of the bus seem to sag.
On some buses, the stairs were near the ground. Severe damage could take place if they hit a bump.
That doesn't happen on the Orions as far as I have seen. What happened? Does the driver get a warning light on the dash?
The older RTS buses (the series 04 particularly) had independent front suspension. Yes, it would "sag" when you had a good load in the bus.
The Orions and the newer (06 series) RTS's have a straight axle
front suspension, plus larger air bags, so they will not sag as readily as the older ones.
Anyone know what the 92 and TA in the engine 6V92TA stands for?
Was the engine made in 1992? I don't think so. How about TA? It can't
possible stand for Transit Authority. I seen it on many MCI intercity buses.
I believe it's simply an model number or code (if you will) that Detroit Diesel chose to apply to this engine. I'm pretty sure the TA has no connection with the NYCTA. I've seen them referred to as the 92 Series because their was also an 8-cylinder version (8V-92TA). The 8V-92TA was almost always used in intercity buses. These engines have been around since the early 1980's. A few of the 1981 (NYCTA) GMC RTS's came with the 6V-92TA (1298-1317, 2281-2300 and their may have been others).
Hope this helps.
Wayne
The TA in 6V-92TA means Turbocharged and Aftercooled. And of course 6V or 8V means the number of cylinders in the vertical arrangemnt.
According to Detroit Diesel Web site there is also a 12V and 16V-92TA series engine in their lineup.
Peace
DaShawn
I know that the 92 refers to turbo-charged also, while non-turbo is -71. I don't know what the significance of those particular numbers is.
My understanding is that 71 and 92 series are different engines. Correct me if I'm wrong fellow BusTalkers!!! It's also my understanding that the 71 series engines were pretty much replaced by the 92 series engines.
RE: 12V engines. The 100 experiemntal 102 in MCI's from the late 1960's (MC-6) originally had 12V-71 engines with manual transmissions, of course. I heard that the 85 used by Greyhound were later had their 12V-71's replaced with 8V-71's - and of course (like the MC-7's) later had their manual tranny's replaced with automatics. 15 of these MC-6's were used by Greyhound of Canada and suposedly they retained their 12V-71's as well as their manual transmissions.
Wayne
The series 71 engines have 71 cu in per cyl. the 92's have 92 cu in's
There is also a 53 series engine.
The 71's came in 3, 4, straight 6, v6 v8 and v12's cylender configurations that I know of
The 6V92-TA was replaced by the 6V-92 DDEC which it think stands for
Detriod Diesel Electronic Controled.
To change the horsepower rating you just replace the computer chip.
The most recent DDEC the engine power is programed with a lap top.
The 6V-92TA was not replaced, it was improved or upgraded. The DDEC series was added to not only make it easier to change the HP of the engine, but to also to improve fuel efficency and emissions. DDEC (Detroit Diesel Electronic Controls) were also added to the Series 71, and 53 engines. The first generation DDEC was also able to be changed by computer and now with DDEC IV the system is faster and smaller and more intuitive.
Peace
DaShawn
I've always been interested in knowing the engine displacement and HP/Torque ratings, which for me - I guess it carries over from my interest in cars. I still speak in liters and cc's instead of ci's. It's too bad that Detroit Diesel has changed the naming convention for their engines.
Wayne
a 6v-71 has 426 cu in most common rating was 180 hp
6v-92TA is 552 hp ratings for transit are arround 255 to 277 hp
8v 71 is 568 cu in and hp was 260's to the 318 hp the truckers used to call it a 318 instead of an 8v71 not many 318's in transit though
Eric B says:
I know that the 92 refers to turbo-charged also, while non-turbo is -71. I don't know what the significance of those particular numbers is.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The "92" does not refer to turbo-charging. The "T" after the "92" does.
The "92" simply means that each cylinder is 92 cubic inches. The 71 series, of course, were 71 cubic inches per cylinder. And yes, some "71" series were turbo-charged, i.e. the 8V71T engines.
The 92 indicates the engine size from what a few mechanics have told me. Cylinders times the Code = the cubic inch displacement of the engine. For instance 6 X 92 = 552cid.
I did look the cid up on the 71 series engines in the GM maintenance manual and that formula did work (8 X 71 = 568cid for an 8V-71). I am assuming that the same formula holds true for the 92 series engines.
RDChilds
So then that would mean that the 6V-92TA is approximately 9.0 to 9.1 liters. Does any one know the engine displacements?
Wayne
If you want to take a peek at the pages, here are the addresses:
1. www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/9718/QueensSurface.html
2. .................................../TriboroCoach.html
3. .................................../GreenLines.html
the ditto marks represent www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/9718
MCIMAN2000
You might want to add the dates of mfgr for the the vehicles
Steve
I look forward to having the roster info available on your web page. The trick, of course, will be keeping it up-to-date as new equipment arrives and other changes occur.
Triboro Coach still has at least two fishbowls (621, 623 I think). Although they are not used in regular service, you may still want to list them.
The NYPD has a GMC fishbowl (1972 of later model) and always see it parked at the NYPD Highway 3 station in Fresh Meadows. It appears to be in the NYPD Blue. I've been curious about this bus for a long time. I was thinking that it may be the same model as #3000 that the transit police used. For anyone who doesn't know where this is. Highway 3 is on the westbound side of the Grand Central Pkwy. between Francis Lewis Blvd and 188th Street exits.
Wayne
I forget the number. I saw it up close on 58 St. in Maspeth at the NYPD shop when it got painted. It is an Ex- Triboro Coach bus.
There's one parked in College Point too.
The fishbowl is NYC Police Dept. #3301 ex Triboro #743. This bus was built in 1974 and is model T6H-5307A. It is a 5307A like NYP # 3000, but it has a 6 cylinder engine instead of an 8.
Another angle to this story is has anyone seen any movie actors riding the buses?
Yesterday, I boarded an M50 at 7th Avenue. Boarding directly ahead of me, sporting a tan and more ear hair than I have ever seen was Abe Vigoda.
"Tom, can you help me out? For old times' sake?"
that fish must really be down on his luck. most actors would hail a cab.
Does anyone have a picture of a Triboro MCI or Queens Surface MCI they can post or email me? MCIs are my favorite bus and I would like to add those to my collection. Thanks.
Does anyone know which 10 MCI CLASSICS Command sent to NY BUS SERVICE a few months ago. I am only sure of one and thats #457. Its hard to keep track of because many of the Classics are being repainted now. BTW Command received four new ORIONs this weekend.
kevin,
The following Command Classics were transferred/sent to New York Bus Service:
NYBS #1688 ex Command 471
NYBS #1689 ex Command 429
NYBS #1690 ex Command 435
NYBS #1691 EX Command 450
NYBS #1692 ex Command 453
NYBS #1693 ex Command 456
NYBS #1694 ex Command 457
NYBS #1695 ex Command 459
NYBS #1696 ex Command 466
NYBS #1697 ex Command 468
saw NYBS # 1704 on Wednesday night. Is this from Command also
No, 1704 isnt from Command Bus. It is one of 10 NYBS Classics (numbered numbered 1700-1709), built with wheel chair lifts. Before NYBS recieved the ex Command Classics, there was a gap in the number series. The original NYBS Classics are numbered 1600-1603 built in 1984, 1605-1686 built in 1988 and 1700-1701 built in 1989. By the way there was no 1604.
Also interesting note: 1600. 1601 & 1603, each have different engines.
That is not correct, 1600, 1601 and 1603 all have 6V-92TA's. with the later having the DDEC verion of the 6V-92TA. 1600,1601 are from GM of Canada while the rest of the order is from MCI of canada. They have always had the 6V-92TA's since delivery.
Peace
DaShawn
DaShawn,
Im sorry, you are incorrect, NYBS 1600, 1601 & 1602 all do NOT have 6V92TA engines. All three of them were tested with different engines.
I forget which one is which, but i think 1600 has a 6V92TA, while 1601
has a 6V71-N and 1602 has a 6V71TA. I got this information from the Supt. of Maintenance at NYBS. Believe me you can hear the difference in sound between 1602 and any of the newer 1988 1600's. You see i'm very interested in propulsion equipment on buses, so i keep records of engines transmissions used on them.
I bet you did not know that NYCT has five ORIONS with Cummins C8.3 engines.
Also note, if you look at the VIN plate for those buses you will see that the engine letter is different from the others.
Write me with any comments or questions concerning this,
Ray
Thank you for the correction, Yes I do know that some of the Orion V's out of stangel have the Cummins C 8.3 now known as the ISC powerplant.
I always wondered about those three buses because I would listen to them and they do sound very different from the rest of the bunch. My question is with the 6V-71TA, I was not aware that they came in the Turbo Charged form, I know that the 6L=71TA is used because the majority of Westechester Counties Bee-Line Flxible Metro use this engine which has DDECII electronic controls and they others use the Cummins L-10. That is very interesting to find out!
Do you know if they still have different engines or are they all standardized to the 6V-92TA?
Thanks & Peace
DaShawn
Yes, the 6V71 does come in turbo form. Detroit Diesel still manufactures the 6V71-N and 6V71TA for marine and industrial applications.
The NYBS 1600, 1601 & 1602 continue to use the same engines they were manufactured with. As a matter of fact, last week i was walking up Madison Av., with my back turned away from traffic, I heard a bus that I thought was a fishbowl, but it turned out to be 1602.
Westchester County Bee Line's Flxible Metros are very interesting, their Detroit Diesel engines are coupled to a VOITH transmissions, which i understand dosen't work well together. But the the L-10's and Voiths are a perfect match.
Sincerely,
Ray
PS. By the way i want to get videos of those three NYBS GM classics, because i dont know how much more they are going to last.
Hey
I bet you didn't know that there are 10 RTS floating around with Cummins M-11 engines in them. Buses #9140-9149 out of Fresh Pond or ENY have these engines.
also aside from the 5 Orions with Cummins C8.3s there are 5 around with the Series 50 engine in them (Thats before the 1994-95 Orion order came in!)
Trevor
Yes, I did know that there are 10 NOVA RTS's with Cummins M-11 engines. Those buses are very powerful and fast, I wish that there were more RTS's produced with that engine for NYCT.
The five older Orions with the SERIES 50 and the five with Cummins C8.3 engines were test buses for future orders. As you might know NYCT choose the Series 50 engine, instead of the CUMMINS C8.3, on all its newer (1994+) diesel ORIONS. Only the CNG Orions have Cummins L-10 engines.
By the way, since we are in the subject of engines, LONG ISLAND BUS has a Gillig repowered with a CUMMINS C8.3. Does anybody know if this is the only bus?
Ray
I agree, Those 1996 RTS's with the Cummins M11 are very powerful and fast, but they are very loud! I would like to see an RTS with a series 60 engine in it. I remember seeing a Flxible Metro from NJ Transit that had been repowered from a Cummins L10G to a prototype Series 60G. It was amazing to see an engine of that size to fit in to a transit bus.
Peace
DaShawn
Fresh Pond Buses 9140-9149 have the Cummings M-11 Engine. Saw 9140 today on the Q59 with a new paintjob.
MCIMAN2000
NYBS's first 3 Classics are GM's and not MCI Classic. They do sound a little different from their MCI cousins.
Wayne
Yes, you are right, because these were the GMD Canada units, and they have a different exhaust system and a anolog 6V-92TA and anolog transmission.
Peace
DaShawn
kevin,
The following Command Classics were transferred/sent to New York Bus Service:
NYBS #1688 ex Command 471
NYBS #1689 ex Command 429
NYBS #1690 ex Command 435
NYBS #1691 EX Command 450
NYBS #1692 ex Command 453
NYBS #1693 ex Command 456
NYBS #1694 ex Command 457
NYBS #1695 ex Command 459
NYBS #1696 ex Command 466
NYBS #1697 ex Command 468
saw NYBS # 1704 on Wednesday night. Is this from Command also
No, 1704 isnt from Command Bus. It is one of 10 NYBS Classics (numbered numbered 1700-1709), built with wheel chair lifts. Before NYBS recieved the ex Command Classics, there was a gap in the number series. The original NYBS Classics are numbered 1600-1603 built in 1984, 1605-1686 built in 1988 and 1700-1701 built in 1989. By the way there was no 1604.
Also interesting note: 1600. 1601 & 1603, each have different engines.
That is not correct, 1600, 1601 and 1603 all have 6V-92TA's. with the later having the DDEC verion of the 6V-92TA. 1600,1601 are from GM of Canada while the rest of the order is from MCI of canada. They have always had the 6V-92TA's since delivery.
Peace
DaShawn
DaShawn,
Im sorry, you are incorrect, NYBS 1600, 1601 & 1602 all do NOT have 6V92TA engines. All three of them were tested with different engines.
I forget which one is which, but i think 1600 has a 6V92TA, while 1601
has a 6V71-N and 1602 has a 6V71TA. I got this information from the Supt. of Maintenance at NYBS. Believe me you can hear the difference in sound between 1602 and any of the newer 1988 1600's. You see i'm very interested in propulsion equipment on buses, so i keep records of engines transmissions used on them.
I bet you did not know that NYCT has five ORIONS with Cummins C8.3 engines.
Also note, if you look at the VIN plate for those buses you will see that the engine letter is different from the others.
Write me with any comments or questions concerning this,
Ray
Thank you for the correction, Yes I do know that some of the Orion V's out of stangel have the Cummins C 8.3 now known as the ISC powerplant.
I always wondered about those three buses because I would listen to them and they do sound very different from the rest of the bunch. My question is with the 6V-71TA, I was not aware that they came in the Turbo Charged form, I know that the 6L=71TA is used because the majority of Westechester Counties Bee-Line Flxible Metro use this engine which has DDECII electronic controls and they others use the Cummins L-10. That is very interesting to find out!
Do you know if they still have different engines or are they all standardized to the 6V-92TA?
Thanks & Peace
DaShawn
Yes, the 6V71 does come in turbo form. Detroit Diesel still manufactures the 6V71-N and 6V71TA for marine and industrial applications.
The NYBS 1600, 1601 & 1602 continue to use the same engines they were manufactured with. As a matter of fact, last week i was walking up Madison Av., with my back turned away from traffic, I heard a bus that I thought was a fishbowl, but it turned out to be 1602.
Westchester County Bee Line's Flxible Metros are very interesting, their Detroit Diesel engines are coupled to a VOITH transmissions, which i understand dosen't work well together. But the the L-10's and Voiths are a perfect match.
Sincerely,
Ray
PS. By the way i want to get videos of those three NYBS GM classics, because i dont know how much more they are going to last.
Hey
I bet you didn't know that there are 10 RTS floating around with Cummins M-11 engines in them. Buses #9140-9149 out of Fresh Pond or ENY have these engines.
also aside from the 5 Orions with Cummins C8.3s there are 5 around with the Series 50 engine in them (Thats before the 1994-95 Orion order came in!)
Trevor
Yes, I did know that there are 10 NOVA RTS's with Cummins M-11 engines. Those buses are very powerful and fast, I wish that there were more RTS's produced with that engine for NYCT.
The five older Orions with the SERIES 50 and the five with Cummins C8.3 engines were test buses for future orders. As you might know NYCT choose the Series 50 engine, instead of the CUMMINS C8.3, on all its newer (1994+) diesel ORIONS. Only the CNG Orions have Cummins L-10 engines.
By the way, since we are in the subject of engines, LONG ISLAND BUS has a Gillig repowered with a CUMMINS C8.3. Does anybody know if this is the only bus?
Ray
I agree, Those 1996 RTS's with the Cummins M11 are very powerful and fast, but they are very loud! I would like to see an RTS with a series 60 engine in it. I remember seeing a Flxible Metro from NJ Transit that had been repowered from a Cummins L10G to a prototype Series 60G. It was amazing to see an engine of that size to fit in to a transit bus.
Peace
DaShawn
Fresh Pond Buses 9140-9149 have the Cummings M-11 Engine. Saw 9140 today on the Q59 with a new paintjob.
MCIMAN2000
NYBS's first 3 Classics are GM's and not MCI Classic. They do sound a little different from their MCI cousins.
Wayne
Yes, you are right, because these were the GMD Canada units, and they have a different exhaust system and a anolog 6V-92TA and anolog transmission.
Peace
DaShawn
I was on this bus this morning on the Q46. The back doors didn't work. Say bye-bye to that bus soon!
MCIMAN2000
Does anybody know the fate of NYCT RTS #3160?
This bus is the only 3000 series RTS, rebuilt and tested, with a Detroit Diesel Series 50 Engine. I am wondering what is going to happen to this bus. Will it join the scrap line with other 3000's?
Or will it get renumbered and/or saved?
As of a few days ago, 3160 was still running out of Ulmer Park Depot. Odds are it'll be scrapped along with the rest of the 3000s.
David
[Does anybody know the fate of NYCT RTS #3160?
This bus is the only 3000 series RTS, rebuilt and tested, with a Detroit Diesel Series 50 Engine. I am wondering what is going to happen to this bus. Will it join the scrap line with other 3000's?
Or will it get renumbered and/or saved?]
I doubt that, because 3160 had to be upgraded and overhaled with electronic controls to accomodate the Series 50. Hopefully it will be saved or even completely rebuilt in to the 1st 7000 series with Series 50 power.
Peace
Dashawn
Discussion of Routing Changes for the X2,3,4,5
x2 and X5 PM via Lexington ,E23,Avenue C,E20 St
entrance to the FDR,,,Battery Pk Underpassl,West St
to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel
X
X2 and X5 AM via Broklyn Battery Tunnel ,West
St,Battery Pk Underpass,FDR Dr to the 20/23 st
Exit,E23 st to Madison
X3 and X4
NB AM via Church St,Murray St,North End Av,ast on
Vesey to the World Financial Ctr
SB PM via Vesey St,Church St,Park Place,Broadway
____________________________________________________
Subdivision A Subway Schedules ,,Oct 1999
Improvements'
IRT 1= Weekday 8 PM to 11 PM.
4 NB Trips Added
_ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
IRT 2= Weekday 10 AM to 4 PM/
9 PM to 10 PM/
Midday Headway to 8 mins,Evenings at 10 mins
add 10 additional Roundtrips
_ _ + _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
IRT 3= Weekdays 10 AM to 4 PM and 9 PM to 10 PM.
Midday Headways at 8 mins ,,evenings at 10.
add 10 Additional Roundtrips.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _
IRT 5= Weekdays 9 PM to 11 PM.
Headways every 10 min.
add 4 additional roundtrips.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
IRT 6= weekdays 10 AM to 4 Pm and 8 Pm to 11PM.
21 additional round trips added.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -
IRT 2= sundays 6 am to 7 AM .
add 1 additional roundtrips.
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
IRT 3/5= weekdays and weekends.
add 8 additonal roundtrips M-f, 11 on
Saturdays ,,18 on Sundays for the Bwy 7 av Corridor
add 5 roundtrips on Saturdays and add 12
trips on Sundays on the Lex Corridor.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________++
Bus Schedules adjustments to 95
Routes,implementation on Sept 1999,,no details given
of exact routes
____________________________________________________
Lexington Av and 7 Av/Broadway Overnight Service
Improvements effective Oct 1999
Overnight IRT 6 be extended to Brooklyn Bridge 24
hrs a day
IRT 4 Locals-- scheduling 4 and 6 offset on a 20 min
headway ,service will be every 10 min s on the
Lexington Av Line
IRT 2 Locals in Manhattan Bet Chambers and 96
St,offset headways withthe IRT 1 ,headways every 10
min bet IRT 2 and IRT 1
OVERNIGHTS ONLY
____________________________________________________
_
M101 LIMITED STOP SERVICE EXTENSION
---IMPLEMENTATION FALL OF 1999
Extend all LTD to 193 St (orig ends at 125)
Weekdays 615 Am to 520 PM SB
720 AM to 620 PM NB
____________________________________________________
B7 Extension to Coney Island Av Span Expansion
Weekdays 6 AM to 8 PM ,,Implementation Oct 1999
From Ryder and Kings Hwy via Kings Hwy,Avenue
P,East 18 St,Kings Highway ,Quentin Road,Terminal
at Coney Island Av,,,,,,,,Return via Left on COney
Island Av,L on Kings Hwy to Ryder St
Do you know of any more Bklyn Bus changes?
I only post what the MTA Agenda specifies
No problem. Im sure that there will be more oute chags this fall.....
Can you restate that B7 route implementation? I am very interested.
I am back from my vocation!!!!
oct 99
I would just like to know if you happen to have the new 1999 NYCT bus electronic desination reading list or not, if so, please post on bustalk, if not, when do you expect to receive it.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Michael
I am not working on this project ,at all,,I am working on NJ Buses only..I have posted the Agenda ,as I do every month
Steve
to fdny : could you please provide us with a comprehensive list of the 17 bus depots of NJT ? please include city/town and street address if available and possibly if the facility is recent or predates NJT . this is important to most bus fans . THANKS !!!
Northern Division
------------------
Hilton
Orange
Big Tree
Newark
Greenville
Ironbound
Market Street
Wayne
Howell
Meadowlands
Oradell
Southern DIvision
-----------------------------
Washington Twnsp
Egg Harbor
Newton Av
Hamilton Township
Yhis is from offical documentation as of Jan 1999
Please note,,if any can supply address,,etc,That would be appreciated,,
Thank you
Steve FDNY
TO Steve : thanks for the prompt response . hopefully this will be the start of much more info that i`m seeking on the NJT garages . so anyone with street addresses etc. please post .i`m sure there are some Jersey residents that can help us out , Steve . THANKS AGAIN!
saw this bus tis morning on the B40 at Atlamtic and Georgia (terminal). It had a crack on the upper left rear of the bus.........
Do anybody have any info on the shooting on the B46 at Utica and Eastern Pkwy Monday afternoon?
It involved bus 9431. No, wait, wasn't the route the B17?
MCIMAN2000
9431 is out of Flatbush. The B17 is out of ENY now. It no longer run out of Flatbush for about a decade now....
While I was out this evening, I thought I was seeing things at the corner of Second Avenue and 36 street when I saw an old GM Fishbowl painted in JBI colors, running # 3801 (I think; I was across the street.) Can anyone shed some light on this, as I thought NYBS was the only DOT service still running fishbowls.
Mark,
The Jamaica Fishbowl you seen is autually numbered #3001. This bus is ex Command Bus #242, model T6H5308A, built 1972. It is NOT used in revenue service. Jamaica Bus only uses 3001 for company trips, funerals and special events
The other eve, at 47 & Bway, I saw what had been a Triboro fishbowl. It appeared to be in service for one of the Hasidic communities that buses members from the environs of the Diamond District back to Boro Park and Crown Heights so they can be home by sundown.
600 series bus, if anyone cares
Yes, I've seen it a few times also. It's one of my all-time favorites - A 1979 T8H-5307A from GM of Canada. It'll probably be around for a while because Triboro only used them for express service (and the slope back RTS )until shortly before they got rid of them.
It was 624.They have 744, along with another 600 series.
I promise quite some time ago that I would give my opinioon about the Queen surface routes this is what I believe
QBx1: Rename the route to Bx69 and give to the MTA, they can make this bus better. (I am still trying to figure out how a private Queens bus serves the Bx?) Have the service to Flushing run every 10 - 12 min rush hours and every 15 min other times.
Q25/Q34: Q34 limited service from Flushing to Jamaica; Q25 makes all local stops.
Q65/Q65A: Q65A combined with Q65. Use the Q65A route as a branch from College Point.
Q66: Limited Service
Q67/Q103: combine routes or see Q102
Q69: no ideas. Besides it is a free bus why should it be touch?
Q101: extend to Columbus Circle via 59 St, Manhattan
Rikers Island Buses - rename to the Q105 and let it make
limited stops along 21 St (not as they have it) and all stops
from 8St and beyond
Q102: 1) combine Queens blvd/ Vernon Blvd (Roosevelt Island)with the
Q67. Eliminate the rest.
2) Give it to the MTA and let the M35 run via 31 St and the
same as Q102 to Roosevelt Island. (just a thought to bring
back the M35 to Queens.)
Q104: combine with the Q66 as a branch via Broadway
Problem: What to do with 48 St that is left with.
Q25 np
Q34 No service on Sundays- goes to Wilets Pt
Q65 Jamaica-Queens Blvd?! Got the E and F trains for that
Q66 Limited service would confuse passengers. Buses come out of both 21 Street and 51 Street. Peak hours only ok. If Limited service should exist then buses from 21 Street should be LIMITED. All buses from 51 Street are local. About combining the Q104 with the Q66: WHY?
48 Street and Queens Blvd is the last stop. 1st of all traffic to get onto 48th is a nightmare now, imagine if the Q66 was turning onto that block? Forget it! I know 903 run on the Q104 avoided that turn, his 1st run was to Astoria, he had to go Out of Service to 48th. He avioded that turn. Picked up along Queens Blvd.
Q101 Rename LIMITED Q105 to avoid confusion with local Q101.
Why go to Columbus Circle, traffic across East 60 Street is bad as it is. Many delays would exist.
Q102 I think the route is fine the way it is.
Q103 I agree, last bus out on this route is at 550PM?! If this is done,(COMBINE WITH Q67) ridership would increase somewhat.
Eliminate Q103. What about Queens Plaza?! Where would it stop?
Q69: From Metropolitan Ave-Ferry Peak Hours Only!
Q104 SEE Q66.
QBX1 All they need from QS is increased service. MTA would make it a mess. OK, here's something for you: if the MTA was going to take over the QBX1, would you want Orions from Stengel or RTS from GunHill/Kinsbridge in da Bronx?!
I know the QS routes well, I take buses from this company everyday. They're rated the best public transit system aside from the MTA in the city. So why have many changes?! Just some thoughts!
MCIMAN2000
Please feel free to "EXPRESS YOURSELF", i.e. that's a sticker on the side of each of our coaches says.
If you have a plan that you've spent some time thinking about, why not share it with us "officially" in one of two ways:
- call 718-445-3100
- e-mail info@qsbus.com
We are constrained by the routes & level of service that NYCDOT has "authorized" but we do appreciate and take seriously comments/suggestions from our customers.
BTW, I personally am not part of the Transportation department, but am happy encourage and assist in this.
Mr t__:^)
I would like to know why the x32 only exist for school days only. What are destination signs and route? What time can I get this bus and do I have to pay the same $3 as normal express buses. Are students riding this bus? I may want to ride this bus.
Bronx HS of Science
West 205 at Gulden via GOUlden Av,Sedgwick Av,Moshulu Parkway ,Bronx River Parkway (Northboud via Paul Av,West 205 to Goulden Av)
Cross Bronx Expressway ,Hutchinson River Pkwy ,WHiteston Bridge ,SB via Parsons Blvd,14 Av,,NB via 14 Av to Bridge Entrance,,,,,,Parsons Blvd,Willets Point Blvd,Union Street
VARIATIONS
Northern Blvd,150 St,Bayside Av,29 Av,Francis Lewis Blvd,32 Av,COrp Kennedy ,18 Av,211 St,23 Avto Bell BLvd Terminal,,,off on via Bell Blvd
Northern Blvd Sanford Av Parsons Blvd (NB) or Holly Av (SB) 46 av,47,48 avenues,Luke Place (Q27 routings)56 avenue ,,SPringfield Blvd
Some start or end at Union TPke on Springfield Blvd,,
Continuing via Springfield Blvd,73 Av ,188 St,Hillside Av,Merrick Bld to Terminal ,,ret via 89 av,165 St,Hillside ,,73 Av,,etc
_________________________________________________
This next variation leaves from Jamaica NB Only ,,does not return SB or Queens Bound
Northern Blvd,Main St,Kissena Blvd,Horace Harding,,,NOTE <Continues via HHE<188 St,Hillside Av,,Merrick Blvd
Anyone may ride the X32. I do frequently and I'm a college student. Yet, if you take the PM buses, the students are quit loud. On the AM buses, most of the students are fast asleep. Yes, you will have to pay $3.
was stripped of it's shrink-wrapped ad from the Movie Noah's Ark.
Saw it on Q66 yesterday.
MCIMAN2000
In the NY Post Thursday May 13, page 24, is a article about the TA will spend $7.5 million to beef up service on 67 bus routesthis summer to keep up with booming ridership and help cut traffic gridlock.
After the good people of BusTalk reads the article, your most excellent thoughts are most welcome.
Charlie Muller of Bedford Park Blvd.
P.S. All hail to Jackie ''To the Moon Alice'' Gleason Fans.
Any news on when the New Flyer low floors are going to arrive at Jackie Gleason or when Orions 6355-9 will be delivered? And what is the story about those Orions having been rejected by NJT? Finally, how is 999 doing? Are there going to be more of these in the future?
The 5 Triboro MCI Classics i posted a week ago are now gone from the lot. Does anyone know who bought these buses. They obviously were sold pretty quickly. Good luck to whoever bought them; they got themselves 5 good buses. BTW all of the RTS buses from Triboro and Q.S are still there.
There were 6 classics there, 2 went to Green and Triboro took the other 4 back.
Thats good to hear. There are many older RTS buses the DOTshould sell/and or retire first. My friend at Command said the MCI Classics are the most reliable buses Command has (more reliable than the new Orions). Do you know what they were renumbered at Green?
Saw 2 LI Bus RTS's this morning, #'s 4290 and 4504. Are these two buses transfers from NYCTA before they head out to pasture, or does LI Bus actually use RTS's and that they are never seen (sort of like baby pigeons?) Please post here on B.T.
A quick thank you, for all those who make this board intresting for this new poster.
Yes, those are former (1981) NYCTA buses. Actually, I'm suprised their still operating since LI Bus has rec'd their new CNG Orions. LI Bus has had several of the NYCTA RTS since approx 1995.
Wayne
Steve (FDNY) Please clarify: In your prior postings re NJT route breakdowns, a Hightown garage ( one route ) and a Faiview garage ( many routes ) are listed. These two depots are not included in your list posted on May 13. What is the explanation ? Perhaps you or some of our other readers can help out here. Also is the depot listed in your earlier postings as "One" the Newark garage ? THANKS !!!
Delete Hightstown,,that is a Suburban Bus Co
Fairview is in the Bergen Cty Area--NJT
Ornge
Newark
Elizabeth
O.N.E. is a Pvt Carrier,,operates the 24 and 44 Rtes.only
Steve:Thanks for the clarification. Now I count 16 NJT facilities and NEWARK seems more a major shop than a garage that houses buses for various routes. Let's hope the location info for these places starts coming in from our informed readers with knowledge of Jersey cities and towns.
I saw a 4206 RTS bus once on the N20. Is there an MTA bus 4206 currently in service?
MCIMAN2000
Yes, it is. NYCTA #4206 is a 1985 GMC RTS-04. I believe it's now at Fresh Pond depot. The LI Bus RTS are from the 1981 fleet. I believe LI Bus replaced the first digit of the NYCTA number with a 4 on these buses, so LI BUS 4206 can be one of two formaer 1981 NYCTA buses: 1206 or 2206.
Wayne
Diesel engines can create high horsepower ratings at very low RPM speeds. Why can diesel engine do this and car engines can't? (ex: diesel produces 450@2100rpm while a gasoline engine produces 200@5600rpm)? Is it the engine design or fuel used? I saw the tech on
a MCI and it only went up to 3000rpm).
Diesel engines are great for loads of torque at low RPM's. Which is probably why most small trucks are also using diesel engines these days. For towing, a diesel is the engine to have. Most cars use gasoline engines, but those (cars) that do have diesel engines also produce lots of torque at low RPM's. A car with a gasoline engine will almost always out accelerate a car with a diesel engine. Gasoline engine cars are also quieter and have a higher top speed. BMW and Mercedes are now building some excellent diesels which are pretty quiet and fast. Gasoline engines also have more horsepower than a diesel of the same displacement and number of cylinders. And that's with the diesel being turbocharged and the gasoline engine being naturally aspirated (non-turbo).
Wayne
I am curious as to why the 700 series Orions aren't used for express routes like the CNG Orions are. From the few times I've been on them, they seem a bit more comfortable (despite vinyl seats) than the CNG Orions. Anyone know why?
I've seen one on the LIE and I was thinking that it was an express dead heading to Manhattan, but it could've finished a local run and was dead heading to the garage or somewhere else. They are very comfortable. I never rode QSC's, but I have ridden GBL's 5506 and several of those at WMATA.
Wayne
Yep, comfy. You could feel the torque from the engine when the driver
hits the gas.
I've ridden on Orion buses 700-703. They run very good. I think putting these buses on the local lines will destroy them. 701 has a badly padded seat in the right rear already and the windows are kinda graffitied up. In 1 way it was a mistake, in 1 way not. 1 way it is is obvious: messed up. 1 way it isn't because I an get to ride them.
MCIMAN2000
The 700s were given to us to supplement local service, while the 500s were to replace the MCIs. But plunty of RTS make the Express runs, so there nothing in cement to prevent a 700 from ending up there.
Mr t__:^)
I was just wondering, because I suppose the padded seats would be best appreciated by express bus riders. I know I am in a better mood when I'm in a padded seat.
What is the time frame for the 53 seater MCI's to go the way of the scrap yard?
If it ain't broke why should we fix it ? Seriously DOT didn't buy us all the new coaches we feel we need, so they be around for a while. It all depends on what the final fleet size turns out to be.
The only problem for the MCIs' is their lack of a wheel-chair lift.
Mr t__:^)
Typically, the normal life of a transit bus is considered 12 years, although they often last longer. The MCI Classics are only 10 or 11 years old, plus they've been used exclusively on express service. It certainly seems premature to me to be thinking of junking them. Are they in pretty decent mechanical shape? I believe a number of them have been repainted in very recent years by QS.
I'll tell you all the MCI buses that have received paintjobs:
901, 904-906, 908-912, 915(weird scheme, will try to get a pic), 918, 922, 926, 928, 930 (bottom part only), 939-941, 945-948, 950-954
MCIMAN2000
Yes they are in rather good shape. That's the good news for our customers. The more we're allowed to keep the more service we can provide.
Mr t__:^)
I heard on the CBS NewsRadio today there was an accident involving a "tandem" (articulated) bus in the Grand Concourse at 181st Street but no more details other than the traffic delays. Does anyone know what happened?
Wayne (no Slants here, just Flxibles)
1094 was in an accident with a sport utility vehicle.the sport utility vehicle was totaled.There was no visible damage to the bus.I saw it on the news via helecopter report.
QS page has been updated a bit. To check it out, here's the site:
www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/9718/QueensSurface.html.
More updates to come soon.
MCIMAN2000
When will NYBS replace its fishbowls and what would replace them? Is Liberty Lines Express scheduled to get new buses any time soon?
They are starting to be phased out a little with NY BUS SERVICE receiving 10 buses from Command. They are still used frequently during rush hours and even once in a while during the day. These buses are still in great shape because NYBUS Service maintains their buses well. A few months ago someone posted NYBus Service was supposed to receive some (3 0r 4) diesel Orions. I have not seen them yet. They might come in when the DOTs CNG order is complete. Maybe more MCIs will be transferred to NYBUS Service from other DOT companies with all their new buses coming in. ---> Just a thought.
Here is the deal
Right now NYBS is in the process of building a CNG station at its lot in Co-op City! This means that they are preparing to recieve CNG type buses.
Here is a list of the CNG Coach-type bus in production right that could be a option;
MCI D3 Commuter Coach (NJ Transit just recieved 50)
Orion V
RTS-06
RTS-06 WFD
Neoplan AN440/T
Just to name a few.
Oh, and what did they recieve from Command, RTSs or MCIs?????
Trevor
Trevor, NYBS has recieved some MCI buses. I'll forward you the numbers.
MCIMAN2000
What type of MCI's did they receive?
More of the same MCI Classics.
what isthe difference between the RTS-06 and the RTS-06 WFD ????
]
The RTS 06 or T80206 is the original narrow front door and wide rear door with WheelChair Lift at the rear. The WFD RTS is the model 08 or T80208 and others that fall in to this category, have the wide front door and it this model can accept the wheelchair lift in the front and it can accomodate the MegaMax destination sign which the series 06 can not it uses the MiniMegaMax system.
Peace
DaShawn
P.S.
Visit: www.novabuses.com to get information on these and other buses
Took the B83 today. While waiting for the bus at Livonia, I noticed that there was a new route map. There were three mistakes on it:
1. Jamaica Av: Transfer to the B56
2. Atlantic Av: " " " " B54
3. Livonia Av: 3 Pennsylvannia Av Station
However it tells you how long the bus takes from end to end. I got on Nova Bus 5000. Few paper on the floor.
Saw this bus today at Eastern Pkwy and Utica. It had an engine like the 3400 and 3700's instead of the rest of the 3000's. It is now with ENY. Also saw 8045 on the B46 yesterday evening going to KP.
You will see alot of the 1983 RTS's with repowering done to them. Their 6V-71N's have been replaced with 6V-92TA's. Alot of buses in the early 3000 and alot of the 3100's have their original powerplants, the TA had replaced mostly all of the 32xx and 33xx series with the 6V-92TA. Now alot of them are waiting to be scrapped, this to me makes no sence a repowered bus on the road for 6 months and then scrapped. What do you guys think?
Peace
DaShawn
I agree with you man. It is just a waste. Especially if the old engine is still in good use.
MTA- Money Thrown Away
I totally agree with your statement. As I understand, NYCT operates the 3000's with their overhauled and/or new engines until the warranty expires, then they put the bus for storage, scrap or sale. I think that is a total waste. They should've kept up with the mainteance of the older 6V71's instead of replacing them.
Ray
Same goes for 3257. I saw and heard it on the Q56 the other day.
They're both excelent buses. I heard that they're holding on to those buses for a long time to come.
I'm wondering if the following buses are in storage:
Where are the following buses:
QS: 27, 36, 54, 193-194, 201, 213, 218, 247,
Are buses 291, 298-299, 301 and 304 and 705 being maintained at QS?
CTC: 642-648, 662-663, 676, 680, 685-686, 702, 706, 720, 733,
2145-2147,
MTA: 3921-3925, 3927-3928, 3934, 3936-3942
MCIMAN2000
I guess Triboro Coach is trying to clean up their act. Saw buses 2802, 2804, 2810, 2825-2826 with new painjobs. They look pretty good unlike what the MTA is doing with their buses.
MCIMAN2000
With Commands new facility and new president i have noticed a big improvement with the buses. The buses are now assigned parking slots(with several cameras taping the buses) and a lot of buses are assigned to the same trips everyday (which is not always a good thing). Either way the buses are being kept in better condition and the service even seems to be better. Some drivers are even starting to announce stops (because the DOT has been on Command's butt) Keep up the good work!
Do the new Triboro paint jobs you saw include unreadable numbers, or are they using more legible numbers? (I fear the former, as the new CNG Orions have unreadable numbers!)
Script-type numbers (unreadable from 10-20 feet away).
MCIMAN2000
I am a driver at Ulmer Park. Yesterday I went to pull out 4012 and while I did my Pretrip Inspection I found a nice big hole in the floor. It was right behind the door side rear wheel well in front of the seet. You could see right down to the road. My forman told me that it might not worth to fixing it. The best part of this is that I took it from another driver that was pulling in from the B3. I knowest that it was writing up of it by the first driver at 7:30am. I got this bus at 4:30pm and i am getting a violation for no Pretrip Inspection. My yard dispature is a nut job. Just though you would like to know how the TA Think.
4012 is not with Gleason? More than likely it will be scrapped........
I remember reading all about this from the Ulmer Park website.Too bad the union has no guts to get you guys some of the new buses from E.N.Y.
Jerry our union is the one of the resion we lost the new 4900's series buses by getting into a fight over the pay we get to learn the new PA system. He told us one reasion was that was we have a very bad sick recorded in the dopot. Right now we are getting 4700's from Amsterdam right now. We are also going to get 8300's from Motherclara Hale and Castleton Acrding to the Bus Club Roster. By the way I guest 4012 bwas worth fixing it was on the B36 today.
just what are you getting paid to learn the pa speakeasy system? it seems pretty self explanatory and we in staten island have received nothing for this.
Jerry said we were going to get 15min pay for learing the new PA system.
PS What Depot are you out from.
Ukmer Park?! I thought it was Ulmer Park.
MCIMAN2000
Thank MCIMAN2000 I must have hit the "K" instead of the "L".
your welcome man, people would've laughed at you if you still kept your name as ukmer park.
MCIMAN2000
Yesterday I was walking near the lefferts A station and saw a first: An RTS type bus that had no white!
Queens Surface, Green, NYCT, MaBSTOA, etc. all have white bus with a color stripe(s). Even MARTA's buses are whir but diagonal stripe as is NJT. I saw a Jamaica Bus Lines bus with traincar beige where the white would be- real nice!
Trust me, you don't want to get this group started on painting buses....
-Hank
Did any of you bus fans see the funny scene in the movie #Quick Change" -(with Bill Murray, Geena Davis, & Randy Quaid), where they catch the Q9 bus far a "quick getaway"? I can't figure out why the
"actor-driver" had 1 min- 45 secconds to leave the stop. Was he running ahead of schedule? Wasn't that a spiffy clean bus they used in the scene? Also, how about Tony Shalboub's performance as the non-
english speaking cab driver who kept calling the bus a "blasomi"!!!
Any one else see that old movie?
Chuck Greene
Boy did I type my name wrong - See previous post!
This message is in response to a message posted on May 16th.
I saw Quick Change a couple of times. It was a funny movie. In one scene, with a little Hollywood magic, it appears that actor Phil Bosco (also in Dream Team, Working Girl) is driving the bus. At least I think he's not driving the bus - unless he has a bus driver's license. :)
I wondered whether the bus they used is now a museum bus, or if it is owned by a movie company, or has since been scrapped. A similar bus appears in the background in one of the scenes in "Summer of Sam".
Does anyone have any information? I didn't catch the bus number, sorry.
Thanks.
that movie was filmed in la i believe. the bus is not a nyct bus. if you watch it close you will notice. i havent seen summer of sam.
Most of that movie WAS filmed in New York City, believe it or not.
I looked the bus over a couple times when watching the movie, and my guess is that it is a NJ Transit Flxible. The interior is definitely NOT NYCTA-style (i.e. peripheral seating.....colors, etc.) and in a couple of the scenes, you can see more than one advertising card above the interior windows depicting NJ Transit.
The scene where the bus arrives is at Jamaica Ave. & 124 ST., Richmond Hill, Queens. I can't recall the number right now but they used the 7000 series. The route was the Q9 which actually is a Green Line route and not MTA.
I work at the Public Access station here in Manhattan, and we broadcast the TA's Transit Transit News magazine, and last night they showed 8397 at the Auto Show at Jacaob Javits Center. This bus has the General Motors Hybrid Electric system in it and President Rutter said that if this technology is successful that they will repower and purchase new Hybrid Electric buses. 8397 looks great! She has aluminum wheels, a new small roof mounted exhaust pipe with a mini-vent on the side panel of the left rear blacked out window, with special decals representing all the contributors to this conversion project. Any thoughts?
Peace
DaShawn
Today I saw bus 8397 in front for the main libary at 41st today with a road truck behind it. I get it come with the new tochnoiogy. The bus did look good with the small tail pipe out for the top.
I saw this bus today on a flatbed on the Staten Island Expressway heading towards Brooklyn. Does anyone know where this bus was coming from? BTW the bus looked like it was just repainted.
Maybe Lodi, NJ. I saw GL bus 624 one time on the LIE headed west. Probably headed to the same place for repairs.
MCIMAN2000
GBL 707 (an MCI) is back. Saw it this morning on the Q60. Doesn't look like it was repainted though (unless scratches get painted in now)
I think the rear was repainted. The back had no ad. Sides and front are the same. Has anybody noticed that Green Lines is not written on the sides of that bus? I think 711 is like that too.
MCIMAN2000
Sorry I saw bus 707 on the SIE from a distance. It looked repainted from far away--I guess it was just clean.
To All BusTalkers
My pics page is up finally (but still in the making)
check it out
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCTransit.html
and click on pictures page
Trevor
Saw 3016 and 3021 on the B24 today. Got a pic of bus 3016 in original NYCT scheme.
MCIMAN2000
Great because those 3000-3300 series are on their way out the door with in the next year!!!
Trevor
Unfortunately.
The Fresh Pond 3000 are NOT supposed to be used anywhere but on the W, Runs, as per maintenance. If one does end up elsewhere, it was due to bus shortage, or dispatcher error. Also, #3016 still has a UP Decal.
Was on this bus yesterday on the Q104 and both wheelchair seats were stuck in the up position. I never saw that before. 1 is normal, but 2?!
MCIMAN2000
Were on both of these buses and they caught my eye becuase the wheelchair seats are blue, not green. Wonder if they got the seats from the now scrapped 2200s. Buses 1001, 1003-1015 now have red and gray seats. They replace green seats.
MCIMAN2000
I was on CNG bus 2057 this afternoon on the Q18 and the bus was free once again. I've been feeling very lucky with Triboro. The more free the better for the passenger but not for the company.
MCIMAN2000
Trevor, stay online for a bit, I'm gonna send you an email by 11.
MCIMAN2000
Spotted at Thrift Auto Painting, Route 112, Coram, New York (Long Island) on 5/16/99:
Green Bus Orion #5511 and #5519
Triboro Coach TMC RTS #2813
and two former Triboro Coach Classics with the Triboro numbers removed and green numbers (#717 and #718) placed over the Triboro paint. One could assume that they are there for repainting into Green Bus Lines colors. The original Triboro numbers were not visible.
-Andrew
Spotted yesterday morning zipping northbound...Triboro Coach #666!!! I think it was an MCI Classic? Shouldn't that bus only go south and shouldn't riders never be able to get off?
Triboro 666 is not a MCI CLASSIC, it is a 1985 RTS.
More pictures have been added to the TransiTALK NYC Bus Page
check them out
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYC_Pictures.html
Trevor
What do the buttons on the right side of the dash on the Orions do?
I think that there are 5 or 6 of them. There a orange, a blue and a
green one if i'm correct. I don't know what the others do. I also
seen on some Orions, a orange covered switch. The letters were too
small so I couldn't read what it said.
Command Bus Co
351-356 GMC RTS 04 1984
357-382 same 1985
421-428
430-434
436-449
451=452
454-455
458
460-465
467469
470
472-481 MCI CLassic 1988
4903-4931 TMC RTS 06 1994 CNG
4932-
4934-4935
4961
4975 Orion 05.501 1998 CNG
Peak requirment----110 veh
Average Fleet age 8.9
Green Bus Lines
1001
1003--1015 GMC RTS 02 1979
221-238
240-268
649-650 GMC RTS 4 1985
636=639
641-647 GMC RTS 04 1985
270-292 GMC RTS 04 1986
602-608
610-635'
640
648
651=652 GMC RTS 06 1986
701-704 MCI CLassic 1989
705-712
713-716
(seats 53,50,46 in order)
1150-1182 TMC RTS 06 1989
5501-5544 Orion 05.501 1997
Jamaica Buses Inc
531 GMC RTS 04 1980
401-408
411
413
416
418
420
421
423 Flxible 870 1981
512=515
517=523\
525=529 GMC RTS 04 1986
501-511
530 GMC RTS 04 1985
551=567 GMC RTS 06 1986
571-580 GMC RTS 06 1986
601-607 MCI CLassics 1989
608 MCI Classics 1989
3830-3853 TMC RTS 6 1994
Liberty Lines Express
3001-3076 MCI CLassic 1988
3101-3110 MCI Classic 1989
NY BUS Service
1481-1505 GMC Canada T8H-5307A 1982
1600-1602 GMC Canada Classic 1984
1604-1686
1688-1697 MCI Classic 1988
1700-1709 MCI Classic 1989
Queens Surface Corp
194-195
197-198
201-
203-204 GMC RTS 02 1979
24-25
27-29
31-33
35-36
38-40
206-207
209-210
212-213
215-216
218=221
224=226
238-241 GMC RTS 04 1985
43
46-54
244-248
250-258
270-274
GMC RTS 06 1986
900-954 MCI CLassic 1988
275=389 TMC RTS 06 1994
700-705 Orion 05.501 1997
500-516
524
529
532
534-563
568=581 Orion 05.501 1997
Triboro Coach Corp
640
642=659
661-684 GMC RTS 04 1985
685-715 GMC RTS 04 1986
716-723
725-740
761-763 GMC RTS 06 1986
764-767
769
771
773-776
778-779
781-788
790-794 MCI CLaassic 1989
2050-2073 TMC RTS 06 1994
CNG
2136-2145
2147
Meth Buses TMC RTS 06 1994
2801-2829 TMC RTS 06 1994
1183-1184 TMC RTS 06 1994
3001-3016 Orion 05.501 1998 all CNG
3034-3050 same 1998 CNG
3052=3060 same 1998 CNG
Add to QS Orion 567 ... arrived last week, passed DOT inspection & will get a farebox this afternoon. May be on a street near you tommorow. The bal. of the orig. Orion order will follow shortly.
Mr t__:^)
Please keep me updated
I get ALL My material from official documentation
I thought that RTS-04's were first made in 1981. That Jamaica Bus that was made in 1980, was that a former slopeback from 1980???
The first RTS (series 04) were made in September, 1980.
Since I have been getting a few inquiries---
Command Bus Comapany
351-356 GMC RTS 04 1984
357-382 GMC RTS 04 1985
421-481 MCI Classic 1988
4903-4931 TMC RTS 06 1994 CNG Buses
4934-4935 Orion 05.501 1998 CNG Buses
Green Bus Lines
1001 GMC RTS 02 1979
1003-1015
221-238 GMC RTS 04 1985
240-268
649-650
636-639 GMC RTS 04 1985
641-647
270-292 GMC RTS 04 1986
602-608 GMC RTS 06 1986
610-635
640
648
651-652
701-704 MCI Classic 1989 53 seats
705-712 MCI Classic 1989 50 seats
713-716 MCI CLassic 1989 46 seats
1150-1182 TMC RTS 06 1994
5501-5544 Orion 05.501 1997
Jamaica Buses
531 GMC RTS 04 1980
401-408 FLxible 870 1981
411
413
416
418
420-421
423
501-511 GMC RTS 04 1985
530
512-515 GMC RTS 04 1986
517-523
525-529
551-567 GMC RTS 06 1986
571=580 GMC RTS 06 1986
601-607 MCI CLassic 1989 53 seats
608 MCI Classic 1989 46 seats
3830-3853 TMC RTS 06 1994
Liberty Lines express
3001-3076 MCI Classic 1988
3101-3110 MCI Classic 1989
NY Bus Service
1481-1505 GMC of Canada T8H-5307A 1982
1600-1602 GMC of Canada Classic 1984
1604-1686 MCI Classic 1988
1700-1709 MCI Classic 1989
Queens Surface Corportion
177-181 GMC RTS 02 1979 46 seats
183-184
189-190
193-204 GMC RTS 02 1979 44 seats
24-42 GMC RTS 04 1985
205-234
236=243
43-54 GMC RTS 06 1986
244-248
250-258
270-274
900-954 MCI CLassic 1988
275=389 TMC RTS 06 1994
700-705 Orion 05.501 1997
__________________________________________________
TRIBORO COACH CORP
640 GMC RTS 04 1985
642-659
661-684
685-715 GMC RTS 04 1986
M1 GMC RTS 06 1986 METHANOL BUSES (M)
M3-M6
716-723 GMC RTS 06 1986
725-740
761-763
764-794 MCI CLASSIC 1989
2050-2073 TMC RTS 06 1994 CNG BUSES
2136-2145 TMC RTS 06 1994 METHANOL BUSES
2147
2801-2829 TMC RTS 06 1994
1183-1184 TMC RTS 06 1994
BETWEEN APRIL 1998 AND OCTOBER 1998 --
GMC RTS 04 #660 GMC RTS 06 #M-2 ,TMC RTS 06 #2146 removed from the Triboro Rosters
Where are thewse buses now?
MCIMAN2000
NYBS' 1982 GM/Canada fishbowls are 96 inches wide which means the model designation is T8H-5308A.
Also with the original slopeback GM RTS' myunderstanding is that their was never an 02 series. They were either 01 or 03 series.
Wayne
add to Command 4936-4950, and 4953 There are more buses that have come in that have not been painted yet.
I rode on an 1979 RTS a couple of days ago and it looked like it was partially rebuilt. The seats were repainted gray and red to resemble the new buses, and the windows were all replaced with sliding ones. Was this bus a test bus for rebuilt or the other 1979's are going to follow this bus for rebuild??
1010 and 1015 are the only Green Buses that I know of that haven't been rebuilt yet. All will consist of the red and gray seats.
MCIMAN2000
Consolidated Fleet size --Overall fleet size from 1449 to now 1226,,Total peak requirement 1021 to now 1049
Individual Bus Cos.
Command Bus ---10 MCI Classics transferred to NYBS..18 CNG Orions added to Fleet,,FLeet size incresed to 132 Buses
Green Bus Lines--no changes from the Oct Roster
Jamaica Bus==== no changes from the Oct Roster
Liberty Bus --- no changes from the Oct Roster
New York Bus --- 10 MCI Classics transferred from Command ..FLeet Size increased from 121 to 131..Peak requirement increased from 118 to 123
Queens Surface-- 64 CNG Orions added to roster..37 RTS removed from the October 98 roster..FLeet size therefore increased from 285 to 312 ..Peak requirment increased frmo 256 to 270
___________________________________________________
Triboro Coach -- 43 CNG Orions added to October Roster,.5 Methanol RTS 06 removed from Octoboer 98 roster..and 6 MCI Classic placed in inactive status
numbers-768,770,772,777,780,789 are inactive
Fleet size therefore increased frmo 203 to 235..Peak requirments increased from 176 to 190
Where are Triboro buses 660 adn M2146? 770 is active, saw it yesterday along Queens Blvd. Add CNG bus 3000 too. There are 6 1988 GMC Methanol Powered buses not 5. (M1-M6)
Queens Surface got rid of bus 193?
Green Lines doesn't run a bus 221. They start from 222.
MCIMAN2000
I just wrote up what I recieved in the mail
I am a NYC Fire Dispatcher,,only
I looked at the Oct Roster,,some of your comments do appear (M1 M3-M6)
I get the materials twice a yr--all official documentation
Good Day
I need detailed routing info on the following
Blvd East--very northern portion at Nungessors area and the Lincoln Harbor routing from Hoboken
IKEA Shuttle
Payne Webber Shuttle
Thank you
Steve 914 668 9218
Is there anyone out there familiar with this,,an old DeCamp route,
I need the Jersey route and or the Manhattan POrtion ,,runs on city streets Midtown
Thank you
Steve 914 668 9218
Check it out!
(And sign the guestbook)
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYC_Pictures.html
Trevor
Can anyone out here be so kind as to steer me to a site where the serial numbers of all the recent deliveries to NYCTA are listed?
I know there are a few contributors who have put together rosters, even a link to the URL of one of those rosters would be a big help.
Thank you all very much!
Here the web sit for the Urban Transit Club.
http://hometown.aol.com/glenn6398/
You will have to scroll down to were it saids NYCTA- Bus Roster. The list is updated about once aweek.
Hope this it what you wanted.
There are only 8 buses in storage at College Point. 1800, 2577, 3108, 3109, 3130, 3134, 3177 and 6179. 1766 and the 3900s are gone. Where did they go?
MCIMAN2000
Maybe Nimco scrap yard.
Approximately 20 RTS-04s are stored ready for scrapping or sale at the William Lehman Maintenance Facility. This is the main base/shop for our Metrorail system.
Along with the RTS' some 20 bus/vans are also stored awaiting the same fate.
Some four other RTS' are stored at a private yard.
Sorry, could not get close enough to get fleet numbers. #1171, repainted as a Metrorail car (the bus actually looks very good painted in this fashion), is one of the RTS' present.
I have counted at least 44 different "wrap" advertising themes. Of these, some 7 different versions appear. The VW Beetle ads have the cars in different colors. By the way, our wrap ads are not the entire bus. The ads go from roof line to below the rub rail. Its only on the street side and placed between the wheels. On a few the entire bus is actually wrapped entirely. The Progressive Insurance ads resemble a "fishbowl"! What appears to be a GM New Look on a Flxible "Metro".Weird! All of these ads are on Flxibles except for one NABI.
Some Flxible buses are now painted in the current Miami-Dade Transit Agency colors. Look very sharp.
J.L, are you from Miami? I'm from there too and we should talk. I am sort of a bus nut myself.
Does anyone have any insight of when these are going to be updated
The service notices have not been changed since April 15,,and the Bus Schedules===who knows with that stuff
Steve
What is the New Flyer Viking? Are they like the MCI?
How do they look like?
With all 180 MCI coach buses delivered to Castleton and Yukon, you would think that the RTSs would be in a scrap dealers yard by now. But no, tonight I rode home (at 8:30 pm) on RTS# 4887- on it's last legs I am sure. If the MCIs are all here why does the NYCT put these bombs out on the road? Put the remaining Orions into service if an MCI is not available.
Queens has older RTS express buses running around.
Long live those RTSs.I hear at Fresh Pond depot,there is a fierce rivalry to get the 5 express buses they have now. Lots of drivers want those buses.
QV is the same way. They rather have a 3900 RTS than a 4900 or 9300. Some even like the 4300 and 8300 series. I don't know anybody that has said that they liked the 7000 series. About 1700, 1800 and 3800's: some said that they're happy to see them go some are not. 3200 series used to be at QV too, all but 2 are gone and they have the SLOW 6V71 engine. Thank God they're going.
MCIMAN2000
Queens division has always taken good care of their buses.I see 8300s a lot on Queens Village depots midnight runs.Most other depots run the Novas.
Like a post that I placed earlier in the week, most of the drivers that I know like the 8300 series better than the 4900 and 9300 series. Heard lots of complaints about the 9300's from the wheelchair lift being confusing to the bus being slow. The 4900s are a better series, I've heard good reports about these buses, they're comfortable and run very good. Only complaint about them: too noisy.
MCIMAN2000
You are right about those complaints because they are the same ones made at Hudson Pier. The 94/95/9600 series have some units that take off slow and then pick up speed, they seem to have some kind of delay. Then the wheelchair lifts are extremly slow and sometimes don't work at all. The 51/5200 series are much faster than their 1998 counterparts. I know that one thing that might have to do with their performance is that Detroit Diesel switched to DDEC IV and upgraded the Series 50 and Series 60 Turbo Chargers to the Wastegated type for cleaner operation.
Peace
DaShawn
Trust me The 4800s are not going anywhere any time soon. I am not defending RTS buses but we still have Express RTS buses in service from 1982 and 1985. The 4800s are from 1987. I understand what you were trying to say because I havent been on an express Orion in months. Its either an MCI or an old RTS. The RTS buses are usually missing seats or the seats are so dirty you dont even want to sit on them. Castleton seems to be using their Orions more than Yukon especially their 600s. Expect to be riding on the old RTS buses til the end of this year when 50 more MCIs and 3 New Flyer Coaches arrive.
What made it all the more annoying is that at that time of night the MCIs are sitting empty out at Yukon, instead of generating some revenue from those of us waiting on 5th Avenue in the damn rain. This bus had no a/c, and the seat I was on was loose. The driver had to open both roof hatches to ventilate the bus. I'm now spoiled by the MCI equipment, but they should have held on to the Orions or the 9200 series RTS buses a bit longer.
The 9200s went to Ulmer Park for the Brooklyn x-bus routes. The problem has been that with the lower fare, and better equipment, they're attracting more riders. So, they're expanding service. Since all the MCIs see service every day (there are no spares) they use what's left. I don;t know what happened to the first 72 Orions (101-172, nee 93001-93072) that were set up for x-bus service, but only Castleton got 400 and 500 series Orions in a coach configuration. I fully expect that the 1981-82 buses will be gone by the end of the year; a driver I spoke to said that they would likely be scrapped and they are going to be pulling some 3800s out of Edgewater for x-bus service until the 50 new MCIs arrive.
-Hank
Some of the Orion 100s are still in S.I. x-bus service. I just saw 148 on Hylan. I may have seen a post here to the effect that the coach Orions were going to Queens.
101-115, 168-172 are coaches at Casey Stengel Depot. I saw some weird sites along Queens Blvd this afternoon. 1852 at QV?! Where did this bus originally come from? 1746 has a Jamaica Depot Logo on it. Isn't that bus at QV? And finally Stengel bus 109 is back in service but the number of the bus on the left side is underneath the driver.
About Older RTS: I think the 1700 series should go. Getting rid of the 3800 series was the dumbest idea on the MTA's part. I suppose they were good buses. I want to get on 1 before they're stored. 3818 was on the Q75 with NYCT scheme. QV, do me a favor: run 1 of these buses on the Q46. I want to get on 1.
MCIMAN2000
Those low number Orion's are at Casey Stengel running primarily express bus service (X51) and sometimes local service (Q74). I think running coaches on local routes is somewhat wasteful, as a few of those Orion's have cut seats and scratched up windows.
For some reason, this is tolerable on the '81-'82 vintage 1700 series RTS's. For the record, those things are really S L O W, with the driver needing to do some fancy footwork to keep pace with the traffic on the LIE in the morning.
Don't be so quick to knock those SI Express clunkers, because what may be a clunker to the Staten Islanders will be the Queens folks increase in express bus service. Acutally I sympathize with you, as my route tends to be a hit or miss affair with scheduling and reliability. Oh, and let's not even get into what passes for evening service.
Who knows a web page that has MTA nad NJT MCI'S? (Hint: link was jefnjoshbuses) anybody know the link? Post it here on BT. Thanks.
MCIMAN2000
I am getting ready to develope some pics of the new MCIs for NJ Transit and post them on my NYC Bus Pics site as guest pictures, Look for them within the next two weeks
Trevor
I read in NYCT's Staten Island Transit Needs Assessment Study titled "Park-n-Ride" on the College of Staten Island that NYCT might look at a third Brooklyn to Staten Island bus route that would operate between the College of Staten Island & Brooklyn(mostly Bay Ridge), if anyone knows or heard anything about this third Brooklyn to Staten Island route, please post on bustalk on where would exactly the streets or avenues would the route travel on & it's new route number.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
Don't hold your breath on this one. That route has been in discussion for years. Nothing concrete yet.
This is the proposed 's63' that has been repeatedly discussed since the new CSI campus opened in 1994. The problem with the Park/Ride proposal is that there is no excess parking available at CSI (in fact, there is a lack of available parking for students) 15% of the students at CSI travel from 'Brooklyn or other boroughs'.
-Hank
Just looked at Glenn's roster and I saw that bus 4900 hasn't been delivered yet. I wonder why? All the other 4900s except 4903 are in. Maybe it'll also be an alternative fuel program. Anybody knows post it here on BT. Thanks.
MCIMAN2000
What does the letters RTS stand for? GMC made them but doesn't Nova
make them too? What is the difference between a Nova RTS and a GMC RTS? Drivers call them "junk buses" because they fell like their going
to fall apart. Why did the TA buy them in the first place and why do the private companies still use them?
GMC introduced the RTS (Rapid Transit Series) in 1977. Around 1987 GM sold their Bus division to TMC. TMC sold it to Nova sometime around 1994. Nova also owns the Classic line. It's supposed to be a durable bus. I'm just tired of seeing them. The NYCTA has over 3000 of them. Maybe they were thinking: Why mess with success.
Wayne
What does RTS mean ... ah a trivia question. I think it's Rapid Trans Surface or some such thing. I'll leave to real bus buff to answer.
RTS was first mfg by GM, who sold it to TMC, who sold it to Nova, who was taken over by Volvo.
Why are they still around ... because "they" haven't bought enough new ones to replace them yet. Typically you can get 10-15 years out of your 300,000 to 400,000 investment before it doesn't make economic since to keep fixing it. Some of group in the middle (GM-Nova) isn't holding up as well as the older ones. Another problem is that not too many mfg want to build for the TA ... The TA makes it hard to make money on the sale.
Junk bus ... the TA/DOT could have done worse.
Point last - the city has made a commitment to replace the diesel fleet with alt. fuel, i.e. CNG. I believe the 2nd mfg was only recently "qualified" to sell to the TA/DOT.
To my dear friends here, please pardon me if I don't have all the facts exactly right.
Mr t__:^)
Don't knock the RTS. It is a VERY durable bus.
Just think, the TA could have bought Gillig Phantoms. Now there's a real piece of crap!
The agency I work for (in southern California) still runs 1980 RTS's, and they are holding up VERY well. They already sold off the 1983 Gillig Phantoms, three years ago -- that's how good they were....
After the Grumman FLxible fiasco, the TA decided on a 'certification process' before ordering new buses. Oddly, they never tested the MCI 102DL3s before they were purchased. I guess they called someone to check it out. All other recent orders have had a 'test bus' before the order was placed.
RTS is as has been previously posted, and the 'II' on the plate was for 'two-axle', and there was a prototype for an RTS III, which would have 3 axles. Nova-built versions have dropped the 'II' from the designation.
-Hank
MCI did send a test bus to NYC for certification. The RTS III was supposed to be the Transbus with the low floor.
Sorry! but they did test the MCI 102DLW3's before the order was put through. #1860 was the test bus and was tested on the road and in simulated tests and was proved to be able to last 12 years. The TA also tested 102D3's back in 1992 or 1991 on the SI routes, they had special 5 digit road numbers. 1860 and 1861 were tested with aluminum wheels and were changed to normal steel like the others.
Peace
DaShawn
1861 was the first test bus not 1860. 1860 came a good 6 months later. The rest of the buses arrived in number order.
Thanks!, I knew it was one of the two numbers, just could not remeber which exactly
Peace
DaShawn
There was a test bus, as a matter of fact there were three, there was a 102DL3 sent in a odd pink and purple star paint scheme. Then 1861 was first, then followed 1860.
The very first test DL3 is now at Surburban Transit of New Brunswick NJ
Trevor
What I meant by it was, they tested the Orions and New Flyers for nearly a year before any were ordered. 1861 was the first bus delivered, and was THEN tested. I never saw the pink bus, I'd have remebered that!
-Hank
They did test the MCI 102D3 in 1992 and they had roll signs in the left hand windsheld. They ran on the X12/X14 and some of them had run on the X1 sometimes. The pink bus I saw in front of City Hall and it was amazing to see. They did a test of the Wheelchair Lift system and carried some folks around the downtown manhattan area. That was a great bus! It was an MCI demonstrator because it had the MCI logo on both sides of the bus.
Peace
DaShawn
That's what I like about Green Lines. They have mostly RTS models, some even from 1979. For 20 year old buses, they look like they're a few months old. New seats, very clean, only disadvantage is no wheelchair lift. I've been on almost all of the RTS'at GL and the majority of them have very fast acceleration. Want to know the good buses? Let me know either here on BT or via email.
MCIMAN2000
Would an RTS still be running if it's in poor quality? Take the Grummans, they were junk, all banged up. They were only 12 years old and they were scrapped back in 93 when the TMC's arrived. I like riding the RTS rather than Orions. The Orions bounce me back and forth like a pinball machine. RTS' don't do that.
MCIAMN2000
The RTS is a very durable bus but in my opion as someone who has driven all of NYC transit RTS's the GMC RTS's were the toughest and were built like tanks. Everything after the 4800's are not as dependable I dont think will last as the early rts's have.
RTS stands for Rapid Transit Series.
Those GMC's are tanks...20 years old and still running! Also look at the 1700 series NYCTA RTS's, 1981-82 vintage.
What Grummans are you talking about? The only Grummans the TA had were the 850 or so delivered in the early 1980's before the TA ordered any RTS's. They had the infamous A-frame problem that caused them to be withdrawn from service for repairs in their very early years, and then David Gunn permanently withdrew them from service after a fire, also in the early 1980's. Most of these buses were rebuilt by Flxible and wound up in NJ, where they are still running. They are due to be replaced later this year (by RTS's!), but I don't think their running history entitles them to be called junk.
Why do bus have odometers on their drive axles? Aren't odometers on the speedometer enought? Their on city as well as intercity buses.
Are they required by law?
Axle odometers do not require cables, or wiring. They are very dependable as long as whoever changes tires doesn't drop a 200 pound wheel and tire onto the hubodometer.
As far as I know, they are NOT required by law.
But they are more accurate, and more reliable. Many times, the spedo on the bus will not work. The hub odo is used for making milage-based maintainence decisions...
-HAnk
You can also read them on the fuel island, or if the bus is on a hoist without going into the bus
Please make corrections
and post on Bus Talk
1- 190 GMC TDH 5301 1959
501- 805 GMC TDH 5391 1960
1001-1130 GMC TDH 5301 1961
2001-2175 GMC TDH 5301 1962
3301-3555 GMC TDH 5303 1963
3601-3950 GMC TDH 5303 1963
7205-7299 FXL 111cc-D51 1969 orig 4000-4202
7361-7469 FLX 111CC-D51 1970 orig 4600-4727
6350-6444 GMC T6H 5305A 1971 orig 4300-4499
4463-4499 GMC T6H 5305A 1971
4500-4505 GMC T6H 5310A 1972
4800-4859 GMC T6H 5309A 1973
4860-4919 GMC T6H 5309A 1973
5001-5165 FLX F2D6V-401-1 1964
5201-5525 GMC TDH 5303 1965
5601-5790 FLX F2D6V 401-1 1964
6000-6163 GMC T6H 5309A 1972
6164 6199 GMC T6H 5310A 1972 #6957 orig #4504
6200-6349 GMC T6H 5309A 1973
6401-6900 GMC 5303 1965
6901-6956 GMC T6H 5310A 1973
7000-7204 FLX 53102-6-1 1973
7300-7361 s/a/a 1974
7500-7659 FLX 53102-6-1 1975
7700-7937 s/a/a 1976
8001-8202 GMC TDH 5303 1967
8301-8780 TDH 5303 1967
8801-8933 GMC T6H 5305A 1967
9000-9154 FLX 53102-6-1 1977
9155-9159 FLX 53102-8-1 1977
9160-9164 FLX 53102-6-1 1977
9165-9309 FLX 53102-8-1 1977
FLXBLE 870
199 53102-6-1 1979 DEMO #100
201-392 53102-6-1 1980
393-452 1980
453-552
553-565 53102-8-1
601-810
811-910
PA1-PA96
PA97--PA175
This is meant for a brief educational tool for those interested parties
ROSTER OF NEW LOOK EQUIP 1959 TO 1978
Thanks for the corrections. I remember seeing Flx 5790 on Q27 back then. I also had seen 6957 on Q44A and was wondering about that one. I might be mistaken about this one but I thought I once saw fishbowl 4950 in Manhattan.
Anyone have a list of which Flx 4000's that were renumbered to which 7000's?
Also for the GMC 43/4400's that were renumbered to 63/6400's?
4000-4202 renumber to 7205-7299
Flx 111cc-D51 1969
4600-4727 renumbered to 7362-7469
4300-4499 renumbered to 6350-6444
GMC T6H 5305A 1971
What I meant was what did each individual bus become if this is possible, ie. what did 4391 become? Also weren't the 48/4900's renumbered to 6500's? Thanks again, great information.
Does anyone have a roster for Buses operating in the City of New York up until 1959
(all 5 Boros)
Including
Surface Transportation
5 Av Coach
Av B and East Broadway
etc,etc
Fleet NUmbers----Mfgr===Model Desig---Date I/S
Thank you
Steve
I read your comment on the proposed S63 route between the College of SI & Brooklyn?.
I would like to know if this is going to be a new route, if so, what streets & avenues would it take or will it be a branch off the existing S53 route at Victory Blvd & Clove Rd.
And when would this new route begin. Please post on bustalk.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
First, PLEASE follow the threads!
This rout has been constantly talked about since late 1993. Nothing has ever come of it. The original route proposal that I saw had the bus following the s53 route to Clove Rd, and then down the expressway to Slosson Ave (due to the lack of a service road along that section of the SIE, Slosson to Victory, and Victory to CSI. It was expected to go to the Mall from CSI. But as I said, nothing to come of it.
-Hank
Saw 765,767,778,780 (I think) and 782 today along Queens Blvd. Any of these on the out of service list?
MCIMAN2000
Can somebody please tell me what happened to buses 660 and M2146?
Keeping rosters updated and need to know.
MCIMAN2000
As I remembered the early 80's RTS had whimpy 150 horsepower engines.
I think my car has more power then that. Are they still in service, if so which depot are they from? I would like to ride on those things, seeing the driver press the gas all the way down and the bus is barely
moving. When they have a full load, how do they cope?
How about the RTS with the new Cummings M-11 engines? How powerful are they?
The city should order RTS with 450 horsepower engines, that would be fun!
BTW, did any one every worked on a stalled intercity bus before, when
one breaks down where do they tow it? To a NYCTA depot?
Those M-11 engine buses (#9140-9149, 1996 NovaBUS RTS-06) are quite powerful. Those engines are 280 Horsepower Engines, the next powerful after the DDC Series-60 being used in the MCIs, rated at a 330/350 Horsepower. Cummins engines are highly used in the newer NJ Transit buses are those suckers can fly.
Trevor
In the January-February issue of "Rollsign", the magazine of the Boston Street Railway Association, mention is made of the NJ Transit cancelation of the order for its 4 Low Floor Orion VI hybrid diesel-electric buses. According to the magazine, the reason for the rejection was rumored to be "because the weight per axle of the bus exceeded New Jersey highway department standards". These 4 rejects are, of course, now NYC Bus #6350-6353. Their initial origin for NJ Transit probably explains the different paint scheme (black trim) these buses have compared to all white and blue for #6354 (and, probably, #6355-6359 when they arrive). [For my photo of one of these "rejects" please see Photo Album II on this site.]
As has been remarked in the past at this site, it is too bad that the original paint scheme of the NYC RTS buses has not been retained when these have been repainted with formerly black areas now painted white. Not pleasing to the eye. If the Orions and New Flyers had been painted like the new RTS, we would have a better looking bus fleet in NYC. I wonder who makes these decisions and on what basis.
It self explains.
1.When and was it eliminated from it's almost twin route M3?
2.Can also someone explain the year that the route change and Why?
3.Is there any ideas of saving this route from exinction?
(I know it was reduced both directions over the past years)
It self explains.
1.When and was it eliminated from it's almost twin route M3?
2.Can also someone explain the year that the route change and Why?
3.Is there any ideas of saving this route from extinction?
(I know it was reduced both directions over the past years)
THE M-18 WAS A BRANCH OF THE M-3. WHEN CONVERT AVENUE WAS UNDERCONSTRUCTION THE MTA DISCONTINUED SERVICE. WHEN CONVERT AVE WAS OPEN TO TRAFFIC THE SERVICE WAS STARTED AND CALLED THE M-18. THE ROUTE WAS MODIFIED IN JULY OF 1995
Please do not use CAPS!!
Found this while rummageing at the Transit Museum this morning...
I think it's from Ulmer Park, or Flatbush.
-Hank
Ulmer Pk,,due to B21 B34 readings
Does the B21 and B34 buses resemble any buses of today?
B21 as far as I know is part of the current B36. Correct me if I am wrong.
No actually it's part of three line the 36 as you said also the 1 and 4.
the B-21 is now part of the B-1(Mackenzie St to Ocean Parkway/Meptune),the B-36 between Ocean Parkway/Neptune and Sheepshead Bay Station) and the B-4 to Knapp Street.
The B-34 was merged with the B-1 between 25th Ave/86th St and Shore Rd with the B-3 extended from 86th St and Harway Ave replacing the B-4 and B-34. This took place in November-1978
yea the 4 and 1.
These Destination Reading are not a LED Sign. It a old number from the Rolls sign from the 70's and 80's.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
I know, that's why it says 'mylar' in the subject line.
-Hank :)
The little numbers referred to what would appear in the window adjacent to the crank or toggle switch that the driver would activate to change the sign. In the old days, there would be some iteration of the destination. With the red/blue mylar signs, they went to a combination of numbers and then the decal you have so expertly scanned for us, Hankster.
Anyone have info on the 6000 Orions? They are new I assume.
They have roof mount exhaust, and LED signs. Will they replace all the RTS? Are the controls the same as the older Orions? Do they use the same DDSeries60 motors?
The new Orion V's have Detroit Diesel Series 50 engines with DDEC IV electronic controls and Allison B-400R 4 speed Automatic Transmissions with Retrarders. They have full LED light kits (Marker Lights, Destination Signs, Signal and stop lights) They are part of the program to replace older RTS equipment and to add on to the current fleet. They do have the roof mounted exhaust to reduce emissions and are also equipped with catalytic converters. They seem to have the same controls but I am not completely sure.
Peace
DaShawn
Actually, the roof mounted exhaust is because the plumbing in the new engines is capable of it. The older engines had to go out the bottom. There are a few differences between the 100-600 series Orions, and the new 6000 series. All features of the 6000s:
Exhaust extends out of the body
LED-equipped luminators
New interior lighting style
Industrial-padded seats
A small steel piece atop the front sign
-Hank
You're right, but the street level exhaust has always been an option that the TA has ordered. If you look at the LI Bus diesel Orions their exhaust is on the roof as well and they use the same engines as the earlier units that we have. The big difference is ours had the pariculate traps which required them to have dual street exhaust. Those were cool! The one thing the new 6000 series seem to be quieter than the 400-600 series Orions.
Peace
DaShawn
I rode on a 7000's series RTS (1981 rebuilt) for the first time this afternoon on the m86 - #7542.
Seems like a pretty interesting clash of old and new; black window frames, better-insulated windows, lighter-blue seats, mixed in with the seat-top bars that don't extend out and curve around, an older and slower engine, sharp-edged rear door windows, and long bars on the rear doors.
Are there any more rebuilding programs planned for older buses?
Were these buses rebuilt and put back into service as an interim measure until new buses arrive(kind of like the rebuilt R-10's and R-30's)? Or have they begun a new life? Why were they renumbered, anyway?
The 7000 series are completely remanufactured from the frame out. It is a mix of the old and new and some old things have new twists to them. Like the rear doors are the same just modified with Air Assist to help open them when the yellow tape is touched. This was first introduced on PA2600 which had this modification done and was incorporated into the 7000 series of which alot of these buses once were. The engines are the same as the 8400 series, 6V-92TA DDECIII's with catalytic converters instead of Trap Oxidizers like the 8000 series. The 7000 series were remanufactured by East New York and 207th Street maintainance crews and the 7500 series was remanufactured by MidWest Bus. To me they have much better acceleration than what they used to be in their past lives. These buses were done to increase their service life by 7 to 10 years similar to what they did to the GM fishbowls when they cameback from Blitz. These buses also have ThermoKing and Carrier HVAC units that use R134A freon. One driver at Hudson told me that they have one 7000 series with a Series 50 in it, so hopefully they will remanufacture more of them instead of them sitting in storage lots like they are now.
Peace
DaShawn
Maybe some of the 3500 and 3600 series will get remanufactured. Would like to see that happen. 7028 has the vandal-proof seats on them. I've been on most of the 7000 series and they run really good.(all but 7008, 7030 and 7037) But I've heard that they're not placed on long routes like the Q46. (I took a pic of 7006 on the Q46.) But if you ride this line, you'll mostly see 3900, 4900, 8300 and 9300 series. And very rarely you'll see others such as 1700, 1800, or even a 3200. 7000 series are often on a line like the Q79, it's short and not far from the depot. Also, because they're remanufactured old buses, they often break down. I know somebody that drove bus 7015 brand new out of the shop. He doesn't even get 1 mile from the depot in ENY and the bus breaks down. Somebody wasn't doing their job at that time.
MCIMAN2000
A lot of the drivers liked the 7000s when they first were re-introduced because new driver seats were placed in them which are definitely more comfortable and have better support than the old seats in older RTS buses. My friend who was a dispatcher at ENY Depot said after a few months a lot of drivers were avoiding the 7000s. BTW I know the 7500s from ENY were transferred to UP.
If the bus broke down after it was rebuilt, it's got nothing to do with it being old. Rebuilt buses are generally stripped to the frame. The get new floors, refurbished walls, new windows, all new or rebuilt mechanical everything (Usually a new drive train, while suspension and steering componants will be refurbished and reinstalled where possible), rewired, and painted; you have a new bus. I'm surprised that they didn't install ne w lifts, however. The oldest parts generally being the frame and body. So if a rebuild broke down so quick, you look at it as if a new bus broke down.
-Hank
I could not agree with you more Hank! This is the same with new buses. For instance one of the Orions at Mother Hale just went back to Orion I think it was 6014 because it's under warranty and something was wrong that needed to be corrected.
Peace
DaShawn
I 3was wondering how much did it cost the TA to rebuild the buses as opposed to purchase one? I remember when the fishbowls were rebuilt, they cost an average of $88,000 a copy. Also, were the destination signs replaced? Last, I'm going to NYC next week for a few days, are any of these buses at Fresh Pond?
The signs were changed to the Mini-Mega Max Destination signs and they are not at Fresh Pond Depot. The following depots have 7000 series buses:
Flatbush
Queens Village
Ulmer Park
East New York
West Side
Hope this helps and enjoy NYC when you come.
Peace
DaShawn
I was wondering how much did it cost the TA to rebuild the buses as opposed to purchase a new one? I remember when the fishbowls were rebuilt, they cost an average of $88,000 a copy. Also, were the destination signs replaced? Last, I'm going to NYC next week for a few days, are any of these buses at Fresh Pond?
None at Fresh Pond.
I heard that it cost about $90,000.00 to rebuild the 7000's, but the 7500's cost about $100,000.00 becouse they do not have to be ship any were. Some of the newer 7000's that just came out from EYN base shop did not get new destination signs (EXP UP 7045-7048). The 7000's series buses after #7000 don't have e push botton tranmition gear shit they have the old type one.
That is sad to hear. There are some things that TA does that make no sense to anyone with an ounce of common sense.
I really feel sad and angry when I read the posts about Ulmer Park and the equipment that you have and the condition of
the equipment as well. The fact that those units that you got from E.N.Y. Base Shop should have been equal to the 7500 series
and because they are not, it's like you guys got fast patched buses to supply service. I hope things change at Ulmer Park!
Peace
DaShawn
Thing at Ulmer Park will never change. I was told five years ago when I first started not to expect any new buses, and if we do get new buses to expected to have them to be taken from us right away. This happened with the heard seated 9000's when half the fleat was taken from us when the B8 was giving to East New York, and us not getting the new 4900's series Nova RTS. We are now getting old 4700's and 8300's.
Maybe you will get some Nova RTS (9300s and 9400s) buses from Flatbush when it gets its artics. Some Brooklyn depot is going to take over the routes that wont require the artics to be used on them so I would assume they will get some of Flatbush's buses. ENY already has too many buses running out of there. So it would have to be JG or UP although I did hear a rumor that the TA was going to build a Brookyn East Depot. BTW UP does have a lot of express Novas. How are the Express Novas holding up?
The express Novas are holding up very well. They don't have to put up the the general public so the inside don't get turn up. The depot al keep them in top running shap. They don't want the people who pay $3.00 to brake down on the highway.
I understand that Ulmer Park will get the B-2 and B- 31 from Flatbush.Will the B-4 still be in the depot or will it be transferred agin to Jackie Gleason.
I heard that the TA may start another express route in Brooklyn between Ocean Parkway/Ave Z to Manhattan via Bay Ridge Parkway which was one of the Metro Apple Express routes
$90K to $130K is what I heard. Compared to $200K-$385K for new, a good deal as long as the bus lasts 1/2 as long as a new bus. The only thing that limits bus life, in these days of fiberglass body panels, is the condition of the frame, and the cost of replacing suspension and electrical componants. The engine has become a non-issue, as long as it doesn't siez or crack; as they can swap them around as needed. Bad frame in 2222? Bad engine in 2223? Yank the engine from 2222 and scrap it; put the engine in 2223....
-Hank
Saw bus 6138 brand new turning from 73 Street onto Northern Blvd headed toward Stengel. No ads were on the bus only the depot logo.
Looks like it just arrived today from orion.
MCIMAN2000
Actually they come from E.N.Y or Gun Hill or Atlantic Diesel for acceptance from the TA. The buses just don't come from the manufacturer to depot.
Peace
DaShawn
Do these buses come already painted w/TA logos fresh from Orion?
They do come painted in the TA paint scheme and the logos are placed here in NYC at the TA when they get to the property for acceptance. (Please correct me if I am wrong.) Then when they get to their respective depots they get their stickers.
Peace
DaShawn
That right they get there depot sticker at the depot. I saw two of them driving down NY State route 17 last saterday while I was going upstate to my trailer. My farther told me that he see two ever saterday on his way upstate. They comefully painted from the plant.
I wish I could make the busfest tomorrow, but unfortunately, I can't, Whoever is going, please take a lot of good pictures and post it in the photo album, I'd appreciate it! Thanks. I'll meet you all soon.
MCIMAN2000
Im going to be there at Busfest tomorrow and will take a lot of pictures. I will put the pictures in my webpage soon.
Last Week I got a Letter from NYCTA and i was suprise that i was report to NYCTA Employee Resources Center on June 1,1999. I did remember i fill out the form three years ago and I thought that could last for one year. They didn't drop my name from the list and they hire crazy people for three years now. My father told me they looking for "Angel". I know what that mean but no body in nyc it not prefect. My Selection # is 7,646 and I never want to be a Bus Operator but i will gave a try if everything ok. Other one problem that i don't have CDL but im study right now and i will take a test before they call me if i pass all the Lab screening and Medical examination.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
P.S i will be in Bus Fleet Tommorow afternoon and i will take alot of pictures.
I was wondering what are the procedures that MaBSTOA takes prior to accepting potential candidates....background screenings, drug tests, credit reports.....etc
Congratulations!!! I took he Bus Operator Exam 2 weeks ago. Hopefuly I will hear from them by the end of the year......... I have the CDL book but have not taking the test yet.........
Last Week I got a Letter from NYCTA and i was suprise that i was report to NYCTA Employee Resources Center on June 1,1999. I did remember i fill out the form three years ago and I thought that could last for one year. But they didn't drop my name from the list and they hire crazy people for three years now. My father told me they looking for "Angel". I know what that mean but no body in nyc is not prefect. My Selection # is 7,646 and I never want to be a Bus Operator but i will gave a try if everything ok. Other one problem that i don't have CDL but im study right now and i will take a test before they call me if i pass all the Lab screening and Medical examination.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
P.S i will be in Bus Fleet Tommorow afternoon and i will take alot of pictures.
Last Week I got a Letter from NYCTA and i was suprise that i was report to NYCTA Employee Resources Center on June 1,1999. I did remember i fill out the form three years ago and I thought that could last for one year. But they didn't drop my name from the list and they hire crazy people for three years now. My father told me they looking for "Angel". I know what that mean but no body in nyc is not prefect. My Selection # is 7,646 and I never want to be a Bus Operator but i will gave a try if everything ok. Other one problem that i don't have CDL but im study right now and i will take a test before they call me if i pass all the Lab screening and Medical examination.
Peace Out
Justin2669 (a.k.a Mean DJ)
P.S I will be in Bus Fleet Tommorow afternoon and i will take alot of pictures put them on my own webpage.
Good luck if you get the job. MaBSTOA is not like the TA. Probation for MaBSTOA is only 6 mounth not 1 year. They also only get 5 sick days per year not 12. When you start class and you get to pick a depot try to get Amsterda, it is the smallest dopot in the system, with only 4 like in it. Anyway It is a job if you can handle the custerm and not get into touble while in probation.
I ment to say it a good job. I back over the good by accdent. Anyway good luck.
Is there a particular place that everyone is meeting at Bus Fest tommorrow?
Peace
DaShawn
Damn it is tomorrow. Well if it dont rain, ill try to make it out there.... How much does it cost and what time does it close?
I hope the rain will hold off. But it starts at 10am and ends at 4pm.
Peace
DaShawn
I went to Bus Fest today and it was great but not many people showing up because of rain. I took a alot of pictures. Soon i will put my pictures in my own webpage also subway cars too.
Peace Out
David (a.k.a Mean DJ) Justiniano
I couldn't make the Bus Fest today (I really wanted too, though!), but I thought of an idea.
If the TA has a portion of their museum subway fleet on permenant display at the Transit Museum year-round, why don't they have the same kind of display with the museum bus fleet, rather than bring them out one day a year? This way, much more people would get an opportunity to see them at their leisure.
The TA could put the buses on display somewhere not too far from the museum and they could offer a shuttle bus service (using a museum fleet bus, of course!) between the two sights. And every so often, they could rotate the buses, so for one month, they might use a Fishbowl on the shuttle. The next month, they could use a New Look, the next a Grumman 870, and so-forth.
I have a good imigination, don't I. Why do I think this idea is going to stay there?
Good Idea but they would build something like a small depot to keep them out of the rain and snow.
Maybe they can use a nearby depot that is already built and run a shuttle bus to the Bus Museum which could also have engines, transmissions, the musuem bus fleet, etc.The transit museum and Bus Museum could use a special MetroCard-maybe a green MetroCard with Gold letters that would cost $3. The card would allow entrance to each museum and the shuttle bus which could have the route number 1904( the year the first subway started.)
Mr. Mabstoa, Thurston- your comments!
I have a couple of questions:
1) I notice while riding today that the Brookdale Hospital the B8 kept straight after Church/ Linden Blvd and made stops on the B35 bus stops. I thought it was only one bus but every bus did the same. There was no problems on Linden Blvd nor Rockaway Pky. I would like to know if there is any ideas of making the Brookdale bound busses keep straight on Church or/and why were the reason for the buses to doing so? (I'm not sure if having my question stated right !)
2) I also notice that when Ft. Hamilton is not allowing busses thru, the B8 reroutes on 7av to 92 St in both directions (Brookdale bound busses would go up on Ft. Hamilton Pkwy to 92 St). Why can they do that all the time and allow some buses to run their? An example is the S51 at Fort Wadsworth, and the B8 can do this at all times. Why is it that there is no B8 buses unning to Bay Ridge at noghts in the first place?
i saw this sat when i was on Church. I guess it would be be better to run on Church. I prefer the original route better.... It served the whole hospital which is it main purpose........
Still does anybody know if it is long - term?
Church,,Linden,Rockaway ,Church,E 98,Hegeman,Amboy
I spoke to Customer service,,they mentioned that the BusRoute has NOT changed
---can someone verify this
Steve
FDNY
Two of us (B14 Mike and I) have seen the B8 going straight on Church Ave. The B9 mae stops on the B35 bus stops between 94 St - Rockaway Pky. Maybe that can help.
Saw her today @ Brookdale Hospital. It was out of service. It was most likely on the B8 route. I am proud to see 4987 and use her as part of my name........
I am happy for you! See! Told you! You would see her very soon. I feel the same way when I see MCI 1975 from Yukon Depot. That is m year of birth. To me good year and good bus.
Peace
DaShawn
I would like to know if you have heard anything from NYCT if they will provide bus service to connect with NJ Transit's Hudson/Bergen light rail system at 34 St in Bayonne in March 2001, if so, which routes are being considered to connect with the light rail system. Please post on bustalk.
Sincerely,
Michael
There are legal complications,,this probably will not happen in the immediate few years,
Having attended today's bus fest, I was disappointed with the lack of cooperation from the weather, and my camera never came out of the bag. Learned a few things about the Orion CNG and the Orion VI Hybrid.
First off, the CNG has NO LIMIT on standees. Basically, I was told the bus is full when there's no space left behind the white line. It's also counterweighted, so that the center of gravity is lower than it would be with just the roof tanks, but still slightly higher than a diesel version. GVWR for the bus is 40,000lbs.
The Hybrid, on the other hand, has limited seating because it's a low floor model, and the rear is not on a platform. The cabinet and assorted fiberglas panels and covers in the left rear are actually the entire drive train. The bus also requires special training, as the overhang on the rear of the bus is nearly 8', and 'watch your overhang' stickers abound at the controls. The instrumentation is also different. The purchase of the buses was funded in part by the NY Power Authority.
-Hank
[First off, the CNG has NO LIMIT on standees. Basically, I was told the bus is full when there's no space left behind the white line. It's also counterweighted, so that the center of gravity is lower than it would be with just the roof tanks, but still slightly higher than a diesel version.]
The Orion CNGs have about 6,000 more pounds on top. I been lead to beleve the standee/additional weight problem relates to stopping distance vs. center of gravity. Can you shed any light on this from what you heard this weekend ?
Mr t__:^)
I made it to Bus Fest 99 as well and was able to get Video footage and still photos with my waterproof camera. I enjoyed talking
with the driver named "T" from Manhattanville depot and his experiences with the Hybrid Electic buses. We have to remember that
CNG buses do not have the same operating range as Diesel powered buses and this is one of the reasons that the MTA is looking
at Hybrid Electric technology as the alternative to CNG. For the interim to help clean up the air and meet federal mandates
they have purchased these low-floor CNG's for Brooklyn, but I doubt that any other depot in they system will go CNG. As far as
standees, I also thought that the problem was not with the standees only, but also the braking distance as mentioned by Thurston.
According to "T" at Manhttanville, 4903 seems to be the mystery of 1999. No one has a clue as to what alternative fuel is going to
be used at Manhattanville. I enjoyed bus fest and look foward to next year!
Peace
DaShawn
Anyone tell driver named "T" from Manhattanville depot about this website?
'Nice Shirt'?
-Hank
Thanks! I had the yellow plaid shirt on and basically a matching camera (lol)!
Peace
DaShawn
Then you weren't the person I thought you were. There was a guy with an MCI t-shirt.
-Hank
I was there from 11am to 1:30pm and i was wearing met hat with light black jacket. I was great but next time better be sunny next year.
For those BusTalkers who do not regularly visit SubTalk, you might be interested in the upcoming SubTalk Field Trip on Friday, June 4, 1999, to visit the Newark Subway to see and photograph the PCC cars, whose days in Newark are numbered. Please see the Upcoming Events Section of this site for detailed information.
Can anyone explain the differences between the Hybrids and regular diesel besides the drivetrain?
How do they look inside/outside?
How does the dashboard look like?
What special training is needed? What did the long overhangs have to do with it?
I can explain the priciple of the hybrid operation, but not much else.
There are two types of Hybrid drive systems, the so-called 'parallel drive' and a simple diesel-electric.
Parallel drive works with a standard engine and transmission setup, with the engine also coupled to an alternator that constantly charges a bank of batteries, which in turn are used to power an electric motor at city driving speeds, where the engine is not used. At a certain threshold speed (for most systems, 25mph or so) or when the drive systems computer notices a reduced charge in the batteries, it automatically starts the engine, and switches to the 'standard' driveline, and/or charges the batteries. These meet California Air Resource Board (CARB) standards for Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV)
A diesel-electric will have a low-horsepower engine powering a generator, but will only have an electric drivetrain. It may or may not have storage batteries for zero emissions operation. (ZEV)
-Hank
The hybrid that I saw was a standrd RTS It had a 140 HP engine that ran a generator. (Standard transit buses are in the 255 to 310 hp range)
The engine ran at a constant speed. To accelerate the electric motors that were mounted in direct drive to the two rear wheels are powered by the generator and if fast enough suplemented by the batteries.
When the bus is not under power the generator charges the batteries.
When you apply the brakes the electric motors provide regenerative braking that stops the bus and also charges the batteries.
The 140 horse hybrid performed as well or better than a 280 hp diesel.
I was looking at the engine, generator, and rear axle with the motors mounted to it and did not notice if the dash was different but I think it was similar to a standrd RTS.
As I write this, Bx55 bus #1104 (New Flyer Artic) sits on White Plains Road between Gun Hill Road and 211 Street in the company of the NYPD as the bomb squad is on it's way. The driver spotted a suspicious package and reported it immediately. White Plains Road is closed to peditrian and vehicular traffic at this time.
How is the brake released from a bus? I assume it's different from a car. The driver doesn't have to step on the service brake before pushing down on the yellow parking brake knob?
How is operation of a air braking system different from a hydrylic one?
They work on the same principle, pressure in the system forces the shoes against a disc or drum. In hydralic brakes, liquid is used to force the braking action. In most air brake systems, air pressure holds the shoes AWAY from contact with the disc or drum. When the driver steps on the brake, air is released from the system, and springs force the shoes against the drum. In this type of system, a complete loss of air pressure results in a full brake application, which is why engageing the parking brake produces that rush of air. For a more detailed description, try www.howstuffworks.com, they'll most likely have a good detailed story.
-Hank
Your description of air holding the brakes off is correct for some emergency spring brakes on buses and for some train brakes. Bus service brakes are applied with air pressure and when the air is released the springs pull the brakes off of the drums.
DD3 brakes are applied with air from a reserve system if the main system drops below a certain pressure. When the emergency/park brake is on the rear brakes are locked in place. When the parking brake is released a full application of the service brake is needed to release them from the locking rollers.
Why are Methanol Powered Buses being discontinued? Anybody have a picture of 8397 now? Where is that bus located now? Is it on the same route everyday with the same driver? If nobody has a pic, I want to get a pic for my page.
MCIMAN2000
Hey Gary
Its me Trevor, 8397 is at Manhattanville now serving as a Hybrid Electric. This bus is so elusive, no one has been able to catch a picture of it, to my knowledge.
Trevor
Methanol does not get a very good bang for the buck with emmissions and the fuel is a bit tricky to handle. I do not know why NYC is not moving forward with them though.
Methanol is extremely corrosive, and eventually destroys whatever is used to store or transport it. It's just not a cost-effective motor fuel. The future is the hybrid-electric. It can use a small, constant-speed diesel generator to provide electricity to motors and/or batteries, which wil then propel the bus. More should be invested in their development than in CNG or other alternative fuels. The hybrid technology is also easily adapted to straight electrics, which I doubt we will ever see a new installation of.
-Hank
Triboro Buses 2136-2147 should go through the same process as 8397 did. They're still in running shape.
MCIMAN2000
I am surprised and impressed, because LAMTA and everyone else has abandoned Methanol except for Triboro. I wonder what they do to make them keep ticking? Also Triboro uses M100 or 100% methanol instead of M85 which is 85% Methanol and 15% gasoline.
Peace
DaShawn
If Methanol is corrosive why do drag racers use Methanol fuels or am I overlooking something?
You're overlooking that those race cars cost nearly as much as a bus, if not more. They tear the entire engine apart after each race (I don't mean day, I mean, every time they take the quarter-mile, they rip the engine down to the block, and rebuild it. They replace most of the fuel system. They also don't use a conventional fuel tank.
They also can afford to do this. The componants for the fuel system for methanol are expensive, if you want parts that won't corrode too fast.
-Hank
Previous message said, "8397 is at Manhattanville now serving as a Hybrid Electric. This bus is so elusive, no one has been able to catch a picture of it, to my knowledge."
I saw NYC Bus 8397 earlier this morning on Route 17 in NJ heading south in Hasbrouck Heights, just south of Route 46. This is pretty close to Atlantic Diesel in Lodi, NJ, so perhaps 8397 was there for some work.
I have ridden 8397 once before. I was going to Penn Station one night and was waiting for the M4 or Q32. The Q32 came first, which was 8397. The ride was the same as her diesel sisters, but I didn't like the engine sound at all.
Should have been a low-pitched rumble, rather on the quiet side. The engine is supposed to be constant speed, turning the generator to charge the batteries. The batteries are where the motors for the bus draw their current.
-Hank
I don't think 8397 is a hybrid bus. It ran just like a conventional diesel bus. I have noticed that methanol and CNG buses idle quieter than diesel buses.
8397 is a Hybrid now, but when it was on the Q32 is was still a Methanol powered RTS. I have noticed that on the Triboro RTS's powered by Methanol they seem to stall a little bit when decelerating. More like a chocking sound. They seem to be a little smoother running than their diesel counterparts. 8397 is interesting because she was Queensvillage for a while since delivery I think, and then she was transferred to Casey Stangel until she was converted to Hybrid and moved to Manhattanville. Hank is correct that in Hybrids the engine runs a constant speed and changes speed only when neccessary. 8397 was at the Car Show this year in front of the Javits Center to show off her technology made possible from General Motors. I think the new Nova RTS's will use the HybridDrive™ system from Lockheed Martin.
Peace
DaShawn
The system used in the bus is very different from the system used in cars (like Toyota's new Hybrid) and locomotives for the simple reason that buses have a large capacity available for storage batteries.
In a locomotive, the engine runs as fast as it needs to to supply power to the motors.
In the Toyota, the engine runs and both propels the car AND charges a battery bank. At a speeds >25mph, the electric cuts out, and the car functions as a true ICE car. At speeds <25, the ICE cuts out, and you run as a pure electric, with the engine starting itself if the battery charge runs low.
In the bus, the ICE runs at a constant speed, and the generator is always charging the batteries. The power for propulsion is always drawn from the batteries. There are variations of this system that use the generator for acceleration power, and the batteries for cruising.
-Hank
Do you know that there are now only 2 buses left in that yard? RTS 2577 and fishbowl training bus 6179. Saw 3191 on a lift yesterday. Must be either storing it at another yard or scrapping it.
Where did all of the other buses that were there go to?
MCIMAN2000
I wasn't able to get to the recent bus fest, but I was wondering if the 1956 Mack C-49, #6259, was present this year. (It wasn't included last year much to my disappointment.) If it was there, did anyone get pictures of it that they could post?
No! Unfortunately it was not at this years bus fest either, along with 7340 a Flxible from Castleton, #236 Grumman Flxible 870.
I would have liked to have seen the New Flyer C-40LF instead of the Orion V which was ok.
Peace
DaShawn
I would have also like to see the Nova low flour bus #999.
Is there anyone who has detailed info on this carrier
They operate 2 Routes
--31
--Jersey City--Cetral
Thank you
Steve
It is opperated by IBOA.. Independent Bus Opperators Association which include S. Orange Ave. Bus Lines and a few other companies. They oppearate mosly NJT owned buses that they leased. Check out http://members.aol.com/busguy2/buspage00.html there's a picture of a S. Orange Ave. Busline bus there.
Ari
Check them out,
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYC_Pictures.html
and more is to come by 7:30pm tonight!!!
Oh sorry I didn't get a chance to meet any of you at the festival on sunday. The only person I met was, Dave Wallace!
Oh well, maybe if a field trip comes up soon, we'll meet each other!
Trevor
aka MCI1863
Hey Trevor! I tried to send you some pictures this afternoon but you e-mail address came up as non-exsistant. Please send me an e-mail message so I can send you some of my pictures.
Peace
DaShawn
THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey D
I e-mailed you, so use the reply address to send the pictures.
Good Luck
Hope to see your pics soon!
Trevor
Now TransiTALK has a chat room for discussions on Mass Transit in the NYC Area!
Register!!!
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650
and click on TransiTALK Chat Room Link!!!
Hope to see you there
(Not trying to move people from BusTalk, Because BusTalk is the greatest!!!)
Trevor
Trevor,,I have been trying to get into your pages,,Are you having any technical problems
Steve
Yes, geocities is reconstructing right now so be patient it'll be up soon!
Where's a good place to get pictures of MTA NYC Transit's equipment? Specifically looking for the MCIs, Orions and New Flyers (I am sick of the RTSes :-) )
Thanks,
Ari
PS, a safe place, I won't get killed over a picture
Please also email me the reply (cut and paste it and email it to arimaas@hotmail.com I will get it quicker
Check out my site at
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYC_Pictures.html
for pictures of MCI's, Orion's, New Flyer's, RTS's, and some old equipment too!
and
check out
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
for a bus roster
And sign my guestbooks too!
Right now, geocities is reconstructing, so you might now get in right away but keep trying every so often.
Trevor
Mind if I ask, where did you get the pictures (depot, street etc.) I want to get some for my collection. You know how us bus fans are.
Ari
You can attend one of the local NY City area transit meetings (NY Division - ERA, or Urban Transit Club)and buy them from people at the meetings/show.
Phil Hom
ERA 3620
Hey Ari,
Phil is right, but just for looking at TA stuff,
check this site out!
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCTransit.html
Trevor
You can check out the site now!!!
Trevor
To Trevor Logan, Im having troblem making my own webpage on Geocities but i try everything and didn't work. So please post me here and i want to know how is work.
Peace Out
David (a.k.a Mean DJ) Justiniano
Saw these 2 buses on the Q32 today. Got pics of both. Got on bus 5199. Somebody here a while back said that that bus flies. Whoever said that was right. She rides mighty fine. (I think it was Dashawn.)This is in a way out with the old (1700)and in with the new (5199).
MCIMAN2000
I'm in the process of ordering a RTS NJT handbook.
What does the NJT in the title stand for? Can't mean "New Jersey Trainsit".
New Jersey Transit ordered over 600 RTS's (to replace the Grumman Flxibles) and should start receiving them soon. Perhaps the "NJT" does stand for New Jersey Transit. (NJT also has about 175 RTS's from an order about 5 years ago.)
Can you advise what is in this book and can I get a copy
Thank you
Steve
I've read a number of article on the Advanced Transit Technology Bus. I understand that six prototypes of this "stealth" bus has been tested on different transit properties throughout the U.S. At the moment, all six of these buses are sitting in an LA MTA yard while a final report of their performance is put together. I have not seen a picture of this bus. Does anybody know where a photo of it might be on the internet?
Thanks,
Jeff
Hey
Check out this site at:
http://members.aol.com/Gsoma/attb4_1.html
for ATTB Pictures
and check out
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYC_Pictures.html
for the latest NYC Bus Pictures
Good Luck
Trevor
MAK Publishing
1.Quick Reference Bus Book
similar to the older 1986 Bus World Encyclopedia
2 Bus World Encycl of Buses
3 Color Poster showing 40 Buses
562 492 9394 telephone number
These are NEW
Which US cities have busways?
I know of ones in Seattle and Boston.
Are any of these systems in danger of conversion to rail?
add LA and Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has two busways now and is working on a third one. They also utilize an HOV lane.
The South Busway does share part of it's length with light rail and the East Busway was designed so that it could be converted to light rail if needed.
The HOV lane (North) was also designed to accomodate light rail. Originally when proposed years and years ago, it was to be light rail exclusively.
The West(Airport)Busway, which is under construction, supposantly is being designed for conversion to light rail as well if the need arises and that was being proposed originally for a maglev line in the 80's (which may still be built). Part of it runs on the defunct Skybus proposed routing.
RDChilds
add Miami to the list. We have a 12 mile long busway and i think they are going to extend it all the way down to the Redlands. Since this is parrallel to US1 it, in a time of mass evacuation (hurricane) would also be an evac route. It is also used by emergency vehicles, they go a heck of a lot faster on that then US1
Justin
It's not in the US - but it's close by - Ottawa, Ontario, the capital of Canada - has probably the most extensive busway system in North America. I was there about a dozen years ago - worth the trip if you're into busways. Also, a charming, European-like city that speaks French and English. The transit system is Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transportation Commission (OC Transpo for short) - and they have a web site - think it's www.octranspo.ca.
Also, I think Houston, TX has busways - but I've never been there.
Seattle has a busway that has to oportunity to be shared with light rail, I do not see it as a danger though
As the busway builds trafic volume it makes sense that sharing the right of way with a more efficent mode would be natural.
As a daily rider of Staten island local busses, and other city busses in other boros, I would like to know why there are so many busses with inoperative air conditioning? I have used many city busses in the other boros and have not noticed such a problem as in Staten Island! This problem has exhisted for many years and is it caused by lack of parts, manpower, or It's Staten Island- the lost boro?
All of NYC Transit's buses are equipped with year-round climate control systems that are designed to provide whatever's needed (heat, straight ventilation, or air conditioning) at a given time. These systems are to be ON all the time; in fact, the HVAC on-off switch has a cover on it.
If the equipment's on, either your comfort zone doesn't correspond with the system's parameters or the system's malfunctioning or not charged with refrigerant. If it's off, in all likelihood it's because the Bus Operator has turned it off, in violation of the rules. In either case, note the date, time, route, bus number, your boarding location, and your direction of travel (and the run number if you see it -- it's the number in the box in the front windshield, opposite the Operator), and report the situation to NYCT's Department of Buses at 1-800-NYCT-BUS. Make sure you tell the representative whether the system was blowing hot air or off.
For you SubTalkers, subway car climate control works pretty much the same way and is designed to be on all the time, too.
David
Sorry...the phone number is 1-888-NYCT-BUS (still toll-free).
David
Should the operator leave the system on and blow hot air on already hot customers or violate the rules and turn the system off. Seems to me, I'd rather not have the hot air and just have the thing off. Another nonsensical rule from management who drive around in their air conditioned cars.
This is true, I would rather have the roof vents opened and the windows open instead of hot air blowing on me or anytone else.
I remember when the 1993 Orions were on the scene and there was a day in early spring that it was about 80 to 85 degrees and the
staff at kingsbridge had bolted the windows shut on the sliding ones and the onlything that opened were the roof hatches. What
someone forgot to do was switch the HVAC system to AC because the operator said she tryed the AC but it was set to winter mode
AKA Heat only! Well no need to guess that this was the emptiest bus running on 125th Street that day, I had to get off and switch
buses. Do they still have the systems set to heat only in winter?
Peace
DaShawn
No, NYCT no longer has buses with HVAC systems that have to be "turned over" for winter or summer operation. They're all integrated systems designed to provide whatever's needed year-round. Either the Operator was lying or the system wasn't doing what it was supposed to do.
As to the choice of leaving the HVAC off if it blows hot air when AC is called for, I must disagree. Hot air is better than _NO_ air. BTW, the roof hatches aren't supposed to be open unless the system's malfunctioning, and then they should be open like this for maximum airflow (which is something most people STILL haven't learned):
_______ \____________/ _______
David
[I remember when the 1993 Orions were on the scene and there was a day in early spring that it was about 80 to 85 degrees and the
staff at kingsbridge had bolted the windows shut on the sliding ones and the onlything that opened were the roof hatches. What
someone forgot to do was switch the HVAC system to AC because the operator said she tryed the AC but it was set to winter mode
AKA Heat only! Well no need to guess that this was the emptiest bus running on 125th Street that day, I had to get off and switch
buses. Do they still have the systems set to heat only in winter?]
I have disagree with you on this matter because if the system is blowing hot air and you have a bus full of people that produce even more heat this makes no sense to have a system blowing hot air all around making the interior temperature warmer than it has to be. If you have the roof hatches open and the windows that can open, opened you do get the crossflow that is needed and the overall temperature inside the bus would be cooler than having the HVAC system blowing hot air all around. Also HVAC systems to me should only be used when necessary which is not all the time. For instance at night or on days when the humidity is low and the temperature is about 55 to 65 degrees it should be left off and use the vents and windows, by doing this you conserve energy and fuel and you help the environment. Just a thought.
Peace
DaShawn
[As to the choice of leaving the HVAC off if it blows hot air when AC is called for, I must disagree. Hot air is better than _NO_ air. BTW, the roof hatches aren't supposed to be open unless the system's malfunctioning, and then they should be open like this for maximum airflow (which is something most people STILL haven't learned):]
Thank you for the information, I meant to say that in my first post. I should say that the operator was not lying because when the system was running you could hear the coils like in the winter when the heating part of the HVAC is running and remember the windows that are supposed to open were bolted shut! I remember her saying that this was something new they were doing with the Orions when they first got them but it did not last long at all, probably because of the number of complaints from riders and staff.
PEace
DaShawn
[No, NYCT no longer has buses with HVAC systems that have to be "turned over" for winter or summer operation. They're all integrated systems designed to provide whatever's needed year-round. Either the Operator was lying or the system wasn't doing what it was supposed to do.]
It's a bit of everything. Usually, the A/C isn't in full-blast operation until mid-June. On the other hand, the new MCIs are kind of cold all the time....
-Hank
In todays(5/26) Times, there is a small article that the MTA has awarded a contract to the Italian railcar manufacturer Breda for 75 busses to be assembled in a factory upstate. Does anyone know what kind of busses they are and which agency is getting them?
The 75 Breda buses are going to NYC Transit. They'll be low-floor diesels ($294,700 each). Delivery is to take place between September 2001 and April 2002.
David
This morning on the Q46 I noted 3979, as we all know a 1985 RTS. I noted that this 3979 had no rear route number display nor was there evidence of there ever being one there - and and I know 3979 had one there in all its years at Flushing/Stengel. Strange, I wondered, as all RTS's since 1983 have had these displays so the average Joe can know hat bus he/she just missed. Any ideas about what's going on here??
Probably the grill on the back was replaced at one time.That happened to 4096(one of my favorites) at Fresh Pond.Recently, the route number display was added.
Soon, I'll have a web site full of my bus pics. 3979 will be included in those pics. When it's up and running, I'll let all BusTalkers know the site.
MCIMAN2000
I was looking over a hard copy of a post from Sept. which said in part: in the 1930s' ... Fifth Ave Coarch and BMT also operated routes in Queens.
Can anyone tell me what happened to the routes they operated, i.e. did the TA take them over, as they did on the North Shore Bus routes ?
Mr t__:^)
Fifth Avenue Coach operated what is now the Q32 route. When the City took over Fifth Avenue Coach in the early 1960's, this route became a MABSTOA route. If memory serves me, Fifth Avenue Coach called it Route 15. Fifth Avenue also had a Route 16, which ran from Broadway and Queens Boulevard via Broadway to Northern Boulevard and 82nd Street. It was abandoned, but I don't remember when. I do believe MABSTOA ran it for a period of time after the takeover in the '60's.
You are correct, Fifth Avenue Coach did call the Q-32, Route 15, Jackson Heights Line. Fifth Avenue did not employ any letter prefix for their routes.
They also operated route 16, Elmhurst Crosstown Line (this was the route's name). Usually one or two buses were assigned to this route. MaBSTOA operated the route as well. Whe the city began to renumber their routes and the 15 became the M-32, the 16 was changed to the Q-89. Eventually it was discontinued shortly thereafter.
When Fifth Avenue operated these routes they were based at a small depot on Northern Boulevard and 76th Street. In 1962 the buses were moved to 54th Street Depot and still later (till the present) to Hudson Pier Depot. Fifth Avenue used the Yellow Coach model 728 and 740 single deckers on the route 16. While the 15 used TDH 4509, TDH 5104, TD 5401 (#2500) TDH 5102 (#2501) and from 1935 to 1952 the 720 double deckers.
Today, the Q-32 route is split between Hudson Pier and Casey Stengel Depots. After the current order of 350 new Orions arrives and the transit RTS's leave Staten Island, it will probably be one of the few routes in the city where you can get either RTS's or Orions.
During the 1950's, 5th Ave. Coach assigned two groups of its only non-GM buses to Route 15 - 25 Mack C-50's, and 5 White diesels (don't know the model #). The Macks ran from 1951 to 1958, when they were sent to Surface Transit after the 5th Ave/Surface Transit merger. Surface had a large Mack fleet in Manhattan so many of the Rte 15 C-50's ended up on the the M101 and M104. The Whites came in 1953 were sold to Memphis in 1960.
The Whites were model 1150, numbers 2601-2605. These had fluorescent lights and the signal cord went around the rear of the bus above the rear seat.
Regarding the Mack C-50s. When the city took over in 1962 these buses were excluded from the takeover. They were never very popular at Fifth Avenue or Surface Transit.
What was the complaint with these buses? The TA operated more than 300 C-50s in Brooklyn through the 50s. I heard that they had undependable hydraulic systems. Maybe that's why the city didn't want any more in '62.
This was a great reply and much appreciated ... many thanks to all !
but I have a F/U question ... On page 11 of the Winter-Spring 1992 issue of Scale Model Traction & Trolleys Quarterly there is a photo of a TROLLEY "built by the 5th Ave Coach Company", later sold to NY Railways Company who were unable to sell in 1937.
So, 5th Ave ran trolleys in Manhattan, buses in Queens, and after the merger with "Surface Transit" in the early 50's bus service continued by that firm until 1962 ????
Mr t__:^)
Thurston - 5th Ave Coach never operated its own trolleys anywhere. It was always a 100% motor bus operator. In 1926 it acquired all stock in NY Railways, Manhattan's dominant streetcar operator. The idea was to convert to buses in the future, which came in 1935-36 after LaGuardia became mayor. 5th Ave. set up an affiliated company, NYC Omnibus, which converted all of the NY Railways lines to bus. 5th Ave. and NYC Omnibus were separate operations, with different fares (10 cents on 5th Ave., 5 cents on NYC Omnibus), but were under the same top management (same also as Chicago Motor Coach).
In the mid-50's the two NY bus companies merged into one outfit that retained the 5th Ave. Coach name, by which a common 15 cent fare applied to all routes. Surface Transit, nee Third Ave. Railway, was merged in 5th Ave. Coach in 1956 - but was kept separate operationally. The bus services of 5th Ave/Surface continued until March 1962, when a TWU strike shut down the operation and prompted NY State to create MABSTOA - "and the rest is history."
So 5th Ave. never operated trolleys, but its merger partner Surface Transit was once a big trolley operator in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester.
Fantastic reply ... I was already curious about who Surface Transit was, now I know, Thanks !
Mr t__:^)
I remember this route also,it was the Q89 and it ran like every 45 minutes from 6am to 7pm at night(10am on weekends).It was discontinued in the mid80's(I remember getting a few wheelchair lift Grummans on this route).
When run by Fifth Ave. Coach,this line (a.k.a. the Elmhurst crosstown)was #16. This and the #15 (today's Q32) ran out of a small garage at 77th St. and Northern Blvd.
When Flexibles ran on the Q89, they usually used 9250-9259.
I meant the Grumman Flexibles
I know you did. I just decided to add that in.
Thanks Mike for that info
For the most up-to-date info on the Bus Equipment
check out
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCB.html
Trevor
Was there any selling of any bus memorabilia at the Fest? The museum has always done a very poor job of stocking anything real interesting from Surface Transit. Anyone know of anyone selling bus items, like signs?
There were a few items sold. But it was pretty limited. There was some Fishbowl models and some books. A few tables were set up.
More could have been done.
Maybe they'll do better over time.
I agree with you on that, I bought the New York Bus Sevice Fishbowl which is a pretty fine model, but I hope they can do better in the future.
Peace
DaShawn
Is that the Corgi models. If so, I also have the NYBS fishbowl (SDH-5301???) #233. I don't remember NYBS buses ever having 3-digit fleet numbers.
Wayne
Yep! Thats the one, I don't remember 3 digit numbers for their buses either.
Peace
DaShawn
Something I found interesting I saw the other day at the transit museum was a side swithboard plate most likely for the rebuilt Blitz's. As well as other stickers for stepping to the rear and a old destination sign sticker that Hank displayed for us on a previous post.
Thanks, old buddy. I will get over there at some point soon.
Best regards
To all of those that responded to the "Bus Fest Question!"
Soon the TransiTALK NYC Bus Site will begin selling merchandise directly pertaining to BUSES (with a little subway stuff). Mostly Shirts, Sweatshirts, Children Shirts, Hats, Umbrellas, Mugs, and Mousepads. So keep checking on TransiTALK at
http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/7650/NYCTransit.html
because within the next two weeks, there will be merchandise for just us Bus Buffs!
Trevor
Webmaster
TransiTALK
You have your first customer now
Steve
Can someone advise of which models ran in the Metro Area
Also ,,does anyone have a Roster of the Mack Buses that did run
Thank you
Steve
Some basic info...
Surface Transit had C45s, C47s, C50s.
5th Ave. Coach had C50s.
NYC Board of Transportation/NYC Transit Authority had C45s, unique C50s (called "Bingham" Macks), and C49s.
Surface also ran C-49s. I think they were numbered in the 4900s. There were 10 newer C-49s, maybe 1957, which had florencent interior lights and a passenger operated rear door. They were numbered 3000-3009 and were painted just like a larger series of GM 5th Avenue buses. After the MaBSTOA takeover the numbers were changed, I think, to 4900-4909. Dispite their original attractive paint job, they really looked great repainted in Transit Authority colors after the takeover. I remember the C-50s which ran mostly in Brooklyn and were replaced when the first fishbowls came into service. They ran some routes into Queens like the Atlantic Avenue routes and Jamaica Avenue routes which terminated in Jamaica. Since all the Queens TA buses were GMs, I enjoyed seeing these Macks with their sliding windows running on Jamaica Avenue. Jamaica Buses ran some Macks as well. None of them were 40' buses -- all were shorter and, it seemed, older. Once of my favorite NYTA museum buses is 6259, a C-49. That series started their life in Brooklyn, putting an end to the PCCs. (I was really sorry to see them go.) Then they were sequestered in Staten Island and I hardly ever saw them any more. I was told that it was because they were good on hills and SI was very hilly. Unfortunately the bus festival people have not seen fit to bring 6259 out for the past two years. I hope this omission will be corrected next year. If anyone has any good pictures of TA Mack buses, please post them.
Jamaica Buses ran C-41s.
Triboro Coach operated at least one demo.
Ave. B and East Broadway Transit was started with Macks. Later they operated several new C-41 as well as larger Macks bought second hand.
The NYCTA also had some C-41s.
But by far the largest operator of Macks was Surface Transportation. They also had some demos that went back and forth with Westchester Street Transportation (who also had some small GMs and Twin Coach. This was a great little operation specially in the early 1960s!
Just looked @ the updated roster:
1. Flatbush have 3500, 3600, and 4400's(I remember seeing 3638 @ KP but it did not have a Flatbush decal. I bet it do now.....
2. Where is 3424? It is not on Flatbush roster.
3. It is a shame that buses such as 1385 are going. I grew up with those buses on the B46.
4. I see Brooklyn is gettimg a lot of buses from uptown.......
3424 is probably scrapped. It's a shame to see all 3000 series buses going. Was on bus 3982 today and that bus runs mad good. But I think the new delivery (4900-5249) is a good relacement for the 3000 series. Was on 4938 also today and I have no complaints about that series.
MCIMAN2000
I agree with you MCIman2000, The 4900-5249 series are excellent. They ride good and have wonderful pickup and acceleration even with the HVAC running at full blast. The 6000 series Orion V's are excellent compared to the earlier Orions. I love them!
Peace
DaShawn
i did not see it as being scrapped.....
What type of bus is that pictured on our Bus Facts page?
I suspect you are referring to my photo of Low-Floor Orion VI #6352, which you can also find in NYC Bus Photo Album II on this site. This is one of 5 that have already been delivered and are operating out of Manhattanville Depot (6350-6354). #6354 doesn't have the black trim and, unlike 6350-6353, has standard vandal-resistant cloth seats. 6355-6359 are still to be delivered. 6350 was at last Sunday's BusFest in Brooklyn.
sorry i wasnt able to make it to bus fest.........
Has anyone seen or photographed this Nova low floor demo bus which is presumably operating out of Hudson Pier? I have been watching the M23 and M11 and haven't seen it. Is the TA planning an order of these in the near future?
Hey DaShawn: have you ever rode on a Queens Surface Orion or Green Orion? They're similar to the new 6000 orions in a way.
MCIMAN2000
A couple of weeks back, I believe I saw the new Nova Low-Floor bus on Chambers Street. To me, it looked like a futuristic version of the RTS. I have not seen this bus since. Does anybody know where it operates, if it does at all? How many of these have been ordered?
The latest roster information I've seen shows that this bus, 999, is operating out of Hudson Pier. I saw it parked there almost 3 weeks ago but haven't seen it since, parked or in service. I guess the city's interested, but who knows if they've made any committment?
I got such a great responce yesterday I decided to ask another trivia question. This one relates to Steinway.
I've come to understand that Steinway Omnibus was one of the ancestors of Queens Surface Corp.
Is this line true: Steinway Omnibus (a bus company), Steinway Lines (a trolley co.), Steinway Transit (bus co.), Queens/Steinway Transit, and finally Queens Surface Corp.
P.S. Queensboro Bridge Railway was acquired by the Salzberg "Scrapper" at the same time as Steinway ?
Mr t__:^)
Steinway Transit was a bus operator. In its early days they operated ACF and Twin Coach buses.
Queens Transit at one time was known as Queens-Nassau Transit!
And the Q-60 was originally run by Manhattan-Queens Transit!
I forgot to add that Steinway Transit was the only New York City operator to have the GM King Size TDH 5105s! This was rare because they were 102" wide! At that time, with the exception of the NYCTA's TDH 4510, everyone else operated 96" wide buses. This was off course prior to the New Looks.
A driver I spoke to this morning (after I squeezed past the farebox on an MCI) mentioned that a new, thinner style of farebox is on the way to replace the standard model currently in use on the MCIs.
-Hank
I very much doubt that. The next NEW farebox will probally be when they convert to a Smart Card system, as Chicago is doing.
There are more of the same comming, e.g. the "privates" are about to recieve 22. 11 come to this Depot to go with the 17 new Orions. This will let us put a few more coaches in service.
BTW, NY Bus Service is also getting a add-on bill processor for the DOT standard box (the TA only got half a box, i.e. kept the old bottom)
One of the engineers at Cubic owes me a phone call, if I remember, I'll ask him.
Mr t__:^)
Today I saw an orion, #267 on the Q17. Q17 is a Jamaica bus. Why was this?
Jamaica buses were at Stengel. 4571 had a training sign on it and 5150. 5150 went through a cleaning, it was like it has been at that depot for a while. And only yesterday I saw that same 5150 bus on the Q17. Maybe Jamaica will receive some Orions and Stengel will receive Nova RTS buses. Maybe it's a test to see if the Q17 is able to operate Orions. 1 time I saw 545 bus along the Q58 route. Q58 is operated by Fresh Pond, not Stengel. And 4566 was on the Q44. Jamaica Depot no longer operate buses on the Q44, only Stengel. BTW: At what time did you see 267 on the Q17? Remember the 3 digits that were on the bus? (this would be the run number, for ex: 011, 016, 031) Do you remember?
MCIMAN2000
An explanation for Orions on the Q58: some of the school trips on the Q58 operate out of Stengel and not Fresh Pond. The other spottings I can't explain, although I can't believe NYC Bus would start mixing Orions and RTS's at either Stengel or Jamaica; they seem intent on using as few types of buses at any one depot.
That's too bad that the TA likes to segregate its buses by depot. Even among the various deliveries of RTS are there not many differences of design and components? Besides, it's more interesting for the riders when there is some variety on each route. I remember a while when there were different series GM fishbowls and Flxibles 5700s operating together out of Jamaica. There might also have been some of the old 4500-4899 buses running only during rush hours as well. That was in the mid to late 60s. In the future with so many different models coming into use, we might get more variety by default.
I'm not sure I agree with your statement about it being more interesting for the riders when there is some variety on each route. Riders want punctual service, clean buses, etc. I don't think the average rider knows the difference between an RTS and an Orion (or even cares). In fact, I suspect most riders would prefer the same equipment on their route so it's easier for them to recognize their bus. It's we, bus-fans, who generally want to see more variety. Fortunately, with the 1980's RTS monopoly over, we'll get that variety even with NYC Bus's limiting types of buses at each depot.
Sid, I agree with you 100%. Everyone I know could care less what kind of bus they get; they are happy as long as a bus comes. As far as they are concerned Orions are the square looking buses and RTS' are the rounder looking buses. The MTA is not going to mix the buses up at depots to give customers a variety of buses. I know at Yukon the depot was short 35 drivers a few weeks ago. A lot of runs were cancelled (during rush hours). I have seen Catleton buses on Yukon runs and vica versa.
~~Kevin
I hear a lot of riders on the Q58 only like to get on the older stuff, buses like 4071-4112,4201-4212 etc...
I do know for a fact that many customers hate the Orion hybrids. Many of the lines I dispatch on are Manhattanville routes (M4,M101,M103). Many customers daily pass this bus up for various reasons including narrow aisles, few seats and many elderly folks telling me they feel they are going to fall. Dont understand the last one but the others reasons are somewhat valid I guess. One thing for sure however is that if these customers are waiting for half hour for a M4 like on Friday they would ride a horse wagon if nessesary.
I'd prefer to ride 5055-5074 or 9569-9605. But even more imparticular 9140-9149 with the cummings engine. I think these buses are the best. They sound like CNG at Triboro. They have excellent take-off. Yeah they may be noisy, but they are a smooth ride.
MCIMAN2000
Don't you mean a Cummins engine -- :-)
The real problem is not that they are Hybrids, but that they are LF buses, which limits the interior space because of the wheelwells and propulsion equipment. I'd guess they'd dislike the New Flyers as well.
-Hank
The JAM bus assigned to that run probably had a safety defect and at the first available place (this being main and Roosevelt) it was swapped off so as to avoid a gap in service. They probably grabbed up 267 off of 39th Avenue just for that trip and got it back to Stengel later on down the line. (I saw an RTS on the 44 last week sometime)
Until today, every Orion I have seen has been a 3 digit number such as 130, 500, etc. Today I saw two Orions with a number in the 6000 series. Are there Orions with a four digit number
Yes. Orion Nos 6000-6349 are currently being delivered. 6350-6354 are low floor diesel-electric hybrids and are in service in Manhattan. Five more of these are expected.
How much does the DD Series50 weight. I saw it on a Orion today and it look pretty big for a 4 cylinder.
Does anyone know why Staten Island Busses, especially the local routes have so many busses with broken Air Conditioning? Is it because of lack of refrigerant, mechanics, or the MTA doesn't care about Staten Islanders? Whatever the problem is, we riders pay the same fare as everyone else in the rest of the city and we should ride in cool comfort like the other boros!
Someone calling him/herself "Hot Rider, posted a V-E-R-Y similar question on Wednesday, aimed toward Staten Island buses, and it was answered in detail by several people, including me.
David
[Does anyone know why Staten Island Busses, especially the local routes have so many busses with broken Air Conditioning? Is it because of lack of refrigerant, mechanics, or the MTA doesn't care about Staten Islanders? Whatever the problem is, we riders pay the same fare as everyone else in the rest of the city and we should ride in cool comfort like the other boros!]
I recall a number of years ago hearing about a series of problems that MTA had with buses built by Flxible. Could some of you refresh my memory as to the nature of those problems
It is my understanding that there was a problem with frame cracking which lead to NYCT testing new bus purchases. I believe that most of these "newest" Flxibles went to NJT where they are still running! (My train station has yet to see the Nova Buses replace the Flixbles. the feeder services uses 22xx, 23xx and some 19xx, 18xx and 25xx)> Even NJT's 62 line uses Flxibles-16xx, 18xx,19xx
And if you want to go farther back, the 1975 order (7500s) came with standee poles down the center aisle, which had to be removed because they got in the way of passenger flow. Minor stuff compared to the Grumman crisis you described, but I think still worth mentioning.
David
The former Grumman Flxibles from NYC (built in 1980) were rebuilt in either 1986 (fleet numbers 1500-1619) or 1987 (2000-2518) before delivery to NJ Transit and NJ privates. Most are still running, although 600 RTS's (fleet numbers 1001-1600) will begin to replace them this summer. Flxibles with fleet numbers 1750-1976 are considerably newer, having been delivered in 1994. NJ Transit has a large fleet of Flxibles with suburban seating (fleet numbers in the 3000's, with 3700's having only one door).
Most of the upper 2000-2518 series were given a more extensive rebuilding than the 1500-1619 and many 2000-22XX. The rebuilding on those buses included replacement of the hard blue seats with soft cusioned seats, and a larger destination sign. Even the black floors on some have been replaced with brown ones. Just about all 1500-1619 and many lower 2000's still have the blue seats and small destination signs (although the private carriers replaced the electronic signs with roll signs). Some of those buses are also in T.A. suburban configuration.
BTW - Academy Tours has recently purchased a number of 1981 and 82 RTS buses from the TA for use on their New York-Hoboken route. Short of erasing the TA fleet numbers and decals and adding Academy decals, the buses are literally untouched. Some buses even retain the blue stripe from the TA. I rode on two of them yesterday. From the city, I rode on a bus with express layout, and on the way back, a bus in transit layout. They were both unmistakably TA buses.
Now this, too me, makes little sense. Why would Academy purchase buses that have already exceeded their useful life and then advertise (on their web site) that they are using "new and sleek" buses? Are they planning to rebuilt any of these buses, or are they just there as an interim measure until they get something new?
The two buses I rode on still seemed to be in fairly good shape, but they almost rattled themselves to death whenever they hit a bump! Oddly enough, the air conditioning acted like it was brand new.
Think their buses are old? Look at Grayhound. 1982 MCIs. There are
worst then the RTS, the AC doesn't do a good job and there underpowered. They should buy new Neoplanes or VanHools. These buses
have Eroupean styling and pretty powerful motors.
If you're referring to Greyhound's MC-9's - Yes, they are a bit slow accelerating, but they can top 70 MPH.
If you haven't ridden it, it's new to you! (thanks, NBC)
It all depends on how much money the operator is willing to put into it. If Academy paid scrap value for the bus, and spends $10,000 putting it in service condition, is that more economical than spending $200,000 on a new bus?
-Hank
As mentioned in a previous post, so far Academy seems to have only painted the exterior of some of the former TA RTS's it is using on the old Red Apple Hoboken-NYC route. The scratched up windows remain. Does anyone know what happened to the Flxible's Red Apple previously used on the route? Were they newer or older than the 1981-82 RTS's? I assume that, except for the few NJ State DOT buses Red Apple had on its roster, the others had been purchased 2nd hand. All that I had ever ridden on had cushion seats, unlike most of the "new" RTS's.
Almost all (except NJ state owned buses) of the former Red Apple Flxible (Grumman's) went to Private One in Second Avenue in Brooklyn. This company operates the B110 to/from
Borough Park to/from Williamsburgh. The line currently uses ex NJ Transit Grummans and Houston Metro Flxible Metro's.
I do not know why Private purchased those ex Red Apple Flxibles.
By the way most of the Red Apple Flxibles came from Columbus (COTA), Ohio, PACE in Illinois and NJ State.
Ray
Yes I remember that incident very well. The 1980 (or was it 1981) Flxibles didn't hold up at all. I saw them about as late as 1983 then they were mostly gone.
Suffolk Transit has some 1993 Flxibles in their fleet (9300 series) - we see #9333 around the W.Babylon area all the time.
Wayne
Dave Pirmann was kind enough to post the photos I took at last week's Transit Museum's Bus Festival on this site. For those of you not able to make it there (or for those who did but couldn't take pictures because it was raining too hard), you might enjoy seeing the various buses that were there. I do apologize for somehow neglecting to photograph Low Floor Orion 6350. I also did not take pictures of one of the older buses there, Fifth Avenue Coach #303 from 1917.
To Sid,
I was there when is rain and i took a lot of pictures. But i did not take picture of Fifth Avenue Coach #303 from 1917. I took picture almost older MTA Buses and new Buses. It not a good day for bus fest because of raining. Any way the film is not development yet.
Peace Out
David "Mean DJ" Justiniano
On what site? Where are the photos posted?
Check the subtalk page.
Click on "More Bus Pages" at the top of the main BusTalk page and you will find a section called "Busfest 1999". Unfortunately, I'm not technologically advanced enough yet to provide direct access from my message. Someday I'll find out how.
Busfest 99 Photos
Many more new bus photos from the collection of Joe Testagrose (I added about 100 new pictures this morning)
-Dave
Thanks for the very interesting and informative website. Likewise hats off to all the participants/contributors. After spending much time reviewing the Bus Fest pix, I have this comment: the transit buses from the "Fishbowl" era on are well done and accurate. The earlier buses ( TA,FIFTH AVENUE COACH,NYC OMNIBUS CORP. ) are a figment of someone's vivid imagination. While I'm glad they're still around, they are supposed to be MUSEUM buses, not fantasies! Who did the research? The JACKIE GLEASON bus may have been the correct model GM (or close),but it was a yellow and green bus,the most common NYC Omnibus scheme on their later buses (late 1940's on ). There are many more errors on the 2124 and the TA 9000 series (see your latest postings re the 9000 series). Again I'm glad these relics have been preserved, but my advice to the bus fans (especially the younger ones):do your own research on the older buses.
I think it's fairly common knowledge among bus fans that the so-called Jackie Gleason bus is not the real thing. As you said, the real 2969 was a 35-foot GM old look (probably a 4509-4512 model) that was painted in NYC Omnibus's green and yellow. NYC Omnibus subsequently merged with Fifth Avenue Coach, and 2969 retained those colors. The bus that was at the Bus Fest is a TA 40-foot old look. I forget the real fleet number (4567?), but know it was in the 4500-4899 series that spent most of the time in Queens. Bus No. 3100 was, in fact, a Fifth Avenue Coach bus. I believe that was it's fleet number both as a Fifth Avenue bus and after MABSTOA took it over, and am pretty sure that was it's original paint scheme. I don't know much about 2124. I'm not sure what errors you mean about the TA 9000 series. Are you talking about the GM old looks from the late 1950's or the Flxibles from the late 1970's, the TA's last new look buses? If the former, the only error I can think of with regard to museum bus #9098 is that it did not have the red stripe when it was operating. Only 9000 and 9120, the first and last buses in that series, had red stripes originally. Both lost the red stripes during later paint jobs.
Thanks for the response,Sid.That NYC Omnibus #2969 ran out of the 146 St.(now Mother Hale) Depot and spent much of its life on the Madison and Eighth Ave. lines. As for some of the other "oldies" I referred to:1)I meant the "old-look" GM 9000's.I don't ever remember seeing any with the red stripe,but since you say there were only two this is very possible. And these didn't run near me; I saw more of the 7000's which were an almost identical bus. 2) Re #2124 this "QUEEN MARY" is lettered FIFTH AVENUE OMNIBUS when it should be FIFTH AVENUE COACH COMPANY. That's blasphemy !!! And the smaller front roll sign should have the route # and route description in white on a black background,while the larger should have the destination in white on a red background.I'm pretty sure on this and I know Fifth Avenue's relative,NYC Omnibus had their roll signs just the opposite regarding the colors (red background for the route # etc.). More later.
The Busfest is also prominently featured on this month's TRANSIT TRANSIT which airs (among other places) Saturdays at 3:30pm on WNYE/Channel 25. You can catch it all through June.
For other showings in your area, try the search feature at TV GUIDE.
Mike
Oh, look! Transit Transit's web page is finally back up. This month's highlights, as well as the broadcast schedule are there.
Be sure to check monthly...
Mike