Took the 9:32am N21 to Flushing, pretty good ride except for a stall just pulling out of Great Neck but 197 started back up.
Also had a repowered Orion on the Q76 to Jamaica, ran pretty well.
Going back after this evening's Rockaway trip I took the 9:52pm bus to Glen Cove. It left at 10pm, but the ride home was VERY fast. By Great Neck we were back on time. Some guy rang the bell in Queens and looked confused but never got off the bus. Well going down Northern after 10pm at night is fast. You can really let those Series 50(G)engines loose and they are fast.
The NYCT buses in Flushing were pretty crowded even at that hour, saw a packed SRO Q12 and long line for the Jamaica bound Q20/Q44. But with much less traffic all the buses fly.
Anyway I really enjoyed that 45 minute N21 ride, one of the fastest rides between my place and Flushing.
Does anyone know why the Department of Transportation, or New York City Transit would place bus stops located on Both Sides of Ocean Parkway going westbound on the B11?
Charles
Community request, for the safety of all involved?
The same happens on the B44, both sides of Nostrand, and on the B41, the local stops on Ave L, and then Kings Highway, though it is really just across the street.
B17 and B78 have it at Remsen Av/Kings Hwy/Linden Blvd for obvious reasons.
Some of these extra stops have been eliminated in recent years, but many of the Manhattan crosstowns stop (or stopped) once on each side of the triangle ("square") where Broadway crosses an avenue.
The southbound M5 used to stop on 72nd Street before turning right onto Broadway and again at the near corner of Broadway and 71st Street.
I am working on a new updated listing,,,still need
Triboro and NY Bus Servcie
====can you assist me?
My material is going to be current to Sept 2001
Steve
HTTP://COMMUNITY-1.WEBTV.NET/SMOKIECAT
Http"//community-1.webtv.net/SMOKIECAT/
These are current to todays date
HTTP://COMMUNITY-1.WEBTV.NET/SMOKIECAT
http://community-1.webtv.net/SMOKIECAT
I am back but won't be posting regularly until September 14.
Good to see you back; happy Labor Day!
-F.
Since Hylan was closed this morning for the Funeral of the Firefighter that died in Port Richmond (I was serving the Mass - only altar person with glasses if people see me on TV), the following route diversions were in effect:
S78,S79,X1 - South Bound - Left onto Ebbits Lane, Right onto Mill Road, Right on to Guyon Avenue Left onto Hylan and regular. Some buses went straight at Stoneham instead of going all the way around Mill Rd to Guyon.
S78,S79,X1 - North Bound - Right onto Guyon Avenue, Left onto Mill Road, Left onto Ebbits Lane, Right onto Hylan and regular.
This was the first time I remember a MTA EXPRESS bus being used for the firefighters attending a funeral.
MTA NOVA 9286 from QUEENS VILLAGE was being used to transport firefighters to the Funeral.
Command lent MCI CLASSIC 469.
Queens Surface gave RTS 378 (Hard Seater). I am surprised they didn't give one of the Classics - since they are more comfortable and don't have to worry about the CNG.
Other private Charters were there also, including Atlantic Express.
Sometimes it comes down to what equipment is available and what the maintenance/repair/inspection schedules are.
Thank you ,,to the MTA
Steve
FDNY OEM
Saw 5505 on the Q11 about 1:30 this afternoon with a paper sign on the windshield instead that nice new orange Luminator sign lit up.
I think GBL have to Reprogram the Headsigns on the Orions b/c due to the NEW Ornage Sign and some routes may not be programed into the systerm yet.
The L shuttle bus route this weekend is as follows:
Bway Jct across Fulton to Pennsylvania. Right onto Penn. Pennsylavania to Flatlands, right onto Flatlands. Flatlands straight to Rockaway Pky.
So in NYCT route terminology, it is following the B20/B83 route from Bway Jct to Penn, down Penn to Flatlands where it follows the B82 route to Rock Pky station.
FDNY will probably more current and exact info.
There are two shuttle buses being operated. One operating express between Rockaway Parkway and Broadway Junction which is outlined above.
A second bus is making all stops. I believe that it is following a different route which is near the actualy subway line. This was the route that was operated in the past
Thank You
Yes, northbound it operates on Snediker Ave. Southbiund it operates on Junius St. Although I saw one pass through on my block and let passengers off at the corner.
The southbound express also runs on Junius, at least part of the way. I got all annoyed when a bus zoomed by the designated stop at Livonia (I had even flagged down the bus as it approached), and I was about to enquire at the token booth upstairs when the next one was due, but the local showed up a minute later.
Were buses stopping at E. 105th? There is a designated stop, but my bus didn't stop there even though someone had rung.
On the Broadway Junction-bound express that I rode shortly afterwards, a passenger begged to be let off at Livonia (or thereabouts); after explaining why he couldn't make unauthorized stops, the B/O gave in and let her off.
Are these two buses part of the 8500 series that were Detroit Diesel from the start back at JG again? Last I heard of them they were transfered to FLA about a year ago. I saw 8566 on the B2 on 8/15, and haven't seen it since, but now I have seen 8565 on the B9 yesterday with JG decals on it. At least 8565 is back at JG. Does anybody know what's up?
Bus 8566 is still at FLA. In July, buses 8449, 8450, 8453, 8455-8457, 8460 and 8565 were moved to JG.
Mark
Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!!!!!
Today while sitting at the light at Church and E.98st(Brookdale Hosp), what comes around the corner on the B35? 8449. I love the 8400's out of FLA and I thought they were a mainstay. What gives here Mark?
FLA had to lose something when they received 5075-5099 from Ulmer Park. Once again, 8449-8450, 8453, 8455-8457, 8460 and 8565 were moved to JG. Buses 9440-42 were sent to ENY, and 3503, 3562, 3916, 3965, 4873, 4875-4881, 4884, 4886 and 4887 went to storage at Maspeth (consequently, 4880-4881, 4884 went to FP from Maspeth).
Hope that helps
I thought FLA was trading 9382-9406 to UP.
Ok thanks.
Correct me if I am wrong, but, I believe that 8460 has been in JG since its inception in 1994.
Bus 8460 spent about two years at FLA. It was just moved back to JG in July.
Mark
Northbound Gowanus Pkwy just south of Prospect Pkwy., around 7:18 PM yesterday (Saturday, 9/1). Blank left side, didn't get a view of right side or back, but on the front was plain white except for neon/slightly metallic orange lettering, saying "WAWA". Looked like a MCI D series. Any idea on what this is?
For all I know, it could be a promotional bus for the Wawa food chains, but Wawa is more centered around Philadelphia and South/Central Jersey (hey, it's a guess...)
For a Minute I was thinking that WAVA is a Chatrer Complany or something.
Hmm...that's funny; I thought WAWA was a Barbara Walters parody done by Gilda Radner on SNL in the Seventies. :)
-F.
FYI-WAWA is the name of a conveniece store chain in PA, NJ, DEL, and MD. It is also the name of a suburb of Philadelphia, located a few miles west of Media Pa. This community can be reached by bus and rail from Philly. Directions--take R3 from 30st Station to end of line at Elwyn. Then transfer to 119 bus from the station to the WAWA dairies on Baltimore pike. The town surrounds the dairies.
I actually had that thought too, but first off, I couldn't remember if the chain's name was WAWA or not, and second, it looked like it could be "Arial Black" font face. Here's what it looked similar to, but in neon orange:
WAWA
Not odd at all...it's the name of the charter company, seemingly unrelated to the convienence store chain.
-Hank
Imagine a radio station with those call letters. Many years ago WPLJ (when they called themselves MOJO-95) had an old black Cadillac with pink lettering all over it. Several years latter I saw the car in a bank parking lot. The driver said that he bought it from a leasing company and was thinking of repainting it. I told him not to because with that distinctive paint job, it would be spotted in a minute if it were ever stolen.
Yes, very. Looks typecast, as if it came from a webpage or a TV show/movie. Example: in "CHiPs '99", a Flxible Metro is shown with "WILCOX TOURS" on the side (after actor Larry Wilcox who played Ponch's sidekick Officer Jon Baker in the show); it looked very similar to that. Maybe WAWA is a new company, who knows.
-F.
Saw it on a Tow Truck on I-495 at Exit 34 a FEW Days ago. It was going E/B at the time I saw it and I was going W/B in my dad's car and was just woundering. Why GBL send's their buses to Long Island to get the buses fixed? Or they sending buses to get the Ornage LED Sign Upgrade and they doing it in Long Island?
I know theres a place near MacArthur Aitport. I saw some GBL RTS and LIBus Orions there, as well as others (AE, etc...)
That "place" is Atlantic Diesel in Bohemia on Veterans Highway about 3 miles south of the LIE. Go on the LIE to Exit 57 (Vet's Highway-Rte 454). Go to second light, turn right and go down Vet's highway through Connetquot State Park. Its on the left just past the light at the end of the park.
or
Take the LIRR to Huntington. Take the S-1 south to the Walt Whitman Mall and then transfer to an S-54 toward Patchogue. The S-54 will leave you off right across the street. You can ask Trevor Logan. He did it about 6 months ago.
I had seen Green Line 5550 at Atlantic Diesel a couple of weeks ago along with 705, 710, 712 and 248.
BTW, just got back from Key West vacation. I'm not sure of the type of buses used in their system but looked like short Flyers. They were equipped with electronic desination signs. Also on the plane in Miami, I saw a couple of Metro Dade Flxs running.
Very little buses, but for those interested, click here.
There is a full page article about LI Bus and their funding problems amid rising patronage. Article mentions that they have 326 vehicles in their fleet. A lot more than Suffolk Transit. As I said in a post yesterday, that's why they're called on for LIRR work before S-T.
I think you can find the article at www.newsday.com. It is is the main section toward the back.
I'm glad Newsday is finally getting the message on the LI Bus problems. Also 130 may be OOS for a while due to an possible engine fire. Saw it Friday pulled over on the hill on W/B Northern Blvd just after Community drive, the back all covered in soot.
I can't find it at www.newsday.com. I'll keep looking.
i did not see it in the Newsday either on sunday(maybe casue i had the queens edition)-if anyone can foward the link and the page-id appreciate it
I think you can see why many folks from their depot & and ours talk to each other (both have high speed CNG stations, fleet size similar, they have more experience with Orions, both have inside bus wash facility ... they shut their's down).
Mr t__:^)
Caught the show last night. I think its a rerun of the very first episode. Story revolves around the break-up of a close knit touring family of gospel singers. They use an MC-9. It is shown in total disrepair in a junkyard with flashbacks to the glory days. The show ended with "To be Continuted". Check listings if Part II is next Saturday night.
Last Night (Sunday)my wife and I came back from a walk and put the TV on at about 8:55PM. CBS was showing the second half of the episode. The story was wrapping up so I don't know the fate of the MC-9.
Now this looks so stupid! A Orion1 with Slideing Front Doors. The only TA that's have it is CyRide. CyRide only have a bunch of buses order like that.(#880-#905.). Here's the photo of the Orion1 Photo that I fround.
Correction,the TTC in Toronto has a bunch 30 foot Orion 1's with the same type of door and actually it gives an european tour bus look and feel too them .
That sliding door was the ORIGINAL Orion and TMC City Cruiser design. The Plug and Slide-Glide doors were a later option!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
The "NEW" TransiTALK, www.transitalk.com
First, TTC never had more than 20 30 foot Orion Is at once. Second, none of them are still at work for TTC.
Back in the 80`s, RIDE-ON had 155 of these Orion 1`s in service. They had the largest fleet of these buses in North America. They disappeared in the mid-90`s as the Gilligs and the Orion V`s arrived.
I get this little box with a Red X
THat's called 'Graphic not found'
-Hank
You are SO WRONG.
First, as usual, your picture did not come up. But, I am assuming that said CyRide Orion I features the older, "CityCruiser" style single-panel swing door.
I think it looks pretty silly, but it's the original styling of the Orion I, seen on most orders until about 1985 (keeping in mind that most of those orders were from Canadian properties).
Tonight when Tony is talking to Uncle Junior,what appears to be a Lafayette & Greenville Grumman 870 passes behind them (this episode was from the 1999 season).
Yes Yes you are soo right I seen that episode! I think it is 2175 I'm not sure.
OOOOOOOOHHH!!!! GOTTA SEE THAT ONE! I LOVE GRUMMANS!!!
-F.
TBS reran this movie last night. Helen Hunt supposedly lives in Yonkers with her son and her mother. She works as a waitress in a restaurant in midtown NY.
She agrees to go to Baltimore with Jack Nicholson and Greg Kinnear. She gets on an RTS, presumably in Yonkers and comes down to NYC. The bus is in NYCTA colors but you can't see the route or the bus number. It is shown pulling away from the stop at night with HH sitting on it. Wonder if its PA4199 since there was no glare boucing off the windows ?
Wasnt it brooklyn?
No, it was Yonkers. There is a scene at the end of the movie where Hunt and Nicholson go to a Bakery at 4 in the morning. It didn't look like Brooklyn and there were red bricks instead of concrete in the sidewalks.
Hey...Jack's acting, Helen Hunt's gorgeous looks, and an RTS with the same. I've gotta see this; looks to be a potential fave!
-F.
My Folk Life Festival Photos are online. Please point your browsers to http://www.geocities.com/otpnycpics2/folklife.htm to view the photos.
Great shots! But from what I saw on R33 9056, the trucks are missing. I wonder if she'll be scrapped? She should be preserved somewhere since she looks like she's in descent condition. Transit Museum perhaps?
Also 6357 from MJQ depot M96 -I wish.
#6357 M96
9056 is preserved all right! She was sunk off the coast of Delaware!
They should have set the sign on that bus to a route that was also the number of a Metrobus route (like X1 or M4 or something like that.)
There is an article in the past Sunday's Newsday 9/2/01, I believe on page A-33 about LI Bus. I cannot access the article on Newsday's website because the idiots who run www.newsday.com goofed up and all the local articles are missing. So if anybody could please, PLEASE scan the article and send it to my email I would appreciate very much.
Well I did find Sunday's Newsday, yeah the local deli had a whole bunch out by the trash. The article confirms what I've been saying, LI Bus ridership,especially day laborers who come from Queens to work on LI. I even know one guy who lives all the way in Brooklyn. If NYC has so many jobs I wonder why so many come to Nassau county to work. Perhaps the job market in Queens and Brooklyn is soft?
Well as we already know LI Bus needs to be treated better. Personally i think LI Bus funding should come from the MTA just like the LIRR.
Why does LIRR get preferential treatment from the state instead of LI Bus. Let me a take a guess, "suit covered anuses"?
Why does LIRR get preferential treatment from the state instead of LI Bus.
More people ride the LIRR.
Also LI Bus is owned by Nassau County and run on its behalf by the MTA. It is not part of the MTA. FWIW, I presume that Nassau County could always hire another operator when the current contract expires.
LI Bus should become part of the MTA. It is in the best interest of the riders that it become part of the MTA. I would also like to see Suffolk transit become part of the MTA and accept Metrocards.
A more unified regional transit system should be made, with more interconnections between Long Island's system and NYC's. For instance those who ride LIRR should get Metrocard discounts. I think this practice may already be used for frequent LIRR riders.
If LI Bus became part of the MTA the standard would be just as good as the city buses. Also I'm not sure but NYCT B/O's may get better pay and benfits and would benefit from LI Bus being bought by the MTA.
It seems to make so much sense that LI Bus should be bought by MTA so why hasn't it been done yet?
[Also LI Bus is owned by Nassau County and run on its behalf by the MTA. It is not part of the MTA.]
I believe it's part of the MTA family vs. being a Nassau County asset.
Nassau USED to kick in a significant part of the funding, now they don't. That's where they got their independance from, i.e. they didn't always ask how high when the MTA said jump.
Mr t__:^)
Aud 30 -Sept 3,2001
Street Fair
116 st bet 2 and 3 Av
9 PM Thursday to 11 PM Monday
M116 EB via 116 st to Lexington ,SB lex to 112 St WB to 1 AV NB and regular
M116 WB via 116 st ,2AV ,115 EB Madison Av NB to 116 st WB and regular
M102 NB via 3 Av,to 115 st,to Madison Av to 116 and WB on 116 st
Saturday Sept 1,2001
Street Fair
Greenwich Av bet Christopher and 13 st
8 AM to 8 PM
M8 EB regu to 7 AV,to West 4 st EBto 6 Av NB to 8 St EB and regular
M8 WB (only if needed ) Reg route to 6 Av and NB on 6 Av to 14 st WB to 7 AV SB to Christophoer St WB and regular
Saturday Sept 1 ,2001
Street Fair
4 Av bet 8 and 13 St
8 AM to 8 30 PM
M1 M2 M3 SB
via East on 8 St to 4 Av then terminate on 8 near side of 4 Av
M1 M2 M3 NB
From Temporary Terminal ,,EB on 8 st to 3 Av NB on 3 ,14 St WB to 14 St to UNion Sq East,NB and regular
M3 NB
from Temporary terminal ,,east on 8 st to 3 Av,to 9 st ,,WB ,,,and regualr
Saturday
Sept 1,2001
Street Fair
2nd Av bet 45 st and 56 st
8 AM to 7 PM
M15 SB
2nd av to 57 st to Lexington Avto 42 st ,to 2 av and SB and regular
M27/50
EB
50 to Lexington Av,to 42 st EB and regular
X10 X17 NB regular route to 57 st to Lexington to 54 St EB to 3 Av to 57 st West bound to STAND
Saturday Sept 1 Sunday Sept 2,2001
Street Fair
Amsterdam Av bet 167 and 193 St
6 AM to 11 PM
M101 NB (if needed) Regular route to 181 St WBG to Saint Nicholas NB to M3 Turnaround
M101 SB (if needed0 from Temporary Stand M3 Terminal Sb on St Nicholas to 181 st EB to Amsterdam Av SB and regular
Sunday Sept 2 2001
Brazilian Street Fair
6 Av bet 45 and 47 St
4 AM to 11 PM
M5 NB NB on 6 av to 42 st Wb to 8 av to 50 St EB to 6 Av NB and regular
M6 NB
NB on 6 av to 42 st to 8 av NB to 50 st EB to 6 Av NB and regu
M7 NB
NB on 6 av to 42 st WB to 8 AV 50 st EB to 6 av NB and regular
X1 NB
North on 6 av ,42 st,Madison av 49 st westbound 6 av northbound and regualr
Sunday Sept 2
Street Fair
3rd Av bet 23 st and 34 st
8 AM to 7 PM
M101 M102 M103 SB
Regualr route to 23 st Wb (only if 24 st closed) to 3av SB and regualr
M101 M102 M103 NB
regular route to 23 st to 1 av to 34 st WB to 3 Av NB and regular
Monday Sept 3 2001
Street Fair
3 Av be 34 st and 42 st
8 Am to 7 PM
M101 M102 M103 NB
regualr route to 34 st ,to 1 av ,42 st,3 av NB and regula r
Monday Sept 3 ,2001
Convent Gardens Block Party
Convent Av bet 181 and 192 st
8 am to 8 PM
M18 SB
South on St Nich to 145 st West to Convent av SB and regulanr
Tuesday Sewpt 4,Wednesday Sept 5 2001
College Orientation
120 st bet Amsterdam and Broadway
8 AM to 10 PM
M60 WB
South on Amsterdam to 110 st WB to Broadway Sb and regular
M60 EB
North on Broadway to122 st EB ,to Amsterdam Av NB and regualr
Brooklyn is next!!!!
Saturday Sept 1,2001
Street Fair
Saratoga Av bet Blake and Dumont Av
9 AM to 9 PM
B7 Broadway
via Riverdale av,Thomas Boyland ,Dumont Av Left on tto Saratoga and regular
B7 Coney Island
via Saratoga Av,Blake Thomas Boyland ,Dumont,left on Saradtoga and regular
Saturday
Sept 1,2001
Block Party
Halsy St bet Tomkins and Throop
9 AM to 8 PM
B26 Ridgewood
via Halsey ,Tomkins Macon Throop,Right on Halsey st and regular
B26 Cadman Plaza
via Halsey st ,Throop Hancock st Tompkins Av Halsey st and regualr
Saturday Sept 1,2001
Street Festival
Fulton St bet Nostrand and Arlington Place
2 PM to 8 PM
B25 Fulton Landing
via Futlon St,Nostrand Av,Atlantic Av,Bedford Av left on Fulton and reg
B25 Alabama Av via
Futlon St, Bedford AvHalsey St Nostrand Av left on Fulton St
B44 Plaza
(2 PM to 8 PM )
via Fulton St, Nostrand Av,Atlantic Av,Right on Bedford and Regular
Saturday Sept 1
Religious Ceremny
Myrtle Av bet Ashland Pl and Prince St
8 Am to 6 PM
B54 Ridgewood
via Tillary St,Navy St,Myrtle and Regu
B54 Jay St via Myrtle ,Navy st,Tillary St..Flatbush Av SB ,,,Right on Myrtle
Saturday Sept 1,2001
Block Party
Carroll St bet Van Brunt and Columbia
9 AM to 9 PM
B61 LIC
via Van Brunt St,Union St,Columbia St and regular
Saturday Sept 1,2001
Street Fair
8 Av bet 47 and 54 st
8 30 AM to 7 PM
B70 Cropsey
via 8 av,45 st,7 av ,65 st,8 av and reg
B70 1 Av via 8 av,65 st,7 av,48 st,8 ,and regular
Saturday Sept 1,2001
West Indian Childrens Parade
10 AM to 4 PM
B43 Box
via Kingston ,Eastern Pwy Troy Bergen ,,right on Kingston and reg
B43 Lincoln Rd
via Brooklyn Av,Dean St,Albnay Av Empire Blvd and regu
B44 Wasthington Plaza
via New YOrk ,Empire Blvd,,troy ,,Bergen St,NY av and Reg
B44 Avenue U via
Nostrand Av,Dean St,ALabany Av,Empire Blvd ,Nostrand Av
B45 Court St
via St johns ,NY Av,,Bergen St,L on Nostrand R on St johns Place
B45 Ralphn Av
via St jOhns ,NY Av,Dean St,Albany Av,St Johns Place
B48 Meeker Av
via Empire NBlvd ,Troy Av,Bergen St,R on Classon Av and Reg
B48 Lincoln Rd
via Franklin ,Dean St, Albany Av, Empire Blvd,Left on Washington Av and Reg
B48 Fulton St
via Rogers ,Empire Blvd, Troy ,Bergen st ,Rodgers Avand reg
B49 Manhattan Beach
via Bedford ,Dean St,Albany Av,Empire Blvd Left on Bedford Av
and reg
Sunday Sept 2 ,2001
Church Av bet Brooklyn and East 35 st
Street Fair
8 AM to 8 PMN
B35 1av
via Church Av,Brooklyn ,Linden Blvd,,NY Av, Church av
B35 Hegeman
via Church Sunday Sept 2 2001
International Book Fair
Atlantic Av bet Bond and Nevins
10 AM to 6 Pm
B63 Columbia
via Altantic ,3 av Schmerhorn St,Smith St,Atlantic Av
B63 Shore Road
via Altantic ,Smith St, Schmerhorn St,# av ,Atlantic Av
Monday ,Sept 3,2001
Gospel Festinval
Gates Av bet Malcolm X and Patchen
8 am to 8 PM
B52 Ridgewood
via Gates,,Malcolm X,Quincey St,Patchen A,Gates Av,
B52 Cadman Plaza
via Gates ,Patchen ,Monroe ,Malcolm X,gates and re
B14 Utica
via Pitkin Av,Howard Av,St JOhns Place temporary Stand on Ralph Av
B14 Drew St
via St JOhns Place,Buffalo Av,Park Place,Ralph Av,St Johns Place,Saratoga Av,Pitkin Av,then Reg
B15 JFK Airport
via St JOhns Place Saratoga Av,ENY Av,Saratoga Av,Sutter Av,Ralph and Reg
B15 Marcus Garvy
via Ralphn ,Sutter Av,Howard Av,St Johns Place and reg
B16 Empire Blvd
via Caton Av B16 Shore Rd
from Temporary St ,Right on Caton And reg
B17 Eastern Pwy
via Remsen av Empire Blvd ,Schenectady to temporary stand at ENY Av
B17 Rocakway Pwy
via Schenectady av ,ENY Av Remsen Av and reg
B41 SOUTHSIDE SHUTTLE
from Kings Plaza
via Flatbush ,Empire Blvd Stand....then right on Washington Av,,R on Lefferts Av,Left on Flatbush Avthen Reg
B41 NORTHSIDE SHUTTLE
from Cadman Plaza
via Flatbush Av to last stop at Prospect place.return via Flatbush m7 av,Park Place,,,Left on Flatbush Av and reg
B43 NORTHSIDE SHUTTLE
from Willaimsburg
via Brooklyn Av ,St Johns Place,Kingston Av to stand at St Johns Place
B43 SOUTHSIDE SHUTTLE
via Kingston Av,President St ,Brooklhn Av,to Temporary Stand at Carroll St
B44 NORHTHSIDE SHUTLE
via Nostrand Av,Left on St Johns Place, New York Av to temporary Stand at Carroll St
B45 from Washington Plaza
via Utica av,St Johns Place, Buffalo Av,Sterling Av,Rochester Av,St JOhns Place Utica Av,to Temporary Stnad at St Johns Place
B46 from Kings Plaza
via Utica Av ,President St,Schenectady Av,Carroll St,Utica Av to temporary Stand at Carroll St
B48 NORTHSIDE SHUTTLE
via Franklin Av to Stand at Sterling Place ..then right on Sterling Place ,Classon Place and reg
B48 SOUTHSIDE SHUTTLE
via Classon Av UNion St,,Franklin Av to Temporary Stand at UNion St
B49 from Fulton St
via Bedfrod Av,St Johns Place ,Left on Rogers,to Temporary stand at St Johns Place
B49 from McKenzie
via Rogers Av, President St <,Bedford Av,to Standat Carrolll St ( Temporary )
B69 Sands St
via 8 av,Flatbush Av,Carlton Av,Park pLace ,Vanderbilt Av,to regu
B69 Prosepect Park West
via Vanderbilt Av,Bergen St,Flatbush Av,7 av, 9 st,,right on Prospeot Park West to reg
B71 Rogers Av
via Caroll St,,8 av,terminate at B69 stand on 8 av and Unnion St
B71 Van Brunt
from stand ,left on Union st,7 av,Garfield Pl,then reg
Does anyone know where an all-time, comprehensive roster of Green Bus Lines coaches might be available? I'm looking for something that includes buses obtained new and used, those sold to other properties or transferred to affiliates, such as Jamaica Buses, plus any renumberings. I'd also like to find photos of pre-1970s Green buses, particularly Yellow coaches, old-look GMs and any other early models.
I've already pieced together some information from the mid-40s to the present using bus builders' order lists from the Ohio Museum of Transportation's Web site (www.omt.org - an excellent resource!) plus latter-day roster data from the Bus Talk Archives. Any help would be much appreciated.
You are going to get confused since Green is part of the "Cooper" group, they tend to share/swap buses between them. Also they have two depots, just to make it even more interesting.
Mr t__:^)
Soon, FP will need some additional buses because of school opening. Old clunkers: 3918,3919,3921,3986,3987,3995,3997,4149 (welcome back!) and soft seaters transfered from Masapeth: 4880,4881,4884. Maspeth Storage: 4873,4875,4876,4877,4878,4879,4886,4887.
Bus 4149 is not in revenue service. About two years ago, it was pulled from Westside's (now MJ Quill) fleet and converted to a Mobile DOB Command Center. The bus has been outfitted with computer and radio equipment for use during emergencies or other "unusual circumstances".
Yes, I stand corrected on that. Apparently it is simply assigned to FP for maintance and storage purposes only.
I heard a rumor that the city ended the green bus and jamaica bus routes. Anyone know anything about this
If and when it happens, it won't just be a rumor -- it'll be all over the newspapers, TV, and radio.
David
Also, it wouldn't be a "lease", it would be their "franchise".
BTW, they own vs. lease their depots, however the buses in them belog to nycDOT.
Mr t__:^)
poppycock
For the past couple of months, SEPTA has been testing one of those Balios signs on NEOPLAN artic 7101. I haven`t seen it for the past couple of weeks because SEPTA changes buses on their routes frequently. It might be seen on the 33 on Monday, the 6 on tuesday, the 27 on wednesday, and so forth and so on. When it returns on a route I frequent, I will let you know.
The orange sign on 7101 is actually a TwinVision sign. By looking at the font, it looks similar to the TwinVision flip dot signs on most of the newer SEPTA buses.
Heading out of town again, look forward to speaking with all of you again next week.
For those interested, I did update my website today.
Sincerely,
Oren H.
www.orenstransitpage.com
Starting Wednesday I'll be back in school so I won't be on the boards as much as I try my best to get out of College by January 2002. I will still post any useful and/or interesting info that I encounter on my journeys to and from school.
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
Last chance to save these buses before they go to the scrapper. The 2 old looks are complete and run but have sat for 15 years and are not road worthy. No offer refused, I will not be insulted as long as they are saved.
2363 and 2397.. ex SCRTD 4801's
3008 ex SCRTD S8M 5303 A, complete... no power pack
1910, ex OCTD new look Flx. No seats, no power pack.
420 1980's Ford school bus.
Please contact me for more info at:
Scott Richards,
Regional Transit Service
2805 Cadet St.
Riverside, CA 92504
909 684-5926
These will be seen in Transit Pictures 28, coming to my site soon.
H. Harding Expwy. (E/B) @ Main Street: Q13
111th Street (N/B) @ Jamaica Av: B37
They don't make the Grumman Flxible but the make the Grumman Olson
Is anyone going to respond to my message?
Grumman still exists as in "Northrop Grumman" a defense contractor which was Grummans bread & butter for many years until the defense industry scaled down. Grumman then tried to diversity by building aluminum canoes, minivans (for the PO and private industry) and buses when they acquired Rohr Industries.
The bus division was sold. The truck division was sold to Olson. Don't know what happened to the canoes and the defense business merged with Northrop.
So technically the name is still around, but it hasn't built buses in a long time. Threrefore your post was interesting but was slightly off-topic.
Actually, the two are separate entities. The Grumman trucks you see are not related to Flxible; the only tie there is that Flxible was bought by Grumman in 1977 and became Grumman Flxible, shortly before releasing the 870 in April 1978. The Grumman name was used on the outside of the buses and G/F was seen on the build plate above the driver's seat. In 1983 the General Automotive Corp. bought Flxible from Grumman and the Flx nameplate returned to the outside; by this time the 870 was redesigned as the Metro.
Grumman does still exist and manufactures truck bodies along with other products; Flxible sadly closed shop in 1996. The name and tooling, however, is now owned by MCI; rumor has it the company may reintroduce the Metro, most likely as an MCI.
Hope that helps!
-F.
Thanks for schooling me on Grumman history. Now I know the 411 on the 30 footers out here.
No sweat. Actually, the 870 was never offered as a 30-footer; that did not come along until it was reintroduced as the Flx Metro in 1983.
Just another Flxible factola to help you out! :)
-F.
Can anyone confirm that these are the Bronx Division MABSTOA routes currently using Flyer articulated buses:
BX 1 & 2 Concourse
BX 5 Bruckner
BX 9 Bronx-Van Cortlandt
BX 12 Fordham-Pelham Pkway
BX 22 Castle Hill
BX 39 White Plains
BX 40 & 42 Tremont
BX 55 Third Ave. Limited
Any others?
Thank you.
There are 2 others you omitted; Bx4-Westchester Ave, and the Bx41-Webster ave
Also during rush hours on the Bx25, Bx26 and Bx28.
Ray
my home route the bx31 easchester and sometimes bx30
i saw signs at main st. yesterday for a q27 limited, does anyone know when this is to begin and what the stops would be?
Starts Sept 10. Flushing bound AM, QV bound PM.
Stops are listed on the TA website under the service advisories section.
My mistake, the stops are not on the website. I guess i saw them posted on here by FDNY back when it was on the agenda a month or two back.
Search the bustalk archives for post number 33296. THis is FDNY's original post on the subject.
Hey guys!!! Here's what I know about the Q27 limited:
It is Limited on Springfield Blvd, 48th Av/Rocky Hill Rd/47th Av/46th Av and Kissena Blvd. It should stop at Queensborough Community College and ALL major intersections on Springfield Blvd like Horace Harding Expwy, 73rd Av, Union Tpke, hillside Av and maybe somewhere between Hillside Av and Jamaica Av and then of course Jamaica Av. Going away from Queensborough will be Bell Blvd, Oceania St (maybe), Francis Lewis Blvd, Utopia Pkwy, 164th St, Parsons Blvd and then Kissena Blvd. It should be stops on Kissena Blvd between Holly Av and Main St as well. If I'm wrong, please correct me.
Ray
here's a few things that surprise me about the 27 limited.
one--that they'd run the limited past Horace Harding. i've ridden the 27 for about 12 years now, and there just isn't all that much ridership past Queensboro CC (56th Avenue) most times of day. what would make more sense is the service pattern that Metro North and the LIRR use on their expresses, as in....
all Horace Harding 27's are locals
all Jamaica 27's run local to HH, and limited thereafter.
what would be also really great and WON't happen is if the limited 27 followed the old 26 route from Parsons + Holly to Sanford + Kissena. this could shave 5 minutes off of the route and only inconvenience anyone transferring to the Kissena Blvd. buses.
[Hey guys!!! Here's what I know about the Q27 limited:
It is Limited on Springfield Blvd, 48th Av/Rocky Hill Rd/47th Av/46th Av and Kissena Blvd. It should stop at Queensborough Community College and ALL major intersections on Springfield Blvd like Horace Harding Expwy, 73rd Av, Union Tpke, hillside Av and maybe somewhere between Hillside Av and Jamaica Av and then of course Jamaica Av. Going away from Queensborough will be Bell Blvd, Oceania St (maybe), Francis Lewis Blvd, Utopia Pkwy, 164th St, Parsons Blvd and then Kissena Blvd. It should be stops on Kissena Blvd between Holly Av and Main St as well. If I'm wrong, please correct me.]
According to the public Take-One:
1. All peak-hour-peak-direction short trips (to/from Springfield & Horace Harding) will run LOCAL;
2. All peak-hour-peak-direction LONG trips (to/from Queens Village) will run LIMITED west of Springfield and local along Springfield from Jamaica Avenue to QCC;
3. The Limiteds will run NON-STOP between Kissena & Holly and 47th Avenue & Francis Lewis Blvd. The stops at Utopia Parkway and 162nd Street (both transfer points) will be served only by Q27 LOCALS and the Q26.
4. The Limiteds will make a couple of stops along Kissena, at Main Street (by the Library) plus Cherry Avenue in one direction, Beech Avenue in the other.
---
The Limited may or may not work out - ultimately, the passengers will decide. Maybe a few more stops could/would/should have been included; that can be fixed later (however, a Limited that stops everywhere becomes a Local).
Read my posting
If anyone needs the Agenda stuff,,write to me ,,i will send it to you
This is the message in question in re: Q27 Ltd.
I saw both of these today on the B100. 4977 had a top similar to NYCTs 8398 and 8399. Which one of these two is the new 4977??? Also, saw 4978. Judging by the CNG tank and the fact that the inside had blue seats and still had most of the NYCTs warnings like Do not talk to driver etc, I'd say it was ex-8567. Please confirm???
Bus 4977 is ex-NYCT 8399 and bus 4978 is ex-NYCT 8567. Bus 4976 is ex-NYCT 8398.
Ray
Were those the Orion CNG at JG with the Cummins L10G engine that got "exiled" from NYCT?
8398,99, and 8567 are RTS buses.
Right, the TA had a few RTS CNGs & when they didn't want them anymore, nycDOT said they would be happy to get them.
BTW, nycDOT alredy had some, so they weren't a odd piece of equip. in their fleet.
Mr t__:^)
It not that the TA did not want them, it's that JG fueling station and the newer buses are setup to take more fuel. I would have been to much to put new tanks into these buses so they could also be fueled at JG.
Robert
If I am not mistaken, this bus #8397 was converted into a Hybrid.
If so, why was it scrapped? NYC now has 6360 and 4 more coming so why didn't they keep her?
The bus had some system problems of some sort...
The General Motors system in #8397 was not as efficient as the Lockheed Martin HybriDrive system in the Orion 6. There was something else about that bus that wasn't quite right...
Cleanairbus
hybridbus@aol.com
She's still around? Amazing. I have only ridden her once when she was operating as the M4 to Penn Station. Before that I saw her in Queens.
Rode her on the q12 when she was still Methanol powered and running out of CS(which at the time the newest RTS's at CS was the 1986 4300's)and saw her last yr operating on the M103.
Is she still methanol powered, or has she been re engined with a straight diesel?
No she was converted to a hybrid,x-fered to MAN then retired .
Jeez, she led such a short life. But thanks for the info.
I didn't say she's still around...I said it had problems...I heard it got scrapped. I could be wrong...but I heard that 8397 is scrapped. it might be in storage somewhere...
Cleanairbus
I saw today 9/5/01 buses 9313 & 9314 the a sticker under the front numbers saying local on it. The sticker is in red with white letters. Anyone know when they started putting these on.
Robert
how about this one? At Ulmer Park i saw #8340 and #8346 parked in the back with the doors chained shut. I know that #8345 and #8349 went to ENY. What is to happen to #8346 and #8340. And WHEN ARE THOSE 9300's comning from FLA?
B64-#9312-011
Again, FLA's 9300s are NOT coming to UP. They received 9295-9318 back from JG instead.
Here's another move: 3562 is now in QV. Saw her with QV decals at Hillside and 165 St at 5pm tonight I think on the Q1.
Also a side note: 1751 and 628 were doing am rush hour service on the Pike this morning. 617 was there this afternoon.
I bet 3503 3916 and 3965 are at QV too as the rejects coming to SE Queens continues. Any news on the Jamaica front on them getting more "reject" buses? They're next!
#1751 Q46
#3562 Q1
I saw 3562 on the Q1 last night also and had to make a double take on that. I thought it was a soft seater but it wasn't. About 3 weeks ago I saw 2 3500's coming up Hillside ave together around 165th st with Flatbush logos on them. I had a feeling they were heading to QV since they didn't turn on Merrick blvd to go to Jamaica depot. I don't remember what the exact numbers were but 3562 was probably one of them. It's been very quiet in Jamaica depot, which is why you guys don't see me posting much lately. Nothing has come in or left recently. I don't think Jamaica will be getting in any buses as right now we are filled to capacity and have all the buses we need. Also, with the new pick starting this coming week, any bus transfers would have been done already, so I don't expect QV to get in any more duds either.
BIG AL
3503 is the other bus at QV-saw her on the Q46 this morrning on run x1. 3916 has also arrived from FLA. 3965 has come back home to QV-was there b4.
Also 1773 is still going-she was also on the Pike yesterday. Loads of Suburbans have been on the Q30 and Q31. I had 613 today on the Q46. What a delightful ride-comfy and quick even for a local line.
#613 Q46
3503.3916 & 3965 spent the summer at Maspeth Storage Facility.
I was in New Brunswick this week. The buses operated by Academy Express all seem to be 1999 NJT Novas. I also saw a few blue Academy NJT Novas operating the routes as well.
There are also a few articulated buses running the routes. They look to be refurbished and say MAN on them. I do not know what MAN stands for since I have not heard of this model bus before. From what I heard, Academy is buying 6 brand new articulated buses that will have 3 doors like the NJT Volvo city style buses to better handle large crouds of students. I do not know what model they will be though. However, I was told that the refurbished MAN articulateds are very nice on the inside anyway.
The drivers seem new and have been announcing all the stops, something that has been unfamilar to rutgers students in the past.
http://www.dailytargum.com/main.cfm?include=detail&storyid=88966
This link has an article and pics of the NJT Novas in the new Rutgers Design.
I must say the new Rutgers paint scheme looks incredible. I might take a little trip early next week to New Brunswick to check them out...
BTW, I would have to guess that the new artics are either the New Flyer D60LF or NABI 60LFW. I don't believe Neoplan has a low floor artic in production.
As for MAN, they had a bus building facility in North Carolina in the early to mid-1980's. There are about 50-60 MAN artics in Westchester County, plus WMATA still has about 40 or so MAN artics remaining. IIRC, the MAN artics were purchased by HAML Corp; several of the present artics were demo buses which were used by a private carrier in Florida (World Transportation, now part of Coach USA).
I just came across this column from April 4 at the same site (The Daily Targum, Rutgers newspaper) which doesn't exactly put HAML/Suburban in a good light. One of the aforementioned artics was reportedly involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Those Nova's running on the Rutgers routes are all NJ Transit Novas from the previous Suburban-Rutgers Contract, Academy just slapped some new paint on them and redid the seats over.
The New articulateds will be 10-15 New Flyer D60LF Articulateds. The order should be here shortly!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Just found out that the Nova's used on the Rutgers fleet IS NOT NJ Transit's. These are Academy-Purchased NovaBUS RTS-06s.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
This may have been asked before, but . . .
Can anyone ride the Rutgers buses or do you have to be a Rutgers/New Brunswick student?
That's nice - Rutgers/NB has all these nice cool buses and Montclair State (I will be xfering there from BCC) has lousy school buses!
Oh, then there's Bergen Community . . . Nice school but the traffic and parking is horrendous. And transit access is a laugh. Only one bus (#756) actually enters the campus (#163 stops on Paramus Road, then you have to walk a half mile across a parking lot to the main building).
Now I would take the bus there, only thing is from where I live it would take 3 buses and 2 hours vs. a 20 minute drive w/ moderate traffic.
Yes, you can ride the Rutgers buses. From, what I have heard people who don't even go to Rutgers or anything get on these buses all the time. Some of the Novas are not brand new. 1026-1035 ofcourse are the NJ Transit units. 1036-1041 are 2000 Nova RTS's ex 1026-1031 from Newark Airport. Those buses still have the yellow light on top. 1042 and up are 2001 models. Each year has a different seat color.
[From, what I have heard people who don't even go to Rutgers or anything get on these buses all the time.]
That is true. Along with some of my bus fan friends, I try to take a trip down to New Brunswick once a year to ride the Rutgers system. Haven't had a problem getting on any Rutgers bus, although if you wait at a stop off campus (like near the NJ Transit Railroad Station), a driver might pass you up if you don't wave vigorously and don't look like a student.
[IIRC, the MAN artics were purchased by HAML Corp; several of the present artics were demo buses which were used by a private carrier in Florida (World Transportation, now part of Coach USA).]
That was true for the artics HAML operated last year, before they lost the contract to Academy. You can bet there is no way HAML and Academy worked out an agreement whereby those buses were sold to Academy! I have heard second-hand and, thus, can't confirm, that the MAN artics Academy is operating came second hand from Seattle. Chicago recently bought a few dozen ex-Seattle MANs and Academy bought some additional units. The story I heard is that the ex-Seattle MANs are in great shape and have very nice interior seating.
The big advantage of the ex-King County Metro MAN artics as opposed to the old Chicago MAN artics is that the weather in Seattle isn't quite as brutal as it would be in the Northeast or in Chicago, plus from what I understand, Seattle really takes care of their buses. In fact, the better condition of those buses, plus the fact that they are wheelchair accessible, led Chicago to purchase those buses while their NABI artics are on order. The lone downfall is that the Seattle artics are not air conditioned.
And Ironically as many of you may have heard, one of those artics lost their brakes today and hit one of the dorms on the Busch Campus. One of my friends saw the aftermath and said the bus wasnt badly damaged. However, 18 students were injured. The students living in the dorm that was hit are spending the night at the New Brunswick Hyatt because they want to evaluate the damage to the building.
I heard it was also shown on the news. Unfortunately, this is not a good start for Academy. As far as I remember since 1995 when I started Rutgers, Suburban never had an incident like this...
I found a article and picture at the Daily Targum web site about the accident. Judging by the number on top of the bus (which, BTW, doesn't match the Academy fleet number 2002), it appears to be an ex-Seattle bus. Interestingly enough, there are two a/c units which appear to have been installed after-market (one of the units is blocking the ex-Seattle fleet number up top).
Hmm. I lived in that building my junior year. First floor too, but other side... heh.
When you visit Philly, here are the routes you`ll see SEPTA NEOPLAN Artics on :
6,9$,18*,22*,27$,33$,48$,55*,60,65*,80*,rare trips on the C$*,some trips on the "Nite Owl" Broad St shuttle$*, EL Shuttle$* (When the MFSE line is partially shut down).
$-route operates into Downtown
*-standard (40 ft) buses also run on the route
No stars-all buses on the route are articulated.
As far as the Market-Frankford El, you will have the opportunity to see artics on Market St for the next 6 weekends as bus substitution will take place on the west end between 15 & 69 Sts. Then, for the next 4 weekends, the east end of the El between Frankford and Center City (sometimes they end the trains at Spring Garden; other times it's been 5 St). On east end El shuttles, the artics are used for the express service between Frankford and 15 St/City Hall via I-95 and Bridge St.
Where did you saw this? it's not on SEPTA's website.
This press release from SEPTA's web site goes into some detail over when the Market-Frankford El will use shuttle buses.
I remember seeing an articulated on the L one Sunday. Speaking of the El Shuttle using articulateds, I remember when the shuttles were pure articulated buses before the Volvos were retired. Back then you wouldn't see 40 buses operating on Market St, most of them 40ft and crammed. The good thing about it is that they operate at a frequency of under 5 minutes, usually like every 2 or 3 minutes.
I remember seeing an articulated on the L one Sunday.
The L bus used to only see Neoplans; it wasn't until about a year ago when SEPTA started phasing in a few NABIs on the L bus. I don't know if there have been any artics on the L, but considering some trips can get pretty crowded, that might not be as wierd a spotting as seeing an artic on the 77 (which sees virtually no ridership).
Speaking of the El Shuttle using articulateds, I remember when the shuttles were pure articulated buses before the Volvos were retired. Back then you wouldn't see 40 buses operating on Market St, most of
them 40ft and crammed.
That seemed to be the case when the Frankford end of the El was shut down; at least it was for the express trips via I-95 and Bridge St. Locally routed buses would see the 40-ft Neoplans (this was pre-NABI).
The good thing about it is that they operate at a frequency of under 5 minutes, usually like every 2 or 3 minutes.
From where I sit, the El Shuttles - at least from 69 St - seem to run on a "load and go" basis rather than on a fixed schedule.
It`s a miracle that NABI's can fit on this line, considering the narrow width of Wister St, and the detour near Chestnut Hill College.
An artic is really pushing it, because it`s wide and somewhat unsteady on really bumpy street like Wister. But I rode a NABI on this line and it was an OK experience. As far as the 47 is concerned, thst must have been that they ran out of standard buses at Midvale that day, and have only artics available. You`ll NEVER see an artic (or a 40 footer) on the 77 ever again! From now on you`ll see the 45xx Eldorados.
So as the 35 and 89. idk about the 39 right now. Since the 39 was to be FULLY ElDorados.
What are the times that a Articulated would run on the L Line?
Oh, I think I also saw one on the #47 line too.
BTW:some bus roster change apply.
3102-southern-G
5178-callowhill-38
3284-southern-G
Here a list of all the routes with ARTICS.
6,9,23,18,65,48,60,27,c,XH,H,22,55,and MFL
What decides whether or not buses run limited?
What I think:
1) How much space there is for passing
2) Lots of busy stops so if every bus stopped the run would take forever
3) Are there enough buses available to run frequent limited AND local service.
I believe some routes that don't currently have limiteds should. Here's an idea for some.
Q3: All stops within JFK Airport, and stops at:
Farmers & Brewer
Bedell Street
Merrick Boulevard
120th Avenue
Linden Boulevard
Murdock Avenue
Jamaica Avenue
Then all stops to 165 Street Terminal
Q25: Local from College Point to Sanford Avenue, then stops at:
Beech Avenue(N/B)
Cherry Avenue (S/B)
Holly Avenue
Horace Harding Expwy
Queens College Main Gate
Jewel Avenue
Union Turnpike
Hillside Avenue
Jamaica Avenue
Q10A: Express in both directions between Queens Blvd/80 Road and JFK Airport (Central Terminals only) via Van Wyck Expressway (traffic permitting, other times via 111th Street, following Q37 route) during 5AM and 10PM M-F, 8AM and 8PM Saturday, and 10AM and 7:30PM Sunday. (I know this route exists, but this would be an improvement in service on this route.)
Q24: All stops to Pennsylvania & Atlantic, then stops nearest to the corresponding J line stations (excluding Cypress Hills), stopping at Lefferts Boulevard instead of 121st Street, and making all stops east of the Van Wyck Expressway
Q25's signed "Jewel Avenue" and "Roosevelt Avenue" will run local, as will the Q34.
Q39: All stops to 48 Av/Van Dam St, then stops at:
Greenpoint Avenue
50th Avenue
Flushing Avenue/61 Street
Fresh Pond Rd/Eliot Av
then all stops to 60 Lane & Cooper.
Q60 with stops at:
2 Avenue-60 Street
Queens Plaza North-26 Street (WB)
Queens Plaza South-28 Street (EB)
33rd Street
39th Place
46th Street (EB)
47th Street (WB)
60th Street
65th Place
69th Street
51st Avenue
Grand Avenue
Woodhaven Boulevard
63rd Drive
67th Avenue
71st Avenue
Ascan Avenue
80th Road
Main Street
Hillside Avenue
Sutphin Boulevard
Then local stops to South Jamaica. Eastbound buses signed "ARCHER AV" would run local, as would buses marked "33rd STREET" and "47th STREET" westbound.
Q88 with stops at:
92 Street-59 Avenue
Junction Boulevard
108 Street
College Point Boulevard
Main Street
Reeves Avenue
Kissena Boulevard
164th Street
Utopia Parkway
188th Street
64th Avenue
69th Avenue
Then all stops to Queens Village
All buses not marked "QUEENS VILL" would run local, as would buses not originating there.
What do you think? Any other routes you want to see with Limited-stop service?
OK, your Q25 and Q60 ideas sound very good. I've seen the Q25 during the evening rush and, believe me, the limited-stop service would work. Question is, will QSC have enough buses for that route AND all of its others?? As for the Q60, the route is VERY long, and there is room for passing on the "Boulevard of Death" (Queens Blvd). Question is: what about Sutphin Blvd and the Queen Bee (Queensboro Bridge)? I think those roadways are a bit norrow for that many buses, unless all locals go only as far west as Queens Plaza or as far east as LIRR Jamaica Station...
The other ideas...IDK. Maybe the Q3 should just stay local. Why make the Q3 limited when the Airtrain will get you to JFK in half the time or less...unless you're getting off along Farmers...or Hillside...otherwise, not too much of a good idea (though it's not totally bad at all)...
Maybe the Bx39 (with the problem of the elevated areas) or the B35 can use it(well, then there's the problem of Church Av east of Flatbush Av) or even the Bx28 (but then there's the concern of Bainbridge Av). Just some of my ideas...
Cleanairbus
[B35 can use it (well, then there's the problem of Church Av east of Flatbush Av)]
I think that problem extends as far as McDonald Avenue. I've rode the B35 a few times between E. 18 St (Q train station) and McDonald Avenue. Slow-going there, too, especially with all the stores along that way.
Speaking of the B35, I noticed something. When I was staying with my mom's parents (when I went to P.S. 154K, there was a bus stop at Church Avenue and Story Street (opposite to where 14th Avenue merges with Church). A few years later, there was no bus stop sign there and parked cars occupied where the bus stop once was. I once signalled to stop after the bus left McDonald Avenue, and the driver almost missed the stop at Story Street because there was no bus stop sign and there were cars parked in the bus stop.
Now, one of those new bus stop signs is up, and the space is clear for buses to stop there.
I believe some routes that don't currently have limiteds should. Here's an idea for some.
Q3: All stops within JFK Airport, and stops at:
Farmers & Brewer
Bedell Street
Merrick Boulevard
120th Avenue
Linden Boulevard
Murdock Avenue
Jamaica Avenue
Then all stops to 165 Street Terminal
Q10A: Express in both directions between Queens Blvd/80 Road and JFK Airport (Central Terminals only) via Van Wyck Expressway (traffic permitting, other times via 111th Street, following Q37 route) during 5AM and 10PM M-F, 8AM and 8PM Saturday, and 10AM and 7:30PM Sunday. (I know this route exists, but this would be an improvement in service on this route.)
Q24: All stops to Pennsylvania & Atlantic, then stops nearest to the corresponding J line stations (excluding Cypress Hills), stopping at Lefferts Boulevard instead of 121st Street, and making all stops east of the Van Wyck Expressway
Q25: Local from College Point to Sanford Avenue, then stops at:
Beech Avenue(N/B)
Cherry Avenue (S/B)
Holly Avenue
Horace Harding Expwy
Queens College Main Gate
Jewel Avenue
Union Turnpike
Hillside Avenue
Jamaica Avenue
Q25's signed "Jewel Avenue" and "Roosevelt Avenue" will run local, as will the Q34.
Q39: All stops to 48 Av/Van Dam St, then stops at:
Greenpoint Avenue
50th Avenue
Flushing Avenue/61 Street
Fresh Pond Rd/Eliot Av
then all stops to 60 Lane & Cooper.
Q60 with stops at:
2 Avenue-60 Street
Queens Plaza North-26 Street (WB)
Queens Plaza South-28 Street (EB)
33rd Street
39th Place
46th Street (EB)
47th Street (WB)
60th Street
65th Place
69th Street
51st Avenue
Grand Avenue
Woodhaven Boulevard
63rd Drive
67th Avenue
71st Avenue
Ascan Avenue
80th Road
Main Street
Hillside Avenue
Sutphin Boulevard
Then local stops to South Jamaica. Eastbound buses signed "ARCHER AV" would run local, as would buses marked "33rd STREET" and "47th STREET" westbound.
Q88 with stops at:
92 Street-59 Avenue
Junction Boulevard
108 Street
College Point Boulevard
Main Street
Reeves Avenue
Kissena Boulevard
164th Street
Utopia Parkway
188th Street
64th Avenue
69th Avenue
Then all stops to Queens Village
All buses not marked "QUEENS VILL" would run local, as would buses not originating there.
What do you think? Any other routes you want to see with Limited-stop service?
The Q35 should be reverted to a limited in brooklyn with only 5 stops
4) Proximity of subway service.
(Although that doesn't eliminate all consideration of a limited. The M98 and M101 run limited directly above the 4/5/6. IMO, there should be an M104 limited to supplement subway and local bus service on Broadway.)
If "how much space there is for passing' was a criteria, then the B46 wouldnt be limited
Nor would the B6.
On September 14, 2001, The Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) is conducting an Historic Online Auction.
Offering Presidential Coach Cars (special 4000 series) as well as new, OEM (PCC and bus) parts, now surplus to their operations.
Full descriptions available, for information visit:
http://www.portauthority.org/auction.asp
These items will be sold to the highest bidder,
using state of the art auction technology from Commerce One.
Thousands of Parts:
MCI-TMC, GM, Flexible, Nova,
Neoplan, Ikarus, Orion
(Also many Presidential Coach Car parts)
For more information on
How to Participate, Items for Sale, and Terms and Conditions,
visit:
http://www.portauthority.org/auction.asp
or contact:
Phone: Bill Seman, Port Authority 412.237.7234
Email: AUCTIONSTRATEGY@Commerceone.com
Folks, you won't believe what I read in yesterday's edition of the Roanoke Times. I will post all of the details at SubTalk; let's hope the same fate does not become of older buses.
Read on; this is completely bizzare.
-F.
Rip Van Winkle just woke up !
Check out the photos of the Red Birds going for a swim on this site.
Mr t__:^)
OK....I don't get the Rip reference but yes, it is to my understanding the cars are Redbirds. Thanks!
-F.
Anyone have any info on the new Artlink bus that is being operated by Academy? I didn't get much information about the actual service. The Artlink bus itself was the usual Academy MCI 102DL. I'm guessing the bus will be visiting museums in the metro area.
There is a big article in Part 2 of Today's (Friday) Newsday entitled "New Route to Culture".
There will be two routes. One, a loop from Museum of Modern Art in NYC to PS 1 in LIC. Two, from PS 1 to two gardens in Queens and Kaufman Studios in Astoria and back to PS 1. No charge for the buses but admission fees at some of the stops. Service (hourly) Sat and Sun only. Picture shows Academy as the provider.
Article can be accessed by going to www.newsday.com---click on Features---scroll down the middle column to Todays Features and then click on New Route to Culture.
Note to Steve "Mr. FDNY" no actual routes and turns provided in article.
Queensartlink.org
I am working on getting his material,,too!!!
Steve
Yeah, I saw the same article after I already posted. I read a news clip the day before. The bus in the picture was a MCI 102D3, not a 102DL I always get my MCI models numbers mixed up.
I recall reading somewhere that the Campus Bus system at Rutgers is the largest 'non-transit' transit operation in the country, with Walt Disney World close behind. Is this true? I have spent a few impatient minutes browsing the Rutgers website trying to grasp the basics of the bus system, but it does not appear to be that much bigger than some other university transit systems I know of.
Can someone provide the following:
* A brief list of Rutgers routes, their purposes, and headways
* A roster
* The presence of other transit near the university
Also, it seems that Rutgers has nothing but problems with their contractors. I know New Jersey is the land of contracted service and all, but why doesn't Rutgers just try and operate the bus service in house? We operate in-house here and University of Michigan, and it works great.
Rutgers don't even have space for the buses and 2x's harder to find Drivers.
Try this page...
http://www.angelfire.com/nj3/svinnerworlds/shuttle1x.html
It's kind of messy but it includes an overview of the routes and number of buses required. As for a roster, Academy Bus just took over so the roster for this school year is (probably) quite different from last year.
Here's another site.. www.whereismybus.com... looks liks a GPS positioning site for RU buses.
Sometime ,next 2 weeks,,I will have very very updated material on this operation
Steve
Does anyone have any info on whether DOT is ordering any new buses to replace the old GMC/TMC fleets of Green Bus Lines, Jamaica Buses, Triboro Coach, and Command Bus? Or will they be content with taking hand-me-downs?
GBL would be getting Orion5 CNG's sometime early next year to replace the GM RTS's.
DOT is currently obtaining 102 new Orion 05.501 CNG Transit buses of which some are slated for Green Lines, there is a very good chance that Command will recieve a piece of the pie to replace thier aging RTS fleet for the B100.
Also right now DOT is looking at NovaBUS RTS T80-206 WFD (Wide Front Door) Super Suburban & a MCI D4500 Cruiser for MCI Classic replacement in the future. Currently there is 1 MCI D4500 Crusing the DOT Privates and there is 4 currently for New York Bus Service that will hit the streets sometime between October and November.
Hope this information Helps you out!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
It helps me out a lot. But what about Triboro and Jamaica? Will they still have to manage with what they got?
[DOT is currently obtaining 102 new Orion 05.501 CNG Transit buses of which some are slated for Green Lines, there is a very good chance that Command will recieve a piece of the pie to replace thier aging RTS fleet for the B100.]
Despite any specific pending order, the piece of the puzzle that remains unresolved, as I understand it, is the installation of CNG fueling equipment at Green (and Jamaica and, perhaps, CTC also). Green owns its garage but any CNG fueling aparatus would probably be City property, so meshing the two gets complicated. I suspect no Orion 5 CNG buses will be delivered to Green until Green has the proper fueling facility. And this still has to be worked out.
[... Currently there is 1 MCI D4500 Crusing at, DOT, (Queens Surface Corp.) ... and there is 4 currently for, DOT, New York Bus Service ...]
Correction, the one at QSC was only a two week lease, she went north to Niagara.
I have a couple of photos that I scan & send to you.
Mr t__:^)
NIAGARA!?!?!? WOA!
Liberty Lines was supposed to get a crack at the Cruiser, well I guess not!
Trevor
I think he's saying NFTA(Bufflo-Niagara Falls,NY.).
I know what the hell he is saying!
T.
I don't think it's staying up there long.
Mr t__:^)
can you send me a copy
thank you
Sure, once I get my daughter to warm up her scanner.
BTW, my intention is to provide them to Trevor so he can include in a post for all to see ... got a couple of nice shots of the wheel chair lift in action (I asked the driver instructor to do it for me).
Mr t__:^)
OOOO!! Can you send me one please? I was trying to looking for that bus and I want to see a photo of it.
Are these 2 buses still alive? If so do they still see regular service in Staten Island? If not lets just send them to FP or Jamaica depot. These buses might still have a home. :>)
i have been on #2270 out of Yukon Depot in staten island over the summer. it was on the S61/S91 route. Still running.
The other bus is 2660 not 2260. 2260 has been dead for God knows how long now. Both are still at YUK as far as I know of.
#2270 S61
#2660 S55
2270 spent the summer on track 5 in yukon so you couldnt have rode it then. fear not it is again ready for service,its 22nd year. 2660 has been temporarily sidelined.
To put this into perspective for you, when 2270 and the rest of the 800+ 1981 RTS's were delivered, they, along with the 1980 Grumman 870's, replaced the 1961-1963 GMC's along with most of the 1966 8000 fishbowls (with Bus-O-Ramas or "batwings"). The 8000s that weren't scrapped were sent to Blitz in 1983 and emerged as 5000-5022. I believe only 8370 remained through the mid-1980's.
Bus PA2660 came on with the 1982 fleet (all of which had the "PA" prefix) and the rest of the 1966 and virtually all of the 1968 (8800-8936) fishbowls were removed from service, but not all were scrapped. Again a year later, 56 soft-seaters and 4 hard-seaters from the 1968 fleet went to Blitz and came back in late 1984 as 5100-5159. The others either fell into New York Bay (I'll let someone else talk about the Edgewater disaster) or were scrapped.
8370 lasted well into the early 90's(91) if I am not mistaken.I know she did a long stint as a rush hr extra at QV and I remember seeing an 8000 like in 89-90 operating out of CS on the Q27 at Cardozo.
I remember a fishbowl in queens about that time too. Thought maybe it was a 6900 though in new paint
8370 is now a 1991 TMC that's operating out of QV. Fishbowl 8370 was probably retired at the time TMC 8370 was brought in.
#8370 Q46
2660 was sent to Jamaica almost a year ago and we sent that piece of junk right back out again, without ever putting it into service. Why should 2270 & 2660 be sent back to Jamaica or Fresh Pond again when we are trying to get rid of the garbage we have now? Just send those two buses over to Nimco and get over it!
BIG AL
Does anyone have any info on fares, etc. for Red and Tan service from Spring Valley to GW Bridge Bus terminal. Specifically line 11C or any other than runs PM rush to NYC.e-mail me off-site.
Rockland Coach has a web site at:
http://www.redandtanlines.com
Thanks for the info! I passed it along to Peggy who informed me she will now be able to add Pascack valley to the NJT "To Do "list.
SEPTA is having the try transit week. Of course, most of the events are during school and work hours, how many people do they expect to show up? I'd like to go to one of the transit fairs, but of course, I just happen to go to school during the day (unless teh teachers keep striking). Anyway, do many people show up for these events?
So I got a Qoestion.
Are they going to show off buses doing the Try Transit Fair?
I don't think too many new riders will show up for these events. Somehow, I think that's SEPTA's rationale, which surprises me, since I would think a transit system would want to capture new riders. Instead, most of the events SEPTA has planned only seems to reach out to existing riders. It's not as though SEPTA is offering a $1.00 per ride fare (as they did two years ago) or discounts on passes, which I think would be a more effective way of capturing new riders.
FYI, there are only three events planned for Chester & Delaware Counties COMBINED, while there are at least three events planned in Bucks County alone. Tell me where SEPTA's priorities lie when it relates to the suburbs...
ctrabs, I know you are an authority on SEPTA, but I would think that Bucks County is enjoying more of the transit festivities because the government of Bucks County is very supportive of transit. I'm not sure how Bucks compares to Chester and Delaware, but I know that MontCo is considered anti-transit, so perhaps SEPTA's way of saying 'thanks' to Bucks County is offering them more transit festivities.
What type of engine (on its newest models, not the T8J and the T8H) powers those buses? Is is a Cummins C8.3 plant, or the like?
When is Fresh Pond going to get these Suburbans. They should just get rid of the crappy 85'GMC's.(4088, 3900's, and 4145). Oh and whoever said that 4100's are the best, I don't know what that person was smoking to think that. The 8700's and newer are the best buses, not RTS GMC's(although I did like the Flxibles back then). All the 85'GMC's should get scrapped. Fresh Pond should just get Novas instead of more Jalopies(cough3997cough). But I do like suburbans, thats why I want Fresh Pond to get them soon.
FP is already starting to get the suburbans.They have been seeing alot of service on the B39 mainly.Also before the advent of the RTS and Grumman 870's,FP mainly had 1960's era GM's(the original 3600 and 8000's)
The suburbans and their limited standing room have no business being on the B39. There are only 3 of them at FP and why one was put there on Friday (4880) is beyone me! They should be exclusively assigned to the low patronage lines such as the B18 & B24. 4880 WAS on the B18 Saturday afternoon. The service reliability is as unpredictable as the bridge traffic itself.
Just like the ex-Command RTS-04's have no business on the Q11 or Q60 being only 96 inches across.
Well, part of your wish has come true. Buses 4088 and 4145 were shipped to Manhattanville last month. As for your suburban pipe-dream, I believe the last suburbans that FP (one of the worst maintenance depots in the city) operated were the ex-Yukon Blitzes 5531, 5534, 5536 amd 5537. That was back in 1993-94, so you will continue to ride the likes of 3989 and 3997 and you will LIKE it.
Take heart--it could be worse. You could have 46 1985 RTS's like Queens Village. Their fleet, by the way, includes ex-FPs 4115, 4117, 4141 and 4150 and ex-East New Yorker 3990! FP has only 7. Jamaica even has more than FP (nine). So, stop crying.
Here's the 1985 RTS Inventory that QV has:
3901-3902, 3905-3907, 3914, 3916 3924, 3933, 3938, 3941, 3946, 3949-3951, 3954, 3957-3960, 3962, 3965, 3969-3973, 3976, 3978-3981, 3990, 4045, 4115, 4117, 4141, 4150, 4175, 4198.
1986 RTS: 4322, 4324-4336, 4338, 4340, 4342-4345.
They also have 4 1982 RTS Suburbans: 1751 1767 1773 1852.
And now 2 RTS Suburbans: 3503 and 3562.
And not to forget the 7000s remanufactured buses from 1981 and 1982-remanned in 1996. 7001-7037.
QV has the most GMC RTS of any depot in NYC.
#4198 Q46
#7029 Q88
#3562 Q1
#1751 Q75
#4343 Q83
Are these 1985 -86 RTS buses going to be replaced any time soon?
Supposed to be-but I don't see it happening anytime soon.
#7030 Q46
What's even funnier about all this, is he's crying about the few 1985 RTS's Fresh Pond has, and he doesn't even have to drive the damn things for 8 hours!
lol
BIG AL
bus 5506 has returned and was on the m15 the other day.
How about the new ones they're suppose to get, I heard they are only going to be for the M15.
New Flyer Artics #5506-#5509 been at 126th St Depot since mid Aug & been runnning only on M15.
Peace
David Justininao
5510-5580 will be used only on m15. transit will cut routes there in winter or spring when delivery is complete.
I thought it was buses 5510-5570? Buses 5571-5649 were to go to either Quill or KB? I think they could all (5571-5649) could go to Quill and 100th St.
Ray
Late last night while driving along Fulton Street, who comes driving in the opposite direction is 1985 GMC RTS#4014 on the B25. An ENY original!!!!
B25#4014Mike
Buses from ENY frequented my neighborhood, and 4014 was one of them. By now she must have been repainted and re- engined.
I rejected this bus on the Q56, and later rode the 4985 instead.
Usually I despise working Saturdays, but I'm glad I went today. Parked near the waterfront was a 1980 RTS 30 footer owned by WLNG, a LI radio station. Except for the wheels and the rear fairing, the exterior is bone stock. The interior is stock with white pillars and the stop request tape. The only seats are a four person bench near the front door. The rear door is passenger operated. The driver's area is stock also.
The bus is configured to be a rolling radio station, complete with a telescoping transmitter that you see on omnipresent E350 newsvans. There is no bus number, this one is known as Mobile Unit #7. Without the graphics and the lettering, the paint job resembles next generation JBL livery. She was very well maintained for her age. WLNG is an east end station, so it's doubtful I'll ever see her again since I don't live that far out.
WLNG sounds like Top 40 did in the 60s. Love that big mono sound plus reverb.
I don't listen to LNG much, but I like their format.
I would imagine you wouldn't listen to Liquified Natural Gas ;)
Sorry, that was a really crappy pun/joke, but it was the first thing that popped into my head. :)
Mine to...don't feel bad. LOL! Speaking of natural gas, I was visiting some friends out of town over the weekend, and there was PLENTY of it to be heard (and smelt). Must have been the bad food.
-F.
Yeah.....very WKRP. The kind of radio I grew up with. I LOVE that.
-F.
Wow... LNG's a great station (except that sometimes, they seem to play more station IDs than music); I like it even more now!
And for another RTS sighting... on I-395 near Lisbon, CT late Saturday night, I saw an RTS-03 by the side of the road, in what looked like the DC Metrobus paint scheme (red, white, & blue stripe with an arrow in the front).
Wow...an RTS as a rolling radio station? That's a neat idea! BTW, I had no idea that RTSes were offered as 30-footers in 1980. Are you sure it wasn't a custom length? I know for a fact that the Flx Metro was not offered that short until 1983 but the RTS may have been different. Anyone have the facts?
-F.
The RTS has always been offered in 35- and 40-foot versions. Factory-made 30-footers are a fairly recent advent of the NovaBUS era. Origianlly, NovaBUS marketed the 30-foot RTS (the RTS Vision) in WFD version only, but almost every picture I've ever seen of one has been with the standard front doors (and no, NJ Transit is not the only system that has them!)
A company called Complete Coach Works of California has been known to cut down older RTSs, especially 35 footers, down to 30 footers. I suppose this is relatively easy to do, considering the modular constuction used in RTSs. I know Reno, NV's RTC has at least a few CCW-cut 30 foot RTSs in service. Also, this might explain any other RTS-04s cut down to 30 feet.
I assumed older 30-footers were custom cuts; I had not seen any until recent years. Also, I have considered doing a couple custom 30-foot versions in diecast; I already offer a Flxible 30-footer as Simon (caine824) will tell you. Those are a lot of work but are fun to do!
Fred Donaher
Star City Customs
I got a good look at Mobile Unit #7, and she is indeed a shortie. She is definitely not a 40 footer. She could have been a 35 footer now that I look at it from another angle. A 30 footer would mean the rear door would have been much closer to the front. I did say the bus is bone stock. The only mods were the wheels and rear fairing. If WLNG ever decided to sell the bus to a carrier, she can be easily be converted for revenue service.
Now that other BTers have mentioned it, a 30 foot RTS would seem to be a rare thing. Thanks to all who helped me analyze my sighting from another point of view.
Where did you spot the bus ?
She was in Riverhead at the Peconic Riverfront. The town was having some wing ding near where the Peconic River Queen docks.
Very true. A 30-foot RTS is a rare sight. Cute, but rare.
-F.
I could have told this early BUT I forgot. NOW I rember...
On Tuesday while I was walking into Battery Park. I saw a Academy D4000 #8574 parked on West St near Battery Place. Minutes later. Took photos of it. THen I saw it moveing and turning on to Battery Place and now parked at Battery Place by the traffic light. Now that was the first time I ever saw a Academy D4000. I like the paint job on it. NICE! :)
So idk why it's doing downtown that the Academy D4000's can't be use in the Holland Tunnel b/c of it being 102" With. And could handle 96" Buses. So I was woundering why it'd doing Downtown and why it was there?
Well, how it works is, 102 inches are allowed in the Holland Tunnel, but you have to be very careful, if anything goes wrong the driver is at fault. Also, sometimes Academy doesnt put all of their buses that orginate from Wall Street going into the Holland Tunnel, some go through the Lincoln. Especially during the morning rush hour Academy send some of their Wall Street Bound buses into the Lincoln Tunnel, since they have the bus lane and would save the time waiting in the Holland Tunnel.
Jason
Does anyone know what these buses are? They're Neoplans, completly white, only with small red lettering saying "Plaza Services Corp." I can't find a website for them, either. Since I usually find them near WTC/WFC, I'm guessing they're some sort of bus reserved for workers in the area at a certain company/building... anybody know anything more?
Wile I was on the Q60(Orion5 #5532.) At 77 Ave when my bus was at a stop light. A Flxible New Look #699 from Mid Island Transit stoped at the light. With 1 person abroad. Here's a photo of the bus that would give you people a hint of what bus I saw.
So do Mid Island Transit stil exist?
Do Mid Island Transit own's that flxible NEW LOOK?
What else do Mid Island Transit have?
And is Mid Island Transit is starting to have EXPRESS Service on Queens Blvd?
That bus was heading back from NJ Transit's Try Transit Festival, it was there today. I believe that bus is privately owned, since when he was on his way heading out of the Festival, he said some sarcastic comment to us as we were photographing the bus. I forget what exactly, but trying to be smart I think it was $5 to take a pic of the bus or something.
Jason
5 DOLLARS TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THAT BUS??!! DANG!! I got a shot of it wile I was on GBL #5532.
I would like to say thank's to the guy who posted the pic of this bus.
It's owner should be congratulated on what look's like a first class renovation and should be VERY proud of his work.
We always take for granted that when we go to bus shows that we should have access all area's, but if you have sweated blood, sweat and tear's on a renovation of a bus that you look upon as your pride and joy then if you want to keep people on the outside, we as bus enthusiast's have to respect this.
Over here I have seen beautifuly restored buses at shows with some "visitor's" on them eating and smoking and showing no respect. We do not have any right's to these buses and should be very grateful that some people are dedicated enough to show and share them with us.
So chill out guy's and give the owner a break. He probably had a long day and his joke of $5 for a pic was taken the wrong way, afer all Im sure his bus was well photographed during the day.
Thank you Tommy. I sincerely appreciate your comments.
Right on! Restoring an old bus is hard work. If I had the space, time, and money I'd like to own my own classic bus too, but most people think I'm crazy. If I had to choose an older bus to own and restore it would be one of the GMC RTS's, with the strong and reliable Detroit Diesel 6v92 engine.
[Restoring an old bus is hard work. If I had the space, time, and money I'd like to own my own classic bus too, but most people think I'm crazy.]
Hay John let me suggest you put your money where your mouth is ...
Branford has a small fleet of old buses, there is a group forming that wants to make one or two of them operational. The first step would be to join the museum, e.g. consider coming up the 29th or 30th for "Autumn in NY". It would be my pleasure to "take you for a ride" on the NYC subway & trolleys that day. While there you can check out the buses.
BTW, Seashore in ME has a large bus fleet with several classic examples that are operational (GMC Old Look, Fishbowl, RTS Slant Back)
Mr t__:^)
From this side of the Atlantic I would like to send my hearfelt sympathy and condolence to any of you guys who have lost loved one's or friend's in today's mass murder of innocent people.
I was chatting on the PC to Trevor from Transit Talk about what was happening when the 2nd tower fell, word's are not enough to to try to fathom out what type of person can carry out such an atrocity.
I have family in Manhatten and one has been missing most of the day, thankfully she phoned here 20 minutes ago safe and well.
Tommy, I am glad your family is safe in Manhattan. I talked with Trevor as well and he explained his emotions during the whole thing...it really shook him up as it did those of us who were directly in it. I thank God that everyone is safe so far and pray for the families who have lost lives in this whole tragedy.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
Thanks Tommy!!! I'll keep in touch.
Ray
There ya go; I'll take a 6v92 in my RTS as well. The 6v71 is good also. I grew up with both engines.
-F.
i know what u mean by sarcastic. the owner of the bus apparently has pictures of EVERY bus that EVER arrived for NYC,Green,Triboro,Jamaica,Queens Surface and evern Steinway Transit Corp(even Pioneer,the former name of Command).He yelled at me when i tried taking a picture of a picture at the july 4th bus rodeo(it never came out)-each picture is expensive. maybe any pics of this bus are copyrighted,i dont know.
Well, during the festival, he probably wasn't around b/c you could take all the pictures you want. But on the way out, he was driving it out, and that was when he said something. Excuse my language people like him are god damn assholes. If he didn't want no one to take pictures of his bus, than why bring it out to these festivals, where you will find bus buffs who would want to take pictures of it and see it. People, like him the best thing to do is take the picture and stick your middle finger up at him.
I can tell you during the festival, that guy had watchers in the bus, where as in all the other displays no one was in the bus, you could sit in all the drivers seats, and play around. I hope that assholes doesnt bring his bus out next year.
Dear Jason D: My sincere thank you for your most generous and kind thoughts about my bus and me. It would be most appreciated if you would be kind enough to let me know the name of the educational institution where you so ably learned your command of English expletives; I would like to write to the principal and compliment on the fine job he did in teaching you to curse. Perhaps too you might also wish to print out your post, and show it to your parents, friends, relatives, relgious mentor and employer; they, too, might appreciate your fantastic ability with expletives.
Yes, I did ask for $5.00 to take a photo of the bus. But anyone with even the least amount of common sense and a minimum of a sense of humor would have realized it was only said in jest. In fact, I had posed the bus coming out of the Festival for anyone who wanted to take a photo of it. In addition, the bus, which had arrived at 5:45 in the morning, was there all day for anyone to photograph at will.
Pray tell, what did you mean by "stick your middle finger up at him?"
Could you please explain what this means?
Yes, there were poeple in the bus guarding it. In case you don't realize it, a vehicle costs a great amount of money to purchase, restore, maintain and operate. Did you contribute anything towards its cost? And what have you done personally to assist in the preservation of any transit vehicle? No one is allowed in the driver's seat other than my own personnel, who are there to protect it from people attempting to start it, throw switches and wear down the battery, etc. It is not a toy. It is a vehicle which could cause severe damage in the hands of someone not trained in its use and operation. If you want to play around, my suggestion is to purchase your own bus (or have your daddy and mommy get one for you as a present), and beep the horn to your heart's content.
While I must state that you are no longer welcome aboard my bus because we do not welcome those whose speciality is in the command of English expletives, I do invite you to stand in back of the bus on the exhaust side when I start it up amd drive it away.
>>>I do invite you to stand in back of the bus on the exhaust side when I start it up amd drive it away.<<<
Sir, I implore you to get that exhaust checked before the EPA gets hold of you. Before you know it, you may have a series 50 or Cummins ISC in that bus and people won't get to accept your gracious invite.
I'd much prefer the good old Detroit Diesel in that Flxible to the newer engines any day. Besides, it's a vintage vehicle not in regular service so it is safe from EPA requirements.
-F.
Another gentleman lacking a sense of humor..... Too many serious people in this group. Lighten up! Enjoy life! Smell the ever so rare nowadays old bus fumes!
Joe, you've got that right. I love the smell of older bus fumes, especially those of an older Flx or Grumman. They take me back to my childhood. If only all those good-looking women out there would come up with a perfume that smells like burning diesel fumes....LOL.
-F.
Um, I was being sarcastic. Take your own advice sir.
Were signs clearly posted in or around the coach concerning the matter? If not, there should be, especially due to Joe's high concern of the photography issue.
You have to be very careful when taking photos of a bus. Its owner (or TA as the case may be) has no idea what you will do with those photos and it's always a good idea to ask permission first so as to save yourself a great deal of trouble. Joe is especially protective of this due to 699's historical nature. Legal action can be taken for unauthorized photography af any object these days, and buses are no different. Sad but true, but usually for good reason.
-F.
Got news for you-the bus was parked in a place of public accomodation, on public property, in plain view of the public. Perfectly legal to take a photo of it, and no one can enforce any kind of fee to do so. Now, if you wanted to take pictures of the interior, or someone wanted a picture of themselves in the driver's seat, the owner is perfectly justified in requesting a fee.
-Hank
Very true. Also, IIRC, in a recent post Joe stated that taking photos of the outside was acceptable.
-F.
That is my picture, which is on this site's pictures of the 2000 Bus Fest. Mid-Island Transit 699 spent most of its life as MSBA 699 and has been carefully restored by its owner, Joe Saitta, a frequent poster here. Joe and his bus were at the Hoboken Festival yesterday and the bus contained a notice about its history.
So it was at MSBA? So is it possable that bus could be put into the MSBA Paint job anytime soon?
IIRC, it had been in MSBA colors (the scheme the 700 and 900 Flxibles came in) when Joe first had it, but he changed it to Mid-Island colors (its original operator, prior to MSBA's formation) later on. It is unlikely he will change the paint scheme again soon.
The bus looks good as-is; I'd say leave it alone. Besides, buses take a LOT of work to paint, especially older ones; believe me, I know...our museum is doing the same with a 1976 Flx New Look!
-F.
Yes, 699 was in MSBA's paint scheme like the Grumman 870/Flxible Metros.
Wayne
Anyone have any pictures online of that bus? I may have seen it a few years back at the Busfest in Brooklyn. Also I think the owner is a LI Bus driver and I'd like to see his picture, since I ride the buses alot I might recognize him.
Oh, I believe you know Joe.
That's the historic bus preserved by a private owner. It was at the Try Transit Festival in Hoboken yesterday.
Fresh Pond's first repowered bus. Today I saw it going into Frsh Pond Depot. It's been at Zerega forever, but it finally came out. It's about time, I waited for months to see a repowered Fresh Pond Bus. Are their any more 90'TMC's at Zerega right now?
Welcome to BusTalk! I reported this fact a couple of weeks ago. I do not know if any more from FP are in the process of being repowered, but all NYCT buses from 8000 to 8564 will be repowered.
I have completed my summer travels and will be posting regularly on BusTalk from here on out.
Whatever happened to the LIRR shuttle? Is it still active? Still split between Jam and QV?
That's gone. So is the EFG Court Square shuttle. SO is the A shuttle, N shuttle, Randalls Island shuttle, and every other shuttle we had.
All gone... no OT :(
What about the Grand street shuttle? I rode it last week.
Grand St and Dekalb are here to stay for a few years
Hopefully the MTA will come to its senses and cancel these wasteful routes within a few months.
Im sure the MTA would love to kill these shuttles, but i dont think they have a choice with all the politics and crap in this town.
I havent seen any around. Are they out yet?
Haven't seen any new guides yet. We still have cases of 1999 and 2000 sitting in the crew. What I have seen are 4 variations of "Bus Marks". Looks like the Artic, MCI Coach, Hybrid and something else... maybe those Gleason buses.. I forget, but there are now 4 available.
You'd make out like a bandit on ebay with that stuff
I don't sell these things. I'd much rather give them to someone who will appreciate them, and let them sell them on ebay :-)
Remember, I'm wealthy.. I drive a bus... LOL
Remember, I'm wealthy.. I drive a bus... LOL
You must mean "wealthy" in a self-satisfaction sense, because of all the joy bus drivers bring to their customers ;)
Does anyone have copies thathey could send to me
Thanks
STEVE
I have all four: Artic, New Flyer C40LF, Hybrid, and MCI coach.
Probably 1/1/02! As a subway employee, last week I received the July issue of our newsletter!
Business as usual, Bill. My latest Union newsletter is dated April, 2001 ....
finally got my copy yestrday from Yukon depot. They had.
I saw #8340 and #8346 parked in the back of Ulmer park's garage with the doors chained. I have not seen them running, but know that most of #8340-#8350 were shipped to ENY. Is UP planning to repower these buses or are they to be sent to ENY?
B3-#4742(yup, the coach bus-was on him today)-run 017
The individal depots do not repower the buses. This is done at a base shop: ENY or Zerega. The only way to find out why these 2 buses have their doors chained shut can only be answered by depot management. Perhaps they were involved in some kind of unusual incident and are being held for further investigation and they want nobody inside to tamper with the evidence, intentionally or not.
Can someone please give me a list of all the repowered buses in Flatbush and Jackie Gleason? I also want to know what TMC's are at Zerega right now.
-
"They're paying for it, YOU eat it!" -Full Metal Jacket
I just found out about something neat; a few years ago a Star Trek fan club got together and bought an old city bus. They converted it into a mobile "ship" in which they played computer games and such, including live-action Trek games in costumes, as they drove it around town. The whole inside, save for the driver's area, was enclosed and housed lots of computer stuff.
Apparently this was aired on TV about 5 to 10 years ago; the club members did the whole "Permission to Come Aboard?" thing and the like and each one had a position at the "conn". One guy was a computer nerd so he was a Science Officer and so on.
I don't know what manufacturer the bus was made by, what TA it came from, or where it is now but these are the basic facts. Does anyone, "Trekkies" or busfans included, know about this special coach and where I may find pics and more info? Please let me know; thanks!
-F.
I have a few minutes now so I will post at least the first part of my travels of the past week:
After taking the Metro to Union Station, I took Metroliner 110 to Newark. I was in the Quiet Car (quite an experience, I've done it 4 times now) which was the 2nd car from the front (behind first class and the AEM-7). When I got out at Newark to transfer to the PATH, there were turnstiles where I got off but they were blocked off (and there was a WTC-bound train on the other side). After walking almost all the way to the rear of my Metroliner, I found an open turnstile and attempted to put in my money. The machine wouldn't accept it and I had to switch. By this time, the "DEPARTING" light had come on and as luck would have it, if they closed the right side doors first, then left, I would have made it. It didn't really matter since I had time and now I could get to the front. The next train was 10 minutes later and was led by car number 725. This was my first ride on PATH in many years and first at the window. Quite a nice ride although after Journal Square, it was quite slow. I got off at Exchange Place. The conductor on the train wanted to chat with his couleege and was attempting to convince me to move my suitcase, backpack, and myself back about 5 seats so he could fully open the door. In the end, I stuck my stuff in the storm doorway and sat in the first seat behind the window on the left. The reason I make such a big deal out of this is that when we left Grove, he announced Exchange Place was next and was the transfer to Hoboken-bound trains but there was no mention of no exit from the first car. He did wait for me to get through to the next car once we arrived but he told me "Now don't leave anything because I don't want them calling me."
I missed the Hoboken bound train and waited 10 minutes for another. I can't recall the number of the train I was on. It was also quite slow. At Hoboken, I went up and had about 15 minutes before my NJT train to Ridgewood via the Main Line. Now, some questions about the whole thing:
1. I was on an NJT trian to Suffern, NY. Do any NJT trains run thru to Port Jervis? How often does MNRR operate? Is it express or local?
2. At Ridgewood, there is an express platform. What uses it? There were no express tracks that I could see. Are they on the Bergen Line?
3. Why do they run these long 5 or 6 car trains? We were only allowed to use the last three.
The ride was relaxing although the scenery of the surrounding area between stations is left to be desired. I could have sworn there was some lime green water near the trackbed near one of the stations.
Ridgewood is a rather nice place. After spending the afternoon there, I took Flxible Metro-B 3093 from Ridgewood to the GWBT in New York. The fare system is quite unique. The only thing they should do is make those buses easier for people with suitcases (someone else had one larger than mine). Also, I paid $3.95 when I was told it was $3.25 by someone here. No complaints to that person but who was making the error???
Once I got a single-ride ticket for the bus at the subway stop at the terminal (I lacked small bills at the time and didn't want to deal with the agent), I went up to Broadway and 178th. The bus stop signage is quite poor there. In fact, none of the routes are listed on the sign. After figuring out the M4 stopped 1 block west, I went over there to discover NJT 3093 (the bus I was on) signed for GARDEN STATE PLAZA PARAMUS blocking most traffic. Two MTA people with Manhattanville hats were figuring out how to get the uptown M4s around the mess (downtown could still get by). The signage at GWBT is something left to be desired. Going through that much trouble to get to the bus is not very nice.
It seemed 3093 hit a car when it was turning north on Broadway. Not a major accident but police were there. The bus was empty.
Once RTS 8762 came, I took it to where I spent the night.
More on my trip to Boston on the Acela, railfanning the T Blue Line, and my visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME when I get a chance.
My husband and I are flying into the city via LGA on a Friday morning. Since we have time to kill before we can check into our hotel in Mid Town, we were thinking of taking the M-60 bus. I understand it goes to 106th street and Broadway. Is that one bus ride or do we have to transfer along the way? Thought it might be a way to see the city a bit, since we won't be there long and will only get to see part of Manhattan this trip. Is this possble or stupid for us to do?
(we were thinking once we got to 106th, we could take the subway down to Mid Town)
The M60 is a one bus ride to W106/Bdwy.It is not stupid too take it in to the city as you do see more of our great metropolis at a lower fare(as opposed to a cab ride or airport bus service directly to midtown.BTW try too get a metrocard in one of the Newstands in the terminal so you have the free transfer between the bus and subway at 110th Street(There is no subway at 106th st)
Yes you can take the M60 into Manhattan. If you take the subway into Midtown... you have several options. The nearest station to 106/Bway is at 110th/Bway (#1,9 lines) Either of these lines will make local stops to Midtown and lower Manhattan. Subway/Bus Tranfers are free (with a MetroCard), so it'll only cost you one fare.
Wayne
I don't know whether your luggage will hinder your strolling and stair-climbing after you ride the M60, but allow me to express some ideas. First of all, much of our city is fascinating, even that which you don't realize at first. As you cross the Triborough Bridge, you'll get a great view of the Hell Gate Bridge, and perhaps even see a train on it. People in taxis don't get as good a view as from a transit bus window. Your bus will travel west on one of the busiest and important streets of Harlem. At the 106 Street "final stop" note the triangular park with a fountain placed there in 1914 in honor of Isidor and Ira Straus, who went down on the Titanic. Their house was across the street at 2745 Broadway.
If you plan to use the West Side subway, note that the entrances at 103 street go downstairs, but at 96 Street passengers are forced two flights down, through a corridor, then one flight up to reach an island platform.
Your metrocard is valid for one free transfer to the subway or free another bus route. Route M104 goes south on Broadway to a hotel district and Times Square before it turns east on 42 Street to the United Nations. Enjoy your visit!
I rode on 4880 on the B24 twice a few days ago. Looked like the padding on most of the seats was removed or something. The decals on both sides were that of Fresh Pond Depot.
What's Fresh Pond doing with an express coach?
Also, in the afternoon, I saw TWO B24's passing by bound for Greenpoint. I got on 4880, and it was also running with another B24 bus. That means B24's were running two-by-two. Strange, isn't it?
This afternoon, I saw the first of the new Ride-On buses that will replace the smaller ones operated by ATE/Ryder. The unit number was 015101. The bus looked like some of the larger ATE/Ryder buses. The seats in the bus are padded. On the left side, they are in pairs facing forward. On the right, the seats face inward (for the wheelchair positions). The last row is 5 seats facing forward. The wheelchair lift is in the front door and malfunctioned so the bus was sitting with its lift out. I think it was running on the 29 before this happened. The bus has a bike rack on the front. The destination signs are LEDs in orange (Balios, perhaps?).
I took pictures but it will be awhile before they are online.
Most likely, the signs are Ballios, given that the Maryland MTA 99xx and 00xx NABIs, as well as the new University of Maryland Gilligs have the Ballios signs, it wouldn't shock me if Montgomery County jumped on the Ballios bandwagon.
BTW, how's the transit scene down there in DC? I had heard that the VRE trains were shuttling between Alexandria and Manassas, and that Fredericksburg trains weren't running for a while.
I can also imagine that the Blue and Yellow Metrorail lines and a lot of WMATA, Fairfax Connector, and OmniRide bus lines must really be having problems, given what happened at The Pentagon. (My condolences also go out to the families of those killed and wounded at the Pentagon today.)
My relatives in DC said that traffic downtown was gridlocked, but that the Metro was still running albeit slowly.
The new 5100-series buses are based on International chassis -- sort of a cross between Ride-On's smaller Aerotechs and the larger cutaways used by limousine/airport shuttles.
Things are quiet here in Providence RI. RIPTA is still running but many downtown businesses were closed.
--C
Same story here. Valley Metro ran perfectly fine but once I got to the mall I found out it was closed. At that point the trip became pretty much a joy ride across town.
-F.
As we know, public bus systems are a great addition to our modern society. I am allowed to use Ride-On for free in the afternoons on weekdays if I present my student ID when boarding. For example, this afternoon, I saved 5 minutes of walking by taking the bus. It is a big money saver and it saves alot of time.
Unfortunately, Metro doesn't do the same. You must live in DC and go to a DC Public School to get these benefits. I don't know about other cities but I think NYC does offer MetroCards to all students in public schools.
If lawmakers wish to reduce congestion, they should make public transit free to students to encourage its use.
If lawmakers wish to reduce congestion, they should make public transit free to students to encourage its use.
It won't reduce congestion since most students cannot drive.
It should, however, be done because most students cannot drive not because they are unable, but because they are deprived of that priviledge for arbitrary reasons.
Valley Metro Offers A Discount Fare To All Persons 6 - 17 Of .60 Or $17 for a monthly Pass and a Summer Pass (June 1 - Aug 31) $42. No Discounts on Express Buses.
The bus rides on NYCT & "privates" is in lue of those yellow coaches.
What kind of card they issue you is based on how far away from the school you live (from Wash. D.C. maybe you could get a express card :-)
Mr t
Ride-On's program is a bit different. I was under the impression the Ride-On offers these rides to all students to help reduce traffic and to help them period. In NYC I had a "Bus Pass" from the 4th grade until I graduated from high school. In our case you rec'd a bus or train (or reduced fare) pass that was based on how far you lived from the school. I know a bunch of people who were relatively close to the school rec'd half-fare bus passes. In intermediate and high school my reduced fare pass required a five cent fare, but we usually just flashed our passes. It was extremely rare that the B/O required us to pay the nickel.
A couple of years ago my supervisor, who is a DC native was comparing stories about riding public transit to/from school. I told him about our passes and how if you had one it was great as a source of unlimited transportion until 7 PM. He thought that was awesome because they only had the student tokens
SUBTALK LIVE THIS SATURDAY
September 15, 2001
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I am planning another trip to Suffolk, LI within the next few weeks. I would want to take pictures of Suffolk buses. Where is the best place i can go to get pictures of Suffolk buses? Can anyone recommend a garage i can go to(remember that i am comning from bklyn with no car-so the easiet way for me to get there would be appreciated)
I heard that you was in Suffolk before and took bus photos there. SO I would like to know if you have a photo of a Suffolk Orion5 or any other Sofflok Bus Photos on a website?
regular pictures. one is a Orion V on the S54 route by Walt whitman Mall and a Gillig on the S1 route(#9614)-no webiste-just regualr pics.
The best place to take pics would probably be the Walt Whitman Mall where 4 of the ST lines start. The S-1, S-29, S-54 and the one that goes down to Wyandanch and Babylon. Also WWM is the starting point for 3 Hart Bus routes. The Oakwood Road Loop, Depot Road Loop and the Northport Route all start there. Also WWM is the eastern terminus of the N-79 So with 8 bus lines you'll get a lot of pics. Plus there are food places and bathrooms there. You can take the LIRR to Huntington and take the S-1 Southbound or take the LIRR to Hicksville and get the N-79 E/B.
If you're looking for garages of ST that's a hard one. The easiest garage (INMO) is Inter-County in Babylon which is a short walk from the LIRR station. You could take the LIRR to Babylon, visit Intercounty and then take the S-29 to WWM. But since each contractor only has a few buses, I don't know what you'll find there during the day while everything is out on the road.
Do you have the photos of the VALLEY METRO 2001 GILLIG?
I do not have photos yet but hope to soon; the buses look good overall with the exception of the chrome hub covers that contrast with the polished aluminum wheels. IMO the hubs look better in black with Alcoas. The Cummins ISL sounds smooth from the road, much more so than the Series 50 in the 94 models. I have yet to ride one but hope to do so today; they are sharp buses!
-F.
I finally got to ride one of our new Gilligs today; I LOVE them. The new Cummins ISL engine is very smooth and quiet and is a marked improvement over the Series 50 Gilligs we received in our 1994 order. Overall the buses remind me of our 6v92-powered 91 Gilligs, both in sound and power. The sound is a heterogeneous mix of both the 6v92 and our old 6v71-powered Grumman 870s at takeoff, with the silence and ride smoothness of an RTS. In a Gillig, no less. Also, the overall engine sound reminds me of a D4000 in a way. It's an inline six and sounds a HELL of a lot better than a four-banger any day.
The inside is nice; the major difference is seat type and interior color. Gone are the cushioned blue seats with multicolor stripe cloth that Valley Metro has become trademark for. Instead, the 01 models now sport fiberglass seats with multicolor "speckle" designs on a two-tone grey background cloth cover. (We can thank the ruthless local vandals for the new seats.) The seats are all grey, which makes for an almost futuristic modern look, yet recalls the grey-hued seats of Fifties and Sixties Fishbowls in a retro sort of way (if only the buses had the styling to match).
Also, the bell cords are now bright yellow instead of grey for easy access, kind of a throwback to the yellow tape bells in our older Gilligs and Grummans. The ADA lift handles and standee line are also yellow in the new models as well. A new touch is the cut-pile dark grey carpet over the A/C access panel in the back of the coach, along with a pleasant Talking Bus-style single stop bell tone.
Outside are loads of LED-style lights, with the exception of the head and turn signals up front. The whole back of the bus is wall-to-wall lights; two new high-mount stop lights join a center-mount and taillights when braking, and for the first time on a Roanoke bus, amber flashers in the back center flash when the driver lets off the accelerator for safety.
Another VM first is the rear-mount digital sign that displays the route number, which matches the bright new orange dots on black background signs all around, a refreshing change from the hard-to-read white dots over blue background on older models. Also new are the long single-pane glass on each front door, heated power rearviews with red directional arrows, digital climate control, tinted plexiglas mirror protector at the left front corner, and a front end concave mirror mounted just over the driver's windshield.
All in all, I am pleased with our new Gilligs and look forward to riding them for the next 12 years or so. I have a feeling they should do well.
-Fred Donaher
Today I rode one of our new buses here in Roanoke; it was one of our new 2001 Gilligs which I had been itching to ride for the past week or two since they started rolling in. I hopped onto the 65 to transfer Downtown at the Campbell Court transit center and immediately began to search the next lane for a new bus. Surely enough, bus no. 0103 awaited me and I was on my way.
As I rode away from Campbell Court, I observed that the bus was both smooth and quiet. Also, as it took off it made a very nice engine sound, quite reminiscent of the 6v92-powered 91 models that have become my favorites since the Flxible New Looks and Grummans were retired a few years ago. "This is nice...I really like these!", I thought to myself.
As I went over the bridge heading out of Downtown, it occured to me; this was the passing of a milestone for me. Today marked the first time I rode a new Valley Metro bus alone. When I was growing up, I always rode the new buses for the first time with my dad. He depended on transit for everyday commute and his love and knowledge of buses was passed on to me at a very young age. In fact, I learned how to count when Dad was a ridership census taker for Valley Metro back when I was 3 or 4 years old. He handed me a pencil and pad and had me help count how many people got on and off the bus, and that is how I learned to count. I also learned bigger numerals by memorizing the bus numbers later on, once again with Dad's help.
We rode every new Roanoke bus together, from as far back as when the Grummans arrived in 1979 to our last new batch of Gilligs in June of 1994. While I was disappointed in the new Series 50 powertrains in those, I still remember Dad doing sound effect impressions of the engine taking off, just as he did with the 6v92 Gilligs and the Grummans. Little did I know that Dad would pass away very suddenly just two months later, when I was only 17 years old.
Seven years later, here I am, riding a new bus all by myself, and enjoying every minute yet suddenly in deep thought about memories past. Ironically, as I stepped off 0103 to transfer, I found myself riding home in 9402, the very last new bus that my father and I rode together.
Dad, this ride was for you. I know you were with me in spirit. :)
Your Son,
Frederick Leo Donaher, III
So you should have the photos soon?
Hopefully. Just have to get the time to shoot one.
-F.
The lastest rumor flying around the NJ Transit rumor mill is that the Articulated session was going to come to a end for life! THIS IS NOT TRUE. Here is the real deal:
Currently MCI D4500 8202-8204 are in NJ Transit's posession as 8204 is currently being tested at DeCamp. The MCI D4500 WILL NOT replace the Volvo Articulated. ONLY Meadowlands' Articulateds will be replaced by MCI D4500 Cruisers. Fairview, Big Tree and Hilton will still be the recipients of Brand New Articulateds. However with this new deal going down at Meadowlands, there will not be a requirement for 60 Suburban-style Articulateds in this order. There will only be a need for 35 Suburban Articulated (Fairview's Requirements). There will also be the 50 or so Transit-style bunch for Big Tree & Hilton's articulated requirement. Articulated manufacturer choice is still in limbo. I'm gonna make some calls tomorrow and see if I can find out if there is any choice made yet!
The MCI D4500 Cruiser order (285 Buses of which only 90 will land on NJT garages) will split among Oradell, Wayne, Howell and Meadowlands. You can expect to see the Oradell and Meadowlands batch to appear mainly on the 166 line. The Howell batch will probably be the main-stay of the 139 line and the 308 (Great Adventures Bus) during the summer. The Wayne Boys will be the main-stay of the 190 and 192 lines.
Hope this new information helps anyone out!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
Once again, some of NJT`s most interesting equipment won't be seen in the 609/856 area code. We have some lines that need them you know, like the 551 and the 553. In fact, they should stop using RTS`s on the 553 and get 45 footers on that line. That would alleviate the crowding on that line. Maybe a suburban artic would be better.
QSC has canceled all service to/from Manhattan, but we are still proving service within Queens.
Mr t
Disclaimer: I am not the official spokesperson for my employeer or nycDOT.
Is/will Your agency assist with Evacuation?
I'm not involved with that decision, but I assume QSC will do what we can. Assume this will be coor. by the Mayor and nycDOT.
BTW, have seen our Dispatches going out to various points in Queens.
Also just saw on the TV some of the Q10 Green Bus service exists at JFK. They are in the process of closing down the airport, this may include the Q10 ... again I have no personal knowledge or control over it.
Mr t
As of a CBS 880 report at 11:28 there is city bus service NORTH of 14th street, but still no subway service.
Mr t
My congratulation to QSC for handling the situation the way it did at Queens Plaza admist the chaos of the pedestians coming off the bridge and providing them with emergency bus service along the Queens Bl./Union Tpke corridor.
Thanks for the kind words. I actually put some time in at our info. desk & will probaly do the same this AM. So that friendly voice on the other end of the line may be mine.
BTW, had a little trouble getting in this AM from LI as all the major roadways are closed.
Mr t__:^)
Are the staten island busses are working now because of what happen.
CBS news says they are NOT ... but a lot of dis-info is likely to be coming out.
Mr t
In my 25 years of living this is by far the worst disaster I have ever seen. Both of the twin towers of the WTC have collapsed, I saw it on live TV. It must be hell in lower Manhattan right now, the clouds of dust and smoke are shrouding it. I wonder if I'll ever be able to go to Chinatown again. I frequent the WTC concourse fairly frequently, and it easily could've been may. My prayers are with you all, and for those unfortunately at WTC.
All subways are suspended, NYC must be a mess. The subways that run beneath WTC, the 1,2,3,9,N,R,A,C,E will probably be out for quite some time and there is probably structual damage to the tunnels.
This is a nightmere. I was almost going to go to NYC today, and I wonder if LI Bus is running. I'll have to use the MVM's in Hempstead, that is if they are working and if the buses are even running. I have heard that the parkways in NYC (Queens) have also been shut down. The LI Bus routes going into Queens might be suspended. Also all TV stations are off the air except for channel 2, their transmitters WERE all atop WTC. I am very scared, this is a really, really mind numbing experience. I will be on later, that is if course the web and power is still up. Be safe and take care. My prayers are with you all.
From what I heard on ABC News LI and other TAs have shut down. My prayers are with everyone, especially you, my friends in New York.
May God be with us all.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
This is not over!!! The person responsible will pay!!! My poloizes to all families that lost there loved ones.
Ray
This is a gruesome sight. I am lucky that my internship ended and that I am now back in school b/c I worked at 100 Church Street.
I hope my father is OK as he is a NYFD Lieutenant in Staten Island but he may have gone to the WTC.
Also, since this is BUSTALK, just a little bus info concerning this.
Saw on one of the news reports people filing into RTS 4540 out of Hudson signed as M9 Battery Park City at the Corner of Vesey and Broadway loading some injured people and other people. Also saw other buses on the West Side Highway (12 Ave).
Now there is a use for all these old buses.
Also, what will be happening with the SI and BKLYN Expresses tonight?
Any buses get destroyed? Saw some firetrucks pretty messed up.
My prayers to all affected.
Hopefully not. Most importantly, hopefully the people in them are safe. Keep us informed.
That is true!!! Rush hour did end and did any buses get scrapped? I know, it is rude to insult the people but I was just curious. I know that the M1, M6, M9 and the M22 are down in that area as well as the M10. I thought ALL Manhattan buses would be locked up until further notice. Keep me posted.
Ray
That's a good question; I am a busfan and wonder that as well. However, we must remember that our beloved RTSes et al can be replaced. The people who are special to us cannot.
-F.
I am with you, my condolenses go out to all the people in NY and esp to those who have family member who work at the World Trade Center.
Tone
My sentiments exactly.
-Fred
I saw MCI busses 2206 and 22-- on the b41 route. I also saw 9337 on that route, along with many Gleason CNGs
After all the bad news today it is certainly good to hear those buses and their passengers are still in one piece.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
Just saw NBC 4 News and saw 3 LI BUS Orion V CNGs going down West Broadway towards the site. The looked like in the high 200s, but couldn't see.
Whoa.... I was up in Hoboken for the Try Transit Festival on Saturday. I don't believe it. I don't think I could ever look at the skyline of NYC the same ever again without feeling some serious shock.
I had first heard about what had happened at around 10:30am (I had arrived at Market East after getting of the 11 trolley from Darby, and I didn't have my walkman on). When I got to Market East Station in Philadelphia. I was trying to get the R5 to Paoli when I was told that service was suspended. I asked what had happened and when I was told what happened, I thought it was a joke. I went to the Radio Shack store in the Gallery at Market East (which is directly on the other side of the complex near Section B of Market East Station) and saw the horrifying sight of the WTC going down in rubble.
I don't think I'll ever forget that sight...
I just wanna say that my prayers and thoughts are with all of you from the NYC area!I'm a transit fan from Western Pennsylvania and I'm so saddened by this as I have used the PATH system many times in the past!I hope like all of you that we as a nation can move on from all of this!Thank you Louis R. Pittsburgh,PA..
Me too. I am in Roanoke, Virginia praying for all of our good people in NYC. The tragedy has struck us all, no matter where we are. May God be with us all.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
Not to change the subject here, but while watching channel 2 today, they were showing the Evacuation of Walt DisneyWorld in Florida. Saw what looked like MTA 995 but in Disney design and an Orange sign #48xx? Not too sure. Did they get new buses recently-replaced some RTS 2700S there I assume?
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
I'm not sure; however, I am currently custom painting a model of Disney RTS no. 2705 for a customer in NYC. Hopefully they are okay.
-Fred Donaher
Star City Customs
My day started out leaving my house at 835am. I walked up to Queens Blvd and 45 St to get my Dunkin Donuts coffee. I missed 3 Q60 buses going towards South Jamaica. At 905, I decided to take the # 7 train to Flushing. Still not knowing what is going on, I got off at Main St to take the Q65 to St. John's. Got bus 382. I heard something over the radio but was not sure what it was about. Once I got to Union Tpke and 164 St, I noticed some very strange sigtings. 7 or 8 QSC Buses were going EASTBOUND full with passengers. I was puzzled-like what's going on here? I got on 4938 on the Q46 and got to the St John's Cafeteria where I found out the gruesome news through a friend of mine-that the WTC blew up. Pentagon too. I was like no way. I found some batteries in my schoolbag and tuned my radio onto 102.7. "BOTH 2 TOWERS OF THE WTC ARE GONE!" I was like OMG-this is the beginning of World War 3.
I was so shocked among with the others at SJU. Classes were cancelled for the rest of the day, people around the school were saying that all buses and subways were out. By 11am, SJU had to be evacuated.
I was very fortunate that I had a family member pick me up to take me home at 1130am. Went along Union Tpke to Kew Gardens and along Queens Blvd to get home. Numerous GBL buses (276 273 242 5526-Orange sign, 1163 1151) were among the few that I saw-all packed to the door.
Got home by noon time and saw this devastating damage that was being shown on channel 2-the only channel I was getting for quite some time until recently I got channel 11.
And what got to me was that Palestinians was celebrating.
I'm sorry to say this but Ed Koch had the quote of the day. For years now the Middle Eastern Countries have been constantly showing their hate for us. We know that they are responsible for this. Why would they take 2 of our own planes and drive them into the WTC? He continued by saying: "My advice to the President is that if they don't turn over who did this coward act within 5 days then take them out".
I agree-if they're celebrating in the streets to something as devastating as this, then we should take them out. It was suspected that US bombed Afghanistan but it was denied by the US General.
Also there was a rumor around channel 2 that there was a plot to blow up the GWB. A truck was stopped by PA Police. They're now in custody. Anyone knows what that was about?
Well school is closed tomorrow but it is not for a good reason whatsoever. This is an Attack on America that I'll and a whole bunch of others will never forget.
I took a pic from the SI Ferry of the 2 towers over the summer.
I'll have to find it. It'll be a fond memory of all of the family members that have lost loved ones. It's a devastating day in NYC history. I sure hope that there are survivors that are undereath the rubble. 1130pm report said that survivors are calling from their cell phones somewhere beneath it-20 stories high. My assumption was that they're in the basement of 1 of the towers. My prayers that family members find their loved ones.
Honestly, I will say this-I thought today was the end of the world when I saw the 2 towers collapse. Never have I ever seen anything more tragic than this.
Thought I saw 2 MCIs totaled and POSSIBLY one of MHV LF Orions?
Were there any other buses in that area or did they block it off before the buildings came down?
And as 1 of the posts said-GOD BLESS AND HELP AMERICA get through this not only here but in DC and other places around the USA!
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
That is terrible that you had to witness that. I'm glad you're okay and may God be with you and all of us.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
Thank you for your concern-glad you're ok too.
God Bless!
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
You bet. Stay safe!
-F.
Southbound M104 service is running infrequently, only as far as Columbus Circle (59th Street). I didn't see any northbound service when I was out a few minutes ago.
Subway shuttle buses are running from 96th Street on north. They seem to be borrowed from the M96/106.
The sidewalks are packed, but they're the best way around.
I have been keeping a close ear to the news and know that Manhattan is being evacuated and that Dave and a few Subtalkers witnessed the WTC tragedy first-hand; I understand the bulk of our members are from the NYC area and have kept you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please drop a line here to let us all know you are alright; also, most of us are checking in at SubTalk for the bulk of the news developments.
Hope to hear from everyone soon!
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
I'm OK - Although I'll probably be at work for a long time since I'm consdered essential.
Thank you for the note. Where do you work?
-F.
I am fine, thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with all thos victims and their families.
As are mine.
-F.
I also saw the tragedy in person, was also one of the few evacuated schools.
What I think is even more horrible are the Palestinians cheering about this.
If there is a war with palestine because of this (im not pointing any fingers), they'll pay
No kidding. The individuals who did all that cheering are just flat out inconsiderate and deserve at least a sound thrashing. I'm not a violent person, but that is just uncalled for.
Cleanairbus here and ready for another day...
I am happy to still be alive and well...I took the bus today Uptown...was a mess, but at least I made it home...
Cleanairbus
hybridbus@aol.com
carlwal@hotmail.com
im good-my ex works across the street from 26 fedeal plaza. thankfully she did not go to work. she was supposed to be near WTC at the time of the explosion, but was unable to make it. i work in brooklyn and am glad i dont work in WTC(yet i did work in 1 WTC from Nov-Dec 1999)
I'm good, shocked to shit, but good!
ROOOOLLLLLLL CAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
Trevor, we'd rather have you shocked than not at all. Thanks for checking in with us all.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
All is calm in the Philadelphia area. The historic sights (Independence Mall area, City Hall, etc.) are closed today. Independence National Historic Park (Ind. Hall, Liberty Bell, et al) will probably remain closed tomorrow as a security precaution; most government workers were sent home around noon mainly as a security precaution.
While Philadelphia itself did not suffer as huge a loss as NYC did, the traffic problems in the NYC area cascaded down the corridor.
The Regional Rail system was disrupted on the ex-PRR side - the R1 Airport, R2 Marcus Hook/Wilmington/Newark (Del.), R5 Paoli/Thorndale, R6 Cynwyd, R7 Trenton, and R8 Chestnut Hill West lines were suspended for most of the day due to suspension of Amtrak service (the above lines operate either over a portion of Amtrak ROW - Airport, Cynwyd, and CHW - or on longer segments of the NEC (Wilmington and Trenton) and Keystone Corridors (Paoli). R3 Media/Elwyn service operates over SEPTA owned ROW, however trains could not get past 30 St Station, as Amtrak had evacutated that station as a precaution. As such, Elwyn service was disrupted, though not as much as the other ex-PRR lines.
As loathe as I am to say this under the circumstances, SEPTA really didn't do as good of a job getting people out of Center City to the suburban rail stations affected by the Amtrak shutdown. There were no bus substitutions for the suspended lines. A lot of the Red Arrow routes out of 69 St Terminal were overcrowded with displaced RRD riders. Despite claims of added service, I didn't notice too many additional trains on the Market-Frankford El than would normally be expected for the mid-day off peak service.
I should point out that there is a large spare ratio on the P&W because of a possible future extension to King of Prussia that had been talked about - as such, P&W service ran two-car trains for most of the afternoon between 69 St and Norristown. There may have been minor dwell time delays, the P&W still ran as close to schedule as it possibly could. The P&W comes within a few blocks of the Paoli Line stations, including Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, Villanova, and Radnor.
While the spare ratio isn't as large for the suburban LRVs used on the Media and Sharon Hill trolleys, two-car trains were used on the 102 to Sharon Hill to bring passengers to the Clifton-Aldan Station.
As far as the buses go...
Routes 103 and 106 took a lot more passengers than usual, since both of those lines serve Ardmore. The 106 operates directly to the Ardmore Station, while the 103 stops about a block away. Route 44 from Center City to Ardmore and Narberth was also reportedly crowded.
Route 105 saw VERY HEAVY ridership gains, as the 105 operates along Lancaster Av, stopping within 1-2 blocks of all Paoli Line stations between Wynnewood and Paoli, however, weekday service only operates every hour between Ardmore and Paoli, while half hour service operates as far as Ardmore.
Route 108 saw a lot of riders heading towards the Eastwick area, however I think all non-essential employees - and travelers - might not have been able to get to the Airport because of the security restrictions. The 108 serves the Eastwick Station on the Airport line and the Airport itself.
Routes 109 and 113 saw a lot of riders headed towards Lansdowne, which is served by the R3 Media/Elwyn line. The 109 and 113 also both Chester Transportation Center, which is also a stop on the Marcus Hook line. 113 also saw a lot of riders heading to Marcus Hook who were displaced by the R2 stoppage.
Route 111 was severely overcrowed to the point where about 40-50 people - many of them heading to Elwyn Line stations at Primos, Secane, and Morton - were squeezed into an ElDorado. An extra bus was added after the 12:30pm trip pulled out.
Route 114 was also hard hit, as a lot of R2 stations between Sharon Hill and Chester (including Highland and Lamokin stations) are near US 13/Chester Pk.
Routes 123, 124, and 125 were impacted mainly because the King of Prussia Mall closed early. However, a lot of Paoli line passengers trying to get to Paoli, Malvern, and Exton took the 124/125 from Center City to catch the 133 at KofP. Similarly, a lot of people took the 104 to West Chester, then caught the 92 to Exton, and on to Paoli and Malvern via the 133. (In an odd schedule quirk, there are three 117/119 pull-ins and pull-out during the mid-day which operate as 104 runs to West Chester before continuing as 119 trips to Chester, so I don't think it was as bad on the 104 as it was on some of the other affected lines.)
In the City, Route 65 saw a lot of riders heading to Overbrook Station (Paoli Line) and Bala Station (Cynwyd Line).
Routes 37 and 305 may have been affected because of the Airport Line closing, as both lines also serve the same RRD stations as the 108. Additionally, the 305 serves Folcroft Station on the Marcus Hook Line, so a few people may have used that line instead.
A lot of the city routes which parallel the Trenton and CHW lines (23/Germantown Av and 84/State Rd) also saw heavier loads. CHW riders did have alternate service available, as the R7 Chestnut Hill East was still operating. I'm sure some of the Bucks County routes - 127, 128, 129, and 304 - also saw some displaced Trenton Line passengers, particularly on the 127 to Trenton and the 128, 129, and 304 to Bristol.
I don't know for a fact if SEPTA has a reserve fleet per se, however I was told that some buses were taken out of service after their inspection stickers expired, and that a few of those buses were still in decent operating shape. If those buses were put on the road - even if it was only for a few hours - things might have been a little better.
In any event, I'm not trying to trivialize what happened at the WTC, but I'm just relaying the effects that the Amtrak shutdown had on SEPTA.
I saw two Gilligs on standby at the front entrance at LI Bus.
I happy to report that I am quite well but still in shock at the collapse of Tower 2.I was at E45th and 5th when I saw smoke coming out of the tower one second and then before my disbelieving eyes it coming down the next.The good lord must have been with me for my job is 4 blocks east of what was the WTC and usually if I was going in early like today ,I would have been extemely close to "ground zero"However it is going to be extemely eerie not seeing those two gleeming majestic towers anymore.My heart felt condolences to those at BT who had loved ones in the midst of this unfortunate tragedy.
Peace to all
Steven E.Rein
And mine. I am thankful that you were okay.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
I'm ok too, just in shock.
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
Thank you very much for your prayers! I am hangin in there. Have not been online for a while but I am thankful to god that myself and fellow Bustalkers and my family are alive and well!
Peace & Blessings!
DaShawn
DaShawn, I am glad to hear from you and I hope the same.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
M4 here. I was returning from my vacation in Italy. The plane left late at 3:30 PM local time, (9:30 AM EDT). Some passengers had some information via cell phones. The info came garbled to those in the back of the plane. The message I got was that 2 planes crashed mid air. Fifteen minutes after takeoff the Pentagon was struck.
About one hour into the flight over the Swiss Alps, the pilot came on the intercom and told us that airspace was closed and we were returning to Venice.
No one could believe what we saw on TV. I'll never forget one woman bursting into tears with her hands covering her eyes as the second WTC builing went down.
I was able to get out last Friday on the ONLY Delta plane in all of Italy. (It was my plane from Tuesday.) If I didn't get out, I would still be there until Delta sent a plane to Venice. Other European cities were packed were diverted planes. Paris was out of the questions and London was closed.
I'm very fortunate to be home in Washington.
Michael
Here I am. My office had no Internet from Wednesday through Monday, and I was off yesterday and Tuesday for the Jewish holidays. It's good to be back.
Unfortunately, I witnessed everything from my office window LIVE as it happened. I work right on the East River opposite the UN and have an unobstructed view of the downtown skyline. We evacuated at noon and were right back to work the next day.
Since this happened, Jamaica-bound Q20A/20B/44s have been using Northern Boulevard instead of Roosevelt Avenue to get from Union Street to Main Street- in other words, the original, pre-'99 Q44 routing. Flushing-bound Q13/16/28s have been doing likewise. I'm not sure where they turn around, but I've seen them traveling Main Street between Northern and Roosevelt in both directions.
All this rerouting is because the 109th Precinct stationhouse is on Union Street a block south of Northern, and no vehicular traffic is allowed that way. They're probably trying to keep a clear path for emergency vehicles.
This entire situation makes you realize how foolish it is to get mad over things like a button falling off, losing a coin in a vending machine- or a bus arriving late.
You've got that right; the entire situation makes lesser things seem petty for sure. I am reminded of that every day and wish that wasn't so....I would MUCH rather be upset about a late bus than a fatal terrorist attack on the free world any day.
-F.
http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emernyct.htm--NYCT info
http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emerlirr.htm--LIRR info
http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emermnr.htm--MNRR infohttp://www.lirr.org/emergency/emerbt.htm--B & T info
http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emernyct.htm--NYCT info
http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emerlirr.htm--LIRR info
http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emermnr.htm--MNRR http://www.lirr.org/emergency/emerbt.htm--B & T info
You know, I was at the WTC, passing through on my way to Brooklyn on Saturday. Never in my wildest dream would I think that something like this would ever happen. I hope the COMBINED might of the US military and justice system get those bastards and give them the FINAL solution. Because those cowards, for whatever crazy reason, religious, political, or whatever reason, killed many innocent people whose only crime they committed against them was that they went to work to make a living for themselves and their families.
Damned right. I hope the lousy bastards are punished to the fullest extent for what they did to our good, defenseless working people.
-F.
This day has been a nightmere, I wish I'd just wake up. I saw the twin towers on fire this morning on TV, on ch.2 it wa sthe only one on. Then I saw them collapse, That was even more frightening. All of lower Manhattan was covered with smoke and dirt. I could not even imagine, what it would have been like to be in the vicinity of WTC at that time. My thoughts are with everyone.
I did venture out in Nassau county today. I took the N27 to and from Hempstead because I had to refill my Metrocard. It was running OK but buses to Queens were screwed up. 25a is closed at Glen Cove road, no westbound traffic. N20's were running up and down Glen Cove road, I doubt they will ever get to Flushing as NYC is sealed off. Roosevelt Field was closed. It looked like the day President Kennedy was assasinated, all the stuff I heard when that happened.
My sense of security is gone, it will be a long time till I will be able to return to NYC. As for New York, the United States, the world and all of us, it will be a long time till things return to normal.
Again my prayers, thoughts, and condolences are with everyone.
It is a sad sight to see...the World Trade Center twin towers and 7 WTC are gone...reduced to rubble...
And another thing shocked me...
MTA NYCT's MCI D4500 #2185 was damaged on the left side due to the collapse of the towers (I saw it on NY1)...it was brand new! A 2001 MCI! At least all the other buses and many of the BusTalkers are okay...My prayers go out to all!
Cleanairbus
Same here...most importantly, what was the condition of its passengers? That is most important.
-F.
There a another MTA-NYCT MCI D4500 also burned very bad right cross the street the WTC #7 before the building went down.
Peace
David Justiniano
RIP to people who died in the WTC #1 & #2 building also to firemen & polices.
Saw them towing away GMC RTS #4544 on the news a few days ago. It was burned pretty bad.
wayne
My trip home wasnt too bad. B8 buses were detouring around the army base and fares were free all day. Got to the b64 and he was CROWDED. Buses were detored around police stations. My friend says that they were running MCI buses on the S79 route to go home. I am glad all my friends are safe, but like they said on the radio, i am sure we will all know someone who worked at WTC.
B8-#4979
B64-#9297
I have a friend who was working in North Jersey over the summer and had friends in Lower Manhattan. Part of her job took her into Lower Manhattan on occasion. I just saw her today at home in West Chester. I'm just glad she's alive. I can't even describe my emotions right now for the people in NYC...
Good to hear she was OK. Let's all pray for the people of NYC.
-F.
Sorry... The above was supposed to be the subject header. I posted before I could change it...
My friend works on 42nd Street and takes the X1 home. He took the X1 tonight but with a major detour - The bus ran over the George Washington Bidge via the NJ Turnpike back to Staten Island.
Also, he said he saw some New Yorkers beating the Sh!t outta some people that look like they come from the Middle East. This is crazy. Understandably, people are upset, but do not take it out on innocent people.
Also, some of this reminds me of the movie The Siege.
True. Just because of a color people get beaten. This is starting to remind me of the 1960s riots that are reenacted in Black history films. Cities ablaze with flames and prejudice. I honestly thought our society was above that. Sadly, history repeated itself there.
-F.
Very true; Simon, it's good to see that you're okay...I wondered about you.
Thanks for checking in.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
Is it just me or does anyone else feel the same? That's whats making this all unbelievable and unbearable!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
I was thinking the same thing. "The Siege" came to mind right away. I might have been thinking of another movie, but the name slips my mind right now...
I totally agree with you, I was shocked myself when this happened this morning, it reminds me of the part when the FBI building was blown up and you see all the rubble. Seeing the building fall on TV is a scary sight. But right now all I can do is send out my condolenseces to all those people who have family who work at World Trade Center, and to those who have died, to Rest In Peace.
Tone
"Independence Day" also sprang to mind . . .
C
What I was thinking.
Die Hard 3 came to my mind-the way the dust was coming out of the subway at Wall St after the explosion. And also the very beginning of the movie when there's a sudden explosion no one is expecting it-just happened. That came to my mind when I saw the devastation.
This is Not meant to put a damper on things here! This is not TV Land-This is the real thing! Lives have been lost.
RIP WTC and the many members that have lost their lives.
#951 Amtrak AEM-7-as always
"Independence Day" also sprang to mind . . .
C
I wish it was merely from Wag The Dog. That I could live with. But too many people saw it first hand. This was for real, and I wish it wasn't so.
-F.
Friends,
Whether we like or depsise each other on this board, i think it best that we all come together today as part of a sorrowful nation and city.
Everyvbody get out your American Flags and raise it high. If you dont have one, then please buy one. We need to show our colors as a sign of solidarity and unity in this time of despair.
We will get through this as we are all resiliant New Yorkers. We will get through this.
And please let us remember those who are presumed to be no longer with us. Keep them in your prayers - especially all of our civil servants in the NYPD and FDNY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
mike m
I'm with you..........GOD BLESS AMERICA............
Tone
Thankyou ,I was there working,,today
Steve
FDNY
Glad you're alright. When I saw those trucks with the glod "FDNY" I remembered someone with that username and wondered if you were among the resucers.
I'll drink to that.
-F.
Was in the city and saw regular express buses operating. Guess most SI and Brooklyn routes are running via Brooklyn Battery Tunnel via FDR Drive non Stop to 23rd Street. The only ones i know NOT Runnnig are those in lower Boradway and X25 and X27 super express. Does anynoe know how they plan to run on Monday once Wall Street is open. I assume MAYBE the lines that operate via Water Street Could run. I think what runs on Church wont and Bway might not.
Is Water Street seeing anything other than the M15 bus ?
i would assume so. i mean, the X8 operates via Water Street in Both Directions, as does the X92. Most of the other express buses, as well as Queens Surface and Triboro operate via Church Street and loop aronud City Hall. I don't know how they plan to operate down there.
Sorry I don't have the usual invite. It isn't saved on this computer and my earlier one was deleted when SubTalk went down this afternoon. But anyway, SubTalk Live will begin in 10 minutes since it is Saturday and its coming up on 7:30 ET. Usual policies in effect.
See you there!
Click here to enter the chat room.
Have we lost any Buses or Bus Operators due to the disaster.Please- no names or specific bus number for sake of the family's privacy.
I believe we lost one bus from MaBSTOA.
i think i saw remains of a hudson bus on the hook on channel 4. they made not the call police sign was frozen on the destinantion sign
That doesn't directly answer the question. Let's hope that only the bus was lost and that the driver and passengers (if any) escaped any serious injuries.
May the 5,000 brave souls rest in peace.
Hi.
1.I was woundering if the S54 runs Orion5's often. Or it runs Flxibles?
2.Have a Oiron5 or Flxibles ever ran S1?
3.What Buses would I see at Walt Witman Mall?
Thanks ALOT!
I don't know the answers to your first two questions, but can help on the third. According to the Suffolk Transit web site, you should find the S-1, S-23, S-29, S-54, H-4 and H-9 buses at Walt Whitman. In addition, the N-79 runs there. For more info, I believe the web site address for Suffolk Transit is www.sct-bus.org
1-mostly Orion V's. I saw (in fact ,took a picture of #9917-a Orion V on the S54 at Walt Whitman Mall.
2-the only models i have seen on the S1 has been Gilligs. The same modesl that were there when i travelled in 1996 and in August of 2001.
3-LI BUS(mostly Orion V or Orion V CNG), HART(Gillig's),Suffolk S1,S23,S29 and S54(Gillig and orion V)
hope this helps.
A few days ago. #3965 where running on Q46 Local to Glen Oaks Between 4:50-5:00PM. I did got on it.
BTW Saw #9286 parked at the Q74 Bus stop takeing a break and saw #9287 turning onto Main St s/b. I wounder what was the problem that day that they have to send buses out? Could it be after I saw over 100 People outside Union Turnpike Station and they need it to bus people that was there?
3562 on run 19/46 saturday.
623 on run 15/46 second half saturday
i saw a lot of Staten Island buses(local and express) around the VA Hospital in Brooklyn on Thursday. I remember #2048(MCI) and a few Orion V Locals there(as well as #132 and #137). Anyone know what they were doing there?
Hi all you guy's, just a short letter to let you know about thing's this of the Atlantic.
Some major sporting event's are taking place over here. ALL are being precceded by 1 minutes silence. ALL our soccer games are observing this and MANY supporters are displaying banner's with message's of condolence and support for the USA. The Star's and Stripe's are very much to the fore with quite a lot of duel flag's made up, for us in Scotland it is the "St Andrew's Saltire" with your flag.
Formula 1 motor racing is taking place over in Europe at Monza, the Ferrari team have removed ALL there sponsor's logo's from there red car's and have painted the nose cone Black. These are only small token's but ordinary people are trying to show solidarity with you in your time of grief.
Tommy, it's great that our world thinks so much of us. Thank you for the update, and keep pulling for us here in the States.
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
Here is what i belive will operate on Monday via WTC area:
M15-South Ferry and City Hall routes(not affected).
M103-City Hall via Bowery and 3rd/Lexington Avenue.
X90-Express via Water Street.
Those i dont believe will operate, but will have shorter trips:
M1-probably operating to PArk Place.
M6-to Park Place as well.
M9-Union Square to Battery park City.
M20-66th Street to Battery Park City.
M22-Grand Street-FDR Drive to Battery Park City.
X92-EXPRESS-91st-York Ave to WTC.
If anyone knows of these routes, id love to know. Also, Express routes BM1,BM2,BM3,BM4,X1-X31 ALL CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING THROUGH DOWNTOWN.
p.s. saw #4885 on Q32 Friday.
The M20 being west of Bdwy will probably be operated only to Canal Street.As for the M9,22 and X92 they all in probability be operated to Park Row/City Hall for the time being or until west of Bdwy below Canal Street is safe and clear once again.
On June 1 of ths year that CT Transit turn 25 Years OLD! And there'e a bus have been going around diffent Divisons of CT Transit and it's in New Haven right now.
I heard that people here on BT was talking about it and they was thinking it was going to be a GM New Look. WRONG!
Here's the answer:
A 1994 New Flyer D40HF. DUH!
[I heard that people here on BT was talking about it and they was thinking it was going to be a GM New Look]
CTTransit may have a few fishbowls in its reserve fleet, but these buses normally do not see service. Therefore, it is not surprising that the 25th Anniversary bus is something else. I would have guessed it would have been a 1996 Classic, as each of the three divisions runs those buses. (The 1999 30 foot low floor buses are also found in all three divisions.) The 1994 New Flyers are normally run only in the Hartford Division (as are the 1993 New Flyers), except for the 5 or so suburban seating New Flyers (#961-965) that were transferred from Hartford to Stamford to provide I-Bus service. New Haven Division has only Classics normally.
THAT's THE BUS THE TA and DOT should get. Why not?
THAT's THE BUS THE TA and DOT should get. Why not?
A better question is: why? I mean, don't get me wrong, I like the New Flyer D40(HF), but first of all, New Flyer is somewhat hesitant these days to produce rigid, standard-floor buses except for huge orders (most recent was LACMTA order for 223 C40s), and second, why would this bus be so much better in MTA/DOT service than any other model?
Please answer my question; I'm curious to see what you have to say. Thanks.
I remember attending the University of Hartford and riding the predecessor to Connecticut Transit -- Connecticut Company (CC). I didn't know much about buses when I attended (Don't ask because I'm NOT telling) but I distinctly remember that a lot of them were GMs fishbowls.
Based on a June '93 CT bus map, the routes haven't changed much since I graduated. I'm pretty sure the current Hartford Division depot is off Main Street near I-84. When I attended UH, the CC depot was off Broad Street near Trinity College.
Happy Birthday.
Michael
Hmm....neat bus. It's good that they kept the fleet number on with the wrap as that is not usually done; also, it's ironic that the no is 9410...we have a Gillig here in Roanoke with the same feeet number.
Being that CT started 25 years ago, perhaps a Fishbowl would have been more appropriate as that is what they mostly ran in 1976. It would have been a nice retro ride for everyone. Are any of their older coaches preserved?
-F.
At Shoreline in Branford (New Haven) we have several early CC buses, e.g. old look GMC 1955, mini fishbowl 1962, Yellow Coach 1939.
None are operational at this time.
Mr t__:^)
How is it ironic?
Because we have a bus at Valley Metro that bears the same fleet number....9410. :)
-F.
I still don't get how that's ironic...
Tevi,
You are absolutely right. By definition, there is nothing ironic about this. So what. Two buses have the same (common) fleet number. Coincidence? Perhaps. Ironic? Absolutely not. Sorry. I do not like to put forth posts that regard grammar/syntax/word usage more than transit, but sometimes, something really ticks me off.
Grammar/language is my "second passion" after transit/urban issues, and I cringe at all of the numerous errors on this site. I can tolerate typos or the occasional slip-up, but this is blantantly incorrect word usage and it makes me mad. I'm glad someone else noticed.
OK, ironic was not the word of choice for the occasion; what I meant to say was that it was interesting to me personally. That's what I get for staying up all night without sleep; I wasn't running on all my glow plugs when I said that. My apologies to Alanis Morrisette and the English syntax.
RTS, touche. You caught me red-handed on that one. Forgive me.
-F.
You shalln't be forgiven. You shall be punished. NOW GET ON THAT WINDOW-LOCKED NON-AIRCONDITIONED WAYNE SCHOOL BUS!
[it's ironic that the no is 9410...we have a Gillig here in Roanoke with the same feeet number]
Actually, any authority that bought at least 11 buses in 1994 and uses the year as the first digit for its fleet numbers probably has a bus #9410. I suspect there are plenty of them around.
True, true. I know that Baltimore has one, as does Cleveland RTA. I just thought it was neat and reminded me of home.
-F.
[Being that CT started 25 years ago, perhaps a Fishbowl would have been more appropriate as that is what they mostly ran in 1976. It would have been a nice retro ride for everyone. Are any of their older coaches preserved?]
Double A Transportation in Rocky Hill, CT, has an extensive museum collection. Taking a quick look at the list of museum buses (http://www.doublea.com/main.htm), I find at least 6 ex-CT Transit or CT Company buses: 235, 1711, 3012, 3039, 1265 and 8312. I suspect most, if not all, are in operating condition. Also, Double A utilizes several 1978 Grumman 870's formerly with CT Transit for its regular and charter services. The New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center recently received, as a donation, 3 1983 fishbowls from Lafayette & Greenville that are ex-Conn. buses; however, at least two and, perhaps, all three are former New Britain, CT, buses and not former CT Transit buses.
Very nice! Double A, eh? I need to ride up there sometime to check them out. Anyone have any more info on retro fleets out there?
-F.
Sid my friend you have amazed me again with what you can learn from taking a daily dose of Sub & Bus Talk ... thanks to you & our host Dave !
BTW, Rock Hill is just down the road a piece from where I grew up ... would seem they need to get the word out a little better.
Mr t__:^)
According to the MTA site,
Regularly scheduled Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island express bus service on most routes. Routes serving Midtown will only serve 23rd Street and north to 57th Street, except:
- X3,X25,X90,X92 not running
Some routes serving lower Manhattan will discharge and pick up passengers at temporary bus stops along Water and Pearl Streets.
I don't see why the X92 is not running since it travels on Water Street. The X25 and X90 can run to City Hall and turn there I guess.
If the X3 is suspended, why not the X4 since it parallels the X3 in Manhattan?
All the buses that run to Worth Street and Downtown and the Downtown Loops I see running on Water Street and Pearl and some may continue to Worth. The ones that terminate uptown will probably skip Downtown, and may have a limited numbver of runs of these routes starting at Frankfort Street. I dunno - My opinions.
It will also be interesting to see all the mass confusion on Subways too tomorrow.
Once again - my condolonces to all the victims. IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH - and this is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!
Due to heightened security concerns, the block of Kew Gardens Road from Union Turnpike to 80th Road is closed off (the Queens DA's office is located in the office building at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road). As a result, the southbound Q37 is detoured...
Normal: from Union Turnpike & Kew Gardens Road via right turn on Kew Gardens Road, right on 80th Road, left on Park Lane, right on Park Lane South, left on Myrtle Avenue, right on 111th Street, and continuing to South Ozone Park.
Detour: from Union Turnpike & Kew Gardens Road via Union Turnpike, right turn on Queens Blvd, right on 82nd Avenue, right on Kew Gardens Road, left on 80th Road, then normal.
Basically, the Q37 now has to follow the Q10 PM peak-hour short-trip routing to leave Kew Gardens, which turns a 20-second loop around the block into a three-to-five-minute tour of the neighborhood.
What about the Q74 which also uses that block of Kew Gardens Rd.? I assume it now terminates at the Q46 stop and then follows that route back to Union Tpke.
[What about the Q74 which also uses that block of Kew Gardens Rd.? I assume it now terminates at the Q46 stop and then follows that route back to Union Tpke.]
Almost. The Q74 is as follows:
- - - -
NORMAL...
Southbound arriving at Kew Gardens via Union Turnpike, right Queens Blvd (westbound service road), U-turn at 77th Avenue into eastbound service road, to midblock stop between 78th Avenue and Union Turnpike.
Northbound from Queens Blvd (eastbound service road), midblock between 78th Avenue and Union Turnpike: via Queens Blvd, bear right into Kew Gardens Road, left 80th Road, left Queens Blvd, quick right into Union Turnpike, left 141st Street, into Vleigh Place, and continuing to Queens College.
- - - - -
DETOUR...
Southbound arriving at Kew Gardens: via Union Turnpike, right Queens Blvd (westbound service road), to far side of 78th Avenue. This stop is shared by the westbound Q60, X63, X64, X68.
Northbound from Queens Blvd (westbound service road), far side of 78th Avenue: via Queens Blvd, U-turn at 77th Avenue into eastbound main roadway, left Union Turnpike, then normal (in other words, it follows the Q46).
Is this Detour confirmed info
[Is this Detour confirmed info?]
I confirmed both detours (Q37 and Q74) by standing on Queens Blvd yesterday and watching them operate.
Anyway, both routes were back to normal today. Apparently the Queens D.A. doesn't feel threatened anymore.
Thank you ,,
Steve
"Basically, the Q37 now has to follow the Q10 PM peak-hour short-trip routing to leave Kew Gardens, which turns a 20-second loop around the block into a three-to-five-minute tour of the neighborhood."
Some Q10 PM Service takes 83 Ave instead of takeing 82 Ave b/c buses hvae a hard time turning onto 82 Ave. I have saw some Q37 takeing this way:
Normal to Kew Gardens Road(Last Stop). Right onto Queens Blvd,Right onto 83 Ave(That's where I am.),Right onto Kew Gardens Road,Left onto 80 Road,and normal rest of the way.
[Some Q10 PM Service takes 83 Ave instead of takeing 82 Ave b/c buses hvae a hard time turning onto 82 Ave. I have saw (sic) some Q37 taking this way:
Normal to Kew Gardens Road(Last Stop). Right onto Queens Blvd,Right onto 83 Ave(That's where I am.),Right onto Kew Gardens Road,Left onto 80 Road,and normal rest of the way.]
True; some even use 82nd Road (right under my terrace). Also, the Q10 uses 83rd Avenue to pull out from the garage. However, the official routing for the Q10 PM shorts is on 82nd Avenue, and most bus operators seem able to make the right turn from Queens Blvd.
(My co-op board has asked DOT to consider making 82nd Avenue one-way westbound to ease that turn and allow safer access to my building's garage.)
You live by me? I live in that tall brown buliding and sometimes I be chilling out at the Q46 bus stop looking at buses and takeing some photos of them every friday or every other friday about 6-7 PM.
Does anyone have any info ,,buses are not going under Metro Tech
While driving in Manhattan today with my wife and daughter who wanted to see what they could see concerning the WTC disaster, I happened to see bus 5178 parked near Canal and Church aves.with the 4-way flashers going. This was the first NYCT Nova bus I noticed equipped with amber L.E.D. flashers on the front. However, these were not the same type as equipped on the rear. This type of flasher was a light consisting of a board totally filled up with small L.E.D.'s unlike the rear which is a board with only several rows of L.E.D. clustered in small groups of 3 to 6.I wonder if transit plans on outfitting anymore buses with L.E.D.'s on the front. When I was in Atlantic City last month, I noticed their 35'RTS's had L.E.D's on the front also, but they were the same type as the one's on the rear of the NYCT buses.
BIG AL
I'll see if that bus comes up on the M102, since its MJQ's.
Oh, and BTW, NYCT #8055 has come back repowered. Spotted her on the Bx14 today.
From what I am hearing is that the MTA is providing 2 buses per battalion for off duty firefighters to go to the WTC site. These buses have a driver from the MTA and these buses are under the CONTROL of FDNY Personnel.
Also, after the WTC was hit, a firefighter commandeered a bus, drove it to COSTCO with other firefighters, loaded it up with all items needed like water, etc that they could take - and then drove to the site. COSTCO just asked him to sign for these items as they were needed in a national emergency.
Thanks and prayers to all who are helping at the WTC site and for those that died , they will forever be remembered.
Amen to that. It's good to know the MTA is helping FDNY at this time.
-F.
We're not really under the "control" of the FDNY, but rather assigned to the department to shuttle between the boroughs and companies into Manhattan. The NYCTA still governs dispatching and driver operations. Personally, I think it's an excellent display of how completely opposite and different city services can come together and operate together toward a common goal.
I voluntered to work those shuttles *without pay* on my RDO's, but my superiors declined.
Does anyone have any ideas of what they will look like? Will the 100th Street patch look the same like it use to years ago?
This just occured to me... will a re-designing of the Manhattanville Depot sticker?
On Friday WMATA buses were rolling with their American flags. Many of them still have their flags this morning. As you all may know WMATA normally does this on Independence Day. It was good to see that many other motorists were also carrying the flag. I wanted to attach one to my car antenna, but it retracts.
Wayne
Yes, the bus I had the other day to work had the flag on, with had being the operative word until a tree sheered it off the bus. Someone walking by picked it up and planted it in the grass, which was pretty cool. Most still do have them on this morning. I haven't seen too many cars with them, though. Once I get my car back from the shop, I'm going to put one on.
I'm suprised you haven't seen them on many cars. I've seen the on a few I-495 overpasses too. I like to see the buses with flags when they're moving and the flag is flying along in the wind.
Wayne
Yeah, the buses I've been on have been getting a lot of stares, which was nice to see. I thought I'd see more cars with flags, but its starting to dawn on me that Arlington appears to be too yuppy for patriotism, which is a shame, especially with the proximity to the Pentagon. Once I get out towards Fairfax and the more "real America", I've seen more. I'm actually ashamed to be connected with people who are still too busy and too within themselves to realize how important this is.
That is wonderful that the fallen flag of the bus was planted into the ground. It shows true heart and patriotism.
-F.
It sure was. I was actually enjoying watching the flag from through the window on the left side of the bus. When it fell off, I was actually in a little shock. I wanted to run off and pick it up, but I knew 1.) the driver would have left me there and 2.) there wouldn't have been a way to climb up and put it back on.
Flags have been showing up on NYCT buses as well -- vinyl(?) flags pasted to the rearmost window on the right side. So far I've seen two on the M86 (a few hours apart, so it may have been the same bus -- I wasn't paying attention to the number) and one on the M104, so this is happening in more than one depot.
I saw one on a bus from JAM.
MTA have a American Flag on their buses. I saw #519 and #8356 stick up at the rear window on the left hand side.
A few Nova RTS's have the american fiag. Also #3824,#8386,#7015,and #3954 that I saw today that have the american flag.
And I get to see and photograph them! Normally, I'm not in town for the 4th of July.
The only one I've seen was on a Flxible Metro-B on the T2 near Friendship Heights on Friday afternoon. This afternoon, the same run had a 9000 series Orion V but there was no flag. All of the rail cars have an (ugly) flag decal on the front doors on the "A" end of each car. I got a photo of 1060 (it may have been 1061, I know it was that pair) at Grosvenor this morning. It is on one of the many rolls of film that needs to be finished from my last month of summer travels. 1181 has the flag on the front, too.
Ride-On doesn't seem to be doing anything. I had 995417 on Friday and 005820 this morning and there was no sign of patriotism.
Last but not least, some school buses have flags but that seems to be driver's discretion.
I noticed the flag decal on the subway last night. There used to be a flag on the outside front door on the A sides of the cars, but I guess those were taken off in lieu of the 25th anniversery decals.
I was very happy to see most of the flags still on the buses here in VA. 4381 that I had coming home had it waving proudly as well as just about every other one that passed by on my longer than normal commute home.
I've noticed that no Fairfax Connector buses are displaying anything either. I'm wondering if there is a difference in rules to a regionally run system, such as NYCT or WMATA and a county run system like Fairfax Connector and Ride On where there might be a stupid rule against that.
It's also possible that the various systems had yet to get either flags or decals. As noted in other threads, SEPTA just started putting flags on their buses today (Tuesday). Give it a day or two and then see what happens.
It especially surprises me that Fairfax Connector hasn't put flags or decals on their buses, since they have a few routes which serve The Pentagon.
The flag was on the A ends on the Rohr cars only, since they were made in the USA. They are probably still under those silver plaques.
Yes, I've seen plenty of school buses with flags too.
Wayne
I think that we should make a memorial for the buses that were lost as well. I know, buses can be replaced but people can not----TRUE! However, I think the MTA should not renumber a new bus the same number as the bus that was lost. For example, bus 2185 was lost. I think the MTA should retire that number. The same goes for 4544 as well. We take care of people. We love our people and we respect our people. I do not know about you guys but I respect the buses the same way as I respect people. I'm not trying to be funny here. My heart goes out to the famlies of the victims. My heart also goes out to those buses that were crushed or destroyed because of the attack.
I saw 4544 on CNN. It probably could be repaired. However, I'm sure the TA would just scrap it due to it's age. Did 2185 seem to be damaged beyond repair. Like you said... the buses can be replaced, but I'm still sick over all of those lives being taken by a few evil people (if you can call them people).
Wayne
I have had several hours to reflect on your post. I think that rather than "retiring" the number a plaque should be made up to commerate the fallen heros as well as the bus and have it attached to each future vehicle that carries that number.
I think that most pasengers just want the route/destination signs to be correct, the bus to be on time and the b/o to get them to their stop quickly and safely. Most of them wouldn't care if its bus #1 or 101 or 1001 as long as it operates.
Also by retiring the number, who besides bus fans would know or care? I belonged to a synagogue whose Men's Club would give an award to the best student in each grade of the Hebrew School. It was called the Robert M. award. At a board meeting to decide on which student would be the receipient a member asked "who was Bob M ?". Turned out that he was a president 25 years ago who died suddenly at an early age. None of his family and friends belonged to the temple after all this time and if the old-timers didn't remember, no one would have known, which would defeat the purpose of the award.
Therefore I think a plague and or decal should be attached to all future vehicles so that perhaps some passengers who board the bus in will say a prayer for the heros.
Well there's a new symbol on most of the buses in Queens and that's the American Flag. Saw it on a few 4900s, 3824 and 1 or 2 Express Orions and Novas. Be on the lookout for flags to be on all of the buses.
4544 will not be a number on a bus for years to come-reason they have to get rid of ALL of the 1986 RTS and get a new order of some type of bus before that happens. Look what happened with the MCIs from the year 2000-they didn't start with a 2600 cause they still had a few of those running. IE 2660.
Instead they started with 2705.
Also 2270 another reason. Officially some of the 2200, 2300s, 2500s etc are in storage but are part of the NYCT roster until they're scrapped and stripped.
Also 4662 that ill fated bus that killed a driver from JG-that won't be a # on a bus for years to come too-again same reason as 4544 except it's a 1987 TMC.
As far as 2185 is concerned, 1 of 2 things could happen:
1. It could get scrapped-never used again or
2. Remanufacture a NEW 2185-similar to what they're doing now to JG New Flyer 950.
Only time will tell.
Anybody hear if 1767 was at WTC-heard she was down there for some reason at the time of the blast? Could've been a rumor too.
#4919 Q46- God Bless America!!!
PS Buses look great with Old Glory's symbol!
A friend of mine reports that 2185 will be restored by the Transit
Authority as a tribute to everyone involved with the rescue efforts and as a memorial for those who died. I can't personally confirm this, but it sounds like a nice gesture if it is true.
Here's a great idea: Full ad wrap 2185 with the American Flag.
#2185 X27
PS 2185 is saying "I'll be back!"
But I Wish the people that were inside the WTC on 9/11 could say that too, but unfortunately, they can't and that's what makes it so sad.
THAT's GREAT!!! I LOVE IT!!!
-F.
from Steve...FDNY
I see you changed it. It's okay. It was not meant to be funny or offensive in any way to the victims and families. I'm sorry about that last posting. For that, I should be punished. I just thought it would be a nice thng to do. I'm sorry.
Ray
USA all the way!!!
My new slogan!!!
Don't be so hard on yourself.
Your heart was in the right place.
Thank you.
Ray
USA all the way!!!
http://community-1.webtv.net/SMOKIECAT
Steve
NYC Fire Dept.
Hey Steve, did you loose any firefighters during the World trade Center attack?
Ray
about 200
Sorry to hear that buddy! My heart goes out to you and the families.
Ray
P.S. Nice job on the destination sigs.
Being updated in my pages,,to September 2001
Route Descriptions now available ---updated to Sept 2001
they found another Bat Chief today !!!,,another Fireman brother of mine!!!
do you know if they found any guys from ladder 12
Negetive,,all are now presumed DOA
Steve
FDNY
DOA oh no
I have good news!
The September meeting of the New York Division, Electric Railroaders'
Association will be held on Friday, September 21, 2001 at Cooper
Union's Hewitt Building, 41 Cooper Square (entrance on 3rd Avenue at
E. 7th Street) in Manhattan. Cooper Union is accessible via the #6
train (Astor Place station) and the (circle) Q train (8th Street
station) -- walk east from either. The doors open at 6:15 PM, and the
meeting commences at 7:15 PM. Bring your 2001 membership card with you
for admission. The door fee for non-members is $5.
The auditorium is on the second floor and is NOT accessible by
elevator -- stairs only. There is no cafeteria, although vending
machines are available. However, this area of Manhattan has many good,
relatively inexpensive places to eat.
The NYD-ERA wishes to thank "Jeff H." for making the arrangements.
Since not all railfans read this board (horrors!), please tell your friends who go to the meetings -- word of mouth is very important, since we won't have a chance to mail everyone a new meeting notice.
Also, we've been asked to have our meeting-goers come no earlier than 6:15 PM -- at our usual home people tend to come earlier, but there's no room here for people to mill about.
David Ross
Director
New York Division
Electric Railroaders' Association, Incorporated
As the sun is setting heralding in the Jewish New Year, let me wish everyone health and some small relief from all the heartache we've had since Tuesday last.
I was on the NJ Turnpike going North, towards NY. As, I was glancing out the window, on the south side of the NJ Turnpike I saw a very weird siting, I believe the bus was #8834, the bus passed by really fast so I couldnt get the sign. The sign did have a Bx# 14 or 34 couldnt get a good idea, since it passed so fast. Does anyone have an idea where this bus was heading to, had people on too. I did see another 88xx, that was near Seacaucus, couldnt get the number, but did see 88 something.
most likely going to Staten Island
Whoa! Time out! Stop everything! What are GHs buses doing on the Tpke?! And where on the Tpke?
Maybe they were heading to Detriot Diesel in Lodi for repairs or updating of some sort.
#8882 BX28
The location I saw these Novas at was near Exit 13 on the NJ Turnpike. Maybe they could be helping out for SI Service??
Jason
Probably transporting investigators to the SI Land Fill to search for the Black Boxes, plenty of GH, and KB Buses have been assigned to S/A's for the WTC disaster, transporting PD, FD, and such...
God Bless the USA
Queens Village has been assigned "Rescue 4", consisting of 2 twelve-hour shifts between the WTC and points east (Queens). We also have 6 other Special Assignment Runs working between Shea Stadium and the WTC area.
Anyone know when the SEPTA Volvo artic's were retired? Also does anyone know what kind of engine and transmission they had?
Thanks
The Volvo Articulated and Standard buses all carried the underfloor mounted flat engine called the Volvo TDH-100 Engine with ZF Ecomat 5HP-590 5-Speed Transmission.
The Volvo Articulated at SEPTA we fully flushed out of service between 1999 and 2000.
Hope this information helps you out!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
A slight correction on when the Volvos disappeared in Philly. They were GONE as of August 6, 2000. Most were kept on until then due to the slow delivery of the NEOPLAN artics, and the fact that the just delivered artics were put into shuttle service during the Republican Convention. SEPTA simply needed those Volvos to meet the expanded articulated bus schedules. They were generally assigned to the 9, 27, 48, and 60 lines. All of the other routes got the new buses.
Correct. The SEPTA Volvos did not have wheelchair lifts, whereas the Neoplans did. The artics were phased into service first at Allegheny on the 33 and 65, in addition to occasional runs on the 9, 27, 48, and 60. Prior to the September 2000 schedule change, the 9, 27, 48, and 60 were not considered wheelchair lines, so you'd see some Volvos, NABIs, and the occasional Neoplan EB (which were non-w/c equipped) running. The 33, however had been a w/c line, as buses from the Neo EZ fleet (3372-3416 and some buses scattered in the 3450-3479 EZ Suburban series) were often seen on the 33 and 65. Only when the artics started arriving did SEPTA put a NABI on the 33 (IIRC, it was 5291, but that was the only NABI I'd ever seen on the 33.)
Once the Neoplan artics arrived, and even for a couple of weeks after the convention, the Volvos still lumbered on before being slowly taken to Midvale Scrap Yard for retirement. I think I saw a couple still linger on between the end of the GOP Convention and the September schedule change. 7011 has since been preserved, or is in the process of being preserved (when I saw it at the SEPTA Roadeo, the preservation process did not appear to be complete). The 40-ft Volvo (8590) is now at a bus museum in Hershey, Pa.
The NABIs that were once assigned to Allegheny (5258-5295) were eventually sent primarily to Callowhill, though a few eventually wound up at Frankford and Comly. Interestingly enough, a few of Midvale's NABIs also went to Callowhill around the time they recieved their artics.
The Neoplan EBs (3140-3148) went to Frankford, except for 3148, which went to Red Arrow - at the same time, Southern sent 3149-3153 to Red Arrow.
The Neoplan EZ city series (3372-3416) saw most of those buses go to Callowhill at first. A few eventually wound up at Red Arrow (3372-3373 & 3390-3394), two went to Frontier (3388-3389), a few each went to Southern (3395-3404), Frankford (3405-3407), and Comly (3414-3416; 3414 being the retrofit bus with a DDC 50 and Allison transmission).
The Neoplan EZ suburban series buses assigned to Allegheny (these were scattered through the 3450-3473 series) were eventually sent to Callowhill, with a couple of scattered buses later going to Southern.
The 3 Neoplan BP 35-ft buses - 1301, 1302, and 1305 - were sent to Midvale in 1998-1999, which had then taken over the 35 (where the BPs were used), along with the 32, 39, 54 (later split with Frankford), and 61.
Just another case of the City getting back to normal.
QSC starting running Express service to lower Manhattan from Queens. Not to Wall Street yet, but pritty close to it.
Mr t__:-(
I assume they go as far as Canal St, no?
#535 QM1
South of Canal Street is pedestrians only, i.e. you are correct.
Mr t__:-(
Some bus routes are running south of Canal St. So I would be thinking those routes would end up going to South Ferry.
I'm not in the our Transportation department, but I hear Broad ... anyhow it's not exactly Wall Street.
I think the TA is useing the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to get to South Ferry ... it's just that the City isn't making a lot of noise about it.
Mr t__:-(
YIKE! And now they could send the buses to Broad St?
Saw 2185 and 2003 today on 42nd Street, and these buses were suppose to be burnt to a crisp!
SOME HAS SOME 'SPLAININ' TO DO?
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
I assume they were being towed, right?
There are pictures of 2185 in Jamaica depot and the bus is not burnt, banged up or otherwise. It only has alot of silt on it from being caught in the cloud of smoke that rose up when the tower came crashing down. I don't know where you guys got the idea that this bus was destroyed. All it needs is a good washing and scrubbing. I would only assume that the stories about 2003 have been blown out of proportion also.
BIG AL
On one of the news channels, 2185 was showed on Church/Trinity Place at Cortland. The right side of the bus was fine. The left side had a hole in the rear and loooked like it suffered some fire damage.
No, both of them were running under there own power with MTA bus operators driving them, 2003 was signed up for the X30 with about 15 passengers aboard.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
I can vouch that 2185 wasn't burned to a crisp. She was rather dusty when I saw her, so maybe she went to the powder room for her makeover.
At any rate, perhaps this is one more sign of trying to return life back to some semblance of normal.
I wonder about 4544 though? I guess she didn't suffer same fate as 2003 and 2185. Glad to see those 2 buses up and running though.
#2003 X10
#2185 X27
This is addressed to the board and not personally to Amtrak AEM-7 #951 :
Is that all you are all concerned with??? A bus not being destroyed and returned to service 8 days after this disaster? Sounds patriotic and all - but it's a BUS!!!! A 13 ton piece of steel and stuff cam be replaced.
It just doesnt sound right to be happy a bus wasn't destroyed and can return to service when so many lives were.
A couple people on this board(and not neccesarily anyone whose messages are in this thread) were concerned about bus 4662 when it was involved in the accident with the fire apparatus on Thanksgiving Day 1999 that took the life of the B/O from Gleason....they wondered if the bus was OK.
Now forgive me if i am going overboard, but my brother is in the Air Force and is an F-16 mechanic. He may be on his way as we speak to the Middle East. I cannot and will not be concerened about a silly thing as a bus. I have priorities.
Personally, I do not handle crisis or bad situations very well mentally, I'll admit to that, so I'm personally doing everything in my power not to directly think about it. If that means making a message about a bus not being destroyed.......!
ALSO, That doesn't mean that i'm being insensitive about the situation, I'm mourning in my own way too! But you can not keep drowning the board in messages about this situation, the media is doing a great job of that, even giving out miss-information about threats and so forth......
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
YOU tell em Trevor.IF anybody has reason to grip,IT WAS ME.Im not doing that anymore,and I sugest that others here on this board do the same.Let GOD work it out.He will,you know . He always does.........
Let me start this way: I DO CARE about what has happened to the people at the WTC. It is sad-of course-yes. In fact I've lost a former classmate of mine in the WTC. He is considered missing but is most likely dead.
I am greatly saddened. But the only way I'm going to feel better about myself is to move forward.
I know a bus is a bus-all I want to know is what buses were near the area at the time of the blast and are they repairable?
I understand your priorities and I hope for the best for your brother.
I also understand that you're a bit mad at me about talking about the buses but all I'm trying to do is move forward talking about something else besides the WTC-If I want to hear about that I'll watch the news.
I still send my condolenses and prayers to all of the families to all of the loved ones that were lost.
I hope that you'll understand my view point of view at this time.
#951 Amtrak AEM-7 The True Red White and Blue
SEPTA is putting decals of our flag on all Buses and trolleys in honor of all of the souls lost in the terrorist attack at the WTC, and to show our united American pride and spirit in these trying times. This is the first time in over 25 years the flag has been displayed on SEPTA buses. The last time they displayed flags was during the Bicentennial celebrations in 1976. They gradually disappeared starting in 1978 when SEPTA adopted a new paint scheme. They were totally gone by 1982. I think the flag was a colonial flag with the inscription "Spirit of '76".
Some of the subway-surface cars have had American flags flying from the top of the front of the cars. I noticed that 9072 did have a decal, but some of the other trolleys had flags. Most of the cars I saw them on were on the 11/Woodland Av-Darby line.
During the 4th of July, some of the trolleys do have American flags added to the top of the cars.
As far as the buses go, I had noticed that some of the flag decals have been added on the front window directly behind the door. Obviously, not all of them had been given decals just yet.
So far, I`ve seen them on SOUTHERN, CALLOWHILL, and some VICTORY buses. I haven`t seen them on the ALLEGHENEY articulateds. I've seen them on some MIDVALE buses, but not much of them yet. As far as the other depots: FRANKFORD, COMLY, FRONTIER, and Contract Ops buses, I do not get much chance to get outside of Center City Philly on weekdays. I`ll try to see if these depots previously mentioned have them when I go out on Saturday.
P.S.--Contract Ops are the buses on PHLASH, LUCY, BREEZE, and buses assigned to KRAPFS COACHES in Chester Co.
I hadn't noticed any on the Contract Ops, but I am seeing them on the Frontier buses. I haven't been up towards NE Philadelphia lately, but I'll check that area out when I have the chance.
AFA Allegheny goes, I did see some of the flag decals on the artics. It's probably just a matter of time when they will be affixed to all buses.
Few MTA-NYCT Buses have american flags on the left side window back. I saw some on Bx5, Bx27, Bx39 and Bx4 in the bronx.
Peace
David Justiniano
God Bless American
Even some 7000s from QV have the American Flag-saw it on 7002. I was on 3981 this morning on the Q46 and she didn't have it yet but 3949 did.
#3981 Q46
USA: The True Red White and Blue!
Also Amtrak AEM-7 #951 supports the red, white and blue and that's the reason for my screen name.
I haven't seen the flags on any LI Buses or QSC yet.
Flags are now appearing on LI Buses.
I've seen them on buses on the M7, M11, M86, and M104. (That covers four depots.) In fact, just about every bus I've seen lately has the flags.
I finally got hired to drive a mini bus for the town jitney, no relation to Hampton Jitney. We have a fleet of E350 gas buses, but the big dogs are the E450 ADA compliant diesels. We also have a few vans for light loads. I had the E350 gas 12 seater, a step up from the 3500 Chevy Express van. Good grunt off the line, but straightline acceleration is not her forte. The radio was the cheapest I have ever seen, but it worked well. The driver a/c works better when the rear unit is turned on. Go figure. When my training is done, I may get my own bus to drive every day. For now, I get a different bus every day.
Today while headng back to the yard in my bus, MSBA Orion 342 flashed by with the sign saying LIRR Shuttle. They must be doing track work on the Port Jeff branch again since she was carrying passengers. Also, while in my bus much earlier, I spotted CDT RTS 85, one of three RTS buses that I trained on. Kinda strange that she was headed east on 25a. The buses usually spend most of their time in western Suffolk.
Here was a strange sighting in a strange location: While riding 8382 on the Q46, which was having start-up problems cause the dispatcher told the driver not to shut off the bus cause then it won't start up again, I saw GBL 721 on Union Tpke and 164 St. It was going Queens Blvd Bound though but what was it doing on Union Tpke at 164 St?
#4920 Q46
#721 QM18
I saw a GBL RTS posing in front of the paint shop today with a fresh paint job. I didn't see a number.
Proposed Service Revision
M22 Route Modificaiton
Effective January 2002
Westbound service Change
West on Madison St,South on Saint James Place,NOrht on Pearl Street,,South on Park Row,West on Barclay Street,South on West Broadway ,,West onVessy Street,,NOrth on North End Avm,West on Murray street,NOrth on River Terrace,East on Chambers St,South on North End Avenue,the last stop to be NOrth End Av,nearside of Murray Street..
Return via South on North End Av,East on Vessey Street,,and regular
-----------------------------------------------
Proposed Service Revision to the Bx8
Fall of 2001
Southbound Buses via regular route path to Crosby Av,then East on Bruckner Blvd South Service Road,,South on Hollywood Av,east on Otis Av and regular
----------------------
Scheduling Change to the IRT 1 and IRT 7
Anyone know the status of this model? I know someone said on the website here that it would come out in the fall. well, this is the fall. is it delayed until 2002? the ho new look bus.
B1-#9327
Simon, I am not sure but will look into it; I look forward to the APM Fishbowl as well. BTW, the paint was completed on your 30' Flxes yesterday and I will be finishing them up hopefully by Friday.
-Fred
SUBTALK LIVE THIS SATURDAY
September 22, 2001
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I was looking and the photos in the New Image section and was looking at the Unversty Street line phote. I have two questions.
1) In the Photos there is what looks like two rails under the buses. DO the buses ride on the rails when under ground?
2) Do they go on the street with other cars? What do they run on if the do run on the streets?
Robert
I think you're referring to the planned trolley tunnel in Seattle. The plan when building the tunnel was to include trolley tracks for the point when the Seattle regional LRT system becomes operational - if and when that happens.
The buses you see in the pictures are the Breda dual-mode buses, which operate at trackless trolleys in the tunnel and as diesel buses when above ground. The ETBs operate as an ETB normally would, they just happen to be operating over trolley tracks.
Thank for clearing that up.
Robert
As it stands, Seattle's LRT/Tunnel plan is ridiculous and unfair. Right now, thanks to the dual-mode Breda trolleybuses, dozens of routes from the entire Seattle region convene in the tunnel; this provides speedy and efficient downtown service for riders of all of these routes.
When the LRT line becomes operational, the plan is to reserve the tunnel for LRT trains only, and kick all bus traffic back up to the street. This is totally stupid and unfair, because the LRT line will serve only a few neighborhoods in the area, thus only riders from these few areas will continue to enjoy the benefits of the unique transit tunnel.
I think Seattle is one of the few places I have seen where the bus system is very, very effective, so much to the point where rail probably is not even necessary. I'm not anti-rail, and it sure would be 'cool' to see LRT trains rollin' in Seattle, but just like I say about so many other cities, Seattle ought not get so caught up in the charm of rail that they neglect a perfectly good bus system.
If rail construction is to go ahead (and it has been plagued by numerous problems) then I don't think it would be too much to ask to have the LRT and the bus routes share the tunnel. After all, it called a TRANSIT TUNNEL, not a subway.
I understand the reason for the X25 and X90 not running now, but why is the X92 not running? It runs down on Water Street and the FDR to Yorkville. All runs could be the X92 for now out of Quill since the X90 will not be operating for a long time.
Also, why is the X3 and X4 running? They shouldn't be. These buses run to Vesey Street in downtown, which is OFF LIMITS. Any of the ones running to Worth Street can use Water and go Crosstown, as well as the LOOP Buses, like the X15,18,etc. These X3 and X4 should have their runs merged into the X8 and X14, which specifically serve Water Street.
The Staten Island neighborhoods along Hylan Blvd. served by the X3 and X4 are too far from the X15 and X18 routes. By the way, are the X3 and X4 running on Water Street or just terminating at Battery Place & State Street?
I had heard that the X3 wasn't running at all, unless that changed since last night.
x3 service resumed last evening. all buses are using water street. as of today all of water street open. buses exit battery pl onto water to pearl and frankfurt and thence fdr southbound. massive cleanup of area has been done. debris is loaded on trucks taken to barges on east river and thence to fresh kills.
Saw this bus at Francis Lewis Blvd and Union Tpke today. Heard she was involved in an accident with 2 SUVs. I think the left side of the bus had minor damage done. Looks like 635 and the driver will be o/s for a while. 5 Dispatcher cars were behind 635. Unknown about passenger injuries. Happened along the Q76 route.
#9357 Q46 (bus I was on when I saw 635 sitting on Franny Lew-was kinda far from the bus but got a view of the #.)I'm positive it was 635.
Considering that many of the victims in the WTC attack were from New Jersey, I wonder what is NJT doing to honor these people? All of the other transit systems are putting flags on their vehicles to show solidarity with all people involved in the WTC attack, as victims, rescuers, or concerned Americans in this time of need. Please let me know if they are doing anything about it.
NJT is such a bureaucratic P.O.S. of a company and have thier heads up thier ass so far that they aren't doing anything. The only thing NJT did was hand over a few buses for a shuttle from the Javits to Ground Zero.
Now, there is a couple of drivers who have personally kept American Flags on thier buses, but out side of that NOTHING!
Me personally, when deadheading to a garage, I place the "World Trade Ctr" sign in my buses.
Regards,
T. Logan
www.transitalk.com
Where you wouuld put that WTC sign?
He means the signboard of the bus
IN YOUR ASS!
Yuck! Up yours!
Before this gets out of hand, KNOCK IT OFF MEN!!
Hey, Stupid Questions or Questions that don't make any dammit sense, gets the reply it needed!
Plain and Simple!
Now I don't know whether your brain registered what I wrote the first time in the first reply post or you just had a brain-fart, but based on the fact that I know clearly the bullshit you have said about me and so forth, I'm just not please with you, whether you realize it or not!
That is all I have to say about that and this post!
Good Day!
T.
I said that b/c of what you said "IN YOUR ASS!!". And I said "Yuck! Up Yours!!" I said "Up Yours!!" As to In your Ass back to you!
"Now I don't know whether your brain registered what I wrote the first time in the first reply post or you just had a brain-fart"
Brain fart don't make sence these days! And my brain did registered it.
"but based on the fact that I know clearly the bullshit you have said about me and so forth, I'm just not please with you, whether you realize it or not!"
I am not saying any bullshit about you! It's someone else! You got the WRONG Number MAN! Good DAY!!
I got the wrong man HUH????????
The explain this:
"And Gary don't want the Merging with TransiTalk to happin. And I don't want the Merging with TransiTalk to happin. I Don't LIKE IT! THAT Idea! I hopeing for the Best the Merging with TransiTalk do not happin."
And don't give me no hokey bullshit that you never said that! I've never done anything to you for you to fell like that. SO like I said in the prior post.......
GOOD DAY!
and if I was you I wouldn't respond, as I will take it to e-mail and in the streets! And Happin is spelled Happen!
T.
"And Gary don't want the Merging with TransiTalk to happin. And I don't want the Merging with TransiTalk to happin. I Don't LIKE IT! THAT Idea! I hopeing for the Best the Merging with TransiTalk do not happin."
That was a while ago. Just forgetaboutit and just please be NICE!! And don't even try to Kick my ASS!!
If you ask me. Cleanairbus told me that you want to kick my ass if you ever saw me! So please don't try! BE NICE PLEASE!
OH he did, did he?!?!??!?!!!!!!!!
Yup!
C'mon, y'all, play nice . . .don't hate . . . where the party at . . .
C
YES SIR! Behaving now!
For the time being
Trevor Logan
WE GOT IT OUT OF HERE AREADY!
Q46: Why are you placing the blame on me? I'm not the only 1 that does not want to go back to TransiTalk.
Trevor: Please don't take this the wrong way but the reason why I don't want to go back to TransiTalk is because I've been happy being on TransitWorld. Others on TransitWorld (not mentioning names) do not want to go back there either for the same reason.
I have respected you and the TransiTalk staff members and pictures and I hope to see it back in business very soon. I look forward to it.
And to Q46-if I see a message like this again, I will remove you from TransitWorld permanently. Think I'm kidding then try me. I do not want anyone who is going to be a nuisance. This is a critical time and I don't want any conflicts. Let there be peace among us please!
Thank you!
#951 Amtrak AEM-7 The True Red White and Blue!
Not a Problem, the question of the day is.....WHO ARE YOU?
T.
I SO SO SORRY GARY!! And I still want to stay at TransitWorld. So please don't kick me out of TransitWorld PLEASE!!?? I won't post a message like that EVER AGAIN!!
Ok I won't kick you off right now. But I do not want to see any more of this fighting between you and Trevor again. If I do, then you're gone. You 2 shake hands. :)
#951 Amtrak AEM-7- The True Red White and Blue
PS Trevor does 823 ring a bell to you?
I say no more.
Yeah, I get it!
T.
SORRY!
Look, you two!
I have had enough of this charade, and I think all of the BusTalkers have had enough!
There are some things that you have to realize...
1) This is partially my fault for saying anything to Q46 about what I said on the 8th. I am trying to exert my deepest apologies to you, Trevor, and I will try not to say anything that I should not say...and keep my mouth shut about everything...(seems like I can't say anything to you people without it causing a whole melee between us)..I realize that the truth hurts sometimes, but I felt I had to make it clear to him...
2) By Ignoring my messages, you are only making a bad situation much worse...the fact that I cannot contact you and apologize, the fact that you are acting like this not because of my leaking out info like that to Q46, but because of your ongoing situation with Q46 about who-knows-what and god-knows-how-it-happened. Arguing for some (stupid) reason, like I have done with certain people at times (and I should know, I have experience with that), only makes you more and more hostile towards a person and breaks friendships all due to a rumor or two that should not ahve gone out.
3) Q46 is partially to blame, being that he can be a loudmouth, whether he is right about a point he makes or totally far from right about anything...He crosse the line by saying anything about what I said on the 8th AT ALL..and by including ME in his conversations when they shouldn't have leaked out like that.
IF ALL OF THIS MAKES NO SENSE, WELL..SO BE IT!
POINT IS, I'M SORRY, OKAY??? I WNAT TO FIX THIS WHOLE THING...TREVOR, LISTEN TO ME, I WANT TO FIX THIS WHOLE THING IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE...JUST STOP BICKERING AND BITCHING ABOUT THIS AND GET ON WITH OUR LIVES! TAKE MY APOLOGY IN ANY FORM WHATSOEVER, BUT PLEASE...JUST GET OVER IT, STOP FIGHTING AND MOVE ON ALREADY!
We should try to mend our friendships and vow never to argue like this again!
--Cleanairbus
See? And this whole shit wasn't totally my fault, from reading these stupid posts you guys are making...and Q46 made your whole f**king fight THAT MUCH WORSE by putting MY f**king ass in it...I hope y'all are happy...
-Cleanairbus
First off, I did not put you in this persay.....
Q46 was to blame for that, however, he was totally out of line for even making that comment, but whats done is done. He did it, and I trusted you with a comment out of a heated moment.
SECONDLY......I AM NOT HAPPY......I'M PISSED BEYOND THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PISSTIVITY! My argument with Q46 is totally based off of the fact of past comments he made........GRANTED I shared it with you as a friend.....Going back to Q46 with the comments was, at least for me a breech of that friendship trust!
HOWEVER, I will let this go......and move on.............and be friends.....
HOWEVER
My trust in telling you thing has be compromised, just to let you know.
BYGONES
Regards,
Trevor Logan, Junior
www.transitalk.com
In a way, you did put me by ignoring me when I sent you some messages, getting me angry, as if this thing was my fault...that's what I meant...
Let us just leave it be and just blame Q46 for most of this...
I know what I said was the truth, as he also pointed out, but it was his mouth that got me into this...
-Cleanairbus
I AM SO SORRY FOR BEING A BADASS!! AND ALSO SORRY FOR WHAT I SAID OUT OF MY BIG MOUTH!! AND ALSO SORRY TO CLEANAIRBUS FOR PUTTING HIM IN THIS TOO! I SO SO SO SORRY ABOUT THIS AND LET'S STOP THIS AREADY AND CONTUNE ON OTHER THINGS IN HERE!
ENOUGH SAID!
AND ONE MORE THING!
CUT THE BLAMEING ON ME!! SO LIKE THAT I COME BACK TO MY NORMAL SELF(NICE PERSON!)!!
Well, I have to blame you for blowing up my spot, what can I do, take all of the blame for you??? You gotta be nuts! I take some, but U take the rest. Okay, I will cut the rest of this bullisht, but don't say anything out of your mouth that you really should not say! Trevor, let's just be cool again. i understand that info from U will be minimal, but I can deal with that...as long as this issue is part settled...
--Cleanairbus
TREVOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I rode a couple of buses today on the #92 and #11, and each bus had a poster with a picture of the Statue of Liberty flanked by an American Flag on each side. The poster was on the panel behind the driver.
Me personally, when deadheading to a garage, I place the "World Trade Ctr" sign in my buses.
Out of curiosity, is "WORLD TRADE CTR" a code normally used on private carrier routes (ie. Academy, Coach USA)? I know that all NJT buses have NJT routes, but I didn't realize that even the NJT buses had ALL sign codes.
BTW, speaking of odd signs on buses (not to change the subject, but it's slightly related), I saw a Coach USA/Trans Hudson Express Nova (forgot the number, but I did take a picture) with it's front headsign reading as follows: "NOT IN SREVICE"; it's side sign had SERVICE spelled correctly. This was two Saturdays ago (yet it seems like such a long time ago) at Journal Square as I was en route to Hoboken Festival.
That's Coach USA's sloppy programming!
As for the NJT Code, its code 0027 or 6027 and it will read:
Path Shuttle, World Trade Ctr.....
I freeze it out when it gets to the WTC part!
T.
i saw those buses on the g
I saw an MCI bus (#2064) at the Casey Stengel Depot today.
Any idea what it's doing there?
It's possible that 2064 was at Stengel as part of the NYPD/FDNY relief effort which is now being staged at the US Tennis Association complex now that the Mets have returned to Shea Stadium (I had thought they would have swapped home dates with Atlanta, but it's probably just as well).
BTW, I'd like to thank the Mets for beating the Braves last night, allowing my beloved Phighting Phillies to creep back to within 1/2 game of the Braves; thanks especially to my homie Mike Piazza (he's a native of Phoenixville - technically Schuylkill Twp - which is up the road from us in West Chester) ... Sorry, had to get that in... =)
Happy that the Mets are back on the winning tracl but the question is will it be too little too late?
Is it possible that 2064 is at CS for testing-through the waash so that in the future, CS may see some MCI for the X51?
The relief effort is also another possibility that 2064 is at CS too. Taking workers from Shea-WTC.
#2064 X51
Started on the b1, and transfered to the B64(both trips crowded with school kids). Grabbed the B63 at 86th St and 4th Av and took it to Shore Road to connect with the shuttle operating on Shore Road to the ferry(a command bus). The ferry terminal looks like it was designed to handle more buses and i think that the B11 should terminate there during rush hours to accomidate more people.
When i got to South Ferry, i got the M15 bus(a articualted, and a Limited too-i was told there are only 4 running out of 126th St). Got to 126th St and connected to the M100 bus to Dyckman Street. I saw workers working at the 126th Street Depot on the pavement. Are they fixing the floors to get ready for the articaulated and why dont they send #7500's series to UP?
B1-#9327-NOVABUS
B64-#4753-RTSII-06
B63-#589-Orion V CNG
Shuttle-#4907-TMC RTS 06-COMMAND
M15-#5508-New Flyer D60
M100-#455-Orion V
So went traveled from Brooklyn to the Bronx by bus . . . and this took you how many years?
He took the Ferry to the city!
whole trip took about 4 hours(give or take a wait)
Besides QV, will their be anymore depots that can have Orions & Novas? Someone told me its a possibility that Gun Hill will have both Orions and Novas when Amsterdam gives all their buses away. Where will all the Orions go in the future?
"This is my rifle this is my gun, this is for fighting this for fun"-Full Metal Jacket
For maintenance purposes, NYCT tries to keep the number of different types of vehicles at a given depot to a minimum. However, there are places where more than one basic bus type is used. An example is Jackie Gleason, where Orion V, New Flyer C40LF, and TMC RTS buses are used (during the summer, Nova express RTS buses were there as replacements for the New Flyers during the Special Olympics).
David
In addition to JG, YUKON has many types of buses.
1981-1986 GMC RTSs
1987-1991 TMC RTSs
1998-1999 Orion Vs
1997-2001 MCI D4500s
And for a while they also had 1996 NOVAs
And if you go back to early nineties, they had Fishbowls and New Look Flexibles as well as the RTSs.
Castleton, on the other hand, has mainly 1998-1999 Orion Vs, with a few 1994-96 Orion Vs, as well as 1993 BIA Orion Vs, and MCIs.
The Orions kicked out of AMS will probably go to Coliseum when it reopens. Not to GH, since between the NF D60s and the Nova RTSs, there will no place to put them.
Spotted D4500 #8204 running for DeCamp bus lines in Montclair around 2:00 on the #33 line. The bus had no paint save for a gold "DeCamp" on the front.
DeCamp still has at least one MC-9B, I saw one yesterday morning on the #66 line.
Bus 4544, which was shown on CNN being towed away from the WTC site, was spotted running on the M34 on Wednesday 9/19. I had to do a double take when I saw it, but there it was--"4544". Evidently, the damage to the bus was minimal and Hudson was able to it return to service in relatively short order.
On the other hand, 1998 MCI 102DL3 #1998 out of Castleton will not be seen running again. Rumors of 2185 and 2003 being destroyed by fire were erroneous because 1998 is the bus that was burned beyond recognition on Church and Vesey Streets. Only parts of its frame, rims and chassis are left. There are no identifying marks on the bus (numbers, logos, destination signs, license plates and VINs), hence it was towed directly to the Fresh Kills landfill on S.I. with the other city vehicles that were incinerated.
By the way, bus 2185 only suffered about five broken windows on its driver's side. This bus was the one that was shown several times on TV with the word "EMPTY" written in the soot along its right side. MCI 2003 was covered with soot and ash.
Mark
saw pictures of 1998 in yukon and it looks much like an israeli bus after a suicide bomber has boarded. it was totalled.
Where can I see the photos of it?
yukon yard dispatchers office but unless you work for mta you may have difficulty.
It's me Luke and I'm sending a notice if any fellow bus fans want to see some of my photo's from my trip to New York, please visit my page.
I'll be adding a few more New York photo's tommorrow and in a few day's hopefully New Jersey Flxible photo's.
Thank You
Luke
http://transit.topcities.com/ltp.htm
After a go round today, I notices that most of the SEPTA buses here in Philly have the flag decals on them, including most trolleys, and trackless trolleys. Some of them are even on the Para-transit vehicles. As for NJT, I have seen the Statue of Liberty and Flag picture on a few of the South Jersey buses. Now that they appeared here down in the hinterlands of NJT, maybe you dudes can quit-yer-bitchin. OK?
On Thursday which was a rainy day, I left the Staten Island Ferry terminal at Whitehall and wanted to board an M-15 bus since there was no subways open there. I let a regular bus pass me and decided to board bus #3887 which was also on the M-15.
This bus had high back soft seats. How common is this ? With new buses on order, how long does #3887 have to live ?
Bill "Newkirk"
No current orders that I know of for new transit units are taking place. The reason why you are seeing buses like #3887 on local lines is there are buses from that depot which are being repowered.
Well once the "Monstrosities" Orion 07.501 CNG & Hybrid Buses arrive on the property (over 300, close to 400 of these things); you can expect Jackie Gleason's remaining RTS Fleet, about 60-65 of Mother Clara Hale's Orions and about 60-65 of Queens Village's RTS Fleet to be placed elsewhere. If my math serves me right, this will completely annihilate the remaining 1981-82-84-85 RTSs in the fleet (114 in total) and to take out a good chunk of the 1986 RTS fleet (224 in total).
This is all part of the TA's plan to have the 8000-8300 Series TMC RTS buses as the oldest RTS's in the fleet. The life expectency of the 7000 and 7500 Series RTS Rebuilds is unknown to me at this current time.
Hope this information Helps you out!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.com
Hey Trev,where are the pics of this bus?
Why were the last 1983's retired before the 1981's and 1982's?
From day one, the 1982 fleet has always been my favorite of the RTSs. I never thought it would make it 19 years (and counting). The next few years were a letdown.
I agree that this should spell the end for all the 1981-1985 buses, however you never know. Last year we all thought that all the 1982's would be gone by now, and there are still a few lurking in QV. I suspect that not as many 1986 buses will disappear as you may think. Alot will probably go into storage and also I'm sure the worst 1987's will be retired also, which would also spare alot of the 1986's which are in better condition. For instance, the 1987 TMC 4800's Jamaica had for a short while (the coaches) were pretty ragged out, so I'm sure those will be scrapped the same time the rest of the 1981-1985's go to the hamper.
BIG AL
i can see #3887 operating for a looong time to come. remember, that HUD is still operating #3470 and #3476. #3887 will still see service, i mean, if ULP doesnt get rid of the 7500's(and they go slow)-why get rid of #3887? I mean, #2270 is still operating out of YUK? Shouldnt that one leave first?
What about 1751 1767 1773 and 1852?
#1751 Q46
I've driven # 3887 quite a few times already. In fact I drove it as recently as this past Tuesday. The bus runs very well and has received extensive work from 126th Street Depot maintenance. In it's current condition the bus should easily be able to provide service until 2003 when (if I'm not mistaken) all non repowered buses are to be retired.
Any preservationists out there who are considering buying a bus should make inquiries about # 3887. Considering it's age, the bus is in relatively pristine condition.
http://www.qvdepot.com/survey/surveytime.cgi?id=0922101211842 from Queens Village Depot Online.
What's your opinion?
Actually, when I clicked on the link, it said "survey not valid" . . . it may have expired.
But my $0.02 -- I think they should rebuild, although not as twin towers. The reconstituted WTC should be a complex of several smaller buildings, hopefully with distinguishing architecture, and should incorporate a small memorial garden or something in in the foundations of the original 1 & 2 WTC towers.
Chris
Sorry, the original database was set to collect only the first 100 entries. It has been modified to collect 1000 entries, so please go ahead and participate.
Note: Updated URL: http://www.qvdepot.com/survey/surveytime.cgi?id=0923101234727
Thanks :-)
Great! An interesting survey; thanks for linking it here.
C
I am a NYC Fireman ,,and was there ,on and off ,for the last 2 weeks
The WTC should not be rebuilt due to the hurt and memories of the families--otherwise the past will be relived over and over and then haunt the families over and over ,,everytime one drives past this area or sees the area on a TV set or magazine
A memorial would be more appropriate for the survivors and the families of the deceased
Man,I wish that were true, but the facts are this... Thats a piece of realestate that valuable. As much as I would like this to happen[a park honoring the fallen]somethings going up there. Oh... and thank you,for not just doing your job,but for just being there to help. Who knows,you may have been one of the people who helped my brother and saved his life.
Sorry FDNY, but I have to disagree with you on this. Not rebuilding the WTC would be a major victory for the terrorists, not to mention a major loss the NYC and it's people. I believe the WTC should definitely be rebuilt, but differently. We can not let the terrorists dictate how we choose to build and run our great country. I believe that instead of building the same towers, perhaps we can build them to look differently. Perhaps build them round, instead of square like they were. Maybe even build 3 towers! Building round twin towers with a memorial and maybe a small model of the original towers in the memorial would be a great way to remember the victims, yet not bring back too many bad memories, when people admire the new towers. And they must be built just as tall or taller than the original towers to show that NYC will come back better and stronger than before, a definite defeat in the eyes of Osama Bin Laden and his foolish fanatics.
The money is there to build new towers since the original one's were insured, thus creating jobs for the construction industry. And NYC would benefit from people coming from around the world to see the new towers. Granted, the new towers would have to be modified to withstand an impact from a bomb or plane crash and the intense heat from fire, but anyway you look at it, this would be a win-win situation to create a brand new and better World Trade Center for the city of New York.
BIG AL
I agree they should be rebuilt, and I agree that they should be rebuilt in different form, possibly 3 or 4 smaller towers . . . however, building two phallic round towers would instantly make lower Manhattan the butt of the country's jokes . . . just picture it. :)
On a more somber note, I agree that a memorial of some sort is needed on the site.
C
Granted, the new towers would have to be modified to withstand an impact from a bomb or plane crash and the intense heat from fire...
Actually, the current towers were designed to withstand the impact from a Boeing 707, from what I've heard...
I was watching tv, and a poll of some sort was taken between people who live in the city and NJ. It asked if the Trade Centers get rebuilt would they want them to look exactly the same? Almost 70% agree that it should look the same as it did.
What I think, is it should be rebuilt as the same exact thing, for a couple reasons. When they were built back 30 years ago, they changed the NY Skyline from then. Now, since they are gone they have changed the NY Skyline once again. For them to build another couple buildings making them completely different, I don't know how many people would prefer it. What some people feel is that if they rebuild them the same people will have bad memories of what happened on September 11, 2001. If they rebuild or not, the same piece of land will be there, and the terrible memories will last forever. I definetly think they should have a memorial in that area, but they shouldn't change the NY Skyline another time. Maybe, at the same time, they can build some other stuff in that area.
Jason
The architects and engineers of the WTC towers famously boasted after their construction that they would withstand the impact of a Boeing 707 jet -- then the largest airliner about. This was a few years yet before the advent of the 747, and over two decades before the introduction of the 767s that eventually did the buildings in.
In fact, the airliner impacts did not cause the failure of the buildings; rather, the resultant heat -- thousands of degrees Fahrenheit, stoked by the nearly-full tanks of Avgas in the jets -- caused the steel to melt and, ultimately, fail. Each tower withstood the heat for about an hour before collapsing; had egress not been blocked by the fires, this would have been adequate time to effect an evacuation.
It is a testament to the engineering of the towers that they collapsed within their own footprints rather than onto surrounding buildings. Their innovative center-core structure ensured that the floors would collapse upon each other, like so many horseshoes around a ring.
C
In the movie THE SIEGE, bus PA1648 (PA4199, PA5287 in the movie) is seen in 2 spots.
When 5287 gets blown up, they had to have used another bus that they could destroy, since 1648 has been seen since as PA4199 on other things. Does anyone know what bus it was? I assume it had to be a 1981-82 Model based on the VULTON ODK SIGNBOARDs.
Last night at 7:00 PM I was W/B on the Long Island Expressway near exit 38. I saw a NYCTA RTS E/B at that spot. Due to heavy traffic I couldn't see the number or the depot.
Anyone know why it was there? Could it be part of the rescue effort? Occasionally you can find a deadheading LI Bus at that spot but this was DEFINITELY a NYCTA RTS. Could it be substituting for LI Bus if they're also covering for the LIRR ?
Weren't they sending buses out to Atlantic Diesel in Bohemia for engine replacements???
I saw a strange bus in a strange spot myself at 335AM this morning. On 48 St and Barnett Ave-while on the night shift I saw TMC RTS 8011 from Fresh Pond going towards Queens Blvd. Why would 8011 be anywhere within that vicinity? No FP routes or shuttles operate anywhere near that area. Actually The B24 operates on 48 St but that's near Greenpoint Ave not Barnett Ave.
#8011 B24
Ive seen a FP bus in the 8000's parked on the island of Queens Blvd right by Main St. IDK, why it was there. The nearest FP route there is the Q54.
Q54#9141Mike
If it was within the past couple of weeks, it may have been transporting police from the precinct in Van Wyck Blvd station to Lower Manhattan. #4747 was parked there on September 12, destination sign set to "911;" I'm assuming that was its purpose.
That must have been the bus then. I remember traveling from the Bx to Jamaica on the Q44 the day after the attacks when I saw the bus in that area.
Q44#228MikeLimited
I recall seeing a news item about how NYCT busses are being used to take rescue workers and the like home. This might be what you saw, Alan.
Peace,
ANDEE
That was my thought Andee. I doubt that the bus I saw was heading to AD in Bohemia because I would think that the ETA would be about 7:45PM on a Saturday. Would AD be open at that hour to receive a bus and there was no other vehicle near it so how would the driver get back to the depot ?
BTW are you going to Branford Saturday ?
>>>BTW are you going to Branford Saturday ? <<<
Sure am, with a van load of potential new members.
Peace,
ANDEE
So that means that I don't have to get off of the New England Thruway to see the artics or pickup/drop you off?
WELL....you can get off I95 and look at the artics if you like, but I won't be needing your assistance...THANKS MUCH for the offer...talk to you on Saturday......
PS ... it looks like I am going to be bringing up people on Sunday TOO!
Peace,
ANDEE
I did the ride today. Due to police manpower and security issues, it was only 12 miles, not 32. I did notice while on Pennsylvannia Avenue that the buses were not really being diverted around the tour (then again, cars weren't either) and police direction dictated. What I did notice is that the buses had priority over other viechles. At 7th an Pennsylvannia, I had to stop to let a 30 something (Orion V 2118, IIRC) pass and turn left onto Pennsylvannia.
I imagine all is normal by now since the slowest biker in the world should be done with that route by now. It has to have been one of the shortest and flattest tours ever planned.
It sounds like fun, though! have they had Taste of DC yet this year? When I went last year they had the historic Metrobus -- the GMC Old Look -- which was kinda cool. Hearing about all this makes me homesick for DC!
Chris
I thought I heard somewhere that the Taste of DC will be in May this time around. Partially, the problem was due to the IMF/World Bank mess that was going to be here next week I believe, which has since been cancelled. Having it in May is better than October anyways, I think. Of course, it was nice knowing that when Columbus Day weekend rolled around, you could count on the Taste, too. Oh well.
Other Metro news: Here in Arlington, I've seen a lot of the Orion VI's designated with ads on it for that tracking device that is being used on the 38B. I believe its called "NextBus". They have special signs in the windows of the bus and on the top where they used to have that blue sign advertising the new Low Floors, they have the website address for the NextBus technology. I've seen these signs on buses 2000-2005, but they could be on more. The thing is, some of the buses are placed on other routes, so it isn't totally accurate, but then you don't want to limit yourself to one route only for a bus, especially on weekends when only a couple of buses are needed for the 38B.
That's correct; the tracking system is known as NextBus. Blacksburg Transit may be receiving this program in the near future; it looks to be interesting and will be a great concept to help out those new to the world of mass transit.
-F.
Yeah, I hope its successful. The Fairfax City, VA CUE system has something like that as well.
It's an intriguing technology . . . I just hope it's more reliable than the Metrorail counterpart, the stupid signboards that say, helpfully (not), "TRAIN APPROACHING" and "TRAIN ARRIVING." I think there was an article on it in the Post in late August. Does it use GPS to track the buses?
Too bad about Taste being postponed. I agree, May is probably a nicer time of year for it -- warmer, for sure, and better for barbecuing -- but that was always a hallmark of Washington fall for me.
Chris
I hope its more reliable too. I had a little down time here at the office today, so I went onto the NextBus website and was watching the icons of the buses moving back and forth between Ballston and Farragut Square. It was intriguing for about 30 seconds. LOL. They must be using some sort of GPS system to keep track of the movements.
OOOOOOOHHH...moving icons on the site? Hook me up with the URL...I've GOTTA see this!
-F.
I was just kidding that it only intrigued me for 30 seconds. I had it on for awhile, but I got busy and had to minimize it for a long time. The website is www.nextbus.com. Once you're there, you can click on the section for real time schedules. It takes you automatically to a San Francisco Muni schedule, but click on route and it will bring up all the transit systems involved. For some reason, they Metrobus one is listed under Arlington (ART) VA, but its actually the Metrobus 38B.
It looks like a video game once the map and the little icons show up.
Have fun!!
Thanks; will do. Any other VA TAs there?
-F.
I saw Fairfax City in there for their "CUE" system.
I wish I had known about bike DC.
Wayne
www.waba.org.
Just curious if anyone else out there has played this game. Despite some shortcomings, I still think it's a very enjoyable game, giving the armchair planner a chance to build their own system. If you don't already know about it, you can click here for my article on it.
I just thought it would be nice to hear others experiences with the game, as well as the suggestions for making it better!
Thanks to a lightning-speed internet connection here at the University of Michigan, I download the demo of Traffic Giant onto campus computers (it gets erased when I log off) and play it all the time.
Unfortunately, the demo only lets you play for about 30 minutes (I lose track of time when I'm playing...) and limits some of the things you can do in the game.
Eventually, I plan on going out and buying the full game. It's very fun.
Among the shortcomings are:
- Cannot really make quantity purchases of vehicles
- Cannot number vehicles
- Only real description of vehicles is seating capacity I would like to see lengths
- Only one type of street (standard, two-lane surface street)
Among the things I really like:
- The streets in the towns are actually named, making it easier to track routes and more meaningful to lay them
I would be interested in reading the input of others!
Come to think of it, we computer-enabled transit enthusiats should come up with a "wish list" for the ultimate transit simulation game.
I, for one, would like to see a game which offers real types of vehicles, different types of operating conditions, and lets you set schedules and place garages/depots and select which ones operate which routes.
I saw this bus on Water St today. It was a Nova RTS#30618 with the NEW NY State Plates,New Coat of Paint,Have a sign on the left side of the bus,And have Slideing Back Doors!. It sounds like a Nova RTS from the MTA and got photos of it too! The headsign was showing "SOUTH ROUTE NYU","CAMPUS NYU","TRANSPORTATION NYU",And "SERVICE NYU".
Nice BUS!
Was it 40', or 30'? Anyway, considering that NYU has their own mini-mass transit system, that doesn't surprise me.
It was a Nova RTS#30618 with the NEW NY State Plates,New Coat of Paint,Have a sign on the left side of the bus,And have Slideing Back Doors!. It sounds like a Nova RTS from the MTA and got photos of it too!
For starters, the sliding back doors are more associated with NJ Transit's Novas than MTA. Also, from what you're describing with the curb side destination sign, I think this might actually be ex-Coach USA/HAML Corp 618, which operated on the Rutgers University shuttle system before Academy took it over this summer. Coach USA also operates the NYU shuttle service (I think it's operated by Red & Tan of Jersey City). Coach USA must have just tacked on the 30-prefix to the 618 fleet #.
30618 was one of the same buses which was used at Philadelphia International Airport this past summer. Over the course of the summer, I also spotted a couple of Nova LFS buses which were previously used at Foxwoods - the 5 digit number was a giveaway, as the PHL Airport LFS buses have 3 digits, ie. 201.
"I think this might actually be ex-Coach USA/HAML Corp 618, which operated on the Rutgers University shuttle system before Academy took it over this summer. Coach USA also operates the NYU shuttle service (I think it's operated by Red & Tan of Jersey City). Coach USA must have just tacked on the 30-prefix to the 618 fleet #."
It's not run by Red and Tan. I think Short Line do that service.
AND Can this be a Ex Rutgers Nova RTS? B/c the bus also have Windows that don't open and no rear route sign.
Some of Coach USA's ex-Rutgers RTS buses were purchased independently of NJ Transit. The NJT owned Novas were transferred over to Academy Express.
There are several differences between the two series of RTS buses which ran at Rutgers last year - as there are most likely differences between the NJT owned Novas and Academy owned Novas now in service at Rutgers. The Coach USA owned Novas which ran at Rutgers last year did not have the rear destination signs, while the NJT owned Novas obviously did.
I would be guessing it's a Ex Rutgers Nova RTS?
You guess correctly... =)
The other difference between them is the ones that were at Rutgers last year that are Coach USA have the Detroit Diesel Series 50 Engine.
The Novas Academy purchased are exactly the same as the NJT units, only difference is they have different seats in them.
It was on the M15 today. And It have 126 Decals on it. And got photos of it. Why that bus is doing in 126?
Carrying passengers.
I think that's not helping me enough. I asking why that bus is doing at 126? Why?
Because they need more buses.
Peace
David Justiniano
Oh OKAY!
#3485 had been at Hudson Pier. Because of route cutbacks at that depot due to the closed area downtown, Hudson probably doesn't need as many buses as usual, so some may be shifted to depots that need them. I'm guessing 126th Street may have added service to the M15 since it does go down to South Ferry while other normal routes can't get there.
126th Street Depot is the dumping ground for any of Hudson Pier's garbage. They should just spare the mechanics at 126 the effort of having to get these sh*tboxes in decent running condition and save the drivers the aggravation of driving them by backing buses like # 3485 right into the Hudson River.
I agree with you DHF60. The 3485 is a piece of $hit, along with those other 34--'s, I think they should all just die. They smell horrible in back!
Try the 3900s at QV. Rode 3990 on the Pike today and its suspension is so shot. Every bump in the road you feel and the pothoes-the whole bus shakes and then you feel like you're sinking to wherever you hit that hole.
3901 3906 4115 4329 4429 and a few other oldies were on the pike today. 4935's starter was messed up and 4940's Stop Requested sign didn't light up.
Seems like GMC's are lasting longer than the Novas.
#3990 Q46
The true red white and blue!
3990 was an East New York depot bus until not that long ago, which explains why the suspension is probably riding very hard. I think QV's other 3900s are in pretty good condition since I used to drive them a few years ago. I found the majority of them more than adequate. They are certainly in better condition than those 4214-4218 Mabstoa wrecks we got in at Jamaica depot. The 4100's at Jamaica ride a little better, but QV's 3900's are still the best of the 1985's.
BIG AL
My big question regarding these buses is why are we even driving them in the first place? I just returned from a week in Los Angeles and believe me they aren't running this kind of garbage. In fact LACMTA is in the midst of replacing it's oldest buses, which I believe date back to 1988, with CNG low floor NABI's. Why NYC Transit insists on keeping theses sh*tboxes on the road is beyond comprehension.
The new buses coming into the LACMTA fleet are largely for expansion. I'd be sure that some of the 267 1987-88 TMC RTS-06s will be removed as the new buses come in (although the 2500-2600 series Flxibles will probably go first) but the primary purpose of such a mass number of buses coming at once is to add service as mandated by the courts, not to replace older buses.
QV's 39--'s are good strong buses? You must be kidding. That's why I seen the 3950 & 3906 break down.. Not only that, they are slow as hell! The 49--'s are better I never seen one break down before. The only good GMC's at QV are the 7001-7037.
I said the 3900's are the best 1985 buses you will come across. Most are in pretty good condition, but I'm sure there are a few dogs in the group also. Yes, I've seen 3900's broken down. In fact, I've seen
every series and year of bus broken down one time or another. Old and new. So to say you saw 3950 & 3906 broken down really means nothing. I don't know about the 7000's. I've only driven 7002, and that was in the rodeao. But every operator I've spoken too say they are garbage. I'll admit, the 1985 buses should have been retired already and are past due, but the 3900's are not as bad as the 1983's or 1984's which have finally went out to pasture, more or less.
BIG AL
Every bus breaks down every once in a while in fact 4935 was having starter problems on Thursday. 4940 the stop requested sign would not light up. 4900 4908 4940 the rear suspension is shot. 4905's brakes sounds like a howling wolf. 4930 8374 and 9361 I saw broke down a few months ago.
9357 had her engine cover up last week.
Like I posted I rode 3990 on Thursday. The suspension on that bus was shot-hit every pothole and bump. That day I saw more GMC's out there than Novas. 3906 3990 4329 4429 and a few others.
3924 and 3950 has been scrapped-fraid to say.
More and more 3900s will be scrapped.
There are about 10 1984 GMC RTS left in NYC.
You still have 5 1982 RTS Suburbans, 1 local, 2270 and Remanufactures.
1983 RTS are phased out.
Oldest buses are 1981 RTS-Remanufactures and 2660.
#4937 Q46
Correction -
2270 is a 1981 RTS local - THE ONLY SURVIVING 1981 RTS in SERVICE
2660 is a 1982 RTS local - the ONLY LOCAL SURVIVING - the others are expresses.
Taking the X1 to Staten Island we were stopped by Guardsmen just before the Brooklyn Battery tunnel. Guardsmen boarded the bus (2 of them) and checked all pax ID's.
Idiots complained about it, one person "Hey this is the express bus we paid $3 for this ride. It aint the local with the creeps on it". All the compliants within in site of the over 6,000 people who gave their life for freedom. UGH this pisses me off but I digress.
At the first stop discharging passangers the driver let them off, closed the door and then walked the bus checking the seats and under them. I thought bus drivers needd to inspect the bus before and after the run. Is this something new??
Sounds like the b/o wanted to be sure that there were no box-cutters or other paraphenalia "accidentally" left behind.
This should be reassuring since three characters were stopped at an airport on 9/11 when they got upset that the line wasn't moving fast enough and their plane was going to depart late. Authorities think that these animals were part of the plan to hijack another plane.
Perhaps after the loudmouth flapped his gums the b/o wasn't taking any chances.
Lou be grateful to the driver, now you can put up with me on Sat in Branford.
Alan
was reading old stuff and decided that it dont matter and that ppl need 2 get over themselves here
wats more important, buses or life
Some of the alleged terrorists were living in S.I. Perhaps the FBI got a tip about a "suspect" and tracked him to the bus, and told the BO about it.
Taking the X1 to Staten Island we were stopped by Guardsmen just before the Brooklyn Battery tunnel. Guardsmen boarded the bus (2 of them) and checked all pax ID's.
Idiots complained about it, one person "Hey this is the express bus we paid $3 for this ride. It aint the local with the creeps on it". All the compliants within in site of the over 6,000 people who gave their life for freedom. UGH this pisses me off but I digress.
Well, in a way, I can't blame them for checking IDs. Judging by the location of where this happened, it would appear that it was near the restricted area.
We check our buses' interiors after every trip out here...to make sure there are no items that passengers may have left behind, whether it be contraband or just personal items of value that need to go to lost and found. We also look for any grafitti -- and if any is found, we radio it in, and many times someone will meet us at our next layover and remove it (or, the transit sheriff comes out and photo's it for their investigations....)
Since when are bus passengers required to carry ID?
Aren't we all as citizens required to carry some form of ID?
Idiots complained about it, one person "Hey this is the express bus we paid $3 for this ride. It aint the local with the creeps on it".
How foolish of the police to think that terrorists could afford the extra buck and a half.
>>> Taking the X1 to Staten Island we were stopped by Guardsmen just before the Brooklyn Battery tunnel. Guardsmen boarded the bus (2 of them) and checked all pax ID's. <<<
An example of the paranoia that has resulted from the terrorist attack. Were these guardsmen working with a watch list that they checked the IDs against? If not what was the purpose of the check? There is no requirement in this country that we carry ID of any sort with us while riding public transportation, and certainly no particular ID that would identify a terrorist.
Tom
The X1 runs on Sundays?
Sorry to revive an 11-month-old thread; there's a related article in the August, 2002 Metro:
Supreme Court rules in favor of bus searches
I'm sure we'll all be reviving many 12-month old posts very soon. Good post.
Will be in the city soon. Am looking for the quickest and cheapest ways to get from laguardia to jfk to make connecting flight. Would appreciate any suggestions.
There are Bus Shuttles from one airport to the other,probably the cheapest and the fastest
Your other optiion is taking a yellow Taxi,i dont trust them ,at all !!!!
Then you have the buses and Subways
Q33 or Q47 at the Airport
to the Subway at 74 st Street IND Station
---take this to Kew Gardens Station
Q10 to the Airport
Hey... did u post this question airliners.net as well? I remeber seeing a post very similar. I actually gave the long response with the best ways (on the site).
Good luck.
According to the JFK website, New York Airport Service Express Bus
(718-875-8200) operates between JFK and LGA every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10 PM. The fare is $11 and the trip is estimated to take
45 minutes. The public bus/subway routing FDNY suggests is cheaper but, as he indicates, takes a long time.
The absolute cheapest way -- it will take a very long time -- is the M60 bus to St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan, the A to Howard Beach, and the free shuttle bus to JFK. Or take the Q33 to the last stop, the E to 42nd or the F to Jay, the A to Howard Beach, and the shuttle bus. Or, on weekdays, take the Q33 to the last stop, the G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn (if an E/F pulls in first at Roosevelt, take it one stop and change there to the G), the A to Howard Beach, and the shuttle bus. (All these subway-subway transfers happen to be across the platform.)
This will cost you $1.50 with a MetroCard.
Unless you have a lot of time to kill, spend the $3.00 and avoid snaking through Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Does JA, M.J. Quill, and UP ever use their suburbans on regular routes?
Yes, all the time.
David
The M30 is a perfect example from Quill.
B1, B3, B4, B64, B74 all run Suburbans from UP.
Robert
Ulmer Park uses the suburbans on the b1, B3,B4,B36,B64 and b74. the seats are allready getting cut up. great choice UP
Ulmer Park (or any other NYCT depot) can only use the equipment it's given. There's a central area within the Department of Buses that decides what buses go where. Since there aren't enough local buses to go around and Ulmer Park already had standard-size express buses on the property (they were recently excessed from express service by the arrival of MCIs), designated standard-size express buses were reassigned to local service. Are they right for this service? Of course not, and it shows, especially on busy routes. But it's better to have a soft-seater show up than nothing. Eventually this situation will be ironed out, whether through buying new buses, re-seating these, or a combination.
By the way, having ridden a 9300-series ex-express bus recently in local service on the B1, I can suggest that the situation wouldn't be so dire if people would reserve seats for people and laps for backpacks, and if they would move to the back to stand if they can't find a seat.
David
Ulmer Park was SUPPOSED to get #9300's from FLA Following the move of the 5000's that UP had(#5075-#5099). Is FLA EVER sending the 9300's to UP or is UP getting #7500-#7510 from FLA?
What was "supposed" to happen, was "supposed" to happen only according to bus fans. The 5000s were transferred from Ulmer Park to Flatbush because they have transmissions made by ZF, matching those of the 5000s that were already in Flatbush. The Department of Buses did not intend to exchange those buses for 9300s/9400s, and, as we can see, it didn't happen.
David
Also, JAM 1996 RTS Suburbans on the Q42 on the weekdays.
--Cleanairbus
QV Orion5 Suburbans have been on the Q46,Q75,Q79,Q2,Q30,and Q31.
CS Orion5 Suburbans are on Q32 and Q74 everyday besides the X51 and every 2nd or 3rd Bus on Q74 is a Orion5 Suburbans. And Every 15-20 Minutes on the Q32 is a Orion5 Suburban.
QV Nova RTS Suburbans was on Q79 for awile when QV got some UP Buses.
JAM Nova RTS Suburbans have been on Q42 and Q17.
MJQ Nova RTS Suburbans are on M30 nearly everytime. If MJQ get's to run Q32, They might run those buses on there.
Thank You for the info. The strange thing about QV is that I never saw a Nova Suburban on any of its local routes, I'm guessing they want to keep these buses in good condition.
Q46 Orion#618
Q10 Orion#5521
The Q44, Q76, and Q12 would be good routes to have them. I know Brooklyn can't fit Artics in its small streets, except the B41 on Flatbush Av. Will Queens be without Artics because of it small streets?
It's not true that articulated buses can't fit on the streets of Brooklyn and Queens. They're the same width as standard buses, 102". As to turning radius, since they're actually a 35' front hooked to a 25' rear, they turn more easily than a 40' standard bus.
As to whether they're eventually going to be assigned to Brooklyn and Queens, that's the plan (Brooklyn, at least), though plans are always subject to change.
David
If the MTA doesn't run out of money, there's nothing stopping the artics from coming to Queens. The only problem is that NYCDOT is going to have issues extending bus stops in areas like Flushing and Queensboro Plaza.
Queens is suppose to see Artics when Brooklyn see them as well. In 2003-2005, Artics will be on the B41, B44 and maybe the B46. In Queens, the Q4, Q5, Q12, Q43, Q44, Q46, Q85. These are possbilities BUT more than likely, the Brooklyn routes are definite but the Queens routes....maybe the Q5, Q12 and Q43 or Q44. However, after what hsa happened, I do not think it is the MTA's bigges concern now.
Ray
USA all the Way!!!
For the 10th or 11th time now, Queens will not be seeing any Artics anytime in the forseeable future, with the exception of MAYBE the Q44 and Q20 which are Casey Stengel depot lines. There will be no artics at all for the Q4, Q5, Q84 & Q85, since these are Jamaica Depot lines and an Artic would not be able to fit into the depot considering it's small cramped state. A new depot will not be built for AT LEAST another 5 years, if one is even built at all, so until then, NO ARTICS. Get it! N-O A-R-T-I-C-S. Even when or if the new depot get's built, there has been no talk that it would get any artics. CNG low floor buses would be the most likely bus to come to the new Jamaica depot. There has also been ABSOLUTELY NO TALK of QV depot geting any artics either, so don't look for them on the Q43 of Q46 either any time in the near future.
BIG AL
P.S. NO ARTICS FOR SE QUEENS!!!
Well excuse the @#$%%@&&%% out of me....AL! I did not mean to upset you. After all, it's not like I made it up. I got a source in Brooklyn who told me this BUT I can not reveal that person's name. Now, you may not buy that but it's true! Maybe the Jamaica Depot will not see no artics but maybe when they build a depot Jamaica Depot, they might! Besides, the MTA can change.....you know it and I know it! Maybe I'm wrong...maybe you are wrong...maybe we are both wrong. Let's leave at that.....for now!
Ray
USA all the way!
Queens WILL see articulated buses, not in the near future but yes Queens is slated. Casey Stengel is the planned Articulated depot for the Queens Division.
No, Jamaica never see a artic..........
Regards,
Okay, so at least I got that part right about Queens getting artics. My mistake about named Jamaica. Thank you, Trevor.
Ray
USA all the way
For mta1765: Actually, I didn't mean to sound like I had an attitude about what I typed. I am only trying to instill that Queens, especially S.E. which covers Jamaica & QV depots will not be getting any artics in the near future. I worded it the way I did, because this same question keeps getting asked over and over on the board. I did say that it is possible, although unlikely that the new Jamaica depot could see them eventually, but plans the new depot seems to have fizzeled out over the last few months, making artics even more unlikely in the forseable future.
For Trevor: Yes, I also typed that there has been talk about putting them on the Q44/20 line. Meaning that Casey Stengel depot may see them although I wouldn't say the near future either. I heard they would ONLY run on those lines and Trevor, you know I have very good sources also, since I work for this outfit. However, their getting artics is still not set in stone either and plans always change. Also, another point. Casey Stengel is one depot that is very particular about it's work. Articulated buses cut the amount of work in a depot, since they carry more people. The operators and the union will probably balk at getting them in, which could cause them to wind up going elsewhere. Casey Stengel turns down alot of picks because they don't like the schedules or the runs, and losing runs to artics would be no different. Believe me, unlike Jamaica & QV, when that depot crys about something, it almost always get it's way.
BIG AL
I also heard that the Q12 and Q27 routes were in consideration for Artics if and only if CS gets them. How true is this?
#561 Q12
#301 Q27
I would say not true at all.
BIG AL
No problem, BIG AL! It just dawned on me that you and I work for Transitalk.com. E-mail me sometime.
Ray
USA all the way!
IF the B41 and B44 are slated for artics, you best believe that the B46 will get them as well......
ALL Q46 and SOME Q74 Run's should run Artics b/c it's MORE PROBLEMS with 40 Foot Buses and it's get's overloaded on Q46. The Q74 at Rush Hour have seats takein from the first stop and people broad at the Court House Stop find a FEW Seats left and alot have to stand up.(UNLESS END UP PUTTING A MCI ON Q74 MIGHT BE BETTER IDEA!)
An Artic on the Q74?? Now i've heard everything.
NYCT's loading guidelines call for standees on local routes during rush hour, especially on "feeder" routes. Most NYCT routes in Queens are "feeders," meaning that they start/end at a location where most of the riders are going (such as Jamaica Center). Therefore, the fact that there are standees on a local route during rush hour does not signal the need for articulated buses. (And yes, I realize that express coaches often make their way to the Q74 -- that doesn't make it an express route.)
David
Passengers pay for a RIDE on NYCT buses and trains. SEATS are not guaranteed. Commuter railroads and commuter bus schedules are based on seat availibility.
Apparently, Santa is offering early stocking-stuffers! Jamaica Depot RTS #4214 and Casey Stengel Depot hardseat Orion #521 are parked on pull-out tracks, but both still have their former depot logos. Anyone know if these new gifts are ours to keep?
You call that Orion a gift? Sounds more like a lump of coal to me. ;-)
Hopefully the Orions will perform better after they are all repowered.
which one is the worst piece of garbage.
To answer your question and give an editorial on the condition of those buses, there appears to be a swap in Jamaica on the Q44/20 route. Perhaps 521 had some sort of mechanical problems, so it was sent to JAM and 4214 took its place. It's a fairly common occurance and it is temporary.
For those who don't know the answers to a particular question, keep you editorial comments to yourself. It makes things on this board go a lot easier.
Mark
Here's 1: When I got off 9355 today on the Q31, going towards Jamaica, I saw a GMC RTS arriving. As I crossed the street, I saw the bus getting closer. Thinking it was a 3900, 4045 or a 4100 series, I was wrong. It was 4214 from Jamaica Depot on the Q31. What was this about? Is QV getting 4214-4218 from Jamaica?
#4214 Q31
Also 3848 from JBL going towards Hillside Ave on 164 St and 84 Ave-
been seeing lots of weird buses in weird places lately.
Yeah. On Saturday, I saw a NYCB RTS from Jamaica, and GBL 719 and 720 on Kissena Blvd in front of QC. Yesterday, I saw 5503 and 719 going southbound on Parsons in the mid-70's.
I saw some exp buses on 23rd Street (BM4) singned "All Stops" instead of the usual "Express" What does that mean?
Arti
It means that the bus makes all Manhattan stops (Downtown and Midtown), compared to downtown only stops on some buses that stop in the Wall Street area...
But after what happened, "all stops" means all Midtown stops from 23rd to 57th/1st Av.
--Cleanairbus
All Stops refers to all Downtown and Midtown stops. Command has some Super Express runs that service only downtown and only Midtown during rush hour. Command does currently service downtown via Water Street and Pearl Street. I believe the downtown (detour) route is the same for NYCT, QS, Triboro and Liberty.
Peace,
Kevin
Anybody else notice that a number of the flags affixed to the right side windows are backwards (stars on the upper right instead of left)?
The left side ones seem all OK.
Though it isn't proper flag etiquette, I think a lot of the agencies putting flags on buses are trying to make them look like they are flying in the breeze though they are just decals....so they put the field of stars to the front on the right side of buses.
It's an absolute disgrace. There are two sets of flag decals, one for the left side and one for the right. Care should be taken to ensure that the decals are properly displayed. It doesn't come as a big surprise however- maintenance shows the same lack of concern when they 'repair' buses.
Please call the Bus Customer Relations Center at 1-888-692-8287 Monday through Friday between 7AM and 5PM to register your disgust.
Thank you.
It's not only the MTA Buses but it's the DOT Buses too. I saw it on a Jamaica Bus this morning-575 and 605 I know for a fact have the flag that way. The plus is that buses 7017 and 9367 have the flag the correct way. Now I see the flags going on the QSC Buses-saw 498 and 917 supporting them today on the QM1.
#9367 Q46
The True Red White and Blue!
How many times can a bus go thru the wash till the flag starts peeling off?
In the case of NYCT buses, I'd say lots...the flag's been pasted to the INSIDE of the window!
David
Maybe certain depots are pasting them to the inside, but Jamaica depot buses have the flags pasted on the outside and I believe QV's buses are pasted on the outside also. The flags seems to be very sturdy and should last along time, like the type of decals some automobile manufactuers use on their cars. However, I'm also a little insulted at seeing a backward flag on alot of the buses. I suspect these flags were made from a run off a computer and printer, and somebody made a mistake and printed the image backwards, causing the flags to be printed the same way. This is like developing a picture when the negative is put in the developer backwards. Nobody probably noticed until a great deal of flags were printed up. (Again, this is only my opinion and may not be the actual cause.) Transit should be more sympathetic at this terrible time and not put these incorrect flags on the buses.
BIG AL
Here are a few buses that I've seen with the backward flag:
TA Buses: 298, 5202, 668
Triboro: 2805
Jamaica: 575, 605
Lots more to come I'm afraid-I'll write down the numbers of more with the (sdrawkcab galf ASU) when I see them.
At least QSC hasn't had any backward flags to my knowledge. All the omnes I've seen so afr are the correct way. :) Rode 403 this morning on the Q104 and her flag was the correct way.
#403 Q104 The True Red White and Blue.
I wouldn't bother writing down the numbers of all the buses you see with backwards flags. You might be better writing down the numbers of the buses with the correct flags. It seems to me there are more backward flag buses then correct flag buses, at least in Jamaica and QV depots anyway. I noticed today for the first time that backward flags were on the front of the JBL buses also. The backward flags would have been better if they were pasted on the inside of the window, then it would appear correct when seen from the outside.
BIG AL
For the first time, I saw a wrong-way flag from the inside (which, on the inside, looked as if correct). 1054.
4324 here.
#4324 Q46
The True Red White and Blue
I did notice that EVERY bus that I've seen out of ENY Depot has the backwards flag. Maybe it's just a depot thing.
Nah, there are a couple with the flag in its correct position. BTW, yesterday I was on the corner of Fulton and Smith when 9160 on the B38 pulled up. This bus had the correct flag. I went up to the flag to see if it was on the outside and sure enough, the flag was stuck on the outside of the window.
B38#9160Mike
I wonder if any agency has considered making the flag part of it's color scheme. WMATA has flag as part of it's color scheme (both old and new). In addition to this they will mount small flags (not decals) on the buses on Independence Day and they also did it right after the terrorist attacks. The flags don't last long because of the bus washers and trees, but I enjoy seeing them.
Wayne
On my way home, I spotted MBSA Orion 393 headed northbound to Port Jeff. I did hear that the LIRR were testing the Ronkonkona-Greenport trackage. I wonder how long it wil be going on. Meanwhile, this Orion was nice. All LEDs in the rear with two directional on each side. I always liked the Nassau County spec buses better anyway, but only on ST can you get a soft seat.
393? I thought the highest order was 359.
May have been 593. Its an older Orion diesel.
She flashed by me going northbound, so the number may be incorrect. I think she's a CNG bus.
She flashed by me going nothbound, so the number may be incorrect. I do regret the error.
Flashed by you? Now that couldn't be a Gillig for sure.....LOL!
Too bad those LI Bus RTS's aren't around anymore.
BTW, I saw 303 today along with Gillig 536 on the LIE. Perhaps it was 303 that you saw.
THERE IS NO ORION 393!! It only goes up to #354. Must be the wrong number. Unless this is a 2001 model.
Was already corrected in another post. Also, 359 might be the highest. I saw 358 once.
I've seen 359 on the N21 in Flu-shing. That's the highest #.
#359 N21 LI Buses: The official colors of the NY Mets.
I did say that since the bus went by me going northbound in a flash, the number may be incorrect. Once again, I regret the error.
I didn't think the 300s went that high, the highest # is somewhere in the 350s I think. BTW buses replace trains on thE Port jefferson branch between 10am and 3pm weekdays, which probably explains the LI Bus sightings out your way.
Do any of you guy's know if GrayLine are going to remove the Twin Tower's vinyl's from their Open Top sightseeing fleet.
I hope they keep them on, but if it was too upsetting for bereaved families to see the image of the WTC then I would understand.
I don't think anybody has made any decisions yet. If it is done it will be done very quietly.
The NY Mets scoreboard at Shea Stadium has a skyline of New York at the very top. For the last few games they put a red white and blue ribbon over the two buildings.
FWIW I hope they leave the buildings on there so that we should never forget what happened.
I got a chance to ride in my partner's bus today. Her assigned bus is the E350 gas, but since the passenger load was heavy today, she got the E450 diesel. This one is ADA compliant and she seats 12. The interior is so much better than the gas version. Grab handles are everywhere, the a/c is much better and all the running lights are LEDs. Mine is a GMC 3500 10 seater. Not exactly glamorous, but the V8 has plenty of punch. When I get more experienced with my routes, I may get a E450D as my assigned vehicle.
Man, you must be driving for a pretty crappy transit system if you are excited about getting Ford E-series and GM 3500-series trucks as buses!
The GMCs are vans we drive when our buses are away for maintenance or if a route is very hilly and narrow. The vans are more nimble in those areas than the E450s.
For the record, we have a small fleet and a small yard. We do not operate 40 foot RTS buses, Orions, MCIs, or New Flyers. To put it in simpler words, this is a para-transit operation. If you hate E450s so much, that's fine. But please don't condemn my company for owning & operating them. Thank you.
Very cool. How's the diesel compare on acceleration/torque?
What transit system do you drive for? What manufacture of bus are these?
C
The gas E350 has the better acceleration. The diesel is not jackrabbit fast, but all that torque down low gets it off the line in a hurry. The Powerstoke is very noisy, but it's bearable. All of the bus bodies are made by Coach & Equipment. If you see a ST mini bus, they has the same body.
I drive for the Brookhaven jitney. We transport senior citizens to shopping, to medical appointments, etc. The E450s are used mostly for the medical routes because some of the people we pick up are in wheelchairs. It's possible for them to show up on my route, depending on what mood the dispatcher is in. We have assigned buses that we drive every day unless they go away for maintenance so we may get a van instead.
Cool! Sounds like a neat job. I'm personally a big fan of shuttle/"cutaway" style buses, although most on this board don't seem to share my affection for them . . . "they're not 'real buses'!" ;).
I think diesel's usually a better choice for buses operated under a demanding duty cycle, but it sounds like gas works equally well for you guys.
Thanks for reporting!
C
I have noticed at least one BTer that is not a fan of diesel mini buses. What they fail to understand is that a 12 seater bus suits us just fine. We don't need a 30 foot or a 40 foot bus. Can't please everyone I guess.
Or look at it this way. It's a chance for me to eventually drive a big bus. But for now, I have to start out on the ground floor.
Since I will be off the board until Friday morning I would like to wish all of you an easy fast.
May you all be sealed in the book of life for another year.
L'shana Tovah
The APTA International Bus Roadeo is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. I believe it starts at around 7:00am. I might try and go if and when I get more details about the event, which have been few and far between.
I'LL BE THERE WITH BELLS ON
Regards,
Bells?!
Wassup with the bells?!
Just curious.
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
The True Red White and Blue
Um, you've never heard that saying before?
Regards,
Fraid that I haven't.
#951 Amtrak AEM-7
The True Red White and Blue
Once upon a time SEPTA had decent buses. During my life time, in the 80's and early 90's, they had RTSs and Neoplans. Pretty good buses, and I always thought they were high quality. (How wide are the RTSs by the way?) Next, they got Ikarus Americans, not a good choice, and also got those Ford Cutaways, a really bad choice (personally, I believe they are the worse buses in the fleet-ugh!) But then, SEPTA wised up and got Neoplan articulateds and El Dorados (I know they wanted Metrotrans buses, but I'm glad that the Dorados got the order, even though Metrotrans went through an unfortunate downfall), and are in the process of getting New Flyers. So, back to being good right?
Well, that would be true, if they weren't thinking about getting Orion VIIs. Now, I would've though, "Hey, SEPTA would never even THINK about getting those buses!" However, Orion VIIs are on the list, and that just revolts me. SEPTA and Orion together? Doesn't work, particularly since they are getting the worse model of the bunch, the one that fell apart on the "shaker table" Yes, I know they changed and modified it, but well, i'm still uncertain about he quality. So, anyway, if they do (which will make me lose faith in SEPTA for a good long time) at least they'll have something to match the New Flyers.
Anyway, any idea when I should expect to see low floor buses running in the city and hopefully on the L?
Orion VIIs??? SEPTA??? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Well, the NABIs are the most decent bus in the fleet nowadays, at least to me...they aren't the best NABIs, but they are close to decent. I like the ElDorados, but they are not my favorite, since I do not always like any buses with a shorter-than-40-foot lenght...
--Cleanairbus
I'm sure it was probably just a sales call. Besides, it's possible that the Orion VII bus was just at 1234 Market before it went to the APTA Roadeo this weekend.
After I saw a pic of the Orion 7, I think that "coyote ugly" bus should POSITIVELY, ABSOLUTELY, NEVER be caught on a Philly street. If I see one in SEPTA colors, I`ll personally burn the damn thing to a crisp (after evacuating all of the passengers and driver, of course.No human should be seen on that fugly bus!).
How do you think we in Manhattan and The Bronx feel? According to AFB's reports, there are anywhere from 250 to 300 of those things coming our way, all to force out the RTSs that've held down this side of the country for years. It doesen't look good.
I agree completely! SEPTA is too good for that bus!
Well, not to fear. SEPTA has apparently decided not to go with the Orion VII after all. There is, however, an option for 100 additional New Flyer D40LFs depending on how the current order goes.
I hope they get Orion5's to replace those Garbage Neoplans!
I hope they get Orion5's to replace those Garbage Neoplans!
Those garbage Neoplans. Those garbage Neoplans. DO YOU THINK BEFORE YOU MAKE THESE POSTS?!
-
Will someone set this guy straight? I am no expert on SEPTA's fleet, but I sincerely doubt that SEPTA's 1000+ Neoplans have been anything but reliable workhorses for some time now. Sure, we all know they had some problems at the beginning, but for the last ten years at least, it seems to me that SEPTA's Neoplans have given nothing short of a stellar performance in SEPTA's oft-demanding service.
Like 'em or not, Neoplans are tough buses. They are far from perfect, but they have taken beatings at work for heavy systems from coast-to-coast, and they hold their own with the RTS when it comes to reliable service even late in their careers.
I refuse to believe that SEPTA's Neoplans are garbage; I just don't have the kind of info to back it up that some others here do. Will someone please refute this person's senseless post with some facts?
Thanks
Here's one. The oldest Neolans are still running after 16 years of city and suburban service, and they still look pretty good. Also, if those Neoplans were EVER replaced by Orion Vs, I will personally beat the person who made that decision.
Well, I probably wouldn't beat the person, but i would be very annoyed.
I refuse to believe that SEPTA's Neoplans are garbage; I just don't have the kind of info to back it up that some others here do. Will someone please refute this person's senseless post with some facts?
From 1982-1989, SEPTA purchased a total of 1,092 buses from Neoplan USA Corp. From 1989 to early 1996 - prior to the arrival of the NABIs - SEPTA was almost an entirely Neoplan fleet, with the exception of 298 GMC RTS-III buses (285 40 ft; 13 35 ft) built in 1980, 50 Volvo B-10m artics, and 1 Volvo B-10m 40 ft bus (built to RIPTA specs - #8590, which was since donated to a bus museum in Hershey). Out of a total of 1,441 buses on SEPTA property around 1990 (this number may be off slightly if buses were scrapped due to accidents), almost 75 percent of all SEPTA buses were built by Neoplan.
In 1980, SEPTA's first brand new buses since the 30 ft Flxibles of 1976 (#1157-1161) - the RTS-III slopebacks - arrived. There were 265 T8W-603 coaches (8000-8264) assigned primarily to Germantown, Allegheny, and Callowhill; 20 T8J-603 coaches (8265-8284) assigned to Red Arrow; and 13 T7W-603 (4458-4470) coaches which split time between the City (Luzerne) and Suburban (Red Arrow and Frontier). The T7W/T8W -603s had the 6V71 engines, while the T8J-603s had the 6V92 engines. As I recall, the Luminator signs on the RTS buses were retrofit on these buses as part of the first overhaul in the mid-1980s, which replaced the roll signs that were originally installed. All RTS buses were equipped with a wheelchair lift. Most of the RTS fleet was retired by 1995-96.
In 1982, the first of the Neoplans arrived at SEPTA, breaking a long string of orders from GM and Flxible. The AK series (8285-8434) were wheelchair accessible, however, these would be the last w/c accessible buses until the 1988 order. 8411-8434 were soft seat buses for use on the Frontier (then known as Norristown or West Norriton Depot) and Red Arrow (Victory Depot). These buses were out of service by 1996.
The 1983 Neoplan order was part of the PennDOT state-wide order. The BD series (8435-8584) lasted, for the most part, into late 1997, with a handful of BDs assigned to Frankford lasting into the later part of 2000. 8562-8584 were the suburban soft-seat models.
Both the AK and BD series had a 6V92TA engine with an Allison HT755 transmission. The HT755 transmission had a toggle switch instead of a keypad now commonly used on all buses with an Allison.
The 1984 Neoplan order was really two orders. The BM series (8601-8725) were 40-ft buses, while the BP order (1301-1325) were 35-ft buses. 8698-8725 are the Suburban soft-seaters in this series. There are about 40 of these buses remaining as many were retired upon the arrival of the Neoplan artics and ElDorados. The rest of the BMs are expected to be gone by early next year, when the New Flyers arrive. The BPs were taken off the roster earlier this year upon the arrival of the ElDorados. However, 1320 is still in good working order as it recently passed it's inspection. Depending on how well it is maintained, 1320 could remain in service until April 2002 (when the inspection expires again).
The 1985 Neoplan order was the last to be numbered in the 8000s. The Neoplan CDs (8726-8875) were also the last 40-ft Neoplans to be built with an Allison transmission. 8851-8875 are the suburban coaches in this series; about 90 of these buses remain. They could all be retired by the end of 2002, when the second batch of New Flyers arrive.
The BM, BP, and CD series coaches were all equipped with the 6V92TA and Allison V730 powertrain.
The 1986 DKs (3000-3131) were the first SEPTA Neos to be equipped with the ZF 5HP590 transmission (I think it's that model). 3117-3131 are the suburban coaches with 3122-3131 being equipped with rear destination signs, which do not work presently.
The 1987 EBs (3132-3251) were the last SEPTA buses not to be equipped with wheelchair lifts. 3237-3251 are the suburban coaches.
The 1988 EIs (3252-3371) and 1989 EZs (3372-3491) were the last Neoplan 40 ft buses to be built for SEPTA. 3357-3371 and 3450-3479 are the suburban coaches, most of which have since been assigned to city garages.
Of the 1092 Neoplans bought between 1982-1989, approximately 700 are still in active service, however that number is expected to decline as the New Flyers are brought into service. Some 1984 and 1985 buses are still operating in revenue serivce, but may be retired by the end of the year.
For buses which have served Philadelphia for nearly 14-20 years, I wouldn't really call them garbage.
oh
You`re right. If those NEOPLANs lasted at least 14 years on Philly streets, then they weren't junk at all. Those NEOPLANS were the workhorses of the fleet, and the remainder will still be working for years to come. And another thing, back in the summer, these old farts still had a/c's that chilled the bus to freezing levels. That`s more than I could say about 14 yr old Flx's and RTS's. Let`s hope the NABI's and Flyers last that long on Philly streets.
Now I would love to see some NEOPLAN low-floors here in Philly. I saw the Pittsburgh buses(in photos) and thought they were cool. At least the artics will keep the NEOPLAN name in Philly.
Finally!
Someone else who like Neoplan Transliners -and- low floors!
I have a feeling that SEPTA will return to Neoplan for 40 foot buses, standard floor and low floor. Pittsburgh's Neoplans are very nice buses, and despite major problems at the beginning, have turned out to be pretty reliable.
I hope so. I think SEPTA should really get some more suburbans to replace the older ones. Except for the cutaways, the post Neoplan AN440 orders all had hard seats. Anyway, I love Neoplans, at least the ones I have ridden. Hopefully some Neoplan low floors will appear on Philly streets in the near future.
(zf4hp490)4 speed
But then, SEPTA wised up and got Neoplan articulateds and El Dorados (I know they wanted Metrotrans buses, but I'm glad that the Dorados got the order, even though Metrotrans went through an unfortunate downfall), and are in the process of getting New Flyers. So, back to being good right?
The Metrotrans buses were - quite frankly - pieces of shit. I'm happy that they went out of business so SEPTA riders wouldn't have to suffer. There were a whole punch list of problems with those buses; once while testing on the 107 in Clifton Hts, the tires blew out (or at least that was the story). The ride quality, as I recall, was horrible. I'm sure some at SEPTA were rooting for Metrotrans to go under.
Well, that would be true, if they weren't thinking about getting Orion VIIs. Now, I would've though, "Hey, SEPTA would never even THINK about getting those buses!" However, Orion VIIs are on the list, and that just revolts me. SEPTA and Orion together? Doesn't work, particularly since they are getting the worse model of the bunch, the one that fell apart on the "shaker table".
If you're referring to the tidbit at my web site, then I should point out that the item was sent from a public terminal at the Free Library of Philadelphia and without a name, so I don't think it was one of my regular contacts. That said, it wouldn't shock me to see SEPTA consider these junkers, but why would they when they're about to get 200-300 New Flyer low floors?
Yes, I know they changed and modified it, but well, i'm still uncertain about he quality. So, anyway, if they do (which will make me lose faith in SEPTA for a good long time) at least they'll have something to match the New Flyers.
I doubt that will happen. We'll have to wait and see what SEPTA does.
Anyway, any idea when I should expect to see low floor buses running in the city and hopefully on the L?
The first batch are due to arrive later this fall, probably around November. They will be used on the 17 out of Southern, the 21, 38, and 42 from Callowhill, and at Red Arrow, probably on the 104, 109, and 113. Nothing, however, is set in stone (when the NABIs arrived at Red Arrow, they were first used on the 124/125; the 104 was actually the last Red Arrow route to see the new buses on a regular basis). I wouldn't expect to see the low floors on the L bus until next year, when the second batch of buses arrive and are assigned to Midvale.
Will there be any of the Flyers in the Northeast? They need them up there since it is "Medicare City" in those neighborhoods.
Probably in the second batch in 2002. The first batch will go to Southern, Callowhill, and Red Arrow. I'm surprised that Comly isn't getting them in the first batch, since they have a lot of 1984-85 Neoplans ready for the scrap yard. But SEPTA works in bizarre ways...
Do you think they'd probably be running on the L, since that is a wheelchair bus route? (at least I think so)
Probably when Midvale gets their low floors in the second batch. It was only within the past year or so that NABIs began popping up on the L bus, though I think part of that reason was the detour onto Germantown Avenue.
I have a question for those who feel that the World Trade Center should be rebuilt EXACTLY as it was.
Knowing that terrorism is FAR from being wiped out, would YOU or YOUR FAMILY want to work on the 110th floor of the new towers?
I'm asking this because I'm getting a little fed up about the media's focus on "the gaping hole in the skyline".
Let's not forget that over 6000 people died in these so-called great towers. The fact is, like Donald Trump said, that these buildings were not that great in architecture. They only became great after their collapse. And that's "the Donald" speaking.
What I'm getting tired of hearing is people acting like the building falling is more important than the crime involved. People acting like they lost a best friend, not in the victims, but in the towers. Wake up. The towers felt NOTHING as they collapsed. The people did. The towers were not human. Most people who say that they miss seeing the towers on the ride into the city probably never looked at them once before this all happened.
It seems that a lot of people are walking around with this stereotypical high school jock/frat boy attitude of "we'll show 'em". Until you don't take care of the problem, you are not proving anything to anybody. These are not a bunch of drunken 15 or 20 year olds at a wild house party. These are grown men with an evil agenda. If you don't eliminated that evil, and you build towers that are just as tall as the old ones or even taller, you are setting us up for another tragedy. Actually, if you could find the people would be willing to work in those towers I would be shocked. If people are afraid to take trains and planes, how are you going to convince them to work there? And please don't say that by the time they finish these "new towers" that terrorism will be eliminated. This will be a prolonged war against a new enemy. Someone on this board put it accurately: we are fighting a war with shadows.
And that is my two cents.
Well said, and thanks for sharing your opinion. I agree with you that the towers should not be rebuilt as they were, but I feel it inevitable that something will be built on that site, if only for the simple economic reason that it's primo real estate in lower Manhattan. And I support several lower towers and a memorial for the thousands who lost their lives on that site.
C
I had to go and check out a hotel in White Plains this afternoon. Used the #20 (Bus #648) out of Beford Pk to get there. Those MANs seem to be durable, but are noisy, tiresome, and sometimes slow. Came back using the #1W to 242nd St to get the 1 train. The Orion V (Bus #468) is a big improvement over the previous bus. Faster, and more solidly built than even its NYCT bretheren. The problem: the seats are like those on the 1999 RTS (#4900-5249). And I had to squeeze myself in all the way down to VCP.
any word on the artic at 126 st. depot
For the last time, the 140 Option order of which 126th will see 71 of them is slated for 2002.
Good Day!
Regards,
Do you have any idea when in 2002? Early, middle, or late? A memo was just posted at the depot telling drivers that training on the articulated is mandatory and unless people begin volunteering the Authority will schedule people for training at it's convenience.
Do not worry, my friend. They will come. My friend told me that they will get here next year. it's possible that after what has happened....it could be delayed.
Ray
USA all the way!
October 2002 was the last date I heard, unless they changed that to a earlier date.
Regards,
October of 2002 sounds like it could be an accurate date. Yesterday I spoke to one of the dispatchers assigned to conduct driver training on the articulated and he said that New Flyer won't start production of the order until sometime next year. When I toured Novabus's RTS plant in Roswell New Mexico a few years back they informed me that it takes 4 weeks to build an RTS from start to finish. I imagine that an articulated takes even longer to build so it will probably take most of next year to build the order. In addition, 126th Street Depot's fuel stations have to be reconfigured in order to accomodate the articulated. Presently when an articulated pulls into the depot it has to have the farebox vacuumned first and then it has to be pulled up a second time in order for it to be refueled and have engine fluids checked. This is a time consuming process and causes delays in pulling in.
The M15 is the perfect line for the articulated but unfortunately the M15 comes out of cramped antiquated facility that is really ill equipped to handle a large number of articulated buses. It wouldn't totally surprise me if after all is said and done that the TA abandons it's plans to make 126th Street an articulated depot.
Rode the #5 train from 3 Av/149th St to 125th St. Walked to the Metro-North and at 2:44pm, hopped on a Stamford express...
Got to Stamford at about 3:15pm. Saw a couple of Scania buses and an MCI Classic. I even spotted a Peter Pan J4500 Cruiser at the station. Looks very sharp...It took about 15 munites of waiting before I saw a Nova Classic for the first time up close, and I was shocked to hear them with a Detroit Diesel series 50 engine...
They are not so bad, except for the rear...the rear looks too bulky with the A/C area sticking out of the rear...if they wanted such a bulky HVAC unit, they should have put it on the top, make it a roof-mounted AC unit...
Anyway, I walked around the town and spotteded the I-bus. Ate something and saw more Nova Classics, mostly on the A, B, G, and K lines...
Rode the I-bus to White Plains and appened to bump into a Transport of Rocklan D4500 Cruiser, and it happened to pick up a wheelchair passenger. I saw the lift and all...very nice...
Then, I rode a Harlem Line express to Fordham, then rode the Bx55 to the HUB and went home...
Boy, those Scanias gave me the scare of my life! I will never ever ride them things...I don't care HOW good they are...well, that's about it from my mouth. Until next time...
--Cleanairbus
[Boy, those Scanias gave me the scare of my life! I will never ever ride them things...I don't care HOW good they are]
I took my first ride on a Scania a few months back during a rare trip to Stamford and thought that, for a 1988 bus, the Scania I was on rode great. Decent padded seats and a nice smooth ride. I suspect they've provided Stamford area riders with 13 years of great service. Too bad they will disappear shortly (in favor of New Flyer Low Floors).
Take your families out to a good time this weekend. AT THE BRANFORD TROLLEY MUSEUMS "NY DAYS" in east Haven Connecticut. RIDE a train....DRIVE a train....FOAM w/your fellow foamers.....JUST COME and support TRANSIT HISTORY.
Disclaimer: I am not an official of the museum just a member....but come ANY WAY
Peace,
ANDEE
Take your families out to a good time this weekend. AT THE BRANFORD TROLLEY MUSEUMS "NY DAYS" in east Haven Connecticut. RIDE a train....DRIVE a train....FOAM w/your fellow foamers.....JUST COME and support TRANSIT HISTORY.
Disclaimer: I am not an official of the museum just a member....but come ANY WAY....
Peace,
ANDEE
Yes Bus-Talkers come up and see a GM old look 5105 and a 4515 awaiting restoration.
4515 1986 GMC RTS?!
#4501 Q46
The True Red White and Blue
>>>....and a 4515 awaiting restoration. <<<
ISN'T THAT THE MINI FISHBOWL?
Peace,
ANDEE
Yes it is, formerly bus 2021 from Connecticut Transportation. Its technical name is GM TDH4515 #1720
The 5105 is formerly bus 1491 from the same company. Its technical name is GM TDH5105 # 1291
[Yes it is, formerly bus 2021 from Connecticut Transportation. Its technical name is GM TDH4515 #1720]
Was this bus 2021 shortened at some point in its life? I'm pretty sure this bus came new to Conn. Company in 1962 as a 35 footer (TDH-4517), and I recollect seeing it running in Hartford in the late 1960's or early 1970's, still as a 35 footer. Also, I thought the GMC model 4515 buses were old look buses, but with taller windows and no standee windows. I think some of the New Jersey operators had 4515's. As you might guess, I am a little confused, particularly to the earlier reference to this bus as a mini-fishbowl.
Sid you are correct - I double checked against OMOT.ORG. Sorry !
Fishbowl shortie
You could call it a Fishbowl Convertable :-(
If you've seen it you will know what I mean.
Mr t
Points up the need for more barns and of course MORE MONEY.
[... I am not an official of the museum just a member ...]
Just a member in good standing. Was nice to see you there BOTH days with a different group of friends each day. Hope they enjoyed the event.
Busbuff alert .... there is a growing interest in restoring to operating condition #1491 as well as our trackless trolley. If interested contact myself or the museum directly BERA
Mr t
am plannig a li bus trip to coincide with a toy show at hofstra university that i am going to tomorrow. plan on using LIRR and Green bus lines as well. will post full details of trip on sunday night.
Helpful tip: DONT USE GREEN LINES!!!
GO MTA!(maybe if they take over, we can get MCI's, orions, or RTS on our QM16 instead of hard seated reject sh*t that i wouldnt pay $.30, let alone 10x that amount!!!)
Don't they use Orion5's on QM16 aready?
Yeah, the WMATA rejects. That bus is so overcrowded, it isnt funny
Wasn't MV supposed to get them? Did they cancel the order?
Rumor is...#6360 had problems, mostly electrical...therefore supposedly taking it out of service, according to a Manhattanville Depot operator. Then, he told me that 6361-6364 will not come at all.. That's only a rumor...IDK if that is true...
I was told that they will not come...I do not speak for the TA or MV Depot...
-Cleanairbus
Oh no, it wasn't the trip that shorted it out was it? :-)
I SURE HOPE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think if it is so, whoever was fooling with the Luminator is then to blame...
But I hope not...
--Cleanairbus
HEY! Just because some person was fooling with the luminator doesn't mean that that person is responsible for whatever happened to the bus! ;)
Yeah, I know, I know...
Wait a munite...was it YOU who was fooling with it??
Maybe that somebody was you...LOL...just kidding...
Well, this MV Depot operator said there were electrical problems with the bus...could have been anything electrical or dealing with it...
Until next time...
Cleanairbus
carlwal@hotmail.com
To make you guys feel better, I think I saw one of these buses yesterday. If this is the Hybrid Orions that you are taliking about, I saw one of them operating the M1 southbound at Broadway and West 4th. If these are the Nova Hybrids, I am not sure.
Nope, these are the Orion 6 that you saw. These are numbered from 6350-6359. Were the windows black or white? 6355-6356 are at MCH now-they're white. 6354 is there also but its windows are black.
#6356 M1
From a passenger on the train the other evening, I heard that SEPTA reduced the transfer fare from 60 cents to 50 cents. Is this true?
Since July 1, transfers have been 60 cents (30 cents for the disabled during off-peak hours) and have not changed since. Suburban zone charges are 50 cents (25 cents for the disabled during off-peak hours), which may have been what the passenger was talking about.
-NG
I wish...
Unfortunately, SEPTA's board decided to go against the hearing examiner's recommendation that transfers only cost 50 cents (instead of 60 cents). It would have been better if the transfer fee on SEPTA was further reduced to 25 cents, but that's probably not going to happen in my lifetime.
This is not so much of trying to show off on anyone, as it is a matter of simple fact, so I'll restrain from naming names.
Although not so much here, but on other websites (often lacking boards), I've seen webmasters thrive on showing off about how the wrong type of bus was assigned to a particular route, saying that the person who assigned that coach was "clueless," etc. A particular example would be "Spotted the other day was #xxxx, a 30 Foot Bus, assigned on the #xx line (where a 40 foot bus would have been "normal"). What Clueless Idiot is responsible?!?"
Working as a Bus Operator who works first hand as a relief Starter/Dispatcher in Balto., I get a little ticked to read these sort of entries. When working "behind the glass," there are all too often instances where your resources do not meet your needs. You need Artics, and the best you have is 40 Footers, you need Wheelchair buses but run out, you need 40 Footers, but only have a handful of "shorties" staring you in the face.
With the way that transit agencies keep such a limited number of spares, it becomes impossible to "create milk from water" at times. It all too often comes down to deciding between putting an less capacious bus on a block, or cutting the block entirely. When you have people to answer to, and a public to serve, you have to go with the "lesser of two evils." Besides, a 30 foot bus carries MANY more people than NO bus!
Bus yards may often look like glittering utopias full of equipment, but when it comes down to the wire, they are often barren wastelands of "nothing" when you, the starter, are often in need of "something!"
HERE! HERE!
Good post....VERY good post.
Most of these people whining about "wrong" buses being given certain assignments have absolutely NO clue as to what REALLY goes on in the day-to-day operation of a bus transit agency.
The one thread that REALLY makes me laugh my @$$ off is when they start whining about why a "suburban" bus was assigned to, for instance, Jamaica or Queens Village depot.
Don't they have the brains to realize that the MTA bought a shitload of brand new MCI buses for the express routes, which displaced the RTS suburban-seating style buses?? Whaddya all think, they're gonna change out the seats just because the buses were replaced by newer, better ones? WHY? No reason to change out the seats in buses which are nearing the end of their career. Uh, hate to say it, but it wouldn't quite be cost-effective. Besides, those folks riding those routes out in Jamaica or Queens Village are getting more cushioning for their @$$es.
But back to the comments of "Broadway Express" -- I agree wholeheartedly with EVERYTHING. Having worked both sides of the "window" -- driver, dispatcher, etc., everything he said is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT CORRECT. It's not that some clueless idiot put the wrong bus out there....it's a matter of necessity of having SOMETHING out there rather than nothing in almost every case.
No problem with the old soft seaters which have some miles left in them which they are put on local routes till they die, yet there are many NYCT buses (9200's and 9300's) and Triboro Coach CNG's (3000 series) which are all relatively new, are soft seaters, now in use on local routes. This is the objection. There is less standing room in them, no doubt the agencies paid more per bus to buy them due to the soft seats, yet now they get big time seat vandalism by people who do not respect property. Similar when the TA painted subway cars all white a generation ago.
are you talking about the ORIONS? I think that its a pleasant suprise to the passengers. Besides, the only difference between the ORIONS and RTS is that the Orions have 5 extra seats. SO WHAT?
It really doesn't matter if a soft seat bus has more seats than a hard seater. Which bus has the most standing room? Soft seat buses are prone to vandalism, no matter how many seats it has.
Every once in a while, the riding public can complain about the coaches that may pop up on their route on a given day - an example:
While working AM Starter in Baltimore, I found myself short of '99 NABIs (a fleet specifically kept clean and set aside for the suburban runs, although there is nothing suburban about them) to assign on the 210 Express line, so in trying to make the best of the situation, I assigned a '98 NABI (which I already needed on the heavy #20 line, requiring me to put an '89 Flxible on that block) in an effort to put the newest coach I had on the Commuter block.
When the Operator pulled in from the trip, she told me about how the riders on the bus tried to show off about how the bus they were assigned was dirty, etc. etc., and said they WERE going to call in about this discrepancy,blah blah blah,....Whatever!...
The next day, I ran out of 99 NABIs yet again, so without hesitation, I promptly put a good OLD '92 Flxible on the block...
The same Operator told me that the snooty riders didn't say jack shizzit this time! :)
Hehehe, maybe that ol' Flxible gave them a hint that if they cried, things might go further downhill!!!!!
Although not so much here, but on other websites (often lacking boards), I've seen webmasters thrive on showing off about how the wrong type of bus was assigned to a particular route, saying that the person who assigned that coach was "clueless," etc. A particular example would be "Spotted the other day was #xxxx, a 30 Foot Bus, assigned on the #xx line (where a 40 foot bus would have been "normal"). What Clueless Idiot is responsible?!?"
Except that when I most some of these items at my web site (and don't think I didn't get the hint about who you were talking about), I can at least back up the fact that there are sufficient 40 ft buses available at those depots.
Most of the recent oddball spottings that I've reported on have been at Midvale and Red Arrow. At Midvale, even if a number of the older 40 ft Neos are out of service, there are still sufficient 40 ft buses (NABIs and Neos) which would make an artic on a very low volume line (such as the 77) seem bizarre. Last month, a 30 ft bus was put on the 18, which normally sees artics. Even on some of the city wheelchair lines, a non w/c bus slips through (and that happens so frequently, I don't even point that out on my site, unless it's a much older bus showing up). With nearly 300 buses to choose from at Midvale, you'd think someone could perfect this art of assigning buses.
As for the smaller buses showing up at Red Arrow, a few drivers that I know who work out of that depot have told me that the person responsible for assigning buses has sent 30 ft buses out on a 40 ft line, even when there are sufficient 40 ft buses available. In the suburbs, there are no specific "wheelchair lines" as there are in the city; Suburban works on a "On-Call" reservation system, which means those who want a wheelchair bus on a suburban route has to call 24 hours in advance - plenty of time to get a NABI or one of the w/c Neos assigned to that run.
I'm not saying that all dispatchers working for transit systems are clueless, but the ones at SEPTA really have you scratching your head.
(You're not the only "backseat dispatcher" I've seen online ctr, just your words tend to me the harshest and most authoritative.)
Not working for SEPTA, I quite frankly can't speak for exactly what's going on there. You could very well be right on point that the person in charge of assigning buses at these depots could be inept and careless. There's no saying for sure without seeing a location and tripper sheet to test this person's skills.
Naturally, I know you're aware that any given percentage of the assigned fleet will be unavailable at pull out due to sidelining for accidents, overhauls, etc. and will be out of view at that time.
In addition though, (at least here in Baltimore), other coaches may look perfectly usable to an Operator but be unassignable due to
DOA syndrome (won't start, regardless of how much air you put in the vanes),
farebox problems (here, farebox maintenance doesn't open until 630am, and closes at 230pm, often leaving you up the creek outside of these times),
Short Mileage requirements and HOLD orders, restricting their use to tripper blocks or keeping them in entirely.
Lying Operator Syndrome (Operator is not thrilled with the particular coach, and creates story that the bus is not out there, requiring you to use another, and in the flurry of excitement in trying to make the line on time, you check your location sheet to see that the original coach is assigned, not realizing until too late that it's the bus that supposedly wasn't there!)
Direct Changeovers or Emergency changeouts can account for a small amount of odd sightings in some instances, although rare.
Another factor that can come in to play regarding odd assignments (to help or hurt you) is the human element. The AM Starter here at Bush Street has often assigned me spare Artics for use on lines that NEVER see artics otherwise, as he knows that I can handle them, and I'm fine with taking one (most Operators cry), so I've run them on the 20, 23, 27, 61, and 64 lines at times. I don't know how much the Operators there like Eldorados, but it could also be possible that you have a couple of Operators who like them and ask (or whine) for them.
I enjoy reading your comments and your site immensely, and if you're on point, then forgive me, and let me scratch my head too. I'm not sure though how accurate info that a Bus Operator gives is - We're terrible gossips who very often know nothing of what we talk about! ;)
Naturally, I know you're aware that any given percentage of the assigned fleet will be unavailable at pull out due to sidelining for accidents, overhauls, etc. and will be out of view at that time.
Part of the problem with Midvale over the past summer is that several artics were pulled off of the 18, 22, and 55 lines to run the Ambler - Jenkintown bus bridge after a bridge on the R5 Lansdale line washed out at Ft Washington. A few buses that I've seen operating in place of the artics were 8000-series Neos normally used on such Midvale based non-w/c lines such as the 23, 56, and occasionally the H/XH.
In addition though, (at least here in Baltimore), other coaches may look perfectly usable to an Operator but be unassignable due to...
[snipped to save bandwidth, but are valid points are raised]
Lying Operator Syndrome (Operator is not thrilled with the particular coach, and creates story that the bus is not out there, requiring you to use another, and in the flurry of excitement in trying to make the line on time, you check your location sheet to see that the original coach is assigned, not realizing until too late that it's the bus that supposedly wasn't there!)
I've seen some Red Arrow drivers who were stuck with 87xx Neos (8700 is a particularly hated bus) who wouldn't run a trip until the bus was swapped out.
Direct Changeovers or Emergency changeouts can account for a small amount of odd sightings in some instances, although rare.
You should see my page today. A cutaway bus actually ran 1 1/2 runs on the 92 between Exton and West Chester with a missing curb side passenger window. I found out the hard way when I leaned over and almost fell out S High Street in West Chester. (For the record, the driver on this particular block - 205 - gets an ElDorado half the time; ElDorados or cutaways are always used on the 92/133 runs, however a 40 ft bus sneaks in from time to time.)
Another factor that can come in to play regarding odd assignments (to help or hurt you) is the human element. The AM Starter here at Bush Street has often assigned me spare Artics for use on lines that NEVER see artics otherwise, as he knows that I can handle them, and I'm fine with taking one (most Operators cry), so I've run them on the 20, 23, 27, 61, and 64 lines at times. I don't know how much the Operators there like Eldorados, but it could also be possible that you have a couple of Operators who like them and ask (or whine) for them.
A lot of the drivers are more inclined to complain about our 5xxx NABIs instead of the ElDorados. On a couple of early AM 92/133 runs, such as 201 block departing West Chester at 6:15, ridership on the cutaways are occasionally close to SRO. Drivers and passengers actually prefer the cutaways over the ElDorados for some odd reason; personally, I'll be glad when they get rid of those junkers.
I'm not sure though how accurate info that a Bus Operator gives is - We're terrible gossips who very often know nothing of what we talk about! ;)
I wouldn't say that's true. Sometimes, the drivers at SEPTA are reliable - I had one driver tell me about the 123 bus when it was in the early planning stages about a year before it was implemented. One of my more recent comments on the ElDorados popping up on the 18 came from a Frankford depot driver.
Though I think part of the problem regarding the way info is given out at SEPTA is that management doesn't do a good job reporting detours and whatnot. A big example is whenever West Chester Borough closes down Gay Street for a street festival, operators who arrive in West Chester are more often than not in for a shock when they have to detour via Matlack and Chestnut Sts.
Again, I can't speak for other systems, but I can only speak for what I see at SEPTA.
Very Interesting reading....
I've seen some Red Arrow drivers who were stuck with 87xx Neos (8700 is a particularly hated bus) who wouldn't run a trip until the bus was swapped out.
I can see where your Union is strong there in Philly. If we tried a stunt like that here, we'd be up for a hearing!
With regard to the scheduling setups, I've heard here that the schedules are drafted by Computer with regards to saving as much $$$ as possible. I'm not sure if this applies to changeovers, but some odd setups can sneak in at times here too.
A lot of the drivers are more inclined to complain about our 5xxx NABIs instead of the ElDorados. On a couple of early AM 92/133 runs, such as 201 block departing West Chester at 6:15, ridership on the cutaways are occasionally close to SRO. Drivers and passengers actually prefer the cutaways over the ElDorados for some odd reason; personally, I'll be glad when they get rid of those junkers.
I've heard that gripe about the Philly NABI's before (biggest beef is on the braking qualities). Here, the coaches are popular, although I prefer the Flxibles hands down (more comfortable driving, as well as the braking issues). They must be disliked there however for an Operator to prefer driving an undercapacious cutaway or Eldorado to having some breathing room up front!!!
Though I think part of the problem regarding the way info is given out at SEPTA is that management doesn't do a good job reporting detours and whatnot. A big example is whenever West Chester Borough closes down Gay Street for a street festival, operators who arrive in West Chester are more often than not in for a shock when they have to detour via Matlack and Chestnut Sts.
OMG!!! I thought we were the only ones who completely slept through these sort of things!!! There's nothing more fun that having a bus full of people in a hurry to get somehere and pulling up to see your route blocked by cones and barriers, only to have Radio Supervision either (A) insist that a detour was posted, or (B) tell you that they know nothing at all about it!
Well.
Q46 and Q74 see Orion5 Suburbans sometimes. Q46 have a few runs that see Suburban Buses mainly(Run #035 is one of a few runs that see Suburbans on those runs almost all the time). Alot of times Q75 and Q79 see Orion5 Suburbans and Q79 for a FEW Weeks saw Nova RTS Suburbans and I saw one running the Q75 and Q46 once. Now they mainly run on X68.
Triboro Coach uses Orion5 CNG Suburbans on local lines. BUT They mainly put it on Q23,Q45,Q47,and Q19A. And they put GM RTS's on Express Lines.
For a FEW Weekends in Summer of 1999. Queens Surface put Orion5 CNG Suburbans on Q65A. That line see's TMC RTS's all the time on weekends back at that time.
Suburbans have been a more and more occurrance on local lines. Unless it's a strange sighting in a strange location, let's not report that here cause some people are getting annoyed at the fact the same Suburbans are getting reported on local lines over and over again. The same runs will get Suburbans. 027, 032-035, 040 Q46 etc.
Suburbans are all over-Q1, Q2, Q30, Q31, Q36, Q43, Q46, Q75, Q79 and yes the Q88. If they need them in service, they'll be run.
However, I have a strange sighting to report: Saturday morning at 1220am, I was on bus 4937 on the Q46 going to Queens Blvd returning from a SJU Party. Turning from Union Tpke and onto Parsons Blvd going towards Queens College was GBL bus 719. What was this all about-was someone taking the bus home?
QSC 514 is back in service-saw her on the QM1. Only difference is that she has an all white rear.
Also CS bus 521 was on the Q46 on Friday morning. Strange to see a usual Q74 bus on the Q46. Believe still had CS Stickers on it.
#521 Q46
#514 QM1
#4937 Q46
I took a trip on one of those GODAWFUL Ford buses SEPTA owns. These things have absolutely NO suspensions, and I got the sore ass to prove it. You feel every bump and pothole these little monsters hit, and these things don`t even have a cord to pull to tell the driver that you want him to stop! But it was an interesting ride from Oxford Valley to Bristol on Route 128. Maybe SEPTA will wise up and put a 4500 or even better, why don`t they get rid of these little pieces of shit, and get maybe an Orion 2 or a better built small bus. Those 2000's are absolutely horrible.
"why don`t they get rid of these little pieces of shit, and get maybe an Orion 2 or a better built small bus."
Orion II's are just as bad as the Ford cutaways. They should stay on the PHLASH where they belong, along with the P.O.S. Metrotrans CNG's and Ford Cutaways. But hey, they do have stop request pull cords. From the way things are going, it looks like the Cutaways will just barely meet the 5 year life that's mandated by Federal law.
I am hoping that SEPTA would be smart and go with a 25-ft medium duty transit bus that's not an Orion II (and yes, they do exist). One bus that comes to mind is the Chance RT-52, which is used my smaller systems in Pa. (York, Reading, and the very small systems upstate); Annapolis Transit in Maryland uses those buses, from what I understand.
I have to agree with how junky the Breeze cutaways are. I groan to myself anytime I see them on the 92 or 133. Fortunately, the folks at Frontier do sneak an Eldorado on these lines from time to time; on weekdays, usually the 205 (includes the 6:00pm through routed run from King of Prussia to West Chester), 206 (6:20pm from West Chester to King of Prussia), and 207 (5:00pm from KofP to West Chester) blocks see them often. On Saturdays, it's more hit and miss, but on average, I usually see about 3 or 4 ElDorados out of a possible 12 runs on the 92/133.
I understand how you feel. I rode on on the 95 the other day, and the bus shook liek nobody's business. The good thing though was that the seats were soft, so I didn't suffer too much discomfort. But they are really poorly built.
The FORD Cutaways looks Okay. And the only nice thing about it is the Soft Seats and I have been inside one at the SEPTA Roadeo and I can't tell where is the wire to ring the bell. And the Farebox is in the way of the Aisle and they look like one of the Cutaways that runs on Para-Transit Service here in NYC.
Most of the cutaways do not have the stop request cords. I think I've seen only two cutaways with these cords; 2045 and I think 2047.
Not much buses have the thing to ring the bell. They could put Push Tapes on those buses that don't have it.
they could just hook up a simple buzzer or something. It's just annoying to have to get up to tell the driver you are getting off.
I love it when a line usually running out of Stillwell Terminal is interrupted by track work and a shuttle bus fills in the abbreviated service. Go down to the turnstiles at ask for a block ticket, but before boarding, have lunch at Nathan's first !!
I boarded RTS #8545 for the (F) shuttle to Kings Hwy. As I sat down, something struck me about this bus. The windows are very clean and scratch free. NAH, that ain't it.
The 2 X 1 hard seating as well as the blue wall panel and gray window frame had a very high gloss to it. Real nice but, wait a minute. The grooved linoleum floor was narrow instead of wide. On the left side where the seats are, there is no grooved portion, just flat like underneath the seating. It would appear that this bus had 2 X 2 seating.
Was #8545 an express bus with 2 X 2 high back soft seating but converted for local transit use ? Am I right or wrong, I wasn't dreaming !
Bill "Newkirk"
NYCT RTS 8545 was built as a local bus. Sounds like it just went through an "upgrade" (programmed overhaul).
David
Maybe it got repowered.......
I happened to see 8545 on Tuesday, October 2. It is indeed nice and clean on the outside (didn't get a look at the inside). However, it has definitely NOT been repowered yet.
David