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On July 1, the MTA is scheduled to take over the city’s seven private bus lines.
This week, city officials expressed concerns that the takeover will not be completed by the deadline, leaving the borough’s riders without any private bus service.
Officials said there’s a real possibility that the State Legislature will not be able to act on legislation required for the transfer to take place because the MTA hasn’t given enough information to the public or elected officials.
Council Transportation Committee Chairman John Liu called that scenario “an unacceptable disaster,” and blamed the MTA entirely. Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik said he will not act on any legislation until his questions are answered, and also blamed a lack of public information.
The bottom line is Queens needs buses to be running on these routes. Everyone involved in the transfer process, from the MTA to elected officials, must work together quickly to make sure no borough resident is left stranded.
The State Legislature cannot approach this issue as it does the budget – the July 1 deadline is not a suggestion, but solid, and it must be met. Concerns over lost routes and lost jobs must be addressed now to avoid any bus service stoppage. The MTA needs to provide the information, and the city should urge them to do so.
The Mayor – the man who made it a requirement for State legislation to pass before the transfer can take place – should also reconsider that requirement, and should make it his business to make sure things go smoothly on July 1. He wanted this transfer, now it’s time to make sure it happens correctly.
Getting these buses into MTA hands is the responsibility of everyone involved. If on July 1, Queens residents standing at bus stops are stranded, there should be no finger pointing – it’s everyone’s fault.
The real bottom line for the take over could be anywhere from 500 million to 1 billion dollars!!!!!! Somebody SHOULD be asking the questions that the MTA and Bloomberg don't want to give answers to!!
1. MTA - New York City Transit
2. New Jersey Transit
3. MTA - Los Angeles
4. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
5. MTA Baltimore
6. SEPTA (I can't believe I just said that. If you know me, I was NEVER a SEPTA fan until recently)
7. Ride-On
8. Toronto Transit Commission
9. AC Transit
10. San Francisco MUNI
These are my top ten TA's
How about you guys?
Ray
In fact, I don't think I even know ten TA's...I'll have to think about this...
Ray
Ray
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Fred
1) Montgomery County Transit (Ride-On)
2) San Francisco MUNI
3) Sacramento RTD
4) AC Transit (Oakland)
5) WMATA (Metro)
6) PACE (Suburban Chicago)
7) Chicago Transit Authority
8) Dallas Area Rapid Transit
9) CAT Las Vegas
10) Blacksburg Transit
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
1. Ride On (of course)
2. WMATA
3. Frederick Transit (MD)
4. SEPTA
5. DASH (VA)
6. CUE (VA)
7. MTA (Baltimore)
8. DART (Delaware)
9. Miami Valley RTA (Dayton, Ohio)
10. New Jersey Transit
and yes I've ridden all these properties
1) PRTC
2) Ride On
3) CUE
4) WMATA
5) NYCT
6) Frederick, MD
7) Orlando LYNX
8) SEPTA
9) MBTA-Boston
10) DASH
-F.
-Fred
-Valley Metro (Roanoke, VA)
-HRT (Hampton Roads, VA)
-Blacksburg Transit (VA)
-WMATA (DC, of course)
-Ride-On (Montgomery Co., MD)
-DDOT (Detroit, MI)
-MTA (Baltimore, MD)*
-The Rapid (Grand Rapids, MI)
-RTA (Cleveland, OH)
-TARTA (Toledo, OH)
There is an asterisk by the MTA as I have not yet visited their garage or rode their system. But I LOVE the fact that they still run Flxibles every day, despite their abusive treatment I hear about.
-F.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
As for the MTA, thats a whole another story.
Trevor
-F.
And of course, I'm with you on WMATA...another backyard favorite!
-Fred
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Fred
1)RIDE ON
2)DelDOT
3)DASH
4)CUE
5)Frederick Transit
6)GRTC(now if they had something other than Gilligs, euch)
7)WMATA(I live in PG this is part of the reason, why they are so low)
8)SEPTA
9)PRTC
10)Fairfax Connector(Soon to be the Orion Transit Company)
As you can tell THE BUS isn't on there neither is Baltimore MTA, don't wonder why.
Also - I forgot to include NYBS, LLE and SEPTA as favorites of mine. I'm sure I'd have PRTC too but I've never ridden any of their buses. I'm sure that'll change soon:-).
B. Very complete and through coverage area. They have many densely populated residential and commercial areas (Kensington, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville, Langley Park, Takoma Park) covered quite well in terms of number of routes and frequency of service. Hell, if I really wanted to, I could walk to the 10, but its quite a long walk to Tech Road for me. I don't exactly see a healthy and wide range of service frequency and availability in PG County:-)
C. Fare media. You cannot go wrong with the 20 Trip Ticket. It is easy to find at your local library, liquor store, or Giant Food, and is easy to use; just hand it to the driver so he can punch a hole in it. I would respect the other TA's alot more if they used a type of media like the 20 Trip Ticket. It makes life so much easier for the rider not having to fumble for change.
D. Variety. Although it goes against the goal of standardization, which makes maintaining a bus fleet much easier in the long run, Ride-On has a very diverse fleet of bus types, ranging from Orion Is, Vs, VIs, and VIIs, Gilligs, and even Flxibles, which adds excitement to each ride. You never know what will show up on any given route, with a few limitations due to garage assignments (i.e., Orion VIs in the 15, or '95 Gillig on the 55).
E. Personnel. As far as I am concerned, the drivers, though not always happy-go-lucky, are for the most part, consistent and dependable. How often do you hear me, Ray, or Garnier bitch about Ride-On drivers?
Chuck Greene
Mass transit makes you mind your schedule to suit the bus/trolley schedule. It's not that hard to do, most of the time.
Chuck Greene
Then, this afternoon on the 37, all the buses were Orion Is: 5514 (the one I rode), 5542, and 5545.
On Memorial Day I rode PATCO & The RiverLINE and had substantial waits. I wasn't upset because it was a Holiday schedule and I was just riding around anyway. "No particular place to go" (Old Chuck Berry song).
Chuck Greene
-Fred
-F.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-F.
It is too bad Ride-On doesn't have a rail component...
1.) Excellent service for a suburban environment, a MAXIMUM of 30 minute headway no matter which route, which day, or what time of day. My home route serves me every 15 minutes during weekday off-peak, every 10-12 minutes peak hours, every 20 minutes on saturdays, every 30 minutes on sundays. All until 11, 12, or 1 AM.
2.) Ideal coverage and route formats. Routes aren't like Jigsaw puzzles like NOVA routes, taking 45 minutes to travel a total of 2 miles. Nor are they like Baltimore MTA's marathon routes, supersized routes taking 2 hours or more to complete. Ride On's routing is great, not too long, not too short, excellent routing selection, serving only what is neccesary while not destroying ride time, etc, etc.
3.) The fleet, the backbone of the system.6 manufacterers, 9 models of buses, 20 different configuration of buses. Everything from El Dorado/International Cutaways to 30' Orion Is to 40' Orion VI CNGs to 40' Flxible Metro-Ds. Ride On has an EXCELLENT fleet diversity, so many configurations of buses, none of them are boring. Ride On also does an excellent job speccing their buses, perfect seat selection, perfect features, their buses are designed for their job. Not to mention the most exciting powertrain combinations, no Allison Worlds here (except the 1999 Gilligs), everything is either a Voith, ZF, or the good ole fashioned Allison HT series. Ride On knows what a PAINT JOB is all about, and they keep their buses in top notch condition, yet not over-excessively perfect.
4.) Service, Ride On knows what it's all about. Most drivers are nice and courteous, often ignoring the book in order to please the passenger. You never hear a story about a Ride On driver slapping a pregnant girl for vomiting on the bus (*cough*Baltimore MTA*cough*) The one and only time I went to headquarters to complaint about a situation, the customer service agent gave me direct and immediate attention, she contacted central while I still standing there in order for central to radio the driver of her wrong-doing. In addition, the customer service agent sent me 2 free-ride vouchers the following day.
5.) The cost, I can tell you all that I have rode well over 1,000 miles on Ride On this year alone. And I have probably only paid a total of $10 for all the 1,000+ miles. Why?
a.) My student ID is accepted as valid fare on Mondays-Fridays 2-7 PM.
b.) The infamous 20 Trip ticket, $13 ticket with 20 valid trips, each with a 2+ hour transfer (although most drivers issue transfers exceeding 4 hours).
Not only that, Montgomery County (operator of Ride On) has even paid WMATA to accept student IDs as valid fare media so we students in Montgomery county can ride both Ride On and WMATA both alike all over Montgomery County as we please.
As 1C/Ballston has mentioned, Ride On is the role model of a perfect Transit System, yet it is not perfect.
Saw them on the news the other night; apparently a car ran into one of their new Opus coaches. The car was torn to bits, but the bus suffered virtually no damage. Ugly, but strong!
They run mostly Gilligs, but have a few Thomas SLFs in regular service. Back in the day, they were a FLXIBLE town! In fact, a couple of their New Looks made it all the way to Rutgers. :)
-Fred
I agree with you on the all-Gillig thing; they were a Flxible town until the past few years. When I went there twice a week on business in 1996, they still ran Flx new Looks in the old Orange and Tan colors, and there were Metros as far as the eye can see. Then one week, Gilligs started rolling in, and the New Looks went bye-bye. :(
We recently got ex-GRTC Flxible Metro no. 309 at our local museum; I was glad to see it come in, but I really hoped to catch one while it was still in Richmond daily service. Oh well..we've got one now, and that's all that matters. You can see it at www.commonwealthcoach.com.
-Fred
To give you an idea of what the inside of the Flx looks like, it looks MUCH older than 1990. The seats are a mix of white, red, and yellow; it looks more like something out of the Seventies. Every time I step into that thing, it's like I'm on the set of "Three's Company". Hope Mr. Roper doesn't find out the truth about me...LOL!
-Fred
-Fred
1 WMATA
2 Montgomery County (MD) Ride-On
3 MARTA
4 NYCTA
5 LAMTA
6 Fairfax Connector
7 New Jersey Transit
8 Baltimore MTA
9 CT (Connecticut)
10 Metro-Dade
1]NY- MTA - Biggest and the best
2]WMATA - Just for Metrorail. They have to treat Metrobus much better
3]SEPTA - Like the equipment, Hate the assholes running and managing it.
4]NJT - They should realize that there is life below Trenton.
5]DART - Wilmington's little bus system that could.
Those are the ones I'm familiar with and ride with any frequency. The ones I would like to ride are:
6]CTA - I hope to ride in the Windy City this summer
7]MBTA - I want to get there before the Secret Service screws everything up
8]SF Muni - I have to get to Cali just once and that is what I want to ride
9]BART - see Muni
10]LACMTA - After seeing Salaam Allah's pics, I want to ride to my heart's content.
1:Miami Dade Transit
2:Westchester Bee Line System
3:LYNX(Orlando,Fl)
4:MTA LIBus
5:Suffolk County Transit
6:Los Angeles MTA
7:Orange County TA(Anaheim,CA)
8:WMATA
9:NJTransit
10:MTA-NYCT
Da Hui
1. Lowell (MA) Regional Transit Authority. Have to put my hometown TA as first choice. They are making service improvements and they have 1992 Flxible Metro C's, riding them while they're still here, over the next 3 years Gillig Advantages are coming to replace them.
2. MBTA. They have improved over the past few years, and they have a bit more variety in the fleet including artics.
3. CY Ride, Ames Iowa. They are one of the last TA's in the country to still operate Fishbowls, including a 1964 ex- Long Beach CA bowl that's still in great shape!! They also have fleet variety including Orion 1's and V's, Gillig Phantoms and Advantages too.
4. Portland ME Metro. For a city of it's size, they have great schedules and service. They have 8 routes, most on 30 to 60 min. headways weekdays (Route 4 has 15 min headways weekday AM & PM rush, Route 2 has 20 min headways all day weekdays) 4 of which operate past 8 PM Mon-Sat, 2 routes operate on Sundays. They also have 1990 Flxible Metro B's that will be around for another year or 2.
5. Chittenden County Transit Authority Burlington VT. Another well run transit system in a small Northern New England city, most routes operating on 30 to 60 min. headways during the day, some routes even running till 11PM weekdays, about 7:15 on Saturdays, limited Sunday service. Fleet is mostly Nova RTS, 30, 35 & 40 footers. Also a couple of Optima Low Floors.
6. RIPTA. Another well run system with a beautiful transfer station (Kennedy Plaza in Downtown Providence) plus some fleet variety. TMC & Nova RTS, and Orion V's along with Chance Heritage Trolleys.
7. Snata Monica (CA) Big Blue Bus. Nice system, good headways, and the owners of the last Fishbowl ever built!!
8. Cape Ann Transit Authority Gloucester MA. They get the nod for the most scenic routes on a TA that I've been on. The Red Line & Blue Line routes from Gloucester to Rockport are a must ride. The Red Line actually hugs the Atlantic Ocean at a couple of points in the Bass Rocks area of Gloucester. They also have (5) 1995 Flxible Metro E's 30 & 35 footers, plus some 30 & 35 foot Nova RTS, plus they usually have a few older buses bought from other RTA's for spares/trippers. haven't been up there in a while to see what they have in the spare fleet.
9. Brockton (MA) Area Transit. Good system, convenient pulse point. All TMC and Nova RTS fleet 30 & 35 footers, plus 3 DuPOn Champlain trolley buses.
10. Merrimack Valley (Haverhill MA) RTA. Good system, they are the only TA in MA to own MCI commuter coaches (5 D-4000's, 4 they run and 1 leased to a private operator) for Boston line runs. They also run seasonal service to Salisbury Beach & Hampton NH Beach. Unfortunetly, no fleet variety. 44 Gillig Phantom 35 footers (14 from 1996, 12 from 1999, and 18 2004's).
It was tough to come up with a top 10, but those are my choices.
Mark
On my end, I guess you could say it was to my....Advantage. :)
-F.
1)THE BUS(I could go on and on but I would scare people away)
2)Annapolis Transit(alot of their routes are overcrowded, buses in bad shape, even the newer ones, timed transfers are good, if all buses are running on time-as I found out the last time I went there)
3)Baltimore MTA(thank god the bus drivers, and other working stiffs are saving this, the management and the attention paid to it is horrible, plus they have Flxes and I like their Neos-the ones not blowing out black smoke to beat the band)
4)Loudoun Transit(They have some hope in that Loudoun County isn't that big yet, and the buses they use are suitable for their service.)
5)Corridor Transit(Truck buses, truck buses, and more truck buses. If they could only bring back those ex Hagerstown Orion Is. It is not good when your best buses are Goshen CADVs)
6)Howard Transit(Truck, buses, and more truck buses. Their saving grace is have some new SLFs-we think, Blue Birds-not all that great, and Flxibles-though I don't think they are running anymore :( )
7)ART(They don't even have a real bus garage, just a lot, in Fairfax County and not in Arlington. Like Loudoun they have somewhat of a future in that they could buy real buses, though I would doubt that happening soon)
These are all of the T/As I have ridden so far I hope to ride a lot more this year.
1)NYCTA(might get my chance in late June)
2)NJ Transit
3)PAT(Pittsburgh)
4)CTA
5)LAMCTA
6)MARTA
7)Miami Dade
8)Houston
9)MBTA
10)Seattle(mainly for the hybrid artics)
11)I know I said ten but I had to throw in MUNI
-NYCTA (Where else?)
-TTC (Toronto)
-CTA (Chicago)
-MTA (Baltimore)
-LRTA (Lowell, MA)
-VTA (Santa Clara, CA)
-SMMBL (Santa Monica, CA)
-NJT (All over New Jersey)
-Academy (Jersey again)
-NYBS (before they get taken over and dump their Fishbowls).
-F.
Muni (San Francisco, CA)
AC Transit(Oakland, CA)
VTA (San Jose, CA)
Samtrans(San Metao County, CA)
Golden Gate Transit(San Rafael, CA)
Santa Cruz Metro(Santa Cruz, CA)
Union City Transit
Tridelta(Pittsburg, CA)
Citizen Area Transit (Las Vegas, NV)
Citifare(Reno, NV)
And if I could get on a time machine back to around 1980, I would go for the following:
Muni (San Francisco, CA)
AC Transit(Oakland, CA)
Citizen Area Transit (Las Vegas, NV)
-F.
If you went back around 1980....
AC Transit's GM/Flxible New looks dominated the fleet with
brand new Flyer D901's, and MAN SG220's artics.
Muni's trolley buses were Flyer E800's and diesel buses were GM/Flxible New looks, AMG's and Grumman 870's.
I don't know anything about Las Vegas back then because I was a
tiny baby when my mother took me with her.but I assume there were
GM/Flxible New looks as well.
IIRC, the Las Vegas Grummans date back to around 1979.
-F.
As for CAT, it's one of today's fastest-growing transit systems. They have close to 400 buses now and some pretty tight service. Mind you, NONE of the credit for this expansion is due to ATC/Vancom. Yes -- the system is 100% privately operated, but the push to expand and all of the funding to make it happen came from the public RTC, which is the overseer of CAT. Hopefully ATC/Vancom will bury its ugly head in Las Vegas soon. A lot of people in Vegas think that private operation has run its course and it's time to operate it publically. I for one think that would be a huge stride in the right direction.
1-CAT-citizens Area Transit-Las Vegas.
2-PACE-Chicago Suburbs.
3-MTA-LIBUS-love the Gilligs.
4-Suffolk Transit-for the Flexible Metros.
5-CTA-Chicago Transit Authority.
6-MTA-NYCBUS.
7-MTA-orignally Mobile Transit Authority-the ad wraps those buses had were fantastic.
8-SEPTA-nice.
9-Green-love the MCI Classics.
10-GBTA-Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority-went there once-all buses coverge at the transit center.
1.) Ride On, Ride On, Ride On (need I say more? ;-))
2.) Queens Surface Corp.
3.) Shuttle-UM
4.) DASH
5.) SEPTA
6.) WMATA
7.) Baltimore MTA
8.) NYC MTA
9.) Fairfax Connector
10.) PG's The Bus
But in terms of service levels, it does take all levels to have frequent bus service. Montgomery County is dedicated to having the best bus service that it can offer to its customers. Though they have eliminated some routes(for good reason), I have not heard once of RIDE ON cutting back service because of budget shortfalls. Other governments have done so, losing more passengers and having to cut service some more. If more governments were more dedicated to having the best transit service for its customers, then frequent service wouldn't be a problem. Saying the money isn't there isn't an excuse, there is always a way to fund better transit, it is just some governments don't feel the same about transit that others do. Most governments think of transit as "Oh we need to give the people who can't afford a car something to get here and there" instead of "We need to provide the best service to our constiutents as possible and we need to use every resource or every avenue to make sure that service is possible".
To take on an old addage(sp?)If you build it they will come, but if you make it the best they will come in droves.
1. SEPTA (Flyer Central)
2. NYCTA (RTS Heaven Number 1)
3. WMATA (Even better service)
4. RIDE-ON (Good service)
5. LACMTA: Has all my favorites (RTS, NABI, NFI)
6. PITTSBURGH (Interesting Color Fleet)
7. DETROIT (RTS Heaven besides NYC)
8. CHICAGO (Has everything under the sun
9. San Francisco (ETBs & PCCs, can't beat it)
10.MTA Maryland (the last system i would want to ride but i live there)
1. NYCMTA
2. WMAta
3. ride on
4. pat
5. lamta
6. CAT (harrisburg)
7. MArTA
8. RIPTA
9. SEPTA
10. NYDOT
1) NYCTA: C'mon, the subway system, even if the buses suck, you can't get a subway system like that anywhere else.
2) SEPTA: We have terrific infrastructure, a now relatively modern and fully compatible fleet, and hopefully at some point in the future our current administration will be retired.
3) KC Metro: I grew up on this system, so I admit to viewing it through rose colored glasses, but it's similar to SEPTA in that it has excellent infrastructure, but somewhat lackluster management.
4) SF Muni: Of all systems in the US I think Muni may be among the most far thinking and progressive systems in a large city (that being NY, LA, Chicago, SF, Philly, Houston, and the like). They have a ETB network that saves the city millions a year, even beating the Muni Metro LRV from a cost per passenger perspective.
5) Chicago CTA: I managed to live there for 3 years and never rode any of their system really. But they have buses in excellent condition, a fairly tight knit transit system providing good service to their area, and a downtown El. Finally they seem to have some very realistic plans for the future.
6) MBTA: Another system blessed with a fairly good infrastructure and a debatable management and political leadership. Nonetheless, the Green line, Harvard busway ETB system and the subway system are great. I'm hoping that they drop the silver lie foolishness and eventually electrify their diesel commuter lines.
The following I have not ridden, or rode a long long time ago, so I don't remember it, but their reputation precedes them.
7) Portland Tri-met: Probably the best application of european city planning in the US at this point. A small city served by an excellent LRV system with collector bus lines. Many TAs would do well to watch their progress and copy their operations, if not their equipment. I understand the SD660s on the MAX line have been slightly under expectations.
8) Dayton MVRTA: A system similar in scale to Ride On, but which benefits from both a truely centralized ridership base, as well as a historical ETB system. This shows how the "we're too small" argument against widespread electrification of a system is complete bullshit. They run an effective system, and despite previous snubbing by the UMTA back in the 70s, gyping them of their well deserved LRV system, they have carried on.
9) TTC: Just a system I really want to see. Arguably the last true trolley system in North America, and their subways look cool too. It's just too bad they killed off the ETB system, perhaps someday they can get it back.
10) New Orleans RTA, they have some very cool things. I'm really interested to see their old 1920s era trolleys and such. Also it'd be cool to see the new trolleys built with BMEC B-3 trucks, just like the SEPTA PCC IIs.
-Blacksburg Transit, circa 2000
-Valley Metro (Roanoke), circa 1982
-GLTC (Lynchburg), circa same era
-GRTC (Richmond), circa 1996
-WMATA (DC), circa 1999
-Baltimore MTA, circa 1995 (smell the new Flxes)
-Nashville MTA, circa 2001 (safely puts me in Flx zone)
-Chicago CTA, early 1990s
-Cleveland RTA, circa 2000 (before the LFS/NABI invasion)
-SORTA (Cincinnati), circa 1994. MAD Flxes rolled around back then, and did stupid Fred park the car and RIDE one?!? NOOOOOOOOOoooooo!!!!
-F.
I like thier system!
-Fred
"It's SORTA transit".
If I could travel back to the past...
SEPTA circa 2002- DKs, DKs, everywhere, although I would've loved to still be able to ride the 8000's and 35ft BPs. However, I would miss the ZFers and the 5600s. My big neos would still be fresh, as would my El Dorados. Of course, I would miss the Champions!
Ride-On circa 1993 - I miss my TMC citycruisers, and today Ride-On is Orion V/VII dominated - not that it's a bad thing, though. No 35ft Gilligs dominated the system, though.
Not to mention that the 35ft Gilligs, Orion Is, and exactly 2 Orion Vs DOMINATED the system. No running all over the place to say goodbye or enjoy a ride on these!
WMATA circa 1995 - I know, the WMATA Neos weren't around yet! However, I love the convenient access to Flxes (and the Es were brand new in their scheme - hot!), and the Orion Vs (1992) still had their 6V92TAs, sounding as Neo as ever. Plus, I'd love to ride a MAN bus again. The RTSs...eh. Oh, and if I really wanted to, I could a New Look.
In other words, I'd go back to my younger childhood.
-F.
-Fred
The 2 things I'm trying to find are:
1) I remember that the color scheme at that time was orange and green, but would love to find pictures to support that. Is there a good site that might have such pictures? Tried a few links from here, but no luck. Side question: I mostly remember the old "Fishbowl" busses, but there were a few old ones still running around at that time, mostly on the #5 Nepperhan Ave. route....does anyone know what type those were (I'm assuming GM)?
2) The Nodine Hill bus. Just like watching "One of these is not like the other" from Sesame Street...these busses (at that time) appeared to be a smaller GM type bus, but sounded MUCH heavier for their size, and did not have the green/orange scheme but rather the busses were gray with a white roof. I always thought it was strange that these stuck out like a sore thumb. Was this an independent company at that time??
Forgive me if these are silly questions...but I was about 8 years old at the time! Shortly after this time, they became simply silver and blue...eventually the Nodine Hill bus was also replaced with the Fishbowl. Haven't live in Yonkers for over 20 years, and I recently saw a Corgi model of the red Liberty Lines Fishbowl...and that brought back all these memories!!
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
I don't have much knowledge of Yonkers buses, but the main operator had been Yonkers Transit, which didn't own any old-look GMC buses, just Macks. However, at some point, someone (Club Transportation?) took over Yonkers Transit routes, so there may have been GMC old-looks on the former Yonkers Transit routes after the takeover. Yonkers Transit had mostly older Macks, but did get a few newer ones similar to those that ran in Buffalo, NY, and with Bee Line in Rockville Centre.
Good to hear from someone from the old hometown, where few of my relatives still live. By the way, there is a street named after me in Yonkers. In 1961, my grandfather, Dominick DeMatteo, was working the buildings department when a developer came in with a plat and asked if anyone had a name for the street. Since I was his first grandchild, he suggested Larry Place. I understand it's somewhere off Palmer Road, and contains houses built in my birth year, 1961.
I married a girl born in Brooklyn, so here I am. But at least I'm up on the terminal morraine, the only hill on Long Island. When you are going west on the BQE, just over the hump past the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, our part of Brooklyn looks like Yonkers.
I'm surprised with all the rail and bus fans out there...can't seem to find any pictures!
I grew up at 137 Van Cortlandt Park Avenue, in a two family my grandfather built. My mother grew up further down toward Elm, in an apartment building at (I think) Thurman across from PS 23 where I went to school. My grandmother grew up on New Main Street, 10 kids in a little apartment. They basically just moved up the hill.
Do you recall a massive fire across from the school in, say, 1970 or 1971. Shades of what was to come for the 'hood I'm afraid. My grandmother moved out of a senior citizen's home on Willow Street just before the whole area burned.
...forgot to mention...you're the only other person I know who actually called it a "hot pie"! I haven't heard that term in YEARS! I don't know if that was a Yonkers term...but I'll tell ya, I think Yonkers is the only area that calls it a "wedge"! Living outside of Philadelphia now for the past 20 years...it's a "hoagie". But, man, the first time I moved down here and I asked for a "salami wedge", the deli guy thought I was crazy and I actually wanted a hunk of salami cut into a wedge shape!
My Dad paid his way through college, in part, by shovelling coal into the boilers in "The Sugar House." My uncle worked for Phelps Dodge.
(...forgot to mention...you're the only other person I know who actually called it a "hot pie"! I haven't heard that term in YEARS!)
That's what my grandmother called it. Maybe it's a Yonkers Italian thing.
That is really interesting!
I had a friend from high school and college who lived at 10 Larry Place. We fell out of touch, but I think his family still lives there.
I also dated a girl who lived on Victoria Lane located behind Larry Place. Both streets are cul-de-sacs.
That area is one of the best areas left in Yonkers. It is still very suburban. In the area there is a bridge that only allows traffic flow in one direction only at one time. Cars on the other end must wait to cross. The area was predominantly Italian the last time I was there - like in the late 90s.
Now the rest of what I have to say may belong more on Subtalk
but......
Larry Place is located off of Miles Square Road. Before you cross Palmer, up until 10 years ago, there was an old wooden railroad crossing that marked the site of the crossing of "The Old Put" Putnam line of the NY Central. It has been eliminated and a small playground is now there. At the intersection of Palmer, off to the side, the owner of a fruit market has rebuilt the station house that used to be at that site marking the Brynmawr station. His market is inside the house. Word has it that he was able to get his hands on the original blueprints of the station house to rebuild it to the exact original measurements.
Anywhere near Cook Field? My grandfather's club used to have big summer barbeques there, and later my mother's cousins threw "Prota Picnics" there for several years. As a kid, I remember walking over to the tracks to work off some of the hot dogs and birch beer.
Back on topic. My wedding was on Long Island (wife's territory), and my Mom rented a BUS to bring all the relatives down from Westchester. They didn't know from Long Island. The all moved "up the line."
Cook field is now called Redmond Field...has been for quite some time now! I still call it Cook Field though. My dad belonged to the Slovak club, which used to be on Walnut, but now on Lockwood...anyway, they had their summer picnics at Cook field too. Used to watch the 3-4 car freight trains run behind.
Larry Place?...off Mile Square....would that be between Palmer and where Mile Square and Cook Ave. split?...just near the playground mentioned?
Big fire around 1970...yes, I do remember that! Kid from my grade school (I went to St. Casimirs) lived in one of the houses....damned if I can remember his name though!...thought it was "Daniel", but not sure. I seemed to remember that just about anybody in the area pitched in and helped the firefighters.
Alas...still can't get any info on the old Yonkers busses :-(
But, still cool to talk to someone who knows the "old neighborhood"!
Went to CCD at St. Casmirs. My mother and my friends mother would alternate picking us up and walking us home afterward. But once Frankie wasn't going and her mother forgot to come get me. After a while, I was stranded on the wrong side of Nepperhan with no way of knowing how to get home. Then I spotted the nastiest thug in school heading up the hill, past the triangular factory building on the other side of Nepperhan. Keeping a safe distance, I followed him and his gang until I got up toward Oak/Willow and recongized where I was. Found "the city stairs" that took you up past "Jerrys" barber shop and walked home.
Do you remember the hobby store in the big apartment building (now abandoned I think) at the corner of Elm and VanCortlant? And did you ever go to "Jacks" at Spruce and Van Cortlandt?
Ah, wasting Dave's bandwidth. Back on topic (sort of). Never saw anything on Yonkers buses, but I did see a (I think) Third Avenue Railroad map somewhere (the Transit Museum) that did show the old trolley routes running up in southern Westchester, the predecessor of today's bus routes. It was interesting to see, but before my time.
http://www.njtransit.com/ta_adjustment_project.jsp?ID=1981 says that the last weekend in June, Academy/22 Hillside LLC's two non-NJT routes, the 22 Hillside and the Blvd East local, will become NJT-contract routes (numbered 22 and 23 respectively) run initially with a mix of Academy and NJT units. One place the contract route will not serve is Mediterranean Towers on the 22.
http://www.njtransit.com/ta_adjustment_project.jsp?ID=1941 says that the same weekend, the 123 (Union City) and 125 (Journal Square) routes that are currently NJT-contract, will be taken over by NJT (Meadowlands will house the buses there). With these changes will come noticeable adjustments in how passengers will be handled at the Troy Towers and Lenox highrises on the 123.
Timetables will be available mid-June.
BOB
In the past year, Academy had cut back the frequency of buses on both of these routes. The notice suggests that the weekday frequency on the 22 will be cut further, while weekend frequency remains the same.
The service was exceptional, it ran like a waterfall (just about every 5-10 minutes). When I moved back into the Bronx in 2003, right before I moved out of NJ, The 22 Hillside Service had improved yet deminished. The Buses used were in better shape: Nova RTSs, Flxible METRO Bs and some ex-MTA RTSs. BUT the service level had shrunk.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Several of which have passed through Nimco in the past month.
Irony here is, the 22 was a TNJ route into the 70s. TNJ dumped it in favor of 22-Hillside IBOA just as they dropped the 31 for South Orange Ave IBOA. Academy bought out Hillside IBOA. Now, NJT "takes back" the 22.
That's just my opinion. What do you think?
MetroB
I agree that the Jersey City area IBOAs could be next, but keep in mind - just like the 22-Hillside, these were old PS/TNJ routes that were abandoned because the IBOAs undercut their fares. Now the IBOAs are having trouble surviving.
Jason
MetroB
810/New Brunswick to Woodbridge Center via NJ 27: Ironbound
811/New Brunswick to South River: Hamilton (if it were extended further south to, say, the Princeton/Plainsboro Twp area via the US 1 corridor)
813/Perth Amboy to Middlesex County College: Ironbound
814/New Brunswick to Edison: Hamilton
815/New Brunswick to Woodbridge Center via Old Bridge: Ironbound
817/Perth Amboy to Campbell's Junction: Ironbound
818/New Brunswick to Old Bridge via NJ 18: Howell
819/Piscataway to Middlesex Mall: probably Ironbound
822/Plainfield: Ironbound
Some of the routes that originate near Woodbridge Center could also be assigned to Hilton, since Maplewood Twp isn't too far from the GSP, and buses could deadhead down the Parkway to Woodbridge (they could, right?). I would suspect that Maplewood is actually closer to Woodbridge than Newark from a driving mileage standpoint.
Again, this is all hypothetical, and assumes that NJT actually wants to directly operate the Middlesex routes, which I doubt that they do.
Would new bus service in that area would survive?
MetroB
Ray
HOWEVER!!!!
The buses leaves NY so packed and its usually 3-4 buses leaving on the same schedule, that NJT places a bus at Newark just for the Newark passengers.
Coming back its almost 5-6 buses that come back, why does more people come back then going, I dont know.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Ray
I'll take tons of photos and share the news with you ...
Any news over past weekend?
Were the designers of the first RTS dreaming up a beauty mobile, or a bus? The RTS is poor in both possible scenarios
I guess the drivers compartment was only a NYC thing. NO driver, NOT A ONE, has ever complained about the drivers compartment down here.
I've been on some pretty old, cold RTS buses before. The ones that had the problem with HVAC were the older RTS 01 and 03 models.
How do you know the defrosters on every bus operate like that? Could be just that one bus.
I've seen RTS buses with huge mirrors. It depends if the TA feels like retrofitting them. Besides, have you seen the mirrors on the Neoplan AN440? Guess not.
How are the doors too narrow? Because a wheelchair can't get through the front? Boo hoo. The RTS boards passengers faster than the NFI Artics that have replaced them on the Manhattan routes.
I'm guessing the designers were trying to do both, and they succeeded. Now, please boy, go back to complaining about Gun Hill Artics ad nauseum, it's what you do best, if not the only thing you can do at all.
Toodles.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
And I'm only 5'11"
Old buses suck. NFI is the best thing that the bus industry has right now
Da Hui
Cleanairbus
This is a subway (IRT Lex Line). This is a stupid excuse for a subway (IND Second Avenue Line). Any questions?
Da Hui
When it come to subways though, Ridgewood has everything I can ask for. Brand new R160's coming soon on the (M) line, R143 on the (L), plus the (L) is a short trip to Manhattan where I can ride just about every other line in the city, lucky me.
When it come to buses though, it's horrible. No variety what-so-ever. The only place that still uses old hand-down from other depots that are in crap condition. And FP leaves them the same way.
I hope Maspeth Depot comes out so it can kill this crappy ass RTS dominance in FP.
Da Hui
Be happy that I'm not head of the DOB otherwise FP would be nothing but pre 90 RTS' and Remans.All the ones still left and those in storage,to FP they would go.You wanna trash old buses,trash the 8000's that've been repowered,NOW THOSE ARE THE ONE'S THAT SUCK ASS!!
Da Hui
I just hope Maspeth depot will come out, that way i can abandon FP and it's crappiness. I hope those buses will be gone for good, I won't miss them, and neither will the Brooklyn bustalkers here.
For bustalkers, don't ever move to where i'm at, you would easily be dissappointed.
Da Hui
What is with this mirror business? Are mirrors supposed to be like those Setra buses (the overhangs). BIG MORRORS ARE NICE AND ALL BUT THEY MAY NOT BE THE BEST FOR NARROW SPACES _ I DUNNO SORRY FOR THE CAPS SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THE COMPUTER AND THE SHIFT KEY OR SOMETHING IS STUCK BUT I WANTED TO MAKE MY POINT
Tony M.
NJT Bus Operator!
Also, the number 2605 bears a great significance to me, albeit on another type of bus; that was a Flxible Metro, the very first bus that I rode at nearby Blacksburg Transit. BT still has them around as trippers and football shuttles; they were mothballed in favor of ADA-compliant New Flyers. :( It would have been cheaper to rehab the Flxes and put in lifts, but the ball is not in my court on that one.
-F.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
A wide door? NABI, that's what! Also, NABI is the only bus that has form fitting slide-glide, makes it look nice!
The Orion V is good too, only for some reason (is this a newer Orion V thing?) half the door is hanging out of the bus.
Plug type doors don't really go that far out, you know. You'd be surprised. Also, if the bus was too close for plug doors to work, then it's really too close to work, I guess.
Given that I've never seen two passengers pass simultaneously through the front door of any other bus, the width on the RTS doesn't appear to be a bottleneck. (For boarding passengers, the farebox is the width in any case.)
The HVAC works quite well as long as it's maintained properly. I've never seen problems with the defrosters; could it be that you happened to be riding a bus which had a broken defrosting system?
Seeing as I've never driven a bus, RTS or otherwise, I can't comment on the driver compartment or mirror placement.
And even if these were legitimate design flaws, isn't 'horrible' a slight exaggeration? Oh, wait, I forgot who this was coming from. To you, if it's more than five years old, it's horrible.
In fact, it is probably a kind of tribute to the unique design, proven strength, and unusually long life (or is it nine lives?) of this vehicle, that we are still here discussing it, pro and con.
I look forward to the low floor discussions and comparisons between manufacturers' products when the new low-floor RTS model makes her debut.
THE DRIVER'S AREA
I'm not that big a person, but i'm all cramped up in a RTS's driver's compartment. Now the RTS Wide Front Door version I can party with.
Trevor
Nice to see the 15 return to it's home route.
~In PA, it's the 95. In MD, it's the 15.
Long live Montgomery County Transit
The following buses can keep their current numbers:
GREEN: 701-716, 719-722, 1143-1182
COMMAND: 357-380
QUEENS: 318-319
TRIBORO: 681-794, 1183-1184, 3000-3071
JAMAICA: 3701, 3830-3865 (Event though this is an active MTA series, all buses with these numbers are off the property; at Nimco)
NYBS: 1600-1716, 1800-1805 (whole fleet; Fishbowls not included)
Renumbering:
Amazingly, every bus can keep its last three digits. For those with 3 digits, all you have to do is slap a "thousands" digit on. For the others, you just have to change the thousands digit.
GREEN:
222-292——1222-1292
602-654——2602-2654,
5501-5550—— 3501-3550
COMMAND:
421-499—— 2421-2499
4903-4978—— 5903-5978
QUEENS:
294-317—— 1294-1317
401-499—— 1401-1499
517-535—— 1517-1533
568-581—— 1568-1581
901-954—— 9901-9954
TRIBORO:
640-680—— 3640-3680
2050-2073—— 7050-7033
2136-2147—— 7136-7147
2801-2829—— 9801-9829
JAMAICA:
501-530—— 2501-2530
551-585—— 2551-2585 or 3551-3585
601-608 —— 3601-3608
LIBERTY:
3001-3077—— 0001-0077
Any corrections (oversignts, etc) welcome.
But I have also compiled a total roster, with some alternatives. for one thing, I did not include the new buses that are to be ordered.
At first, it was said to be about 400. That would fit neatly in 3100-3499. 1984 MTA holdout 3469 would be retired or renumbered.
But then I started hearing 600. If these will be different makes or models (hope they are getting some artics, as was said before), then it could be fragmented. Otherwise, I had to make space for them. So in one column, is the plan as is (with the revisions just posted). Then a further revision to place the 600 buses at 3100-3699. This involves giving some of the older RTS's 5 digits. Then, I finish with an alternative to give all pre-1990 buses 5 digits. That might be good, because they will soon be gone, and that would be less numbers reused in the computers (for that reason, the MTA tried 5 digits a decade ago).
ALT plan to make room for new series of 600 (second column)
3100-3699
501-530——10501-10530
601-630——10601-10608
640-763——10640-10763
5501-5550——2501-2550
3469——retire, or 13469
0001-0077
101-317
400-680
701-716
719-722
764-794
800-989
0001-0077
101-317
400-680
701-716
719-722
764-794
800-989
1000-1109
1143-1182
1183-1184
1222-1292
1294-1389
1396-1581
1600-1716
1800-1805
1860-1999
1000-1109
1143-1182
1183-1184
1222-1292
1294-1389
1396-1581
1600-1716
1800-1805
1860-1999
2000-2209
2357-2380
2421-2499
2501-2530
2551-2585
2602-2654
2705-2924
2000-2209
2357-2380
2421-2499
2501-2550
2551-2585
2602-2654
2705-2924
3000-3071
3469
3501-3550
3601-3608
3640-3763
3830-3865
3900-39993000-3071
3100-3699
3830-3865
3900-3999
4000-4899
4900-4999
4000-4899
4900-4999
5000-5834
5903-5978
5000-5834
5903-59786000-6689
6000-6689
7000-7049
7050-7073
7136-7147
7500-7809
7000-7049
7050-7073
7136-7147
7500-7809
8000-8566
8600-8703
8750-8999
8000-8566
8600-8703
8750-8999
9000-9699
9701
9801-9829
9901-9954
9000-9699
9701
9801-9829
9901-9954
10501-10530
10601-10608
10640-10763
5 DIGITS FOR ALL ABOUT TO BE RETIRED FORMER DOT BUSES:
10222-10292
10357-10380
10421-10499
10501-10530
10551-10585
10601-10608
10640-10794
10901-10954
11600-11716
12602-12654
13001-13077
So what this changes, is if I keep QT 318-399 with the same number, then COMMAND 357-380 would have to be renumbered 2357-2380 along with the other RTS's. Otherwise, I would just continue the QT series as 318-400 to 1318-1400 . With the 500's added (no conflicts), you would have a continuous series of 1294-1581
Also, you all missed the big mistake I saw when I was reviewing my printout after I posted. I missed a conflict between TTC 681-794 and GL 701-716; 719-722! So to fix this, I continued TTC 681-722 as 3681-3722. Might as well continue balance of 1986 RTS: 723-763 to 3723-3763 (total series of 3640-3763) JBS 3701 would become 9701.
So now, the revised plan looks like this:
The following buses can keep their current numbers:
GREEN: 701-716, 719-722, 1143-1182
COMMAND: 357-380 (if QT 318-399 are renumbered)
QUEENS: 318-399
TRIBORO: 681-700, 723-794, 1183-1184, 3000-3071
JAMAICA: 3830-3865 (all MTA buses with these numbers are off the property; at Nimco)
NYBS: 1600-1716, 1800-1805 (whole fleet; Fishbowls not included)
Renumbering:
(Every bus can keep its last three digits)
GREEN:
222-292——1222-1292
602-654——2602-2654,
5501-5550—— 3501-3550
COMMAND:
357-380—— 2357-2380 (optional conflict with QT 318-389)
421-499—— 2421-2499
4903-4978—— 5903-5978
QUEENS:
294-317—— 1294-1317 (might as well include balance of 1994 RTS 318-389——1318-1389)
400-581—— 1400-1581 (might as well include 396-399——1396-1399 beginning of Orions)
901-954—— 9901-9954
TRIBORO:
640-680—— 3640-3680
701-722—— 3701-3722 (might as well include 681-700—3681-3700 and 723-763—3723-3763 bal. of 1986 RTS)
2050-2073—— 7050-7073
2136-2147—— 7136-7147
2801-2829—— 9801-9829
JAMAICA:
501-530—— 2501-2530
551-585—— 2551-2585 or 3551-3585
601-608 —— 3601-3608
3701—— 9701
LIBERTY: 3001-3077—— 0001-0077
I also missed Liberty Classics 3101-3110. They do not conflict with anything now, but I did reserve 3100 and up for the new buses. So these would become 7101-7110 or 13101-13110.
On February 7th, 1984, the TA's Grumman Flxible Model 870s were permanently pulled from the streets of New York after one of them burst into flames while it was being driven back to a garage in Manhattan.
In 1985, they were still sitting in the Brooklyn Army Terminal.
Whatever became of them? When were they ultimately disposed of?
--Mark
--Mark
I remember them well as I rode them new at NYCTA/MABSTOA and a couple of times at NJT. From what I've heard NJT were quite pleased with the ex-NYCTA 870s as well as those they purchased new.
The privates (Jamaica Buses, Green Bus Lines, Triboro Coach, Queens Transit and Steinway Transit) and MSBA also had Grumman 870s. These buses served long careers on some of the same streets that NYCTA said the 870s could not handle. Jamaica Buses 870s operated 'til around '00.
When the "affected" Grumman 870s were first taken out of service by verious agencies nation-wide. There were 2,656 buses (205 at CAT, 230 at SCRTD and others) that were returned to Grumman to be retrofitted with stronger A-frames. Of all of these buses NYCTA was the only agency to claim that the buses were unsafe.
The bottom line is that NYCTA was simply full of it as they are today. Granted - we all know that Grumman 870 had their problems, but NYCTA was trying to blame them for more than they were responsible for. My question to NYCTA is: If the buses were such lemons and unsafe why is it that they operated for years elsewhere in addition to that the DOT privates which remained in service in New York City streets.
My big question remains... If the NYCTA buses were unsafe - why is it that those units at Green, Triboro, Queens/Steinway and Jamaica Buses were able to continue on in service for many more years. If anyone is wondering... yes, these buses are part of the 1013 870s - 837 for NYCTA/MABSTOA and the rest for the privates. Also - anyone here familiar with New York City in those days knows that Queens had lots of really bad streets, yet the privates' 870s mysteriously survived. Hmmmm.
I've never said (or implied) that the 870s were flawless or even close to that. I've always said that Grumman did it's part in retrofitting over 2600 defective buses and NYCTA tried ride that bandwagon to blame them for its own shortcomings.
If you look at NYCTA... they seem to have numerous problems with just about any major purchase they've made. I remmeber around the same time that had "issues" with the then new Bombardier made R-62A subway cars, but the problem went away as it usually does.
Interesting, Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines ordered their first 47 Grummans in 1979 with 8V71, the followup order for 15 and 1981 had 6V92. The 1979s didnt work too long at SMMBL, but the 81s lasted well into the mid-90s.
On that note, I would have LOVED to see one of those in "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City". The closest thing you can get to one is either an MC-12 or what looks to be a capped MC-9. At any rate, it is an MCI concoction with a 6V92 that sounds realistic.
-F.
-F.
230 Grumman Model 870s were also removed from the streets of Los Angeles due to the same defect.
Source: Verily, A Sea of Troubles, Daily News, December 16th, 1980, page 33
--Mark
B1-#9302-NOVABUS
B64-#9329-NOVABUS
Only Jamaica Bus rebuilt theirs, the rest didn't stay around very long.
Also: LI Bus had them for quite a while.
I also saw them in the 90s at Arrow serving FoxWoods.
And saw some in Del with their public transit serving Univ of Del.
Those 870s at Tribro and Green did indeed leave sort of early, but Queens/Steinway buses stayed right into the 90's. IIRC the '94 RTS pushed them out the door.
I didn't mention MSBA as their 870s weren't part of the NYCTA order and they had had plenty of Flxible Metros.
In 1979 and 1980, the TA took possession of 637 new Grumman Flxible Model 870 buses. On November 19th, 1980, they were ordered off the streets because cracks had been discovered in 39 bus frames during routine inspections. At the time, these buses represented about 14% of the City’s bus fleet. (33) Many of these buses hadn’t seen 3 months of service. Many of the buses returned to service, but were again removed from service around December 20th. The TA also decided to dissolve an agreement for 570 additional Model 870s. Initially, Grumman rejected the ideas that the cracks were a design defect, but as the number of cracked frames increased, Grumman agreed to pay for repairs. The TA wasn’t certain that the buses could be repaired. On December 8th, 1980, the TA told Grumman to stop producing the last 200 buses in the initial 837 bus contract. The following day, the TA stopped paying Grumman for the current contract, and took steps to dissolve a $65 million follow-up order. Up to this time, the TA still owed Grumman $46 million on an $89 million contract. Grumman countered that the TA breached its contract with them by withholding payment. The Model 870s would be grounded and partially replaced by mothballed buses that were due for scrapping, but these mothballed buses were far from meeting service requirements. Waits for buses in all five boroughs skyrocketed.
The TA was forced by federal law to accept the lowest bid for the bus contract, but because of the defects, they wanted to give the contract to General Motors (for the RTS-I). However, that same law prohibited the TA from just walking away from the contract. If Grumman were unwilling to give the contract to GM, the TA would have to prove that the buses were poorly built and unsafe. If the TA succeeded in doing that, Grumman Flxible would be barred from bidding for any future bus contracts in the US.
Meahwhile, where would all the extra buses needed for daily service come from? A Christmas present from Washington, DC – that’s where! A caravan of 105 creaking old buses leased from WMATA would meander its way to New York City, with a National Guard escort, leaving Washington at 10:40am on December 27th, 1980. (35) The convoy was accompanied by extra mechanics, tow trucks, tools and truckloads of spare parts. It was hoped that the cost of the WMATA buses would be recovered from Grumman Flxible. Much of this convoy was recently returned from a stint in Philadelphia, where officials indicated that numerous breakdowns occurred. Nearly 150 MTA employees were flown to Washington, then bused to WMATA’s New Carrollton and Landover, MD shops to pick up the buses. The first WMATA bus to debut on a revenue run in New York City ran on the M106 crosstown run down 42nd Street heading east from 12th Avenue.
The MTA was considering paying Grumman the money outstanding on its contract in return for Grumman to make all necessary repairs to the 637 buses and not produce the remaining 200 buses in the contract. The TA would give the remaining bus contract to GM. Efforts to complete this agreement were fought by the City’s Comptroller, Harrison J. Goldin.
230 Grumman Model 870s were also removed from the streets of Los Angeles due to the same defect. While Grumman and Rockwell were incapable of manufacturing sturdy subway and bus equipment, they were able to manufacture satisfactory components for the space program! (34)
And why were there only two bus manufacturers in 1980, Flxible and GM? In 1971, the Federal government mandated an “ideal” bus design called “Transbus” which was very lightweight, contained sealed windows, air conditioning, a small engine and low ground clearance. The parts would be interchangeable and easily repaired. Three manufacturers built prototypes of the bus, then indicated they would never build another. The federal government, realizing that their good intentions for an ideal bus would never see the light of day, accepted the Model 870 and the RTS-I as compromises. The Feds left it up to the manufacturers to choose the materials they would use to meet the Transbus requirements. The materials Flxible chose could not stand up to the punishing streets of New York City. In order for cities to obtain 80% in federal Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) grants, they were forced to purchase either the Model 870 or the RTS – any other bus would not be federally funded. When GM and Flxible bid for the MTA’s bus contract, Flxible was the lower bidder, and the MTA was mandated by law to accept the lowest bid. The MTA never liked the Model 870, but Flxible was no longer manufacturing the old style buses that the MTA was used to. (36)
In 1982, the MTA was exploring the purchase of new buses from the Hino Company of Japan and Renault of France. The contract would be for 325 buses per year for 5 years.
On February 7th, 1984, David Gunn, on his 5th day as the TA president, ordered all of the Model 870s grounded after one of them burst into flames while it was being driven back to a garage in Manhattan. (61) They never returned to service again. The MTA tried to sell the buses while they were in storage at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. As of 1985, there were no buyers. The TA sued Grumman for $324 million in damages citing fraud; Grumman countersued for $1 billion citing poor maintenance as the reason for the Flxible’s failures. The MTA had to repay the federal government the funding it provided - $56 million – by July 1st, 1984.
This wasn’t the end though. The MTA purchased a number of new double-decker buses to run down 5th Avenue. Someone forgot to measure the clearance from overhead traffic lights. The buses didn’t stay there for long.
So do you know how long the buses sat at the Brooklyn Army Terminal (a year is sufficient, I don't need an exact date). And can anyone provide me more details on the double decker buses that couldn't fit under several of the traffic lights along 5th Avenue?
--Mark
12/13/80-NYC grounded 637 Grumman buses and SCRTD had grounded 230.
12/26/80-CTA in chicago grouded 205 Grummans.
mid march 1981-after the retrofit,the grummans returned to service.
I too remember the WMATA buses. They ran on the S6(now the S66) route in Staten Island.
--Mark
(And I do remember hearing about issues with stuff overhead. Apparently that's why they only ran on the M4 and M5.)
--Mark
I don't know if you saw this before, but here is a photo of one on the X15.
--Mark
Dr. Ebert’s book also offers an excellent history of the U.S. transit bus manufacturers during the 1970’s Transbus program and following developments. The cancellation of the Transbus program and the adoption of the ADB design specs did force AM General out of the transit bus business, but it also indirectly led to manufacturers like Flyer, GM-Canada, Orion, Gillig and others to enter the industry when many transit authorities balked and refused to buy ADB’s.
The Flxible book was published by Antique Power – a link to their website is here (look under ‘Gift Shop’ to find the books) - http://www.antiquepower.com/index.html
Jim D.
Thanks so much for your post. I didn't have all the fact, but for a long time I've also mentioned that Grumman made the necessary repairs to the Grumman 870 and incorporated the strengthened -A-Frame in later buses. ...and that the TA's problems were the result of their lack of decent maintenance. I didn't know about the shock absorber, but I'm not suprised as TA buses were really bad in those days.
What's also interesting is that David Gunn removed these buses from service and later went on to head WMATA which purchased hundreds of Flxible Metros. Go figure.
The fire in the Flxible was probably the "last straw" in the decision to remove them from service permanently. I don't have any doubts that TA maintenance practices at the time contributed to the fire and the buses' eventual removal; mean distnace betwen failures for subway cars was hovering aroung 6,600 miles, so why would anyone expect the bus situation to be any different.
--Mark
"On February 3, 1984, on West 57th Street in Manhattan, a major media event occurred that provided impetus for the NYCTA to junk its Flxible 870's. A fire destroyed a Model 870 that was carrying no passengers; no one was injured. Subsequently, NYCTA President David Gunn admitted that improper maintenance was responsible for the fire. Grumman engineers confirmed that the bus was being operated without one of its rear shock absorbers. The top mounting pin for that shock absorber was missing, which permitted the trough that separated the fuel lines from the electrical cables to drop down and eventually wear through the fuel lines and electrical cables to provide the spark and fuel that ignited the fire. Before Grumman was allowed to inspect the bus, the whole 870 fleet was termed junk by New York Mayor Ed Koch and ordered out of service by Mr. Gunn."
Jim D.
Ray
So there's a Flxible going the opposite direction so the bus I need will be coming just now so then 858 arrives at the Harrison stop and its a mellow ride, to put it best. Then after doing a mild lean around a curve, the sky turns GRAY AND STARTS A HEAVY DOWNPOUR so for the people who didn't have umbrellas [I had one] it was real tough for them. So I get off in the New Rochelle area where I wait for the 45 and I see 819 on the 42 so since the rain was getting worse I considered taking it but then I was like nah so I let it go then 5 minutes later my bus came. An interesting tidbit was that 15-20 were under one bus shed to keep themselves from getting wet and/or sick later on. I get on Neoplan 519 and its a cool ride and on the Hutch River Parkway there was some police activity but nothing major then I arrive at Pelham Bay Park and see quite a few Artics on the Bx5 and Bx12. Still raining out so I wait about 10 minutes for any bus ot show up then LTD bus 5314 arrives and we depart.
I noticed that the bus had RING written on the Stop Requested bell and had leaks in 3 different places that I saw in the bus. A good ride along Pelham Parkway and East Fordham Rd on the LTD until I reach my stop at Fordham Plaza and I get on 5411 on the Bx55
and its an ok ride although the Bx15 in front of us beat us all the way to 149 St and we caught up to 5375, the bus in front of us. I ride 1083 on the Bx19 via 145/149 crosstown to St Nicholas Av for the A train to 59 St where I take the B and finish my trip.
A few pics:
Enjoy!
O7 7575 B8
R40 4290 (B)
R142 1200 (4)
Bee Line Neoplan 540 #20
Bee Line Flx 825 #5
Bee Line Flx 858 #61
Bee Line Neoplan 519 #45
NF Artic 5314 Bx12
NF Artic 5411 Bx55
NF Artic 1083 Bx19
R38 3953 (A)
R40M 4524 (B)
Of all the White Plains to Bronx routes (1W, 3, 20/21, 40/41, 60/62), I enjoy riding the 41 the most (although there are only 5 trips from 4 to 5:20 PM), and it's the fastest express bus. The 3 is a nice scenic ride, but it depends on the operator on which highway they use. Most times it's the Sprain Brook, although the NY State Thruway between White Plains and Tuckahoe was used on occasion.
Sorry Q-Traindash7 and NIMBY, I enjoy Bee-Line much more than LI Bus. :-)
Some ideas:
4 train to Bedford Park or Woodlawn, then 20/21 bus up. Back down on 3 bus to Van Cortlandt Park for your 1/9 train.
5 to last stop (Dyre), then walk down to Boston Road and Conner St for 60 bus. Take 60 to White Plains and return on a different bus.
NOTE: The 41 express goes to East 241st St, however almost all 40 local buses only end at Mount Vernon East (New Haven RR) station.
...
Queens is shortchanged in bus service. We have the oldest busses, the longest waits, the most breakdowns.
We've had enough!
We ask that you sign the petition, download and distribute materials in your community and keep up with the news. You can do all that on this web site by clicking on the section links above to the left.
The person (or people) who put this together want to guarantee that no route will ever be eliminated (regardless of whether or not people use it or it provides a service that customers need) or that service will never be reduce (regardless of whether or not it is needed, or the buses or personnel assigned to that route could be better used on other routes).
Am I correct in that assumption?
If so, there are several points that I need to make:
1) That's a privilege not currently extended to NYCT's current customers. The right to have a bus route forever, obviously, is not a constitutional right, nor is any schedule carved in stone. Service has to be provided to meet customers' needs.
2) Beyond that, if you can't decrease service on less-used routes, you can't increase service where it's needed, nor can you create new routes to meet new needs. Why run a service that mainly exists to connect with a ferry line that stopped operating more than half a century ago?
3) Locked in schedules--no possibility of changes. Gee, that sounds like what the private bus lines have now. I supposed that their customers like the set-up that they have now.
In fact, the MTA is asking for a blank check to eliminate or change our bus routes and service without any public or
legislative review.
The statement bears witness to the change in pending legislation that would no longer require the MTA/RBA ho hold public commentary sessions or solicit legislative review.
A few years ago, when Green Bus eliminated a few of their routes, did any kind of public hearing take place? No.
The MTA wants to change current legislation that gives the people who utilize and pay for their bus system by removing the right to attend public hearings about such plans. They also wish to remove the very piece of legislation which currently prohibits them from doing such with new legislation, effectively, giving them carte-blanche to do with surface transportation as they deem appropriate without due course or process.
The website in reference supports current legislation, giving you, the people of the city and users of the system the right to be heard. Is it your contention and position that you're willing to give up that right? Because based upon your sentiments, that's what you're indicating.
Regarding your reference to elected officials feeling one way or another, the elected officials are in opposition of the current bill proposed by the MTA for the reasons indicated above.
Pay closer attention to what's going on if you wish your opinions to be taken seriously.
Currently, NYCT customers have the opportunity to speak out and act on service and schedule changes. The private bus customers do not. When Green Bus cuts a route or a schedule, what can their customers do?
I do pay very close attention, and I have a better idea of what I am talking about than you do.
Let's review:
Re: "SOS Queens" Save Our Service Posted by Yorkie on Thu Jun 3 19:02:48 2004
Now let me see if I have this straight. The person (or people) who put this together want to guarantee that no route will ever be eliminated (regardless of whether or not people use it or it provides a service that customers need) or that service will never be reduce (regardless of whether or not it is needed, or the buses or personnel assigned to that route could be better used on other routes). Am I correct in that assumption?
You are incorrect in your original statement above, as I'd indicated time and again. The person (or people) who put this together want to guarantee that no route will ever be eliminated or that service will be reduced upon an MTA takeover and/or Regional Bus implementation system WITHOUT PRIOR PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARING AS IS CURRENT LEGISLATION. That same legislation that requires the MTA to hold public hearings when closing subway stations.
If so, there are several points that I need to make:
Your following points are moot, based solely on your misunderstanding of the above, and the fact that you persist in reiterating how much you're following the situation, yet don't seem to comprehend what you're reading. However, for the sake of argument, I'll entertain them. Once.
1) That's a privilege not currently extended to NYCT's current customers. The right to have a bus route forever, obviously, is not a constitutional right, nor is any schedule carved in stone. Service has to be provided to meet customers' needs.
Nowhere, anywhere, has anyone ever indicated, suggested, implied, stated or offered that any bus route should remain forever. The priveledge that IS currently extended to NYCT's customers has been outlined above. Please read it closely and carefully to absorb the message.
2) Beyond that, if you can't decrease service on less-used routes, you can't increase service where it's needed, nor can you create new routes to meet new needs. Why run a service that mainly exists to connect with a ferry line that stopped operating more than half a century ago?
Again, no inference to prohibition of decreasing service has been submitted.
3) Locked in schedules--no possibility of changes. Gee, that sounds like what the private bus lines have now. I supposed that their customers like the set-up that they have now.
I can't speak for Green Lines customer base. Can you?
You then went on to say:
Re: "SOS Queens" Save Our Service Posted by Yorkie on Thu Jun 3 23:17:57 2004
The point is that "SOS Queens" appears, to me, seems to be against anyone even being able to do that. Certainly some of the elected officials feel that way.
You appear to have created a scenerio in your mind that doesn't exist, and proceed to argue your point which also doesn't exist. Basically, you're arguing with yourself because to date, you haven't grasped the concept of that simple piece of verbage.
Minor schedule changes are not a cause for hearings at MTA or DOT.
The "white with the red line" is Triboro Coach.
BTW, no one with rullers has been here.
For more photos can be found at:
Rochester
Fast Ferry Terminal Photos
Ray
Queens Surfice will be in very good hands.
I heard that some changes in Brooklyn Dispatchers Post will be made effective the coming pick which begins the end of June.
All i can say is that depot changes will be made for the September pick if the information i heard today is true.
Thats all i can say
Thank You
David
BIG AL
Bush Terminal · Croxton Yard · Doreumus Avenue · E-Rail · ExpressRail (Dockside) · Greenville Yard · Land Bridge Terminal (Resources Warehouse) · Little Ferry · North Bergen · Oak Island (Canadian Pacific) · Oak Island (Conrail) · Pacer Stacktrain · Ridgefield Heights Auto Terminal · South Kearny
Bush Terminal
NY Regional Rail (NY Cross Harbor RR)
4302 First Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Tel: (718) 788-3690
Fax: (718) 788-4462
Web site: www.nyrr.com
e-mail: nyrr@mindspring.com
Located on the Brooklyn waterfront, the Bush Terminal is a specialized intermodal facility operated by NY Regional Rail (formerly NY Cross Harbor RR). Bush Terminal is equipped with a float bridge for the loading of rail cars on barges.
Trains from here cross on ferrys from Oak Island Bayonee bridge Yard.
Never met a railfan who got a ride on this but if you do email this list to tell me how it went. The Cross Harbor Railroad is curently on the hot seat
with New Yorks Famouse Over bearing regulations(Did not Bribe the right people)
so they may or may not be in buisness.
Croxton (North Jersey) Yard
125 County Road
Jersey City, NJ 07307
Tel: (201) 239-3242
Fax: (201) 239-3237
Hours: 24 hours/day, except Saturday and Sunday, the terminal is closed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m
Croxton, also known as North Jersey Intermodal Terminal, is a Norfolk Southern full-service terminal designed specifically for double-stack service.
This is a high security facillity so enter with ID and or at your own risk
Doremus Avenue Auto Terminals
861 Doremus Avenue
Newark, NJ 07114
Tel: (973) 578-4884
Fax: (973) 578-4101
Hours: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m., seven days a week.
These are the largest rail automobile loading facilities in the New York/New Jersey region. These are Conrail (NS/CSX Shared Asset) terminals, located adjacent to the north side of Port Newark, at NJ Turnpike Interchange 14.
-This is Jersey so best to stay out of this one as well-
E-Rail
Rail Bridge Terminals Inc.
322 Third Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07206
Tel: (908) 588-0343
Fax: (908) 351-9037
Hours: Seven days, 24 hours.
This rail facility is located just south of the Port Authority’s Elizabeth Marine Terminal along the Chemical Coast rail line. It is operated by the Rail Bridge Corp., a subsidiary of K-Line, and is served by Norfolk Southern. It provides transcontinental “double-stack service.
This is the starting points for Stack Trains to make there Epic 5-8 Day journey Cross Country--Fairly acessible by foot-Not very accesble by car
ExpressRail (Dockside)
E. Fleet Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Tel: (908) 527-0147
Fax: (908) 527-0350
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Provides daily double-stack train service between the Port and points in the Midwest, Eastern Canada and beyond. The terminal is served directly by CSX and Norfolk Southern. Canadian cargo is transferred to CP Rail at Selkirk, N.Y.
(back)
Greenville Yard
Port Jersey
Jersey City, N.J.
Conrail Operations (double-stack, vehicles)
New York Regional Railroad
4302 First Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Tel: (718) 788-3690
Fax: (718) 788-4462
This specialized rail yard, located on the Jersey City, N.J., waterfront, is served by the New York Regional Railroad (formerly NY Cross Harbor RR) and Conrail (joint NS/CSX). Conrail interchanges traffic to/from NYRR, which operates the car float “service between Greenville and Brooklyn.
(back)
Land Bridge Terminal (Resources Warehouse)
2200 Secaucus Road
North Bergen, NJ 07047
Tel: (201) 348-6300
Fax: (201) 348-6262
Web site: www.resources-warehouse.com
e-mail: Precon@resources-warehouse.com
This is a multiple-service intermodal center located along the New York, Susquehanna & Western RR in North Bergen, N.J. The facility can load and unload double-stack trains as well as provide warehousing and container freight station services.
(back)
Little Ferry
CSX Intermodal
2200 83rd Street
North Bergen, N.J. 07047
Tel: (201) 902-1003
Fax: (201) 902-1002
Hours: Seven days, 24 hours.
Little Ferry is a CSX Intermodal facility that is also served by the New York Susquehanna & Western RR. Located near the George Washington Bridge and the NJ Turnpike Interchange 18, the terminal handles import/export, mini-landbridge and domestic traffic, including double-stack container service.
(back)
North Bergen Yard
6201 Tonnelle Avenue
North Bergen, NJ 07047-3311
Tel: (201) 941-9530
Hours: 24 hours a day/7 days a week
North Bergen is a CSX yard that provides high-speed connections between the New York/New Jersey region and destinations ranging from upstate New York to the U.S. Midwest and the West Coast.
(back)
Oak Island Terminal (Conrail)
Newark, NJ 07114
Contact: Conrail Operations Center
1100 Howard Boulevard
Mt Laurel, NJ 08054
Tel: (609) 231-2000
(back)
Oak Island (Canadian Pacific)
91 Bay Avenue
Newark, NJ 07105
Tel: (973) 465-1333
Fax: (973) 465-1417
Oak Island is located just north of the PortNewark/Elizabeth marine terminal complex. It is convenient to U.S. Rt. 1/9 and the N.J. Turnpike at Interchange 14. Oak Island is Canadian Pacific’s main terminal in the New York/New Jersey region.
Pacer Stacktrain
American President Corporation
123 Pennsylvania Avenue
S. Kearny, NJ 07032
Tel: (973) 465-5920
Fax: (973) 589-6234
This is a Conrail (NS/CSX Shared Asset) terminal that primarily handles domestic container and double-stack mini-landbridge service for Pacer. It is adjacent to the CSX S. Kearny Terminal.
(back)
Ridgefield Heights Auto Terminal
Victoria Terrace
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
Tel: (201) 941-5023
Fax: (201) 941-5043
Hours: Sun.-Fri., 5 a.m. to midnight
This automobile facility, located along the CSX River Line, is served by Norfolk Southern and CSX.
(back)
South Kearny
700 Old Fish House Road
South Kearny, NJ 07032-4304
Tel: (973) 274-2400
Fax: (973) 274-2455
Hours: 24 hours a day/7 days a week
South Kearny is a CSX terminal handling both TOFC and double-stack container service. It offers frequent service linking the New York/New Jersey region with points throughout the United States.
(back)
OK?
As for this mutant, I'm sure Senator/President Kelly will find this and take "necessary action." ;-)
I saw a face similar to that at the AMC movie theatre on 42nd Street in Manhattan.
Long live the extra long exhaust pipe! I have to look out for this bus when I'm in MD...you've got to see it to believe it.
-Fred
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I was on a Q34 today, and I asked the driver for a Continuing Trip Ticket, but he did not know what I was talking about. How can someone transfer between the Q25 and Q34, like if a person was going from College Point to Willets Point for free since I believe if you try to use a metrocard, it will charge you another fare, or if you use a paper magnetic white and blue transfer, it will be rejected??
Thanks.
What still perplexes me about that game is that there are NO transits to be found. A simple RTS, Fishbowl, or Flxible Metro would be nice.
-F.
Is there ANY transit agency that dumps people into the street?!
-F.
But for those of us that are old enough:
In GTA: III, there are no set bus routes. Depending on where you are, buses will be randomly generated and will follow random routes.
As for bus stops, there are two. One is on Staunton Island not too far from the casino, and the other is by Francis International Airport. Suspiciously, the signs look like NYC bus stop signs for the M1, M2, and M3.
In GTA: VC, there's a bus route for the eastern island, and a bus route for the western island, and each route has bus stops along the way which are marked by signs (remember, you can drive the bus to the stops and pick up and discharge passengers to make a little money). Ironically, the bus stop signs used in VC are the same as the ones from III, so they're all Manhattan signs for the M1, 2, and 3.
It'd be a little difficult to describe the exact routing of the buses, so just find one, and follow it to learn the route.
Perhaps if the AI were bit more advanced, they'd start cursing you out for blocking the bus, and then the cops would arrive and beat you down for blocking a No Standing Zone.
-F.
*BSU: Blowing Sh(aving cream) Up!
Then I hop on 294 on the Q34 and the Stop Requested bell didn't light whenever you pulled the cord but you would hear the *ding*, pretty interesting. I get off at Jewel Av and I just missed the Q65A but its frequent in the rush so 3 minutes later a cold 492 arives and take the short ride ot the last stop and shortly after I get 483, which is a slow dog but after 20mph the speed would kick in so the skies turn very gray and I notice that it will rain once again so at Sanford Av I see Viking 997 on the x51. By time I reach Flushing it starts to drizzle and I see a full wrap of 355 promoting Harry Potter and the newest movie. Take some more pics & I walk over to the Q66 stop and wait for the Long Island City bus, get on 447 and stopped at every bus stop until the lower 80's then its more of a quick ride afterwards then I see a Q101 coming so I get off and to my surprise 404 has a John Deere engine!
Basically it has rapid accel and I get off at Queens Plaza and I wait 15-20 minutes for the Q67 and its funny seeing people run for the Q32's that were passing by. Sun is out once again and I get on 384 and its all good at first but then we start to accelerate slower as the trip progressed and on 53 Drive, we barely went 10mph up the hill so something was going wrong I suppose. Anyway its a 1/2 hour ride to Metro Av and I catch 8137 on the Q54 and take the trip to Willy-B Plaza and get on 8317 on the B46 LTD and its a good ride although we ran ahead of time at St Johns Pl but otherwise a good ride then I get off at Avenue D and ride on a frosty 922 on the B8 and finish my trip.
Now add 2 more buses to the FB fleet: 4684 and 8194.
R68 2792 (Q)
R46 5954 (F)
QSC RTS 342 Q102
QSC RTS 347 Q104
QSC RTS 328 Q66
QSC RTS 294 Q34
QSC O5 492 Q65A
QSC O5 483 Q65
QSC O5 447 Q66
QSC O5 404 Q101
QSC RTS 384 Q67
RTS 8137 Q54
RTS 8317 B46 LTD
NF 922 B8
Enjoy!
As they say nothing runs like a deer ... QSC has two of them.
Next time try an express via LIE or Queensboro Bridge, you'll enjoy the view.
Wonder if they're out of the loop now.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the MTA, any bus company or the body shop.
I repeat this is my speculation only:
EAST NEW YORK-B7,B8,B12,B14,B15,B20(entire Route),Q24,B25,B45,B47,B49,B51,Q56,B60,B83
JACKIE GLEASON-B9,B11,B16,B23,X27,B35,B37,B43,B48,B61,B63,B65,B67,B68,B69,B70,B71,B75,B77
FLATBUSH-B2/100,B31,Q35,B41,B44,B46,BM-1,BM-4
ULMER PARK-B1,B3,B4,B6(ALL),X25,X28,X29,B36,B64,B74,BM-3
FRESH POND-B13,B24,B26,B38,Q38,B39,Q39,B52,B54,Q54,Q55,B57,Q58,Q59,Q67
SPRING CREEK(CURRENT COMMAND DEPOT)B17,B42,B82,B103,BM-2,BQM-1
Any commnets
Again this is my speculation only
Thank You
JAMAICA-Q4,Q5,Q8,Q17,Q42,Q60,X64,Q77,Q84,Q85
CASEY STENGEL-Q12,Q13,Q14,Q15,Q16,Q20,Q26,Q27,Q28,Q44,Q48,X51,Q74,Q76,QBX 1(Queens/Bronx part only)
QUEENS VILLAGE-Q1,Q2,Q30,Q31,Q36,Q43,Q46,X68,Q75,Q79,Q83,Q88,Q110
ROCKAWY BLVD(Current Green Line)Q3,Q6,Q7,Q9,Q9A,Q10,Q11,Q21,Q22,Q22AQ37,Q40,Q41,Q53,QM15,QM16,QM17,QM18,QM23
FARMERS BLVD(Curent Jamaica Bus)X63,Q111,Q112,Q113,QM21
The Q-32 from Stengel will be moved to Queens Surfice)Queens Surfice and Triboro routes will be in another division. This is the current TA Queens Division only.
Any comments
Again this is my speculation only
Thank You
If Regional Bus does pass legislation, the point is moot because you won't have a bus running anywhere.
The postings are my own without consulting with any one in the TA.
In regards to Regional Bus i do not think its going to pass but the takeover can still happen under current law.
Thank You
Anyone who says otherwise is lying or simply doesn't know the facts.
*If established fairly, using existing contracts, keeping as many current non-represented employees as possible and updating the fleet as well as increasing service where it's needed.
Thank You
Because they need to be invited first.
Mayor Mike seems to have the mushroom theory, i.e. keep them in the dark
The unions were not invited to the table where the NYCDOT and MTA set forth regulations described in a "Term Sheet" agreed upon without union input (or knowledge).
I cant wait for the other QSC and Triboro Routes, I wont be surprised to see 126th or MJQ involved in this.
The MTA can plan anything they wish. They can plan to send a bus to Mars if they choose. Nothing will be done without the unions approval. To date, only the SSSA have responded that RBA is negotiable. To all other unions, RBA is non-negotiable.
MetroB
BIG AL
MetroB
BIG AL
BIG AL
"Dispatcher (pee-on)"
So I'm assuming you don't like dispatchers?
MetroB
BIG AL
MetroB
Dispatcher (pee-on) - Normal Nose
Superintendant - Light Brown Nose
Assistant Geneneral Supt - Brown Nose
General Supt - Dark Brown Nose
Assistant General Manager - Black Nose
General Manager - No Nose Remaining
Big business has successfully reduced management layers through technology. In fact the greatest loser in the technology revolution was not the line worker but the middle manager whose job was made obsolete by technolgy
the same should be done at the ta
L M A O
BIG AL
Thanl You
BIG AL
IF YOU CAN READ THIS....
.....FLIP ME OVER!!!
-F.
Here's the basic HTML code to use for posting a link to this board:
<a href="LINK_URL_HERE_BETWEEN_QUOTES_NO_SPACES">Name of your link, description of your link or the actual URL. Spaces are allowed.</a>
Example A: <a href="http://www.hopetunnel.org/bus/040418/5123.jpg">Name of your link, description of your link or the actual URL. Spaces are allowed.</a>
Example B: <a href="http://www.hopetunnel.org/bus/040418/5123.jpg">http://www.hopetunnel.org/bus/040418/5123.jpg</a>
Da Hui
For remote linking to Image Station, remove the ".orig.jpg" extension. This will display the smaller version of the image. You corrected the display URL in your next post.
Let me know if it can be seen or not.
Da Hui
Second Avenue Stubway
-Fred
-Fred
-Fred
B1-#4787-TMC
B9-#7598-Orion VII
B100-#369-GMCRTSII-04
David
Basically the Command Bus and the Queens Surfice Management will be allowed on the property after July 1st only to begin the process of closing down the companies.
Having closed my own business in 1994 you just can't walk out on June 30th and be out of business on July 1st. It does not work like that.
Taxes have to be paid,W-2 forms for 2004 will have to be issued, The pension funds have to be transferred, Companies will have to settle the accounts with the DOT etc.
It took me six weeks to close my textile business its going to take the companies that will be going out several months.
I really doubt that the DOT and the MTA will throw them out on July 1st especially the Queens Surfice staff which i believe have no other business interests. I am sure that a reasonable time will be given for the companies to shut down. Most likely the Command management will be moved over to Green Lines since Green Lines owns Command Bus.
Thats my opinion
Thank You
I already got two "Warn" letter from the boss that says July 1st I no longer work for her.
-F.
~Black magic isn't always a bad thing...("inside" joke)
-Fred
-F.
Since Jackie Gleason can handle between 330 & 340 buses & since it has 317 buses right now, add another route to Jackie Gleason & still keep it as a CNG facility & still keep the express buses at Ulmer Park.
Thart would free up space for the MTA to move the BM3 and BM4 command express routes to UP. These line begin 5 min down the belt parkway from UP vs. a 20 minute ride from the current command facility.
Such a move would save some labor and fuel costs
David
47 BETHESDA
47 VIA
47 MONT. MALL
As we left the mall, the driver actually changed the sign so it would just say
47 BETHESDA
It was the first time I had seen a driver do that, though I knew the sign existed and I have seen drivers who just left the 47 BETHESDA sign up the entire run. Has anyone else seen the drivers do this? I wonder how many even know the code is programmed in because on the September 03 run sheets, the sign code for the run that starts at Montgomery Mall in the early AM is for the VIA reading and the list of codes has been removed from all the buses as far as I can tell.
Then, due to 355 being closed somewhere between Medical Center and Grosvenor, 46s were on the following detour:
Southbound
Normal to 355 & Tuckerman
R on Tuckerman
L on Old Georgetown
L on Battery
L on Woodmont
L on 355
L into station
Reverse for northbound
No mention of how drivers were to serve Grosvenor Station but I am sort of glad I didn't take the 37.
Then, once at Bethesda, I saw 5910 start a 70 run and I saw a 35 footer IIRC doing the 70 run before that one. Service was incerased as part of Go Montgomery Phase I so how many buses does the 70 now require?
West Farms
7655-7683, 7686-7688, 7690-7692, 7694, 7698-7699, 7702, 7704, 7706-7707, 7710-7732, 7734-7738, 7740-7742, 7747-7748, 7755
Hale
6365-6372, 6375, 6382, 6384, 6387
(6365 & 6366 @ Orion Plant)
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
-Adam
fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com
Da Hui
Da Hui
Orion's manufactering process is a 2 step process. The shell is manufactered in Mississuaga,Canada. The shell is then shipped to Oriskany, NY, where the rest of the bus gets assembled and completed. Not to mention that MTA is NOT Orion's only customer and Orion Does have other customers to take care of. New Flyer I believe has a one step manufactering process on one property. Some manufacters have the ability and facilities to produce buses at a greater rate than other manufacterers.
Those "Buy it in our state" things are shortsighted attempts by politcos to make sure that the money spent by the state gets spent in their area of concern. This is pork barrel politics at it's best and it often results in lax quality and over paying for things that could be purchased on the US market much cheaper. This can be seen time and time again. LIRR's DM30ACs were assembled like shit because Super Steel Schenectady had no reason to fear retribution. They make a damn good train when bidding competetively (they've assembled EMD locos for Conrail, UP, CSX and NS), but when they were assured a contract, they had no motivation. The same thing happened in Seattle with two classes of ferryboats and again with Super Steel, gawd knows where your Rhor Turbos are. Orion sees that nobody else is in the same position as they are and they slack off on the new york orders, since they are quite assured to get the next contract.
Yeah I too would like to see the TA [well the state to] end this buy New York shit too and perhaps give some new competitors [besides New Flyer]. Lets see what happens in the future.....
Actually, just as well, if not better.
Trevor
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
(The best Flxibles in the entire fleet, but they are on their last legs as we speak)
30-35: 1987(?) Flxible 30096-6T
DD 6V92TA/Allison V731
36-40: Flxible 30096-6C
Cummins L10/Voith D863
4291-4791: 1991 Flxible 30096-6C
Cummins L10/Voith D863
6791,6891: 1991 Flxible 40096-6C
Cummins L10/Voith D863
6198-6698: 1998 Thomas TL-960 Transitliner
Cummins C8.3/Allison B400R (?)
7001-7791: 2001 Gillig Phantom
Cummins ISM/Allison B400R
Soon to arrive:
8004-8704(?): 2004 Gillig Advantage
I am merely guessing about the fleet #'s. Most likely they will have a Cummins ISM/Allison B400R.
There's a few Startrans and Champion cutaways numbered in the 20's and 50's which are used for nighttime security and low ridership routes, but they're not worth mentioning:)
-Fred
Da Hui
Da Hui
Oh wait, that's right, you have a shitty D390, you can't change settings on that POS!
So on the Queen-B we are moving at an unusually sluggish pace but it turns out that there was a yellow cab whose hood refused to stay down and it nearly ran into the steel railings on the side so that limited us to one lane for 1/2 the distance. That is not too bad but on the LIE was gridlock as usual so I watch all of the OOS express buses roll by heading towards Manhattan and it takes a good while to ge through this leg of the trip. Then we manage to go at the speed limit briefly before we hit the surface streets again on Main St and I get off at Union St, walk back to Kissena Blvd to get some photos and something to eat. I see 8240 on the Q17 LTD and a couple of O5's and such then I run to get 401 on the Q12 and its a cool ride and I see a D4500 and Viking pass my bus on Sanford Av. I take the ride via Northern to Bell Blvd to wait for the Q31, which takes about 12 minutes to come and the inside of 620 was just horrid.
When I sat down there was litter all over, scratchiti [not on the windows], torn seats, green foam on the floor and a bad smell that persisted as we went along. Overall the ride was cool and mellow but then that smell got stronger so by Utopia Pkwy the bus goes OOS and it turns out that there was a leak from the back so we get on 9355 on the Q30 and continue along our way. A funny thing was that these kids who were also on the Q31 looked like the knew nothing about the 30 since they thought it went elsewhere besides Jamaica; which in fact does not of course. I take the E from Parsons Blvd to 7 Av where I hop on a R42 B and finish my trip.
NF 854 B8
RTS 9390 B49
Command O5 4941 BM3
Viking 997 x51
O5 401 Q12
O5 620 Q31
R32 3809 (E)
R42 4942 (B)
Enjoy!
The second one is MTA's Viking waiting for a run on the X51. The TA only has 3 of them-all operate out of Casey Stengal Depot on the X51.
I think the Viking looks cool.
9702 A12 Addison Road
2053 C21 Prince George's Community College
63038 21 New Carrolton
2035 T18 Rhode Island Avenue
3901 D8 Union Station
8843 N22 Navy Yard
9388 P2 Federal Triangle
2171 S2 the Old Convention Center
2444 80 North Capitol and H Streets
5243 X2 Minnesota Avenue
2389 U2 Anacostia
2410 B2 Barney Circle
4078 34 7th and Independence
2190 54 F streets
-here is where I nearly got Fabioized. While waiting for the 42 to come, about 3 pigeons nearly flew into me. I get the feeling THE BUS sent them:P . I don't look like Fabio so why were they trying to fly into me. Along with those near run in with the pigeons, one pigeon was trying to get his mac-on with another pigeon, but he got shot down. I have a couple of jokes but I am too tired to say them.
8842 42 Farragut Square
-this is a Southern bus, how I could tell, easily, it had a smarttrip fare box, which apparently wasn't working(WhyMATA at work). I want to know if this was just a borrowed bus or is this going to become a regular thing. Like with the 97, I thought that they only ran buses from Bladensburg and Northern, not knowing they ran one or two runs from the Annex.
4033 42 National Cathedral
4345rehab 35 Friendship Heights
5513 11 Silver Spring
2127 Q2 Wheaton
5821 48 Rockville
5821 55 Lakeforest(not a typo, got the same bus consecutively
5556 57 Shady Grove
2131 Q2 Rockville
5584 47 Montgomery Mall
2132 J2 Bethsda( I am getting sick of these *&%$#@? buses, like B-mores NABIs)
5718 34 Wheaton
5211 Y9 Silver Spring station(missed the last F4, so decided to take the subway and see if I could meet the F4 at PG Plaza, not happenin Cap'n)
Breda Red Fort Totten
CAF Green L'Enfant Plaza
Rohr Blue Addison Road
4271rehab A12 somewhere close to home
other observations:
saw 4277 rehabbed with orange sign and 4201 almost freshly rehabbed complete with orange sign.
4086 approached on the P6 to the Metro Center stop, I looked at it a bit then noticed, this sucker has at least right side LED turn signals. Add this one to the oddity files.
Oh yea by the way, left house around 7am didn't get back till 11:45pm. As much as I like bus riding, I ain't doing this no more, esepically with the PG bus service, the attempting 31 bus rides that is, going back to normal bus tripping next week.
First... Happy B-Day to you. Well even though you didn't quite make 31 buses - you made a good effort. It's not a bad idea, but I sure I would've stopped once I passed age 35. I didn't realize how late you were out until you mentioned missing the last F4. BTW - I have the 24th if the trip is still on.
One certain thing about the RTS's at SEPTA, they were the most altered buses in the entire fleet, getting 4 [one group had 5] alterations throughout their career.
The first alteration [1984-85] was the installation of the Sutrak AC's on the roof of the buses. SEPTA felt that it was much simpler than squar-backing the 03 models to look like the 04 buses.
The second and third alterations came in 1988-89 came with the repowering of the buses. Originally, they had 6v71 engines[except 8265-84 but I did not know what engines they had, I guess it was 8v71], but they were slow and underpowered, so SEPTA repowered them with 6v92TA engines. Also the 2 piece mylar curtain signs were taken out for dot-matrix signs. [ 4458-70 had two conversions of their destination signs. They went from one-piece to two piece when the buses were moved from Frontier to Victory, then they got the electronic signs during the 88-89 GOH].
The last alteration was the removal of the touch bars on the rear doors [on CTD buses only], altering door controls so that the operator controls the doors [that was also applied to the Neoplan and Volvo buses as well].
My only question was this: The SEPTA RTS was an 03 slopeback model. I remember having a sales brochure from GM which introduced the RTS 04 model, so were the SEPTA RTS the last 03's made?
Removal as in taken out, or just inoperable? The neoplans touch bars weren't removed, they just stopped have any functionality other than holding on to it while standing since it was turned into operator controlled rear doors(i'm guessing largely due to lawsuits, and inability to reopen them).
~RIP DKs
I wonder what the deal is. Not liek it matters, I liked the bars.
Those who post to the other message board on this site probably already know the answer to this one, so I'll leave it to the folks who exclusively post to BusTalk.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner!
The bus is located at 37th Road & Broadway.
The elevated train structure you refer to is the Manhattan-bound platform of the 74th Street-Broadway staion on the 7 line. The bus itself is running on the Q47 route. The windscreen/wall is being removed from the platform and will eventually be replaced by something like what already appears on the opposite platform.
(Yikes! A subway picture on a bus message board!)
Now where's this one?
Next picture please
Da Hui
Da Hui
Please give me some time, like an hour.
Take your time!
Last call...
Hints:
It is Queens.
It was a holiday.
"The City Never Sleeps"...
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Peace,
ANDEE
I saw this bus on Broadway as I was going from the Temple to Grand Central Terminal. What is interesting here is the different font used on this sign (look at the 7). It was weird on the front, too! For the first time since rollsigns were on NYCT buses, a bus with more than one LOWER CASE letter (this does not include SMALL CAPS). The text on the front sign literally said, "via AMSTERDAM."
Interesting, isn't it?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4151&item=2248928635&rd=1
It says it was manufactured by "FLX, INC."; I would assume that to be a separate company, but does anyone know for sure?
-F.
It's the Vengutzi of a previous generation!
-F.
(KSDK) -- Three adults and 22 students were injured in a crash involving an Atlantic Express school bus and a Metro bus. It happened just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, in front of the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.
Police say the two buses somehow collided and hit a man who was walking his dog. The dog died.
The man is in critical condition at a local hospital. The school bus driver suffered minor injuries. The Metro bus driver is in serious condition at a local hospital.
26 children were on the school bus. They were going to Buerkle Middle School in the Mehlville School District. 22 students sustained minor injuries, the remaining four students were not injured.
Photos:
The buses are primarily ex-school buses, both local and long-distance buses, and primarily two-stroke buses at that, albeit there are some buses with Navistar V8 engines (T444E) on them. The primary reason that this is the case is because standard American buses would not hold up on streets here, especially outside the capital, and that includes the rugged RTS model. In addition, the express buses from Panama City to Colon use soft-seaters, but mostly European models such as Scania, Mercedes-Benz, would be Setra in the US, Hyundai buses, Daewoo buses, and a few MC-9s--no A3s as of yet!
The transportation center in Panama City is one to die for in the US! (Nothing like it in the US compares!)
More details over the next few days.
How interesting...
~Professional school bus "basher"
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
The only buses with two doors standard are the Hyundai buses. None of the buses have wheelchair lifts. There are some imported buses that had wheelchair lifts, but they were removed when they were reseated.
July is a nice time to be un-employed, well no time is, but if it's going to happen, July is better then January.
Is that a better answer?
David
David
David
I caught 7510 instead, on the B49. And that morning 7504 was behind the B49 I was on -- had I known, I would have waited for it.
BIG AL
Hope this helps.
I really wish they would. Going places would be so much easier for me.
SEPTA also has SportWorks, but their use is more intermittant, they're only used on certain routes designated as bike routes, such as the 37 and others. Even if you see a bike rack equipped bus on a non-bike route, don't count on being able to use the rack. I have seen Bikes on off-peak Subway Surface trolleys (carried internally, w00t for a 50 foot LRV!), as well as the MFL and BSS subways. Regional rail seems to be the only mode SEPTA has that is officially open to bikes on all off peak trains, the others are far greyer areas.
Many of the more progressive (read: newer, aren't bogged down with Unions and BS) TAs out west have bike racks on all their buses, and encourage riders to make use of them. I know KC Metro in Seattle, Trimet in Portland and VTA in San Jose all have racks and utilize them. I'm sure there's many other TAs around the country with bike racks and good utilization programs that I'm ignoring, but oh well.
I have to wonder why more TAs don't have bike racks. It seems to be a perfect way to expand your network without actually increasing service. If the passenger can travel that much further to the bus than he could with walking then he might be encouraged to take the bus to work rather than drive. Why doesn't NYC have racks on their buses? That whole excuse of "we don't want the insurance" is BS, other TAs have worked out the litigation, why the hell can't the MTA? There must be a precedent, and if worse comes to worse, you can always just make a "Take your bike to work" Metrocard showing all the advantages of biking to work via the bus, just stick "MTA not responsible for damage to bike" across the bottom, and train the drivers to stop short.
Finally, has anyone ever seen a bike rack from any manufacturer other than Sportworks? I have never seen anything other than their racks. It happens that they're based out of Woodinville, Washington, where I have some family, and I even had a cousin who worked for a summer in their plant. Do they have any competition? All I ever see is buses with tell tail little yellow tag on the left side of the mounting to the bumper.
A Sportworks rack on SEPTA D40LF 5712:
"Other places"(meaning not nyc I'm assuming) is that there's bike racks on the front of the bus usualy with 2-3 slots and you have to buy a card/parmit from the county office.
Good yes. Ugly yes, also.
Any bulky item must conform to the NYCRR Part 1050-9 of the NYC Authorities Law: http://216.156.84.253/1050-9-bulky.gif
Secondly, *no* bulky item may be brought onto *any* NYCT surface bus between the hours of 6:00AM - 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, as per the MTA/NYCT Rules and Regulations.
The fact that a bicycle, be it folded in nature, matters not as it constitutes a "bulky item" and as such, must conform to the NYCRR and NYCT RR.
Therefore, NO bicycles, be they folded or otherwise, may be brought onto MTA buses if they ae in violation of the NYCRR.
They may NOT block aisles.
They may NOT interfere with other passengers.
They may NOT occupy a seat.
They may NOT block doorways/stairs.
They may NOT inconvenience passengers.
They may NOT be considered as "ambulatory apparatus" as defined by federal stature and the ADA.
Hope this helps.
It'll be a rare day to see NYCT enforce it's own rules...
Dayton, Ohio has a fleet of Skoda ETBs.
David
In canada Vancouver's Translink runs a massive ETB network, and ETS in Edmonton runs a very similar system. Toronto had ETBs until recently, when they were sadly bustituted.
It's important to remember that nearly every American city at one time or another had an ETB system in the period after NCL destroyed the trolleys and before standard oil addicted the US on oil. There is absolutely no reason why ETB systems couldn't be installed in any CBD today. Los Angeles looked into ETB for their system, even going so far as starting on EISes and major planning before idiocy killed the project. Sadly complete ignorance ruled that day, since NIMBYs popped out of the wood work and decried the ETB installation as creating too many harmful EMFs. Unfortunately nobody explained to them that a 600vdc overhead catenary makes fewer EMFs than their microwave when it's off! Today LAMTA is home to the biggest CNG fleet in the nation, literally burning money while they are fleeced by enron-like 'energy companies' who are little more than get rich quick middlemen. CNG is heading for one hell of a fall, as is the whole Natural Gas market. Our demand for natural gas has outstripped the domestic production of it, and now have to import, there no longer is really any advantage to CNG, it's just diesel with very poor gas mileage.
A CNG bus already cost more then diesel version, no matter how you look at it. Tranckless (elect.) or clean diesel are both better options.
David
( To view the full album, visit Fast
Ferry Arrival Photos )
Had no idea it was that large, though!!
I'm assuming this one boat that does seasonal trips from Mexico to Florida is about that size, since they both hold cars.
I'm going to assume, for assumptions sake, that the Queen Mary 2 is nicer. :)
This where cars/buses/bikes get inside:
I just got home and saw the most unbelievably cool thing, a Chinabus getting pulled over by the NJ State police for multiple traffic offenses. And how it got there was even cooler:
I first saw the bus up at the exit 6, the PA Turnpike connector, where I entered. I wound up with one in front of me, one behind, the front one was definitely Today Coach VanHool C2045 #002. I think the back one might have been TodayCoach as well, it was a VanHool C2045, but that doesn't narrow the field down much. Either way the rear one was driving like a maniac, swerving in and out of the two right lanes, tailgating everything that should dare to get in front of it. They weren't going particularly fast, only about 65 or so, so I sped up and got ready to get away from them.
That's when the Chinabus driver made his first mistake. He spotted an opening created by his comrade in front of him, on the right of a truck, and floored it for the hole in the considerable traffic. He was rolling along at probably 75 or so mph down the right side of a truck when a slow moving Lincoln Towncar foiled his plans to pass the truck (who was doing 70mph easy). With a sliver of space, possibly as small as 50 feet between the rear bumper of the Lincoln and the front bumper of the truck, the Chinabus driver flipped the bird to the trucker and cut him off, to the accompaniment of screeching brakes and a horn. During this exchange I had just passed the truck on the left and was preparing to occupy the space the Chinabus had just pulled into. I slowwed down, thinking a collision was imminent, fortunately the trucker at least knew how to handle his rig and he avoided the bumper of the VanHool. I managed to see the trucker talking in the CB radio through my rear view mirror, and quickly figured out something would soon be up.
Sure enough just north of exit 5 two trucks rather solidly blocked the way in the two right lanes, a flatbed and a box truck from some small local carrier, both moving at about 65 mph were right in the Chinabuses way. I realized this was the trucker's revenge, and decided I didn't want to miss this. At the time I was about 100 feet down the road from the Chinabus and placed myself right behind the flatbed in the left lane.
The Chinabus came right up onto my bumper, to call what he was doing tailgating is an understatement, there were times all I could see was the seemingly massive VanHool plate in my rear view mirror and a headlight in each side view mirror. What I was doing was completely irrational, and probably more than a little suicidal. If something had happened in front of the flatbed I probably would have been crushed like a bug, my little 1000 or so pound honda civic little match for two 50000lb monsters, at least one of who's brakes I did not care to put any faith in. I'm sure the two truckers might have wondered who the little white car who seemingly had blithely joined their ad hoc baracade was, but neither of them made any kind of motion acknowledging me. Other trucks would pass on the right, pulling to within a car length of the box truck before the box truck would accelerate and the original trucker would pull up beside the chinabus, trapping him in the box, it was actually an amazingly well orchestrated operation, I sat in the middle of it some 20 feet behind the flatbed, 5-10 feet in front of the chinabus in mild awe. Traffic streamed by on the left, most of the cars zipping by were probably completely unaware of what was happening. And through all this the Chinabus driver raged, flashing his high beams, honking occasionally, and swerving slightly to the left every so often.
We continued like this down to about 10 miles north of Exit 4, where the chinabus made his stupidest blunder. He'd been raging silently for almost 5 minutes, and then suddenly put on his left turn signal and began accelerating. As he pulled into the left lane he appeared to miss my left rear bumper by probably less than a foot.
Now in this exact same spot I got a speeding ticket only a month ago, 93 in a 65 zone, so I knew this speed trap well. It happens to be right where the NJ State Police have their barracks on the NJTP, and the cops sit up on the embankment adjacent to the overpass and time cars zipping down the turnpike. They are in an excellent position to see a long way down the road and then also to get up to speed coming down the ramp. Of course today there was a cop up there, and I think the chinabus driver saw him shortly before I did, he was about abreast of me when I suddenly was going faster than him. By the time I saw the cop, he was already rolling, lights on and headed for the ramp. The chinabus was down to 55 in the left lane, and he began drifting across to the shoulder. I lost sight of him as he pulled onto the shoulder. He should have a rather large ticket coming, a Commercial Vehicle in the left lane, doing probably around 80 in a 65 zone, I got a 200 dollar ticket just for doing 93 in a 65 zone, what with the left lane prohibition and the fact that it's a commercial vehicle, his will be considerably more.
Oh well, just some excitement on my commute home today...
In other chinabus related news, the City of Mt Laurel and NJT are fighting Chinabus pickups at or around their bus terminal, right off Rt73 at Exit 4. Also Philadelphia is having great success combatting Chinabus pickups at SEPTA stops, no longer is the 48 bus held captive by VanHools sitting in it's stops. It used to be that the Chinabus operators had english/chinese signs bound to the SEPTA bus stop signs, those have come down and now there are walking Transit Police, Philadelphia Parking Authority and Philadelphia PD officers walking around chinatown, looking for violaters. Also the City is supposed to be fighting the Russian buses that run from NE Philly to Brighton Beach, however they're harder to fight since they usually have a stop located on their own property. Land is cheaper in the Northeast than it is in Center City, and they run semi-legitimate terminals in small driveways and alleys in the NE.
Darn
Chinabus driver drives erratically all over the highway behind his equally erratic comrade. Cuts off truck driver gets boxed in by numerous other truck drivers. There you go.
The moral is, you never really know what could happen. Practicing defensive driving techniques will help you live longer. Playing tag with buses and trucks may seem like fun, but the consequences of the slightest mistake could mean the difference between never walking again, or worse.
Be careful, please.
Chuck Greene
The best place to really see extreme driving elements are the Robert Moses Highways in New York as well as the Cross Bronx Expressway, but new drivers aren't allowed there for a long time.
And why do you say that "new drivers aren't allowed there for a long time"? The minimum driving age is higher in NYC than in most of the rest of the country, but many new drivers are above NYC's minimum driving age, and they're welcome to drive the Cross Bronx the instant they're licensed.
As for my "new drivers aren't allowed there for a long time", I can back that statement up with the NYS DMV website:
You must be age 16 or over to drive in NYS. If you have a learner permit or a driver license from another state, you are not exempt from this rule. Drivers under the age of 18 must obey the restrictions described in the DMV brochures, New York State's Graduated Licensing Law and Learner Permits and Junior Licenses. An out-of-state driver under the age of 18 must also obey all restrictions of the state that issued the driver license.
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL DRIVERS WITH LEARNER PERMITS
No matter what age you are, if you hold a learner permit, you may not drive:
Unless accompanied by a person at least age 21 who has a valid license for operating the vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a motorcycle learner.
In a DMV road test area.
On any street within a park in New York City, or any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County.
JUNIOR LICENSE
Regional Restrictions
New York City (5 Boroughs) Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) Upstate (All Other Counties)
5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES When accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," driver education teacher, or driving school instructor.
Not accompanied, you may drive only directly between your home and work, a work-study program, a course at a college, university, or registered evening high school, a driver education course, or while engaged in farm employment.
WITHOUT BEING ACCOMPANIED
9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES You may drive only directly between your home and a work-study program, a course at a college, university, or registered evening high school, a driver education course, or while engaged in farm employment. When accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or person "in loco parentis."
Not accompanied, you may drive only directly between your home and work or school.
Complete brochure here
Ive summonsed quite a few for that.Even Driving Schools have boldly attempted the feat .
Chuck Greene
But even on 295, or in most places for that matter, no one goes the speed limit (over 65 in a 45 MPH construction zone).
It's a couple of turns, but not bad at all. Going N/B take exit 56 from I-295. At the end of the exit ramp bear to right. Take this road to end (about 1/4 mile), turn left, proceed to light (about 1000 feet), turn left and NJ Turnpike is immediately on your right.
S/B take NJ Turpike exit 7. After toll plaza bear to left, right turn at light, take very next right turn, proceed about 1/4 and you'll see the I-295 signage.
I like this point to switch between the 2 highways because it's quick (only 1 light) and there food stops and fuel. The bonus is that the gas station doesn't have the NJ Turnpike high gas prices.
NB
Take 295 to exit 47A towards Mount Holly. Follow Burlington-Mount Holly Road to the Turnpike
SB
Take Exit 5. After the toll, turn left to go towards Burlington. Follow Burlington-Mount Holly Road to 295, the enterance ramp will be on the right.
Like at your point, there are food stops and fuel but there are a few more traffic lights. Even so, it does not take long to get from one road to the other. An advantage to your way is that from exit 7, the toll to travel to wherever it is you are going will be less.
14 Continue on New Jersey Tpke Cars Only Ln,I-95 at sign reading "Turnpike South to Cars Only" and go Southwest for 33 miles 33.33 53.64
15 Continue on New Jersey Tpke and go Southwest for 73 miles 72.59 116.82
16 Continue on I-295 and go West for 6 miles 5.57 8.96
17 Exit I-295 via ramp to I-95 and go West for 1.1 miles 1.15 1.85
18 Continue on I-95 and go Southwest for 93 miles 93.06 149.77
19 Exit I-95 via ramp at sign reading "Exit 27-25 I-495 W to College Park / Silver Spring and US-1" and go Southwest for 1.0 miles 1.01 1.63
20 Continue on Capital Beltway,I-495 Outerloop,I-495 and go Southwest for 29 miles 29.45 47.4
21 Exit Capital Beltway,I-495 Outerloop,I-495 via ramp at sign reading "Exit 57A I-95 S to Richmond" and go Southeast for 0.3 miles 0.29 0.47
22 Bear right on I-95 and go South for 85 miles 84.83 136.52
23 Exit I-95 via ramp at sign reading "Exit 84A I-295 S to Rocky Mt Nc" and go Southeast for 1.6 miles 1.62 2.61
24 Continue on I-295 and go South for 42 miles 41.71 67.13
25 Exit I-295 via ramp at sign reading "I-295 S to Emporia / Rocky Mount Nc and I-95 South" and go Southwest for 0.7 miles 0.66 1.06
26 Continue on I-95 and go Southwest for 341 miles 341.44 549.49
27
As for going around DC, I would NOT follow the directions you have there. Simply follow signs for 95/495 SOUTH to RICHMOND. Do not take the exit for College Park and Silver Spring. Shortly after crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, take the exit for 95 South. It used to be on the right, now it is on the left.
The second 295 is somewhere in North Carolina and has nothing to do with what we are discussing in this thread.
And the beltway is the worst part, outside of miami.Rest of 95 is tolerable.
I don't drive the part of the Turnpike that the NYCT buses use but I can imagine what it is like.
Congrats Mr Lightning Rod! You're now the only target for a whole pisspot full of overzealous folks who will now exhibit their Azn pryde on your sorry ass.
As it happens I agree with you, however I'd say the ABCs are better than the FOBs. I fear seeing a cheap toyota sedan driving down the street in the left lane, left turn signal on with two or three people of asian decent with really bad haircuts.
Oh well, have fun being flamed, they're really worked up over it.
Wonder if his dad feels the same...
But anyway, EVERY race, class, and subgenre of people have some who got their licenses in a box of Cracker Jacks. If this were a thread about teenage drivers, I could just as easily say something "rude" about them, when it's obviously not true of them ALL. I'm one of them, after all. But lots of people would generally feel the same way.
If I saw a reckless cabbie, and made a comment about "those stupid cab drivers...", then the law-abiding cabbies would get on my case, despite my belief that every cabbie and livery driver in the whole damn city has a "I'm the king of the road" gene in their bodies.
Hmmm....maybe they're the rejects and drop outs from truck driving school.....
None..........
C'mon, lighten up, no need to go starting flame wars, even Subtalk and Rider Diaries are civilized enough for this to be little more than a damp match rather than a flame war.
Besides, Have you even got anything to say about the Chinabuses from the passenger's point of view? I can say I've rode Chinabus over 7 or 8 times, I've sat right behind the driver to observe his every move, I have never doubted my drivers on any of my trips. They may speed and drive particularly faster than everyone else on the road, but they do it safetly and smoothly. Much like an experienced driver rushing to get somewhere, but not like some new teenage driver going ballistic all over the road with his "souped up" car.
Besides, Not all Chinabus drivers are chinese. They do have black , hispanic, and I'd assume some white drivers.
Like I say, Try it for experience's sake before you say anything about it.
You may enjoy such rapid service, but it's illegal and highly dangerous to the rest of us. Of course, there are Greyhound drivers, truckers, and other people who just have to risk killing the rest of us to save 10 minutes on a 300 mile trip.
Ya gotta love truckers, b/c when it comes to revenge, they, as well as an entire convoy, will get that oh so sweet revenge, lol.
"The Box" has always been one of my favorite things to watch. The truckers do it so well, and it's so funny to see the person that was at first trying to be a hot shot being held at the the wim of those truckers. I must have seen this a hundred times. Only once I've seen it done carelessly, which I think did cause an accident.
You're really lucky though that you didn't get into an accident.
I can't wait to get a CB, hopefully within a few monthes. Are there any scanners that are also CB equiped?
Oh, and what's this russian company now? Never heard of this. Is it new? Where in Brighton Beach do they run from? What kinda buses they got? How much to phili?
This is the only part of the post I am responding to.
Another friends brother drives a mack dump truck
My uncle used to be a long haul driver as well.
Basically, I just wanna have a CB. I don't wanna start screwin wit truckers heads like in Joy Ride(even though I love that movie).
And yeah, I saw the same police chase video. That was really cool.
http://www.davemade.com
Where is this police barrack exactly? When I drive the Turnpike, I switch over to/from 295 at Exit 5 (Mount Holly) and am not very familiar with the Turnpike south of that interchange. I have only driven on it myself once though I have been a passenger there a number of times, I don't know it that well except for the fact it is an almost perfectly straight shot for about 50 miles.
If there hasn't well they must be doing something right and if so then maybe they aren't the safest coaches on the road.
And Oren don't be bragging about Amtrak, they have had alot of derailments, including a couple this year. In fact there have been jokes made about Amtrak by various comedians. The best way to get from here to there, is.........to have a genie, because everything else is screwed up.
Amtrak is not by any means perfect but I don't hear about these sorts of things happening on the rails or with other bus carries (i.e. Greyhound). The safest way to travel is not to travel at all. If you never go anywhere, you won't have to worry about being in a crash, derailment, etc.
What are you doing driving anyway, dont' liek the bus/train?
And on another note, what kinda sucky state bans lady's get in free deals to bars?
Least he used his turn signal.
Anyway, what are you doing with transit systems if you're capable of driving 93mph? I can't even get past 20mph on I-4, and I'm told I-4 is great and I don't need transit or a bullet train.
Is this still going to happen & will they close the Triboro, Green & Jamaica Bus garages down when the takeover takes effect July 1.
David
What do you guys think of a B110 like route in Philly? What streets will it run on? And how will SEPTA handle such service on its turf?
And you don't have to imagine, just get on the 58 bus. Used to be english speaking, now the only english speaking person is the driver, maybe we can push the commies off again. :)
How SEPTA will handle that service? They won't. The 58 has been overcrowded, sucky, and small forever. They need more freq. bigger buses. In tampa if they report ONE freaking person standing, they use a bigger bus. Not septa.
Chuck Greene
Left out the word "to"
Chuck Greene
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The buses get even more frequent if you can make a SHORT trip to bells corner too!
I only see one trip on the weekday schedule that starts from Bells Corner, but having more buses run from there is a good idea!
Chuck Greene
It was easier down that way. If you're going to Neshaminy from anywhere north of Old Bustleton, that was a pain.
That's one bus route that's never changed in forever.
Chuck Greene
Is the chimp prepared to do such heavy duty electrical engineering? He may strike due to unfair working conditions.
OR
The next bus will be the competing WMATA route that comes at said time.
That said, when used in the context of "DUH BUS," "Clever Devices" is an oxymoron...
As for the Clever devices, it will probably be some guy named George personally announcing the stops along with the "BONG" sound.
For out of state busfans visiting MON-FRI ride THE BUS for these reasons 1)You will get a good laugh, believe me when I am not ticked off to high heaven about getting the rolling crap when they are supposed to come, I quietly crack up, and 2)If you think your T/A sucks, wait till you ride DUH BUS, it will make any T/A look better.
Wes Samuels,
WMATA doesn't want me and THE BUS is afraid I'll take over :-D
It will be sad if they could get this running and yet can't program their own destination signs.
Now I'm having dreams of standing on Northern Blvd around the Douglaston area waiting for a bus to the 7 train at Main St, and the Q12 just isn't coming but the N20s and N21s are flying by, not letting me on.
1) Prevention of bus overcrowding
2) Limiting trip time
First one's out, and I'm sure if the second one applies, it can't be much.
I'll contact MTA when I get some free time.
2) I am concerned that you have a reading comprehension problem. In one of your latest posts, you state that you've scanned the board and could not find information on a topic. Yet, some of those topics have been under discussion for the last two weeks. I suggest that you use the search function on top of the page to see if any of your questions have been answered. For example, if you want to find info about schedules, click on "Search Archives" and punch in "schedules" into the search box.
3) Your posts are painful to read. Your sentences are not clear and it hurts my brain to figure out what you are trying to stay.
4) Brooklyn67 probably has you on killfile. Before you ask, "killfile" is a way to get rid of posts from posters you don't like for whatever reason.
5) Whether as NYCT TRANSIT EXPERT or CDTA, you DO ask the same questions over and over again. Imagine if your mom said for you to do your homework ALL THE TIME even if your homework was done. It would make you mad. It makes us very mad when you keep asking questions about the same thing over and over again. If you keep doing that, we will get even meaner and meaner until we make you cry. If you don't want us to be mean, stop making us upset.
Some of you still don't get me;
To those that have already realized that I'am not CDTA, thank you.
Steve
BIG AL
DA HUI
"Counseling" is an interview- a non-disciplinary (first non-offense, I might add which indicates this particular operator hasn't had any discipline in at least 3 years) form of showing the claim was investigated. It's lower on the totem pole than a slap on the wrist.
This "counsel" will be stricken and erased from this operator's permanent record within 36 months as if it had never been there.
I hope it was well worth the time and energy you put into it. I'm sure everyone involved had a hearty laugh about it and went about their business of the day.
Michael
Which M4 do you affiliate yourself with? Madison Avenue or Nebraska Avenue?
Michael
Washington, DC
Only the private line employees NOT covered by a union agreement are in danger of losing their jobs.
Michael
Washington, DC
But what about...
Though I don't...
I'm guessing...
Try hypo-allergenic lipstick.
I guess those are the only conditions you'll let somebody kiss your a**.
Apparently, you're looking for conditions to "kiss my a**". Sorry, I'll pass. I prefer genetic females. Try the personals section. They say there's someone for everyone. Quite possibly, even you.
I know everything
You know NOTHING!!
Gee, that's odd. I don't recall ever posting any of the above quotations. Please refresh my memory by posting the link to them, to prove your once-again outlandish fabrications and accusations.
In contrast, however, my posted excerpts are snippets of your actual messages.
Here it is:
Re: What Does it Mean When We're "Counseled"?
Posted by M4 on Mon Jun 7 19:40:29 2004, in response to Re: What Does it Mean When We're "Counseled"?, posted by ar on Mon Jun 7 16:48:10 2004.
Only the private line employees NOT covered by a union agreement are in danger of losing their jobs.
Michael
Washington, DC
Your presence here, along with the rantings, tantrums and ignorant misinformation you spew is comic relief enough. But if it weren't, as if we needed more, you chasing buses from Port Authority to Greenwich Village in spiked heels and spandex tights is more than enough to ensure that comic relief :-)
(Ducks from swinging purse)
BIG AL
BIG AL
I'll be sure to give you the date. Just don't take a different assignment where I can't find you.
I may even come out to Stillwell and 86th and see how you do your job.
Since you know absolutely nothing about the job, functions or duties of a NYCT SLD, why would you want to observe someone who obviously doesn't value your presence? It would be quite understandable for you to observe someone else who could explain the details to you while you observed, so you'd better understand what was going on.
A post such as this could easily be misconstrued for another meaning. Be more careful...
Do you speak another language other than English?
because you need to learn how to ,talk and type(or write)
in English.
Robert
Out here in Northern California where I live, most TA's require youto be at least 21 years old, have at least a few years of clean driving record and experience, and so forth
Here are the Orion VII i saw(these are all assigned to WF):
#7670,#7681,7720,#7721,#7726,#7740.
M1-#6386-Orion VII Hybrid
BX19-#1106-New Flyer Articulated.
BX21-#7727-Orion VII.
BX6-#8799-NOVABUS.(note: #8794-#8795 plus #8800's have come to Ulmer Park-this one could be next).
Wonder how thats going to work. This means GH or WF would have alot of units in their depot. It would make sense for GH to get 213-226, 233-255 to go with 173-212. But thats almost pointing GH back to 300+ buses, which means parking buses on the outside street again. Wonder if that going to happen. I wounder why WF would get the 200s if they do get them. I know WF can hold more buses but its interesting because their O7 order is coming in thats 160 buses + 63 Orion V 400s, and 85 rts. Unless that WF RTS are on the move out to Brooklyn! I personally think WF is getting a part of the O7 HEV order and getting some of the new artics. Just my thought.
Gun Hill has already gotten all they need in the Orion department......So the MCH Orions are heading elsewhere, my guess is Queens.
Trevor
Ray
Da Hui
Danny
Da Hui
It has been awhile for me to post. Very busy - work, personal issues. I had to change my original handle (flx7595) because the site required new passwords..shows how long I have been gone.
But I read, and am grateful to the insights of many of you on the goings on in NYC (In particular Brooklyn67, Q5 Merrick and Big Al). I am not a bus employee, just a person who has watched them since I can remember. And when I see something, or have a question, I will post it or ask it. I apologize in advance if the question has been asked before, but I try to read the postings at least twice a week.
Now that I have blabbed enough, I see something I want to report.
Today, Bus #9354 is in service on the Q15 line. QV stickers, no ads, looks freshly painted.
A rare thing to see on my streets since all I have seen for years are the Orions. Two people at the bus stop thought it was a "new bus the city must have just bought".
Till next time.
JP
The part in parenthesis was sarcastically written, mind you. This potential photo ban annoys me.
Thanks.
JP
Those poor people in Bayside musta thought it was a Q31 heading their way!
jp
until next time
jp
There's a lot of people around here who are fans of the bus for such a car-centric state. Also, it looks liek the AVL machines int eh buses are working now.
Plus, I'm so happy, I got four low floor gilligs today, ice cold air, smooth quiet rides. Nice.
And don't ever let anyone tell you drivings cheaper, if i have to do another 500 dollar brake job or other peice of work in the next two years, I give up.
Dave
Da Hui
BIG AL
Flatbush got 4684,8142,8170,8176,8345
ENY got 8897
BIG AL
And does all the other buses from green run out of the depot on Rockaway Blvd?
Or is it just another storage facility for green buses
Like NYCT's Staten Island Division, Green's Jamaica and Rockaway facilities function as a single garage with two yards.
Today I took a ride on the M60 with Orion VII HEV#6384, I must say these buses are pretty gutsy. We walked the hill without any slow down and was passing cars like it was standing still.
The Orion VII HEV definately gets my two thumbs up!
And for you sound fans of TransiTALK, the next update will feature a recording of today's ride and SPECIAL recording that I will leave unnamed!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Start on 42nd Street catch a M104 ride up to 125th Sreet to see all the different types of buses that they have so take some pics. Hangout there. Walk over to 3rd Ave catch a Manhattan Bound Lex Ave bus to 63rd, Catxh a F to about 179th or queens plaza. Where evers best to see private companys. Then cath a G go to Hoyt Stret go back to brooklyn cause i liked it there the last time i went for the first time. Hang out there for a while then catch an A to Euclid get on a B13 to go to command bus storage garage. Then get back on b13 go catch a J/Z to Manhattan at cypress hills. Hang out in lower manhattan and work my way up to 42nd by 6pm. Any suggestions also i get there at 10am.
But I would not suggest Queens Plaza to see a lot a privates
take the E to the last stop in Queens(Jamaica Center)
When you get out on Parsons and Archer you will see plenty on MTA
buses and some buses from Green and Jamaica. And you will also see
the N4 from MTA Long Island.
Now if you walk up Parsons Blvd to Jamaica Avenue
You can see buses from Queens Surface(Q25,34,65), from Jamaica(Q110,Q111,Q112,Q113),from Green(Q6,Q7,Q8,Q9,Q41) and also a host of MTA buses.
Thats my suggestion
Chuck Greene
BIG AL
At any rate, as the bus was pulling out from the stop she raised her knees (?) and I could see her legs were now bare, that the jeans were off. (Why was she raising her knees? Hmmm, maybe the explanation isn't so innocent after all!)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
1. Has all the Green Lines (5500s) & Command Orion Vs have retrofitted Orange Signs? (Command 4961 has one)
2. For the RTSs, where does the 6v92 buses stop and the DD50s Begin?
(ex. 8161; 6V92, 8317; DD50)
3. Exactly how old are the Green Line RTSs (With roll signs)and the modern ones, were they bought second hand or original?
The 1990, 1993 RTS and 1993 Orion V were repowered in no particular order. There are still plenty of '90 RTS that still have their DD 6V-92TA engine. However originally it was like this
1993 RTS and 1993 Orion V originally had the DD 6V-92TA. All later NYCTA RTS came with the DD S50 except ('96 buses 9140-9149 which have the Cummins M11).
All DOT private RTSs were purchased new. Some buses have transferred between the companies.
NYCTA has always moved buses around quite frequently, but since the New Flyers Artics and CNG buses started coming in... that really had them moving buses all over and seemingly continuously.
I was pretty certain I said that, but I'll add 8565-6 came with the DD S50 and 8567 is a CNG bus that has been sent to Command.
As many as are needed. That's all any of us needs to know.
"Most Ironic Name on the Board"
Besides the brighter LED signs, anything that differs from the past order of Orion CNG's ?
Bill "Newkirk"
The LED signs on the former order are quite dim for daylight. I guess they looked at the other bus companies that have the brighter LED signs and saw the light !
Bill "Newkirk"
Don't know, probably will use same color LED with same brightness so they match.
Bill "Newkirk"
These are the buses that I saw tonight operating on the shuttle:
West Farms: 7710,1090,8801
Kingsbridge: 5473,5497,5702-(this bus has busted headlight already)
MCH: 6042
126 St: 5599,5619
Quill: 8633,9013,9025,9045
100 St: 1019,5556
Manhattanville: 5204,5130,8753,9516
Surprisingly I did not see a bus from Gun Hill operate on the shuttle.
We apologise for the unavoidable delay...
We have a Bx41 in front of us which was moving fairly slow so then we pass it and its a good ride heading south on WP Road and then we thought about getting on the Bx21 but decide to take the 5 then part ways so I head down to Union Square to take the Q then finish my trip.
The buses I saw:
KB: 5471,5497,5688,5689,5693,5702
WF: 1089,1090,1107,7678,7710,8055,8801
MV: 5190,5198,5204,8753,9516,9523
MCH: 6001,6042,6067
100: 1009,1019,5552,5556
MJQ: 8633,8991,8998,9013,9025,9045,9194
126: 5599,5619,5633
R68A 5154 (Q)
R142 1206 (4)
R142 1224 (4)
R143 8263 (L)
R32 3628 (A)
R62A 1920 Times Sq Shuttle
R142 7078 (4)
R68 2749 (D)
R32 3362 (F)
R62A 2332 (1)
R142 6595 (2)
NF Artic 1107 2 SHUTTLE
O7 7710 2 SHUTTLE
R142 6756 (5)
R68 2855 (Q)
After taking a trip from Stillwell with some people, I ride the F train from Neptune Av to 59 St/CC then catch the 1 train to 72 St and ride it up north to E 180 St to get the 2 shuttle bus, which must of been a emergency GO since it wasn't on the website. Anyway me and Carl head up north and first ride 1107 northbound and around Burke or Gun Hill Rd, WP Road is narrowed to one lane in each direction [including the 'service' road' so this car which had a bad mash up in the front took about 10 minutes to clear up so we catch up to the two buses in front of us, 5688 and 6067. A cool ride the rest of the way and we grab some food at Mickey D's and we wait for ZF O7 7710 to return so then after about 15 minutes we see it arrive and its nice and cold in the bus so we depart.
We have a Bx41 in front of us which was moving fairly slow so then we pass it and its a good ride heading south on WP Road and then we thought about getting on the Bx21 but decide to take the 5 then part ways so I head down to Union Square to take the Q then finish my trip.
The buses I saw:
KB: 5471,5497,5688,5689,5693,5702
WF: 1089,1090,1107,7678,7710,8055,8801
MV: 5190,5198,5204,8753,9516,9523
MCH: 6001,6042,6067
100: 1009,1019,5552,5556
MJQ: 8633,8991,8998,9013,9025,9045,9194
126: 5599,5619,5633
R68A 5154 (Q)
R142 1206 (4)
R142 1224 (4)
R143 8263 (L)
R32 3628 (A)
R62A 1920 Times Sq Shuttle
R142 7078 (4)
R68 2749 (D)
R32 3362 (F)
R62A 2332 (1)
R142 6595 (2)
NF Artic 1107 2 SHUTTLE
O7 7710 2 SHUTTLE
R142 6756 (5)
R68 2855 (Q)
I don't have the face sheet with a route description as of yet, or the details of exactly when it will begin, but I do have the HASTOS PADPRINT dated 06/04/2004 with run numbers, schedules and "x-pieces".
This shuttle will be servicing the Floral Park, Queens Village, Hempstead, Bellerose, Jamaica, Garden City and Stewart Manor LIRR Stations. There are 10 runs and 9 extra's.
More as details become available.
Also, I've ridden a route similar to what yourode via Greyhound(exit 40-exit 55 non stop).
Pretty nice scenary, never really noticed it before.
I presume that this is one of Jet-Away transportation vehicles used for shuttle service in the parking lots. Anyone else see this?
When the replay of the race was shown lower cameras were used and you didn't see over the top of any fence.
Trevor
More than likely 8567 will make a return, 8398 and 99 have been problematic, so I doubt they'll return with the takeover. 8398-99 barely see service as it is.
Trevor
4976 has been repowered with a DD Series 50 engine. I havent seen 4977 lately.
Robert
P.S. The reason I can't remenber the exect PSI now is that it's been almost 4 years since I work at as a B/O at JG. But you guys shoud still get what I am saying.
I am not 100% sure
Thank You
David
I Stand Corrected
Thanks Again
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or Metro for short.
These buses had one blue and one green stripe. I thought LACMTA buses had yellow and orange stripes.
Bill "Newkirk"
The orange with white stripes is the new paint schemes for the "Metro Local" service (regular bus service). Or maybe they're for the Orange Line?
Blue buses...? Probably Santa Monica's "Big Blue Bus" (Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines).
Vote at: TransitGallery.com TODAY!!!
B1-#9338-NOVABUS
S79-#4893-TMC(missing 85% of the bell stop tape)
B77-#589-Orion V CNG
B75-#822-New Flyer
B68-#840-New Flyer
Also the Orion 1 buses replaced all the ex Jamaica lines Grummans about two years ago.
There are at least two MC-9s still running, 110 and 3515. Thanks for the info on the As; any idea where the Ds came from?
B1-#4785-TMC
B64-#4779-TMC
You mean this one? :)
230 K6002098 1989 01.508 Pace 8849
Chuck
Here is the only list you'll ever need........
1985 GMC RTS-04 Transit: #3900-4218. "Not Many Left, If Any At All"
1986 GMC RTS-06 Transit: #4300-4599.
1996 GMC RTS-04 MTA In-House Transit Rebuilds: #7000-7037.
1997 GMC RTS-04 Midwest Bus Transit Rebuilds: #7500-7559.
1998 GMC RTS-04 MTA In-House Suburban Rebuilds: #7038-#7049
1997 MCI 102-DLW3SS: #1861.
1998 MCI 102-DLW3SS: #1860, #1862-2039.
1999 MCI 102-DLW3SS: #2040-2139.
2000 MCI D4500: #2705-2804.
2001 MCI D4500: #2140-2209 & #2805-2824.
2002 MCI D4500: #2825-2924.
1996 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #1000-1001
1997 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #1002-1069
1998 New Flyer C40LF CNG Low Floor: #801
1998 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #1070-1109
1999 New Flyer C40LF CNG Low Floor: #800, #802-856
1999 New Flyer D45S Viking Cruiser: #996-998
1999 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #1110 (nee #5250)
2000 New Flyer C40LF CNG Low Floor: #857-989
2000 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #1111 (nee #5251), #5253-5509
2001 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #5252
2003-04 New Flyer D60HF Galaxy Articulated: #5510-5769
1995 NovaBUS RTS-06 Transit: #8751-8752 (nee #8750-8751)
1996 NovaBUS RTS-06 Transit: #8752-9249
1996 NovaBUS RTS-06 Suburban: #9250-9349
1997 NovaBUS RTS-06 Transit Hybrid Electric: #9900 "Retired"
1997-98 NovaBUS RTS-06 Transit: #4901, #9350-9699
1998 NovaBUS LFS: #999 (nee #995) "Retired"
1999 NovaBUS RTS-06 Transit: #4900, #4902-5249
2000-01 NovaBUS RTS-06 Transit Hybrid Electric: #6360 "Retired"
2002 NovaBUS LFS: #956-957 (Operated by MTA Bridges & Tunnels)
1993 BIA Orion V Suburban: #93001-93072 (#101-172).
1993 BIA Orion V Transit: #93073-93096 (#173-196), 197-316.
1994 OBI Orion V CNG Transit: #317.
1994 OBI Orion V Transit: #400-401.
1995 OBI Orion V Transit: #402-580.
1995 OBI Orion V CNG Transit: #581-610.
1995 OBI Orion V Suburban: #611-630.
1996 OBI Orion V Transit: #631-680.
1998 OBI Orion V Transit: #6000.
1998 OBI Orion VI Hybrid Electric: #6350-6353 (Ex-NJ Transit).
1999 OBI Orion V Transit: #6001-6349.
1999 OBI Orion VI Hybrid Electric: #6354.
2000 OBI Orion VI Hybrid Electric: #6355-6359.
2002 OBI Orion VII CNG: #7560.
2002 OBI Orion VII HEV: #6365.
2003-04 OBI Orion VII CNG: #7561-7814. "In Delivery"
2003-04 OBI Orion VII HEV: #6366-6689. "In Delivery"
1987-88 TMC RTS-06 Transit: #4600-4872, #4889-4899.
1988 TMC RTS-06 Suburban: #4873-4888.
1990-91 TMC RTS-06 Transit: #8000-8396, 8400. "8400 is NYPD #9598"
1991 TMC RTS-06 Transit Hybrid: #8397 (Ex-CH3OH). "Retired"
1991 TMC RTS-06 Transit CNG: #8398-8399-CNG. "Transferred to Command Bus"
1993 TMC RTS-06 Transit: #8400-8564.
1994 TMC RTS-06 Transit CNG: #8567. "Transferred to Command Bus"
1994 TMC RTS-06 Transit: #8565-8566, #8600-8703.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Click Here For NYC Bus Photos
That's a pritty hard question to answer without a lot of research in advance and I work for a bus company [GRIN]
Or am I wrong? >=]
They smoke like heck and alot of things don't work. The kneeler got stuck on one the other day. The foreman are avoiding sending them out if they can. Various things have a tendency to rust, and stick after sitting for a few years. Oh well, another day in the life of the private lines!!
Or are you talking about that little CNG experiment that the MTA and the city are still having a good laugh over!!!! Ever wonder why you have never seen an MTA RTS6 L-10 CNG??? Private Lines= Guniea Pigs.
The companies are just the fall guys, for DOT's utter mismanagent. DOT regulates everything from how many buses on the lines, how many runs per pick, contract negotiations, and even how many mechanics per bus!!
By blaming the companies, it diverts attention from the real culprit! And that's why things haven't gotten fixed!!
And the one thing that people who love to knock the private companies don't realize; tremendous amounts of time and resources are consumed by CNG buses(because of cng, Queens surface's operating costs, per bus are higher than even the MTA!!)A perfect example is the radiatiors on Orions V vs. RTS. It'll take about 8 hours to replace an RTS radiator. On an Orion, it'll take 16!! Twice as long. Multiply that by the fleet, and realize that DOT has NOT increased the amount of mechanics, and anybody could see trouble coming! The Orion V CNG is a very hard bus to work on, and the example I just gave is typical.
CNG buses(RTS and Orion V) form 40% of the fleet! Another 45% is the 85'-86' RTS you refered to and the remainder is a patchwork quilt of repowered RTS Methanols(The MTA had one methanol buse once, ONE! Triboro had as many as 18! Private lines=Guinea pigs!), MTA RTS hand-me-downs, and MCI classics.
The perfect example is the L-10 RTS CNG's. In this heat, are notorious overheaters! And it's not because the radiators are clogged, it's a design defect!! It got so bad, that a former Guiliani admistration member, who lived in Rockaway(Q53), got so fed up with breaking down on the way to work, that she placed a call to who knows who, and bam! No more RTS CNG's on Rockaway! Now it's Orion CNG's!! I've also noticed people slamming LIB for breakdowns. Hmmmmm, what could it be, could it be SATAN!! No, of course not, it's just CNGs!! :)
There is a reason that the MTA has resisted the CNG bus. They have learned a lesson from who.........the private lines! They aren't stupid, and let us take the hammering. There was a time when Triboro was number 1 in bus fleets(I believe by NYSDOT), but that was before CNG buses, and when buses were replaced before their useful life had expired!
Um, New York City Transit has hundreds of CNG buses in service.
JD
The private lines runs about the same amount of CNGs, and have one third the overall buses.
Da Hui
I'd love to get one of those for the Q15...preferably one that does not say Main Sts Station (an error on the Q15 display sign).
jp
I think it's kinda funny.
11, 27 is now running every 30 minutes all day(think it ran every 15mins)
The 12, 15, 16, 25 and 26 runs every hour all day. I know the 26 runs every 30 minuts all day.
The 13 and 22 runs every 40 minutes all day. I know the 22(which BTW runs in front of my house) runs every 20 minutes during peak.
The 18 runs every 70 minuts all day
The 20 runs every 30 minutes peak and 40 minutes off peak.
The 17, 23 and 24 runs every 45 minutes all day.
Now on their website they said that this service delay will last about 30 to 45 days, and I think that it is either around that time or past that time. See what happens when you buy junk. Hey Chris G, didn't you tell me DUH BUS has had these problems over a month and a half ago.
~GM of The Alternative - no cutaways/ODVs allowed.
Are Opuses solid?
For those of you into Richmond buses and Flxibles, I thought you would appreciate this one. Originally painted in the old orange and tan colors, GRTC painted them in white with the purple stripe right before they were retired around 2000. These were the next-to-last New Look 53102s ever produced; the last order went to Milwaukee, and Richmond's order was built right after NYCTA's 9xxx series.
-F.
BTW, why do you want to know ?
Same bus @ 125th Street & St. Nicholas
Trevor
All we have in Pittsburgh are these Neoplan AN440LFs and those shoebox Gillig low-floors...we got high and low-floors. The only Orions I rode here are the Orion Vs.
We have buses with orange signs, the Gilligs.
Green's O5's have them, too (retrofits).
What I'd like to see is one of those 2000-series Triboro buses (former MTA buses) with working signage.
Anything beyond that is speculation
Thank You
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
CG
N71-#151-Orion V CNG
N72-#271-Orion V CNG
Thurston, did you personally manage this project or what? If so, I won't be surprised if the 65 I ride tomorrow is carpeted blue as well.
-Eliminate lots of express bus service.
C'mon, it's natural. Express bus service DOES cost more to operate. You balance your budget by eliminating a "specialized" fleet that has highly peaked ridership. They will kill routes and the first order of business is to kill some weak ones to sharpen their skills. Certain express routes shouldn't exist. However, express buses shouldn't be confined to Staten Island-Manhattan corridors either. Yes, they HAVE proposed this stuff before.
-Fare deals make people squeal
The fare can't be moved up easily in a political environment. So, you'll have to cut to keep things balanced.
-Give me all the cookies
Do you know that the Regional Bus concept will eventually funnel all monies to one downstate operator? No more giving Westchester its cut, Nassau its cut, Suffolk its cut, and Rockland its cut. We'll see money go out, but it will be very hard to play follow the money .
While the MTA takeover isn't bad in all respects, it is June 9 and not a single union has been spoken too. This means that they are not coming to the table at all. They want to obtain the club known as Regional Bus to dictate, not negotiate. This may force RBA to be passed, because which political tough-talking figure wants to be the guy to make the commuters walk the plank?
I started out at with Metro-E 4039 on the J2. The A/C was lacking a bit, but other than that - the ride along the hilly and curvy East-West Hwy was awesome. It was a fast bus and the B/O kept us going at a pretty good speed.
Arrived at Bethesda saw the regular stuff while waiting for Chris and Ray to arrive. They arrived a few minutes later on Orion V 5565 on the 47. We then board Metro-D 5700 on the 70. As usual the ride up I-270 was nice and the bus being in such great condition.
After refreshing ourselves with soft drinks we boarded Orion V 5567 for the ride back to Bethesda. This bus (35-footer CNG Orion V) can and did haul *ss. I'm quite accustomed to fast Ride-On buses, because they're just that and the B/Os really run them. I didn't see the speedo, but I'm certain we reached at least 70 MPH. We maintained our speed most of the way as we were going against the flow of rush hour traffic.
At Bethesda the fellas headed home - they left on Orion V 5603 on the 34. I was waiting for a 42, but Metro-B 9374 showed up on the J4. I decided not to pass up this up. This wasn't a veryu good ride as there was a lot of traffic on E-W Hwy going back toward Silver Spring.
At Silver Spring I got Orion VI 2039 on the F4. We caught up with Orion V 9644 on the F6 so I boarded it. At West Hyattsville I caught NF C40LF 2434 on the R4. At Brookland Station I got C40LF 2358 on the 80. Love the New Flyers! I arrive at Fort Totten and just my luck... John Deere 2463 (the next G8) arrived just before my E2 which was Metro-B 9301. At Georgia Ave I got NABI 5208 on the 70 for the ride home.
All in all, a very nice evening. While it was fun, it was a different type of fun than riding 70s up and down 270. Hopefully the power is on tomorrow or else Chris and I will have alot of time to go riding buses...
Wow, a John Deere - I'd love to try out one of them - and I am not too far away from the R2 either!
I hear so many 35fter CNG stories - I can't wait to ride one myself.
I'm surprised that the a/c didn't practically kill the power of the Metro E. The New Flyer I rode yesterday was much louder than usual (didn't sound like itself) and a lot more sluggish too. Probably belching smoke in the air like nothing else too (our New Flyers love to pollute the air - they are worse than the Neoplans!
That is Detroit Diesel for you.
I saw a 2001 Orion V spewing smoke when leaving friendship heights, but let me challenge you with my New Flyers.
those buses spew smoke out with leaving, but how many do it while sitting around idling? My New Flyers do that - well, maybe not spewing it, but a good amount does seep out of that exhaust pipe.
heck, I'd go to Cummins if their engines weren't so loud...nobody seems to like a roaring engine anymore...
-Fred
What's up wit' dat?
But I sure will be on the lookout for it. I assume the best time to see this is at night. My luck, I will run into it in the daytime on my way to work.
jp
Da Hui
BTW - does anyone know if all the Stengel Orions will have their rear tail lights converted to LED? Some haven't yet - mostly the Orion 1xx. Do they do it when the regular lamp blows out?
A short, very incomplete list follows (I only put down what I knew for sure): If I am wrong, please correct me:
101 - Yes
102- no (but needs it!)
103- yes
104-105 - no
106, 107 - do not know
108 - yes
109-110 - no
111-112 - yes
113-116 - do not know
117 - no
118-119 - do not know
227-229 - partially; 228 totally
230-232 - yes
256-299 - yes
300 - no
301-302 - yes
303-304 - no
305-308 - yes
309,312,314, 316 - do not know
310 - partially
311 - partially - upper left signal
313- no
315 - no
536-542,544-580,626-680 - yes; 556 only the bottom red lights. For a while, it was the only 5xx without the light conversion.
Til next time.
jp
Didn't get a photo, but I saw it one night...
SAS
So today, I'm posting a few assorted images of assorted bus stuff, and nothing that is too bad, on the part of GH
First, some light GH bashing- partially busted window on this mornings's bus
Pole on the turntable that is fully dislodged on the bottom
Now, non offensive assorted shots
Packed buses are fun
GO WEST FARMS!!!!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Do some depots get less funding than others? I'm trying to make sense of why GH is simply so horrible.
"Ring or ride" ( a retarded and cryptic little slogan) is on almost every GH bus. Ugh...
If you have a crew and set of operators that just dont give a shit, then it'll reflect in the buses also.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Also:
PMSL @ your sig, very nice
This Saturday at Gaithersburg Garage will be the rodeo. Competition starts at 9:15 AM and lunch will be served starting at around 11:30. No idea if any other authorities will be there.
I think the DC group will have good attendance at this one. I should be there...
PS: Judges 8am :-)
Chuck Greene
I hope you guys have fun though - I'll contact you about the SEPTA Roadeo though.
Metro to provide shuttle buses Wednesday and Thursday nights to allow mourners to pay respects to former President Reagan
Metrobus, MetroAccess service also impacted by funeral
Metro officials will provide free shuttle buses from RFK Stadium to the U.S. Capitol late on Wednesday and Thursday nights (June 9 and 10) to enable mourners to pay respects to former President Ronald Reagan as his casket lies in state in the U.S Capitol Rotunda. The free shuttle buses will operate from 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday to 6 a.m. on Thursday and then again from 11:30 p.m. on Thursday to 6 a.m. on Friday. The shuttle bus service will complement the Metrorail system, which will be open as usual from 5:30 a.m. to midnight during the week.
Three 60-seat Metrobuses will be used to shuttle mourners every 15 minutes between the stadium and the Capitol to ensure the public is able to access the U.S. Capitol building--where the body of the nation's 40th President will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, through 7 a.m. Friday, June 11. More buses will be put on the road if the demand warrants the additional service.
Parking at RFK Stadium also will be free and will be monitored by the Metropolitan Police Department to ensure safety. An exact location for pick-up and drop-off has not yet been determined.
The additional service is expected to cost Metro approximately $2,000 to $3,000. Officials do not know how many mourners will take advantage of the special late-night shuttle service.
To honor the former President, Metro officials also draped black bunting today along a portion of the mezzanine at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metrorail Station in Arlington. The station, which serves both the Blue and Yellow Lines, was renamed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metrorail station in 2002
The week's events will also impact Metrobus and MetroAccess. Metrobuses will detour around several major road closures, and MetroAccess customers with a subscription to take a regular Friday trip will have to call to schedule them, due to the federal holiday as Ronald Reagan's body will lie in state and then the nation observes a federal holiday for the official state funeral of the nation's 40th President. The body of the former President is scheduled to arrive in downtown Washington, DC, across from The White House on Wednesday, June 9. A formal funeral procession to the U.S. Capitol will take place once the casket is transferred onto a horse-drawn caisson at 1600 Constitution Avenue. The caisson will proceed along Constitution Avenue at 6 p.m. to the U.S. Capitol for the state funeral ceremony. Constitution Avenue will be closed to traffic during that time.
In addition to Constitution Avenue being closed from 16th Street to the Capitol, several other nearby feeder roads will also be closed, requiring approximately 20 Metrobus routes to be detoured around the area of the road closures.
On Friday, June 11, the casket will be moved from the U.S. Capitol at 10:30 a.m. to Washington National Cathedral for the 11:30 a.m. national funeral service. Any road closures associated with the moving of the casket to the Cathedral may result in brief delays for Metrobuses. Metrorail service will not be impacted and will operate on its normal schedule.
Because Friday is considered a national holiday for the observance of the death of the former President, MetroAccess service automatically cancels all regular subscription trips for that day, instead customers are required to call MetroAccess at 301-562-5360 if they wish to schedule a trip for Friday.
For more information on how this week's memorial events will impact Metrobus and MetroAccess, visit www.metrooopensdoors.com.
Now I have 2 tasks for you bustalkers.1:Give the location of each pic.2:Identify the weird green bus.Extra kudo's if anyone can do that.
BTW,for those who can access Imagestation,don't be going to my album to find the answers,it wouldn't be fun that way.
Da Hui
Da Hui
The SunJet MCI-9 is probably parked on E.98th in Brooklyn in front of Jet-Away Transportation's yard, near the end of the "L" line.
The NYBS MCI-Classic is northbound on Madison Ave on 24th or 25th Street.
Trevor
It's the M7...the location is Broadway at approximately 62nd Street. I should know that, I passed through that was many a time when I was going to high school.
:)
Photo #2: Looks like somewhere near Flushing, Queens. Can't pinpoint the location.
Photo #3: I believe that's somewhere near Fort Schuyler or Locust Point in Throgs Neck.
Photo #4: The weird green bus appears to be a Neoplan (i think the model is a Centroliner or a Skyliner, but I forgot)...
Photo #5: In front of the Buhre Avenue (6) station.
Photo #6: Somewhere in Brooklyn, can't pinpoint where...
Photo #7: Broadway at 62nd St on the Upper West Side.
Photo #8: 57th and Lex, Midtown.
Photo #9: 24th and Madison, Midtown South. You shot it viewing south from 25th St.
Photo #10: In front of the White Plains Metro-North station. That's a Harlem Line M3 in the station behind the bus.
SAS
-Fred
Da Hui
-Fred
5471-5500
5596-5600
5601H-5612H
5613-5656
5793-5808 (tentative)
5831H-5850H (due later this summer)
I saw 5811 on the 38 today.
I guess that means Red Arrow will be getting their 5700s soon; I had heard reports that at least two buses went out of service due to fires, but have yet to confirm which ones.
Holly Maynard (06/09/04) -- Most of Rochester-area drivers are paying $2.15 for regular gas right now, a month ago it was $1.94, a year ago it was $1.49. Instead of paying those higher prices, many commuters are turning to the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority's Park-and-Ride System.
For 16 years, Torry Hirsch has parked her car in a convenient lot and ridden an RTS bus to work. She says she's noticed a lot more people taking advantage of the bus service recently.
Amy Forrett is one of them. She said she's just sick of paying high gas and parking prices.
"I put maybe $10 a week in my car because I live about a mile from the drop off, so I'm saving all kinds of money," she said.
Figures complied at the RGRTA reflect that Amy's not alone.
While overall rider ship has increased just two percent, it's up 15 percent at the Bushnell's Basin lot. The area's transportation authority isn't sure why, but they are confident that if the gas prices continue to increase, so will the number of riders onboard its busses.
Jim D.
Everyone should use her fuzzy math. One mile, besides being 20min walk would be 10 miles a week wouldn't it? One mile each way, being 2 times a day times 5. Somethings up
This is I believe the third generation Orion VII in the making...the second being the order coming in, the first being the O7s that originally came in and were tested as demos...
But anyway, 6365 is back in NYC, but for a short time, it seems...
Cleanairbus
Incognito
Second Avenue Stubway
Trevor
Although I am not 100% positive, I am pretty sure I spotted this bus on I-80 westbound in the Fairfield/Parsippany, NJ, area around 4:30 on Friday afternoon. I definitely saw a NYCT Orion VII and am pretty sure the only digits I could see on the driver's side were 636. Don't have the foggiest idea what that bus was doing there!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2481329963&category=6728&sspagename=WDVW
Come on, guys. You're in NOVA, so you have more money than I do; how about it? Maybe we can all buy one jointly and I can pitch in. :)
-Fred
But gas may be a "problem" -- as for repairs, all I have to do is shine the Danlight into the sky and a DASH repair chopper will be on the premises in less than 2 minutes.
And Tristan, where have you been? I was hoping to hear from you again!
-Fred
-Fred
On that note, I usually take life's disappointments and turn them into talent through my artistic skills. Last week, I did a drawing of a broken down Grumman 870, leaning and spewing smoke from the engine compartment on the side of the road in a desert. Meanwhile, there's Yours Truly watching the smoldering wreck and calling for help and advice on my cell phone. And the Grumman emblem on the back of the bus is cleverly redesigned to spell "GINNY". :)
Once I get hold of a scanner, I'd like to share it with you et al.
-Fred
If only a woman was as fixable as a Flxible. :)
-Fred
"often buses are far more stylishly attired than most women these days...." Yeah, some women sure do wear ugly crap these days. Guess it's all the more reason to get those clothes on the floor! ;)
"FAR more personality......" I will admit that a lot of women out there have the personality of a dog turd. But some are truly mesmorizing. Believe me, I've met a few of them.
"PLUS buses won't give you hell if you forget a birthday or an anniversary!!! 8-)"
BIG boner to pull with a woman...never done that. However, sometimes remembering can be just as detrimental. For example, Ginny (the girl with the curves) got upset with me because I decided to wash her clothes for her and let her have the day off, but it turned out the ones on the dryer were not supposed to be folded with the clean...because they were still dirty! And on top of that, she left her cake out. To be a good samaritan, I put it in the fridge...but did not stop to think it was an ICE CREAM cake!
I guess my experience here is that women are like buses...if you want to continue to be aroudn them, you have to be VERY careful and take precautions, or you could really have a big accident. :) Guys, don't ever screw up like I did!
-Fred
-F.
I don't know if I'm feeling the Old Look comparison though; the Flxible Metro looks MUCH sleeker and advanced in design. In fact, it still looks newer than any bus manufactured today!
-Fred
-Fred
John
-Fred
*Plus it seems that buses are getting to be very very slow even without the A/C on lately..
-Fred
Overall, a very nice bus to drive! :)
-Fred
Trevor
~A transitfan in suburbia...
The New Flyers definitely seem to do the worst when it comes to high powered a/c time. I rode 56XX the other day - it sounded like a loud 5400 - nothing like a regular 5600 bus. Not to mention it was very sluggish, although since it is a new flyer, sluggish for them means somewhat normal speeds.
One can only imagine what the summer does to a bus...
I disagree with the assertion that the NFIs are bad in the heat, I stood along Pennsylvania Ave wednesday right where it crosses Summit uphill from the R5 Ft Washington Station. The NFIs on the 98 would zip right up the hill, as would 5666 on the 201, while the Neos on the 94 would crawl up it, usually expelling some massive cloud of soot in the process. I saw several NFIs go from a standing start at the base of the hill by Commerce Dr and climb right up the hill. I didn't ride any NFIs in the heat, and thus I cannot comment on the percieved lessened acceleration, but the NFIs appeared no worse than any other buses out there. Now if the buses are running slower in the city or something, then I'd place blame on the superior air conditioning of the D40LFs, the Neotrashes seem to have problems keeping cool, so it's little wonder that they run fast in the summer.
The Roadeo is scheduled for August 1; also, T-shirts left over from our local Roadeo will be handed out, featuring artwork on the back by Yours Truly of a cartoon Gillig stopping at a cone.
DC and Virginia area busfans, come on down; a good time shall be had by all! And maybe you can drive my Flxible Metro on the course. :)
-Fred
As an occasional user of the Lakeland Bus Service. I am wondering if Lakeland even considered how many more riders they would lose to the MidTOWN DIRECT service by discontinuing bus stops in downtown Dover. Lakeland's web site didin't even mention this service change. Currently a round-trip ticket to NY on Lakeland costs $14.80 add to this the fare for the MCM10 or a taxi to Lakeland's terminal, you are looking at maybe $20 to take the bus to NYC, while the cheapest Rail option: traveling to Hoboken and connecting to the PATH is only $13:50 round-trip not including NJT's peak period surchanges. Also, let's not forget that the MCM10 or any MCM route for that matter doesn't run on Sundays or Major Holidays. As of this writing, Lakeland's online schedule for the 46 route still shows service beginning at Warren & Blackwell even though the bus no longer serves that location. Maybe Lakeland's 46 route would be better off as part of the MCM system, and who knows maybe PABCO would extend the 46 route to the Rockaway Mall.
That the Q17 could steal buses from Stengel in an emergency situation when they really needed an extra bus?
David
BIG AL
BIG AL
BIG AL
BIG AL
But read my post on the 9112, confirm if there are more of them coming if you happen to drop by FP.
BIG AL
June 9th Update:
Triboro & Green Lines Roster updated to reflect NYCT units and a new Montgomery County Ride-On Roster has been posted.
Click The Bus To Enter...
Regards,
Trevor Logan
TransiTALK Media Group
Trevor
It was in the notes, "#2004-2005 & 2011 are Ex-MTA NYCT Buses;" I see it's fixed now.
the guy said hopefully the first week of july
go to www.walthers.com search buses-you will see the pictures. hopefully there will be more designs comning out then the 3 they showed.
I presume that you are talking about Fishbowls.
Also will these be models or kits that have to be assembled?
JD
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Ok seriously, the special thing about #3942 that I noticed even before the engine door was the placement of the American flag on the side, in the same place as the 9600s (after repowering), the 21/2200s, and rebuilt 42/43/4400s...
This could mean that 3942 was rebuilt, but I don't have full knowledge of that...it could've been a pre-rehab paint job, or maybe WMATA just wanted to move things around...just keep your eyes out for freshly rehabbed 30' Orion Vs, they may be coming soon.
Included in the listings are:
Fifth Avenue Coach Lines TD4506
Madison Avenue TD4506
Surface Transit TD4506
NYC Bd. of Transportation TD4506
Custom Painted Mabstoa TDH5303
Lionel Lines (NYBS Livery) suburban 5302
San Diego Transit TDH5301
All in excellent condition and ready to go.
DEADBEAT!!!!!! Tells lies about when he's gonna send payment, and then never does. I'm nto the onyl one he stiffed, look at his lousy feedback.
He is supposedly a bus operator with MTA NYC Bus in Staten Island...
BTW, I liked last year's wrap [with Superman] much better.
Buses Rode Today:
8876 F14 to Capitol Heights(very slow acceleration)
2201 96 to Union Station(just missed 8709 on the 97)
2418 D6 to Farragut Square
2004 38B to Rosslyn
2151 3B to East Falls Church(*&?%$@!)
9492 2C to Ballston
2007 38B to Rosslyn
2066 5A to Dulles
67 Dulles to Dulles(no lie, I had a Dodge Ram van 3500 on this route)
56 7to7on7(ODV deluxe, a longer ODV-here is a question, why is it that the more the non bus it is the better the seats)
7926 924 to Herndon P & R
7770 950 to West Falls Church(might have seen someone familiar there)
9323 3B to Rosslyn(bus rattled big time)
took Rohr train set with riding 1133 on the blue to Capitol Heights
2096 F14 home
Saw 4247 on the 3A this afternoon going to Annandale.
I didn't think much of seeing all of those MCIs at WFC until some more rolled in and as we were leaving seeing a couple of more. I was going to bus it through downtown, but with the Reagan thing going on and not knowing which streets were blocked, I decided to take the subway to Capitol Heights. To my shock when I got there around 7:45pm there were no THE BUS buses. :P
Interestingly, Avis at Detroit-Wayne County Airport runs only Gillig Phantoms - none of the LF's in service at that location.
Jim D.
Yes Basman, 8808 maybe in the hands of DUH BUS as we speak.
Hmm, THE BUS is spying on WMATA, is it? Probably trying to find out the secret to operating a system WITHOUT having to use delivery trucks. "How do they do it?" Watch out Ride-On, you are next (for that very brief stretch on New Hampshire Ave). If you see an ODV or SLF parked on Lebanon St, beware. Where do you think they got the idea for Gilligs from?
Watch out for THE BUS...it's coming after you. DASH and PRTC may be safe...for now...
(Bonus picture. The MTA Effect is spreading...)
What exactly do you mean by "MTA Effect"?
Started out by taking 7610 on the B68 to the last stop where I transfer to the F and ride it northbound to 21 St/Queensbridge and a few minutes later I get 645 on the Q19A and the A/C is pretty low so its a relatviely short ride to 30 Av and the Q18 is coming so I get another GM, 685 and the bus is pertty hot with dirty water on some seats. Get off at 69 St to get the Q45 to head north to Roosevelt Av and I take a few pics around the area then walk over to the Q19B and I get on 649 and climate control is satisfactory so I ride it from terminal to terminal and I see 2007 [noticed that signs weren't reporgrammed and had paper signs] getting prepped for service on the Q19. I see the Q23 2 minutes later and get on 3066 and its cool and on 104 St these kids had the pump on and the water splashed the bus and all but one window was open but no one was sitting in those seats and seemed to have stayed dry.
By the 103 St station, the bus gets crowded and then I get off at 62 Drive, just missed 3043 on the Q38 so I have to get in hot ass 695 and stuck with the school kids. We wait 10 minutes before we finally depart and these teens were loud, trying to be cool by playing music [from a cell no less :-\]. Anyway its a steaming hot ride to Dry Harbor Rd where I change for the Q29 and I get 2067 5 minutes later and ride it to the last stop and I just catch the arriving Q33, 2825 and the bus is pretty cold but a slow accelerating bus and I ride north and pass by the garage and noticed the Superfly full wrap on Classic 781 and 770 had the current "lightning stripe" scheme. I wait about 15 minutes for the Q72 to arrive so I get on 3010 and take the ride via Junction to Rego Park to wait about 15 minutes for the Q53 to arrive then when I see 2818, the bus on the inside is a real mess: duct tape covering the front lights and appears to be holding up the Stop Requested sign, electric tape over the yellow strips in the back doors, leaking water in the back and I had to pull the back door when it wouldn't close.
While the A/C was nice and cold and the ride was quick, the interior is a mess and then I see 3067 with its engine door opened then I see 4907 on the BQM1 express just stall on Cross Bay Blvd and that too had its engine door opened, amazing. Anyway no more mishaps for the rest of the way although I do see 2010 on the Q53 heading towards Woodside so the trip is finished then I get on 605 on the Q35, a good ride to Brooklyn but the bus was hot then I ride 8019 on the B41 to Foster Av then take the B8 and finish my trip.
O7 7610 B68
R46 5729 (F)
TC RTS 645 Q19A
TC RTS 685 Q18
TC RTS 723 Q45
TC RTS 649 Q19B
TC O5 3066 Q23
TC RTS 695 Q38
TC RTS 2067 Q29
TC RTS 2825 Q33
TC O5 3010 Q72
TC RTS 2818 Q53
GBL RTS 605 Q35
RTS 8019 B41
O7 7562 B8
Whoa! They had one of those old MTA buses on the Q53 express?!?
Does anyone have the Turn sheets/route descriptions for the 4 Routes,,
Thanks
Steve
Also, when buses are repaired after minor accidents, most times the blue stripe is a much lighter color at the repair site. Why can't they use the same paint for repairs as for total repaints???
These two seemingly minor items can make the whole operation look sloppy, a grave disservice to the professional appearing BO's!!!
Da Hui
So do the passengers, they just want to go fron point A to B but a nasty interior/exterior appearence [like other agencies] does look bad. Anyway its better to keep those comments to yourself ;-).
Some time before this summer is over I am going to take some pictures of some of various equipment used by the operators here on the eastern shore of Maryland. Most if not all of the equipment used out here are not conventional transit busses that one would see in the big city.
John
John
Now, if NJT could sends some Neo artics down to South Jersey and use them on a local route between Cape May and Ocean City via Ocean Drive, then I'd be happy...
(Not that it'd ever happen...)
THE QUEENS RIDING PUBLIC MUST BE HEARD!
Who? All interested members of the general riding public who rely on NYCT and Private Buses for their transportation needs are encouraged to attend. You will hear from your representatives and your bus employees.
When? Friday, June 18th at 7:00 PM
Where? York College Performing Arts Center
94-45 Guy Brewer Blvd., Jamaica
646-539-2071
Why? Because the MTA has merged two completely separate entities into one (The Private Bus Lines Takeover with Regional Bus Consolidation), created their own deadline for accomplishing such and is perpetually lying to you about the reasonings behind it.
Additionally, included within this change of legislation is the stifiling of YOUR VOICE where your bus service is concerned. The MTA has submitted legislation barring you from speaking out against rotten service, dirty and damaged buses as well as given themselves the green light to cut service across-the-board as they deem appropriate without any public hearings or notification!
...BE THERE ON FRIDAY JUNE 18th OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE...
Directions: E, J, Z, LIRR to Jamaica Center (Parsons/Archer)
Online: http://www.sosqueens.org
Just heard on 1010 WINS, both DOT and the MTA failed to show. So much for being heard. John Liu is vewwy vewwy angwy.
Go figure?
Truth be told, support services and low-ranking administrative types should be the first to be "cut" - long before any discussion of potentially cutting bus and/or subway service to the general riding public. If you were to call-in sick an hour before you're due at work, these people would still get to work on time. Should I do the same, many of them quite possibly would not.
The 'alarmists' you speak of is the rhetoric and banter of MTA itself which you seem to enjoy perpetuating. That dependable, trustworthy and forthcoming agency we have all grown to love and admire.
Have you even seen the bill? I'd wager you haven't. Again, you comment on something you know nothing about. Which is why you can't comment on the issue itself, but rather, since you feel compelled to contribute something, you comment (negatively) upon the messenger of the issue.
MetroB
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
5291--C
2003-2004 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 26, 2003
___________
Introduced by M. of A. NOLAN, CLARK, ESPAILLAT, LAVELLE, ORTIZ, SEDDIO,
SMITH, CYMBROWITZ, BENJAMIN, MILLMAN, WEINSTEIN, CUSICK, McLAUGHLIN,
PERALTA, P. RIVERA, GRODENCHIK -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A.
BOYLAND, A. COHEN, COOK, L. DIAZ, R. DIAZ, DINOWITZ, GLICK, GORDON,
GRANNIS, GREEN, GREENE, GROMACK, HEASTIE, HIKIND, JACOBS, LAFAYETTE,
MARKEY, MAYERSOHN, PERRY, J. RIVERA, SANDERS, SCARBOROUGH, TITUS,
TOCCI, TOWNS, WEISENBERG, WRIGHT -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions -- committee
discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
to said committee -- recommitted to the Committee on Corporations,
Authorities and Commissions in accordance with Assembly Rule 3, sec. 2
-- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended
and recommitted to said committee -- again reported from said commit-
tee with amendments, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to
said committee
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the transfer
of bus routes operated under New York city franchise agreements to the
New York city transit authority and to establish the New York City
regional surface transit advisory council
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
1 Section 1. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new
2 section 1203-c to read as follows:
3 S 1203-C. TRANSFER OF CERTAIN BUS LINES BY THE CITY TO THE AUTHORITY.
4 1. A. NOTWITHSTANDING PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER AND ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
5 OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, ON OR BEFORE JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND EIGHT,
6 THE CITY SHALL, BY RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OR BY INSTRUMENTS
7 AUTHORIZED BY ANY SUCH RESOLUTION, ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
8 AUTHORITY FOR THE TRANSFER TO THE AUTHORITY, FOR USE IN THE EXECUTION OF
9 ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES, OF THE FACILITIES USED FOR BUS ROUTES PRESENTLY
10 OPERATED UNDER FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE COMPANIES NOW OWNED OR
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
{ } is old law to be omitted.
LBD08223-06-4
A. 5291--C 2
1 HEREAFTER ACQUIRED OR CONSTRUCTED BY THE CITY AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS,
2 SUPPLIES AND PROPERTY INCIDENTAL TO OR NECESSARY FOR THE OPERATION THER-
3 EOF. ANY SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL PROVIDE FOR TRANSFER OF SUCH FACILITIES BY
4 DEED, LEASE, LICENSE OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT, PROVIDED THE TERM THEREOF
5 SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN TEN YEARS AND AUTHORIZE THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE
6 JURISDICTION, CONTROL, POSSESSION AND SUPERVISION OF SUCH TRANSIT FACIL-
7 ITIES, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND PROPERTY ON OR BEFORE JULY FIFTEENTH, TWO
8 THOUSAND EIGHT.
9 B. BEGINNING JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND EIGHT, THE NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT
10 AUTHORITY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING BUS SERVICE TO THE AREAS
11 FORMERLY SERVED BY THE BUS ROUTES IDENTIFIED IN THIS SECTION.
12 C. SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL PROVIDE THAT CAPITAL COSTS OF A NATURE NOT
13 HERETOFORE CHARGED AS OPERATING EXPENSES SHALL BE PAID BY THE CITY, OR
14 AT THE OPTION OF THE AUTHORITY MAY BE PAID IN THE FIRST INSTANCE BY THE
15 AUTHORITY BUT IN SUCH EVENT, THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER
16 FROM THE CITY THE AMOUNT OF SUCH COSTS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE
17 TOTAL AMOUNT OF SUCH CAPITAL COSTS WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY INCUR WITHOUT
18 THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR IN ANY CITY FISCAL YEAR SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE
19 MILLION DOLLARS AND THAT NO OTHER SUCH CAPITAL COSTS SHALL BE INCURRED
20 BY THE AUTHORITY WITHOUT SUCH APPROVAL. WHERE THE CITY IS REQUIRED TO
21 REIMBURSE THE AUTHORITY FOR THE AMOUNT OF ANY CAPITAL COSTS PURSUANT TO
22 SUCH AGREEMENT, SERIAL BONDS OR CAPITAL NOTES MAY BE ISSUED BY THE CITY,
23 PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW, TO FINANCE ANY SUCH REIMBURSEMENT IN
24 THE SAME MANNER AND TO THE SAME EXTENT AS IF SUCH COSTS WERE TO BE PAID
25 DIRECTLY BY THE CITY.
26 THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT ANNUALLY TO THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
27 AND THE MAYOR OF THE CITY ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER FIFTEENTH IN EACH YEAR AN
28 ESTIMATE OF ALL SUCH CAPITAL COSTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE CAPITAL BUDGET
29 OF THE CITY.
30 D. SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL PROVIDE THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE USE
31 AND POSSESSION OF ALL PROPERTY OWNED OR LEASED BY THE CITY AND USED OR
32 OCCUPIED ON JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND EIGHT IN CONNECTION WITH OR INCI-
33 DENTAL TO THE OPERATION OF SUCH BUSING FACILITIES.
34 E. SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL INCLUDE PROVISIONS PROVIDING FOR THE RECOGNI-
35 TION OF EXISTING LABOR AGREEMENTS FOR THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT AND THE
36 RIGHTS AND BENEFITS THAT FLOW FROM SUCH LABOR AGREEMENTS, AND ALSO FOR
37 THE CONTINUED REPRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEES BY THE RECOGNIZED COLLECTIVE
38 BARGAINING AGENTS.
39 F. SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF SUBSIDY FUND-
40 ING FROM THE CITY OF NEW YORK AT THE AMOUNT PROVIDED FOR IN THE CITY`S
41 TWO THOUSAND TWO--TWO THOUSAND THREE FISCAL YEAR, IF THE AUTHORITY
42 ASSUMES OPERATION IN FISCAL YEAR TWO THOUSAND THREE--TWO THOUSAND FOUR.
43 IF THE AUTHORITY ASSUMES CONTROL AFTER THAT, THE AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY PAID
44 BY THE CITY SHALL BE THE SUM OF THE AMOUNT PROVIDED IN TWO THOUSAND
45 THREE--TWO THOUSAND FOUR AND AN ADJUSTMENT EQUAL TO THE SUMS OF THE
46 ANNUAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE NEW YORK METROPOLITAN REGION AS
47 DETERMINED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR MULTIPLIED BY THE
48 AMOUNT PROVIDED IN TWO THOUSAND THREE--TWO THOUSAND FOUR. THE AMOUNT OF
49 SUBSIDY PAID FROM THE CITY TO THE AUTHORITY IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS SHALL
50 ALSO BE SO ADJUSTED ANNUALLY. THE CITY OF NEW YORK SHALL INCLUDE IN ITS
51 EXPENSE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JULY
52 TWO THOUSAND FOUR, AND IN EACH EXPENSE BUDGET THEREAFTER, AN APPROPRI-
53 ATION OF TAX LEVY FOR SUCH BUS SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE NEW YORK CITY
54 TRANSIT AUTHORITY AND PAY THE NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY NOT LESS
55 THAN ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE OPERATIONAL COSTS OF
56 SUCH BUS SERVICE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING
A. 5291--C 3
1 ON THE FIRST DAY OF JULY TWO THOUSAND FIVE, AND THEREAFTER, FOR EACH
2 FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING EACH SUCCEEDING JULY FIRST, THE AMOUNT SHALL BE
3 ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF INCREASES IN THE COST OF PROVIDING SUCH BUS
4 SERVICE. THE NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A BUDGET TO
5 THE CITY IN TIME FOR THE MAYOR`S EXECUTIVE BUDGET, DETAILING THE ANTIC-
6 IPATED EXPENDITURES OF THE TAX LEVY FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY THE CITY FOR
7 THE COMING FISCAL YEAR.
8 2. THE CITY AND THE AUTHORITY ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO
9 MAKE OR ENTER INTO ANY CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS, DEEDS, LEASES, CONVEYANCES
10 OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTUATE
11 THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION AND THEY SHALL HAVE COMPLETE POWER AND
12 AUTHORITY TO DO AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DOING OF ALL THINGS, INCIDENTAL,
13 DESIRABLE OR NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
14 3. UPON THE FILING BY THE AUTHORITY WITH THE CLERK OF THE CITY AND THE
15 SECRETARY OF STATE OF A COPY OF THE INSTRUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS EFFECTUAT-
16 ING THE TRANSFER, THE AUTHORITY SHALL TAKE POSSESSION AND CONTROL OF THE
17 BUSING FACILITIES AND OTHER PROPERTY TRANSFERRED THEREBY TOGETHER WITH
18 ALL CONTRACTS, BOOKS, MAPS, PLANS, PAPERS AND RECORDS OF OR IN THE
19 POSSESSION OF THE BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION OF WHATEVER DESCRIPTION, INCI-
20 DENTAL TO OR NECESSARY FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FACILITIES TRANSFERRED
21 BY SUCH AGREEMENT OR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY AS
22 PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION.
23 4. EFFECTIVE JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND EIGHT EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANIES
24 OPERATING THE ROUTES DESCRIBED UNDER PARAGRAPH A OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF
25 THIS SECTION SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE AUTHORITY. SUCH EMPLOYEES
26 SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROTECTIONS AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE CIVIL
27 SERVICE LAW AND SHALL ALSO BE MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK CITY EMPLOYEES`
28 RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
29 S 2. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section
30 1204-b to read as follows:
31 S 1204-B. NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL SURFACE TRANSIT ADVISORY COUNCIL. 1.
32 THERE IS HEREBY CREATED THE NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL SURFACE TRANSIT ADVI-
33 SORY COUNCIL TO STUDY, INVESTIGATE, MONITOR AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS
34 WITH RESPECT TO THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF SUCH SURFACE TRANSIT
35 SYSTEM. SUCH COUNCIL SHALL STUDY AND INVESTIGATE ALL ASPECTS OF THE DAY
36 TO DAY OPERATIONS OF SUCH AUTHORITY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND THE OPERATING
37 AUTHORITY, MONITOR THEIR PERFORMANCE AND RECOMMEND CHANGES TO IMPROVE
38 THE EFFICIENCY OF THE OPERATION THEREOF.
39 2. SUCH COUNCIL SHALL CONSIST OF NINE MEMBERS WHO SHALL BE REGULAR
40 USERS OF SUCH TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
41 GOVERNOR. ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
42 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPEAK-
43 ER OF THE ASSEMBLY, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TEMPORARY PRESI-
44 DENT OF THE SENATE, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE
45 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
46 QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BROOKLYN
47 BOROUGH PRESIDENT, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BRONX BOROUGH
48 PRESIDENT, ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE NEW YORK STATE AFL-CIO AND
49 ONE UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE NEW YORK STATE BUSINESS COUNCIL.
50 EACH OF THE MEMBERS SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS.
51 3. THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
52 SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR EXPENSES ACTUALLY AND NECES-
53 SARILY INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES PROVIDED FOR IN THIS
54 SECTION. VACANCIES OCCURRING IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE
55 FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT.
A. 5291--C 4
1 4. THE COUNCIL MAY REQUEST AND SHALL RECEIVE FROM ANY DEPARTMENT,
2 DIVISION, BOARD, BUREAU, COMMISSION, AGENCY, PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF THE
3 STATE OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF SUCH ASSISTANCE AND DATA AS
4 SHALL ENABLE IT PROPERLY TO CARRY OUT ITS ACTIVITIES AND EFFECTUATE THE
5 PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.
6 S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
.SO DOC A 5291C *END* BTXT 2003
David
:-)
The original bill calls for a transfer of NYCDOT-owned facilities to NYCT. The last we heard, the current setup calls for NYCT to LEASE the facilities from NYCDOT, at least at the outset. To me, outright transfer sounds like the way to go. We'll have to see what the final bill contains.
David
This PBL takeover initially began as Regional Bus, dating back to 1996 contractual obligation to 'discuss such'. Later, in 1999, it was agreed by and between the union and agency to commit to certain agenda. It was only recently that the PBL takeover "overtook" RBA! As indicated above, the idea of RBA/RBC has been on the table long before discussions of a PBL takeover were suggested. I still don't understand why some claim it exists only here, but that's neither here or there.
Now, since the two are on the table simultaniously, it makes sense for the MTA to attempt to combine/consolidate the issue into one. That's not the problem- the problem is the change in original legislation, the new authority governing the new entity, the loss of rights of the riding public and much, much more (that yes, affect me as an employee). That, and the fact that a PBL takeover doesn't require RBA at all! And, it has a cost to the taxpayer, where the PBL takeover does not (as outlined in legislation).
So, your guess is as good as mine. We're all waiting to see what happens.
Look, folks- you don't have to agree, disagree or argue with me about this issue. You have an opportunity to hear first-hand by those who operate your bus service and represent you locally. Why not come down to the meeting and hear for yourselves? As I understand it, the Unions will join with local Representatives and host your questions upon completion of the address period.
Now before you go jumping all over me as you did "Yorkie" and "Gotham Bus", let me say that, no, I did not see the bill. However, as far I as I know (and I am working VERY intimately with the DOT takeover--any questions me on this issue from the cdta's of the world will be ignored, by the way), D-Day for us is 7/1/04. That is what DOB is preparing for and that is what Planning is prepping for. I only read about Regional Bus Company here.
So, when "Gotham Bus" talks about alarmists, I think he is referring to the fact that there are no plans in the works to alter bus service in the immediate future. LI Bus is not currently involved in this nor is Bee Line or Suffolk County Transit.
I've always liked your contributions here but, cool your jets, man, you're becoming the Rev. Al of BusTalk.
Mark
Way back in the day, a Metropolitan Suburban Bus Authority was proposed. Only Nassau County bit. Everyone else kept their service locally. Now Long Island Bus has MetroCard and Westchester WILL get it because they have been complaining about Nassau County's freebies. If Westchester and Nassau, both ADJOINING New York City has or will get the same farecard system and if both are seeking financial relief from their responsibilities in varying extents, what will be the next logical step in state assistance? State operation. There is no other step necessary in Nassau's case and there is one step that will be cleared in ~24 months in Westchester.
Whether you are a public or private operator, you do not plan on a year to year basis. However, to say that such isn't being worked on is false. There are events pointing to the contrary.
That may very well be true. Although considering most on this board are not privy to such information, it's not suprising. I don't place very much weight in what I read on this board. My information comes from a wide variety of sources- you being among them for certain aspects, such as scheduling. However, my contacts extend much further and wider than "BusTalk" acquaintences. From Albany, to Brooklyn, from union leaders across the spectrum to MTA NYCT DOB managers of many levels and positions.
Now before you go jumping all over me as you did "Yorkie" and "Gotham Bus", let me say that, no, I did not see the bill.
I wouldn't jump all over you. You post pertinent and relevant information. However, since you haven't seen the Bill, how can you comment on what it does or doesn't contain?
However, as far I as I know (and I am working VERY intimately with the DOT takeover--any questions me on this issue from the cdta's of the world will be ignored, by the way), D-Day for us is 7/1/04. That is what DOB is preparing for and that is what Planning is prepping for. I only read about Regional Bus Company here.
Regional Bus is not something that the MTA currently wishes to be made transparent. Your duties don't warrant the need to know at this time. Your duties WILL require that knowledge sometime in the future. However, since it's being as tightly-kept-under-wraps as possible, factual information that can be made public proves difficult- for me anyway, because I would rather post a reference source as opposed to "I've heard". Since I cannot and will not disclose any source, I will not make a statement other than what's already been issued- either by one or more of the various unions or TA management.
Secondly, you've proved a valuable point without realizing it. Since you're working closely on the takeover issues, and know little if anything about RBA, that's a pretty good indication it's not a necessary part of the takeover. For details about the RBA comingling, give Balsamo or Seay a call.
RBA has nothing to do with the DOT takeover, which is why the DOT has no information about it.
So, when "Gotham Bus" talks about alarmists, I think he is referring to the fact that there are no plans in the works to alter bus service in the immediate future. LI Bus is not currently involved in this nor is Bee Line or Suffolk County Transit.
I don't know that SCT will be involved in RBA at all. I haven't heard that agency mentioned. LIB and BLB will be involved at a later date. As for Gotham, he can speak for himself.
MetroB
Tom Kelly (212) 878-7440
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES HISTORIC RESTRUCTURING
Peter S. Kalikow, Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, today announced a restructuring of the Authority, designed to further improve services to its customers. The initiative, with the most sweeping changes in the Authority’s 37-year history, will result in the merging of various umbrella agencies into five distinct companies under the MTA, each with a single transportation mission.
The restructuring, which will begin immediately and be phased in over a two-year period, will result in the creation of the following companies:
MTA Rail Road, formerly Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad
MTA Subway, which will include NYC Transit (subways) and Staten Island Railway
MTA Bus, formerly Long Island Bus, MaBSTOA, and NYC Transit (buses)
MTA Capital, in charge of overseeing system expansion projects for all MTA companies
MTA Bridges and Tunnels
“We have an obligation to the public to spend each dollar wisely, and we have come a long way in the past few years. With this initiative, many millions of dollars will be saved when it is fully implemented,” Mr. Kalikow said. “MetroCard and E-ZPass have changed the way New Yorkers think about their travel patterns. More people are using mass transit than in the past, yet congestion remains a major challenge for our region. We need to employ creative solutions to these challenges in order to maintain New York’s competitive position in the national and global economy.”
Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a multi-faceted initiative designed to streamline the MTA, reduce redundant administrative functions, and provide clear and concise corporate missions for each new MTA company.
“We need to move beyond our past and focus on where we are going,” said Katherine N. Lapp, Executive Director of the MTA. “We need to be faster and more responsive to the changing travel patterns of our customers as envisioned by Governor George E. Pataki’s Master Links strategy.”
“The MTA collectively employs about 62,000 people. The Authority does not expect the restructuring to result in a dramatic change in that figure. No MTA collective bargaining agreements will be unilaterally changed by the restructuring plan, which will be submitted to the State Legislature for approval by the end of the year. In addition, union representation will continue to be determined by the wishes of our employees,” Mr. Kalikow said.
“In my two-year tenure as Chairman of the MTA, I’ve been impressed each and every day with the quality of the MTA workforce. Today’s announcement is an enormous undertaking, but who better to undertake it than the people who got us here,” Mr. Kalikow said.
MTA Rail Road
The MTA currently oversees two separate rail companies, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR), each serving a different metropolitan region. The LIRR, created in 1834 and part of the MTA since 1968, provides service between Manhattan, Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as parts of Brooklyn and Queens. It transports 306,200 riders each weekday, up from 259,200 in 1995.
MNR, formerly Conrail, joined the MTA in 1976, and services seven New York and two Connecticut counties. MNR transports 252,600 riders each weekday, up from 217,400 riders in 1995.
“Merging the two railroad managements into a single structure will help create a more efficient railroad, one with a broader regional focus,” Mr. Kalikow said. “The stabilization and expansion of the region’s economy require a regional approach to the provision of commuter rail services and the new MTA Rail Road will provide that focus well into the 21st century.”
“The merge will also help streamline administrative services and result in a more uniform implementation of inventory, equipment, maintenance, and customer strategies,” he added.
MTA Subway
NYC Transit currently operates the most extensive and largest subway system in the nation, with 660 track miles and an estimated fleet of 6,000 subway cars. Since 1996, annual subway ridership has climbed from 1.13 billion passengers to more than 1.4 billion due to the elimination of two-fare zones, introduction of the MetroCard and new discount policies which reduced the average cost of a subway fare from $1.32 in 1997 to $1.06 today. The system’s aging subway fleet is being replaced with state-of-the-art computerized cars that provide riders with a better quality and more efficient ride.
“The renaissance of the system, from a run down, inefficient, and unsafe system, to one which has received national recognition for the most improved transit system among the largest systems in the country, is nothing short of remarkable and is a tribute to those who run the system day in and day out,” Mr. Kalikow said. “It is that spectacular record of accomplishments that we expect to maintain and build under the new plan.”
MTA Subway will operate the New York City subway system and the Staten Island Railway, which currently serves 14,000 Staten Islanders each day. The Staten Island system covers 14.3 miles of track and has 64 cars.
MTA Bus
The MTA currently provides bus services in the metropolitan region through Long Island Bus in Nassau County with 399 buses, and MTA NYC Transit with 4,700 buses in its two separate bus divisions, one for Manhattan and the Bronx, and another for Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of Queens.
“Surface transportation is a critical aspect of the provision of public transit for many metropolitan residents, and as such, the MTA is embarking on the creation of a single MTA Bus unit designed to bring these functions under one corporate entity,” Mr. Kalikow said.
“NYC Transit has experienced a 43 percent increase in bus ridership since 1995,” Ms. Lapp said. “The MTA needs to meet this demand by creating one corporate entity with a mission to develop system-wide bus routing for all MTA customers regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. The new MTA Bus will also concentrate on developing enhanced services in order to improve the quality of the ride for all passengers.”
Once the newly merged Bus company is established, consideration will be given to having non-MTA transportation providers, including private bus companies that operate in New York City and throughout the MTA service region, join the MTA. These changes would require the agreement of both the MTA and local governments where the non-MTA providers operate.
MTA Capital
The MTA has embarked over the last few years on an extraordinary program of system-wide expansion. East Side Access will bring the LIRR into Grand Central Terminal; the Second Avenue Subway will extend from Harlem to the Financial District in downtown Manhattan; and the extension of the No. 7 subway to the West Side will spur development in the area. Other projects include access to Penn Station by Metro-North; studies are also currently being conducted to analyze commuter rail access to Lower Manhattan. A president, whose mission will be to advance these projects, will head the new MTA Capital company.
“Moving any one of these projects forward would be challenging, but moving forward simultaneously while handling the already existing $17 billion capital improvement program presents even greater challenges,” Mr. Kalikow said. “The new MTA Capital company will provide a single point of focus to allow us to advance system expansion with a coordinated approach that tells New Yorkers we are serious about getting the job done, on time and within budget.”
MTA Bridges and Tunnels
MTA Bridges and Tunnels currently operate seven bridges and two passenger car tunnels that are used by 293 million vehicles each year. The successful implementation of E-ZPass has allowed Bridges and Tunnels to reduce waiting time for E-ZPass customers by more than 50 percent, with non E-ZPass customers experiencing delays ranging from one to six minutes per vehicle. MTA Bridges and Tunnels will retain its current corporate structure.
I was afraid that it had been reencoded as a transfer, but it's still a valid 30-day unlimited (or the little that's left of a 30-day unlimited).
Depending upon exactly how far along within the channel the card was stuck is the difference between "pushing" your card up, and encoding a transfer.
It's a chance he was willing to take because... it's not his card. We can't see how far along it is unless we open the side panel. What he should have done in the first place.
I never issue a transfer as a means to dislodge a jammed card. Next time, ask that the driver NOT do so, but instead, open the door and thumbwheel it out.
Next time, you could walk away with a transfer :-)
We've grown very accustomed to the "right-arm-dumps-the-bin-while-the-left-hand-holds-the-wheel' annoyance of these defective fareboxes.
The S.O.P. is to contact supervison to notify of the issue and await instruction. There are farebox defects that do require the bus removed from service. Each situation has a different response, but only supervision may approve/disapprove/instruct such.
couple more examples here..
Sign like that for the Q31 on the SW corner of 48 Av-Bell Blvd as well
Forget about the second one.
JD
BIG AL
No, it's 1848.
Yup; 4219 (formerly Omni*Bus 1) has no digital sign, just a placard reading "Hospital Audiences, Inc."
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
HAI!
Just a hunch.
Did you happen to notice the original bus number that (apparently) has the first digit ("9") and the third digit ("2") removed, leaving only the center ("7")?
Yes, along with the residue from the "966" removed from the destination sign door and A/C cover. I'm guessing the panel above the headlight is all that remains of 972.
Which reminds me; I need to update this thread.
The first bus that is all white with the Hammerhead destination sign is from Capital District Transportation Authority in Albany, NY. It's a 1991 B.I.A. Orion Model 01.509 (300 Series), renumbered 770. Here is a link to the TransiTALK CDTA Photography Page....Click Here
Here is a photo of said Orion Is in Albany prior to retirement. Photo by Trevor Logan.
The second bus with the Red & Black paint scheme is from Red Rose Transit in Lancaster, PA. It's a 1990 Flxible Model 35096-6T METRO "B", the original number is 966 but the Crown Heights Community Bus people have renumbered it also to 770 which tells me it might actually be thier line number. Here is a link to the TransiTALK Red Rose Photography Page....Click Here
Here is a photo of the Red Rose Flxibles at the Red Rose Facility prior to retirement. Photo by Trevor Logan.
The thrid bus is a MTA-NYC Bus #1846 which is a 1982 GMC Model T8J-204 RTS. It's operated by the Hospital Audience Group. I don't know exactly what thier capacity is, but they have a second bus numbered 4219 which isnt from the MTA. The two buses are stored at the Jackie Gleason depot which is why they sport JG Logos.
Here is 1846 before it became a HAI Bus. Photo By Kevin Barsky.
I hope this has helped you.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
"HAI's Omni*buses are uniquely designed transit vehicles, specially adapted to accommodate severely disabled and frail elderly people. Each Omni*bus can hold five people in HAI's special stretcher beds, or up to ten people in wheelchairs, or 37 frail ambulatory people, or flexible combinations of all three."
They used to be numbered Omni*Bus 1 (4219) and 2 (1828). I also seem to remember the two having different configurations a couple of years ago, and now they're both "flexible combinations."
I like uniquely painted buses, however, like LYNX in Orlando.
B8-#7595-Orion VII
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
I disagree, Chuck. I don’t mind full advertising buses, but I hate having the windows covered. The view is severely obstructed from inside the buses and LRV’s I’ve ridden. I find that my eyes hurt after a while if I’m trying to look outside through the wrap for too long. There’s plenty of space on the sides of the buses for an advertising message without having to cover the windows.
Jim D.
Chuck Greene
I rode the PTO shuttle yesterday - the strip thing is crazy, although you can see very clearly through the strips. however, it was interesting that the strips themselves were opaque.
I think I prefer the mesh because it is more consistant/flowing...
hey, shrink wrapped buses are nice for the occasional bus, but the worst thing is when companies have wrapped buses as part of their normal scheme. I think wraps are starting to become overused nowadays.
Take pride in the transit scheme!
Chuck Greene
Regarding wrapped buses, I tend to think that they peaked in the mid-late 1990s. Maybe it's just me, but I notice far fewer wrapped buses today than I did five years ago. Maybe transit systems wised up and realized that cheezy advertising gimmicks were not worth compromising the comfort and dignity of their passengers -- or as I call them, customers.
What have become more common are "almost" wraps, where the ad covers everything except the windows. I don't love these either, but at least anyone inside the bus can't tell the difference.
Some transit systems never got into the whole wrap fad. I don't think NYCT ever did any, except for "diaper" wraps on the back. CTA does a lot of almost wraps, but I don't think they allow anything over the windows. I think WMATA tried them, but ended up applying them only to soon-to-be-repainted 9600-series Orions. In many more areas, communities rejected them as sight pollution. Anyone else know of TAs who never wrapped buses?
As for visibility from the interior, you don't realize how bad they are until you ride an unwrapped bus. Yes -- you can see out the windows of a wrapped bus, but you have to squint sometimes and the awkwardness of light gives you a headache. Then you board a bus with unobstructed windows and say 'This is SOOOO much better!'
I'm glad that TAs are wrapping less and less. It's important that the public see transit vehicles as transit vehicles, not as ad whores for products already advertised ad nauseum.
Proud to be a transit fan. And proud to be a Democrat!
One advantage though. It will serve to identify the bus (or subway car) if it's ever hijacked to Mexico.
What is ugly:
Wrapped buses with the front or rear left alone
attempts for wraps on windows that slide
I love that HAI wrap on that RTS bus though - it's the funniest thing I've ever seen on a bus!
I think there's two types of ads out there. One with the annoying holes, and one that's more like pigmented tinting. There were some buses, like LYNX Orlando, I don't remember seeing any holes, and their big thing is shrinkwrapping all the buses. I noticed the tinting on one the last time i was there, was like a screendoor mesh, maybe that's the difference. But they're definately not bad whatsoever.
But I can understand the need to gain revenue from them, especially for the cash-strapped TTC which gets almost no government funding.
Now that I think about it, I don't mind full-length ad wraps as they aren't as intrusive IMO.
but many others that truly ruined the appearance of the bus, as well as obscuring the views from inside.
I can see just fine on QSC RTS' and Orions that have been ad-wrapped, but then again, it was probably the material used.
But, I guess, times bieng what they are, the transit angencies are looking for ANY source of added revenue.
Like via fare hikes...
I believe they are also going to shrink wrap the stations, farecard machines, seats, drivers and passengers as a way of generating $1 billion in revenue.
Peace,
ANDEE
As far as the 5851-5950 series, I'd expect at least Comly and Southern to get the bulk of those buses, with the rest probably going either to Red Arrow, Frontier, or both.
It could be a matter of training drivers on the 5700s before they show up on the 44, but there's only a handful of them going to Callowhill so they may be spread out throughout the Callowhill routes (but it looks like they're mainly staying on the 38, which ends at Wissahickon Park, which may be why the bike-rack equipped 5700s are showing up there).
WMATAGMOAGH: why did u call me earlier?
xxxxxxxxx: oh, i need to know where the 56 went, going in the direction of wakefroest..but i got it...
Well, if the 56 has to go all the way to North Carolina and back, no wonder its reliability is what it is. It is the second longest route Ride-On has ever run. The now eliminated 27 was the longest, going all the way from Friendship Heights to the Bahamas via Little Falls and Dorset.
Metro Sets Ridership Record; Braces For Another
Reagan Viewing Surpasses Clinton Inauguration
A new ridership record for Metro has been set.
The transit agency says 850,636 trips were taken on the subway Wednesday.
Metro spokesman Steve Taubenkibel said that shatters the previous record of 811,257 trips taken the day of President Bill Clinton's first inauguration in January 1993.
Metro said it hasn't had any major problems handling the large volume of people.
The transit agency said Thursday could be another one for the record books.
Meanwhile, rush-hour service began early again Thursday for Metro -- and it could last most of Friday.
The transit agency said it began running six-car trains at 1 p.m. instead of the usual four-car trains. The trains also will run more frequently. Metro won't charge peak fares during the added rush hours.
Metro also plans to increase its service Friday. That's when parts of Constitution Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue and other streets in Northwest will be closed as President Ronald Reagan's casket is moved from the Capitol to the National Cathedral.
Spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said Metro will operate six-car trains until 7 p.m. Friday, if necessary.
Metro also said it will continue running free shuttle buses Thursday night from RFK Stadium to the Capitol, where Reagan's body will lie in state until Friday morning. Those buses will run from 11:30 p.m to 6 a.m.
NYCT Orion V #404
Bee-Line Orion V #404
Queens Surface Orion V CNG #404
Pelham Bay Station.
--OR--
LACMTA RTS #2222 (now retired)
Long Beach Transit D40LF #2222
OCTA NABI 40-LFW #2222
Downtown Long Beach.
Downtown Flushing.
Jamaica-165 St Terminal
That's ok, we had 11 of our MMM's out of service yesterday. Can't wait to get rid of those things!!!
4271 is a Landover bus, probably did a P12 route earlier in the day and the sign got stuck or it is just that they have now extended the P12 from Addison Road to Silver Spring.
On another WhyMATA note 2017(PIKE RIDE bus) was seen again on the P6, going towards Rhode Island Avenue
I was thinking about this but I believe every type of WMATA bus currently operating has now operated on the even 30s except the artics. Can anyone think of anything that may have not operated there at one time?
That bus must be Long Island Bus 2004 Orion 05.501.
I'm still thinking up some good questions to ask him, but does anybody here have any suggestions of some good bus-related queries you want answered? I think I'll ask him to get on the DOT's ass to finally replace Queens' run-down bus stop signs, with the newer ones that are all over Manhattan and Staten Island.
But be realistic...he's not the head of the MTA, and he ain't gonna know when the delivery of the artics of O7s will resume.
"If the city can afford to build an arena that will be in use eight to ten days a year, can it afford a central terminal for all the bus routes that serve the Flushing subway terminal- hence sparing people from having to walk up to two very crowded blocks just in time to see their bus pulling out?"
Not bus-related, but-
"Do you care that you're costing my family money by having your meeting at the school in which my wife works in the P.A.L. after-school program, causing the cancellation of said program for the day you're coming? My wife only gets paid when she WORKS. As it is, she lost a day's pay this past January when the schools were ridiculously closed over an 8" snowfall! Is this your way of exacting revenge because I didn't vote for you in 2001?"
Why don't you come to the meeting? It's gonna be at 214 Tuesday night at 7:30. There's probably a notice in your building.
And here is something a little extra....
Enjoy!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
So what's the deal with these blue signs?
So if I see it again, I'm gonna get a harder look!
Trevor
BIG AL
I guess the Reagan funeral wasn't creating enough area road closures/detours/delays...
By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 11, 2004; Page B01
Metro's budget committee endorsed a plan yesterday to raise fares and fees at the end of the month but added a new twist: The rail system would open a half-hour earlier on weekdays, at 5 a.m.
On a 7 to 2 vote, the directors who make up the budget committee agreed to raise the minimum subway fare by 15 cents to $1.35 and the local bus fare by a nickel to $1.25. The weekly bus pass would remain unchanged at $11.
The maximum peak rail fare would rise 30 cents to $3.90, and daily parking fees would increase by 75 cents. Monthly reserved parking would rise by $10 to $45.
The full Metro board is to vote Thursday on the increases, which would take effect June 27 and mark the second year in a row that fares and fees have gone up. Transit officials expect the fare increases will cause about 14,000 rail passengers and 3,200 bus riders to stop taking public transportation.
Metro directors, faced with a projected $23.4 million deficit in an operating budget of about $940 million, endorsed $29.2 million in fare increases. They said the surplus would be returned to the local governments that help fund Metro.
"You've asked for a fare increase, and then you send the money back to local governments," said Gordon Linton, a newly appointed board member from Montgomery County who was federal transit administrator under President Bill Clinton. "I find that highly unusual."
In the package endorsed yesterday, Metro would also charge a premium fare from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but trains would run on an off-peak schedule. Currently, off-peak fares are charged during that hour.
Disabled and elderly passengers who use MetroAccess, the curb-to-curb service, would see a 10-cent increase in their base fare to $2.50. But anyone accompanying a MetroAccess-eligible rider on Metrorail or Metrobus would be able to ride free -- an offer that transit officials are hoping will encourage more disabled riders to take the regular transit system. For the first time, MetroAccess riders traveling beyond the service area defined by federal law would be charged a premium of up to $4 per ride.
Opening the subway at 5 a.m. weekdays instead of 5:30 is expected to attract about 1,700 riders, transit officials said. The earlier opening would begin in September and would cost the local governments that subsidize Metro about $700,000 a year.
The two directors who voted against the fare and fee package, Chris Zimmerman of Arlington and Jim Graham of the District, said the increases were excessive.
"I cannot support any increase in Metrobus" fares, said Graham, a D.C. Council member who represents the Adams Morgan neighborhood, which is heavily served by bus lines. "We're raising $29 million, but we're insisting that $1.8 million come from bus riders who are least able to afford this."
Zimmerman called the fare increases "sneaky" because during extensive public hearings this spring, Metro officials presented a range of increases but pledged they would not seek the maximum amount. In the end, that's just what they did, he said.
"It hurts our credibility, to tell people we're going to do one thing and then we turn around and do the other," Zimmerman said. "I don't think that's the right way to do business."
© 2004 The Washington Post Company
Is this true that the Orion Vs are going to be running on the Bx10 now? And if so, where are the RTSs gonna go (I know that the two 1987 TMCs, 4795 and 4797 will probably be retired in 2007)? TIA.
Trevor
Da Hui
SAS
you're correct. KB did indeed 400 and 401 very briefly then they went to Stengel. KB also had 93077 (177) for a short time before their '93 Orion Vs arrived
The pic of #5716 (the sign was fixed, as I said earlier) is below.
I also notice that there has been slightly less scratchitti on the windows. Also, unlike Gun *Cough Cough* Hill, KB does not have any vandal bus operators. Rarely any dead light tubes either.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Even so, I would like to pay a visit to the WF routes that have the Orion VIIs with the orange LED signs (7700 series?). I like the orange LED signs.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Yeah, pretty much. Nothing else is really worth getting excited about.
The 96'Novas are my favorite, then the 98'Novas, then the 95'Orions(esp. JG's CNG's). The 99'Novas don't really impress me.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Is this true that the Orion Vs are going to be running on the Bx10 now? And if so, where are the RTSs gonna go (I know that the two 1987 TMCs, 4795 and 4797 will probably be retired in 2007)? TIA.
Whoops, forgot the signature.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Photos are below:
Trevor
#3267, 3275 and 3278 are still running in service and can always be seen during rush hour. #3267 can sometimes be seen during the day, they use it for training.
Jason
87 (NYCT 1673), two months ago
Did one of those RTS buses from DART happen to be #288? If that's one of the ex-DART buses you're referring to, it now has a home down here. It's used in revenue service by Krap(f)'s Coaches on its Coatesville to West Chester line run along with two Thomas TL960's which could easily be in worse shape than anything "DUH BUS" runs down in Prince George's (maybe the chimp moonlights for Krap(f)'s) and a 1979 GM RTS (w/squareback) that was once a Methanol test bus, in addition to various cutaway (ahem) buses that show up on nights and weekends.
I think the RTS that was (and still is) #288 was formerly DART #151, but I'd have to double check that to be sure. FWIW, it still runs pretty fast, but they did take out the electronic sign and replace it with a third-rate roll sign...
If you're interested, look under my seller id....sjh50
THANKS!!
Later on in the day, I was at Medical Center. The train operator announced that this train was a "Red Line to Silver Spring":-)
And this one needs no introduction:-)
It's this new company called Vamoose Bus. It picks up at Tenleytown Metro station and McPherson Square Metro station, and drops off at Madison Square Garden (W 31st St btw 7th and 8th Ave)
The man in the blue jacket was the ticket agent.
The passenegers were all, well, not the typical chinabus crowd. Just look at the locations where it drops off and picks up at. I counted roughly 30 caucasian passengers and two asian passengers, one of them being me. I got a free ride from Tenleytown to McPherson Square, courtesy of a nice driver:-) He also drove down Massachusetts Avenue quickly, but safely. They charge the same fares as chinabus ($20 one way, $35 round trip), and the driver says it takes 4 hours to get to NY, the same as chinabus. The driver also pulled a very chinabus-esque move and waited for this one passenger at McPherson Square to run out, buy a banana, and come back to the bus so she doesn't get left behind.
I may try it out sometime.
There is also that Russiabus operation that runs from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn to Northeast Philadelphia, but it uses MC-9s and makes only like two trips a day...
UPenn has a few ex-NYC RTS buses. Does that qualify?
Remember -- the Flxible Metro was one of the best-selling buses ever. Countless transit operators large and small bought them en masse until Flxible died in November 1995. This means that a great many of them do not even qualify for retirement, on top of those older units still soldiering on because they're darn fine buses. It's not too hard to find late 1980s Flxs still active at various systems. Some particularly Flx-heavy properties are New Jersey Transit, CTA, MdMTA and WMATA. And let's not forget all of those smaller systems which run big-city grade buses. I had the pleasure of driving a 1991 Flxible in regular service this morning at a 43-bus system!
-Fred
-Fred
-F.
In true Flxible fashion, they were 35-footers with roll signs. :)
-Fred
-Fred
-Fred
I need to get my hand on one of them magnets, or a pen(had a CATAbus pen). I'd call in sick from work if i could get one(i NEED a weekday off!!)
-Fred
-Fred
What transit angency has the largest operating fleet of Metros?
CTA(Chicago Transit Authority) has the largest operating fleet of Flxible metros today.
-Fred
Well I had no idea that a 1996/1997 bus is considered antiquiated :-\. And I've seen a lot of grumbling by passenegers [mainly the elderly] whenever I ride the B3.
Mark
David
David
It's similar on the subway. The 1/9 and 2/3 draw similar crowds over similar distances, but a crush loaded 1/9 is much worse than a crush loaded 2/3, because the 1/9 has many more opportunities over that distance for extended dwells.
If the aisle/seating arrangement on the suburbans is responsible for increased dwell times when the bus is crowded, then it's best to use the suburbans on the routes that don't make very many stops while crowded.
A related point is that an overcrowded bus can't accept new passengers. An overcrowded local might have to flag all stops except where a passenger rings the bell, becoming a de facto limited and starving the passengers waiting at local stops of service they're supposed to have. An overcrowded limited is likely to make most of its scheduled stops anyway, since passengers will want to get off at most of them.
This might sound silly, but if the buses must remain in service and can't be reseated, how about simply removing the seats (and platform, if possible) on the right side of the bus and installing handrails along the exposed wall? It's not ideal, but the resulting bus would be able to carry large crowds with no problem.
As for the suggestion, the big expense is in removing the platforms -- seats aren't that hard to install and they can be obtained from buses going to scrap. I doubt it would pay to remove just one of the two platforms.
It should also be remembered, as I said elsewhere in this thread, that a given bus might (probably will, really) make both local and Limited trips during its time on a Limited route.
David
This problem occurs at all times of the day not just rush hour. that is why i ussually choose to take the b2 from kings highway and walk
1)The B3's schedule created by observations of ride checkes who due the outdated manual method of bus observation, takes too small of a sample to accurately schedule this route.
- Part of the problem is two variables west of Garritsen ave.
Marine Park - The schedule does not take into consideration that the 1/2 mile stretch crossing marine park both eastbound and westbound can be crossed at a greater rate then the other mostly retail portion of the ave. What this does is allocate too much time for the run from garritsen to E71th street and too little run time for the part of the run from garritsen ave to Harway ave Bensonhurst.
Kings Plaza - The schedule also does not take into account that kings plaza does not open 9:30 am - 9:30 pm and that significant riders too and from does not occur until 10 am. What happens is that buses harway ave bound have a habit of leaving terminal late and making up the time flying thought the section of the route between e71th and garritsen .
In the morning buses ofter come early or in bunches and end up hiding a few blocks before the ride check at Nostrand ave. In effect when the driver crosses nostrand ride check he is on time giving the impression that all is well. This significantly hurts riders becasue drivers who leave terminal late could be getting riders down to the e 16th train station quicker and in addtion if the secound driver leaves on time, he passes the first driver to pad his ridership number and then hides a few block before nostrand so that he does not get penalized for being early. There is one run that this happend on every morning. I have observed this pattern on my days off as well
Going bergen beach bound the pattern is the opposite. Two little run time from bensonhurst to Garritsen cause bus bunching with buses catching wach other at e16th train station. On average buses that are supposed to arrive bergan beavh bound at 7 min intervals often arrive at 15 min intervals causing crowded conditions.
I have studied the traffic issue as well. Although Ave U has many double parked cars at times when the stores are open. This delay issues occurs as late as 10 PM when most stores have been closed for hours and the double parking issue is not an issue,
2) As for the secound bus passing the first bus. The reason the driver does not pass is the secound bus is AHEAD OF SCHEDULE thus the driver would be penalized for being early. When the first bus runs late that bus is picking up riders the secound bus should pick up causing the secound bus to run early.
Wheelchair riders is not an issue on this line. There are not that many wheelchair riders on the B3.
The solution is a better schedule that addapts to the unique nature of this line. This is difficult to put together using ride check data which takes a too small a sample of the line operations
Automated bus monitoring and dispatching would also help.
-It would allow the secound bus to take the first buses time slot if it catches it(remember the secound bus is ussually fairly empty) more evenly distributiing the rider load. Taking the time slot would mean that the secound bus passes and does not pickup riders until it is at the point in the route where the first bus should be. This allows the line to more quickly get back on schedule and reduce future delays caused by the earlier delay
-It would give an infinite amount of bus running data that would illustrate the behavior I just described.
3) the antiquated way the MTA uses bus checkers sitting on a street corner to track buses. Drivers who are early routinly hide a few blocks and then move ahead to be tracked on time. A complete fraud
NYCT ride checks cover every trip, in both directions, that is operated over an entire operating day (in the case of really large routes, sometimes the checkers cover odd-numbered runs one day and even-numbered runs another -- something of which Ralph Kramden would be proud < g > -- but the B3 is not large enough to require such treatment). Unless something major (like an accident or bad weather) happens that knocks out several hours' worth of data, all the information collected is used and analyzed. The schedulemakers look for, and adjust, aberrations (for example, one bus taking 15 minutes to go between a pair of timepoints while everybody else is doing it in 7 or less), but by and large the information is accepted as-is. Proposed running times are then developed based on the results of the analysis, and these running times change throughout the day.
And, by the way, Kings Plaza and Marine Park are both EAST of Gerritsen Avenue, not west. The major traffic congestion problem on this route is between Coney Island Avenue and Ocean Avenue, with the area between Ocean and Nostrand Avenues being a secondary problem. Also, if buses are leaving their terminals early, that is not a scheduling problem, it's a supervision problem unless they're being ordered to do so BY supervision (in which case, supervision should tell the Route Manager, who, if he/she determines that the supervisors are doing the right thing, should tell Schedules there is a problem).
David
With the trains, you can make some inferences and get origin-destination data. That is, the station you board at on your second trip of the day could be inferred to be the station you exited on your first trip of the day, unless there was a bus trip in between.
But you don't swipe at bus "stations," just on the bus. Is there any plans to syncronize the farebox with the route, perhaps through GPS, so it would be possible to figure out how many people use different portions of the route automatically all the time?
David
One day of data is not enough to determine a pattern. Weeks or months worths of data at each location along the route is needed to make a good schedule. Something that can not be done with manuall ride checks. This is just applying the laws of probability. In additon GPS overlays that show the buses actual position and metrocard data are needed to determine whether a driver is making phantom stops. This is needed and is data that can be had only with an autoated system
The manual ride checks do not caluculate how long a bus take to travel from in each section of the route for which is one of the problems with the B3.
the bus line is poorly timed and scheduled. A better more accuarate schedule would reduce the bus bunching problem. Eliminate it entirly no.
As for the heavy delays eastbound. You can see CI ave from east 16th street Q station. The B3 is delayed prior to that point.
It is a mute point about the ineffecincy of ride check. Once auotmated bus monitoring is in effect in the near future, most of the ride checkers will be reassigned or layed off.
If the ride checks are so accurate, then how do you explain the continually poor bus schedule that does not reflect accurate runing time on the B3
The Traffic Checkers record data for every stop they pass, timepoint or not, so it is possible to track the progress of the bus as it goes through the various parts of the route.
As to the schedule being 'continually poor,' the same driver is not likely to find exactly the same traffic condition on exactly the same part of the route at exactly the same time every day on ANY route. While NYCT tries to compensate by providing adequate recovery time at the end of the route (so the next trip can start on time even if the bus arrived late at the terminal), occasionally something will happen that only adequate supervision can fix. This route has fixed-post supervision at 86th & Stillwell and at Kings Plaza, but the 86th & Stillwell post is not covered before 11 AM or so, and the Kings Plaza post is also covering several other routes (including one -- B47 -- for which reliefs must be monitored).
David
B3 also is watched at Nostrand Avenue, but the Dispatcher's also watching the B44 and B36 routes.
David
BIG AL
David
BIG AL
Actually, that's one of the things I was thinking of as a factor in the route's occasional unreliability.
David
The manual ride checks do not caluculate how long a bus take to travel from in each section of the route for which is one of the problems with the B3."
Listen King Who Thinks He Knows It All But Doesn't,the ridechecks cover EVERY SINGLE STOP FROM TERMINAL TO TERMINAL!We count every person;adult and child;that get on and off every stop and write the times the bus leaves every stop RIGHT DOWN TO THE SECOND!OK?
And on top of that,we cover the same bus route several times every year and every month and twice a week and so forth.The way we do it now is as great a way as there is possible.What leads to a buses poor performance is several things like traffic and BO's "playing games" with each other causing one bus to pick up the other's load focing said bus to be late when it can be on time.W/C lifts is another factor and the list goes on.
GET IT?
GOT IT?
GOOD!!!
Da Hui
Peace,
ANDEE
For how long? 1 week, 1 months. That is not enough data to make accurate schedules. Just look how poorly buses stick to schedules now. That includes all the extra minutes put into the schedules to make the buses look on time.
As for the computerized system replacing ride checkers. Yes it will, but the money still needs to be spent. Mostl likely on more bus service
You do not no anything about statistical sampling and planning
My uncle's worked at various levels of management in the bus and subway divisions with a combined 35 years of experience. I know exactly what a traffic checker does and it is a highly ineffecient way of collecting data that is fundamentally flawed and outmodeled.
Da Hui
You mean to say you know what a traffic checker does because your uncle worked at various levels of management in the bus and subway divisions with a combined 35 years of experience?
Da Hui
Sorry for change of subject.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Don't be surprised that the Soft Seat RTS and the Orions will replace the Liberty Lines and NYBS buses once the takeover is done.
This is my opinion only.
Thank You
I ued to never see exp. seating on local routes. Then, in the early 90's, Ulmer Pk began doing it with some of the older fishbowls. Now, it has become quite common over there.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
B1-#8892-NOVABUS
At one point, NYCT seemed to be concentrating Ulmer Park's RTS expresses on the B1 route, but now it seems to be distributing them more equitably throughout the depot's local routes.
David
Including more appearences on the B6 during the rush hour [and other hours] too, in which they were basically non-existant; at least from my observations.
And worse than the discomfort to standees is that the first few standees invariably stand near the front of the bus, so the bus starts flagging stops when there's still a lot of room for more passengers -- they just can't get to it unless they board through the rear door.
I'm glad to learn they're not being concentrated on the B1 anymore. (I can't imagine why they'd ever have been concentrated on the B1.)
Those babies swallowed up the crowds better than anything out there these days!
With trips like that, I don't see why suburbans would be deliberately placed on the line. Certainly it doesn't make sense to use suburbans on the trippers, which only run during the crowded times.
Do routes like the B64 and B74 often get that crowded? I've only ridden the B64 once and I've never ridden the B74, but from the little I've seen, it doesn't look like the suburbans would fill up on those lines.
But wherever they go, please clean and reupholster those seats. At this point they're disgusting.
The B64 has moderate ridership and as for the B74, it sees it share of crowding at different times and at most times both routes have suburbans dominating their routes.
But wherever they go, please clean and reupholster those seats. At this point they're disgusting.
That I agree on, it is a disgusting sight seeing all of the green foam all over the floor, fluids getting on seats, duct tape and we get the picture....
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
To be Continued.
Yukon: Hell no
Castleton: Hell no
JG: Impossible, they don't want any more RTS's
Flatbush: Maybe, the B41, B44, and B46 limited can use them
East New York: I don't think so. Those soft seats wouldn't last more than a week in ENY. The areas that ENY routes pass though would destroy them. Maybe that's why they are only Brooklyn depot to never see suburbans.
Fresh Pond: Right now they are getting 9111-9139. If it's possible to fit more Novas in FP, these suburbans would do very well on every route, except the Q58.
B1-#4774-TMC
B64-#9315-NOVABUS
by the way, only 2 buses out of all the buses assigned to the B64 today were not coaches. those were #9092 and #4854.
Anyway, there are about 50 of these coaches at Ulmer Park. The combined total vehicle requirement for routes B4, B64, and B74 on weekdays is under 30 (less on weekends). The rest (most of them at any rate) would still have to go somewhere, although I agree that filling up those routes is a good place to start.
David
Only Brooklyn depot? How about the only depot, along with maybe Mother Hale (among depots open since 1998) to NEVER have a suburban EVER on the roster. However, I see it as an issue of ridership. East New York has no true light ridership lines that could use them (except for maybe the B83, and one word the MTA loves to hear is flexibility, which is squashed on here.)
I am not sure if Coliseum or Amsterdam had a suburban. However, ENY is the only TA depot to never have a suburban.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I would have taken pics, but my phone is currently at a local nokia repair center, thanks to the 3600's self destructive software.
Did whichever depot these buses came from give them a nice parting present, knowing what they were in for at their arrival at GH, or is Gun Hill becoming more efficient in its bus destroying tactics?
Well the buses where ight at MCH and WF for the most part. But its GH.
What is the X-80 route and where does it go?
Event Transportation Information
Randall’s Island Park
Bus:
Special X80 event buses will leave for Randall’s Island from Lexington Avenue and East 125th Street,and run at regularly scheduled intervals or as dispatched. Round-trip bus fare is $4.00, payable upon boarding using a Standard or Express Bus MetroCard or coins. Fare policy and charge per direction varies with each event.
By Council Member Baez
Whereas, Technology can be utilized to enhance public safety, reduce and deter criminality, and discourage false complaints against the City of New York; and
Whereas, Terrorism has become a more serious threat since the September 11 tragedy with growing concerns that New York City’s public transportation system is a prime target; and
Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has enhanced security measures since September 11, 2001, and since the Madrid bombing in March 2004, have installed more surveillance cameras in subway stations and tunnels; and
Whereas, The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a Homeland Security bulletin in April 2004 to police departments around the United States warning that terrorists might try to bomb rail lines and buses this summer; and
Whereas, The bulletin states that transit officials can improve security on trains and buses by reviewing security camera footage each day for signs of terrorist surveillance; and
Whereas, While installing cameras on city buses can improve tracking of terrorist activities on these vehicles, the cameras can also serve to monitor and deter daily municipal problems such as assault, harassment, vandalism and false “slip and fall” incidents inside and outside the buses; and
Whereas, Several transportation authorities in other municipalities have installed cameras in buses including in New Orleans, Louisiana, where officials have used video evidence to help convict people on an array of gun, theft and fraud charges; and
Whereas, Other municipalities with cameras in buses include Minneapolis, Minnesota, San Francisco and Sacramento, California, Charlotte, North Carolina, Seattle, Washington, Burlington, Vermont, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Southbend, Indiana, the last three of which have installed cameras in school buses; and
Whereas, These cameras can be installed on bus ceilings and directly behind the driver to send out a radio signal that a police officer can intercept with a modified laptop and monitor the activities of the bus in “real time” or download the information to review later; and
Whereas, Currently neither the MTA, New York City Transit, nor the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority has installed any cameras in New York City buses, but has reportedly been in discussions with a French-based company that is outfitting Paris-area buses with surveillance equipment, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit, and the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Surface Transit Operating Authority to install cameras on all its buses.
RR; LS 754; 6/01/04
This will bring an end to the ugly vandalism on our buses.
this is a must. Immediate responce to a crime and consistant enforcement is needed to change behavior
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
BAN THE BAN!
By Council Members Lopez, Baez, Barron, Foster, Martinez, Sanders, Seabrook, Quinn, James and Gerson
..Title
Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit to reduce the number of articulated buses used in New York City and replace them with non-articulated buses sufficient to meet the ridership demands, as articulated buses increase passenger capacity but fail to increase the number of seats for disabled passengers.
..Body
Whereas, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) first began testing articulated buses on routes such as the Bx1, along the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, in the late 1990's; and
Whereas, MTA-NYCT first introduced articulated bus service on the M79 and M86 cross-town Manhattan bus routes in 2000; and
Whereas, Since then, articulated buses have replaced standard buses on ten other routes in Manhattan and the Bronx; and
Whereas, The longer buses have greater carrying capacity, thereby allowing the buses to run less frequently; and
Whereas, Articulated buses are twenty feet longer than standard buses, requiring MTA-NYCT to lengthen or remove certain bus stops to accommodate them and inconvenience riders, especially senior citizens; and
Whereas, While on standard buses wheelchair accessibility is adequately provided through the rear doors of the bus wheelchair accessibility on articulated buses is provided through the front doors; and
Whereas, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, in correspondence submitted to the City Council, asserted that the front door wheelchair accessibility on articulated buses is more time-consuming, cumbersome, requires additional passenger cooperation and causes the disabled greater difficulty in maneuvering onto and off the bus; and
Whereas, Both articulated buses and non-articulated accommodate two wheelchairs at any time, resulting in a transportation system that actually accommodates fewer wheelchairs; and
Whereas, On average 63,000 riders use wheelchair lifts a month; now, therefore, be it
Resolved that Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit shall reduce the number of articulated buses used in New York City and replace them with non-articulated buses sufficient to meet the ridership demands, as articulated buses increase passenger capacity but fail to increase the number of seats for disabled passengers.
1. Does the City Council ever come up with legislation that has anything to do with things over which it actually HAS jurisdiction?
2. Did the City Council members who sponsored the bill remember that the City gives hundreds of millions of dollars a year in operating and capital subsidies to NYCT, therefore giving the City Council a fiduciary responsibility to pressure MTA to spend the money as efficiently as possible, a concept of which this legislation flies in the face?
3. Exactly how many times are both wheelchair positions in use at the SAME TIME, on standard buses and on artics? I know some routes see more wheelchair lift use than others (M15 being a prime example), but in 20+ years of riding lift-equipped buses I don't think I've ever seen both positions being used at the same time.
David
Still, it's quite infrequent. I'm not sure that aspect alone warrants reduction of articulated service.
Yet, like all of us, the City Council has a job to do. They would be remiss in their duties if a draft-bill was rejected without due process when their constituents bring forth a *legitimate and logical* argument or case. Legitimate and logical being subject to opinion, I suppose.
Would any Bus Operators here who have driven buses with rear-door lifts AND buses with front-door lifts (or any wheelchair users who might be here) like to comment as to which are easier for customers to negotiate?
David
With rear WC boarding, I may keep the front doors closed, encourage those wishing to alight to use the rear before I begin lift operation and tend to that individual with the attention they deserve. Front door loading is both dangerous and an obstacle.
In my opinion.
At Rockland we had to get out the bus and operate the lift which is just as time consuming as getting up and going to the rear.
The Gilligs and the Orion 1s they had, had the lift in the front, I could do a W/C Cycle in under 3 minuts and be gone.
With the lift in the rear, about 5-6 minutes and with the MCI lift on the outside, just shy of 7 minutes.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Still, I prefer the rear.
Second main point, the artics have THREE wheelchair positions, in addition to a wheelchair ramp that cannot jamb, unlike that of the RTS.
I won't even bother to read the rest of this until city council can learn to freakin count and get their numbers straight.
Nice find, Brooklyn67
Are you crazy. There is two wheelchair positions on D60HF. Whilst 3 seats CAN flip up on the D60HF, its only two wheelchair positions.
Trevor
strange indeed...
There are two sets of three-seat folding seats (on the RTS anyway). Each set of three seats holds one wheelchair passenger.
Maybe they don't understand that some lines NEED the artics on 3 minute headways, and putting a 40 footer on a line like the BX12 or 22 spells h-e-l-l, no matter what time of day they do it.
They are just grandstanding to hope to get thier name out their to run for another office with it's do little work schedule and outragious pension which by the way can not be taken away even if you are convicted of taking bribes
Thier are some issues with articualted buses and the handicap. A more reasonable solution would be to add more wheelchair seats or some other logical solution
this constant argument of seniors, handicap and poor people can;t do this and can't do that is sickening. They are playing on peoples sympathies
At a hearing Friday, council members said they are furious the MTA has not shown up to any of their scheduled meetings to answer basic questions regarding the takeover.
“I think it’s bad public policy. More important, it’s disrespectful,” said Councilman Joseph Addabbo. “It’s a bad sign of things to come, and I am concerned. This is a bad sign that they're sending out right now, and I'm outraged. It's horrible. If we are going to be disrespected like this as a group I think something has to be done.”
“We have been given no assurances that there will be no reduction in bus service and no disruption come July 1st - that is not acceptable,” said Councilman John Liu.
MTA officials say they have not testified before the City Council because they do not want to jeopardize negotiations with the bus company owners.
City officials would also not testify at today’s hearing. In a statement, a mayoral spokesman said: "We are in the midst of complex and delicate negotiations with the private bus owners. Testifying would disrupt those negotiations and could jeopardize the July 1st transfer."
Many questions remain, such as what will happen to roughly 400 non-union employees who work at the private companies. They were told they would be hired, but none have been contacted yet.
Some workers who are unsure whether they will have a job after July 1st say it's getting harder and harder to concentrate on their work.
“It's like coming to a funeral every day," said one bus line employee.
“It's very stressful,” said another. “The other employees are very upset. The work product is not as good as it should be right now, because no one knows where they stand July 1st."
With their future uncertain, workers this week filed a lawsuit in Queens State Supreme Court, hoping to block the MTA takeover. They've also asked the U.S. Department of Labor to step in.
Council members argue the MTA's actions are unfair to the 400,000 New Yorkers who rely on buses to get to and from school or work every day.
Many other issues remain unresolved. For one, the MTA says it needs legislation passed in Albany before the takeover can happen.
But time is running out, so the council is preparing, if necessary, to extend the life of private bus lines by three months.
“I'm feeling more and more compelled to extend that authority for another period simply so that the MTA and the administration can get their act together," said Liu.
T-19 days.
you can not negotiate with a private party in a public forum. that is a reciet for disaster. the city concil once again is trying to justify it's existence and thier cush $75k plus perks (bribes) useless jobs.
Negotiating in public will drive up the cost.
The short term cost of the takeover will be eclipsed by the long run savings and more importantly better buse service.
The city concilis just looking for grandstanding sound bites. They want to grill the MTA on such issues as route consolidation.
Every inteligent poster on Bus talks knows that their are routes that duplicate each other and need to be consolidated. The city concil just want to a forum to scream save out duplicate service which in most cases is a detriment to it's constituants in the tune of higher fairs and reduction of other more important bus and train service.
Think of the tooken booth closing issue. We all know that 95% of the riders have thier fair before entering the fair control, station agents don;t deter crime, in fact they are often sleeping in the booth when they are needed most overnights. But the city concil was making outragious unfounded claims.
that is why the MTA is not gong to the city concil. THEY DON'T NEED TO and it will hurt negotiations. i am sure the city concil will quickly forget that the DOT routes are run poorly and they are the ones overseeingthem currrently
The City Council has to approve the City's Budget and that includes the money that the City allocates to the MTA. You can't ignore the City Council especially since they can now issue an order for you to appear and if you don't are subject to criminal porsecuation.
Basically the correct thing for the DOT and the MTA was to request a Committee meeting in Executive Session which meant any information given is privilaged and not for the public's knowledge.
That's my opinion
Thank You
That would be valid if the State had passed the enabaling legislation.
The MTA doesn't want to come out and say "Yes we're going to cut service" especially after raising the fare to $2 and getting ALL of the subsidy money that the privates were getting, plus getting the new buses the privates were denied, and having the real costs of the take over being between $500 million and $1 billion.
Any inteligent poster on bus talk, would realize this especilly if they were a resident of NYC and had to pay taxes. You may not like the private lines, but you'll absolutely HATE it when your taxes have to go up for this debacle!
"Any inteligent poster on bus talk, would realize this especilly if they were a resident of NYC and had to pay taxes. You may not like the private lines, but you'll absolutely HATE it when your taxes have to go up for this debacle"
The biggest tax wasting debacle are some of the unreasonable work rules in the MTA union contracts such as the one that stipulated that overtime shifts must originate from the drivers home depot no matter where the service is to be provided
lets get it straight. The city concil had control of the DOT routes and they poorly managed the suppoervision of its operations in exchange for campaign donations. If the MTA takes over the privated those campaign donations go out the window.
If you want to create an MTA that best serves the people of this city, through out the current union contract and start from scratch with the taxpayers of this city in mind. The same holds true for the union contract I work under.
Now as far as Unions costing the city money, well being that we are some of the least payed workers in transit, and in the professional trades (I make as a mechanic $23+/hr, MTA makes $24+/hr, metro north makes $29+/hr, Con Edison make 30+/hr)we're actually a bargain. But then I guess I should be grateful that I have a "Nice" cardboard box to live in. What world do you live in that you haven't seen the price of milk double, the price of houses triple, parking tickets double?? It costs money to live in this city!!! And it's the social programs that burden the city's budget, not Unionized labor! If you have a 40 hour work week, decent wages, health care, and a retirement, then you have UNIONS to thank!!! All of those things weren't handed out by management or big business(remember child labor, or is that the good ole' days?), they were fought for, and yes even people died for them. But if someone is living in their parents basement, then I could see why they would treat them with such disregard!
Do you realise that you get those tickets for braking the law?
Arti
And make sure your air conditioner isn't too loud, that'll cost you $440 first offense!
But then again, your breaking the law!!
No it's the owners of the "privates" companies that are going out the window. What remains is the continued employment of the staff (union/non-union), the route structure, etc.
BTW, legislation is required to create a new operating authority for the private lines. The issue though is with another bill for the creation of RBC, which may die in committee because the MTA will not answer questions.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
They could use the existing law that created Manhanttan and Bronx Surfice Transit. This was done in 1980 when the MTA tookover the Avenue B and East Broadway Transit Company at the end of March when that company went out of business.
Thank You
Peace,
ANDEE
All of a sudden Mr. Cooper is concerned for his employees? Where was his concern a few years ago when he and his fellow owners were going to shut down operation, lock, stock and barrel.
The MABSTOA was created in the early 1960's to take over the operations of the 5th Avenue Coach/Surface Transit Company bus lines. The laws which created this entity can be used to operate the private lines now in the process of being taken over by the MTA.
While they're at it, the MTA should take over the Westchester County Bee Line system; what a disgrace that is. Bus service on many lines, once every two hours, minimal or no service on weekends.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I was checking out the express bus routes that the MTA run out of Staten Isalnd and Brooklyn. It appears that the schedules I saw listed are only for weekday service. Is this true? There is no weekend service on the express busses? Being from the Bronx, I don't know.
It also makes me wonder if that is the case, will that mean there will no longer be any weekend express bus service much further down the road if/when MTA takes over.
Just wondering....................
If the MTA really wanted to, they could discontinue all express service except to Staten Island (where it could erupt into a political keg).
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
X-12 does not operate weekends
x-27 is being retained as the funding was linked with the x-28
Thank You
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Da Hui
The X17C runs weekdays and Saturdays. I noticed a strange error in the
The X17C runs weekdays and Saturdays. I noticed a strange error in the X17/x19 .pdf schedule. Go to page 4 and the locations are mixed up. (It's impossible to run from Richmond Ave/Lamberts Lane to Midtown Manhattan in 16 minutes flat.)
The X27 and X28 are being funded to allow weekend service.
Where as the city who owns the lines is transfering the authority to state. This is by choice, not necessity.
Don't know just asking.
And by law they do have to. The city council has hit the MTA with a subpoena, they have to show now!
The City is still going to be expected to kick in millions for the service that the TA will be providing, so the Mayor/City Council will have some say about what is going to be done with their money ?
Virginian - Pilot
Jun 09, 03:03 AM
IT'S 2 A.M. and the tour bus is speeding through the barren roads of the Eastern Shore.
Passenger Cheryl Ford weaves through the aisle and sleeping travelers' dangling arms and legs. No easy trek to the restroom - the bus is zooming along at 70 mph, blowing through an occasional red light, trying to reach New York City from Virginia Beach in six hours.
Ford gets to the door and realizes it's stuck. She pulls as hard as she can without losing her balance. She asks a nearby passenger for help, but he just shrugs; he doesn't speak English. Ford is forced to wait. But that's probably best: The restroom is basically a hole in the wall, with a bucket for hand washing.
For $20, Ford wasn't expecting any frills. Or a quiet night ride. The driver's cell phone rings constantly. Reruns of a Taiwanese variety show loop on overhanging television screens. And the bus lurches when making three stops at Wal-Marts and a Food Lion to pick up passengers.
If you're a picky traveler who's fond of confirmation numbers and schedules, this is not the ride for you.
But it could become the bus line of choice for people in Hampton Roads who want tickets based on price and travel time. Two Chinatown, New York-based bus lines have started running between Virginia Beach and the Big Apple. They leave after midnight and get to New York by dawn. They are a third of the price of a Greyhound ticket and take half the time.
"For $20, you could go every weekend," Ford says.
If customers like Ford begin taking the maverick lines in numbers, Greyhound could be in for a battle here in Hampton Roads. In other cities where the cheaper Chinatown-based bus lines have cropped up, particularly Boston, Greyhound has taken them head on, dropping fares and increasing the number of direct routes to Manhattan.
"We will adjust based on market demand and whether it makes sense from Greyhound's standpoint," says Greyhound spokeswoman Kim Plaskett.
A comparable ticket on Greyhound costs $70 each way, or $49 if bought a week in advance. There are no express buses to New York from Greyhound's Norfolk terminal, although Greyhound offers as many as 10 departures daily. The ride ranges from almost eight hours to more than 12, depending on the route and the number of stops.
Meanwhile, the two Chinatown lines, operated by Today's Bus and New York SouthEastern Bus, offer a daily departure and arrival in Hampton Roads. Prices range from $20 to $50 each way, and can be bought on board or online for a small handling fee at Ivymedia.com, which is operated by a company in Cambridge, Mass.
So far in Hampton Roads, the Chinatown bus lines have been mostly popular with the Asian-American community. But that could change, if customers like Ford have a positive experience and tell their friends about it.
Ford decided she would be the first of her group of friends to try the Chinatown bus. If she likes it, her co-workers vowed to try it. She said she's looking for a safe ride that doesn't make too many stops.
"Ask me when I get off," she says, as the long white tour bus pulls into the parking lot this March night.
Ford is the first passenger to arrive, getting there about five minutes before midnight.
She steps out of her husband's white minivan into the dark parking lot beside Four Seasons Oriental Grocery at Kellam Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard. The 30-something Jamaican native is dressed in an ankle-length plaid skirt, dress shoes, turtleneck and fur coat, with full makeup and not a hair out of place. She looks more like she's ready for church than a six-hour bus trip .
A few weeks earlier, a co-worker said she had seen a sign at the grocery store advertising non-stop bus service between Hampton Roads and New York City for $20.
"We laughed at her," Ford recalls in her native accent. "We said, 'You're crazy Michelle. Twenty dollars?"
It was true, and Ford said she couldn't pass it up.
She had spent twice as much on Greyhound tickets visiting family in New York, and the ride took almost twice as long. Those trips had taken a toll on her the last two years, when she lived in New York and was visiting her then-fiancee here in Hampton Roads regularly.
The next to arrive is smiling Sim San Chan. She, too, heard about the bus service through the sign on the grocery store. The 61-year- old is looking for a convenient way to see family in New York. She's gotten there by air, rail and Greyhound, and now she wants to try "Old Tiger," the name of the Chinatown-based bus.
"It's not the price," she says, her accent still thick despite 30 years in Chesapeake. "It's good for me. My family live in Chinatown area. No hassle."
She takes a seat at the front of the bus and greets passengers as they board. She is excited for her middle-of-the-night trip.
Old Tiger looks like it's been in the tour bus business more than a few years, with the '70s-colored velvet seats on a raised platform, above the driver's head. There are five television screens, three on the left, two on the right. It is clean, with plastic shopping bags slung on the armrest of the aisle seats for trash. There's not a lot of leg room, but there are enough seats for all who want to take the ride.
At 12:21 a.m., the bus starts to fill up. All - save Ford - are Asian, and they are of all ages, from the stylish college-aged student on her cell phone to parents with two young toddlers. The littlest one plays hide-and-seek behind the tall seats, her fountain- shaped pony tail crowned by a pink bow appearing and disappearing at the front of the bus.
Just before 12:30, the scheduled time of departure, Ford decides to make a dash for the 7-Eleven next door to buy some headphones so she can listen to her tapes on the ride. She needn't worry about missing the bus; it won't leave for almost another half hour as passengers continue to arrive.
The two drivers help load cargo into the side hold as more people come. When the bus fills up, they climb on and close the door.
They walk to the back of the bus and start asking for tickets. Nobody seems to have bought them ahead of time, and there's good reason why: It's more expensive if you buy them online. So the passengers hand over their $20 and the bus driver punches a hole in an index card-sized manila ticket and hands it back.
When all the passengers are checked, one driver pops a tape into the VCR as the other starts the bus. A Taiwanese variety show comes up on the screens and the lights go out. The bus rolls out of the parking lot and onto Kellam. It's 12:52 in the morning.
The show is obviously popular with the crowd, because even without sound, the skits keep most of them awake and laughing. It features a fashionable group of 20-somethings, two boys and three girls, who could be a pop group of some kind. The tall, handsome one singles out a teen in the audience and leads her by the hand to the piano as the other begins singing to her. She is crying and shaking, a fan who looks as if she can't believe her luck.
As the bus makes its way toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, there is still some chatter, but it is dying down. Jacky Jiang, who works in the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant in Suffolk, reclines and continues watching the show, settling in for his trip. He is headed to New York to pick up his parents, who will return on Old Tiger to visit him in Suffolk.
By the time the bus is over the dark water, there is nary a peep, save the occasional ringing cell phone. The driver's ring tone is set on Auld Lang Syne, and by the end of the trip, it feels like New Year's Eve.
The advertisement says six hours, and the driver is determined to prove it.
The Eastern Shore is quiet country by day and desolate by night. Most of the lights are green, and the driver keeps the speedometer at 70 mph, even after one turns red. Luckily, the white pickup to the right sees the bus coming and heeds its horn, waiting while Old Tiger roars through the intersection.
At 2:10, the bus pulls off U.S. 13 and rolls into an Exxon station in Onley. Most riders snooze through this stop except the smokers, who get up right away for their fix.
It takes 18 minutes and $70.11 of diesel fuel and the bus is ready to go again. The station attendant waves the bus on and tells them to come back soon. By now, the variety show is over.
At 2:52 a.m., the bus pulls off Route 13 and into the parking lot of a bank. It's not clear why the bus is stopping until the driver opens the door and lets on a young Asian man. They nod to each other, and the new passenger takes a seat. At 3:25, the bus pulls off again without any notice into a Wal-Mart parking lot. But the person who is supposed to be here isn't. The bus barely stops before it roars out of the parking lot and back on to the open road. It must have been the wrong store: 20 minutes later, the same thing happens: The bus pulls off at another Wal-Mart, where a young woman is waiting with a suitcase. Twenty minutes later, another stop, this time at a Food Lion. A young couple with bags and a gallon of milk hops on.
It's now 4:18 a.m., and a baby is crying as the bus pulls back onto Route 13 and continues north up the Eastern Shore, headed for Delaware.
Delaware comes and goes quickly compared to the Eastern Shore: From the state's welcome sign to New Jersey takes 38 minutes. The bus roars onto the Jersey Turnpike at 5:21. Dawn breaks as the bus crosses the Verrazano Narrows Bridge toward New York City.
Jiang, the kitchen worker, has been asleep for hours, his head bobbing with the motion of the bus. Now, his head falls between the seats. He wakes up and looks around to see where he is. He readjusts the bright yellow jacket he's using as a blanket and closes his eyes for more sleep.
At 20 minutes to 6, daylight streams into the bus. Passengers are slumped low in their reclined seats. Those who got two to themselves dangle their feet over the armrest and into the aisle. Others slouch against the window or the person next to them. It's been five hours, and the velvet seats start to feel like they're closing in.
At 6:32, Jiang rises and looks ahead. He is awake and ready to be there. Ten minutes later, the little girl up front is awake and playing peek-a-boo again. Her bow is now off to the left side after a fitful sleep, but she is smiling.
The bus rounds a bend, and Newark is in sight. There is a skyline, the first of the tall buildings to the north, but it is not the skyline. Still, the end feels near.
At two minutes before 7, there it is: New York City.
Sim San Chan looks out the right side of the bus and sees the Statue of Liberty, standing there in all her glory. Chan combs her hair. She is almost there.
The bus dips into the Holland Tunnel and exits onto Hudson Street, in the heart of Tribeca, lower Manhattan's trendy neighborhood.
It's 7:14 as the bus makes its way up Broadway toward Chinatown. The air in the bus is stale. Only a few more minutes.
At 7:21, the bus enters Chinatown. It's Sunday, yet the merchants are out, hosing down the sidewalks and arranging the fruit stands. At 7:23, the bus stops at Canal and Eldridge streets, in front of Wong Wah Bakery House Inc. and the Canal Cup and Saucer. Ford and Chan have arrived, only 31 minutes past the six-hour travel mark but nearly an hour behind schedule.
Ford makes her way toward the front and climbs slowly down the stairs onto solid ground. She smiles wearily. Her skirt is creased and her hair is matted in the back from resting her head on the seat. What did she think?
"I'm gonna take it again," she says.
On cue, a friend calls to see if she arrived OK. "No complaints," she tells her.
The time and price were right for Ford. She couldn't sleep well, but she never does on the bus, she says.
"It's a lot quieter than the Greyhound. A lot of times the driver has to tell them to be quiet."
The only problem, she says, was not being able to get into the bathroom.
"There was a little bit of a language barrier. I tried to ask the guy in the back, but he couldn't understand me. That's a bit of a problem."
Suddenly, she remembers she still needs to use the bathroom. She climbs back on the bus and heads toward the rear. This time, she is not afraid of waking anyone up, and she uses her full might to get the door open.
Chan is off the bus and smiling, though she, too, appears a bit tired. She points up at a tall building and says that's where her mom lives.
"Maybe I'll sleep for a few hours and go into Chinatown then," she says.
The two are the last ones on the sidewalk when Ford realizes she has no idea where the closest subway stop is. She needs to get to Queens.
Chan obliges, and leads her up Canal. It is right where she said it would be.
The two first-timers wave good-bye, for now. They will see each other again Tuesday, when they are scheduled to board Old Tiger for Hampton Roads.
Reach Allison Connolly at 446-2318 or allison.connolly pilotonline.com
So I take it the bus goes via DelMarVa, makes sense. I think the Greyhound runs take the same routing. Never been down that way. I definately would like to see it(especially the bridge-tunnel).
I don't think I'll be riding these buses ever though, considering this guys blasting through red lights are 70 when there are other cars about to cross the street.
Still, something in the article said there was a white van or something that started going cuz he had the green, then saw the bus and stopped to prevent from being hit by it.
Public Sector News:Mass Transit
ROAD WARRIOR: Riding Out Hot Summer
Las Vegas Review - Journal
Jun 08, 12:42 PM
The mercury topped 100 degrees downtown as Robert Warrengton waited under a canopy for a bus Wednesday afternoon. He wasn't sure his ride would be any cooler.
"Sometimes, it makes you feel like you're in an oven. Most of the time, they don't even have the air-conditioning on," the 50-year- old Las Vegan said about the inside of the bus. "It's better out here."
But there's not much the daily bus rider can do. He still needs to get where he needs to go. "Grin and bear it," he said of how he copes. "You just have to bear it."
There's not much Citizens Area Transit officials say they can do, either. At best, bus temperatures will be only 15 degrees cooler than the air outside, even with the AC cranking.
So, on a day that hits, oh, 114 degrees -- and we had a couple of days like that last year -- the inside of a bus can be a more-than- toasty 99 degrees for CAT's daily haul of 150,000 riders.
"We operate in a desert climate," said Barrick Neill, transportation director for ATC, the company that operates CAT for the Regional Transportation Commission. "We have not had success with the manufacturer that makes our vehicles for them to produce an air-conditioning unit for the desert climate."
Routes that make frequent stops are problematic, such as Route 109 along Maryland Parkway.
"A lot of passengers ride that route. The doors are constantly opening, loading passengers and unloading passengers," Neill said. "The more you stop and the more frequently the doors open, the more hot air will get in."
Some passengers say not only can a hot bus be uncomfortable, it can be smelly, too.
"Everybody's worked all day, you know? Deodorant only lasts so long," said bus rider Heidi Rose, 47, of Las Vegas.
But her greatest sympathy goes to the drivers.
"Could you imagine to be on a bus all day with no air? I'm amazed none of them have fainted," she said. "For us, it's only a half-an- hour. For them, it's an eight-hour shift."
Rose said when the air-conditioning on a bus is working, it often isn't working very well. She said drivers facing an overheated engine sometimes give riders a choice: "Do you want to go somewhere or do you want air?"
Neill said drivers shouldn't do that. All CAT buses should have air-conditioning units working at all times.
"If the bus driver has determined the air-conditioning is not working, he or she should be calling for a replacement bus immediately," he said.
In that vein, CAT divided the valley into quadrants and keeps so- called "ready coaches" in each one, ready to replace a balky bus on short notice, usually within 20 minutes.
"If there's a vehicle that goes down because of the air- conditioning or if the air-conditioning isn't working, we'll dispatch a vehicle on that route," Neill said.
Also, supervisors will be sent to the location of the broken bus to pass out water as needed to hot passengers.
Drivers don't carry water for the public, and passengers normally aren't allowed to bring open containers on board. But if you carry a capped bottle of agua aboard at this time of year, it's unlikely you'll be hassled.
"We usually relax that policy a little bit in the summertime," Neill said.
And drivers are asked to use a "fast idle" engine setting when possible. That setting provides a boost of cool air from AC units while a bus is stopped for a long period of time.
Drivers also are trained to recognize heat stroke in passengers and call for help, Neill said.
The Clark County School District doesn't share similar concerns in operating about 350 buses a day for schools in summer sessions.
"It hasn't been a problem," said Ronald Despenza, the district's transportation director.
He said the district's larger buses have specially designed air conditioners that have extra-large compressors. "It does provide excess cooling capacity," Despenza said.
And unlike CAT buses that stop every block or so, most school buses make infrequent stops, allowing cool air to build up inside.
Students usually aren't allowed to bring drinks on board, but "if it's a very hot day, we will allow students to board the buses with water bottles," Despenza said.
Despenza advises parents to slather their kids in sunscreen before having then wait for buses in the hot sun.
Likewise, Neill advised CAT riders to make sure they are getting plenty of water before getting on a bus, especially if they're waiting at an uncovered bus stop.
Katie Rogers, who rides CAT every day, isn't fazed by hot buses. "I can't complain. The buses I usually ride are nice. Except where the sun creeps in," she said.
That's because, in her mind, a hot summer day in the valley is better than a freezing winter day in her native Chicago.
"It beats it hands down, as far as I'm concerned," she said.
ROAD WORK AHEAD
Westbound East Charleston Boulevard between Honolulu Street (west of U.S. Highway 95) and Nellis Boulevard will have lane restrictions through early August. Delays should be expected. Some side streets at Charleston may be temporarily closed at times. Access to U.S. 95 ramps and local businesses will be maintained. Eastbound traffic should not be affected.
Northbound U.S. Highway 95 from Horizon Drive and Lake Mead Drive will have lane reductions through this fall.
If you have a question, tip or tirade, call the Road Warrior at 387-2904, or e-mail him at roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com or
OSofradzija@reviewjournal.com. Please
include your phone number.
Moat of their buses have the rooftop Sutrak air conditioners, which do a pretty damn good job considering the heat they have to put up with. CAT usually keeps the buses pretty clean, too. Again, it's just the ungodly awful traffic they have to sit in while negotiating their routes.
So I take it the bus goes via DelMarVa, makes sense. I think the Greyhound runs take the same routing. Never been down that way. I definately would like to see it(especially the bridge-tunnel).
I don't think I'll be riding these buses ever though, considering this guys blasting through red lights are 70 when there are other cars about to cross the street.
Still, something in the article said there was a white van or something that started going cuz he had the green, then saw the bus and stopped to prevent from being hit by it.
I got to drive one of those before I left.
Trevor
Trevor, thanks for the info. I take it this is temporary use of these buses until the buses that Rockland County ordered come in later this year. I also assume these replace the 1100 coaches that had been in service recently. Perhaps they also replace some or all of the Orion I's.
Video here
David
BIG AL
Da Hui
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Just a Though
Da Hui
C.W.
SAS
Moat of their buses have the rooftop Sutrak air conditioners, which do a pretty damn good job considering the heat they have to put up with. CAT usually keeps the buses pretty clean, too. Again, it's just the ungodly awful traffic they have to sit in while negotiating their routes.
MTA had problems with the RTSs as WMATA had problems with the Neoplans, both were retired early, but none were saved for any antique or rodeo fleet.
Academy's 1000 series Novas are from the same order as all other 1001-1580 or so NJT Novas. The only exception are some of the Academy 1000 series Novas used in Rutgers service, which were ordered by Academy when it obtained the Rutgers contract.
The federal government really pushed systems to buy the RTS and 870 'Advanced Design Buses', but many refused. Part of it was the bad reputation both the 870 and RTS were getting, but an equally big part was cost. In 1979, Boston's MBTA budgeted funds to buy 100 new buses. When the bids were opened, GM-Canada's winning bid was so much less than expected that the MBTA used the left-over money to buy 27 additional 35-foot buses. The grass-roots refusal of many operators to blindly buy ADB buses helped many of today's bus manufacturers get up and running. Flyer, Orion, Neoplan and Gillig all benefited from the desire of many cities to avoid the problem-plagued ADB's.
Jim D.
I don't know if any other city did what WMATA did, but WMATA rebuilt the RTSs to have slide open windows, also sealed one of the three airvents they had along with removing the manual signs for the electronic flip dot sign. To solve the door problem they just replaced those doors with the standard rear doors.
As far as Novas[RTS and Classics], and Neoplans, I do not know. But it could be economically feasible if someone tried.
You must join the group to acess the pictures. It's an open group so all you have to do is join, no waiting for approval.
The url is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BUS-O-RAMA
I sure that the engineers would find a way to attach the wings to any bus. Question, as always, is how much would it cost and how much revenue would they generate ?
(zzzz...)
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
No buses were "sent;" DOT was the taker.
I have also uploaded some shots of British buses that are now in North America, including Dennis Tridents in New York and Victoria and older double deckers in Philadelphia and British Colombia.
Chuck Greene
It's only routes which run within reasonable distance of a high school or middle school.
David
What's the distinction between a tripper and a short trip?
A short trip is any regularly scheduled 'line bus' (any run that doesn't contain a school tripper) which maintains the regular route, although will terminate somewhere short of the regular terminal designed to carry a bulk of passengers along a major portion of a route. Short trips run regardless of when school is in session, unless that particular short trip is designated as a 'school tripper'.
David
Try checking the back of each borough's bus map (visible on the MTA website) for the timing and starting points of school trips that start "off-line," or away from the regular route. For example, the M96 includes the following note: "On school days, additional service runs from 1 Av/East 99 St to West 97 St/West End Av at 2:33 and 2:38PM."
To obtain that information, call the NYCT DOB Customer Relations Center at (888) 692-8287.
sorry....
Chuck Greene
:-)
By-the-way, "CDTA", don't bother responding to this post. You'll only be wasting whatever functioning and somewhat-matured brain cells you may have, because I refuse to engage a self-proclaimed 11-year old whose command of the english language, grammar skills and punctuation use is the equivalent to that of a four year old semi-conscious crack-addict.
David
The 99S runs from Bayonne to the PA Terminal. Coach USA/Red and Tan Lines, Hudson County division runs it. They also took over the Lafayette and Greenville routes (3, 4, 5, 11, 16), the Central Avenue route (now #231) as well as the #10 South Hudson Blvd and the nos. 122 and 144 Staten Island-Jersey City routes.
Check out their website; it's really nice! -- www.redandtan.com.
MetroB
MetroB
NJ Transportation Heritage Museum
You may also want to check out the Museum of Bus Transportation in Pennsylvania at http://www.busmuseum.org
Regards,
Jimmy
http://www.car-free.org/ambass.pdf
This is for the TA in Allentown, PA
Enjoy!
There's a ton of service from the Lehigh Valley to NYC via Trans Bridge (Allentown, Bethlehem, South Bethlehem, and Easton) or Bieber (Allentown).
Ideally, there could be a way in the distant future to connect the Lehigh Valley with SEPTA:
Extend the 96 from Telford to Quakertown; split the 96 into two routes at Lansdale station - the 96/Norristown to Lansdale via MCCC, North Wales and Montgomery Mall and a 200-series route (such as 203)/Lansdale to Quakertown via Hatfield, Souderton, Telford, and Perkasie/Sellersville.
LANTA could consider a route from Quakertown to either Allentown (via PA 309 and Coopersburg) or Bethlehem via 309 and PA 378 - there's a shopping center on the bottom of the hill in Lower Saucon, Northampton County (Bethlehem) on 378; there's also the main campus of DeSales University that's a couple miles further south in Upper Saucon, Lehigh County just off of 378.
Portions of 309 between Quakertown and Allentown have become just as sprawl inducing as most of the corridors closer to Philly (see Baltimore Pike in Springfield, Delaware County or old US 1 in Middletown, Bucks). In Quakertown/Richland Twp, at the intersection of 309 and 313/663 (313 takes you to Quakertown CBD and Doylestown; 663 takes you to Pottstown and the PA Turnpike), there are numerous traffic generators (Acme, WalMart, K-Mart, all the usual shopping center suspects) which could provide a decent transit ridership base, at least coming from the Allentown/Bethlehem areas (and, to a lesser extent, from Quakertown proper).
It would seem to be an ideal corridor for LANTA to consider assuming (a) Bucks County approaches them about it and/or (b) SEPTA signs off on it. Another downside is that there really aren't too many transit friendly locations along 309 between the Lehigh/Bucks county line and the 309/313/663 intersection, nor are there that many major transit-related generators in that corridor in Springfield Twp, Bucks County (yes, there is such a place) or the northern part of Richland (before you get to the Acme, WalMart, et al). Then again, the same could be said for portions of PA 611 between PA 132 and Doylestown Twp (before 611 splits off to bypass Doylestown proper), but the 55 connects Doylestown and Broad-Olney.
Anything is possible, but what I suggested is a long way from becoming a reality...
MetroB
I hope this answers your question :-)
What's great about the lack of middle seats is that it forces people to fill up the back row. I can't tell you how many times people would refuse to sit in those seats when the middle seat is available and taken. Of course, it is unfortunate when one has to squeeze next to a not so slim person...
I always hated that middle back seat. It was the only one where you really couldn't hold on if the bus stopped fast. You'd turn into a human bowling ball if the driver really jammed on the brakes.
Orion VII - the low floor monster
Montgomery County's Ride On
What excatly is that component/device?
A Detroit Diesel Series 50 Diesel engine
How come the older orions (LIBs 100-287) don't have that?
They do not have a Detroit Diesel Series 50 Diesel Engine.
it was so wierd riding a repower and seeing a full row of seats in the back. hey, how did they manage to put a DD50 in those?
Dought it. Triboro only has a test filling station (one lane & slow) and no place to park the buses (the CNGs have to go in the street because the garage was never made explosion proof).
CNG buses are no longer on parked on the street due to a call from the FBI! :O
Thanks.
When speaking to a former factory technician today, I found out that QS has one John Deere CNG engine. I was shocked to hear this! And from what he said, the engine performs AWESOME!!
Plus the detroit's aren't problem free. But that's what happens when you try to make a silk purse out of a cows ear (convert a diesel into a CNG)
Two JD's? Do you know the numbers off hand??
On a GM new look, it would do the same, but one of the window panels was blanked.
You have to register on the site to read the article, but if anyone has the article from The Record, please post it.
But hey, that's what you get when you are serious about implementation of "free market" competition with mass transportation on the roads. I have seen what "free market" has to offer, and I prefer the "socialized" version, TYVM.
Actually calling those things "Jitneys" is an insult to the REAL jitneys in Atlantic City.
If I was the Port Authority, I would use my powers to hassle them out of existence, like stopping them and do a "spot" inspection, if the vehicle fails inspection, take them out of service, and strand the stupid passengers on them.
Associated Press
Monday, June 14, 2004; 6:43 AM
A six-year-old boy from Arlington died Sunday after darting into the path of a Fairfax Connector bus.
It happened just before 8:00 p.m. when Fairfax County police spokesperson Mary Ann Jennings said the boy and his family were visiting other family in the area and had parked their car on the street.
As they were unloading, the boy ran into the road from between two cars and into the path of the bus. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The child's name was not immediately released.
About half a dozen passengers were on the bus, but none were hurt in the accident.
There was no immediate word on whether charges would be filed and Jennings said police investigators planned to inspect the bus, looking for any mechanical problems that may have contributed to the accident.
"The buses are coming through this neighborhood way too fast"
"They should slow the buses down"
"I never knew buses can go this fast"
"It's all the bus's fault"
blah blah blah, and so on and so forth.
All the meanwhile it was the CHILD's fault for running out in front of the bus. Now the residents want to reroute that particular bus line to completely avoid their neighborhood.
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Now as for the people who want the line rerouted because of this, what if that was a speeding car that hit him, they would they ban the cars, no, to solve the overall speeding problem, just put in speed humps, banning a bus line isn't going to solve the problem, what if the bus line is banned and then another child is hit by a car. Before one is quick to take action on something they need to cool down and think.
The real proof will be the bus's brakes and how they were applied. If it was a short skid mark, then the bus wasn't speeding and it was just the child flew unexpectedly in front of the bus at the last minute. My hunch is that the child at the last minute ran in front of the bus and the bus hit him. If they were speeding then the appropriate action needs to be taken against the driver.
hey, if the child won't stay still, use a leash. Today in Alexandria I saw a lady pull along about 10 children, who each had a hand tighted to a line of some sort. It was amusing to watch - i would've taken a picture, but I didn't want to "invade privacy" or whatnot.
It really is unfortunate when this happens. Although it is easy to say "watch the children all the time" it isn't always possible. In my opinion, I don't think anyone was wholy at fault. Just some freak accident I guess...I sympathize with both the parents, the driver, and the Fairfax Connector company. I hope this doesn't bring down the image of the Fairfax - it's a good company - i rode it today, and liked it.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I just hate it driving through residential areas where kids are running all over the place not paying attention to where they are going. Then, their ball comes out into the road, etc.
When my 8 year old niece and 5 year old nephew came, we didn't let go of their hands no matter if we were the only car around. They knew better too, so that helps.
Look left and right - believe me, you teach it to the kids, make it a game of some sort, they'll remember.
Of course, it's just so easy to blame the transit authority - I hope that driver is getting counseling and not just getting bombarded by all of this chaos alone.
(06/14/04) THROGS NECK - City Council members and union officials are sounding an alarm Monday over the fact that the MTA's takeover of Liberty Bus Line and New York Bus service may not happen as scheduled.
The city is supposed to take over the bus service to Manhattan through the Bronx by July 1 but union officials say there are some items that need to be addressed first. The union wants to know how much the pension will be for the bus workers and what their status will be when they become city employees.
If the takeover goes past the deadline, there could be disruptions in service. A spokesperson for Mayor Bloomberg says the mayor believes the talks are going as planned and he's confident that the deadline will be reached.
The mayor has the authority to extend the deadline if necessary.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
MetroB
The REALLY shitty Metro B's are out of Washington Twp. They are used mostly on the 400/403/406 lines although since these buses are falling apart on a daily basis, these lines have MCI's mixed in on certain runs.[These lines really shouldn't have MCI's on them because they have extensive running in Camden, and these lines need to be converted to exact fare, mostly because the drivers tend to get robbed a lot]. Washington Twp has about 6 baby RTS's but they're only good on the 459 and 463 lines.
Egg Harbor City's RTS's and the two Metro D's are used on the Atlantic City local lines.
So there are not enough newer transit/suburban equipment to cover the runs made by the Metro B's.
Thanks.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Heh, I wonder if the character (Nova RTS 1999) is CDTA's long lost cousin...LOL. ;-)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
David
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Also, easier said than done.
More info on that when i am more awake.
The bus driver has become an occupation that nobody wants. They think a bus driver is uneducated, and just couldn't do better. They are barely more than a number nowadays too, with the badge numbers and whatnot. "we need more drivers so we can operate more service on this route". Transit has become impersonal, and that's one of the reasons I'm not the biggest supporter of big transit such as WMATA, SEPTA, NYCTA. It seems like as long as the number are sufficient, it doesn't matter what runs where.
Apparently, people need incentive to do things well. Paying more is always good, but it tends to make people fake. How about periodically having a social or even something simple like a thank you card or joke comic in the driver's area before he drives off? Maybe that would cheer him up before he has to face the stress of ignorant people. Maybe he would be friendlier too.
I also agree with you about the passengers themselves - they can be pigs, rude, and whatnot. A bus driver stops for you away from the stop, or waits for you - why can't you say thank you? Of course, if he didnt' do that, all hell would be let loose, but he doesnt' have to anyway. In fact, he probably isn't permitted to. Just a simple hello, a smile, and brighten someone's day. I know that it does for me when I'm working a 8hr plus shift, tired, and hungry, and a cheerful person comes up to me.
About the company and the buses it sends out, a bus with working a/c must be a priority on hot days. however, if there is nothing else available, and I mean absolutely nothing (like the other buses won't move or they are in horrid condition), I'd rather have a bus without a/c come up to endure for a little while than not have it show up. Maybe warning the passengers that the bus is a/c-les will help too.
I agree with you on all of the points you made - some are more feasible than others, though, and once in a while, sacrifices must be made. Hopefully if I ever start my company, I'd make transit a little bit friendlier. It's sad when people are scared to take the bus, because they could get lost or get mugged.
Transit image needs to raise up, and not just with rail.
I don't know if it's required, but some NYC B/Os use the PA to announce the next stop and connecting bus service.
Passengers have to learn to move to the back of the bus so others can get on.
Michael
Washington, DC
This is usually done in Manhattan on Limited Buses like the M15. But I've heard it on some local buses too at major intersections.
Regards,
Jimmy
BIG AL
Gotta love that "GEO MASON UNIV" designation.
Q2 SHADY GRVE
J2 SLVR SPRG
And things like that. I spent a good deal of time at Silver Spring today but can not recall the other abbreviations I didn't really like. I find that the brighter sign doesn't provide much more information than the hard to read one if there are so many abbreviations like that. Yes, I know what they refer to but riders not familiar with the bus system may be baffled initially.
Not sure when this happened, but 2219 now shows a route on its side sign. It didn't used to.
BEFORE:
FRIENDSHIP HTS
NOW:
32 FRIENDSHIP
32 HEIGHTS
However, Fresh Pond does have more 4000's than I've seen in awhile. A total of 49, which is up I believe 2 from the middle of last month when I was last over there. Additions to their fleet besides the 9100's are: 4858, 4860, 4861, 4865 and 4869. (forgive me if you guys already know that)
Some good news on scraps: buses 4410 (I didn't even know they had that), 4707, 4737 and 4739 have been scrapped, leaving 45 4000's in service.
8112 and 8135 are out with cracked bulkheads and 5062 is still out with a cracked chassis.
BIG AL
I couldn't agree more. :)
They will once again be the most dominating series in FP.
#9061-#9110. Ulmer Park.
#9111-#9185. Fresh Pond.
And keep #9228-#9249 at Ulmer Park.
B1-#9109-NOVABUS
B64-#9102-NOVABUS.
Besides, didn't Ulmer Park have #9031 and #9040 once?
Robert
I thought MCH was getting 6365-6429. Has that been changed?
BIG AL
BIG AL
Besides, I only found out about the event from watching TransitTransit News.
3758
5227
7340
8928
236
I didn't get there until 4, and at least one bus had already departed (I passed it at Kings Plaza). By that time nobody was checking ID at the gate, although the hat distributor turned me down.
When are you at Stillwell this weekend, or do we need to figure that out?
BIG AL
By ALEX GINSBERG
---------------------------------------------------------------------
June 15, 2004 -- Non-union workers for four of the city's private bus services are trying to block the MTA's July 1 takeover of the companies in court.
In a lawsuit filed in Queens Supreme Court late last week, the 127 employees allege the city and MTA would violate a federal agreement by not guaranteeing them job security, pay stability and continuation of benefits.
"The entire workforce has to be protected and given employment," said Jerome Cooper, CEO for four of the private bus lines — Jamaica Bus, Green Bus, Command Bus and Triboro Coach.
"Wages and pensions and health benefits must be protected by the City of New York and the MTA."
According to the complaint, a 1975 agreement with the Federal Transit Administration binds the city to provide "protective arrangements" for all employees.
But Cooper — who is a plaintiff in the suit — said he had not received any definitive word about the fate of the 127 and other non-union workers from either the city or the MTA.
Cooper said at some point the city and the MTA told him that the jobs would "probably" be secure, but he had no guarantee.
MTA spokesman Tom Kelly referred all questions to the city.
Kate Ahlers, a spokeswoman for the city law department, said city attorneys were reviewing the suit but weren't prepared to comment on it.
There are 400,000 riders a day on the four private bus lines represented in the suit.
The same four companies filed a federal lawsuit last September alleging that the city was deliberately underfunding the bus lines.
Cooper said that suit had been dismissed but the decision was being appealed.
David
"Grummans died a premature death in NYC, there are numerous factors involved " You're absolutely correct - and NYCTA's crappy maintenance was one of those factors. I'm glad we agree on something.
Also you DON'T know me, yet you seem to know how I think. If you insist on taking this down a negative path... Why do it publicly??? Instead of engaging in this sarcasm crap. How about you be mature about this and take it to e-mail. My e-mail addy link always right there.
-Fred
Take care.
-Fred
Sigh, how sickening - the transit world is going new flyer...it's too bad NABI and Neoplan screwed up with Baltimore...
Any word on when these Gillig Advantages are coming in?
Also, 1982 was the last full year of production for the Grumman 870 before it became the Flxible Metro. Another car example: the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare. They were new and different...so much, in fact, that when they came out in 1976, they were Motor Trend's Car Of The Year. However, quality control problems plagued the first two model years; premature rust, hoods flew open, and brakes failed. Most people with 1979 and 1980 models had little or no complaints.
-Fred
As far as NYC, some of the NYCDOT companies, namely the Jamaica Buses, Inc. kept their 1979 Grummans in service up until 2000 or 2001-21 or 22 years and trust me, there are truly raggedy streets in southeast Queens, the area served by Jamaica Buses, Inc.
The rest of the NYCDOT's (except Triboro) kept their Grummans well into the early and mid 1990s with Queens Surface retiring theirs around 1998 with the arrival of the Orion V CNGs.
So, I don't know what to tell you about the MTA.
"hell yes, they were unreliable, in fact 33% or 33 buses are ot of service of maintence problems, the other 65 are running without some of the essentials for baltimore including A/C, working bells and signs, part of that is because Neopart, Neoplan's parts division is currently out of parts therefore leaving some Neoplans worse then others"
That means MTA's 1985-87 Flxible metro will stay longer.
yipeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Academy beat out the previous operator, Community, when the Bergen County routes were bid out by NJ Transit a year or two back. I believe Community still has the contract to operate some of the Passaic County routes.
1990-1991 TMC RTS-06 that ARE repowered:
8000-8022, 8024-8071, 8073-8142, 8144-8149, 8151-8172, 8174-8178, 8180-8199, 8201-8202, 8204-8225, 8227-8234, 8236-8267, 8269-8273, 8275-8287, 8290-8302, 8304-8322, 8324-8325, 8327-8340, 8342-8347, 8350, 8352-8363, 8365-8396
Observations:
I'm not going to list every bus I saw but here's what stood out to me:
#9112 on the B52
#9450 on the B41
#9232 on the B64
#7656 on the Bx11
#7698 on the Bx11 (with Orange signs)
#2003 on the Q33 (Triboro for those who don't know)
#8895 on the Q56
#6295 on the S78
#6311 on the S79
#5755 on the M14A
#5407 on the M103
#5400 on the Bx12 (Did notlook bad as people here are talking about. Not as much trash on the bus.)
#9137 on the Bx15
That's my observations and my story and I'm sticking to it!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Isn't 8274 owned by the NYPD, and in use at Quill Depot? It was there in April, 2004 (I saw it the day of the Auto Show. It may have left since though.
jp
Oh the absolutely FILTHY thoughts going through my head when I saw those ads!
Hey, Halle, can I pet your kitty?
Walked to the station saw 9264 leaving on the B27 heading out and 9704 on the F4 heading in with D6 in the rear route number sign. Caught a Rohr train on the orange to L'Enfant Plaza then a Breda train to King Street. At King Street a Breda rehab set came up lead by 2012 supposidly on the Blue line but had Red Line to Farragut Square on it, WhyMATA incident number one. Then caught another Breda set to Van Dorn Street where I caught Flx D 4068 to Landmark Mall.
Leaving work, caught recently rehabbed 4380 on the 21F to the Pentagon, where I stood on a Breda rehab, lead by 2018 on the yellow to L'Enfant Plaza, I was in car 2064. Before my orange line train came saw another blue line train, this time a CAF doing a DUH BUS imitation with having "SPECIAL" in all of its destination signs, WhyMATA incident number two. Caught my train to New Carrolton and instantly saw my bus to pick up my car 5173(boy was this bus slow-on top of that with a non working sign and non working wheelchair lift, WhyMATA incident number 3. Also saw 9264 again along with 9265. I don't know what route 9264 was on but saw 9265 on the F6.
Buses with replacement destination signs:4314, 15(rehabbed) and 4318
4322 still have the old Vultrons along with 4380 and now 4224 has one this must mean that FMR are finishing up their replacements of the Vultron signs.
Saw 4213 rehabbed near Minnesota Avenue Station doing a V7 run.
On our end at PRTC, we had more Champions down today saw the Orions were holding down the OmniLink routes, for the most part. Then, an interesting bus showed up on one of their routes, an MCI! OOPS!
MTA
WMATA
And the systems that don't abbreeviate:
SEPTA
NJT
DART
CT Transit
Baltimore MTA
Ride-On
Fairfax Connector
DASH
And I do not include abbreviations for Street, Avenue, etc. I mean abbreviate neighborhoods, Stations, Landmarks, and Street names.
Do you have any others to add to the lists?
MASPAUG INDUSTRAIL PARK
And I belive the 21 has this as well.
And on some routes, side signs for CENTER have the abbrv. CTR such as
94 BLOOMFIELD CTR.
That's what I have as examples.
MetroB
For me, I think I'm driving an MCI or an Orion tomorrow in driver training. Even though I'll probably never drive in revenue service, I'll get my chance to get behind the wheel.
Here in Syracuse, Centro has been very creative with its electronic signs. Large fonts for some, two lines for others (some with a larger font for the top destination line and a smaller font for the lower 'via' reading), with very few abbreviations.
On the other hand, MBTA in Boston has displayed very little creativity with its destination signs in recent years. The 0001-0400 series RTS buses were programmed to use the large font almost exclusively, requiring many readings to be abbreviated or displayed on two readings when they could have been spelled out had a smaller font been used. Even with the LED signs on new NABI buses, I've seen abbreviated readings when a two-line reading or smaller font would do.
Jim D.
Q17|FLUSHING|MAIN ST STA
I don't see a STN abbreviation on any of my pictures from London.
Chuck Greene
See you in a couple of weeks
Chuck Greene
Speaking of creativity, here's a story with NABIs signed for Plymouth Meeting Mall. Remember, this is for NABIs only (I'm not sure about the Neos) - the big neos and New Flyers say the whole thing.
On the L, the sign says "L PLYMOUTH MTG MALL". However, the 98 sign says "98 PLYMOUTH MEETING MALL". Doesn't really have anything to do with space, I guess, it's just what they want to put in. Same bus, in fact you'd think the 98 would be the one with the abbreviation.
Twin Vision seems fantastic when it comes to signs.
"(###) 69TH STREET/(###) TERMINAL"
On routes out of the City Division, including the 108, the signs read:
"(###) 69TH ST. TERMINAL"
My thinking is that it all was based on the individual depots and how their signs were programmed. Other examples:
"38 INDEPENDENCE MALL"
"44 5th-MARKET"
Both routes go to the same destination.
"7 33rd STREET/7 DAUPHIN ST"
"39 33-DAUPHIN"
"54 33-DAUPHIN"
Again, no real rhyme or reason as to why.
Perhaps one of these days, SEPTA will standardize ALL of its route signs for consistency...
167 HARR.PARK (Harrington Park)
29 BLOOMFLD AV. (Bloomfield Avenue)
Once they got larger signs, the abbreviations diminished.
9M PIED-DT TO (Piedmont-Downtown to)
(flip)
13 E4-WOODLAND (East 4th St.-Woodland)
There are so many abbreviated words that they have issued index cards that explain what the abbreviations mean.
-Sam
Yup. That would be the good ol' B35 route. I made an entry in my Gallery of Absurd Stuff about the "via CHRCH" sign.
Omnitrans route 19, eastbound (as best as I can remember it):
19 REDLANDS (14 px)
19 ARWHD MED CTR (7 px)
The ARWHD MED CTR it referrs to is the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino. It would be better if the sign said this:
19 REDLANDS (14 px)
19 via ARROWHD|MEDICAL CTR (2 * 7 px)
According to info on the New England Transit website, 0200 was assigned to the Albany St. garage.
Mark
So I wait...and wait...and wait for the Q110 to arrive yet there are 2 buses that were sitting at the bus stop for quite some time then 35 minutes later a Q110, 581 arrives and the bus is pretty cold so at least the ride is comfortable. And no wonder the Queens riders want the bus lines to be taken over. This is including this one guy who was cursing at a JBL dispatcher as well as a couple of B/O's and saying he can't wait for thre takeover. And y'all thought just us busfans wanted this to happen :-P By the 3rd bus stop at 160 St, the bus was nearly filled up and we even bypassed one stop but otherwise it was a rather quick ride along Jamaica Av and take it out to the last stop at 225 St to get the Q2. A 5 minute wait for the Q2 so I hop on 8393 and its a cool ride to 179 St station where I take the F train to 34 St then I ride the Q to my stop then get 7575 on the B8 and finish my trip.
O7 7585 B8
R68A 5110 (Q)
R68 2917 Franklin Shuttle
R32 3429 (C)
R38 4008 (A)
JBL RTS 502 Q112
JBL RTS 517 Q113
JBL RTS 3830 Q111
JBL RTS 581 Q110
RTS 8393 Q2
R46 5796 (F)
R68A 5178 (Q)
O7 7575 B8
Kevin
Thats what the Q111 Rochdale buses are for but they are never on time so the 113s always get bombed. The 113 limited should make limited stops on Brewer which would help keep them on time as well.
I don't agree with that statement at all. They should GIVE the passengers disaster insurance for free before boarding. :)
On the bright side, there are bus museums throughout the US that still proudly maintain and run the classics on occasion, and I am proud to be a part of one that makes history happen every day.
Fred Donaher
Curator
Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum
www.commonwealthcoach.com
-F.
-Fred
The TA throws Nostalgia train trips, but no nostalgia bus trips.
its sad!
Trevor
METRO Magazine’s Mission:
1. To provide its readers with the most timely and insightful coverage of surface public transportation.
2. To give its advertisers the maximum effectiveness of their sales messages to these segments of this vital industry.
What METRO Covers:
- Transit system operations (bus, rail and multimodal systems)
- Privatization and innovative financing approaches
- Motorcoach equipment and operations
- Urban transportation policies and planning
- Major system construction and rehabilitation of older systems
- Intelligent transportation technologies
- Intercity/high-speed rail
- Automated guideway transit—rail and bus systems
I mistakenly assumed you all knew about Metro Magazine. I'll check my buslink archives for more.
Why not suggest it to the DOB? Perhaps s small series of initial local area bus trips using one or more of the museum buses including a 'tour guide' of sorts, or simply someone to speak as the bus travels along a route. One trip in each borough every 3 months or so. Included in the package price would be the costs to operate the trip(s) and the photography paperwork, etc. This way, everyone wins.
What do you guys think of that idea?
NJT Press release
BOB
A better way to go to se the buses is to ride to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and then go to gate 200. You'll catch the Neo Artics mostly on the 154/156/159 lines.
On the bright side, if it still runs, it would be the world's first Flxible Metro convertible...and a LOT nicer to ride than a GEO Metro convertible! (Drove one, didn't like it. Drove the Flx, LOVE it.) :-)
-Fred
I may get my first chance at driving an MCI or an Orion tomorrow. I am going through driver training, but not sure if its just classroom time or actual on the road time. At the very least, everyone in the planning department was rooting me on as I'm the first person not a driver, supervisor, dispatcher, etc. to drive for PRTC. You could only drive if you were part of First Transit and they had to get the insurance straight to allow all PRTC people to drive if they had a CDL. I wont drive in revenue service as that's not my job, my job is a transit planner who just happens to have a CDL, but its always good to be prepared in the event that all other possibilities are exhausted.
And, yes, unless someone can pull off a miracle, it appears to be a total loss...
It's always a loss when a bus falls...
NJT didn't want these buses running, but the state said it was legal for them to operate. Combine that with the state cutting NJT subsidy for both bus and rail operations, and the dollar vans multiply like cucarachas.
You'll be going through a lot of individual operators before you can prosecute them all for their various violations. Got the resources? Welcome to Robert Moses heaven (but our hell).
All in all, Ray is right...to an extent. If people get from point a to point b safely, then it's okay with them. However, that's with most people who depend on transit (others drive or get rides if transit is shoddy enough). Think about this though - if real transit buses and real transit companies were the thing that were so desired in this country, why would people cram themselves into little dollar vans? The big TA's would be the kings while the business of the dollar vans are in danger.
~Put some reclining seats in that ex SEPTA Ford Cutaway (Or Ride-On Helldorado, whatever you relate to best) and there, you've got an executive class bus garanteed to build up ridership.
No offense to the general public, but sometimes (make that most of the time) they really can't tell the difference between a POC bus and a very wonderfully decent ______(insert bus type in blank). "Oh wait, one has air conditioning and the other doesn't, right?"
Hey, if I opened my little transit company with Thomas TL960s, Gillig Phantoms, O5s, and Opus low floors in SEPTA territory, would that mean that because I may be inconveniently harping into SEPTA's ridership figures, I should be stopped? In fact, think about all the TA's in the Washington DC area for a real example (including ART and THE BUS).
"New seasonal service
Effective Sunday, May 9, 2004
New seasonal bus service will be operated from Union Station to Cherry Street, serving the Esplanade, Mill Street, the Distillery District, The Docks Entertainment complex, the Rochester Ferry, and Cherry Beach (Clarke Beach Park). The service will operate every day, from May 9 to September 6, 2004, during the midday, afternoon peak period, and evening from Monday to Friday, and the daytime and evening on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The service will be accessible, and will use low-floor buses (not all buses and not all stops are accessible).
During the midday and afternoon peak period from Monday to Friday, the service will be provided by rerouting the 72A PAPE (Pape Stn-Union Stn via Commissioners) service via Cherry Beach, on a new branch called 72B PAPE (Pape Stn-Union Stn via Commissioners and Cherry St). Service will operate every 24 minutes during the midday and every 13 minutes during the afternoon peak period.
During the evening from Monday to Friday, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, a new 172 CHERRY STREET (Union Stn-Cherry Beach) route will provide the service. Buses will run every 20 minutes during the daytime and every 30 minutes in the evenings."
The map route shows below:
If anyone is looking to come across Lake Ontario your bus will either be a D40LF or a Orion VII, unless there is a changeoff and they happen to throw a GM Fishbowl or GM/MCI Classic. I'll have some photos up of buses running on either routes sometime soon.
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
But for Friday, first boat leaves here 9am, so make that 1145am there
Enjoy!!!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Highest one i've seen.
SAS
Any pictures of Bee-Line, or a website where I could get them would really help. Muchos Gracias.
Peace .:.&.:. Love
j e n
Service on Bee-LINE is provided under contract by Liberty Lines Transit (except for the 10, 16, and 18, where the operator is PTLA Enterprise.)
Others can fill in the missing info.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
SAS
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Well, if you mean buses in westchester these days:
www.greyhound.com (Greyhound from White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle)
http://www.escapemaker.com/adirondacktrailways/ (Adirondack Traiways and Pine Hill Trailways from White Plains and New Rochelle)
www.bonanzabus.com (Bonanza bus lines from White Plains, Yonkers, I I think New Rochelle too)
www.shortlinebus.com (Shortline(Coach USA) from New Rochelle and White Plains)
www.peterpanbus.com (Peter Pan from New Rochelle and I think White Plains too)
www.ctlimo.com (Connecticut Limo (really a bus) from White Plains, Rye, and New Rochelle)
www.Leprechaunlines.com (Leprechaun bus lines from several White Plains locations, including medical center)
Umm....can't think of anything else right now in Westchester county.....Oh, there's Transportation of Rockland that operates buses from White Plains and Tarrytown.
There is also the I-Bus from White Plains, not sure if they stop anywhere else in Westchester.
I don't have the sites for either of those 2.
So, using a ruler, I did "fine" estimate measurements of the two routes with the use of my ruler, making separate measurements wherever the routes made tight curves.
The Results (Northbound only)
M4: 16 miles
M5: 16.7 miles
Maybe VCP R62#1516/QV RTS #8374 Q79 Floral Park LIRR a.k.a. Ozzy can confirm this, considering the M5 is a Manny-V (my nickname for Manhattanville) route (if he has ever rode the entire M5 route).
TIA for YOUR inputs on what YOU think are some of the longest bus routes in NYCT.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Just a Though
This are my picks
Da Hui
Then again just thinking about it....nah.Oh and to correct you if I may about the M4,it's actually 9 miles.The M5 would be about 9-11 miles.The longest route in NYCT(miles wise) seems to be the S74 from St.George-Tottenville.Strange seeing as the travel time is still an hour.You'd figure that it'd be longer but its not.
Da Hui
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Peace ..:&:.. Love
J e n
A year earlier, my girlfriend took a 13 hour ride from Binghamton to Brooklyn. Late April. 45 degrees in Binghamton when the bus left at 9 AM. Bus runs head on into a freak blizzard in the Poconos and I-380 is completely impassable. Has to go in reverse for about 2 miles in the blizzard to an exit where it can turn around and head up to take I-84 to Middletown NY and then NY-17 South. They arrived at Kings Plaza at 10:00 PM. Temperature at K.P. was 55 degrees.
Now, that sounds like a hell of a story! I would've loved to be on that bus just for the story.
This is in the middle of the night, I don't even remember where we were. Either on the quickway or the thruway.
Another one was a regular ride to New Hampshire, always takes this long. Leave 8:30 AM from PABT, get to South Station Boston 12:00PM, 12:30 Concord Trailways bus gets to Londonderry at 1:20 I think. Not bad. Very nice ride too. Comming back took about an hour longer. We got to Boston about 20 minutes late(damn traffic). We were lucky that Peter Pan had an extra bus waiting for the bus to NY, cuz otherwise we would've had to wait an hour. Luckily, we didn't get on that 1st bus that was loading cuz it broke down in Hartford. We pulled over with it(another 20 min). In NYC, traffic held us back another 20 min, but that happens everytime.
My longest transit bus ride though....hmmm....there are a few.....
1. N23 from PW train station to Mineola->N40 to Freeport train station
2. N70(?)from Babylon train station to Hempstead Transit Center, N40/N41 to Mineola, N23 to PW train station
I'm sure there are others that I'm not remembering right now.....
B1-#9109-NOVABUS
B64-#9249-NOVABUS
Q32-#9014-NOVABUS
Q53-#2142-TMC(working A/C-SWEET!)
Greyhound, of course, stops in every podunk little town along the way and leaves you with stopovers that can reach two hours or more in certain cities. Looking on the bright side, my eight hour stopover in Detroit netted a nice ride on DDOT's system and their brand new (at the time) RTS fleet, plus lots of busfanning at the library!
Also, during the one hour Columbus stopover, I saw B.B. King's personal coach parked at the terminal (it was all black...a Prevost H3-45, IIRC) and got to see a few of COTA's Flxible Metros...always a treat. The ride itself was split up between an Indian Trails Le Mirage II and GLI DL3s and MC-12s (the latter are my favorite "Dogs"....I just LOVE the sound of that 6V92!!!).
-Fred
32 hours. That's right....THIRTY-TWO HOURS!!! WAY TO GO, GLI!!!
-F.
-Fred
...and I was riding on a FLXIBLE METRO B!!! (Hence the long ride).
-Fred
My longest ride with connections:
From Desert Sky Mall Phoenix to Laloma Station Scottsdale #41
From Laloma Station to College Avenue Tempe #66
From College Avenue to Superstition Springs Mall #30
2002
Total Travel Time with Transfers 4 Hours
Fare 1.25 Transfer Free for Both Connecting buses
With the Metropolitan Transportation Authority set to take over seven private bus lines in two weeks, the city is playing hardball to ensure the transition is smooth.
The city and the companies – New York Bus, Command Bus, Liberty Lines, Green Bus, Jamaica Buses, Triboro Coach and Queens Surface – are still negotiating the final details, and riders are worried they could be left without service on July 1 if everything isn’t worked out.
The companies own a lot of the depots where the buses are stored, so if they don't like the way they're being treated in negotiations, they could simply close the gates at the end of the month. The MTA wouldn't be able to operate those buses, because they would have nowhere to park them.
Tuesday, the city told the private bus lines that they have to turn over these properties, under the terms of their existing agreement. In a letter sent to company owners, the city asserted its right to buy out those bus depots, plus any other equipment owned by the private lines, for fair market value.
The owners disagree, but talks are still underway.
Queens Surface and Command use city-owned properties, and so they could simply be evicted (except for skeleton personnel for closing down the companies). Do I see this as more hardball with the Cooper family, with whom I would presume the city or MTA would have to use eminent domain on? (The MTA has no eminent domain powers over Bee-LINE facilities, where NYCDOT buses and Bee-LINE buses are stored together, since both are Local 100 shops, unless it wants a fight with Westchester County.)
Also, it should be clear that the MTA WANTS RBC. It does not NEED it for the takeover--the same law that permitted MaBSTOA creation is enough for the takeover. Plus, RBC will never pass so long as legislators do not get answers.
Off that topic, with respect to the Taylor Law, is a sickout treated as a strike if there is no possible way to make score (for purposes of violations)?
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
This union isn't strong enough for such an agenda. It's every man for himself at ATU. The select few who would participate would be duly disciplined. If there's a strike, TWU will call it. ATU sits idly by and watches the wheels go 'round.
But to answer your question, yes, it would be considered a 'job action' subject to the penalties of the TL.
Article 14, Section, 210 of the Taylor Law reads:
§210
Prohibition of Strikes
1. No public employee or employee organization shall engage in a strike, and no public employee or employee organization shall cause, instigate, encourage, or condone a strike.
2. Violations and penalties; presumption; prohibition against consent to strike; determination; notice; probation; payroll deductions; objections; and restoration. (a) Violations and penalties. A public employee shall violate this subdivision by engaging in a strike or violating paragraph (c) of this subdivision and shall be liable as provided in this subdivision pursuant to the procedures contained herein. In addition, any public employee who violates subdivision one of this section may be subject to removal or other disciplinary action provided by law for misconduct.
(b) Presumption. For purposes of this subdivision an employee who is absent from work without permission, or who abstains wholly or in part from the full performance of his duties in his normal manner without permission, on the date or dates when a strike occurs, shall be presumed to have engaged in such strike on such date or dates.
(c) Prohibition against consent to strike. No person exercising on behalf of any public employer any authority, supervision or direction over any public employee shall have the power to authorize, approve, condone or consent to a strike, or the engaging in a strike, by one or more public employees, and such person shall not authorize, approve, condone or consent to such strike or engagement.
(d) Determination. In the event that it appears that a violation of this subdivision may have occurred, the chief executive officer of the government involved shall, on the basis of such investigation and affidavits as he may deem appropriate, determine whether or not such violation has occurred and the date or dates of such violation. If the chief executive officer determines that such violation has occurred, he shall further determine, on the basis of such further investigation and affidavits as he may deem appropriate, the names of employees who committed such violation and the date or dates thereof. Such determination shall not be deemed to be final until the completion of the procedures provided for in this subdivision.
(e) Notice. The chief executive officer shall forthwith notify each employee that he has been found to have committed such violation, the date or dates thereof and of his right to object to such determination pursuant to paragraph (g) of this subdivision; he shall also notify the chief fiscal officer of the names of all such employees and of the total number of days, or part thereof, on which it has been determined that such violation occurred. Notice to each employee shall be by personal service or by certified mail to his last address filed by him with his employer.
(f) Payroll deductions. Not earlier than thirty nor later than ninety days following the date of such determination, the chief fiscal officer of the government involved shall deduct from the compensation of each such public employee an amount equal to twice his daily rate of pay for each day or part thereof that it was determined that he had violated this subdivision; such rate of pay to be computed as of the time of such violation. In computing such deduction, credit shall be allowed for amounts already withheld from such employee's compensation on account of his absence from work or other withholding of services on such day or days. In computing the aforesaid thirty to ninety day period of time following the determination of a violation pursuant to subdivision (d) of paragraph two of this section and where the employee's annual compensation is paid over a period of time which is less than fifty-two weeks, that period of time between the last day of the last payroll period of the employment term in which the violation occurred and the first day of the first payroll period of the next succeeding employment term shall be disregarded and not counted.
(g) Objections and restoration. Any employee determined to have violated this subdivision may object to such determination by filing with the chief executive officer, (within twenty days of the date on which notice was served or mailed to him pursuant to paragraph (e) of this subdivision) his sworn affidavit, supported by available documentary proof, containing a short and plain statement of the facts upon which he relies to show that such determination was incorrect. Such affidavit shall be subject to the penalties of perjury. If the chief executive officer shall determine that the affidavit and supporting proof establishes that the employee did not violate this subdivision, he shall sustain the objection. If the chief executive officer shall determine that the affidavit and supporting proof fails to establish that the employee did not violate this subdivision, he shall dismiss the objection and so notify the employee. If the chief executive officer shall determine that the affidavit and supporting proof raises a question of fact which, if resolved in favor of the employee, would establish that the employee did not violate this subdivision, he shall appoint a hearing officer to determine whether in fact the employee did violate this subdivision after a hearing at which such employee shall bear the burden of proof. If the hearing officer shall determine that the employee failed to establish that he did not violate this subdivision, the chief executive officer shall so notify the employee. If the chief executive officer sustains an objection or the hearing officer determines on a preponderance of the evidence that such employee did not violate this subdivision, the chief executive officer shall forthwith notify the chief fiscal officer who shall thereupon cease all further deductions and refund any deductions previously made pursuant to this subdivision. The determinations provided in this paragraph shall be reviewable pursuant to article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules.
3.(a) An employee organization which is determined by the board to have violated the provisions of subdivision one of this section shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section, lose the rights granted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section two hundred eight of this chapter.
(b) In the event that it appears that a violation of subdivision one of this section may have occurred, it shall be the duty of the chief executive officer of the public employer involved (i) forthwith to so notify the board and the chief legal officer of the government involved, and (ii) to provide the board and such chief legal officer with such facilities, assistance and data as will enable the board and such chief legal officer to carry out their duties under this section.
(c) In the event that it appears that a violation of subdivision one of this section may have occurred, the chief legal officer of the government involved, or the board on its own motion, shall forthwith institute proceedings before the board to determine whether such employee organization has violated the provisions of subdivision one of this section.
(d) Proceedings against an employee organization under this section shall be commenced by service upon it of a written notice, together with a copy of the charges. A copy of such notice and charges shall also be served, for their information, upon the appropriate government officials who recognize such employee organization and grant to it the rights accompanying such recognition. The employee organization shall have eight days within which to serve its written answer to such charges. The board's hearing shall be held promptly thereafter and at such hearing, the parties shall be permitted to be represented by counsel and to summon witnesses in their behalf. Compliance with the technical rules of evidence shall not be required.
(e) In determining whether an employee organization has violated subdivision one of this section, the board shall consider (i) whether the employee organization called the strike or tried prevent it, and (ii) whether the employee organization made or was making good faith efforts to terminate the strike.
(f) If the board determines that an employee organization has violated the provisions of subdivision one of this section, the board shall order forfeiture of the rights granted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of subdivision one, and subdivision three of section two hundred eight of this chapter, for such specified period of time as the board shall determine, or, in the discretion of the board, for an indefinite period of time subject to restoration upon application, with notice to all interested parties, supported by proof of good faith compliance with the requirements of subdivision one of this section since the date of such violation, such proof to include, for example, the successful negotiation, without a violation of subdivision one of this section, of a contract covering the employees in the unit affected by such violation; provided, however, that where a fine imposed on an employee organization pursuant to subdivision two of section seven hundred fifty-one of the judiciary law remains wholly or partly unpaid, after the exhaustion of the cash and securities of the employee organization, the board shall direct that, notwithstanding such forfeiture, such membership dues deduction shall be continued to the extent necessary to pay such fine and such public employer shall transmit such moneys to the court. In fixing the duration of the forfeiture, the board shall consider all the relevant facts and circumstances, including but not limited to: (i) the extent of any willful defiance of subdivision one of this section (ii) the impact of the strike on the public health, safety, and welfare of the community and (iii) the financial resources of the employee organization; and the board may consider (i) the refusal of the employee organization or the appropriate public employer or the representative thereof, to submit to the mediation and fact-finding procedures provided in section two hundred nine and (ii) whether, if so alleged by the employee organization, the appropriate public employer or its representatives engaged in such acts of extreme provocation as to detract from the responsibility of the employee organization for the strike. In determining the financial resources of the employee organization, the board shall consider both the income and the assets of such employee organization. In the event membership dues are collected by the public employer as provided in paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section two hundred eight of this chapter, the books and records of such public employer shall be prima facie evidence of the amount so collected.
(g) An employee organization whose rights granted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of subdivision one, and subdivision three of section two hundred eight of this article have been order [sic] forfeited pursuant to this section may be granted such rights after the termination of such forfeiture only after complying with the provisions of clause (b) of subdivision three of section two hundred seven of this article.
(h) No compensation shall be paid by a public employer to a public employee with respect to any day or part thereof when such employee is engaged in a strike against such employer. The chief fiscal officer of the government involved shall withhold such compensation upon receipt of the notice provided by paragraph (e) of subdivision two of section two hundred ten; notwithstanding the failure to have received such notice, no public employee or officer having knowledge that such employee has so engaged in such a strike shall deliver or caused [sic] to be delivered to such employee any cash, check or payment which, in whole or in part, represents such compensation.
(Copied from http://www.perb.state.ny.us/stat.asp). Read it as you want, or consult your union counsel. Assume sufficient sick days.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
You're close, and thinking along the right track, but here's the catch-all which defines a strike:
Section 201 Definitions:
9. The term "strike" means any strike or other concerted stoppage of work or slowdown by public employees.
A judge need not (but would nonetheless) rule a sickout is a concerted stoppage of work and therefore, by definition, is in violation of the Taylor Law.
In any event, sick time only matters with relevance to pay, not whether one 'can be' sick, or not. Regardless if one has 'sick time' or not, the employee can still be out sick, but receive no pay.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
(NOTE: I'm not advocating that either party try this.)
David
By the way, it looks as if the X23 and X24 will be added to the fiasco in late August. I hope the MTA re-bids the route because there is no depot capacity in Staten Island for 19 additional buses.
Technically, QV could easily handle another 200 buses. We have the space in sheer terms of property. With the parking lots and additional space between the depot and P & E / Borough building, there's room to park an entire depot of buses. Problem there is, it violates the agreement with the local community board. Then again, since when has the MTA ever concerned itself with such trivial matters?
I'm sure similar space is available in Staten Island- if even on a temporaryt basis.
Liberty Lines and NYBS buses can be handled at the 3 Bronx depots as well as Amsterdam
Thats my opinion
Thank You
David
Another 200 buses, I don't think so !
The coopers can fight eminant domain but ulimatly they will loose in court. So the problem is a short term issue
Bargining tatic.
The Cooper group goes to court to stop the take over, the City does the same & gets the court to say get out July 1st because of some fine print in the expiring contract.
Both parties want to get the best deal ... one will.
We found the new chief supervisor, working hard at PG Plaza Station.
Amongst one of his actions was the shortenment of their 40 foot TL960s to 30 foot to provide extra scrap metal to strengthen the frames of the Chumpians and ODVs since they are having frame problems.
The chipmunk also successfully stole a few of Ride On's 1996 Gillig Phantoms and gotten them repainted in time to disguse the transaction.
See??
And Look! WORKING SIGNS!!!
And on our way back home, we spotted one of PG The Bus's new buses being delivered.
Surely I believe this new chipmunk will bring new joys and wonders to PG The Bus :-)
Chimp:"....................."*faints*
Those 30 footers came in 1999 and I guess DUH BUS was so pleased with them they got some 40 footers. Along with 2992 there is 2993 and 2994. The 40 footers are 3034-37.
If you watched the back of that bus when it was accelerating you will see the black smoke coming out of that thing(DUH BUS maintenance). Compare that with the RIDE ON ones of same vintage and see the difference. RIDE ON little or no black smoke, DUH BUS hey I thought this bus had a cleaner engine-did they get this engine from a new look?
-Chris
Those orange signs are awesome. I wonder if the Stengel drivers are jealous of the new Nassau buses.
SAS
Since the drivers know where their buses are going and most of them are not buffs, I doubt they care what color the signs are.
David
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
My current favorites are...well, I have a list:
SEPTA Neoplan 3000 series (only the best)
Flxible Metros (particularly WMATA's 93/9400s - but not 9412 *cough cough*)
Orion Is (particularly Ride-On's - push strips and a pull cord? Heating vents? Crazy - i want one!)
Of course, there are many other buses I love to ride, like the Orion V and VII, the El Dorado Transmark RE, and Thomas TL960 (if only they do something about the doors!). SLFs I like too.
Retired favorites?
Ride-On's TMC Citycruisers
SEPTA Neo DKs and EBs (can't believe they are gone)
I'm young and spoiled - I haven't had to say goodbye to many buses yet, although unfortunately, I have to say goodbye to many buses I grew up with, such as the SEPTA Neos and Ride-On 30fters. I hope this thread wasn't just referring to these buses in general, for every company has their different specifications, and these were the spec's that I liked the most.
All time my favortites are the 9000 series Flexibles.
Buses today are garbage, light, pollution free paper boxes.
"Would you like paper or plastic?" lol.
Finally, the D40LFs are all metal, you can take a magnet to the side (not a refridgerator magnet, the paint is thick and would blunt it's feeble magnetic forces). Not that there's anything wrong with a plastic bus, the NABI 40 and 45 foot composite material buses look excellent. Hopefully they're successful, since an aramid fiber composite bus will be many times stronger than a steel bus of the same construction, as well as being lighter. The lessened weight means that less fuel is consumed on each acceleration, and less wear is placed on the brakes every time it stops.
I may be from the Frontier area, but I mainly ride/see Midvale New Flyers. (it's hard enough to get a frontier New Flyer with all 10 we have!).
Of course the good thing is that the D40LFs with their four stroke DD50 engines are easy to fit with pollution controls, and since SEPTA's have all that,the exsisting equipment just needs to be maintained.
Of course, that's not happening all that well...I guess it may come back or go through different buses at various times and such.
Current Favorites:
Anyone's Gillig Phantoms (just dont sound quite as nice without the 6V92), Anyones Orion 1's, and Orion Vs. Also Pierce Transit's 2003 C30LFs are kinda nice. The only TUF buses i like.
1. Neoplan AN440's/460's
2. Flxible Metro
3. Orion V
4. GM/MCI/NOVA Classics
My RETIRED faves are:
1. AM Generals
2. Flxible New Looks
3. GM New Looks
That also means I have yet to ride a trackless trolley.
Chuck Greene
Horrible buses lasting a lifetime and a half, lol.
I'm still trying to imagine the sound of an electric bus.
Actually, i think people may be dissapointed with the return of the AM Generals, because I've heard reports of 5700s running on that route. A nice 2004 low floor with nice seating, voice announcement system (although horridly off - according to this bus, my old high school is the mall, where you can connect with 4 other bus routes), a/c...
Retired: GMC New Look "Fishbowls"
Grumman Flxible 870s (only ones with 8V71 engines)
Retired is the single-door transit GMC Fishbowl - PS/TNJ 500A series in particular, and the similar units run by Rockland Coaches, Domenico, and Somerset Bus. Best without a doubt were the ten 1969 T8H5306A units used on the North bergen Park-Ride, Public Service 540A-549A, painted in that unique white, lavender, and tan. These were the only V8/automatic transit buses purchased by Public Service - that powertrain was not matched until the NJDOT Flxibles in 1976
Folsom Stage Line 1991 Flxible metros
Santa Clara Valley Transit 1992 and 1993 Flxible metros
Sacramento Regional Transit 1996 and 2000 Orion V's
Golden Gate Transit 2004 Orion V's
Golden Gate Transit 1998 Nova WFD RTS's
Golden Gate Transit 1990/91 TMC RTS's
AC Transit 1997/98 NABI 416's
and 2000/03 NABI 40LFW's
AC Transit 1996 New Flyer D60's
My retired favorite buses are:
Santa Clara County Transit 1981 Grumman 870's
1984 and 1990 Flxible metros
SF Muni 1984 Flyer D902's
Samtrans' 1977 AMG's 10235B's
AC Transit 1982 Neoplan AN440's
AC Transit 1989 New Flyer D35/40's
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
B1-#9332-NOVABUS
B64-#9249-NOVABUS
GM Fishbowl
Flxible New Look
Favorite Current:
Flxible Metro
MCI D4500
Orion VI
Orion VII
New Flyer D40LF
RTS
My favorite current bus: Kinda hard to choose but I'll go with the RTS with the C/D40 coming in second and the Classic coming in third.
active: 1994 TMC RTS 8600 series (MTA)
BIG AL
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Artics are a job killer.
Favorite RETIRED:Fishbowls
-Chris
-Chris
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
BIG AL
"Take me Uptown"- Roger Moore inside NYC cab, chasing the "pimpmobile"
"Uptown? You going to Harlem..." - Cab driver, actors' name not known be me.
Also, I heard NJT buses are not allowed to run dark on the Garden State Parkway. Is that true? If so why? Thanks.
MetroB
I assume that there is a missing route number in there . . . ?
MetroB
Also, I heard NJT buses are not allowed to run dark on the Garden State Parkway. Is that true? If so why? Thanks.
MetroB
Some City Council members have expressed doubt that transit officials can take over private buses serving thousands of Queens riders by July 1 and union leaders warned the MTA wants to set up a Regional Bus Authority so it can cut service.
Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) said he may ask the City Council this week to consider granting another extension of the deadline for the takeover.
"By now a solid plan should have been formulated," said Liu, chairman of the Council Transportation Committee.
"Details concerning the MTA takeover should have been made available to the public," Liu said. "Instead we are informed that negotiations are still taking place. The MTA and the mayor have manufactured this crisis and people are anxious about their bus service. This is utterly unacceptable." Liu said he believes the MTA and the city have no plan yet and thus the July 1 deadline will come and go without a takeover.
Although invited, neither the MTA nor the mayor's office showed up at the Council's public hearing on the bus takeover Friday. Some Council members were angry at the absences. Both the MTA and the mayor's office said they could not attend because negotiations toward the takeover were going on.
"I think it's bad public policy," said Councilman Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach). "It's a bad sign of things to come and I am concerned. I am outraged. If we are going to be disrespected like this as a group, I think something has to be done."
Liu said his committee had "been trying for two months to pry information out of the MTA. We have been given no assurances that there will be no reduction in bus service and no disruption come July 1 - that is not acceptable."
Union leaders told the hearing that the public must see that the Legislature defeats proposed legislation to establish a Regional Bus Authority.
"The city administration and the MTA want everyone to believe this RBA legislation is necessary for an MTA takeover of private bus lines," said John Longo, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local Division 1179.
"This is not true," Longo said. "The MTA could complete the takeover without legislation being enacted. The Regional Bus Authority would give the MTA the authority to change and or eliminate bus service."
Longo said that under a Regional Bus Authority "the MTA and the mayor will get to decide which bus routes are inefficient or uneconomical without legislative or public oversight."
Officials of unions representing workers at the private bus lines emphasized two points:
Their contention that the MTA would following a takeover of the private bus lines begin cutting service, especially express buses and establishing new routes designed to deliver passengers to subways.
An exhortation to the public to urge the state Legislature to defeat proposed legislation to establish a Regional Bus Authority.
"In the next 10 days, we must prevent the railroading of the MTA's bill through the state Legislature," said Ed Watt, secretary- treasurer of the Transit Workers Union Local 100.
"Allowing this bill to pass in its present form would give the MTA a blank check to reduce bus service without any public input," Watt said.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall told the hearing that the takeover should not take place before several vital issues are resolved, including what will happen to 400 non-union workers at the private lines. I do not want my borough coming to a grinding halt on the morning of July 1 because of a self-imposed deadline," Marshall said.
Councilwoman Helen Sears (D-Jackson Heights) also questioned whether the takeover could be carried out by July 1 but warned against establishment of a Regional Bus Authority which, she said, would remove it from public accountability. Teresa Meade of Howard Beach was among a number of members of the public who testified at the hearing.
"I want to express my concern about the elimination of express buses to and from Manhattan once the MTA takes over the private bus lines," said Meade, who spoke from her wheelchair.
The seven private bus lines - Command Bus Co., Green Bus Lines, Jamaica Buses, Queens Surface, Liberty Lines Express, New York Bus Service and Triboro Coach - serve 400,000 riders in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Bloomberg and Gov. George Pataki announced April 19 that the MTA would take over operation of the private lines but that New York City would continue contributing $150 million a year toward their operation.
Other Queens Council members at the hearing included James Sanders (D-Laurelton) and Diana Reyna (D-Queens and Brooklyn).
He is mistaken or just playing politics.
"... Queens Borough President Helen Marshall told the hearing that the takeover should not take place before several vital issues are resolved ..."
I agree with that, but who has the power to stop it if all the loose ends aren't tied up ? If Liu asks for an extention, Mayor Mike dosen't have to grant it, and said he won't :-(
Triboro Coach driver Rick Steinberg had not planned on attending the Monday morning news conference, but when his vehicle broke down near Queens Plaza South and 27th Street, he said he was left with little choice.
So instead of picking up and dropping off passengers for the early morning dash to work, he ambled over to where transit union officials, City Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside) and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum were circulating a petition demanding guarantees from the MTA that it would not cut Queens bus service when the city takes over the borough's private bus lines later this month.
"Our job is to serve the public and I wind up sitting here," Steinberg said, who pointed out that his bus broke down three times the week before.
In an attempt to address some of the service problems plaguing surface transportation in the outerboroughs, the MTA is slated to take over bus lines operated by Command, Green Bus, Jamaica Buses, Triboro Coach, Queens Surface, Liberty Lines and New York Bus Service on July 1. More than 300,000 people ride the private lines in Queens every day, according to Borough President Helen Marshall.
But with less than a month to go, Gioia, Gotbaum and others said the MTA has not offered a clear picture of how it plans to handle some of the finer points of the takeover, including alterations to service routes, bus depot space and workers' employment and benefit packages.
Meanwhile, about 125 private bus workers filed suit against the city last Thursday in a last ditch effort to stop the takeover. In the suit filed in Queens Supreme Court, the workers allege the city is in violation of federal labor laws for not protecting their jobs. They also said the mayor is violating city law by authorizing the takeover without a competitive bid process.
Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing), who chairs the transportation committee in the City Council, said he believes the lawsuit is a reaction to the fact that non-unionized employees do not enjoy the same job security as unionized employees.
"These hundreds of people in Queens have been in limbo for an inordinate amount of time," he said. "Even now they have no idea what their fate is. It's just an example of the paucity of details that exist."
Triboro mechanic Phil Marino, a union member who attended Monday's petition drive, said he was most concerned about his pension.
"After working for 27 years, not (being) sure what's going to happen to you is not easy," Marino said.
The petition drive came just a few days after the MTA was a no-show at a City Council public hearing aimed at addressing the city's takeover of private bus lines. It also precedes a town hall meeting slated for Thursday at 7 p.m. on York College's Jamaica campus.
MTA spokesman Tom Kelly said the authority had already informed the Council that it had not planned to attend its hearing because the details of the takeover were still being ironed out.
"First of all, we're in discussions - negotiations, if you will," Kelly said. "To air the negotiations publicly is fruitless."
Kelly said the MTA already has promised to make no service or work changes for at least six months after the takeover, although he did not rule out eventually consolidating certain routes. "The objective here is to improve service, the equipment and the overall ride," he said.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the takeover will only result in improved service in Queens. He said, however, the city must be careful how it spends its money. "This has been going on for a long time with continuously degenerating service," he told a Flushing civic meeting Tuesday night. "We are in very delicate negotiations. There are union workers who are worried about their jobs."
Gioia said he and others see the July 1 takeover as a positive step toward improving service on the borough's bus lines, which are serviced by a fleet of buses union officials said are on average more than 16 years old. But he said they're also looking for answers.
"It's very difficult to get your life on track if you don't know if you're going to get to work," said Gioia, who wanted to know among other things about the potential for service cuts before they took place.
In a word, Bronx resident Judith Wright described current Queens bus service as "lousy."
The 45-year-old travels through Queens every day to get to work at Rikers Island and like other riders waiting to hop on the Q101 R near the press conference, she said her two- to three-hour transit across the borough bogs her down.
"The biggest problem is the buses are never here," she said. "They're always breaking down. They're overcrowded. They're just lousy."
Reporter Cynthia Koons contributed to this report.
Thank You
Thank You
Another reason government needs to be mandatory in schools, people should know what the Republican (and Democratic) Conventions entail.
I know what goes on their, even though I could careless.Its really not important to me at all. Since you want to add that comment and you act like you are "" educated person on this topic, explain to me what goes on there in detail. That was a mistake on my part about the day. They could also be testing artics on that line, because I heard penn station might be closed for portions of the convention.
I hope you aren't protesting the proposed photography ban if that is the case. I doubt you have heard the public service message about not voting but the point it makes is very true.
I'm not so sure what the connection between the area around Penn Station being closed and running artics on 34th Street is. If that area is closed, it will be difficult to run anything.
Da Hui
I'm not so sure what the connection between the area around Penn Station being closed and running artics on 34th Street is. If that area is closed, it will be difficult to run anything
Why would I protest. I am all for people to have the right to take pics of the subway and buses, but I wouldn't protest, because I dont take pics in public. But I enjoy when people take pics of the transit system.
Again, you make no sense. I hope you protest the ban.
Your are showing a great lack of knowledge in US Government and Civics. The ban can be partially atributed to the government in place now and its terrorism/homeland security policies. If you don't vote or understand how the government functions, you have no right to protest its actions.
To put it bluntly this comment made no fuckin sense, seriously.
I'm not so sure what the connection between the area around Penn Station being closed and running artics on 34th Street is. If that area is closed, it will be difficult to run anything.
I would think that if they use Artics, it will be to move more people around the area. However, if a street/area is closed, of course it will be difficult to run traffic through ;-).
What do you think of that?
Let us know how long it stays there though. You guys have trashpickers in that area?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
So if the Bronx loses all of its RTSs, then KB's Artix can just go to WF, where they'll be saved and properly maintained.
(I say that KB maintains their RTSs well because they've been looking pretty darn clean lately.)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Just my opinion...
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
BTW last saturday while working on Bx17 survey i saw Novabus #8898 on Bx33 from MCH Depot.
That's very interesting. I'm guessing that this bus will end up in Brooklyn soon but then again, we know how there are sudden changes.
That will be quite intersting. Would make for some nice shots showing the contrast of an Orion to a New Flyer. It would be quite a contrast because although the Orions look very much like the New Flyers, they don't because they have the slanted B/O's frontal windsield. Then there's also the headlamp/DRL/frontal blinker configuration. Orions have their headlamps/DRLs slightly lower than the New Flyers, and their frontal blinkers are long vertically while being next to the headlamps. New Flyers have their headlamps/DRLs slightly higher than the Orions, and their frontal blinkers are long horizontally while being like a foot up from the headlamps/DRLs. Also the clearance lamps on the 6000 series Orion Vs/Orion VIs look different from all the others (they are slightly exposed LEDs with metal shields on the top and bottom.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Da Hui
CS is slated to get the first portion of the last 69 Artix to be delivered.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
MetroB
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The Spirit of Ontario I appeared on the horizon at 5:07pm and docked around 5:18-5:20.
I have taken quite a number of photos and will be posting a few in the morning for all to see.
BTW- The majority of buses used on the 72B today were Orion VII with a D40LF on route, apparently the buses didn't serve the terminal and I guess will run into the grounds when regular service commences (I did see a temporary TTC bus stop post in the terminal area).
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Dave
How much is is to ride the RR out to Shinnecock without going to the US Open?
Any pics?
As for the train, you have to go to Southampton, Shinnecock Hills station will be TORN DOWN after the US Open. The cost to Southampton is about $17.25 (peak) and about $15.25 (off-peak) ONE WAY. My mother buys a monthly pass. That's about $300 for her...YIKES!!!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
B35 to Brownsville/M Gaston Blvd.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The New Looks started getting lighter in construction, they tended to show damage more easily.
The stuff nowadays witht he fiberglass panels, etc. has to be that way because so may other systems have been added inside the buses that weight had to be saved somewhere. Repair of the plastic panels is more easily accomplished, too.
The only buses I've ridden are fiberglass. In all realism, you could apply this situation to autmobiles in general. Despite being a lot stronger, it was no longer feasible to have an all-steel car. The steel that was taken away is better used in other applications.
Now when one says "composite material", people would usually think of a plastic-type material, or at least I did. When I saw and felt this thing in person, I was proven wrong. The "composite" material felt like Granite/Stone/Rock. So basically this entire bus is one big 2-piece rock. We might be actually looking at something that might turn out to be stronger than the classic Old Looks.
This is one vehicle that deserves the saying "Like A Rock" :)
It is made of a composite material not metal. The material does not corrode or erode. That is the problem with platics, they are not biodegradeable this they last forever.
NYCT should buy a few long term protypes to see how they hold up on city streets. If succeesful These buses have the potenal to save millions of dollars on fuel cost
This bus is made of the same material as Modern aircraft such as Boeing 777 and Most Airbus models. If the material is strong enough to take strong airturbulance it should be strong enought to take potholes
Really all of these advancements could lead bus design in a radically different direction from it's current rut. We could be looking at buses in the future which are truely low floor, with hub-mounted electric motors on all four wheels, an underfloor flat four or six disesel engine driving a generator, and roof mounted batteries giving it something around 40mpg. Of course I favor more agressive alternative fuel solutions, such as fuel cells or ETB, but the reality is likely to be somewhat more mediocre, it always is, so it'll likely be D40LF copies for the next 10-15 years, then maybe something more akin to Civis, D40i or the Orion 4 after that.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
We took out an MCI this AM to a commuter lot that had all these funky turns and medians and stuff. There were three of us from PRTC that were in this class since we all had CDL's. The first guy bumped the curb quite a bit, then it was my turn! : ) I went through that course like a champ, not bumping a thing. The bad thing was since I did so well, I only got to do it two times, not realizing that if I bumped the curb more, I'd get to drive more!! Oh well.
Then, this afternoon, we needed a bus to see if we could get it into this parking lot that we want to extend service to. My boss so the glee on my face upon returning from this AM training and said, "You wanna take a bus out there?" So of course I said yes. I went down to the dispatch office to see what buses I could take. All the MCI's and Orions were needed for the PM pullout, so I got to take on of our RTS's that we have for backups. Off I went in bus 109! That bus drove very nicely. It was a 1989 TMC. The pickup was rather sluggish, but once she got rolling, she moved very swiftly. The brakes were very nice, too. Did what we had to in order to test the bus out in the parking lot and back to the garage I went.
My boss took a lot of pictures. Several were actual photos we needed to check out the clearance of the bus, then a couple were of me posing by the bus. There were shots of me in the bus driving, but it was more to see how I could get through, but cool nonetheless. When we were finished, I purposely started running over the cones that we set up. I told him to wait until the roadeo when I plow into them all!!
Such a fun day. I love my job! : )
Shuttle-UM was fantastic and it sure has taught me well. It was amazing that after not driving for 10 years, I got in the driver seat and felt like it was yesterday. I owe a lot of thanks to them!
The RTS's have been going out more and more lately for service.
People seem to be trained to take the Orion if that shows up first!
1) Let me express the fact that competition is GOOD. The inherent fact that these vans can operate is a testament to the ability of the free market to operate. They only exist because they do have a market. Another business is free to step in and wipe them out at any time. In fact, I know of at least one company interested in that task.
2) The van drivers have a right to earn a living. The family of a bus driver is NOT more important than the family of a bus driver. If they are driving pieces of mobile scrap metal, one is more than free to voice their displeasure by not riding them.
3) The NJ bus companies (excluding Lakeland, DeCamp, and NJT) are not much better. We're talking bad brakes, perpetually screwed up HVAC, loose body panels, overworked drivers, and dual log books. The reason why these companies popped up was partially a result of poor bus service. If the vans disappeared, there is no guarantee of bus service returning to fiil the gap.
4) The immigration status of these people have no bearing on how their vehicles are operated nor on their safety. In fact, the presence of thousands of illegal residents in the New York Metropolitan Area not only leads to the cultural diversity of this region, but illegal workers fill many jobs refused by people who can work legally. The disappearance of illegal residents would DESTROY our economy. Many people also come to the United States to support their families. Most Americans don't understand the seriousness of going to a foreign land with nothing (including without your family in many cases) to find menial or difficult work to support your family.
5) A good friend of mine is a legal van operator in a sea of illegal van operators in Brooklyn. So why does he get stopped when dudes picking up people with Pennsylvania passenger plates skate by? He pays $120 every other year to keep his van operator license, $15,000 a year for van insurance, plus an office that he keeps along with an assistant to handle his paperwork while he drives for 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days per week. He goes to TLC, gets treated like garbage, DOT cops treat him like garbage, and he's FOLLOWING the law. Meanwhile, the illegal vans are paying $2,000 a year for insurance, making good money at the expense of the legal vans, getting into altercations and the like. I have never heard of the black cars getting treated like trash, but I have heard medallion taxi and livery drivers complain about the same thing. Look at the background of the van drivers in Brooklyn and Queens. Look at the background of the medallion taxi and livery drivers in most of the city. Now look at the black car drivers. There IS a difference: the racial issue is not a myth.
Now I have no love for the illegal van operators nor for people being able to make money transporting people in garbage. I would love to put out competing vehicles to push these guys out of the market. However, I am also opposed to people who act as if the human beings that drive these vehicles are less important than the bus operators they operate against. This is not true and goes against the very beliefs that allow you and I to have access to a decent standard of living. The lack of bidding has driven the cost of the private lines much higher than in other areas because there is no efficiency incentive. Competition is not a bad thing and competition will lead to the elimination of some of these bad services. In the meantime, let's try to avoid non-transportation criticism of people: it's a VERY slippery slope that always brings out the worse in everyone.
MetroB
First off saw 4349 with new LED signs,but didn't see another Western bus with on. Also saw 4226, 4236, 4321 with new LEDs.
Now to the odd sightings. 4322 needs some numbers, they have practically lost all the numbers they got on that thing. Also saw 9260 on the 97(I guess this bus is at Northern now-but wait). 2084 was on the afternoon 28B at WFC. 9619 is apparently back at FMR saw that on the 3A. Then saw 9252 downtown on the 16Y and the weirdest yet, seeing 4309 on a P19, this one I had to take a double take when I saw that one, and on top of that it was on a Western block. Lastly the 97 that is run by the Annex, it runs from a W4 block-PW24, the regular 97 use a BJ or NJ block(useless info noone cares about :P). Lastly again 4382 doesn't display West Falls Church Station, just "FALLS CHURCH STATION".
On other thing I was coming to MD on the 36 and one segment of the trip for 5 blocks took around 40 minutes to complete, traffic was backed up from before Barney Circle to near the Capitol, and if you know that segment, that is long. Furthern 9202 was right behind us on the 36 yet when it came in, it was passed by two other 36s, 4350 and 2329 and one 34 2213.
Buses rode
2086 F14 to Cap Heights
9341 97 to Capitol
2211 36 7th and Independence
2072 13A Pentagon-just missed 9229
4226 9A Huntington
7866 110 Springfield
173 PW Direct PRTC Transit Center
231 Woodbridge B Potomac Mills
239 Woodbridge A PRTC TC
180-got on got off, had mechincal problems, replaced by
175 Cross county Manassas Mall
171 Manassas Direct WFC
3911 3B Rosslyn
2001 38B Farragut Square
4356 34 Naylor Road
4272 F14 Home
Attend the York College Town Meeting at 7:00 PM tonight for full details.
Link -> MTA Leaves Non-Union Workers Hanging
By Joshua Robin - Staff Writer - Newsday
June 17, 2004 -- Non-union employees at private bus companies will be retained for at least six months after the MTA absorbs their firms, but have no guarantee of permanent jobs or pensions, a transit official said Thursday.
Union workers, by contrast, can hold onto their jobs indefinitely, Gary Dellaverson, the MTA's director of labor relations, said. Those employees' pensions will remain intact.
The announcement comes as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority prepares to assume control of the seven subsidized lines on July 1. The city Department of Transportation had overseen the lines, which the city and state subsidized at more than $150 million a year.
While non-union workers have no guarantee of jobs after Dec. 31, "most unrepresented employees will be offered continuing employment after the six-month period," according to a memorandum obtained by Newsday and signed by the city's director of management and budget.
The terms of the deal did not calm more than 100 non-union employees at the companies, who filed a lawsuit June 10 to block the deal.
"This doesn't address any of the important questions," their attorney, Steven A. Diaz, said, noting that the decision jeopardized hundreds of pension accounts. "This is a transparent smirk in response to serious questions."
Diaz said the suit, filed in State Supreme Court in Queens, still stands. The suit contends the city is violating federal law by failing to protect the workers' jobs. It also alleges that the Bloomberg administration violated city law by not putting the bus lines out for competitive bidding.
A spokeswoman for the city Law Department said: "We are in the process of reviewing it thoroughly."
A hearing on a preliminary injunction blocking the transfer is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
The bus transfer needs approval of the state Legislature. The bill is part of a larger package to create a regional bus authority consisting of the MTA's city and suburban routes.
The plight of Queens’ bus riders remains a paramount concern after the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) was a no-show at a Council Transportation Committee hearing Friday.
The transfer of New York City’s subsidized private bus lines to the MTA is scheduled for July 1, but with so many unanswered questions concerning routing, union and non-union workers and fleet replacement, elected officials and residents are filled with doubts.
"It is utterly irresponsible, and this lack of willingness to be held accountable does not hold well for riders," stated City Council Transportation Committee Chair John Liu. "In the total absence of any information about the MTA takeover and the potential of chaos for riders, I am submitting a bill to extend the legal authorization of the private bus companies to operate for another three months."
Liu went on to state that he is confident that the bill will pass before the June 30th deadline and that the council will want to postpone the transfer of service because there is "absolutely no reason to have any faith in the fact that the transfer will occur smoothly by the July 1 deadline."
Publicly, the MTA said they could not show up because of negotiations, but a consensus opinion of councilmembers and union leaders say that is ridiculous.
It has been more than two years since original negotiations began and elected officials feel that at this point negotiations should be over, and definitive plans should be on the table.
Liu is not alone in his views that the current situation is best described as "appalling." Testimony offered at the hearings by Borough President Helen Marshall and several leaders of various Transit Workers Union locals echoed these sentiments.
With only 19 days from the time of the hearing until the actual takeover, the fate of over 400,000 bus riders still hangs in the balance with no implementation of a substantive plan in place.
Among the crucial issues still not formally addressed is the lack of confirmation of when riders will see new buses and guarantees about maintenance and improved services. The orignial benefit of the plan, in which the city was to save $150 million in subsidies, is also in question. It now appears that the price of upfront transition costs could be close to $1 billion, according to Liu. Additionally there are major concerns about the MTA’s right to consolidate or change routes.
Councilmember Joe Addabbo said: "Concern is an understatement. The fact that they [MTA] did not show up for this particular hearing is a sign of total disrespect not only for the council but for union and non-union workers, the administration and, most importantly, the residents who depend on this service every day."
Addabbo went on to say that there is a holdout of information being provided to union and non-union drivers.
Addabbo also suggested that, though serving subpoenas for appearances at council hearings is usually not a common practice, it seems necessary in this case.
"There has been no demonstration of good faith here," he said. "We don’t have a clue who to call or what will be the protocol concerning governmental liaisons with the MTA for the riders benefits."
Queens councilmembers contacted by The Queens Courier have all confirmed that their offices are being inundated with calls from concerned, and in some cases, panic-stricken residents.
Borough President Helen Marshall, who spoke at the hearing, was quick to point out vital concerns associated with the takeover.
"I simply cannot allow the people of Queens to fall victim to a plan that has not been fully developed," she said. "This is not an experiment. It means the difference between arriving at work or school and standing on the sidewalk for hundreds of thousands of riders."
Attempts to contact the MTA for comment went unanswered as of press time.
If you haven't as yet signed the anti-bus/rail photo ban petition at the above link, now is as good a time as any. And spread the word.
As of now, the signature count is 1111.
He is mistaken or just playing politics.
"... Queens Borough President Helen Marshall told the hearing that the takeover should not take place before several vital issues are resolved ..."
I agree with that, but who has the power to stop it if all the loose ends aren't tied up ? If Liu asks for an extention, Mayor Mike dosen't have to grant it, and said he won't :-(
The old timers still refer to the runs with letters. For example run 2002 which is a midday run on the Q111/113 would be called 2b. Run 3002 which is a night run on the Q112 would be called 2c.
Kevin
The fast ferry appears in the horizon at 5:07PM
Toronto's fireboat W.L Mackenzie greets the Spirit of Ontario.
A better look at the Spirit of Ontario which is slowly passing through the Eastern Channel.
14 mins after first appearing on the horizon the Spirit of Ontario docks at the temporary terminal, a TTC temporary bus stop post is located on the right hand side beside the truck.
Enjoy,
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
Note - These photos plus more will be posted on my site shortly.
The trip was AWESOME!!
http://www.iknowrochester.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0270F593-4673-481B-9FE5-0012E2B826F1
Enjoy!
York College Performing Arts Center
One of the Finest State-of-the-Art facilities in New York City, the York College Performing Arts Center is the perfect setting for productions of any size or scope.
It features the 1437 seat Main Stage theater and the 152 seat Little Theater, performance venues which can accomodate the most challenging of productions as well as the most intimate.
94-45 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard,
Jamaica, N.Y. 11451
(718) 262-3750
Click Here For Campus Map The performing Arts Center is Building #2
Oh well, it will prove good regardless if the city/MTA takes note and we won't have to fend off the prospects of service cuts. But be sure, if there has to be another meeting there, I will be there!
Yeah I was there and let me say it was very informative. Some of the comments made by regular riders and transit workers were downright explosive and bluntly said.
Example: This one guy who is a NYCT worker [name anonymous of course] who is out of an ATU facility said that "the unions and the MTA should of went on strike" and flat out criticized Roger Touissant for backing down and negotiating a contract and keep in mind that Mr. Touissant was IN ATTENDANCE!
Here's what the flyer looked like, also maybe y'all can check out the website.
Here's a 'letter' regarding a joint statement of the TWU and the Amalagated Transit Union in its entireity. I'll retype it since my scanner isn't working:
for immediate release
May 24, 2004
Joint Statement of Transport Workers Union Local 100 and the Amalagated Transit Union
Transit Unions ask: Will passenger service and workers' rights get trampled in the MTA reorginazation stampede?
The Governor is seeking expedited handling of a bill to create a Regional Bus Authority. This bill has been presented as a prerequisite to the MTA taking responsibility for the former Private Lines routes in New York City. But the bill has serious implications for the future of bus service and the rights of bus employees in New York. We urge that the State Assembly and Senate not buy a pig in a poke. Expediting an MTA takeover would be one thing. But giving the MTA carte blanche to reorganize bus service throughout the city or region is another.
The proposed legislation would result in cuts in bus service.
The draft bill gives the MTA a free hand to cut bus service. It states: "Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the power of the regional bus authority to modify, discontinue, curtail or change routes..."
In 2002 the MTA said that the launching of regional bus would save hundreds of millions of dollars. The MTA never answered repeated questions about how this would be done. The answer is: through combining some routes, abolishing others, and reducing runs, with the result of fewer, more crowded buses.
The proposed legislation would reduce transparency and accountability
The bill contains no new measures to enhance transparency and accountability at the MTA. But the passage cited above may free the MTA from the obligation to give prior notice and conduct public hearings on proposed service changes.
The proposed legislation would end the role of the Civil Service in bus transportation in New York
The proposed legislation would end merit-based hiring according to Civil Service and OA procedures and allow the RBA to adopt new hiring procedures of its own. No new hires would enter the civil service, which would disappear from bus within a new generation.
The proposed legislation would permit the RBA to unilaterally reorganize bargaining units and abrogate collective bargaining agreements.
The proposed legislation would mix 14,000 MTA bus employees in a single pot, although some are Civil Servants and others are not, some are members of TWU and some of ATU, and some covered by TA work rules and others by OA or private lines rules.
According to the draft bill, if unions do not accede to whatever reorganization the RBA decides on, the RBA is empowered to petition the New York State PERB, which recognizes bargaining units, and certifies and decertifies bargaining agents.
These changes are neither necessary nor beneficial. The State Senate and Assembly should refuse to get railroaded by the MTA.
for further information:
Chris Fleming
Sunshine Consultants
212-691-2800
Dave Katzman
TWU Local 100
212-873-6000 x2191
Yet TWU and ATU refuse to list the cuts that "would" happen. No specific routes, no specific times of day, no specific before-and-after headways.
BTW... In the early 1990's, Transit was forced (out of political expediency, of course) to declare a moratorium on "all service changes." (The politicians who pushed for the moratorium meant "cuts" but said "changes" instead. Their mistake.) According to the exact letter of the moratorium, Transit could not cut anything or increase anything. Be careful of what you ask for - you might get it.
David
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I was sitting towards the back.
I told them what they could do. Flatly, the politicians weren't interested. Oh well, I've got a box of popcorn and this should be FUN.
Also check the photo sections under "Manhattan Buses" for pictures of their equipment.
Ran Upper East side to Downtown Express
Did Raceway runs too. When I was a kid a long time ago, their busses had turnstiles. Anyone else remember that?
Triboro Coach?
East New York?
It should be out by the end of the month.
NOTE: You need Windows Media 9 codecs in order to view.
Chuck Greene
A box truck came down the road at a speed estimated by an onlooker as "at least 55 MPH" and veered into the back of the bus.
It took rescuers over 90 minutes to cut the truck driver out of the cab. He was DOA at the local hospital. The bus driver was sitting in the coach doing some paper work. He was not seriously injured and has already been released from the same hospital.
You can try and find the story at www.newsday.com. The bus was a Prevost in the dark red livery.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
D.
http://www.transitgallery.com/showpic.php?pid=14582&aid=357&uuid=53
Enjoy !!
BTW: TransferPoint on this board is the one known as R36 #9346, in case you wanted to know.
Congrats despite the fact that I hate the R32s/R32As-R68s/R68As.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Thank You in advance.
Mark
In general NYBS routes begin their N/B trips at 23rd & Madison, but during PM rush hours they have many trips that start in Midtown (44th & 52nd streets). The good part about catch them at 23rd/Madison is that you get on the bus when it empty. However, if you're looking for something special like the fishbowls, GMDD Classics you chances and choices are better if you wait in Midtown although the bus may be crowded. On Wednesday I caught #1502 from 52nd Street at approx 5:15 PM and there were 3 other fishbowls there, two were just starting their trips at that point. On Thursday I caught #1487 at about 6:10 PM, again at 52 Street. I had actually passed up 1488 becuase as I was about to board, #1487 pulled up behind it. #1486 and #1505 arrived too on Morris Pk and Throgs Neck routes.
So my advice is that if you want you choice of seats to wait at 23rd/Madison any time after 4 PM. If it's nearing the end of the rush hour I'd try getting it at 52nd/Madison. My favorite routes are Co-Op City because it has a lot of highway time followed by Pelham Bay and Throgs Neck. Morris Park and Parkchester have less highway time which is why those are my least favorite. City Island is good too, but it only has a few rush hour trips. Co-Op City also have to most frequent service. During rush hour you can often see three Co-Op City buses close together.
Although Co-OP City is high on list I often choose the route based on what I'm doing afterward and how much time I have. A couple of times I needed to get back to midtown to catch a bus at PABT so I just rode the Pelham Bay, Parkchester or Morris Park which would drop me off at a subway station for the ride back to Manhattan. Of course you could always catch the bus back to Manhattan too. Rememeber NYBS also has a few MCI D4500. I haven't really gone after these as they're common and I'd much rather go after the special stuff. I good trip for me is GMDD fishbowl to the Bronx and whatever is available back to Manhattan.
Mark
Another route I think would be nice is the City Island. This route only runs once or twice a day during rush hours (you will have to look on the NYCDOT website for exact times). City Island is known for it's seafood restaurants. It is a part of the Bronx that you would not think was even a part of the city.
The only thing with the City Island route, once you get there, there is no return trip. So you would have to catch the local bus Bx29 to Pelham Bay Park. There you have a choice of taking the "6" train or the Pelham Bay Park NYBS to get back downtown.
The fishbowls only run peak hours-in the peak direction only.
Since the days of the NYCDOT buses are "supposed" to be numbered in less than 2 weeks, if you are interested in seeing, photographing or riding the buses from the various companies, the best place to catch them is the corner of 34th St and Madison Ave during pm rush hours. Every NYCDOT companies operates a route through that intersection.
On 34th St travelling westbound, you have:
The QM1, QM1A, QM2, QM2A, QM3 & QM4 operated by Queens Surface;
The QM10, QM12 QM22, QM24 operated by Triboro Coach;
The QM15, QM16, QM17, QM18 operated by Green Bus Lines;
On Madison Ave travelling northbound, you have:
The BxM3, BxM4A, BxM4B, BxM11 operated by Liberty Lines;
The BxM4C operated by the Liberty Lines Bee Line Div, (not a NYCDOT);
The BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4, operated by Command Buses;
The QM21 operated by Jamaica Buses;
The Co-Op City, Parkchester, Pelham Bay Park, City Island, Throgs Neck and Morris Park routes operated by New York Bus Service.
For extras, the MTA operates a whole variety of equipment on their routes that pass through that intersection.
On 34th St, you have the M16, M34 which operates RTSs, Novas and now New Flyer Articulateds; also you have the X51 which operates MCI D4500s and Vikings.
On Madison Ave, you have the M1, M2, M3, M4 & Q32 as well as some "X" buses operating light to begin their routes to Bklyn or Staten Island at 57th St. These routes operate every equipment the MTA owns EXCEPT Orion V CNGs, Articulateds and New Flyers C40LFs.
I hope this helps. If there is anything else you need to know, feel free to ask.
Mark
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
From Yesterday:
8782 for one has a smarttrip farebox and two the driver had to manually close the front door because. Well a 17 year old bus can do that, compared to a two year old SLF running for DUH BUS
GARAGE SHIFTS??
9254 was seen either on the X1 or X3 this morning on Benning Road, and 9261 was either on the the P6 or the 54.
CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT
8818 was broken down this afternoon on Bladensburg Road doing a T18 to Rhode Island run.
NEW LEDs SEEN
4280(rehabbed), still only 4309 and 4349 are the only Western LED buses, all the others have the Vultrons
WhyMATA AT ITS BEST
I saw 8869 this morning with an odd observation. It was in the third paint scheme but I am not sure it rehabbed, only the rehabbed Flxibles were in the 3rd paint scheme and the 51s that were in service for RIDE ON. Also except for the RIDE ON ones extra turn signals were added to the top of all rehabs, hopefully I can find this out soon. Saw 2 Nextbus buses on the Shirley Highway, which wonders what was on the 38B(probably a 30 footer).
WHY are 100st's artics SOOOO much better than ANY of GH's buses? What, is there a difference in funding recieved by the different depots?
Rockaway is old RTS's haven as far as Green Bus is concerned. During the weekday, the Q21, Q22, Q22A and Q35 is 95% '85-'87 RTSs. During the weekends, you have more Orion Vs operating. It's not too often you will see the '94 TMCs out here. You will never find MCI Classics out here-they just don't use them here.
It does appear RVC depot takes better care of their buses.
That's been the case since the days of the Grummans. That's when I first noticed the difference.
One thing I learned from our trip was that not ALL CNG LI Buses 'stutter'- that is, that "DJUjujujujuju" sound- when accelerating.
We had a very enjoyable time taking the Long way home !
NYCT bases the amount of bus service it provides on any given route on the number of people passing the maximum load point (the place where the bus has the most people on it) in a given hour (half hour during rush hours).
David
My journey started out by boarding the B83 bus to Livonia-Pennsylvania, and then took the 3 train to Penn-Station. I JUST MISSED by seconds the 11:58 NEC train, and so I had to wait 36 minutes for the next train to Trenton. (This line, which had been in the past been almost all-Arrows, now has about a 2-1 mix of Arrows and Comet push-pulls (Comet 3 and later), as I saw several NEC push-pull trains, one 8 cars in length, and 2 11 cars in length (all pulled by ALP46s, more on that later).
I arrived in Trenton at around 2 PM, and just missed by a minute or two the RiverLINE train to Camden. I decided there to wait for the next one, as that would come before the next R7 train, and it would be $5.15 cheaper than taking the R7. I got on 3518, and this LRT had some jerking and “pinging” in the undercarriage, and momentarily experienced problems at Cinnaminson, but arrived at Walter Rand Transit Center on time. This turned out to be a good thing, because the 410 to Philadelphia was boarding. This was a D4000 bus, and it had a wheelchair passenger on it, reducing the available seats to 43 (from the usual 49). The ride was good across the Ben Franklin Bridge, until it got onto Market Street (a wheelchair protest—damn Street, not the street, the mayor, that is—was wrapping up, making Market Street a mess! I got off the bus at 11 Street (because the buses were detouring), and got on the MFL.
As you Philly people already know, these seats are no good on the MFL, as they are always going flat, and mine on 1108 was also! I only rode it to 30 Street, as I was looking to take the 10 trolley. To my initial dismay, I found out it was busstituted because of construction on the trolley tracks near Callowhill Depot. Thus, I had to take the 13 one stop to Drexel University (which seemed a lot like NYU in terms of its campus structure), where Route 10 buses were waiting outside. I was on an EZ Neoplan, but most of the buses were EB Neos, and to my shock and dismay, I watched a DK go by (3110—oh, how I wish I were on that bus)! The route was 100% Neoplans, and they probably will stay until September, when the 10 becomes trolley again. My Neoplan was slow, and as I have been told by others off the board and saw firsthand, these buses are extremely cut down, although it did have some speed down Malvern Avenue. I rode this bus to the last stop, and then I got on the 65 (which had a stop moved, which I found out in the nick of time). This ride was very enjoyable, but too short it seemed, to Upper Darby.
At Upper Darby (69 Street Terminal), my original plan was to ride the 101 to Media, but then when I looked at my watch, I realized I would have to change plans. At Drexel Hill Junction, the driver told me to get off and take the 102 instead to Clifton-Aldan, which I did, so that I would get the R3 at Clifton-Aldan.
As far as SEPTA fares, at least regional rail fares for one ride is capped at $7.00. The R3 ride was good to Market East, although I did get jumpy when I noticed how far below the ground was to my right just after Clifton-Aldan. At Market East, I changed to get the R7 to Trenton. (IMO, now that I have seen all three Center City stations, I believe Market East is the best in design!) Both cars I was on Regional Rail were Silverliner II cars, 221 on the R3 and 9005 on the R7, and the seats do seem a little solid and flat after 40+ years in service.
I got to Trenton on time, and there I got the NEC train, an express to NYC (no stops between Metropark and Newark Liberty Airport). Before I got to Trenton, however, I noticed 2 NJT ALP46 locomotives (4619 and 4628) pulling Amtrak trains, both 11 cars in length. I knew NJT equipment was good, but I never realized firsthand HOW GOOD the ALP46s are. My train to NYC-Penn was once again an Arrow III, but I was in single car 1306. This was uneventful, except for caternary issues at Metropark.
My trip ended by taking the M4 two blocks over to 5 Avenue, and then the Command BM2 bus home.
8000 NYCT B83
1476 3 Train
1363 NEC S
3518 RiverLINE
8013 NJT 410
1108 MFL
9002 SEPTA 13
3428 SEPTA 10
102 SEPTA 101
117 SEPTA 102
221 SEPTA R3
9005 SEPTA R7
1306 NEC N/B
5029 NYCT M4
4955 Command BM2
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Just A Though
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Mark
CyRide lists their active & retired fleet rosters, along with some photos of the fleet on their website www.cyride.com
Mark
So once 884 retires, the search for a new champ to take the honor of "Oldest Transit Bus Still In Revenue Service" will begin. I think the remaining CyRide new looks are 1974 to 1976 vintage, have to check their roster again to see.
Mark
The definitions, according to the map, are
AM = 7AM - 9AM
Noon= 11AM - 1PM
PM= 4PM - 7PM
Eve= 7PM - 9PM
Nite=12MID - 4AM
Why are there missing hours, e.g. why is there a gap between 9 AM and 11 AM.
Michael
Washington, DC
David
2) How do they run buses because i saw bus 5025 on the M104 with run 37 then about 2 hours later i seen it on run 45 why was that.
3) How does dispatchers call buses like "run 50 on the M104" or run 23 on q44.
4) How does routes get assingned to depots.
David
This is the link concerning info on YOUR OWN transit system:
http://www.ny5.org/1news_frame.html
1200 - 2000's series 1981/1982
3000's 1983
3800 - 4200's 1985
4600 - 4899's 1987
8000 - 8300's 1990
8400 - 8500's 1993
8600 - 8703's 1994
9250 - 9349 1997
9350 - 9699 1997/98
4900 - 5249 1999
This is for NYCT Buses please correct me please.
Also, how about the SLF? It's fast, although it rattles, but what bus doesn't rattle this days? I know the beloved New Flyers do, as well as Orions sometimes and Gilligs (my Neos rattle a little, but they are 15-18 (DK 3110 was seen on the 10 line?), so give them a break, lol). I guess the front door of the SLF is a little funky too (one leaf at a time). However, they do sit 26 people comfortably, and have a little bin for a trash can and whatnot! Potential candidate for The Alternative? I think so!
Actually Creighton Rabs coined DUH BUS signature, gotta give credit where credit is due.
Anyway, I can't speak for "DUH BUS", but I can tell you that the TL960's used by Krapf's are, in a word, junk. Calling these montrosities buses would be an insult to buses, even those run by "DUH BUS". Perhaps the chimp who runs "DUH BUS" moonlights at Krapf's on weekends...
Out of the buses they use on the Coatesville-West Chester line, the only bus worth a damn is ex-DART/possibly ex-Academy RTS #288. The other RTS (#7901 - yes, it's a 1979 RTS) is becoming a piece of crap. The acceleration on that bus has gotten worse in the past couple of years.
I can't believe they are still running a 1979 RTS bus. That's outrageous.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Just to give you the latest info on #5769 (you all know where I spotted it today), the slanted sign has been fixed, and the only thing that MJQ has not done yet is tape the reflectors onto the back of the larger mirror (the one to the right of the B/O).
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Rochester
Genesee Regional Transportation Authority of Rochester, NY will offer shuttle
buses for the Wegmans Rochester LPGA
Golf Event here in Rochester, NY. TransitGallery.com has a executive live web
cam which you can watch the shuttle buses all day everyday between June 21 to
June 27th, from 545am until almost 1am.
I was being told that there will be possibility 15-20 buses
running every 10-15 minutes all day, everyday and also will running artics and
low floor buses (new flyers, nabis)
To view the LIVE STREAMING of LPGA Shuttle can be view below,
the snapshot is updated every second, to view the real time, click the link
below and you will need broadband connection. LIVE
STREAMING VIDEO
My guess is that when Western is closed for improvements, they will simply shift all of Western's operations around the city which will create a strain on all the other divisions, but it isn't impossible.
I would make the following reassignments:
The District
D1, 3, 6, 31, 32, 33, 34-Bladensburg
D2-Northern
E2, 3, 4-Northern or Bladensburg
E6-Northern
H2, 3, 4, 5, 7-Bladensburg (probably only a few runs come out of Western anyway)
L1, 2, 4-Montgomery or Northern, maybe FMR but would require long deadheads
M4-Northern
N2, 3, 4, 6, 8-Montgomery or Northern, also a FMR candidate
W45, 46, 47-???
X1, 3-Bladensburg or Southern (Western has very few runs probably as it is)
30, 32, 34, 35, 36-I have a feeling this makes up such a large portion of Western's runs, these runs would have to be spread out across a large part of the WMATA system. I would have runs coming out of Montgomery, Northern, Southern, Bladensburg, and the Annex, and perhaps if need be, the Georgetown trippers could come from FMR.
42-Bladensburg, select runs from Northern
98-Northern
Maryland
J1, 2, 3-Montgomery
L7, 8-Montgomery
Maryland and the District
D5-split with Montgomery (AM) and Bladensburg (PM)
Of course, moving Western's runs elsewhere would require other shifts at other divisions, making quite a task to reassign everything and not have resources strained in too many places.
FMR could also do some 42 runs also it doesn't take long for those buses to get from FMR to Metro center. Or the Western buses could be shifted to Landover and Montgomery(the only two garages in my opinion that have any space whatsoever to hold any buses) and run those routes out of those two garages. Will be interesting to see what happens when Western does go through the rebuilt.
We all have to remember thought this is WhyMATA, you will never know what they will do.
and on my way home, at Hempstead
N49-#413-Orion V CNG
N71-#391-Orion V CNG
I have another one with a pole somehow in the way, but to the left was an Orion(werid how they still got a bunch). You can see a BRAND NEW gillig high floor ont he left and right, with the LED signs and a bunch more gilligs.
It's the old central terminal being replaced real soon. I really need to plan to use the system next time I go up. Those buses pulling in were CROWDED on a saturday. Whoever in Orlando says no one would use rail for transit never seen these buses. But then again, you dont' notice those things until you use a system or pay attention. What a shame. I did get to use the free circular for 2 stops though(i'm lazy). That thing would be dead if they charged(like how tampa is going to kill theirs).
I spooted a bunch of new gilligs today, they were actually beautiful, very shiny and all!
It's nice to see buses flushed with color, though.
Where in Orlando is that?
I enjoyed riding the LYNX buses in January. Winter Garden was a really nice place to hang out while we were delayed waiting for the train to come home, too. I did end up on a couple of the Orions. One looked like a rolling banana it was so yellow. I think the other one was blueish in color.
Anyway, I think you should submit that slogan to lynx, I like that actually.
----
Didn't see the yellow orion(saw a few yellow gilligs), just orange and reddish. The yellow is personally my favorites.
Do they still run those Neos? Also, what year are the Orion buses, and how many do they have? They really should get more of them, or how about Orion VIIs? That would be nice.
The only low floors Lynx has are the New Flyers, right?
Thanks for the compliment about the slogan, but maybe Skittles would be in an uproar ("Skittles - taste the rainbow"). That's big business for you...
I didn't think they had many Orions, but I randomly came across a few. They must have more than I realize if i saw maybe 4-5 yesterday. There were a bunch of 30-35 footers on some East Orange routes that don't run anymore. I think they must be mid to late-90's in year they came in.
They have about 4-6 new flyers(maybe 7 or 8, have to look it up), and are the low-floors for the downtown circulars. Noisy CNG monsters. They have a werid low sound, like a one gear toy. Other than that, they're strictly high floor gillig. In that picture the far right is a brand new gillig(along with far left) and you can see a slight difference in the back vent between those and the others. Honestly, low floors in that region would be a waste. How's climbing on a low floor bus from a bus stop at a grassy ditch going to do anything? I perfer the high-floors up there. Plus they use the Odessy fareboxes.
Click here to view the SubTalk thread.
Hope you all enjoyed whatever it is you did today, be it the MOD Trip, MTA Rodeo, work, or something else besides joining us.
But, I think the thing I enjoyed most about today was being yelled at and called every name in the book by this homeless guy in Dupont Circle for having the gaul to be talking to my WIFE and not acknowledging his begging for money. He then continued berrating me and then got in front of us continuing to yell and then said something to the affect, "Did you volunteer to fight for your country?" Like that had anything to do with me. After he dropped the f bomb on me, I finally turned around and said, "I have a job and pay taxes" Before I could say anymore, my wife pulled me into the restaurant we were going to. Ugh, I really can't wait until we can buy a house, or that she can just get transferred to another store in the suburbs. I'm sick of this crap.
Take a shot at some of those questions if you have a chance. Those who were there have agreed not to talk about the answers to give the rest of you a chance at them. Question 12 should be pretty easy for you...
Sorry to go way off on a tangent. It just really made me mad. All I was looking forward to all day was after I was finished with work was to go downtown and enjoy this beautiful evening and have dinner with Pam, who I've barely seen the past couple of weeks because our work schedules have been so wacky. She has to work tomorrow, too, so she's in bed while I'm still kinda wired. Then this person has to go on and ruin it. Hey, I'm sorry if you're down on your luck, but do something about it instead of verbally attacking people for walking past you.
Chuck Greene
Chuck
That hour from Shady Grove to Wheaton killed us, luckily we had no one to compete against.
Chuck
Did you see the tourist editorial I posted on SubTalk?
I remember driving down at lot of those roads returning a truck on Gude Drive when my son moved in to an apartment off of Briggs -Chaney Rd & Castle Blvd. So a lot of the roads looked familiar
to me. It was fun.
Chuck
Chuck
The schedule only has it taking about 5 minutes longer than the Q2 provided the Q2 shows up. I doubt we lost a great deal of time by taking the 48 considering how long we waited for the Q2 to show up (and it never did).
My ride started at 10 am when I got on the 403[31xx] Flx to the WRTC in Camden. Then caught the 10:26 RiverLINE [3516] to Trenton. Ever since the RL opened, getting from South Jersey to North Jersey is no longer the travel ordeal it was before, which explains my more frequent trips up there as well as NYC. At Trenton, got on car 1444 on the 11:36 to Newark. The train was full, but not overly crowded.
Saw a yup couple got on at Princeton Jct, and noticed that the dude was looking at a magazine with even MORE OSTENTATIOUS houses that cost too f$*king much! I thought, "Isn't the McMansion you probably
got enough ?".
At Newark, I took a lunch break, then [12:58] got on the 62 [1851] on the short ride to Broad and Market. Got off and saw one of the new Neo Artics, crossed Broad St to get on it. At 1:15 pm, boarded the 13N [9511] and rode it up to the Belleville Pathmark [a couple of blocks away from the Big Tree Garage], got a snack [watermelon and a Diet Pepsi], the went into the Bowling Alley to drop a load before going on my return trip. Got on 9511 again [2:00pm] on the 13V [with a different driver] and rode back to Downtown Newark.
Got on the wrong side of the City Subway [2:40], so I had to ride to Penn Station, get off, and ride back to Grove St. Got on car 104. Would you beleive that the NCS was the only place I could ride a different system's PCC cars outside of Philly?
Boarded the 90 bus [1439 @ 3:15 pm], and in 20 short minutes, went through Belleville, East Orange, Newark and ended up in Irvington. Also, the engine heat made the back seat too hot.
Obviously, they're doing work at the Irvington Terminal, so I hoped to get on a Volvo here, but alas, I had to take a new Neoplan Artic, such a nice consolation prize. [9513 @ 3:50 pm]. Got back off at Broad and Market, then waited for the 39 [the other bus route usung artics], but to my slight dismay, got a Flx [1917 @4:25 pm], rode that bus into Kearny, before I saw a Volvo coming the other way, so I jumped off the Flx, then hopped on 9109 [4:45 pm].
Volvo 9109 looked every bit of its 19 years on the streets, I almost tripped on something on the floor. I never got to say farewell to the ones at SEPTA, one day in 2000, they just vanished from the streets [actually it was the Monday after the GOP Convention, those buses were GONE just like that!] I rode the bus back to Broad and Market, and exited by the middle door [a rare occurrence]. At 5:00 pm, got on the 1329 on the short hop to Penn Station, at 5:20, got on NEC car 1341 [Express to and from, KEWL!!!] to Trenton, then after getting a roast beef at Roy Rogers, got on RiverLINE 3510 [wrapped car] back on the trip to Camden. At raggedy-assed Camden, the 403 usually f@$ked things up [as usual] by arriving 1/2 hour late [8:21] [another crappy 31xx from Wash Twp, scratched up windows] and decided to replenish my Corona supply, so I went to the liquor store, got my Corona, and arrived home at 8:50 pm.
Observations:
The Volvos are almost gone. I'm seeing more Neoplans on the street. As I said before, the CAT engines sound like the Series 60 engines [WMATA and Bee-Line Neoplans]
It would be nice if NJT exercise any options and try to send some Artics down south. We really do have lines that could use them, like the 400, 409, 551, and 553, [although the 551 and the 553 can use the D4500's as well].
What's your reaction to the trip?
I don't think artics would be appropriate for that line, if only because the entire trip is basically on the ACX (that's Atlantic City Expressway for those of you in Pottstown). A D4500 would probably be more suitable, but I have a better chance of marrying J-Lo than NJT has of sending D4500s to South Jersey...
WMATA and Beeline are the only companies to have DD60s in their Neo artics? I feel so special to have ridden one...
Roy Rogers sells roast beef sandwiches? It has been a lifetime since I've been there - I remember they used to have one in langly park. of course, they've basically disappeared from the face of the earth.
Now, the NJT Neos - how easy would it be for me to get one if I suddenly decided to go to Newark. What routes do they run on? The 159, 39 - what else?
Is there any inexpensive way from Trenton to Newark?
Chuck Greene
The transit style artics run regularly on the 13 and 39, and every now and then, a cameo on the 70 and 25.
The suburbans run on the 156, 158 and 159. They may also run on some other Hudson County routes as well. I remember seeing Volvos on the 167 during rush hour fairly regularly, so you may see some Neoplans there too. And now that the 123 and 125 are going to be run out of Meadowlands, you may see them on those routes as well.
"Is there any inexpensive way from Trenton to Newark?"
The NEC is the only practical way from Trenton to Newark.
Another option would be shleping around on local buses - for example, the 600 to Quakerbridge Mall, the 605 to Palmer Square in Princeton, the Suburban Transit line up to New Brunswick, the 810 to Woodbridge Center Mall, then the 62 to Newark. But you could travel to Alpha-Centauri and back in less time and it probably won't be any cheaper than just taking the train.
The Volvos that had been used on the 167 were replaced by D4500s. The Neoplan suburbans only have 59 seats - the D4500s have 57, so it was considered a wash, plus the MCI takes up 15 less feet of space on the road for the same passenger load.
606 - Trenton Station to Princeton
Suburban Transit - Princeton to New Brunswick
810 - New Brunswick to Woodbridge Center Mall
62 - Woodbridge Center Mall to Newark Penn Station
I did this part of the ride back in the early 90's.
The killer part of the trip is the two hours spent on the 62. All of the other 3 parts of the trip had rides of 45 minutes or less.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
David
2. Why was Manhattanville Depot built so close to Amsderdam Depot?
3. Why does the M100 come out of Kingsbridge but does not enter the Bronx?
A depot doesn't have to be physically located in a particular borough to be part of the bus division. For instance, Kingsbridge is also in Manhattan, but part of the Bronx Division and Fresh Pond is in Queens yet it's part of the Brooklyn division. In the old days (before it was renamed Mother Clara Hale) 146th Street depot routes were M1,M2,M7,M10 and Bx30. The Bx30 operated from 149th-Bruckner to 145th Street-Bway.
2. Why was Manhattanville Depot built so close to Amsderdam Depot?
I have no idea. However, I do know that Manhattanville was built on the site of the old 132nd Street depot. My guess is that at the time it was availability of land. Yes, these two depots are very close to each other sort of like the original West Farms and old Coliseum (site of the recently built West Farms).
3. Why does the M100 come out of Kingsbridge but does not enter the Bronx?
The M100 had been at Amsterdam for many years and then it seemed to bounce between Amsterdam and Kingsbridge and now that Amsterdams is no longer functioning as a depot... Kingsbridge is the logical depot to handle the M100 even in it's shortened form. Remember, it used to terminate at 263-Riverdale. Now here's a strange one: When 132nd Street depot closed in the late 80s the M5 operated out of the old Kingsbridge.
As to why certain depots ended up in certain divisions, when the "division" concept was developed in the 1980s there was an Upper Manhattan Division and there was a Lower Manhattan Division. These subsequently got merged, and I believe it was at that time that 146th Street (now Mother Clara Hale) became a Bronx Division depot. As I recall, it was determined that a single Manhattan Division would be too big, while the Bronx Division would be pretty small, if the depots were split strictly geographically.
David
And managers are very selfish sons of bitches who are only concerned about covering thier behinds. I was reprimanded by my G/S because a couple of Saturdays ago we had a large amount of operators call in sick and I had four open runs that I couldn't fill. Yet we had a subway shuttle which I get calls from Road Supers making sure I fill them. The depot managers will tell you to take shuttle operators off and put them on regular runs and let the "road supers" make the adjustments. Yet, if that same G/S was a road manager he would be livid if he found out I took four shuttle operators off for depot runs.
And a new development I'm starting to see is Maintainence managers picking on yard dispatchers to get buses off the road for inspections or special work and not telling us in the mornings so that we can get the buses back in time.
Everything about this job is getting bad and if Regional Bus happens I hope I get fired and I wont have to commute into the hell hole known as New York City Transit.
Its sad because as a childhood transit buff I always wanted to work for NYC transit and now that I'm here I wish I never did, but I have 10 years vested and a 401K, good medical plan so I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.
MetroB
Mother Hale was originally a trolley barn for the old New York Railways Corp. In the late 1920s NY Railways was bought by 5th Ave. Coach; in 1935-36 its routes were converted to bus. The 146th St. Depot became a NYC Omnibus facility, and housed at least the old NYCO routes 4 and 7 (today the M102 and M7 respectively). Probably others as well, but I'm not sure.
Manhattanville is on the site of 5th Ave. Coach 132nd St. Depot, built around World War I, which was that company's main repair shop and headquarters building as well. It housed today's routes M2, M3, M4, M5 (originally routes 2, 3, 4, 5); possibly the M30 and M57 as well (then called routes 6 and 20).
Amsterdam and Kingsbridge were originally Third Ave. Railway trolley car barns and converted for bus use around 1947 when that system became a 100% bus operation and became Surface Transportation System.
Surface Transportation operated all Bronx (and Bronx-Upper Manahttan crosstown) routes, and today's M42, M100, M101, and M104 in Manhattan.
NYC Omnibus and 5th Ave. Coach were under common corporate ownership. In the mid-1950's both companies merged into one that was simply called 5th Ave. Coach Lines; around the same time the combined NYCO/5th Ave. Coach owners bought Surface Transportation but kept its operation and garages separate.
In 1962, after a bitter strike, NYC acquired the combined 5th Ave./Surface operation under the MABSTOA umbrella. Garage assignments were rationalized and driver seniority lists were merged, but all of the old depots in Manhattan and the Bronx were retained, but often with major route assignment changes. Today's 126th St. TA depot was originally a Surface Transit garage. 5th Ave. Coach also had a small garage in Jackson Heights for today's Q32 (then route #15); that was abandoned soon after the MABSTOA takeover.
Any idea where in Jckson Heights?
What date was this article published in the Staten Island Advance on the X23 & X24 routes.
David
http://www.silive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news/1087393685210710.xml
It's coming together. Good job on the roof.
Looking good
From a few months ago:
I'm actually really mad. I took a picture of the front side with the new really nice administration building, and it got lost/disappeared during the resizing process on my piece of crap computer.
Todays station, there's an Orion on the left, then new gillig, then old gilligs:
And of course there was the pic i posted yesterday...
Glenda Hood, who pushed for rail for years and this stuff and brick streets is now in some state position having to deal with elections I think. Secretary of state maybe.
It flows against traffic with it's own traffic signal
Has a map, you are here thing, and the green blocks show where the bus is in real-time. Tells when next bus is coming to the minute. There's only two running today because it's a Saturday
Going by the new terminal in a second:
And another shot from a previous trip:
I rode for a few stops. All the downtown circulars are completely wrapped and I do not notice any dots on their ads. Unless I'm so overwhelmed by the interiors, I've never noticed dots on these buses. It's like a mesh from a screen on a door or window or balcony.
Everything else is here
One turning to go into the superstop
Another at the stop:
An Orion at 436&50 that NEVER moved. The Orions have a P on their numbers for some reason.
Laying over for it's I-drive express run. Has a spanish FM radio ad on the side. Interestingly enough, I ended up following this bus all the way to Seaworld by coincidence along I-4. Bright Yellow gillig passing.
Brand-spanking-New-with-LED-destination-Sign
Lynx is pro-america. You can see the ad great when i equalize this shot, but the sky and everything else get's funky. Any clues?
Click the pass for an easy link into the album
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I like the features and the pocket/wallet size of the camera which is why I'm still using it. But I haven't figured out why up close stuff comes out perfect and far shots suck. Especially if a tree get's in the way it throws it all off.
BOB
The Lynx BUS photos are here
Central Terminal is here. It's more of a before and after thing with 2 pics of the present day terminal
LYMMO "BRT" The first few are the new ones, and the rest are from different trips.
I had the pleasure of riding very briefly in a GMC Old Look at the WMATA roadeo in April. A gentleman from the Baltimore area owns an ex-Baltimore Old Look. It was neat to ride in it in the parking lot.
Or in that case, I guess the same shots get old no matter where you are.
What's the deal? Is it the fact that the Artix are larger and therefore need to be seen at night in more places than the 40-footers? Or is it just because depots are are selective? Or both? WTH????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Just wondering could I sell items like train keys, air brake handles, badges or becuause of 9/11 aftermath we a re not allowed to sell such items?
So are 2005 and 2008 the only ex-MTA RTS buses operating on Triboro?
I know the NJT Metro Bs are old and I am just curious to know if such an extensive rehab would be possible. Would it? Opinions welcomed.
MetroB
Thanks, Larry, RedbirdR33
So there was a Victor Moore.
I already checked out the past posts on the RBA plan, and combined with news reports I see that this thing is about to hit the fan. These posters tell me that the union/other concerned party is looking for leverage against the MTA plans, since they may be subject to getting screwed if the RBA plan in its current form goes thru.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Mark
Earlier this month I read that MetroCard was coming to Bee-Line Bus..does anyone have the four.:one:.one on wats goin on??
Thanks a lot fam!
Peace..:&:..Love
J e n
I'm still I'm still Jennyfromtheblock
We arrived at the Chinatown Bus Terminal at approximately 5:45 PM, we were to take Eastern's 6PM trip from NY to Rockville, MD via DC. We purchased our one-way tickets from the Eastern Sales Agent for $20. We stood there and waited for our bus as we witnessed and were entertained by the other sales agent doing their "job"
6:10 rolled by, and no sign of our bus. By 6:40, we were informed that our bus was going to be late and is now scheduled to depart at 7PM. At 6:45, an Eastern representative asked everyone waiting for the Eastern bus to present and show their Eastern ticket, for whom he issued a free bottle of Deer Park spring water. This is one thumbs up for Eastern, giving waiting passengers free bottles of water to assist with the long delay, something Greyhound will never do.
At 7:20, our bus finally arrives and alights it's load of people before boarding people for this trip bound to DC. We (busfans) were pleased as the bus was a Rebuilt Mc-9 with a Gorgeous interior and a wonderful sounding 6v92 engine.
At 7:45, we finally depart chinatown NY, bound for DC, almost 2 hours late. Our trip was pleasant, quiet, and soothing. With heavy traffic encountered on the NJTP. To my displeasement, the bus was governed at around 75 mph. At 12:30AM, we finally arrive in DC. Because the bus was almost 2 hours behind schedule, and it isn't the normal bus and driver for this trip to begin with, our bus would not be making the extra leg to Rockville.
So does Eastern leave us stranded in the middle of DC at 12:30AM with no bus to take us anywhere? No, they arranged and paid for a cab to shuttle the Rockville passengers up to Rockville, including New Look Terrapin and I. The cab was a 1996 Lincoln Towncar in VERY excellent condition, a very smooth ride.
After our arrival at Rockville, we discovered the Eastern Prevost H3-41 that normally makes the extended leg to Rockville, it appears as if it hasn't been moved for the day.
Overall, despite the long delays, Eastern takes very good care of it's customers and passengers. Providing free water in compensation of late buses and providing taxicabs for cancelled trips is something that will never happen on Greyhound ;-)
2 hours late? My word, but at least they provided a taxi.
This is a great example of how smaller transit can be more wonderful than the evil big transit.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Adam,
This bus is indeed a MC-9. A telltale sign is the lower height of the windows. Many tour operators have added the updated front/rear caps to their MC-9s. There's tour operator in the DC area named Quicks that has many MC-9s with updated caps. At one point they even had some GMC P8M-4905A with MCI style front/rear caps. These were some strange looking buses as from a distance they appeared to be 96A2 and then as you got closer there was the fishbowls style windows.
From AU driveway:
R on Mass
Around Ward Cir to go east on Nebraska Ave
L on Conn (illegal left turn)
R on Western at CC Cir
R on Chestnut
R on Oregon
L on Military
L on 16th
L on Georgia
R onto 495 ramp
Then 95 N
Then exited onto 695 E (Outer loop)
Then 295 N to Russell Street
Then whatever Baltimore street leads to the ESPN Zone, the name slips me at the time...
The free water and cab ride shouldn't be considered something that special. it is the service industry. Unfortunatly transportation companies haven't realized or accepted that mostly, so that's why you got the "wow" factor out of that.
...the clock ticks.....
...*ring ring*...
"NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Sorry to hear about your "displeasement," especially since the speed limit on many of the roads is 65mph.
Videotaping WMATA is illegal
Having a dashboard air freshener is illegal
Oral sex in the state of Maryland is illegal
and so on and so forth, but does anyone care?
In this case, obeying the law would pose a hazard on the freeway. If everyone else is doing 80 mph on the NJTP while you are following the law and doing 65 mph, the speeding people are not the hazard, YOU are the hazard.
"well duh, they can go 80mph, so why not, duh, and besides, everyone breaks the law, so it's okay :-)" - Anzboy's "brilliant" argument.
Here's an off-the-wall hypothetical situation to explain the rest of his argument:
Let's say eating vegetables was prohibited by law. Suddenly, you get stuck somewhere with nothing but vegetables. Do you break the law and eat them like everyone else who wants to stay alive, or do you sit there and die?
And YES, beleive it or not, the police do pull over those that are travelling within the same rate of speed. I've seen police pull over a number of drivers at ONCE for speeding. It's illegal. Why have the speed limit posted if the police shall do nothing but let speeders off because of this stupid theory that it's "okay" to speed as long as everyone else is doing it? Speeding is a hazard. End of discussion.
Which carries a greater potential risk?
Well maybe you should ride these guys before you say anything about them, or at least see them drive. I've seen semi's drive faster and more erratically than chinabus drivers, I think this is just a matter of personal hatred or biased hatred towards the chinabus industry.
So please, fix your fucking attitude.
*raises glass* Here's for a perfect next life!
Ray - much kudos to you for holding your own.
Face it, you know nothing about what you are talking about! And looking at the reponses to your posts I am not alone in this assumption. Maybe, in a few years, when you grow up, you will realise that a discussion board is a place to debate ideas, not for individuals such as your sorry self to come to, post your thoughts and opinions and then slaughter anybody who dares to disagree with your wayward, immature, unfounded opinions.
Still, I suppose this is a hard concept to grasp when you are quite obviously either a) of limited intelligence or b) suffering from serious anger management problems. Or in your case, maybe both. As I said, when you grow up a little bit.....
Now I brace myself for the inevitable torrent of abuse from the deluded boy. Well don't bother, I certainly have a thicker skin than to let you upset me!
Our little friend here sure speaks a lot for someone who's probably never stepped in the northeastern US. Sometmes people should realize that just because things are the way they are in say Houston, doesn't mean they are the same way in say New York.
Long Live the Flxible Metro!
Oh, and kudos for getting the props of the Aznboy, he finally has a hero to look up to now. But I wonder, since you were arguing for him, do you agree with his idea of what safe bus operations are? I wonder indeed. Well, I'll just have to assume so. I pray for your passengers. Hopefully you don't "run over" anyone that has the sense to drive legally. Don't let us hear of you overturning your bus on one of those turnpikes, I know I'd be quite heartbroken.
And before you say something idiotic and immature, before you say anything, try saying it in my face first, if you can't don't respond.
The "Dumbing Down" Continues.......
To put everything in perspective, I was visiting my nephew who was in the hopsital because he was hit by a car. He will make a full recovery and it will take a while, but he will. Down the hall in another room was a 13 year kid who had just died of muscular dystrophy, who was a poet and a peacemaker even though he suffered from a debilitating disease. This kid was on Larry King and Oprah Winfrey. This kid seemed WAY older than his years, way older than most of us on this board. The main point of this message is people have it way worst than some of us do and don't let any thing get to them and we call each other names for what A BUS. Come people we ALL need to grow up.
TO HELL WITH THIS,BI-ACH-ES.....! Live and let live!
Thank you so much RST_2510
even though the best bus ever built is the RTS O4-06...!
Yes, you correct. However, I'd bet the rent that the troopers are not going to bother you if you're doing 75 MPH and the traffic is flowing at that speed. It's when you're overtaking the pack and/or driving aggressively that you're likely to get stopped. I'll be the first to admit... On my trips to/from NYC I usually cruise along at 75-80 MPH, but again that's usually the speed of the traffic flow. I do see a few folks on I-95 doing about 60 MPH and I think that while they certainly legal... realistically, they're putting themselves at risk.
I have seen some chinabuses tailgating way too close at 75 MPH plus, but even Greyhound rolls along in the 70s.
Heres a taste of your own attitude :
Your boasting and support of the RTS is most indeed mental and ludicrous.
Who said they drive erradically and haphazardly?
Try and quote me on that.
Tell me this, has any Chinabus been in an accident or incident of any sort?
Tell me this also, has any Greyhound buses been in an accident or indicent of any sort?
Yo! Lay Off Him, its not like you haven't fucked up a time or two on here!
DRINK BITCHES!!! BE MERRY
While a cop is not likely to pull you over, they are able to and you (as well as everyone else on the road) are in violation of the law in the scenario outlined.
While most of the speeders are personal vehicles, it is not fun having a bus tailgating you and flashing his high beams in your mirror at 70+ MPH.
Oh well it's over now, I paid my 500 dollar ticket and now I have to work off my points. It is interesting to think about, and hopefully my warning will keep Mt Laurel from getting any more money off the Turnpike. Oh yeah, and 295 isn't safe either. Mt. Laurel and other surrounding communities have learned the value of tickets off the construction zone (between exits 34 and 42 I think) there and have either pressured NJ State Police to station more people there, or have placed their own cops there to catch speeders (not sure who has jurisdiction). There were at least a dozen people in court with me who were caught speeding on 295, all had 250-300 dollar tickets.
And on the matter at hand, Chinabeese are still commercial vehicles weighing 40-50 klbs, they have high centers of gravity, carry many people without seat belts and will take an inordinately long time to stop. As such they should take the road at the speed limit, or at least traffic speed, since legislative speed often lags behind design speed. It is completely incomprehensible for a bus or truck to attempt to pass a car doing anywhere around 70mph on the NJTP, especially south of the truck/bus and car lane merge.
It seems the China Zealots don't understand this sort of logic. Let them believe that a bus going 80mph has the same hazard level as a car going 80mph.
The speed limit may be 65 mph but the majority of vehicular traffic travels at a constant speed of 70-75 mph. So if your bus is governed at 70-75 mph and you want to pass a car, you are thus hindered from doing so.
any way,Mineola isn't that far from Hempstead Transportation Ctr. One of the buses there would have taken you there....in any case,pursue the case.
I called trailways as soon as I got home, and they said that the driver knew that he had one passenger to Mineola b/c the dispatcher had told him and that he should have gone to Mineola. Eventually, I talked to some sort of manager at Trailways, and they said the driver thought I sneaked on board. This may be justifiable, b/c though I did walk by the driver on my way to the bus, I did not give him my ticket while boarding. I thought they did tickets either like conductor style(which some companies do) or take your ticket when you get off(which some others do too).
I eventually showed him my ticket when I realized we were going towards Hempstead and not Mineola. He still refused to drive me.
I can understand how he thought I had sneaked on, but after showing him my ticket and while we were 15 minutes ahead of schedule. And after begging him to drive me and explaining my situation, he still refused, I think I deserve a little compensation. The price of my ticket and a free ticket or 2 for me and possibly my mom for when we go visit colleges. I think that's plenty fair. If I wanted to be a jackass, I could bring them up on charges on endagering the welfare of a child, which I will mention to them, but I don't intend on it.
Simply, if they refuse to give me my money back for my ticket atleast, then it's straight to Fox 5 to crap all over Trailways.
I know I'm comming off as a prick, but I'm not trying to. I'm just asking for what I think I deserve.
Will you SHUT UP now?
There is still the issue of common sense and how the law does not always obey by it.
To be more specific, 715 H street. (The corner of 7th St. and H St.)
Next time I'm in the area, I really need to start "fanning" around DC.
Does the X8 still run (found an old schedule with the Flx drawing).
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
That's one of the very nice things about SEPTA.
When I was down there for Thanksgiving last year and did a WMATA trip the day after, many of the buses had HAPPY HOLIDAYS on their destination signs. It would not surprise me though to see Happy 4th of July up as well. Some of the DC people could fill me in there though.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
~Appreciating the little things in life.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
This is just a small sample of the signs, there is about 150 personal readings that are very nasty with a few sayings from Southpark and the Simpsons
He also installed alot of graffics including a real cool "I love New York but the love is a heart shape, exploding fire works for the "Happy 4th Of July" sign.
I do not know how to post pictures here so if anyone wants to post them for me or just want to see something different, email me and I will send some to you. I will have the complete list later today. Its neat to see a fully marked NYMTA RTS in Hollywood with a sign that reads "welcome to New York, now get the fu** out"
www.regionaltransitservice.com
cleanairbus@yahoo.com, I have a lotta space there, so you can send away...
SAS
Michael
Washington, DC
But schools been out for almost 2 months now. :)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
ARTICS ON THE S79!!!!!!
-Chris
What they need to do is take better care of what they have. The 1985 RTSs looks way better than a lot of the Orions that are in Staten Island.
Da Hui
Since WF took the Bx6 and 15 they have been running more frequently
So we should all thank WF for the great job their doing. Even for all their other routes.
The Bronx finally has a real bus depot.
Something must be done with Kingsbridge and Gun Hill if they can not
take care of the buses the have they don't need new buses, especially
the KB artics.
Since WF took the Bx6 and 15 they have been running more frequently
Well you should remember that Amsterdam ran the M100 & M104 along with the Bx6 and Bx15 and it was a pretty small depot, holding ~120 buses.
Something must be done with Kingsbridge and Gun Hill if they can not
take care of the buses the have they don't need new buses, especially
the KB artics.
The 10/1100 series Artics and the 9100's that came from KB saw a major improvement alright!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com
I know the SEPTA Artics are OQ.
Here are my observations on #6078:
I) KB stickers were finally applied to it.
II) KB seems to have washed it. The wheels looked cleaner than they looked when the bus came to KB from MCH.
III) THERE WAS VANDAL SHIELD ON ALL OF THE WINDOWS!!!!!!!!
Pinch me, I must be dreaming that KB is getting better (though it would be an insane dream that GH would EVER get better).
But apparently they are. I also like that the RTSs are going out because THE Orion V's INTERIOR IS SO MUCH ROOMIER!!!!!!!!!!!!
And as I said earlier, I still have the pic of #6078 on the Bx10, and I will have it (as well as my other recent transit pix) up on my TransitGallery album in two weeks when my home PC is fixed.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
New Flyer 5745 was involved in an accident at 17th and North St in Philly this morning, 31 people injured. Bus collided with car in intersection, then crashed into some parked cars. Apparently, someone doing work at that corner took down a stop sign, which contributed to the accident.
Another reason why a lot of Queens route numbers were changed is that the TA felt that it would be easier on passengers.
For example, Queens was known for having a combination of letters and numbers-ie: Q4A, Q44FS, Q5S. The felt that this was very confusiing to passengers. Merrick Blvd was probably the worst of them all. Operating on that street, you had the Q4, Q4A, Q5, Q5A, Q5AB as well as the N4 and N5. On top of that you had the Q5Shuttle and Q5AShuttle which intersected the Q5 and Q5A.
Main St. was another problem. You have the Q44, Q44FS, Q44VP operating along Main St at one point or another, plus the Q44A and Q44B which intersects the other Q44s at one point or another.
Eventually, the TA did away with all of the number/letter routes as follows:
Q3A/Q83; Q4A/Q84; Q5A & Q5AB/Q85; Q5AShuttle/Q86; Q12A/Q79; Q17A/Q30; Q44A/Q46; Q44FS/Q20; Q44VP/Q74.
The Bronx and Staten Island renumbered their routes according what direction the route travelled (i.e: east/west, north/south, crosstown). However, I don't think the TA ever completed the Bronx bus renumbering.
One problem with that was that at the time they did this... They renumbered the old Bx10 to Bx7 and created the new (today's)Bx10, but it's more of a north/south route than east/west.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Darlene II? ;)
B1-#9325-NOVABUS
B64-#9233-NOVABUS(NO AIR CONDITIONING)
Da Hui
They suck more than any other depots ever....they should FIRE ALL OF THEM AND REPLACE THE WHOLE STAFF!!
Da Hui
Well, have you REALLY seen the condition of those Yukon MCI coaches? As compared with Castleton or even Ulmer Park? Ulmer Park may not be a great garage for maintenance and upkeep of their fleet, but I have seen MCIs at UP that are FAR better in appearance and otherwise than those Yukon units. Castleton isn't great, either, but their fleet seems a little more solid than Yukons's fleet. I believe part of the reason for Yukon's condition is a) the workers at that facility, and b) the overcapacity issue they are dealing with. 360 buses, 250 of them MCIs, the rest Orions and the few RTS's they have, and they have no place to put 'em! The lot across the street from the garage is full of MCIs, the garage itself is pretty tiny compared to some of the other bus garages in the city, and the buses hardly get worked on simply because inspections aren't timely, especially if they can't figure out where all the buses are and where to store them so they CAN be worked on...
As to the worst bus garages/fleets in the city? Here's my list:
1--Triboro Coach--Jackson Heights
2--NYCT Yukon Facility--Eltingville
3--Green Bus Lines--South Jamaica
4--NYCT Gun Hill Facility--Co-op City
5--NYCT Kingsbridge Facility--Inwood
6--NYCT Queens Division (can't decide which ones are really bad and in which order)
But anyway,
'Till next time...
SAS
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
B1-#7520-REMAN RTS
B64-#9295-NOVABUS
As for Jamaica, any depot who could keep the 4500s looking almost new, while they are pushing the hell out of 20 years old, (and Jamaica does indeed accomplish this) gets my vote every time.
When the TA supposedly take over the privates on July 1st, I pray the Q22 will begin operating out of Jamaica-though I highly doubt that will happen.
Just a Though
1-Micheal J.Quill
2-Jackie Gleason
3-Jamaica
4-West Farm
5-OHS
Top 5 Worst.
1-Yukon
2-Gun Hill
3-KingsBridge
4-Casey Stengel
5-Fresh Pond
Just a Though
The only reason why 100 st is even up there because their entire fleet
is only 10 months old
The top 5 should be:
1. 126 St.
2. MJQ
3. MV
4. JG
5. 100St. or maybe FLA
B1-#9331-NOVABUS
I forgot to add that.
Nit-picking about slow buses at JAM, but no talk about HVAC that only works in the front half of the bus and seats whose supports in the walls are very loose? Not to mention the missing seats, blown light tubes, busted (and in many cases really beat up) fareboxes, and "RING!!" that is rampant on so many GH artics.
Does no one here notice Gun hill's crap?
This is what the sign is supposed to read as (this is the same sign as above but on its other side)...
Another shot of the sign
For those of you who actually thought I mistakened a "1" for a "7," you've been proven wrong.
JD
No idea; I expected 0401-0424, then I saw 0475! Maybe 0475-0499?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
24. Don't know.
I was going to say the same about B R A K I N G,,,nice
Be careful, some people here just might do that.
An inability to communicate well can be interpreted as a sign of ignorance.
Thing 1. While the MTA consists of several operating agencies, the MTA itself is an "it" (one entity), not a "they."
Thing 2. The MTA, through a spokesperson, will speak when and if the Governor gives it permission to speak, and not a moment sooner.
The TA doesn't want to do it. They would have been perfectly happy to leave it the way it was. Mayor Mike doesn't want to be a bus dispatcher any more & has forced the TA to take over his fleet.
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
It is more than a bus. More than art. Golden Gate Transit's "Humphrey the Whale Bus" is a roving educational tool and a smile-inducing tribute to the Bay Area's most famous wayward whale.
It is also for sale on EBay.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District put its beloved bus up for auction June 19, proving that nothing in the transit world is sacred.
"We're selling it because it's due to be retired," said district spokeswoman Mary Currie, exhibiting barely a trace of remorse. "It's a recognizable icon in Marin, but all good things have to be retired."
The 40-foot bus, with a huge oil painting of a whale adorning both sides, has logged more than 500,000 miles in the 11 years it has been in service. Thousands of school children and millions of gawkers have, by district estimates, been entranced or otherwise subjected to the feel-good qualities of the painting by renowned environmental artist George Sumner.
So far, 12 bids have been logged on EBay. The opening salvo was a paltry $2,000, but the bidding then quickened.
A two-day bidding war erupted between the mysterious "mci3417," which some speculated was Motor Coach Industries, and someone with the quaint moniker "nemo2k4," an anonymity known for making other offers for Golden Gate Transit buses.
The top bid is now $3,550, but Golden Gate Transit officials are hoping for much more by the time bidding closes June 29.
"Our buses have a history of going for around $6,000," said Currie, sounding like a barker. "We're hoping to get more. This bus is distinctly unique. It's got the work of an international artist on it."
The bus, which has traveled throughout Marin and Sonoma counties and in San Francisco, was hand-painted by Sumner, who completed his work in 1993. The life-size drawing depicts Humphrey, the humpback whale whose 1985 trek through San Francisco Bay and into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was an international sensation.
Sumner's wife, Donnalei, developed an educational story-telling program for school children that involved the bus as a backdrop. The whale bus also showed up at fairs and parades in addition to its regular job picking up commuters.
Currie said the district is currently negotiating with Sumner to paint one of the 80 new low-polluting buses that will be replacing recently retired buses.
The bridge district has ventured into cyber sales before in an effort to unload its aging buses. Last fall, one of its old gas guzzlers sold for $6,000 on EBay, a good $600 more than the average price its buses fetch using the much more labor-intensive sealed-bid method.
The money tree withered, however, and the district recently took nine 40- foot diesel buses off the EBay auction block because the bids were too low to accept, Currie said.
"It was worth a shot, but we didn't get the price we were hoping to get," Currie said. "In the case of the whale bus, we decided to go ahead and sell it on EBay again because it is so unique."
E-mail Peter Fimrite at pfimrite@sfchronicle.com.
Page B - 4
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/06/22/BAGQO7A0FN1.DTL
Why is there no bus service of any kind that goes over the bridge between Albany and Rensalear?
Any thoughts?
-Broadway Buffer
Route 14 goes from Downtown Albany to I think Troy, but it also makes Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station a stop as well...
Check the Capital District Transit Authority's Website for a schedule of Route 14.
SAS
why would ANYBODY WANT TO KNOW this,is beyond me...CDTA SUCKS.
Anyway,the 14 and 24 bus lines travel from the Rail station to downtown Albany,and terminates at the GREYHOUND bus terminal near on Hamilton st.
To bad,Buffer.Those cab drivers are known for ripping people off,and getting away with it. Tell your Father to give them a wide berth next time.
-Broadway Buffer
JD
After arriving at Grand Central about 9:00 and getting my day fun pass, off to the buses. While waiting for a Q32, saw a couple of Atlantic Express coaches, an MCI D-4500(?) and a VanHool, as well as several NYCT MCI D-4500 commuter coaches. Then 8926, an RTS shows up on the Q32, which I rode. Clean and fast bus until we got to the Triborough Bridge, then it was stop & go for a bit till the Queens side. Saw several other buses passing us on the bridge: Command Classic 454, several Green Lines buses and a few Triboro buses, all showing Out Of Service on their signs.
I got off the bus at Queens Blvd & Roosevelt Ave to catch a Green Lines bus on the Q60, hopefully one of the older GMC RTS just to see if they are as really bad as has been posted by so many on the list.After seeing 3 or 4 Greens pass by in the opposite direction and at least 3 Q32's (including 2 bunched together) go by, at last TMC RTS 1149 shows. I noticed that there was another numner faded under 1149, looked like the first number was 2 but couldn't make out the rest. This bus had the panel above the rear exit door hanging half off, no A/C. He stopped to pick up a couple of older passengers, when he knelt the bus it went down real slow and raised even slower after. At the next red light he put the bus in high idle till the light changed. Shortly after he pulled over, secured the bus and did high idle again. A minute later, he shuts down the high idle, then tells us we're going to have to get on to his follower. He had an air leak, I glanced at the dash as I was getting off the air pressure was down to about 80 and you could hear it hissing outside. He flagged down his follower, which was 619, a GMC RTS with frosty cold A/C and grafitti on several of the seats.
At the Manhattan terminus of Q60, I crossed 2 AV to catch New Flyer Artic 5627 on the M15 LTD towards South Ferry. I thought these were low floor buses, but when it pulled up a wheelchair passenger wanted to board. I was shocked to see the lift come out of the front door. I stopped for lunch at 2 AV & 23, then continued towards South Ferry on New Flyer Artic 5685 on the M15 LTD.
Got off the bus at South Ferry, rode the ferry SI, caught Orion 6235 on the S40. Never been to SI before, it's a bit more suburban in places than one would expect in NYC. I got off the bus at the terminus (in front of a convenience store) of the S53, which was just ready to leave. It too was an Orion, 6180. It had scratchfitti in several windows, and some trash and newspapers on the floor under the seats. Saw RTS 8295 pass by doing an S51 and MCI D4500 2067 doing an X10. Passed by Castleton Depot, saw lots of Orions and MCI's lined up in the yard.
I exited at 86 St in Brooklyn, and took the R & D subway back to 23 St. I arrived there just about 3PM, saw several NYBS Classics, a Jamaica Bus RTS and Classic, several Command Classics, CNG RTS and CNG Orions. Also saw a couple of Gray Line/Coach USA sightseeing buses, MCI 102-D3's painted in the red sightseeing scheme. After getting some pics there and waiting for a NYBS Fishbowl, them walked up Madison all the way to 52 St. Saw still more NYBS Classics, but a 4:45, what I've been waiting for finally arrives:NYBS New Look 1501 on the Co-Op City Express. I hoped on, still a few seats left. This bus was in great shape for it's age, nice and clean inside and out. Plus the A/C was decent too!! This bus was moving quite well, hit a bit of stop & go on the highway, but a nice ride. Saw several other fishbowls deadheading towards Manhattan.
I exited opposite a shopping center in Co-Op City and caught NYCT Orion 212 on the Bx28 towards Gun Hill Station. Very crowded by the time we got to Gun Hill stop, where I exited to catch the 2 subway to the S shuttle back to GCT, where I caught the train back to Stamford and made the drive home.
This was the first time I had been in Queens, Brooklyn, SI and the Bronx on a bus, in fact first time ever to SI. Also first time (and probably last) time riding a Green Lines & NYBS bus.
Q32 8926 RTS
Q60 Green 1149/swap to Green 619 mid-ride due to breakdown
M15 LTD 5627 New Flyer Artic
M15 LTD 5685 New Flyer Artic
S40 6235 Orion
S53 6180 Orion
Co-Op City Express NYBS 1501 GMDD New Look
Bx28 212 Orion
Mark
But good trip
Did you see a lot of artics and orions around Co-op city and on Gun Hill road?
Yes, plenty of Orions and artics around Co-Op City and Gun Hill. Plus a few New Looks and Classics from NYBS in Co-op City make for an interesting mix of the old and the new.
Mark
Did you notice all of the different buses I told you about along Madison Ave?
Anyway, glad you enjoyed your trip.
Caught all sorts of buses on Madison at 23. Also saw a few parked alongside that park by I think it was Broadway and 23. A couple of NYBS Classics, and a new Trans Bridge Lines MCI J-4500. Good spot to see a variety of buses pass by.
Mark
Also - All of NYCTA's New Flyers artics are D60HF (high floor). The NF low-floors are the C40LF and all of them (190) are at Gleason. They did test a low-floor artic recently.
What bus(es) were used for the low floor artic tests?
Mark
I forget the agency (Minneapolis, I think), but NYCTA recently tested one New Flyer D60LF.
This bus had the panel above the rear exit door hanging half off, no A/C. He stopped to pick up a couple of older passengers, when he knelt the bus it went down real slow and raised even slower after. At the next red light he put the bus in high idle till the light changed. Shortly after he pulled over, secured the bus and did high idle again. A minute later, he shuts down the high idle, then tells us we're going to have to get on to his follower. He had an air leak, I glanced at the dash as I was getting off the air pressure was down to about 80 and you could hear it hissing outside. He flagged down his follower, which was 619, a GMC RTS with frosty cold A/C and grafitti on several of the seats.
Wow a slow leak on a tire, a bad kneel and no A/C, sounds familiar with our gripes and disgust towards Green Bus Lines. To see this happen on the Q60 was the icing on the cake ;-).
As for Castleton depot, all buses are either Orion V's or MCI's. And for NYBS, its good you got your Fishbowl ride.
Mark
No, but they are closer then a month ago.
If the politians pass that bill today, they may shift out of low gear.
MetroB
There was no damage to the bus, it had stopped right at the bridge. If it had gone into the left lane, it easily could have made it under, but I guess the driver realized something was wrong(being that he was on the jackie robinson, which is hard enough to negotiate with a car).
I was so pissed that I didn't have my camera with me! I wonder how they got it out of there. Maybe just brought it to the next exit. It was a sight to see though.
I once saw a moving truck enter the Northern State w/b at Commack Road. Ran to a pay-phone (no cell phones yet). Told the state troopers to get over there ASAP, so that he could be guided off at Deer Park Ave before he comes upon any overpasses.
Doubt they would back him up and reposition him to go under, for fear of risking damage to the bridge or vehicle.
About 7 years ago I saw a very old bus (MC-7 maybe) w/b on the JRP trying to negotiate the left hand curve under Queens Blvd. The driver was stopped because he realized that with the uphill grade after the curve he might crease the roof of the bus.
Now that that is cleared, it was definately Myrtle Av overpass where the bus was stuck. Sorry, I confused KFS with another traffic jam we were in.
They ran two trips a year, one during the spring and one during the fall, and believe me they ran some fantastic trips. I only was able to go on 2 of them. The first one was a trip around the NYC area. We were on a flxible new look. We visited the garages of MTA (Jackie Gleason), Command, GBL, LIBus and TCC. The second trip was on a Prevost bus. We traveled through part of upstate NY, MA and CT stopping at downtown Poughkeepsie to photograph buses arriving and departing from downtown, then we visited an Albany's CDTA garage, some other bus "museum" in NY then Pittsfield, MA where we photographed their buses in operation.
I know that you can find out more about this group-if it still exist-at the ERA meetings. I will try to find some information about this group. Hopefully, between now and then somebody on this board will read this post and help fill in all of the blanks that I have left.
To wrap this point up:
RESPECT OTHER'S OPINIONS AND IF YOU DISAGREE WITH SOMEONE ELSE DO IT RESPECTIVELY AND DON'T DO ANY FUCKING NAME CALLING!!!!!!!
It has helped at least one employee become a little smarter [grin]
Jim D.
However, like was said in this thread, there is nothing like a good debate, and you can learn many things about buses that you normally wouldn't know. Besides, every aspect of a bus makes a bus good, from it's beauty, comfort (smoothness in ride), strength and durability, and whatnot. Don't bash on someone's view just because they don't know a bus the same way another does. That's one of the reasons why flame wars start here too.
~Transit rider for 18 years, GM of The Alternative
Regards,
Trevor Logan
She went down the list of all the cities they service , etc.
I, personally, do not remember any fishbowls that were produced with windows that did not slide open, but I suspect there were some around (although not with NYCT).
NYCT's original 1981 order of RTS's had all sealed windows, with none that opened. The 1982 order contained two windows that opened on each side, similar to today's layout. The 1981 RTS's were eventually retrofitted with two windows on each side that open.
Many other properties that ordered early RTS's and Grumman 870's got them without any opening windows, but this decreased as the years went on (and air-conditioning failures became more prevalent!).
Yes, those are the same type of windows that wound up on many of the NJ Transit Grummans/Flxibles.
BIG AL
Those will fit right in with the CTA 'L' cars dressed up as an R train :)
(Note:Without the *.)
-Chris
-Chris
2) You do not want the MTA to get those buses without a South Shore depot. They will have to acquire 19 buses or pull 19 buses off other lines. Even if they fix the stored MCIs, you're still looking at 11 buses or so. Where would we get them from?
2. Who are you to decide that the residents of Queens don't deserve MCI's just so the Atlantic Express riders can get them.
2) The capacity of the MCIs are needed on the X51. Some of the trips were having standee issues. I could not have said the rest better.
These are my thoughts:
1) Casey Stengel Depot. I think CS will get Artix because CS and MJQ want to articulate the Q32 route. Considering the Q32 runs in Manhattan as well as Queens, I think they want to articulate it because they think it's kinda busy and the headways are a bit long (I think I can agree about the headways). I have no idea where the MJQ Orion Vs will go though.
2) 126 Street Depot. Maybe they want more Artix for the M15 or they want to articulate another route. I have no idea.
3) Michael J. Quill Depot: See Casey Stengel Depot.
Just opinions...
P.S.: From looking up some things about Michael J. Quill, I found out that his middle name was Joseph, so Michael Joseph Quill.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
5793-5827 (35) CS Nothing is set in stone yet.
5828-5834 (7) MJQ I dont think this is accurate. Orignally it was suppose to be up to 5835. What happen? Anyway, I am sticking buy my word, WF 34 artics and the rest for CS, if they get them.
The layout has all routes except the express,Q101R,and Q22A
For the layout please email me
Please e-mail me
If there is anything wrong
questions, comments, concerns, complements,
Thank you
I hope you will enjoy it
They also have the Flxilbe METRO specs...is there any reason why they let this marvelous bus waste away?Are there any plans to bring it back?
I know...a lot of questions.
If you don't ask,how are you suppose to know?
I guess nobody here knows the answer to these questions.
Maybe I'll ask somewhere else.
Brief summary: ?
Full details: ????????????????????????????????????????
- - - - -
So far, MTA Headquarters has not released any details on the nuts-and-bolts of the takeover, not even to NYCT, because the Governor has not authorized the release of such details. All of us will just have to wait for buses on July 1 and see what shows up.
The couple times I've ridden the 88 (purely for busfanning purposes!), I've ridden one of Academy's ex-NYCT RTS buses, and in the pre-Nova days, I've seen a few Grumman-Flxibles with red bands and no NJT markings at all!
Speaking of those Metro B's, I found myself driving behind one this evening while leaving Garden State Plaza (it was on the 175 route). My friend goes, "Hey Johnny, what kinda bus is that?" So I told him... "A 1989 Flxible Metro B, and this particular one is 102" wide - they come in 96" and 102" versions". He says, "How can you tell how wide this one is?"
I say, "Well, this bus is numbered 3589 - buses in the 35XX series are 102" wide while the 30XX thru 32XX series are 96" wide"
He looks at me and goes, "You know Johnny, I bet the bus driver doesn't even know all that!"
Not all Novas. I assume "Haley's Express" still owns the rights to one of the runs on the 88 (the rest are owned by Academy affiliates). Last I knew, Haley was running an ex-NYCT 3800 bus with express seats on the run (I forget the exact number, but you can find it on the UTC bus roster). It's possible that he obtained the 3500 series Flxible to replace the RTS, but it is more likely the Flxible is owned by Academy.
All members who are on free/premium can request a FTP account where you can upload your photos/videos then I'll do a daily batch to move thoses in your albums.
It is currently beta and it is undergoing test, if you are on free/premium accounts and want to request FTP, please contact me and I'll setup one and email you the details.
This is a good news for people to want to upload alot of photos and videos. It will be used for the batch in your accounts only!
Thanks!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
While I just don't go back into the time of New Looks, I can definitely relate with the engine of my childhood, the 6v92TA. The deep sound of it on the RTS II-03 (slant back and flat back), the high whine/whirr of a Flxible Metro B, the deep roar of a SEPTA Neoplan 8000/1300 series, the oh so fun to listen to even after 17+ years SEPTA Neoplan 3000s, and plus the Orions hooked up to an Allison transmission - one of the reasons why I love my (Ride-On's) Orion Is.
Unfortunately, this is being replaced with the DD50 and Cummins ISwhatever, which basically sound like trucks or "static". Oh well, at least the memories (and hopefully any recordings out there) will live on.
Are there any recordings of these Old Looks out there?
~"Every's bus's journey begins with a wonderful tour of the USA, before it is led to it's assigned city like a lamb to slaughter"
(Of course in DASHland, it's heaven)
Mr. T: What you say foo? You talkin bout my DASH busis?!
...I pity da foo
a)Orion V
b)NABI 416
C)Gillig Phantom
Also, these buses have been repowered with new Cummins ISM engines due to new Emission Regulations, thier original
engines were DD 6V92 models.
Click Here to read more about these new emission laws.
Ray is disqualified from this one, he was with me when I took this picture.
5th Ave. Coach did receive a group of 25 standard styled Mack C50s at the same time, and all ran on the #15 Jackson Heights route (today's Q32) from an old garage at 76th St. and Northern Blvd.
Does anyone have the codes for the WMATA, and Bee-Line Neoplan artics?
For example, the SEPTA Neoplan Artics are AN460-OQ models.
What I am looking for is the two-letter model identification.
Like [DK, EI, EZ, OQ]
HINT: It is the same person who opposed the discontinuation of a total of 9 other DC area routes in the past 12 months.
Interestingly enough, it wouldn't say it in the timetable service changes posted on the wmata website (http://www.wmata.com/metrobus/062704_service_changes.cfm)
(still don't know how to make links). Of course it's on a separate page (http://www.wmata.com/about/MET_NEWS/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=433). It seems like they are illiminating a lot of express lines nowadays. How many do this cuts make? I heard 9?
~While metrorail soars, metrobus falters...
At first, I assumed that it was a driver's error on the destination sign or that I had missed the announcement that service had been extended.
When I checked the online schedule, it appears that service still goes only as far as Franklin Square but I did notice this one tidbit from the schedule. The bus I saw does not appear to make a southbound run after getting to Franklin Square. Does anyone know if this particular run is actually scheduled to go all the way through to Hempstead?
CG
Da Hui
CG
Da Hui
It's The Version 10.0 Update....Ushering in a New Look....
We've added photos to the MTA NYCT (Bus & Subway) and Ride On Pages, and added 5 NEW pages to the East Gallery. We've also added in 3 new sounds including a Orion 7 Hybrid, 3 new movies and some new wallpapers!
Click The Bus To Enter The Update......
ENJOY!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Great job on the update though, Trevor. Sweet sounds!
Thanks To You All!!!!!
Trevor
JD
AND YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I DIG ORANGE LED SIGNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated #5753 on the M23 at 23 Street & Lexington Avenue. Best bus photo I have ever taken so far, taken 4/6/04.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
CG
Here is a idea on how the S60 should be extended to the Ferry.
From Clove Rd & Victory Blvd--Victory Blvd, Little Clove Rd, SI Expressway South Service Rd, Clove Rd, Howard Av, Louis St, Victory Blvd all the way to the Ferry.
From St. George Ferry--Same path as Victory Blvd buses, Louis St, Howard Av, Arlo Rd, Howard Av again, Clove Rd, Staten Island North service Rd, Little Clove Rd, Victory Blvd to Clove Rd.
-Chris
PLUS, riders of the 60 can just get off along Clove Rd, get on the S53 and take the SI Railway (from Grasmere) and go right to the ferry terminal.
I think its time you actually did some riding before you make dumb suggestions.
-Chris
-Chris
-Chris
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
You want to add another one?
The S60 is a shuttle and it will stay a shuttle
If you want to go to the ferry take the one of the buses on Victory Blvd and Clove Rd
I already stated months ago that Victory Blvd has too many buses
Also you have express buses running there also
Thank You
PS-Sorry do not now how to link it and it is listed under transit on the New York City page
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Due to union neogtiations and lack of legislation to get the ball rolling, the takeover of the Private Lines has been postponed until May, 2012. The mayor promises, "to get it right next time," but the passengers have gotten used to the delays in service and new equipment.
"Well, my grandbaby was born on Green Lines bus 633," says Emma Jones, a daily bus rider of Green Lines since 1994, "so it has a close place in my heart. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't see that cloud of smoke heading my way each morning."
"I mean, after awhile you get used to it, you know?" Says Ricardo Rodriguez speaking of Triboro Coaches' antiquated equipment. "It's like an old friend. You know everything about them. That wierd sound the engine makes when slowing down, that odd smell in the back, where the soiled and torn seats are. Hell, I even bring a few crumbs to feed the family of roaches that live near the wheelchair seats."
"I've gotten used to leaving at 5am to get to work at 9." Says Andrea Garza, "It's an adventure everyday. Will the bus break down today and why, or will it even show up at all? And my son thinks it's cool riding on buses that were new when I was a baby."
Da Hui
JD
Oh no it wasn't ! A lot of things were going on within the "private" depots because it might have realy happend July 1st.
I hope that nycDOT stops their nickle & diming of the private companies so we have the ability to provide decent service to the public until the take happens ... that's right it's not a matter of IF, it's WHEN.
Jim D.
But he sets the tone & gives out the marching orders.
I hope that nycDOT stops their nickle & diming of the private companies so we have the ability to provide decent service to the public until the take happens"
Thank You!!!!!!!
Lets stop blaming the city for nickle and Diming the privates and take a serious looks at the way the privates are managed. Do the coopers need to collect salaries at each one of the compaines, do they need to have all thier relatives in little do jobs onthe payrole.
Related thread: http://www.straphangers.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=25;t=000749
If the city had a problem with the Cooper family running their operations, they could have bid-out the franchises. They chose not to do so.
End of story.
I wouldn't go quite that far, but they (nycDOT) have done things to make it harder to "make service" on a regular basis !
I see no usfull purpose to be more specific since they are already packing their office. Things will improve for the public when the TA takes over.
The NYC/DOT may have decided that by not increasing fares, purchacing new buses would allow it to rid itself of an unmangeable, uncooperative relationship with the coopers.
It is obvious that it would not be easy to bid out the routes. Look at the ground swell concerning the non unionized back office people at the privates loosing thier jobs. the same would be true if the franchise went out to another company plus the unionize bus driver positions would not be secure either under different private management.
Maybe DOT began to "starve" the privates in the last few years as a exit stategy. It seemed to work.
Living in brooklyn and riding command lines occasionally. I have always been satisfied with both thier express bus BM3 and B100 services. But in this day and age the duplicate services and the economies of scale that new technologies have brought us, running two sepatarate bus systems is waste of citizens money
Oh yea great management policy ... nickle & dime the operators of the service so the public makes a lot of noise about how losely & infrequent it is. That's sure to generate a lot of votes for the guy who supervises the whole thing .... NOT.
Wouldn't it have been a better management policy to address the alledged problems & get those folks who were alledgedly taking advantage of the City to stop & maybe pay a fine or be replaced .... HELLO
The franchise system with agency supervision WORKS in other cities, can you say Phoenix, or HBLR ?
P.S. You also said how horrable it was that the owners wanted to make a profit .... hmmm read todays NewsDay ... the highest paid guy in NYC was Barry Diller at $156 M. Now there is something to get excited about !
1. What the hell is he going to do with that much money, nothing good if you ask me.
2. How much did the cost of the service he provides have to increase so his corp. could afford to pay him that ?
3. I say tax him $150 M, that will leave him $6 M. That should be enough. Meanwhile all the problems of the City will be solved just with his contribution !
For one how much is the cooper family and thier freinds making in salary.
It is not that easy to "fix" currupt govenment operations. Franchises such as the Coopers pay off local poiticans in the form of campaign donations and other "legal" payments that gets them to side with them and impede needed changes. For instance it is not illegal for a city concilman to do consulting work for a contractor who has business with the city. This is very common and is something that Bloomberg want to ban. Bloomberg is the only local politician that does not need the "side money".
The privates in general have made a small fortune on operating the bus lines. The majority of thier problems are self inflicted. They always had a friend in Govenment who could bail them out.
It is time that the lines get taken over by the MTA. It may end up costing the same to operate or more, but at least the money goes to the hard working workers not some fat cat
"... For one how much is the cooper family and thier freinds making in salary ..."
Seems to me that was published not too long ago & it was compatible with TA equivalents.
"... It is not that easy to "fix" currupt govenment operations ..."
I don't agree with that. You had a new Mayor & a new DOT Commisioner, so why didn't they fix it ? Maybe because it isn't as bad as you say ?
I'm not saying that it isn't part of the culture for a firm who owes it's existance to politians to find some way to say thank you. Those same politians seek out that money to get re-elected, so who's the most to blame ... the politians who beg for it or the firms who give it ?
But, lets get off this issue, because it's water under the bridge !
That is why the MTA takeover is neccissary.
Just as the civil service system was devised to fairly distribute city jobs to the public. The MTA takeover is needed to eliminate the publics money getting wasted on the political money waster that is the private bus system that is both costly to operate and not providing adequete service. this was true even when the city was writing blank checks to the privates.
The MTA needs some belt tightning of thier own. Thier are tens of millions in operating effeciencies that the MTA can employ to reduce costs without reducing needed services and harming their workers. the hybrid bus program born out of the need to reduce emmisions is going to save the MTA millions on fuel costs(the cost of the buses engines will come down)
These operating effeciencies will help the MTA to provide more service to the riders of needed private lines.
Even with consolidation, this is going to cost more than it did for the privates to run. Example, the fare is going to $2. Why is it only $1 even now for the private lines.
People keep missing the point, if the city is laying out $100 million to the private lines now, how will giving the MTA $150 million be cheaper???????????
By even NYC math, that's $50 million more than is being spent now! No matter who is getting the money. And that's the money we were supposed to be SAVING in a take over, according to Bloomberg!
The real savings is down the road when the city can not be held liable for the private's mismanagement of thier pension plans.
Plus let's not forget it is easier to reform one organization then multiple organizations. The MTA needs to completly revamp it's management and operations from top to bottem. Eliminate layers and layers of management and administration and modernze it's operating practices. T
No, it will cost the same or more, it's just that folks in Nassau, Sufolk & Upstate will help out with the bills :-(
Have we forgotten the Nassau County example ?
LI Bus is still running, the County is now paying next to nothing, so where is the money coming from .... HELLO
If you think this is going to cost less, or save the city money, forget it! We were already supposed to save the subsidy money($100 million) that the city was paying the privates. But as it is now, the city will be giving $50 million more to the MTA to run the privates! I'm afraid that when the MTA takes over, they will use any little excuse for them to raise the fare or extort more money from the city.
Does anybody have an answer as to what the "Gold Room" at the MTA garages are?? Save money??? Not if you know what they are!!
Maybe we should call you the Voice-of-missinformation, because you are so wrong about this, BUT it's water under the bridge, so what difference doews it make ?
"... The MTA needs some belt tightning of thier own. Thier are tens of millions in operating effeciencies that the MTA can employ to reduce costs without reducing needed services and harming their workers ..."
But who's going to get them to do that ? Are you going to go up against that monster ? Pinch it's tail & you better be ready to run fast !
In my view the MTA/TA is less accountable then the Mayor controled operation was.
It is on the MTA agenda. The MTA is attempting to reorganize. Who will get this done. Any govenor who see's a way to balace the budget and free up monies for his pet projects
The MTA answers to the state and money. Therefore, if I pull 2,000 people off of their buses with mine, I have a seat at the table. If I have a good state buddy, then my voice will be heard at the table. If I have neither, my voice does not matter. I'm not fond of the way the city handled the bus system, but it will get much worse because there is no accountability.
Of course, the city will also siphon off that subsidy money piece by piece one way or another, so that won't help the situation. However, the MTA's job is to be inefficient by nature to some extent. The rub is that everyone disagrees on what extent that is.
Think about this: is it any coincidence that the city's efforts to have the MTA take over the private routes started with the election of a Mayor who didn't accept campaign contributions?
People get on Bloomberg for being a billionaire, but it is the fact that he he can not be bought which has the local political establishment against him.
Term limits have increased the amount of backroom deals. Bloombergs legacy will be tackling those issues that no other politician could "aford" to tackle. This will lead to a better running city
The privates are accountable to NYCDOT, NYSDOT, the city council, the mayors office, and the division of franchises. If there is something wrong with the system, blame the city, you know the ones STILL holding back the $166 million for new buses!!
The MTA, regardless of who the Chairman is, has to account to the state government for everything.
That's the reporting structure.
Every try to turn a moving barge with a row boat ?
Suggestion, don't get in front of it [ouch]
The CBTC/ATC is being rolled out systemwide starting with the L
plans for eliminating token booths are being pushed foward
The new bus monitoring system will be rolled out over the next few years
Knowledge is power. It is alot harder to hide when you have real time infor. An even more it is harder for the local politicains to lie when the information is thier in black and white
I work for the department of education. Many longtime insiders are leaving because the new structure is forcing them to work. Hundreds of no show 6 figure jobs were eliminated, The same will happen with the MTA. Pataki is dead bent on not significantly increasing funding. New monies will need to come from savings and increasing non fare revenues such as advertising and rental income
Knowledge is power. Do know that the axe is going to swing next year unless a fare hike is passed in some form or fashion. Subway cars were bought on revenue bonds. Stations are being renovated on revenue bonds. In order to pay for debt service, you either cut service or you add dollars to the piggybank.
The Express service is a big money looser, but the public wants it.
So what do you do eliminate it or raise the fare ?
I suspect the latter based on the investment in new equipment that the TA has already made.
The problem is that when you are accountble to more then one place, you are really accountable to noone.
- Overall it's nycDOT
- nySTATEdot cares about some specific issues, e.g. what condition are the buses in ... they do inspections all the time.
- Bureau of Pupil Transportaion looks at the bills for kids who ride the buses, so when an error occurs in the data it needs to be expunged because they should & WON'T pay for it.
- etc.
The point here is that there are a number of agencies who subsidise the "privates" for different reasons, so the farebox plus these additions covers the expenses. At the TA there is one big pot of money, plus the farebox.
That is a lot different then a serious reorganization where you take a close look at productivity & efficiencys to provide a better level of service at lower costs.
1) You have to have $20 million in the bank at all times in case you fold.
2) All the drivers and mechanics are kept, just like in Arizona and several other places.
3) You get to paint the buses however you want and you can hire your own management personnel.
The political connections prevented bidding. The logistics would be less complicated than an MTA takeover.
It gives everyone more time, which is beneficial to all. Hopefully, the City and State can come to an agreement that doesn't hurt the riding public, the current owners and employees of the PBL's and leave the in-house politics with respect to RBA the separate issue it's always been.
So, as it stands now, we know less than we thought we did last month- with the exception of bill passage in Albany. The original PBL Takeover Bill looks to pass with flying colors. The RBA bill hasn't moved since the 15th.
So we wait. And so it goes.
Good luck :-)
I am sorry, I read a news reports saying that the senate passed RBA. As ussual they left out some key facts
Thank You
Based upon what little I know about New York State politics, besides the fact that the legislature hasn't passed a state budget on time since the Carter administration, and the fact that Pataki, Assembly Speaker Silver, and Senate President Bruno have practically been dragging their feet for the past couple years on even the most basic of issues, it's a damn miracle anything actually functions in the State of New York...
You weren't looking had enough.
Which is where we stand today.
Type < a href="the webpage" >your text as the link< /a>. NOTE: There are spaces between the arrows, this is done so you can see how the html code is used.
The best way is to copy the .url address, go to this site and type the .html as stated in the example. So when you want to link the MTA website, you do it like this and make sure you use quotation marks on the web page or it will not work.:
< a href="www.mta.info" >link to MTA web site here OR type any text in here< a/ >
eminate domian cases take more than two weeks to win
This could be the most important move each and every bus/rail photographer/fan can make at this time.
If we are to fight and hopefully win these mass transit photoban battles, we need all the ammunition we can get. And you can't find a stronger and more credible ally than the American Civil Liberties Union.
http://www.aclu.org/
Do it. I did.
Oh, and who's banning photography of buses?
Knock on wood, that hasn't happened here yet.
my opinion is
the Best Depot for each Boro
1. Brooklyn: Flatbush Depot
2. Manhattan: Micheal J. Quill Depot
3. Bronx: West Farms Depot
4. Staten Island: Castleton Depot
5. Queens: Queens Village Depot
the Worst Depot for each Boro
1. Brooklyn: Fresh Pond Depot
2. Manhattan: 126st Depot
3. Bronx: Gun Hill Depot
4. Staten Island: Yukon Depot
5. Queens: Jamaica Depot
The Best Depot
1. West Farms Depot<-best maintenance
2. 100th Street Depot<-best maintenance
3. MJQ Depot<-best maintenance & buses are in good condition
4. Queenvillage Depot<-ok maintenance & buses are in good condition
5. Kingsbridge Depot<-worst maintenance & some buses are bad condition
6. Jackie Gleason Depot<-best maintenance & buses are in best condition
7. Casey Stengel Depot<-ok maintenance but they are short of buses
8. Fresh Pond Depot<-maintenance ok but too many breakdown
9. Manhattanville Depot<-ok maintenance & buses in good condition
10. MCH Depot<-buses are in good condition & maintenance ok
The Worst Depot
1. East New York Depot<-worst maintenance
2. Flatbush Depot<-no respect & alot of buses breakdown
3. Yukon Depot<-2nd worst maintenance also no room for MCI buses
4. Castleton Depot<-maintenance ok but alot of buses breakdown
5. Jamaica Depot<-maintenance ok
6. Ulmer Park Depot<-maintenance ok but there too many old buses
7. 126th Street Depot<-best maintenance but alway running late
8. Gun Hill Depot <-i live in the bronx but Gun Hill never take care of there buses also third worst maintenance.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Thank you Trevor, for everything you do!!!
Not to sound sappy, but I take pleasure in being able to provide something to the hobby. I'm glad to be appreciated. Don't get to hear things like this too often, LOL! Without you guys as patrons, the site wouldn't be what is.
And my staff doesnt here it much, BUT THANK YOU GUYS 10000 TIMES OVER!!!!
Again Thank You Fans!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Athur Thomas
Snap a few of those new 2000's coming in. They've been breaking down like crazy all last week.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
That said, are all the Roadmasters now gone?
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
And has the one-way-street problem been resolved to allow Route 15 to start and restart Route 10 trolleys?
The street problem has not been resolved yet, and it will probably take forever since it involves our usually corrupt and pandering fucks we call city coucilmen and other political entities like ward leaders and such.
MTA-New York City Bus
Regards,
Trevor Logan
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Chris
I don't have a chance to look at timetables right now, but my recollection is that all 156's and most 159's go north of Nungessers and the Fairview garage, as do at least half of the Academy route 22 buses. In addition, the 181 goes north to Fort Lee also. Seems to me like there's adequate service.
Trevor
Hope this helps,
Arthur Thomas
<a href=whatever you want to link to (remember to type http:// and THEN rest of the address)>caption goes here</a>
Example: <a href=http://www.rapidtransit-press.com/519.JPG>Click here</a>
Good luck next time! :-)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
By the way, I promised that when this happened I'd make the bus photos downloadable as ZIP files, you can find them here until 7/1/2004. Inside each ZIP file is a txt file with captions.
Thanks
Dave
Because their orions compared to the ones running from WF and Hale
look bad
Da Hui
While I was walking around all the S48 buses where packed in both directions
I think the S48 needs more service during the midday mainly after 12 noon.
I must say...Albany's on-time performance is quite stellar. =\
Should I be blaming Albany for this? lol
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Worker protections should remain for all workers.
Part of the problem is that the individual union leaderships don't want to give up thier near useless but lucrative positions
The Lexington Ave hill (103rd to 102nd) is pretty steep too, but it's not too hard on the buses are those N/S Manhattan blocks are short. I do remember once seeing a crowded fishbowl that was fighting to get up the hill and then it was struggling, but the bus was no longer moving. The B/O had to ask some of the passengers to walk up the hill and then the bus was able to crawl the rest of the way up.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
NOPE!!
The bus went right up the hill on Powell Street following the cable car tracks!! It was ROARING AWAY, but it went up the hill with a full-packed standing load!!! I couldn't believe it. I even told the driver I wouldn't have had the balls to take an EMPTY bus up that hill, never mind one with a hundred passengers crammed in.
The funny thing was, we got to the top of the hill oh Hyde Street and everyone had to get off. Driver said the bus has the power to bring the pwople up the hill, but not enough braking to bring the load down the hill!!
Besides engines and whatnot, I guess it basically comes down to how light a vehicle is.
Did some railfannin at Mineola, took the train to FBA, walked up to the Greyhound Brooklyn terminal. Saw a few hounds. It's lookin doubtful as far as me working for Greyhound, though the manager did say he was installin a food service at Islip, so he may need someone for that. I'm probably gonna ask at some other area termials like New Rochelle and White Plains(Hempstead is full, and PABT and GWBBT don't hire under 18).
On my way up to Manhattan, I saw another hound on its way to pick up in Brooklyn. Sign read Montreal. This bus runs Brooklyn-PABT-I think Ridgewood-Albany-Montreal-North Montreal, Fri and Sun only. I think this is the same bus that used to stop in Queens Village, but it turns out they don't, or atleast I couldn't find it on the GLI website.
Also saw a LOT of Monsey Tours buses. What gives with these guys? Do they really have that many charters, or do they do line runs down Flatbush Av too?
the pic is crappy, but I was driving back and had to turn around to get this.
Guess what model and make this bus is.
And for the experts, guess what engine and transmission it has.
And for the know-it-alls, guess the unit number and location ;-)
Good Luck!
Are there such things as townships in MD? It seems like every school district is county wide.
Now that I've had a chance to drive an RTS, I actually rank it pretty high. I was hoping to drive one of our Orion V's, but they needed them as spares for our other buses that keep going down. : (
Flxibles will always be my favorite, but I'm developing a soft spot for the RTS as I've had fun driving it, especially the other day when I was rolling down I-66 at 70mph. : )
Here are my complaints though:
1) Adjusting the right mirror was really hard. In fact, I pretty much gave up after awhile. Because of the pantograph doors, you have to really reach around them to get to the mirror. I was able to adjust it enough that I could at least see what I needed to see.
2) I had to get used to the switches. In a Flxible they are all grouped together, here it was one long straight line of them, so I had to keep looking down to find my hazzards switch.
3) I kept banging my knee on the farebox when I was getting out of my seat because you had to make an awkward turn to get out of the little cockpit space.
All in all though, I enjoyed it. I think being that it was one of the older models, it still had that durability to it that you don't always find in the newer buses.
I'll drive one of our Orions in the roadeo. : )
;-)
IF so, then perhaps Cooper might want to take that service over, and then run the buses he owns (NYBS fishbowls, older Classics, the former NYCT CNG's, etc). Perhaps he could make it a new NYBS? (since that company supplies or at least used to supply those mobile classroom things for the yeshivas in the Midwood area).
David
I started off by getting 2036 on the F14(odd thing is same bus same route last bus I took) to Capitol Heights. I then quickly grabbed 2419 on the 96 to Stadium Armory and grabbed a Breda set to McPherson Square. Well due to miscommunication on both our parts Wayne wasn't able to join me to NYC, but apparently I wasn't in the minority. Apparantly other bruthas and some sistas, was on the bus and in fact before we got to B-more the only Asian on the bus was the driver. After a traffic jam on New York Avenue(how odd) we went to B-more to pick up some more people. At B-more, a more mixed group of people got on including a couple of Asians. We made good time getting up to NYC and yes the guy was speeding, but what I assumed he wasn't driving all that eractically. We stopped in Midtown and without a backup plan(this isn't me), I had to improvise.
After figuring out what to do I started walking up to Grand Central station, taking pics along the way, got a lot of MCI pics overall. I got to Grand Central Station trying to load up on bus schedules. Apparently NYCTA isn't the one to put bus schedules out all willy-nilly, so all I wound up with is bus maps of all the boroughs. I decided to try to go to Port Authority Bus Terminal to get some schedules, so I took 5132 on the M104 to PABT. Got there, the same luck, did grab a couple of NJT schedules though. Walked back out and got 8621 on the M34 back to near Grand Cental. Earlier I saw a hybrid on the M1 so I got off at 5th Avenue to try and catch one. First one I saw was a limited, so I decided to wait 30 minutes or give up. Didn't have to wait long as the next one to come was a local, 6387 on the M1. Got on it and took it to 23rd street to get a Flyer artic. The ride was pretty good and so was the acceleration, liked it overall. I then grabbed 1062 on the M23 to 10th street, saw some of the newer Flyers passing by. Got off, walked up to 34th street, grabbed another M34, this one was 9205, back to 5th Avenue, mistakenly got on a Q32 back to 34th street(can you tell I was winging it), 553, grabbed 8261 on the M3 back down to 23rd street to try and grab a fishbowl to CO-OP City. With time to getting short, I grabbed an MCI 1627 on the CO-OP City. I wasn't disappointed all at. The bus was solid, kind of fast and sounding smooth, but the ride was sooooooo long. I was hoping to catch a GM fishbowl back but that wasn't happening. So I took a bus to the nearest subway station that being 206 Bx28 to the end of the line then 6080 on the Bx28(no laughing this was just winging it). Got to the subway station, took a 5 then a 6 back down to Manhattan, just missed the Dragon and Eastern coach buses back to DC and due to a foul up on my part, realized that a Today's coach leaving at 7pm wasn't leaving where I was at now so I missed that one.
I thought that there was more leaving at 11pm and 11:30pm but wasn't as fortunate, so I either was going to be stuck in NYC or take Greyhound, which I decided to do, the 10pm one back to DC. Spent the rest of the day bus watching, walking and eating an ice cream cone. I took my final NYCTA bus being 9621 on the M104 back to PABT. I got a ticket for the 10pm Greyhound to DC and waiting. The bus I got was an MC 12 with a 6V92 engine,2755, back to DC. This bus was DAMN fast overall and with acceleration. I slept most of the way but did wake up in time to see a couple of B-more observations. Of all the new buses B-more MTA has, you wouldn't believe what was running at 2am in the morning, a 1989 Metro B, 8967 on the 20. Also saw further away a much vaunted Neoplan LF, probably on either the 10 or 19. Also saw the new B-more Greyhound terminal(much needed anyway-Bmore bus fans know the reason why). It is pretty nice looking though. The bus finally pulls into DC's terminal and I quickly get a cab home arriving home at 3am in the morning, up for almost 24 hours, and on top of that had to be at work at 8am in the morning.
Overall, the trip wasn't as successful as I wanted it, but wasn't a true bust. Next trip plan routes more, and do it on my vacation hopefully in late July(including with this SEPTA and DelDOT), to stay longer and ride more buses including fishbowls, C40LFs, Orion VII CNGs, and the privates buses. For now more DC/Bmore busfun(which I am more familiar with).zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I hardly saw any individual route schedules on any on the NYCT buses I rode on Monday. I got current maps for 4 of the 5 boroughs, only map I didn't get was SI. But I brought my 2000 SI map along. I winged it in a couple of places but it sounds like you had a fun day, sorry you got home so late!!
Mark
I'm glad you made it there and you also had a full day of buses as well. We'll have to plan again to get the GMDD fishbowl as it's something special and worth the trip. This will be quite possible the NYCTA takeover has been delayed 'til the fall.
We will indeed have to try and ride the fishbowls. I want to try and ride some more of the buses they have up there basically stuck to Manhattan. I also passed by 126th depot and it is odd to see buses actually parked on the street. About 1 New Flyer artic parked right on the street and 6 six more parked sort of off road. You wouldn't see that at DASH, they shrink wrap those buses and seal them up till they are ready for service securely in the garage:P
I don't think you would've found a fishbowl heading back to Manhattan. They usually either head to the garage or deadhead back to Manhattan. So if you take a bus back to Manhattan during the PM rush... it will be a Classic or even a MCI D4500. I'm guessing you passed 126th Street depot while you were on the NYBS Classic. They will often "detour" to get to the Triborough via 127th Street when traffic is tied up along 124th Street (the most direct route to the bridge).
Yes, we defintely have to get to catch these gems while they're still out there. I've been riding them since they were new. I've always had a soft spot the GMDD fishbowls over the GMC fishbowls. Back in the day it was much easier as Queens/Steinway Transit, Triboro Coach and Green Bus Lines also had GMDD fishbowls.
BTW-I think a bus followed me down here. Going to work today I saw Academy MCI 85 or 8647 heading towards DC on Penn Ave. Wish a fishbowl could have followed me home :D
My assitant knows about the Chinese buses also, but I guess when he rode them, the driver he had or drivers sped. I didn't ask him how long ago he rode them, but they don't go slow anymore. Also we were supposed to arrive in New York around 10:45 and even with him leaving late and getting stuck on New York Avenue for about 10 minutes, we got there about 5 minutes early before we were supposed to. One thing I didn't mention was before entering the Lincoln Tunnel, we passed the NJT MCI garage overhead and the sight of all of those MCIs was astounding, not one Flx or RTS in all of those MCIs.
Mine would be NYCT's very own Gun Hill. Why you ask? Because you never know what you will come across on a Gun Hill bus, whether it be a sharp metal rod pointing out from the overhead HVAC units (assuming that they work), half the lights in the bus being dead, or whar is even more fun is when all, the lights on the bus flash erratically with every bump the bus goes over. Pornographic drawings by gun hill employees is always lovely to look at during your ride as well.
Variety is the spice of life, and its what you are guaranteed when you board a bus with that lovely yellow sticker, inside the even bigger sticker that says "Quality Controlled".
Ok, you can unitalisize everything after the word "all", as you read this
The two example photos below tell all (I have a lot more, just I'm too lazy too copy and paste the incredibly long URLs).
NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated #5753 on the M23. Marvel at how well it is maintained at the best maintenance depot in NYCT, MJQ. The best bus photo I have so far, taken 4/6/04.
Interior of NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated #5728 on the M14A. Marvel at how good MJQ is at cleaning furry material. I'm sure the wives of MJQ employees like how their husbands clean their home carpets. ROFLMAO.
If you wanna see any more shots of nice and clean MJQ buses (or other transit photos!), click here.
Sorry if you think I'm being a showoff, but those are two photos I like showing a lot because I'm extremely proud of them. Especially the shot of #5753, which really IS the best bus photo I've taken so far.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
1:West Farms
2:Manhattanville
3:100St
4:Kingsbridge
5:Mother Clara Hale
6:Gun Hill
7:Jackie Gleason
8:Fresh Pond
9:Castleton
First 5 because the bus routes near me come out from those depots.The others only cause thats where I wanna work when I become a BO.
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Well, you would be hard pressed to get me onto a bus, but out here (North Dakota) it now becomes more difficult. Greyhound is eliminating all service across North Dakota (but will continue to serve Fargo from the east).
Story here.
Elias
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Ridership used to be pretty good, after all there were three runs a day in each direction. They *could* have cut it back to one run daily.
They cut out the entire line (all trips) between Fargo and Billings. Other lines and other Greybeast routes also call in Billings, but I suspect that this particular Chicago-Seattle route is what has been annuled.
ND Senator Kent Conrad wants a meeting with Greybeast management... but *that* is just posing for the voters here. Neither the State nor the Fed ever gave the beast a sow for its troubles here, and so could hardly have any legitimate input at this juncture.
Elias
One of the articles mentioned a stop that got 5 or 6 passengers per week!!
I would have thought that perhaps cutting out the lightly used stops but maintaining the overall Chicago - Seattle run would be a first step. Perhaps riders didn't want to take a bus that kept getting off the highway to make dozens of stops where nobody got on or off.
CG
There were three busses running this route per day in each direction. Two were express: stops about every 100 miles maybe more, the other a Local, making all of the local stops.
So one bus a day stopped here in Richardton, and three a day in Dickinson, about 26 miles away.
But they are eliminating the route, all three busses.
All of Fargo to Billings is gone, maybe more beyond Billings. Maybe most of the way to Seattle.
The Greybeast wants out of long haul service, wants most trips to be under 450 miles.
Their choice, I guess.
Elias
I have been mapping out a "Fantasy Bus" that might make some ND stops, maybe run like the trains used to run with trips in both directions both morning and evening. Maybe make the Airport their destination, make a deal with the airlions maybe.
Elias
144 - NJT 71
64 - NJT 97
94/96 - NJT 93/94
Just wondering...;-)
They were like this:
-400 series #s
-LEDs everywhere except headlamps/DRLs (LED reverser taillamps, even!)
-Orange LED signs
-Low-floored
-Diesel
-40 ft. long
-Frontal blinkers long horizontally, right above headlamps/DRLs
-Taillamps/reaer blinkers/reverser taillamps: small and round
New Flyer D40LF? Correct me if I'm wrong. TIA.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
So I was correct; they are New Flyer D40LFs? I know that they're New Flyers now, but my designation is correct (D40LF)? I just want to verify this, because in the world of buses, sometimes I don't know my stuff.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
If a bus route is crowded, one very simple way to fix that is to run more buses.
Once a bus route receives a full batch of artics, headways are increased. The buses won't be quite as crowded as before, but wait times and dwell times will increase.
I have put the payment thru on the paypal at ebay. since you are
flxible
would you know if any of the 30 foot new look flxibles were built with
a
single door and/or set up as suburbans? On the gm baby new looks
nobody
seems to know if any of them were so done?
Does anyone know? I would like to find out as well. Thanks for any input!
-Fred
www.commonwealthcoach.com
-F.
What work was done at the Ferry St. Shops that couldn't be done at the Complex since it was relatively close?
MetroB
After NBC was built, Ferry Street was the new bus prep center. That duty is now handled by the Caven Point faciity in Jersey City, and Ferry Street is now a "school" where NJT employees are trained.
MetroB
NBC was designed to accomodate the newer larger buses like the artics and MCIs. They can do rehabs there as well - the 2600-series Nova RTSes are all being done there. It's less expensive for NJT to farm out more work because it can be charged as an outside expense instead of an operating cost.
MetroB
Cummins Metropower is right up Doremus Avenue from NBC, andn you will often see RTSes and Metro-Ds there getting engine work for their Cummins C8.3/ISC engines.
Newton Ave Body is considered the other facility for when it's not cost effective to tow or flatbed a wrecked unit to Newark.
Can't answer the capacity of CMF, but it can handle at least as many units as Ferry Street.
MetroB
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
MetroB
MetroB
MetroB
the Question #1 is do Millennium Transit Services,LLC has a good Quality Control bus
Question #2 if NYCT ever does order 400 RTS Low-floor from Millennium Transit Services,LLC before NYCT order 400 RTS Low-floor NYCT will test 1 RTS Low floor for like a year before NYCT deliver 399 buses RTS Low Floor
http://millenniumtransit.com/NPD.asp
Period
In any case,Im looking forward to the new RTS Extreme..it gonna breath new life into the best bus ever made in the USA........
In fairness to them, the problems with the Nova-era RTS can be traced back to a lack of support for the product from the parent cmpany in Quebec. Remember, it was kind of an "ego" thing with NovaBUS. They wanted a bus on the streets that they could honestly say THEY created. They inherited the RTS and Classic. They created the LFS. Therefore the RTS and Classic were expendable.
The low-floor RTS was in development in New Mexico and would have been available now had NovaBUS not decided to end RTS production. The new Millennium company was created out of a desire to continue progress and production of the RTS without undue inteference from a company that never cared about it in the first place. And, choose to believe it or not, the RTS still commands respect among many transit systems across this country. It is a strong, solid, dependable, and still (yes, to some individuals) an attractive and desirable design.
I, for one, eagerly await the debut of the new RTS Extreme low-floor bus. And I think it will be successful.
Da Hui
The manufacture bills it as similar fuel effeciency as hybrid buses without the added weight and cost of the hybrid engine.
It used to say on thier website.
The composite material used is the same used in the boeing 777
The composite material used in a CompoBus is a resin material, the Boeing 777 is not made of resin, or is made out of any Composite material whatsoever. However, the 777 has a lighter construction than any other conventional aircraft.
The purpose of the CompoBus is to reduce of the weight of the bus orderall while not sacrificing the engine size displacement, improved performance, longer lifespan, and stronger structure integrity. But it does NOT reduce fuel consumption.
However, you can save fuel by making the bus lighter. Composites are a very mature technology at this point, we've been using them since the 1960s or so, and they're lighter, require less maitenance and can be made stronger than a steel or aluminum bus body. The lighter the bus then the less the engine has to labor to get the bus up to speed. Since Force is Mass multiplied by Acceleration, and force is directly proportionate to fuel consumption, it would then follow logically that the lighter you make the bus the less the bus has to push to achieve the same acceleration and thus the lower fuel consumption the bus will have. It doesn't matter if you put the same diesel in it as a 40 foot steel or aluminum bus, it will consume a moderately smaller amount of fuel than said steel or aluminum bodied bus of the same size. Also comparing the CNG Compo 45 to a diesel is pretty much apples to oranges here, lets assume a hypothetical Diesel Compo 45 with a DD50 and an Allison B400R (just for a commonly used engine/tranny). It's likely that fuel consumption of the 45 foot long Diesel Composite bus would be equal or less than the fuel consumption of a similarly configured 40 Foot steel or aluminum bus, simply because the lighter body.
I think you are moderately confused on what a Composite is and what a composite isn't. A composite in terms of engineering is a massive category under which there are several subheadings, just like "Metals" "Plastics" and "Ceramics". If you were an engineer and you designed something and merely labeled a part "Plastic" you'd get your ass fired in a moment. In the same way, in Composites you can go from basic "Composite" down to specifying the fiber, the length of said fibers, the orientation relative to the other fibers, and the resin in which they sit.
I suppose it'd be better to just start with a what a composite is. According to the dictionary, a composite is: A complex material, such as wood or fiberglass, in which two or more distinct, structurally complementary substances, especially metals, ceramics, glasses, and polymers, combine to produce structural or functional properties not present in any individual component.
In other words if you stick a metal on top of a piece of piece of wood to make a better sled you have just made a composite. There are three main categories in composites, Particle Reinforced, Fiber Reinforced, and Structural. Particle Reinforced composites are those materials which have had various other compounds placed in them to strengthen harden or otherwise improve the material. Portland Concrete and Metal Alloys are both Particle Reinforced composites. Structural Composites are those what feature homogenous materials placed on one another with differing geometries. Examples of structural composites would include Laminates (like Pergo and other flooring), and Sandwich Panels like Tyvek, Pressboard and such.
Of course what you are concerned with are Fiber Reinforced composite materials. These are the ones that everyone thinks of as composites, and the ones which both the 777 and NABI Compo Bus utilize in their construction. A Fiber Reinforced composite usually consists of a thin fiber placed in a resin which will bind the fibers together. It is not the resin that gives the composite it's strength, but the fiber which runs through the resin. You have different fibers like Aramid Fiber Reinforced (also known as Kevlar); Glass Fiber Reinforced, or Fiberglass, litterally spun glass, or Silicon Carbide IIRC; Carbon Fiber, as in Carbon Fiber Reinforced, the hatchmarked piece of fabric that is so popular with ricers. These materials are woven into the desired structural shape so that they'll carry and distribute the load properly, and then are placed in a mold where a polymer resin is poured over them. This mold and the polymer resin is what determines the final shape and such of the fiber reinforced composite. Of course there are tons of other considerations and such, check the back of a chair in school some time, if it looks like there's a million little bits of fishing line just under the surface of a plastic, then that's a composite as well. It's just short glass fiber with a completely chaotic orientation.
Your insistance that the Compobus and 777 utilize completely separate technologies is completely false. There may be differences in the fiber used (say Aramids for the 777, carbon for the Compobus), the length of the fibers, their orientation (not likely, given the rather similar designs), or the polymer used to bind the fibers, but when compared to a plastic, ceramic, metal, or even a structural composite, they're very similar.
Obviously you know a bit more about composite materials than I do but my question is, is the composite material used in the Compobus different from the composite material used on the 777? I am not doubting that they use the same technology but the material used to fill and make up the composite (plastic, ceramic, resin, etc.) on the Compobus different from the material on the 777?
what do you guys think will happan if some routes displacing to other depots, some Buses displacing and improved some buses service after the takeover
Why not leave it at that until we do know, or know something more than we already do?
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
;-)
For example, the Q15 recently had a minor route change in order to speed it up a bit.
A bus that could be used for block parties and events. I would just buy an Orion V or whatever and break out all the windows on one side. I would replace them with giant speakers and put an awesome radio system inside. On the other side, I would rip off the side and put a food serving (buffet style) area at a nice level. If only there was room inside for a small food storage area. You can cook food at a catering place and chill it on the bus. When you get to the place, just uncover the speakers, heat up the food and PARTY. Also, use the Luminator flipdot signs to say messages like happy B-day, Happy Graduation, etc. Im sure it wouldnt be that simple, but wtf.
2. Pimped-Out Bus
Hydraulics, tinted windows, loud music, the works...
3. Demolition derby
Steel interior support, stronger engine, etc.
fuck yeah!!!
4. Mobile home
Turn it into an RV. Probably use an MCI cruiser. Id probably just buy a regular rv instead.
I can think of more, but too tired.
-Chris
What's with the loud music!
The sheriff ought to come and lock you up for noise polution!
Or... What's wrong with some nice Gregorian Chant... : )
Elias
From the old days I'd have a GMDD fishbowl and one of the late Flxible new-looks like those TNJ buses - suburban or transit... it's a toss-up, but it would be a 40 footer with the DD 8V-71N engine.
Intercity - I'd take an Eagle 05 Golden Eagle and a MCI MC-7 Challenger and perhaps a MCI MC-5A
From the more modern stuff -
Of course there would be a Flxible Metro B and E, Grumman 870 w/DD 8V-71N and a MCI Classic.
Intercity - It would be a 102C3 w/DD 8V-92TA, MC-12 w/DD 6V-92TA, Prevost H3-41.
All would be original. Definitely no conversions for me.
I'd probably have to convert a VanHool or setra, but then again, that Neoplan Starliner looks huge, the website says it's got a DOWNSTAIRS bathoom. That might be the coolest.
But then again, you need a lot of room, this is america, so let's articulate the sucker:
That's how you do it!
I LIKE that. that's what I'm doing when i'm rich and eccentric(or poor and nuts). Probably be cheaper than an RV too.
That would be more than excellent, considering you can't have a model of the entire NYC Subway System (NYCSS) unless you live in a mansion.
As you know, I'd prefer a model of Artic #5753 because that was the bus that was in my favorite bus photo ever taken.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Heck, you see the remote controlled firetrucks and stuff they got nowadays? I want one of those too! Much better than the ones when i was a kid. I'm so jealous.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Faller, the German model manufacturer has the Faller Car System, which has been out for 10 or more years, and which involves a magnetic tape hidden under the road, which the steering will follow. There are accessories that allow you to add switches, bus stops, traffic lights, depots and such. It was originally designed as a way to add animation to model railroads with automated cars, trucks and buses, but has quickly progessed the to the point where people are modeling roadways independent of railroads. The system is not cheap, as this site shows, you're looking at nearly $125 for a starter system, but the principle is so simple that you might be able to scratchbuild models for considerably less if you're skilled with wiring, cutting styrene and then glueing it into place. Walford Arches is a model system of a London Tube stop's bus terminal, no Trains are featured (to the best of my knowledge), but the train station there merely provides the impetus for such a large number of buses gathered in the same place. Both diesel buses and ETBs are featured, a homage to London's once extensive ETB network, and all buses are based off the Faller chassis, cut up and with plastic styrene or resin bodies placed atop them. Also Mr. Graeme Bennet has made his own system using the Faller Car System, it seems he uses the more conventional Faller Buses from the manufacturer, not kitbashing like the other system, but still has relatively impressive stuff. If the pictures do not work, I apologize, the ETB Homepage site has never seemed to work properly.
Another option is to take the path that Ben McKay has taken. His HO scale system does not use the Faller Car System, instead his controler (likely based off a model train controller), controls the steering and speed of the vehicle. This system requires two motors and three power lines (one negative common, one positive motor power, and one positive steeting), but would accentuate the flexibility of ETBs as compared to Trolleys, something the Faller Car System fails to do. Mr McKay used a metal road to provide the motor circuit, the left wire as a common, and the right wire as the steering power. His layout has two tracks running across it that are NMRA compatible so that he can attach it to other model railroader's modules to run trains and trolleys past his ETBs.
The final option I could see for creating a scale bus model which would have all features busfans seem to adore, specifically the freedom of movement, would be just to cut up a R/C car and attach it to a scale frame. This could easily be done in an O scale bus, which would also provide ample room to hide the batteries to power the whole thing. Depending upon how much money you want to spend and how much you trust your skills with wiring and modeling, you could theoretically have everything Mr. Diamond said above. Servos could easily operate the doors and a kneeling system, and lights could be joined by relays and such to the circuits that controls steering. You turn the steering wheel left, the left turn signal goes on, you stop and the brake lights go on, you open the doors and the curb lights go on, etc.
A working destination sign that'd be legible in O scale would be difficult to say the least. LEDs are likely too large to be used, the only thing I could think of would either be an orange tranlucent rollsign backlit by an incandecent or LED light. Or if you REALLY want the LED look and all, you could do Fiber Optic cables that run from somewhere under the bus where an array of LEDs sits staring into them and the fiber optic wires transmit the light from the LEDs to the destination sign. This would require so much work I almost shudder to think of it, you'd need probably a 12 by 40 or 50 array of LEDs, and 600 LEDs is not the easiest thing to accomplish. You'd also need a controller for the LEDs, and supply all of them with power, probably 1.5volts at a few microamps.
I am unaware of anyone who has attempted a completely R/C Bus, but I know there are some folks out there who make scale bus models of both current and past buses, it might be good to start with one of them and hack it to pieces, fit your components inside and hope it works.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Routemasters now selling for as low as Ł2000 (Great Britian Pound) a little extra for shipping Southampton-New York and it's yours!
Regards
Rob
www.ensignbus.com
is one such dealer
Both were red right?
A neighbor down the street did just that. I gues he got tired of buying and fixing up homes. He bought two GMC transit busses. One to use and the other for parts.
He also bought the village gas station (it had to move out because they did not want to deal with the issue of upgrading the storage tanks). He converted the gas station into his home. Man but he and his wife do some fabulous construction work.
Anyway... the busses... he did convert it into a mobil home:
First he lenghtened the bus by one window length, he also raised it up by about two and a half feet. (to what would just fit into his garage.)
All new or rehabbed structural work, new engine and heating/ac plant.
Very nice workmanship. They are both retired, but when he started in on the bus, she went back to work at Wal-mart. She said she didn't mind building houses, but drew the line at rebuilding busses.
Anyway, the bus is finished and they recently returned from a year long road trip.
Elias
Da Hui
And again DEEP apologies to anyone who took the day off to do this trip. If anyone is still interested, more details to come and possibly a slight plan change.
1) What are retarders?
2) What is that small orange light near the bottom of the RTS in the middle section of the bus?
It's the orange/yellow light right under the ad. What's it called and what's it for?
3) What's that small bright white light at the bottom of the NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated in the middle section of the bus?
You can see it here. What's it called and what does it do?
P.S.: Although I have a photo of D60HF #5724, this photo here was taken by Brian Weinberg (Sir Ronald).
TIA for the answers.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The light appears to be a turn signal.
The bus is long enough that the driver needs to warn other vehicles of his intentions even after they have passed the rear of the bus.
The white light on the flexible seems to be a headlight of sorts, intended to warn drivers that the bus is longer than they think. They see the rear wheels of the bus and don't realize that there is more bus back there.
I don't suppose Elizabeth Dole was the creator of those lights, so I think they are arbitrary with the builders/owners of the vehicle. But they make sense to me. Even if NY drivers are not as stoopit as Houston drivers, every little bit helps..
Elias
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The MTA ethier moved them lower themselves, or had Orion move them at the factory.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The amber light on the side of the RTS is a center marker light. They were required on buses beginning in 1968, and on older buses (Fishbowls, etc.) were placed above the standee windows.
The white light on the New Flyer artic is a curb light, used to help illuminate the curb area for both the driver and pedestrians. Depending on the operating company, they can be activated with turn signals and/or with door openings.
And if you look on any NJT MCI or it's piggybacks, they are loaded with the curb illuminating lights.
Of course there are also things like Bleeder Brakes and Exhaust Brakes for smaller vehicles with diesel engines. They're on Jake Vehicle Systems's site: http://www.jakebrake.com/content.php4?doc_uid=4&PHPSESSID=a98ad6ab589a6c50b14d29b23f182b77
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Trevor Logan
thanks
steve
Tony M.
#4767 and #9100.
Also, saw run #022 on the B1 down on 19th Avenue and Bath Avenue this afternoon with 2 dispatcher cars next to him. I didn't know if there was a reroute on the B1 today.
Also, noteworth on new, Ulmer Park now has #8776,#8784,#8788 and #8791(which still has it's Bronx Map) in service. Also in service and seen is #8891 and #8893.
#8682 is back at ENY as well. Saw him on the b82.
B1-#9301-NOVABUS
B8-#7565-Orion VII
B64-#9317-NOVABUS
Da Hui
Well the 8 bus goes right by this at least and the 46 I think if you're on a bus. :)
I was just thinking something about preventing derailments. That's single track and up ahead is double track. I'm thinking if the front truck is over that the back is coming off the siding, so the distance might be right. It seems heavy enough to keep something aligned or leveled or something. I have no other guesses, and other than to catch hanging/dragging stuff, subtalk isn't expert there either. Werid.
Volvo artic exclusively used on the 10 line.
Likely this was the local city bus
Bus Eireann long distance bus
AIRLINK
AerDart
City Imp bus, used on the 123.
Not sure of what this livery was for. (Shortly after I took this picture, on Friday night in Dublin, a drunk girl who was trying to hit people on Westmoreland Street backhand-slapped me in the face.)
CitySwift (which served Maynooth, where I stayed).
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
So...does anyone know anything about this? Where was the terminal? How many buses a day? Were there ever any express buses via LIE(no stops in Hempstead or Queens Village)? Where did they go(probably the same as the ones from Islip, just that those routes were now cut back to Islip).
I think Greyhound should definately reinstate(or in case they never did run there, start) service to Riverhead. Run a commuter service like their Mt Laurel-NYC one. Have locals making Riverhead-Islip)exit 55)-Melville(exit 49)-Hempstead(transit center)-Queens Village-PABT/GWBBT) and some express runs via the LIE making Riverhead-Islip(exit 55)-Melville(exit 49)-PABT or even Wall St area like those Mt Laurel buses.
Seems like a good idea to me, especially since those in Riverhead have nothing rail service, and we all know LIRR isn't expanding service out there anytime soon. It'd be good for the area. One more option.
Perhaps some kind of a co-op deal with Hampton Jitney or Sunrise Coach could be worked out until there is enough of a demand for Riverhead Service.
So, does anyone know where either the Riverhead or Smithtown terminals were?
Also, according to the Greyhound schedule book I got, they have a daily run from Miami to Long Island, no transfers. Anyone know anything bout this one?
I still think Greyhound should restart Riverhead service and start that commuter service I mentioned before. I don't know about from Smithtown though.....maybe....
N69 used to be operated by LIB (or at least by MSBA, not sure which came first the name change or the shift to Long Beach as the operator).
Perhaps you have to tell the driver that you're transferring and get a paper transfer?
Does anyone know of a good place to post these files?
FWIW - I recall that Transitalk used to host .wav files but found that the Transitalk sounds page no longer exists.
The bus in question is NYBS Fishbowl #1499 and the recordings were made on the Bruckner at speed.
Bus Multimedia (Movies & Sounds): http://www.transitalk.info/Bus-Multimedia.html
Rail Multimedia (Movies & Sounds): http://www.transitalk.info/Rail-Multimedia.html
Enjoy
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
A couple of decades ago, I was behind a Liberty Lines Fishbowl on the Thruway near Ardsley and he was flyng. I was only able to maintain my distance once I hit 80 MPH. And I'm not even sure he was wide open (he was going downhill towards the Ardsley tolls.)
When I used to ride Walter's Transit back in the early 80's, they'd typically push up to and max out at about 70MPH. Of course the 4 speed stick shift in an SDM5303 may not have been geared for speed as much as the more recent version automatics.
Anyone know for a fact how fast a Fishbowl can move with highest speed gearing - or max speed GMC designed them to go?
here is the link:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/scbp/default.htm
FYI those redesigned routes go into effect in late September.
I think this will be just as successful like the job FC did in the Reston/Herndon area. If they could fix that mess out there, then Richmond Hwy will be a peach.
Can the guys that designed this come to NJT and work in South Jersey? We need their talents desperately.
Given the chance to, if the Flxible came back, T/As would line up to buy it again, too bad mismanagement forced it out of business.
I LOVE the Flxible suspension when it works right. Soft, bouncy, floaty, and especially that trademark Flxible lean ;-).
I would have to agree that the Flxible is not a good performer, most of the time they are sluggish and slow to get up and go. There is the few occasional "quick" Flxibles but they are slow in taking off and go for the most part.
Personally I believe the Flxible is rated perfectly fine, they are a craze and everyone loves them, including myself. Though they are not a perfect bus.
The ones I've rode are :
6v92/V731 : Moderately to decently fast
L10/Voith : Sluggish to decently fast
DD50/V731 : Sluggish
DD60/??? : Decently fast
M11/??? : Very fast
DD50/ZF : Decently fast
I find that the Metro-Bs (with any powertrain) are generally faster than the more Modern Flxibles.
My impression of WMATA's Metro-Es is that they seem to have a rather long throttle delay, but once you get past that ... they're capable of some good speed.
It would be a dream come true if they went back into production. I am thankful that I get to enjoy them for a few more years.
Enjoy them while they last.
Sadly these buses are disappearing. The decade since the company went out of business has been a long and depressing one for bus fans that love these well-designed and very good-looking buses.
I have the Flxible book, and wondered if the company was still around, what would a low-floor Metro look like ?
1) DDEC 8V71/??? (rode 870s with this combo at 4 different agencies, also rode SCRTD's 870s after they had been repowered with 6V92) (sob!)
2) Cummins L-10/Voith (I got a kick of the way they would vibrate at idle (at least SCRTD/LACMTA's did)
I believe the last reported arrival was 407.
BIG AL
Robert
Very true, but those ex-Westchester Bee Line RTS (03)had been some of the very early retrofits with the odd-looking A/C units.
BIG AL
BIG AL
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Only insiders would understand!
Withheld bus funding....................................$166 million
The city's lost savings to subsidize the MTA's budget deficit ................................................$150 million
The city waking up the morning after the takeover, wondering where it's clothes are, surrounded by empty tubes of K-Y.......................................................Priceless!!!
You are not alone in this my friend.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
It just shows, as hard as he might try, we just can't be held down by the MAN!!!!
:)
Photos
Peace,
ANDEE
Did you walk across the apron to see the sea planes ?
Did you see the emerg. test facility (bus & red birds) ... that's hard to get in, a group of us gave up on that.
I didn't photograph all of the buses.
Did you walk across the apron to see the sea planes ?
Sea Planes in water? No. I went into the hanger and saw all the goodies in there.
Did you see the emerg. test facility (bus & red birds) ... that's hard to get in, a group of us gave up on that.
Yes, I saw it. I tried to get in, but decided that today wasn't my day to die so I gave up before the police could come chasing.
"... Yes, I saw it. I tried to get in, but decided that today wasn't my day to die so I gave up before the police could come chasing ..."
Exactly, very hard to get in there, but with a powerful telephoto lens you can snap some photos.
Increased Mass Transit Fees Irritate Passengers: Other Commuters Also Face Higher Costs
Letters to the Editor: Little That's Smart About Metro Changes
From WTOPnews.com:
Metro Overwhelmed by Commuters Buying SmarTrip Cards
The commuters of DC are really pussies.
And that's from a HARD-CORE user of the services I just mentioned.
At least in MD, the roads are extra wide - here I have to suffer daily with traffic on the main 4 lane road.
On top of all that folks do have to realize... it's mass transit and despite some of the nonsense that seems to come with major transit agencies... it is a good and inexpensive way to travel. I think WMATA does a good job of covering a lot of areas, but folks also have to realize that with cuts all around these days and rising costs it's unrealistic to expect the fares to not increase.
It's really the case of ignorance upon people who just don't know, although WMATA did try to tell them. They don't know about the 28 percent increase in fares that SEPTA did (god help you if you rely on Regional Rail). Nobody cares to think about NYCTA's fares. They really need to understand that the service WMATA provides (at least for Metrorail) is worth it's 1.35 fare and MORE! Just look around the system - amazing fleet, smartrip machines, great farecard system, Multi-colored sign boards, etc, etc, etc. I'll admit though that it can get very expensive very quickly. About the bus fare (that is only 1.25, right?) people usually have 25 cents more often than 20 cents. Also, 1.25 with a free UNLIMITED transfer and NO zone fares? That's a dream! That's heaven! If that's not enough, it's honored by almost EVERY area TA in MD and Virginia?! I wish I could tell them that it cost me (in cash if I ever ran out of tokens) $2.60 just to go down the road a little bit to school (i had to take two buses). That's over twice the amount it would cost for me to do that with WMATA fares. It's a lot more to go to Philadelphia for me too (3.70 with a transfer and zone fares for my violin lesson - not including the bus to take me to the mall to catch the bus to Phila). Please remember that's one way.
Tokens were so annoying to get until I finally found a place that I could walk to. Day passes are the worst to get though. While DC can get them on the bus, I have to go out of my way to the nearest rail station office (that's norristown, and I have to take a bus there) to get there by 2:00!
All in all, there's a reason why I started transitfanning in the DC area before I ever started riding SEPTA for fun.
I wish someone would inform them of this - they need a smack across the face. I'm sorry to be so harsh but when I'm walking up a huge hill at home because it is faster than the bus and it would cost me so much more for a transfer, I dream of WMATAville.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
A note about Casey- the man never operated a bus in passenger service. He nosed his way up the ranks via maintenence, and has a penchant for walking the BO Line and lift area seeking potential discipline cases. Alert your fellow TCC BMA/BMB/CC's that the man will be watching.
Things are about to change at Triboro.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
What's going on?? We have yet to see.
And both these pics are from the Dayton Trolleybus Hompage: http://daytontrolleys.homeip.net
http://busexplorer.com/WorldBus/Images/Archives/xwShenzenFlxibleDDAlt2.jpg
http://busexplorer.com/WorldBus/Images/Archives/xwShenzenFlxibleDDAlt.jpg
Articulated Flxible New Look
45 foot Flxible Metro
45 foot RTS
30 foot AMG
Orion One Articulated
30 foot MCI D Series coach
45 foot MCI D Series coach with rear doors
Just some thoughts
What about a stand-up comedian NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated (2003-2004 models with TwinVision orange LED signs) that performs comedy by using the signs? LOL. Seriously, that's as close as I can get.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
with special guest
NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated #5753
I actually perform "bad" stand-up at school sometimes when I'm not in class (Seriously). :-)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
But who cares about the critics when all we need is mass transit? :-)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Details:
http://www.riverline.com/images/pdf/riverline_schedule062104.pdf
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Jope from the North,
You CAN post to Subtalk, there is nothing to prevent you from doing so. This is decidedly a Subtalk-oriented piece of news which many people over there would be interested in (admittedly a repost of a repost of a repost, but same difference). The Stadler LRVs have steel wheels and run on 140lb/yd rail, they're trains not buses, and as such conversation regarding them likely belongs over there.
Where might there be 140 pound-per-yard rails on any part of the River Line . . . ? Perhaps the heaviest it gets would be 115 lb/yd. (They use 140 lbs/yd on the Northeast Corridor; it looks quite bulky and monstrous, so you can distinguish it from lighter weights.)
This is of course the wrong forum for this stuff; them River LINE vehicles got flanged steel wheels.
a busload of airport workers on the 4:05 AM trip to LaGuardia...rainfall has made many of the seats wet...the roof and many windows are leaking...the bus starts smoking, and dies a couple avenues after Northern Blvd...
driver asks passengers to evacuate...roughly fifty passengers begin walking to make long trek to airport in hopes of making work on time...
another bus with the same driver picks up many of the passengers about a half-mile from the airport...
another day in the life of ridership on the privately-run Queens lines...
Six-of-one, half-a-dozen of another.
Jonn
Trevor
Oh, and don't you mean a right on Tillary.
So, this is just part of the loop, or does it have a stop Sands or Jay Sts?
Correct.
So, this is just part of the loop, or does it have a stop Sands or Jay Sts?
Nope, that's the layover area. First stop is at Adams/Johnson in front of the park.
Thanks
steve
The last stop is at Tillary St but the first stop is at Johnson St/Adams St. They need to remove or put tape over the B103 sign at Tillary/Cadman Plaza East where the B25 also stops at.
Where in BK Heights you live, if you don't mind me askin.
I believe Dumbo means Directly Under [the] Manhattan Bridge or something... a gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood right near the Manhattan Bridge.
Down Under (the) Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Yeah that neighborhood has really come up.
Da Hui
From the numbers I heard, I instantly thought it was a low floor bus (NF C40LF or Orion 7), but, to my surprise, it turned out to be an RTS. The picture appeared before the location or route number (B52) was mentioned.
BIG AL
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
http://mta.info/lirr/html/ttn/hwm.htm
http://mta.info/lirr/html/ttn/hem.htm
CG