The question is: Why there are so many independent bus operators in North Jersey [like the Jersey City IBOA's, and Coach USA], and there's ABSOLUTLEY NONE IN SOUTH JERSEY? I mean if there are some independents down south, maybe the transit situation would be a hell of a lot better[even if they need heavy subsidies fron NJT to keep operating.]
The private operators in north Jersey have been around for decades. Some have merged, other's change owners, but there have been no NEW private companies formed in a long time. They have had their territory and Public Service/Transport of New Jersey/NJ Transit saw no need to compete or takeover that service.
PS long ago took over routes abandoned by the few south Jersey private operators, and because of the population density at the time (50s-60s-70s), there was no demand for additional service that PS/TNJ couldn't cover.
Since more people have moved to the region, there is additional demand, but not enough that a company can make any money providing service. You won't see operators setting up dollar van or minibuses because the density just isn't there for that, and no one will spend the money to buy or lease new full-size buses and cover insurance/benefits/operating costs for what may not be enough passengers to cover those costs.
Philboro lasted until the late 70's, they had this one immaculate Flxible Suburban [7713] used on its one express run to Glassboro to Philly in the morning, and from Philly in the afternoon.
Now those were real buses. And they were sooooooo fast. For a while in the 90's Metro-Apple Express used to have a small bunch of the suburbans and one-door transits. Those buses were so much fun to ride. I think those TNJ days were the best because there were all of those hundreds are new-look Flxibles along with the mixed bag of GM new-looks and they had a mixed bag of over-the-road coaches too.
They actually put the schedules in PDF format!
AFA the Neos are concerned, I'm surprised they didn't have at least one Neo 40-ft pictured, such as, say, 3371...
AFA the web site is concerned, I can't understand what took SEPTA so long to update that site. It seems as though they had the same format for nearly 4-5 years. I think SEPTA is the last of the major TA's to go to PDF files for timetables; they were doing that when there were "special" schedules (recent examples - the extra R6 Norristown service for the bike race and the Memorial Day timetables on certain suburban routes).
As an added bonus, the current and new timetables are posted for when schedule changes are upcoming, which will certainly make it easier for people to see what changes have been made without reading the double-talk of SEPTA's Mis-Information Department...
Personally, I liked having the HTML option for viewing schedules - it's useful for people who don't have adobe acrobat reader. What if someone is using their cell phone?
Anyway, I like it. Just wish they had a Neo photo...those Neos more than deserve recognition - they WERE SEPTA before the New Flyers came in.
Just think - every new bus order since the EZs have been replacing Neoplans, and they still aren't gone yet!
its about time for septa to upgrade the look of their site to fit the septa logo of today..
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
As another example,the same can go for the Q43. How much of the bus is SRO after Braddock Ave? Use the Q1, Q76, Q77, Q36!! (this does not pertain to the Q43 Limited)
I already see it as a waste of money on Merrick Blvd
Because the Limited service on the Q85 ends a few blocks from Merrick
Blvd they should just run all the Q85 limited to Baisley and Merrick
I think during the rush hour they have more than enough service
I dont think it is neccessary for the Q85 to have limited stop service
along with the Q5 if it runs all stops on Bedell St
Exactly
Because the Limited service on the Q85 ends a few blocks from Merrick
Blvd they should just run all the Q85 limited to Baisley and Merrick
I agree as well.
I think during the rush hour they have more than enough service
Yup
I dont think it is neccessary for the Q85 to have limited stop service
along with the Q5 if it runs all stops on Bedell St
Well that I may disagree with. Im sure people who live from Bedell St down to Green Acres want to get home just as fast as everyone else.
Also there are new B15 bus stop signs with the airport logo. Its only in the JFK bound direction. I saw these along New Lots Ave.
I wish I had my camera.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
ENY Has a good Portion of 1999 Nova and 1996 With UP & FP Adding to that and with The Novas coming to Bk now from the BX.
BK will become the New Home of the Nova.
Juts a Though
The Sum Of all The Depot Nova count Well Over 500 And All The 07 Or 07 HEV Are Not in Yet And All The Novas Have Left THe Bronx So it Could Top a Little Over 600.
Kings BK As "Home Of The Novas" ;)
Just a Though
DNJ
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I think the next NovaBUS RTS to leave KB for Brooklyn is #8851, which I spotted on the Bx7 today without a depot sticker on the back left side panel.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
As an aside, every NYC metropolitan area bus fan should take a ride on the 62 for its entire length between Newark Penn Station and Perth Amboy. A fascinating run for almost 2 hours! ($2.80 regular fare; $1.25 seniors and disabled)
Bus #1841 had fairly new seat cushions and I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable the seats were for the almost two-hour ride. The thought of doing that trip on plastic seats is genuinely scarey!
I see pedestrians doing all kinds of crazy things in New York City. I wonder what type of tragedy it would take for them to learn how to act responsibly.
I think Jasper (on The Simpsons) said it best: "The sidewalk's for regular walking, not for fancy walking."
Shuffling of equipment because of new CNGs coming in ?
Bill "Newkirk"
Da Hui
Speaking of bus music, I took my better half out to Valentine's dinner earlier this year in my Flxible Metro (yes, I own one) and as we left, we were listening to the Disco Party mentioned above, and "Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward came on. So she starts dancing around and swinging around the grab handles inside the bus, and when I parked, I went back there and joined her! (Another note on that song is that is her favorite "toy" on the bus...pulling the bell cord, and watching the "Stop Requested" sign light up. So we rang the bell repeatedly as we danced around inside!)
On that note, she found the crowning touch that I have always wanted for my bus at the local flea market last weekend...a giant disco ball! I promptly installed it, and it is hanging inside the middle of the bus...just in time for me to install a bed and curtains! :)
-Fred
"DISCO BUS"
"GROOVE LINE"
"JIVE TALKIN'"
"DOUBLE DUTCH BUS"
Think of some more...I may put 'em up there when I have the sign done!
-Fred
MAN...you are ON IT!!! You won't believe this; my bus actually came from the TTA (Tri-state Transit Authority) of Huntington, WV. It even has "TTA" embroidered into the driver's seat! OK, that one is DEFINITELY going onto the roll sign. How funny you thought of that!
-Fred
Anyway, it seems like your bus is becoming a party bus!
Now there's a visual for you....overly tinted windows, 40-inch rims with spinners...leather couches and shag carpet inside, booming Fosgate system with DVD player and Playstation, full bar, curtained-off "get busy" compartment in the back...
....and a CROWN ON THE DASHBOARD!!!
If somebody ever pimps out a Flxible Metro, it would either be the coolest or most horrible thing you've ever seen. (Here's a little secret, though: if you ever own one and want to go with the "clear light" theme seen on a lot of low riders and imports, it's very simple; all the wraparound lights are interchangeable front and rear. Just get six extra backup lenses, swap them out with the stop and turn lights, change out the corresponding bulbs, and bada-BING!).
-Fred
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
No, you know what you really need to do. Put in one of them disco style floors in the bus. Ya know, with the lights and all, kinda like what they did on Monster House.
As far as the hydraulics, I don't need 'em....I've got my own. ;)
-F.
I just remembered I think there was a club or someting called "The Bus Stop" in philly, maybe on Frankford. Is that still around or was that where it was? Think it's a local thing, but another bus named thing around.
I'm lookin for a copy of the song next time i'm awake and not at work. :)
Only time I've ever had a bus with music, "school" bus for a college circular, and CATAbus in central PA all have working radios that broadcast onthe PA, including tape deck. That's interesting. Never seen a transit system with radio since.
-F.
-Fred
Some people like to fly around in first class, but a Greyhound bus goes pretty dang fast
oOps, here it is
Other bus songs that come to mind:
"Bus Stop" by the Hollies, "Magic Bus" by the Who, "Thank God and Greyhound" by Roy Clark (country music hit).
Mark
I'm not sure if i posted it or not, but there was a news story about a smaller city using refurbished 50's buses for their fleet. I want to say memphis but it's probably somewhere in missouri. Have to look it up.
But that sounds sooo much better than these fake trolleys they wont' stop making. I'd love to see that. That has to be enjoyable with just as much appeal.
And before y'all say downloading doesn't count, I have about 5 cd's and that's it, mostly mixes or special things. I used to use casettes before mp3's, so i'd love to know where the record company is for filing a lawsuit for me taping stuff off the air. It's not like they play anything I got on here anymore anyway.
That commercial rocks.
As I was comming into Hempstead again today I saw two Stingle Orions and a jamica RTS sitting right by the train station I have no idea what they were doing there and the bus drove by so fast that I couldn't get the numbers.
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=119673
1. Have the trolley start in Manhasset Isle, run up Shore Rd, Main St, 101, 25A, and Old Northern BLVD to the clock tower. Then, convert the N23 to all Harbor Rd runs. This would atleast give the section between Mill Pond and the PW LIRR station to trolley only service.
2. Convert entire N23 to trolley(definately not happening).
All in all, as great of an idea this is, I'm very skeptical about whether or not this will even be seriously considered.
A few new ideas I came up with:
1. Have N23 split its routes half and half. Half operate via Main St, the other half operates via Harbor Rd. They keep running every half hour, which means each routing sees hourly service. So 30 minutes after the N23 runs on Main St, the N23 can run from the town dock, down Main St, and then to the clock tower.
2. Have the N23 start an express routing. Basically, the current Harbor Rd route, except instead of going down to the clock tower, it turns right onto Mineola Av. That way it skips the whole Roslyn loop, saving it probably 10-15 min.
aight, so, combine those 2. Now here's what you have:
-Hourly service on N23 via Harbor Rd
-Hourly service on N23 via Main St
-Harbor Rd buses follow new express routing
-Trolley covers Main St to clocktower runs whenever the N23 is running via Harbor Rd. The trolley and the bus parallel eachother between the LIRR PW stop and Old Northern BLVD/Mineola Av. Maybe run the trolley 5 minutes before or 5 minutes after the bus.....
That's the only decent solution I can come up with.
Thats right! The Flxible (design, at least) is still being produced as of today.
Manufacter's Site
And Another
All in all, they are nice buses, but they don't have the Flx 'tude (at least the 1st ones). Just like how the Orion VIIs have their 'tude too.
Flxes don't look that bad with even windows. If they had that option, maybe SEPTA would've bought some ;) (btw, I know what happened with the New Looks and SEPTA - just a joke type thing about how slanted drivers windows are "not permitted" on SEPTA property).
If only those could be brought back, hey if some Flx fan wins the 290 million dollar mega millions, may I suggest you know. I didn't win, probably not even a dollar :(
Click Here To View
(Tested and Viewed in Window's Media Player, Don't know if it works in any other video medium)
Enjoy!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Trevor
And then, what are the emissions of a typical CNG or HEV bus in relation to a typical car?
This is for purposes of informal debate.
But i wanted to ask, are you comparing one bus to one car? I usually like to take what I think is average ridership for a route on a bus, or if talking about one route, per hour or per day and do that comparasion. Like say a 40ft bus is the size of 3 Excursions(or 3 chicks driving), and on a particular route I see 20 people on it per bus. And of course you can change that to 35 or 44 people seated, or 60 or 70 peopel crammed like sardines. Verses 3 people. And then you can times that by frequency, 2 times an hour, 4 times an hour, 20*4=80 people versus 12 people and 12 SUV's on a road.
I also figured out I have a busway in Tampa that has something like 490 buses per day traversing the 2 lane road downtown. You can do whatever with that, but I figured if you take an average bus of 20 people sitting comfortably(not sharing a bench of cramped, comfortable), and a lane can carry 600 buses per hour, give or take depending, that's 12,000 people, vs 1200 cars on a typical highway lane(cars not suv's). Our 490 buses are mostly rush hour runs on weekdays, but i guarentee it see's more humans going down that road than a typical 2 lane car road.
I hope these idea's help somewhat. ANd of course you take the emissions Parts per million and add that in my first paragraph. It's all about working the numbers into your favor and turning raw data into digestible info. :)
----
A bus with as few as 7 passengers is more fuel-efficient, in terms of passenger miles per gallon, than the average single occupant vehicle used for commuting.
The fuel efficiency of a fully occupied bus is 6 times greater than that of the average single occupant auto.
Our cars use more gasoline each year than the entire U.S. oil industry produces.
The cost of traffic congestion in 1999 came to $78 billion nationwide, 4.5 billion hours of lost time due to traffic delays, and 6.8 billion gallons of fuel wasted while sitting in traffic.
People are driving longer distances and more often. Between 1982 and 1999, the average community’s population grew by just 22%. However, the number of miles increased by 70%.
Estimated ozone-related health effects in NC, April-October 1997:
* 1900 Hospital Admissions
* 5700 Emergency Room visits (630 for asthma)
* 240,000 Asthma attacks
* Cost of 1900 Hospital Admissions = $19,095,724
(NC Dept of Health and Human Services, from 1999 Abt Associates study)
A typical household spends nearly 20 percent of its income on driving costs- more than it spends on food. (Commuter Choice)
Nine billion gallons of fuel are wasted in traffic each year – 800 times the amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez. (Commuter Choice)
A typical vehicle consumes more than its own weight in gasoline each year.
For every 1,000 new carpools formed, 20 tons of smog-forming emissions would be reduced over the course of a year.
Under inflated tires can reduce gas mileage by 1 mile per gallon. The Department of Energy states that if all tires in the US were properly inflated we would conserve 4 million gallons of gas every day.
Half of the world’s oil is consumed in the transportation sector.
Fire away, not a very difficult picture to figure out.
Trevor
Trevor
Maybe this new photo with more background will clear things up and the location can be easily identified..
Good luck.
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
Mechanically : A tossup between DASH of Alexandria, VA and Ride On, of Montgomery county, MD.
Hmm...let's see. I think I have to go to Depots.
Personally, my top two are DASH and SEPTA Frontier (omg, I said SEPTA!). Why I admire Frontier depot is that they get crap from the city (and Victory), clean them up very nicely, and then they are taken away. I bet that 5500 New Flyer loan to Frontier was so that Frontier can somehow make them better.
~Frontier fan 4 life - just increase the headways!
I agree with NYBS, DASH and Ride On. I'll have to rank my agency in there, too as they are doing a great job of trying to keep those Champions running until we can finally get rid of them. Our MCI's are kept really nice as they are the darlings of the fleet.
The first Gillig Advantage will be here within the next month. : )
Ride On
PRTC(Hey those mutated mommy mobiles look good on the outside-thank god them things will be gone within a couple of months)
Frederick Transit(their 6V Orion Vs are still looking nice)
University of Maryland(hey their buses look pretty clean on the outside-I guess they have to look clean on the inside after cleaning up soroity upchuck :P
I haven't seen enough of NYBS to make a decision, but they did have some pretty nice sounding MCIs and they were clean also.
Notice I did not make mention of the 3rd bus type in the fleet, mainly since I don't give 2 sh*ts about them:-)
Wait till the sororities and frats hold their annual rushes, things will get interesting as far as cleanliness:-)
I think I like these over Bluebirds ;-)
Hey, my old school district used to have 3 of those buses as a part of the fleet. Ancient though - I haven't seen any others of the same vintage - I wish that I had the spec's on the engines, they were so loud and powerful (although not super fast). Unfortunately, those buses were replaced about 4 years ago with conventional style Thomas buses.
"The LYNX coaches are washed inside and out every day to be sure they remain a colorful addition to Central Florida's scenery."
I've been in other systems that are nice, or pretty clean, or nice stations, but I can't say the same for them.
I have few experiences with a small operation called MCAT too, manatee county area transit, mostly 35 footers and 2 40's, they might be up there to their level too.
That zig-zag is not new. It's been there for many years. I don't know its history, but it was paired up with the B29 for a while. I remember it well when it was paired with the B30.
I have some bus maps that show the B24 going straight on 47th Avenue to Greenpoint, avoiding this zig-zag, but they did away with that years ago. Now all the double-parked vehicles on 47th Street have to deal with the buses (or the other way around), and buses have do deal with cars either in the no standing zone diagonally across from the bus stop on Greenpoint & 47th Street, or between the "Stop Here on Red Signal" sign and the crosswalk on eastbound Greenpoint Avenue.
That happened as a result of the Local Development Corporation that operated in Sunnyside at the time got a grant and decided to do street improvements in the commercial district. They put in new sidewalks and crosswalks, built the Sunnyside sign that's up on 46th Street just below Queens Boulevard, put in benches, and put in the standing area that closes off 46th Street over by the subway station.
One other thing that they did was to neck down the intersections along Greenpoint Avenue, including the one at 47th Avenue. In theory, this action made it easier to cross the street (and, in reality, probably did), but it was designed without the slightest thought being given as to how a bus could turn off of 47th Street onto Greenpoint Avenue. Once the curbs were built out, it was impossible for a bus to make that turn, which meant that a Greenpoint-bound B24 had to turn onto 47th Avenue, and go along that street to Greenpoint Avenue.
Transportation-wise, that was probably the better way to go (and still probably is, based on the traffic levels on Greenpoint Avenue). The problem, though, was this--the B24 isn't exactly the most patronized bus in the NYCT system, but it seemed like a lot of them were senior citizens who rode the Q32 or Q60 from Manhattan out to 47th Street, and then transfered to the B24. They all screamed, and several elected representatives got involved almost immediately--Tom Manton, whose office was just around the corner (and whose Democratic club is on 47th Street) and Cathy Nolan, who has an office on 47th Street. They went after NYCT until the TA pointed out that they couldn't go back to 47th Street, based on the configuration of the intersection. Pressure was then brought to bear on NYCDOT, and someone kicked in some money, and the intersection was rebuilt.
Under the "NO SMOKING" sign, some idiot wrote "CRACK!" under it so it read "NO SMOKING CRACK!"
5 Brooklyn Local, add that to your list of complaints about Gun Hill so that you can persuade the MTA to shut them down. :-)
Boy they suck.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Crack would also help explain some of the retarded little slogans they have, like "Ring or ride" (like that means anything to the average joe), or more frequently just "RING!!"...
Thanks 4train, at least someone else here sees how much of a dump GH is :)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Adam (ENY Nova 5205) coined "Pork in the 'York", BIG AL with "Piss in the Pond".
Here's some more I thought up:
MCH: "Mail in the Hale"
MV: "Mills in the 'ville"
Stay tuned for more.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Trevor
Da Hui
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Da Hui
More Pillage in the Village
A "Break-a" in Jamaica or More Jam in Jamaica
A Disgrace in the Case (Casey Stengel)
I cant rhyme anything with Stengel
flx7596
Coming up at schitts creek- coined for Spring Creek coming soon.
need new one for Yukon,LaGuardia,College Pt,Conduit,Amsterdam and Maspeth
NYCT Queens Division
**JAM: "Jammin' in the Jamaica"
QV: "Jeans in the Queens"
CS: "Bengals in the Stengel"
NYCT Brooklyn Division
*FB: "Push in the Bush"
***FP: "Piss in the Pond"
****ENY: "Pork in the York"
UP: "Larks in the Park"
JG: "Seasons in the Gleason"
NYCT Staten Island Division
CAS: "Hassle in the Castle"
YUK: "Yuck in the Yukon"
MaBSTOA Manhattan Division
100: "Bièn en la Cièn" That's spanish for "Good in the 100".
MV: "Mills in the Ville"
MJQ: "Bills in the Quill"
NYCT Manhattan Division
126: "Wonders at the Numbers"
MaBSTOA Bronx Division
GH: "Kill in the Hill"
KB: "Ridges in the 'Bridges"
MCH: "Mail in the Hale"
WF: "Charms in the Farms"
Trevor, if you feel like, you can add the nicknames to the TransiTALK roster. :-)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
But Bengals in Stengel? Pork in York? It's creative, but uneffective.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Chris
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
"More Leasing at Gleason."
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I saw an Orion and an RTS from NYCT also heading toward Hempstead on Franklin ave, from the south.
I am a bit confused though, as I saw some NYCT buses unload pax in front of Hempstead. Aren't they supposed to be running only toward Jamaica, not from it?
Also do you need a ticket to ride of they just let you on for free?
If they let you on for free, I have a feeling some regular N6 riders may give the shuttle bus a try if that's the case.
It was sure nice to see NYCT here in Nassau county. The RTS's were a nice break from seeing nothin but Orions.
Da Hui
Pretty cool pics.
Apparently with the single track operation, they can't clear enough space at Hempstead for all the rush hour trains, so one ends at Garden City at around 6:55 PM.
I've been wondering whether or not they turn this train and send immediately back west, or whether they pull it onto the secondary (there is a short section that has third rail).
CG
Also, on my way to a doctor appt in Manorhaven, saw LIB 405 runnin towards Mineola. I think it was Benny drivin. Hope 405 is better than that POS 398.
Triboro Yellow Coach Z 240 Scrapline.
I wonder if anyone of you, folks knows something more about the type of equipment showed on this picture, although some information suggesting roughly area and time when this picture was taken would also be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
I apologise for some communication problems but my local time is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
Plus i belive the bus bodies where fabticated in europe which posed a problem. NABI built a plant in New England someplace.
I am excited to see how well the buses would hold up on a major matropolitan transit operation such as NYC transit. IF they hold up well, composits may make steel frame buses extinct.
Plus smaller operators who don't run thier buses as much, the fuel cost savings don't amount enought to cover tha added cost of the bus
If so, that would be great...!
MetroB
(For those nowhere near, the two are parallel.)
As usual, I imagine Ken T. (the Joinal's writer) fudged it just a little. Merritt & Ocean, in his context, was the intersection of the two near the depot. The new route will then follow a little further east to Garfield, follow that part of it that was part of the 231 to Communipaw, west slightly to Baldwin, over the hill past the old hospital and on to JSQ.
BOB
steve
FDNY
He demonstrated a "rip" in the transfer and said don't let them do that!
I think I was hassled for no reason. I did nothing wrong, as far as I know.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Sigh, SEPTA can get very confusing at times...
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
From: Charles Greene
To: BILL Septa Driver
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2004 7:09 AM
Subject: Re-Transfers
Hi Bill,
How are you! When you ask for a re-transfer and pay your 60 cents, doesn't the operator rip off the coupon at the bottom and give you your transfer back? YES
So the answer is YES.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Da Hui
1:2004 O5 CNG #417 on the N51 at Roosevelt Field
2:O5 CNG #156 on the N15 at the Long Beach Bus Terminal
3:City of Long Beach 30ft Gillig #168 on the Point Lookout route(N69) at the LBBT.
4:QV RTS REMAN #7005 at Hempstead waiting for use as the LIRR Shuttle
5:641,6120(CS),9262(JA) layed over behind the Hempstead RR Station
6:2003 30ft Gillig on the West End Route at LBBT
7:Inside the remodeled Long Beach Bus Terminal(Last time I was there,it was completely outdoors but in the same location next to the station)
8:Interior shot of Long Beach's '03 Gilligs
Da Hui
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Da Hui
The old Coliseum depot building had an unusual history. It was originally an exhibition hall at the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. After the exhibition ended the building was then taken down and rebuilt in the Bronx as the Bronx Coliseum. It was used for ciruces and boxing matches, and was adjacent to an amusement park called Starlight. During World War II the military used the building. After World War II the building became a bus garage for Surface Transportation, and MABSTOA inherited it in 1962.
It's funny that I just cannot remember the years in which the various depots closed and new ones built - and I was right there i the Bronx 'til '96. The way I remember it is that the old West Farms was abandoned around '83???. Walnut became the replacement for West Farms. The old Kingsbridge closed about 5 years later along with the opening of the newly constructed Gun Hill. The new Kingsbridge was built (on the site of the old KB) and then Walnut closed. I think Walnut was used as a depot a second time after Coliseum closed, but I cannot remember the year (early to mid 90's???). It's all a blur now.
If you don't already know I can tell you that the original West Farms was two buildings located at Boston Road and 175th Street. Last time I passed there the larger of the two building where they stored and maintained the buses was still standing. Walnut was a base shop at 132nd Street and Walnut Ave and I seem to remember it being used as a depot on two different occasions. A lot went on during those days including old the 132nd Street depot closing/demolished and today's Manhattanville being built on the same site and the old 54th Street depot closing.
The building will be missed, esp. since my mother told me she used to buy bus passes from that garage and stuff...
SAS
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Seriously, who expects this type of crap on a Manhattan bus...
On a slightly better note, I had the pleasure (Yes, that's right) of boarding 5396 last night on the BX12. Immediately apparent from the outside of the bus was that it actually had its OEM interior numbers intact, and unscathed (which is very very unusual on Gun Hill bus). All the lights worked, INCLUDING those above the turntable (that's right too). The bells all worked, and they actually lit up so that you can see them! Don't freak out just yet, there's more. The bus was actually fairly clean, and the seats weren't too dirty, for a GH bus (ie: you didn't have to worry too much about what you were sitting in). It seemed mechanically fine, the retarder was functioning to spec, and was not jerking the bus while making a LOUD liquid swooshing noise ( take a quarter filled bottle of water and shake it violently, and you'll get the idea) as many other GH artics do (since their retarders are just absolutely fucked).
To top it off, the bus smelled quite good thanks to the B/O who had a little car freshner on his rearview mirror.
5396 is what GH's buses should all be like, but as we all know they aren't anywhere close to that. Oh well...
I see a Bx12 arriving first so I get on 5364 and we have a pretty good crowd so this ride is very cool and worth it IMO. When we reach Pelham Bay, there were 4 Bx12's in a row then I get off at Eastchester Rd where I see a northbound Bx31 across the street. On a side note, I see 5500 and 5507 also operating on the Bx12. Back to the Bx31, I see and board 7731 and its a good ride along the way and shortly after I arrive at 233 St/Webster and had to wait nearly 20 minutes for the Bx16 to come and its steaming hot where I had to stand. So 8831 finally comes and take that to the last stop then I wait for the next departing Bx10, which I am riding for the first time. I get 9666 and take it northbound to W 246 St just in case I happen to see the Bx20. I take no chances on waiting so I just get on the next arriving Bx7; 9697 and its a mellow ride down Broadway and then it was slow once we passed the W 180's until the last stop so I see the next bus on the M2 was a Hybrid so I wait and get on 6368 and at 145 St, there was a B/O change.
After about a 5 minute wait, we get moving once again and its a pretty slow ride via Powell Blvd but once we went on 5 Av we did pretty good. I noticed a lot of tourists [like that was to be unexpected] all down 5 Av and I get off at 42 St then catch 8775 heading west to Times Sq; where it was packed with people taking their photos and so on. I get some photos and I wanted a few night pics so I hop on 242 on the M7 and ride south to 34 St and got the pics then decided to call it a day and hopped on the Q then the B8 and finished my trip.
R68A 5048 (Q)
R142 1236 (4)
O7 7738 Bx21
O7 7671 Bx35
NF Artic 5300 Bx5
NF Artic 5364 Bx12
O7 7731 Bx31
RTS 8831 Bx16
RTS 9666 Bx10
RTS 9697 Bx7
O7 6368 M2
RTS 8775 M104
O5 242 M7
R68A 5047 (Q)
NF 981 B8
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
A car traveling eastbound along Stronghurst (the Grand Central Parkway entrance street opposite Union Turnpike) ran a red light and broadsided the bus. The bus landed where I'd indicated in my previous post. The driver did all he could do- which was basically nothing. Thirteen passengers were taken to area hospitals claiming injury. No other information is available about the injured. The bus driver was not hurt.
The bus driver observed the car driver "dumping something" into the sewer drain on Union Turnpike immediately following the collision. The NYPD contacted the FDNY and DSNY who opened the drain cover and retrieved a "bag of suspicious material" and a syringe. The driver of the car, who was earlier taken to an area hospital was no longer there when the police arrived to question him about the articles.
:-)
Exactly.
The X23 and X24 are funded by the NYS Economic Development Corporation, not NYCDOT. All indications from EDC are that funding will continue.
Thank you
The Q30,31,76 should run out of Jamaica
The Q17 should run out of CS
The Q27 should run out of QV
The Q32 should only run out of Quill with some artics
The Q44 should run from WF since it will be all artics
What do you think
Bear in mind that NYCT's purpose for existing isn't to maintain a particular distribution of work at all times and at all costs (although some unions and BusTalkers might beg to differ). NYCT's purpose for existing is to provide public transportation services in the most efficient manner possible, given operational and contractual constraints.
The fat cat bosses are not going to want this, but it does not affect line workers except for the saving of thier hard earned money
The 27 is and will be a disaster no matter who operates it so long as Ops Planning/Scheduling is satisfied there is enough running time (NOT - especially to Cambria Hts/and no extra time built in for the detour even though the construction on 48th Av spans over like three picks - they even added the detour to the back of the timetable because it's in effect so long ), runs (NOT - need more cambria service/maybe more limited), recovery time (with poor running times, no extra time for the detour and traffic - 8 minutes recovery at ROAMA does not a happy B/O make) and the current configuration for the stand at Main Street is safe for customers and convenient to all. In the PM rush the local to Horace Harding is supposed to pick up at the first sign immediately south of 39th Avenue. It's so close to the corner that the bus has to straddle the crosswalk - a direct schoolroom violation. One bus length in front of that is the stand for the Limiteds. Add to this 2,3, even 5 (at one point last week) Q17s cramming into their stand and you can see why this line is a mess.
The 27 probably generates a good percentage of the lost meal and late slips in the depot everyday.
But as I said, obviously Ops Planning is happy with everything.
On a related note, I would love to see Roosevelt Av become 'bus-only' from Prince St to Union Street like Fulton Mall. To me it just makes sense. I don't think we have enough room to put signs up, but then again who reads signs anymore anyway?
That makes sense, because the riding on those routes is primarily northbound in the AM and southbound in the PM. However, Jamaica Depot has barely enough room for the routes it currently runs.
- - - - -
[The Q17 should run out of CS]
Actually, the Q17 works relatively well out of Jamaica, with primary riding northbound in the AM and southbound in the PM.
- - - - -
[The Q27 should run out of QV]
Perhaps, but then QV could become overcrowded.
- - - - -
[The Q32 should only run out of Quill with some artics]
Riding on the Q32 is primarily westbound (from Queens) in the morning and eastbound (to Queens) in the evening. All-Quill operation would (and All-Hudson and all-Hudson operation did) require too many buses to run empty in the wrong direction just to get to or from the depot.
- - - - -
[The Q44 should run from WF since it will be all artics]
There aren't enough artics in WF for the Q44, nor will there be because of Transit's CNG commitment to the community. (That's also why the Bx40/42 still run out of Gun Hill.)
This is the dumbest thing I heard in a long time
why would you want to send the Q44 to KB or GH just for artics.
Leave the Q44 right where its at in CS. Wait to see if CS gets the 65+ Artics they were slated to get. CS can barely handle this line as it is and sending it to another depot wouldnt help much it would only increase waiting time becuz of the increased distance between the line and depot.
Just a Though
You would have to swap that with one or two routes but maybe it can be done if there is a 3 way transfer. Q17 goes to CS, Q30 and Q31 goes to JAM and the Q27 goes to QV but my opinion is that the the current assignments are good enough and should be left alone.
The Q32 should only run out of Quill with some artics
Well I would also like to see the Q32 out of one depot but its doing OK, although bunching is a problem.
The Q44 should run from WF since it will be all artics
You already have the Bx19 using Artics so I wouldn't count on seeing that happen. Now if WF were to get more Artics, then that could be a different story. The Q44 is fine now.
Q30: Maybe since the north end of the Q30 is right by the Long Island Expressway but would add alot of deadhead time doing the weekday rush hours and that is going the peak direction(Back to JAM in the AM and to Little Neck Parkway in the PM)and peak direction traffic on I-495 is dreadful enough as it is. Also the amount of buses the Q30 needs may require anouther route to go from JAM to somewhere else.
Q31: It may work but again deadhead time may increase because of the same reason as the Q30.
Q32: Good idea but only if they put more Reverse Peak Q32 Trips(To Queens AM and To Manhattan PM) to make it a bit cheaper to run the Q32 out of MJQ. This also may have a route from MJQ be sent somewhere else.
Q44: Yes but there would have to be alot of run changes in this since most Q44's become Q20A's or Q20B's in Jamaica and may require alot of deadhead time as well.
Q76: Yes this can happin but idk if this route will go without any protest from the seniors at CS(I think the Q76 is a seniors mans route).
Second, the Q32 an artic route? Yeah, that will be the day and you expect Casey Stengel to put up artics on their end? Casey Stengel is getting about 34 artics and they need almost ALL of them for the Q44's 32 or so runs. I don't think Casey Stengel can supply artics on the Q32. It would have to be half artic and half standard buses. Unless you give the FULL Q32 back to MaBSTOA.
Third, the Q30 and Q31 from Jamaica? Years ago (about 4 years before I was born) the QV depot opened in 1974 and the Q17A (Q30 today) was transferred there. The Q31 was also transferred their from Flushing (Casey Stengel today). Why? I think it's easier to get to Little Neck and/or Bayside via Cross Island Pkwy...hmmm? I don't think that would work sending the Q30 and Q31 to Jamaica EVEN THOUGH almost a year ago we was talking about the Q31 going to Jamaica in exchange for the X63 and X64...remember that guys?
Fourth, the Q76 is not going to Jamaica. I just don't see that because that would require more buses to be stored at Jamaica if they were to take the Q76 and the Q30, Q31. It's impossible. You know it because BIG AL and Q5Merrick have talked about Jamaica being WAY TOO SMALL. Jamaica just can't handle it even if they gave up the Q17. I don't think a split with QV or CS would do.
Finally, the Q27 should be split between Casey Stengel and Queens Village. During rush hours, all Q27 buses that start/end at Horace Harding Expwy would come from Casey Stengel. All the other Q27 buses would come from Queens Village. Maybe have like an altenate service during the day. Something like that, I don't know.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Front sign displaying "NOT IN SERVICE," Rear sign displayed part of what looked to be a "35."
I also saw #2011 this morning on the Q39.
Presenting:
The Double A/CT Transit Bus Trip!
There will be a chartered bus trip on the 24th of July, 2004, up to the Double A Transportation Bus Festival up in Rocky Hill, CT. We will also visit CT Transit Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford Divisions to view the CT Transit bus equipment they currently have. We will also stop by the CT Transit scrap yard for a look at some retired and scrapped buses over there. The trip will cost $30, payable to possibly Trevor Logan or Thomas Rice, as either of them or both of them will be the operators on this trip. This is sure to be a helluva good time, since we have two very entertaining, very experienced bus operators at our hands here; the festival shall be a good one, including Double A's fleet of current and museum buses on display at their garage; and for those who want photos of CT Transit's lovely-painted buses, this would be a good opportunity to photograph them.
The trip will begin at 10:00am on July 24th at West Farms Square in the Bronx. To get there, take the #2 or #5 train or the Bx9, Bx21, Bx36, Bx40/42, and Q44 buses to Tremont Ave/Boston Road/West Farms Square. Please be there on time as we shall leave promptly. The $30 charter fare shall be probably payable to Mr. Logan, please be sure to give you name and contact info so that he can get a head count for our group and assure that he receives payment. The bus we will ride is a friend's personal MC-9A charter bus, which may be substituted for another motorcoach for any reason, including if the aforementioned bus is unavailable. We go RAIN OR SHINE! Also, in the event that the festival is cancelled, we will STILL have a full day in the state of Connecticut, the Constitution State.
If you are going for sure, please reply here or e-mail myself or Trevor Logan at his e-mail address...
Any other details, please post here...
SAS
Date: 24th of July, 2004
Destination: Double A Transportation Bus Festival & CTTransit Downtown Pulse Points
Price: $30
Boarding Location: West Farms Square @ East Tremont Avenue (In Front of The Twin Donuts)
How To Get There: (2) or (5) Trains or the Bx9, Bx21, Bx36, Bx40/42 and Q44 Buses. You can also take the New York Bus Morris Park Avenue Line to the first stop and transfer to a Mott Haven Bound Bx21 Bus.
Equipment: A Ex-NJT MCI MC-9A (6000 Series) [Subject to Substitution]
We will be going up to the Double A Transportation Bus Festival up in Rocky Hill, CT. We will also visit CT Transit's Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford Pulse Point to watch CTTransit bus equipment in action. We may also stop a CTTransit Scrap Facility (As Available).
This is guaranteed to be a great trip.
For Information and payment options, e-mail me at drivingenuis@aol.com.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
It's interesting how these flags get up instantly but Royal 4315 (or whatever the number of their Christmas bus was) did not lose its wreath or fake spray snow until February or March..
Michael
Washington, DC
Some of the NJ operators had air conditioned old look suburbans.
Arthur Thomas
-F.
I'm going to check their site and see what numbers are actually being used.
Chuck Greene
(Routes 91 through 99, are of course in use in the suburbs).
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
the 45 actually went all the way to Port Kennedy (Valley Forge), and is basically today's 125. The 124 is more like a branch off of it to go to the Chesterbrook business centers.
Hope this helps.
Chuck Greene
The 44 still runs...
Give me a few days, and I will post the hisory of the 44/44G/45/49/121/124/125 routes. This will spin your head.
The 85 [the route that took over the Fairmount Park Trolley] was re-routed over Ridge Ave when the Strawberry Mansion Bridge developed structural problems and could not handle buses. The part of that route [from 49-Parkside to Ford Rd] became part of the extended 40 bus. The rest [Ford Rd to 33-Dauphin] was abandoned.
The Red Arrow 81 [a 2 round-trip rush hour route] was originally called the 141, then renamed the 81, then died in one of the many reoganization of Red Arrow routes in the 90's. The route started at City Ave and Presidential Blvd,[not the Wissahickon Transfer Center], and ended at Springfield Mall.
Give me a few days, and I will post the history of the 44/44G/45/49/121/124/125 routes. This will spin your head.
Also, who is coming so we can meet up somewhere?
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Daryl Jackson
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Also, I printed some of the B&W I did on the scavenger hunt though I have yet to process that roll that jammed at the end and I had to "fix" in my powder room. Hopefully, it comes out with little or no damage!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Tri-State Transportation is another Academy affiliate. Academy and its affiliates have had many non-NYCT second-hand RTS's for quite awhile, but I do not know where they are from.
With the NYCTA models there's TDH-5301 #1059 which I would've like to have seen something else such as one of the 5303 w/o bus-o-ramas since Corgi already has a 5301 #14. The other I'd comment on is #6807 which is signed up at the 70 (from Bklyn's 5th Ave depot) - but this group of uses TDH-5303 #6701-6900 were MABSTOA buses.
Cool stuff!
IIRC most of the auctions mentioned above end tomorrow.
Disclaimer: I am in no way connected with the seller mentioned above.
You could always click on one of his listings on E-bay and then click on "Ask the Seller a Question" and maybe he'll answer you.
HO scale is 1/2 the size of O (hence the name "half-O" or HO). It is smaller and probably harder to work on as the eyes don't get better with age.
What's your favorite passenger car (and manufacturer)?
My vote goes to Volkswagen for company and my favorite car is the Volkswagen Passat (Wagon).
What about you?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Other than that it's my belief that the finest, most durable, refined and reliable cars come out of Japan - Toyota (Toyota, Lexus & Scion), Honda (Honda & Acura) and Nissan (Nissan and Infiniti). On top of that they have excellent resale value years later.
Chuck Greene
I like VW for their excellent roundness on their cars, especially the New Beetle Coupe.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Yes, you are so right. M-B builds a good car, but for the prices they charge... they should be much better and more reliable. I think they survive beause many folks simply buy into the "If it's a Mercedes, it's superior" which couldn't be more wrong. This is great for M-B because it sell cars, but I feel for the customers. I really like BMW - I think they're actually better than M-B although Chris Bangle's newfangled styling has turn some good looking cars into some hideous looking cars.
I'm actually not too fond of Nissan's styling in both the Nissan and Infiniti models, however, I freely admit that Nissan (after losing their way in the 90's) are making the right moves these days. When they re-styled the Altima for 2002 (which has been great for Nissan) it seem to propel the company in the right direction.
Toyota and Honda. Well I own 2 Honda Accords although I'm about to sell my older one('92), but it and my '02 have been flawless cars.
Your dad may recall that M-B and (BMW cars somewhat) used to cost much more and Toyota introduced Lexus and Honda launched Acura which quickly hurt M-B and BMW once folks realized that... You can get luxury and even better quality for much less money. In 1990 the new Lexus V-8 equipped LS400 cost just $35,000 the M-B 300E was well over $40,000 which didn't even offer a V-8 engine.
M-B and BMW did up the ante and were forced to lower their prices, and I think we owe it all to Toyota, Honda and Nissan.
Another reason I like VW is that (IINM) they are the only company that offers the W12 engine (available on the new VW Phaeton and on the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Arnage IINM) and the TDI (Turbocharged Direct-Injection) Diesel Engine available on all of their cars but the Phaeton.
The Phaeton has competition with the BMW 7-series, M-B S-class, and Japan's best Luxury sedan, the Lexus LS 430. It also has LED taillamps and rear blinkers (though they're all red).
Let's face it: According to some sources, a VW is basically a decent alternative if you don't like the Camry styling. Some people think the Camry's boring.
This is the ordered "quality" list:
1) Japan
2) Germany
3) Britain
4) Sweden
5) Italy (Take a look at those Ferraris and Lamborghinis!)
6) France (Well, there's Porsche)
7) Korea
8) USA
If there's one car out there I'd NEVER buy, it'd be a Hummer. The H1 has no build quality and an extremely cramped military-spec interior; the H2 is also useless; and all of the Hummer models are so huge (and useless) that they use CLEARANCE LAMPS. I hate a Hummer no matter if it's the closest one can get to a bus.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Hey, I heard VW's gonna make a new one which will be their minivan. You can look for the whole thing if you want on VW's homepage.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
BTW: VW's last van was the EuroVan, not the Vanagon. Both are out of production.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
2004 Chevy Cavalier
2003 Toyota Corolla S
2002 Honda Accord SE
1999 Toyota Corolla VE
1996(?) Chevy Cavalier
My favorite so far is the Honda Accord. It reminds me most of a transit bus. It has Gillig style visibility, Orion style suspension, Finger-light steering, a crazy Allison-style automatic transmission, and very good handling :-)
Maybe it was a prototype.
The New Flyer model of transit buses is far superior as a bus. Wide doors, and very wide aisles which allow for 5 rows of standees to pack themselves into the bus.
http://www.transitalk.info/Photos/TLogan/53002/MTA_NFI_03-D60-Interiora.jpg
http://www.transitalk.info/Photos/TLogan/53002/MTA_NFI_03-D60-Interiorb.jpg
Credit Trevor Logan
Given that everyone is slim and they stand sideways, it sure does look possible to squeeze 5 rows in the widest sections.
The buses are 60 feet long, 102 inches wide, and have 2x1 seating
Comfortably? No
Legally? No
Safely? No
Possible? Yes
Artics are so complicated, and a good artic can be hard to find.
Thier coorporate cousins in Europe already build articulated buses
Your statement would be true if the RTS floor to ceiling height was 60 inches
Ok - You show me a pic of an RTS filled with folks whose heads are within 3 inches of the ceiling. Also the bus would have to have a serious taper (much more than it does) to force folks away from the sides.
Anyways - How about we just agree to disagree because this is going no-where.
It doesn’t take away any potential standee space unless the standees stand on the seats.
Yes, I've been trying to explain to the fella, because anyone who even seen an RTS probably knows the taper is up high. So the taper probably won't many folks outside of those in the NBA.
B1-#8794-NOVABUS
Bill "Newkirk"
Bill "Newkirk"
Da Hui
Here's a look at one of the rebuilt Hamilton Street Railway TA60102Ns
Note: The rear doors have been modified to slide-glide rear doors which were cannibalized from their retired 1985 Classics.
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
www.regionaltransitservice.com
And don't forget, the RTS is no longer a Nova product, it is now manufactured by Millennium Transit Service. I simply refer to the product as an RTS, regardless of the manufacturer (GMC, TMC, Nova, MTS).
Will the next order be low-floor or high floor?
I asked that since many manufacturers are steering their bus orders to the low-floor buses, and that they might capitalize on NJT's desire to get these buses rather quickly, to steer them to a low-floor model.
AFAIK:
NYCT Orion V #6073 on the Bx10
NYCT Orion V #6074 on the Bx20
NYCT Orion V #6076 on the Bx7
NYCT Orion V #6077 on the Bx20
NYCT Orion V #6078 on the Bx10
Bolded buses indicate that I know this bus has received KB stickers.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
SAS
Michael
Washington, DC
Chuck Greene
Just another bit of truth from Mr Mabstoa, cause you know I don't lie!
FOr transitfanning, this must be a fun weekend. Dont you think? I just never though of this
I found this rather interesting considering that these are the busses the TA uses for its express runs in Staten Island and Brooklyn.
This location is rather far from both the Gun Hill and Zerega Avenue facilities. Unless it was on a long road test, I wonder what it was doing here.
I do know that Morris Park Avenue is one of the NYBS routes. It is also a route that bus drivers-in-training get taken on.
I wonder if the appearance of this bus has anything to do with the future merger of the express routes.
You know, Queens uses them too as express buses. Just so you know.
DNJ
Da Hui
I started by taking the M14d from my house to 3rd avenue. Then I took an M101 LTD to 125th street and Amsterdam Avenue. I then switched to an M100 because I originally planned to go up to 207th street and take a Bx12 all the way, but ducked out at 155th street and went home.
Log:
- M14d Quill D60hf 5730
- M101 100th Street D60hf 5518
- M100 Kingsbridge D60hf 5438
- M14d Quill D60hf 5760
The Kingsbridge Artic was in horrible shape, nowhere near the quality of the Quill or 100th street Artics I ride everyday. There was graffiti on every seat, it was dirty, and the ride was rough. The Bronx division (Gun Hill or Kingsbridge, I haven't rode West Farms) can't maintain an articulated bus to save their life.
Here are some photos, including Hale HEV 6367 on the M60:
There are more on my Bus-related sister site BusSpot.com.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Anyway, I never seen the front of the Orion VII, i like the molding around the lights. Along with the chick under the bus shelter too.
The Manhattan Division is #1. MJQ is the #1 depot, BTW.
Good shots. Congrats on your first decent Orion VII shot and on the artix shots.
BTW: Why are the "CROSSTOWN" letters on the 5700 series artix signs that thick? Were they reprogrammed or something?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
All of them are MJQ routes. MJQ is da best in NYCT!
Basman, if you're going to NYC anytime, have a good time!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
unlike the 0rion 7.....
And I always thought you guys have the weridest looking police cars.
This is not an item I am selling or affiliated with, but if it was mine, I would keep it....and restore it to period livery, even though it looks very sleek in all black. (Alcoas would look good with that.)
The bus is located in Chicago; the giveaway clues are as follows....
(A) It features a blue interior.
(B) The "Stop Requested" sign is still in place (very rare for 1980).
(C) The manufacturer plate is actually a RE-manufacture plate...it reads "The Flxible Corporation" (as opposed to Grumman Flxible) with a manufacture date of simply "1980" with no month given.
Anyone who wants an infamous piece of New York transit history, place your bids now....it may be your last chance to have an original TA Grumman this cheap!!! (Unless you buy a model of it, of course. :)
-Fred
-F.
-Fred
-Fred
-Fred
-F.
I don't believe the Flyer TT's are equipped with air-conditioning.
I understand that MBTA is ordering new trolley coaches - but one of our Boston experts on the board will need to answer that in more detail.
The MBTA has 28 Neoplan low-floor trackless on order, and the first four are already in service. The Flyers might hang around a while longer, however, since the MBTA may need to use some of the new Neos later this year to inaugurate the new Silver Line route out of South Station if the dual-mode articulated buses do not arrive before then.
JD
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=119530
The only reference I could find to your DuoMode RTSs was a single article on NETransit, which doesn't seem to be linked to anything else.
http://members.aol.com/netransit8/kaman/kaman.html
I've heard of Kaman, they're a large holding company with many subsidaries, Kaman Aerospace built Navy helicopters and today makes a tiny heavy lift helicopter. However I've never heard of Kaman Electromagnetic Corportation, and have heard even less of these dual-mode RTSes. I suppose it's likely that the RTA tested out two of them, found them unsatisfactory and had their electric propulsion removed and converted them to icebreaker service.
Elsewhere on that site he has a series of videos of the Dayton Trolleybus system, including 633, one of the scrapers in operation.
http://daytontrolleys.homeip.net/movies/movies.html
Now almost 20 years ago, I saw a NJT Flxible New look at the Springfield, MA Greyhound/Peter Pan terminal. That was way out of place, both the company, and the model (There never seemed to be any new look flxibles in any of the western New England cities. It was all 35ft fishbowls, and then Grummans, and then the Grummans/35ft RTS's of the 80's).
Now, NJT wouldn't have done a charter with a transit bus, would they? (come to think of it, now I'm not sure whether it had a back door or not).
I remember seeing a Bieber MC-9 up in Nashua, NH when the R-Phils were playing the Pirates AA affiliate at Holman Stadium; this was back in 1985, maybe 1986 (a couple years later, the team moved to Harrisburg). As I recall, it was the same livery then as it is today.
As far as sports teams traveling by bus, the Lowell (MA) Spinners, a short season New York-Penn League class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox use The Coach Company of Plaistow NH for their road trips. They always get one of their Prevost H3-45's for their travels. And they make one or two trips a year to NYC, to play the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Staten Island Yankees. I believe the Staten Island Yankees use Academy for their travels. I recall seeing one of their H3-45's in Lowell last year, a nice colorful SI Yankees wrap.
Also, the Vermont Expos of the NY-Penn League use Mountain Transit (an Atlantic Express company) for their travels, they usually travel in an MCI 102A3.
Mark
http://www.straphangers.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=25&t=000789#000000
The truth shall set you free!!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Time for the current private operators to exit stage left
The MAN is trying to suppress information, that will expose the truth about what can happen if bus fleets are allowed to go past their service life, and how the operating cost increase tremndously! And this is from somebody outside the NYC transit arena!
So here is the link, you first amendment Nazis on the other site!
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12139954&BRD=1776&PAG=461&dept_id=6363&rfi=8
A degraded private lines system, makes the MTA takeover look so much more attractive, even though it'll cost up to ten times as much with increased subsides and less local control over what service stay and what goes!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Unfortunately, there is little advantage to either system. Currently, the routes are all but frozen because NYCDOT wants the MTA to change them. Meanwhile, money for keeping buses from breaking down is being spent on sub-optimal operation instead. While I understand that it isn't the companies' fault, the very existence of the private companies is being used as a excuse to do nothing. Notice that when the deadlines come up, they are always pushed back because the buses wouldn't stop if they didn't meet it.
Then all the politicians are throwing in their two cents on the deal. They sit there and yap because they can. The riders can afford no more yapping, but when the routes reach MTA, it will get even worse with service improvement. Expansion is something that trains, not buses, do in the MTA system. Since we the people allow everyone to do this garbage, we can only put the blame for these fiascos on ourselves.
S61 Trump Plaza
Atlantic City
via Victory Blvd
via NJ Tpke
I hope that helps!
Da Hui
Thing 2.... Why does it matter? Will passengers choose to ride a route (or not) just because it's assigned to a particular depot?
As for the B45 it maybe possible due to the fact the B65 runs out of
JG and the B65 and B45 both have the about the same last stops
(B65 on Smith and Fulton B45 on Court and Livingston)
David
David
Why was the B65 remove from the Cobble Hill terminal to Downtown Bklyn more than a decade ago?
That's only part of it.
The B65 originally did go to Downtown Brooklyn, but was rerouted to Cobble Hill during World War II to support military activity at the Hamilton Avenue Ferry Terminal. It wasn't until 50 years after the war that somebody remembered to bring the route back Downtown.
-Acela
www.nyctba.com
This may just be the bus I rode on much earlier this year though...which at the time, did have the via Harbor Rd sign along with the correct list of streets being announced.
And a little note. It was about 4:30, and already I had seen buses running maybe 4 minutes behind eachother. At one point, the N20via Great Neck and the N21, both going to Flushing, were one behind the other.
This is NOT my pic but I had to use it. I got this off of HopeTunnel's bus website. I don't care about the bus. I'm stunned because New York City has a traffic light on strings? These lights are on Long Island or upstate New York. It just looks weird to me. According to this picture, this bus is at the NEW Elingville Station on Staten Island.
http://www.hopetunnel.org/bus/040524/3949.jpg
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
It is Staten Island...
after all.
Da Hui
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I'll have an Eltingville Transit Center page soon.
Here's a pic.
-Chris
Some unique variations of Corgi GM Fishbowl Bus Models are being offered by Ebay
While not perfect like the the two main ones (The Green bus 100 and Blue bus 6947) these did catch my interest.
For anyone who is interested, here are the links (apologies if they do not work)
The seller is usbuses (80)
CORGI Custm GM Fishbowl Bus New York Transit NYCTA 1059:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4151&item=2254305193
CORGI Custm GM Fishbowl Bus New York Transit NYCTA 6807
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4151&item=2254305573
CORGI Custm GM Fishbowl Bus New York Transit NYCTA 8854
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4151&item=2254305810
Until later
jp
So a third city comes into play in the Spider-Man movie. It's not New York, it's New ChicagLA!
Sounds like they filmed on Hill St in downtown L. A., lines 2 and 4 run on that street.
Fifth Ave. Coach/NYC Omnibus ran a route TB/Triboro Bridge between Manhattan and Astoria, Manhattan and Ward's/Randall's Island, and Bronx to Astoria. The first one is now part of the M60, the second one is now the M35, and the last one died years ago due to lack of patronage because it simply went from the Astoria end of the Triboro to the Bronx end. No attempt was made to extend it to tap a bigger market.
On BusTalk, yes. Elsewhere, no.
That's Lehman College, formerly the north campus of Hunter College.
And maybe a Shortline/Trailways stop in Pelham area. So now there'd be service from Queens Village to Pelham, if that helps any. Then buses would continue to New Rochelle, White Plains, and wherever else.
Route numbers[hypothetical]:
1] Q95/Queens Plaza to the Hub via Triboro Bridge, Astoria, 31st ST
2] Bx60/Hub to LaGuardia Airport via Triboro Bridge, Astoria
The Q95 would be the best route because with its connection with the B61 at QP, one could ride from Brooklyn to Bronx on just 2 buses!
Bx58 Dwntn Bronx
149 ST
Bx58 LaGuardia
Airport
Q95 L I City
Quenns Plz
Q95 Dwntn Bronx
149 ST
Da Hui
Bx58 Dwntn Bronx
149 ST
Bx58 LaGuardia
Airport
Q95 L I City
Queens Plz
Q95 Dwntn Bronx
149 ST
Da Hui
Now for the Q95, it would be great of the turns can be made safely onto 31 St, I should be a route like the Q44 counterpart can be used in both sides of the river. It can be a great move to go to Yankee Stadium via Willis /Melrose-165th st. On the South end at QP there is room for another bus but the turnaround should be at another end maybe Hunters Point at the end of Jackson Ave/Borden Ave- 2nd Street.
Or the Longer route to 135th Street/St nicholas Ave via Bx33 then to Willis Ave to entrance to TB then via 31st to 39th Ave to Honeywell Bridge to QB to Vandam St using Greenpoint Ave Bridge to old B30 Route to Bushwick Ave to Grand St Station connection to L and Q54/Q59 and B13 just a hypothectical setting
Jon
That would be a huge undertaking - the ICC was dissolved under President Reagan!!
Mark
B1-#9178-NOVABUS
B64-#9335-NOVABUS
B8-#7646-Orion VII
B64-#9325-NOVABUS
Da Hui
I saw this as the bus was waiting to do a run on the Q37, but the sign obviously says something different. Where is this destination?
Jonn
Off that topic, how did ROXBURY get its name? (This is on the Q22 rollsigns only, the Luminators say Beach 169 St.)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
If any additonal HEB buses are going to any other depot it is pure speculation at this time only.
Thank You
If any additonal HEV buses are going to any other depot it is pure speculation at this time only.
Thank You
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
How many depots does the NYCTA have anyway?
MetroB
S53-#6170-Orion V(shattered window,called up the #888 number to report it)
The jamaica bus terminal nothing but a open space....
David
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
B36-#9228-NOVABUS
David
Da Hui
The JB62 is named that way (I'm guessing here) because the N62 is the only route that runs in Freeport only.
In the past there were more Jones Beach routes including the JB24 (which followed the N24 for much of its run) and a few others -- JB80 and JB73 come to mind.
As to your original question, I'm not sure. In past years one of the two busses that makes the N14 loop in Rockville Centre would shift over to the JB62 once rush hour was over. I'd assume that the N62 has a similar shift to the JB62.
CG
What was the routing of those other JB routes?
CG
CG
In the 70's and early 80's the terminal was one block south of where it is today. The routing of the N15 southbound was South on Washington, right onto Jackson then a left into the terminal. Exiting the terminal it made a right onto Centre and then a left onto Franklin. Northbound, it made a right from Franklin onto Centre (I believe you can't do that today as Centre is now one way) then a left onto Main where it stopped behind the terminal (along with the northbound N40/41) and across the street from where the courthouse is (that courthouse didn't exist then). The 15, 40 and 41 stopped there so that they wouldn't have to do an "around the block" move just to use the terminal.
The terminal had definitely been outgrown by the early 80's, when some other lines had to have their stops moved to the local streets as well.
CG
Anyone know the routing or route designation for this?
CG
And I've heard of the JB24, but I thought it ended at RFM. So, you're saying it didn't even go to RFM? It just went from JB to Mineola, then local to Jamaica?
And I thought B35Rich meant there was a route that went Flushing-Jamaica-wherever-JB
Well the normal N24 route goes to RFM, so It probally went express from there down the Meadowbrook?
When a summer storm threatens, the JB62's going back to Freeport are often crush-loaded.
CG
CG
AC Transit Oakland, CA 1990 Gillig 40102TB's "Phantoms"
Muni San Francisco, CA 1988 New Flyer D40HF's
VTA San Jose, CA 1992 Flxible 40102-6C "Metro C"
CTA Chicago, IL 1990 TMC RTS-08's
RTD Denver, CO 1992 Flxible 40102-6T "Metro"
SunBus Tuscon AZ 1989 TMC RTS-06's
WMATA Washington DC 1986 Flxible 40102-6T "Metro A"
MARTA Atlanta, GA 1990 New Flyer D40HF's
MTA Los Angeles, CA 1982 GMC RTS-04's
Foothill Transit West Covina, CA 1989 Gillig 4096TB "Phantoms"
Long Beach Transit LB, CA 1992 TMC RTS-06's
Big Blue Bus Santa Monica, CA 1986 GMC T8H-5307A "New looks"
Tri-Met Portland, OR 1988 Flxible 40102-C "Metro B"
yes folks, A COUPLE OF THEM ARE STILL ALIVE!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
~Neo4ever
Some of those NABIs only go up the hill at 15 max, though! Guess we need hybrid power or power of Orion!
Chuck Greene
Da Hui
Hit keywords "divorce" and "Flxible", and you'll see the article.
-Fred
Ride-On of Montgomery County - 1989 Gillig Phantoms (3096TB) I think that's the model number
Transit Rider of Goodworth, NY - 1989 Neoplan AN440
Ryderway Transit: 1999 D4099s
Long live transit!
~The day the New Flyers took over the transit industry...they are becoming the next GMC New Look, or maybe the RTS...
Notoriously Everywhere When Flxibles Leave Your Everyday Routes.
Case in point: Jackson, MI was crawling with Flxibles in 1999. Just a few years later, LFs took over all the routes. Columbus, one of the top Flxible cities of all time, is now getting New Flyers. WMATA just got a ton of them as is starting to let go of their venerable 1986 Metro fleet. And Blacksburg Transit (near me) mothballs their Flx fleet from regular service in favor of LFs. Which makes them a more special treat....
FLXIBLE: Feels Like Xmas In Bus Lines Everywhere!
-Fred
New Flyer buses don't like bad maintainance, as the D60HF's running out of gun hill can attest to.
Every time I ride a Flxible I like them more and more. Of course, I usually ride Metro Ds (with some Metro Es and Bs - WMATA style), but from my understanding of riding Flxibles in NJ, Harper's Ferry, VA, Mont Co MD, and other WMATA places, Flxible is still one of the nicest buses around. That's what I like about Neoplans - very nice!
Speaking of HRT, I just heard from some of their drivers at the state Roadeo that they are retiring their Flxibles very soon. Guess we'd better head out there and ride them while we still can!
And I agree; I love their styling as well.
-Fred
-Fred
-Fred
I love Blacksburg Transit, they run awesome system! Did you take alot of photos lately? I would like ot see them
Later
We are still running 41 1980 GMC RTS-11 "03" series T8H203's in daily service.
I learned how to drive with no power steering, two-speed automatics, and even some four-speed stick shift.
What company is your employer?
Diesel - 1985 GMC RTS-04's
Electric - 1976 Flyer E800A trackless trolleys
JD
ALL the MANs are gone already? :(
ALL the MANs are gone already? :(
Answered my own question: CTA's '85 MAN Americanas were retired 6/21, but the 1982 MAN Artics from Seattle will be around through Autumn.
Boston's Flyers are from '76.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
David
That's all while I was waiting for a 4 train to woodlawn that was signed as a bronx express, on the platfrom of GCT.
on a Neo at Olney Terminal, it cycled through the following signs:
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklm
nopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
&-/!
TESTING PATTERNS
Yes, this was a test, lol.
A wierd destination was a sign for Ride-On 18 that said "Silver Sprung" That was to promote the revitalization of downtown Silver Spring, MD.
BTW: I have not seen TMC RTSs #4795 or #4797 lately. I wonder if the first two Orion Vs that came in to KB (6078 and 6077) sent them out of KB.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
F*** YOU
I am serious.
Its also programmed with all the current NY MTA readings for all divisions. If someone wants to post a few of these here on this message board, please email me directly
www.regionaltransitservice.com
da98hroi3qj30d3
a8jaoijsd[pp.[
iodsaompop,poyt,
gopskp,gd.g.h[fp
11111111111
poakdpoa,834u92
++++++++++
This is the typical sign of "Duh Bus":
Good thing they have lots of cardboard signs available.
NOT IN SERVICE
SPECIAL
and for all those non-DC folk, that's seen on vans (Yes, mutated vans) in revenue service:-)
One time I even saw
NOT IN SERVICE
WATCH YOUR STEP
on an ODV.
NOT IN SERVICE
EXPRESS
(care of the WMATA)
Also, the 27 FRIENDSHIP HTS/BUS FULL TAKE NEXT BUS sign I once saw on an 40 foot Orion V/CNG was rather amusing. 0:-)
I've seen a Neoplan Artic on the 17 with a card sign stating that, bu the destintation sign alternating between 9 Independnce Mall and 48 Front and Market.
I've seen NABIs roll around with ########### scrolling across their display, I didn't even know they could scroll.
Also there was a negative-signed D40LF running out of Southern I think like two years ago, some 5400 series. It'd have all LEDs lit when the sign was blank, and turn LEDs off to make letters. Finally I've also seen a D40LF who's sign was just neurotically flashing, random characters and stuff would flicker on the display, I think it was a Southern or Midvale one, possibly a 5500 or 5600 series.
About the artic, do you mean the 27? Interesting how it flashed between two difeent desintations like that.
I'm fairly certain the D40LF's sign was just F-ed up badly, cause no hardware engineer worth anything would program their system to do that for a test.
66 TORRESDALE
or something liek that. Whatever our bus's sign said, it's far from the truth:-)
Chuck Greene
"NO PASSENGERS" / "RIDE THE BUS".
-RJM
" IN SERVICE"
-RJM
On the LCD's inside a Comet V car at Penn Station.
BIG AL
Sorry to burst your bubble! Nice shot though.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Regards,
Trevor
First post here in a while and look what it is, oh well...
I have the NJTP directions so depending on who is driving at that point (probably will be me) and what I/they feel like doing, we will try the Bordentown change over instead of Mount Holly. Thanks for your help.
T.
:-D
:)
tsk tsk tsk is right! I'm banging my head on the wall now (kidding)! Sorry!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Also, saw 603 on the N24 Roosevelt Field Mall on Old Country Rd.
When I passed through, Glen Cove Rd was still backed up, like you saw, all the way from atleast Northern Blvd to Harbor Hills Rd. There really needs to be a better routing for the N27. Maybe an express run of the route, operating via Clinton Rd/Glen Cove Rd only between Hempstead and Glen Cove area, where it'd then follow the existing route through Glen Cove to the end of the line.
Basically, it'd skip the whole RFM/DMV area mess it goes through, as well as the Roslyn RR section. Make it the N27A.
1. Going to Monticello, driver never changed sign, missed exit 40, got lost, continued westbound and I have no clue from there
2. Traveling to Patchogue, got on the LIE in the wrong direction at exit 40, driver still not realizing
3. Charter bus
I still gotta check the schedule to see if they due into Carl Place around that time.
Oh well...
You will be missed.
*play music*
I haven't been on the new neo artics, maybe that's a consolation at least, neos still live on there. How much difference are there between the 40 footers and the 60 footers? Does the engine sound similiar at least?
Chuck Greene
Next stop, SEPTA Bus roadeo!
Chuck Greene
I'll remember 3049, the last DK I've ever rode.
I'll give the answer later.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
til next time
til next time
til next time
Hope this is of help,
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
til next time
Not that I hate the newer buses, I enjoy a good air conditioned Orion V on a hot afternoon. But they just don't compare to a good ol' fishbowl.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
http://easylink.playstream.com/katu/seeit/040107bus_towed_10am.wvx
Chuck Greene
Regards,
Trevor Logan
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
www.freewebs.com/islandtransitli
And I also want to know the difference between the slope back RTS-01 and RTS-03 series,
and the squareback RTS-04 and 06 series series please!
History provided by Trevor Logan!
Here is the history on the RTS-08 (Originally Designed by TMC):
The RTS-08 was designed by the Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC) to provide a Front-Door-Lift on the RTS model. Quite a few transit authorities have the in which many of you have posted in past messages (i.e. Chicago, Hawaii, Long Beach Transit, etc.). Right before the RTS model was transferred to the ownership of the NovaBUS Corporation, the RTS-08 was discontinued.
When NovaBUS picked up the RTS designed it continued on with the regular RTS-06 model while producing new models of the RTS-06 CNG, RTS-06 DUETS (CNG-Hybrid), and the RTS-06 HEV (Diesel-Hybrid). The need for a front door RTS came about again, NovaBUS heeded the call. The redesigning the RTS-08 BUT naming it the RTS-06 WFD, standing for Wide Front Door. These are now the buses operating in Toronto and various cities that has the RTS-06 WFD since 1998. New Jersey Transit is demonstrating an RTS-06 WFD Super Suburban which looks like your ordinary RTS-06 WFD on the outside, but has the interior of a MCI. I have ridden this bus and if the NJT or TA decides to purchase this bus, everyone is in for a treat.
I discovered the express bus option getting from Bay Ridge in Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan. It was way better than taking the subway and transferring to another train in downtown Brooklyn.
It cost more but a one seat ride was worth it to me and was faster many times than the subway, taking the walk time, tranfer time into consideration.
Faster many times? Can that be?
I wouldn't say many times, but if the HOV lane is wide open, you could save 10 minutes, which is almost a quarter of the door to door time. The X27 Downtown service is a very fast service and Midtown (X37) is reasonable too. Several special operations operate from Bay Ridge and they make one or two stops and destroy the train as well.
The R train tries its best, but it takes a lot of abuse from Bay Ridge because it is a local. Local trains rarely get any appreciation.
AM - Deadhead from 23 Street back to White Plains for a second trip
AM - Deadhead from 23 Street back to Yonkers for a second trip
PM - Deadhead from White Plains to 23 Street
2) I am getting load factors of around 50-60% on rush hour buses according to my calculations. I am using October 2003 ridership numbers to do an hourly distribution of riders. Something is clearly wrong, since I used an estimated ridership of 876 in each direction during the week. This would mean that certain trips should be combined, but the reason the short turns exist is because everyone can't fit.
3) I have calculated a total Saturday ridership of 866 and a Sunday ridership of 541 using the same October numbers. Has ridership in general stabilized or dropped since that time? Are these numbers good working estimates.
If you don't feel comfortable posting any of this, you can always e-mail me. Even if you only have the answer to one piece, I'd be interested to hear it.
2) Is the schedule accurate? There seems to be very little adjustment for traffic.
3) How is the weekday and weekend ridership on the line? I was looking at the idea of suggesting that a trip or two be extended to Long Beach Island during the summer for a premium fare.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I wonder why they didn't create some sort of prototype for BRT?
Anywhere here knows if any TA receieved te Neoplan AN440 this year?
But take that neoplan ad i have and compare to that a new flyer or whatever else, and that thing actually has real styling and design. With the septa NABI's coming in too.
Do you know what BARTA is running these days? Are they still running the Orion Is?
But I beleive I have some Opus low floors in the area, brand new. Haven't seen them though, but been meaning to track them down. I'm EXTREMELY curious about them.
What are your thoughts?
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Williamsburg Bridge Plaza, over Bridge to Delancey. Left on Essex St, another left on Grand St. Grand St to Jackson, then into Madison St, where the entire M22 route can be absorbed as one.
Da Hui
So B39 can be Williamsburg->Grand/FDR->Madison Ave->Battery Park City.
Ridership patterns dictate most buses run between the M22 leg of the new route, with every other bus to Williamsburg during rush hours.
This now gives northern Brooklyn riders bus access to Lower Manhattan.
Florida
State Bus Rodeo Photos
Local and Interstate (to/from New York City) buses serve both Hawthorne and Ridgewood, but no NJ Transit buses go to Mahwah. The only thing Mahwah has beside the train is Coach USA/Short Line bus service to and from New York City and downstate New York.
1) What is the only bus route that crosses a borderline between boroughs twice in one trip?
2) What is the only bus route that crosses into another borough, but does not connect with a bus with the prefix of that borough? For example, let's say this route crossed from Brooklyn into Staten Island, either in Brooklyn it didn't meet another B-route or in Staten Island it didn't meet another S-route (not both, just one or the other).
3) What is the only street/avenue/road (etc) in NYC that has three different bus routes operating on it without overlapping? That is, none of the three bus routes share a path WHILE ON THAT STREET/AVENUE/ROAD.
I wouldn't be surprised if you found more than one answer to any of these questions, but I'm just saying that right now, I only see one for each.
The word "only" doesn't apply...
- B13 and B24 both cross into Queens and then back into Brooklyn;
- Bx9 (assuming that Marble Hill is still part of the Borough of Manhattan);
- N8 crosses into Queens and then back into Nassau County (I'm counting it because it's part of the MTA family).
As I said: "I wouldn't be surprised if you found more than one answer to any of these questions. . ."
Q101R (Rikers Island is part of the Bronx)
- - - - -
3) What is the only street/avenue/road (etc) in NYC that has three different bus routes operating on it without overlapping? That is, none of the three bus routes share a path WHILE ON THAT STREET/AVENUE/ROAD.
80th Street (Queens):
- Q47 (Astoria Blvd to 25th Avenue)
- Q45 (Grand Avenue to Eliot Avenue)
- Q29 (Dry Harbor Road to Myrtle Avenue)
Some others come close, but we'd have to expand the scope of the question to include streets with three non-overlapping service segments, with each segment possibly having multiple routes...
Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn/Queens):
- B63 (Waterfront to 5th Avenue)
- B45 (Flatbush Avenue to Washington Avenue)
- Q24 (Pennsylvania Avenue to Van Wyck Expwy) and Q41 (133rd Street to Van Wyck Expwy)
Liberty Avenue (Brooklyn/Queens):
- B12 (Pennsylvania Avenue to Sheridan Avenue)
- Q112 (98th Street to Waltham Street)
- Q83 (165th Street to Farmers Blvd) and Q42 (165th Street to 177th Street)
Broadway (Queens):
- Q104 (Vernon Blvd to Newtown Road)
- Q18 (51st Street to 58th Street)
- Q53 (61st Street to Queens Blvd) and Q58 (Corona Avenue to Queens Blvd)
48th Street (Queens):
- Q104 (Broadway to Queens Blvd);
- B24 (Queens Blvd to BQE) and Q39 (48th Avenue to BQE);
- Q67 (BQE to 55th Avenue).
[Gotham: Q101R (Rikers Island is part of the Bronx)]
Of course, I neglected the Q102 (Roosevelt Island is part of Manhattan).
BTW, the Q113 doesn't meet any N-routes while in Nassau County.
Its finally up. My first .com site.
While its mostly subway/rail oriented, there is a bus section. In a few weeks, I will hopefully be adding a Disney Transport section(busses and monorail).
Please sign my guestbook as well when you visit.
Thank you.
-Chris
* Note that some of the WMATA buses still have their old fareboxes
* Most or all of the buses have bike racks
SEPTA is supposed to be getting new ones in the future...hopeully they'll still accept pennies :)
Four Mile
Arlington
Royal
Bladensburg
...those are on the very top of my mind..I will sift through the grey matter and figure out the rest of them, unless WES beats me to it :P
Where is Bladensburg anyway?
If you're interested, WMATA produced a thorough overview of the current garages (as well as ID sites for new ones) as part of its regional bus study. Link:
http://www.wmata.com/about/expansion/bus/Bus_Study_Garage_Plan.pdf
Arlington
Annex
Royal,
Southern
Landover
Four Mile Run
Western
Bladnesburg
Bladnesburg has recently gotten theirs which leaves only Northern and Montgomery yet to get them which should be soon unless WhyMATA screws something up.
My pictures in the link above.
Today's Suspects:
Me
Ray
Chris G
Chris G's friend Mike
Perry
Wayne
Wes
Trevor
Trevor's friend Thomas
Chuck Greene
Today was too much fun, we need to do this again sometime. Thanks to everyone who came.
What sucked was at one point during the roadeo, the organizers started to make everyone leave the buses. It's not like we're gonna drive off with the buses:-)
Lots of buses were on display, but the ones that impressed me the most was a 2002 NOVA RTS hybrid, 4003
Also, hearing the 8V71 accelerate on a Flxible New Look wasn't too bad either.
After the roadeo, we headed down to Frankford TC and rode a 66 out and back to Frankford TC. The Neoplan we had going to Torresdale was ok, but it definitely has seen better days. Going back to Frankford, we had another Neoplan, that one was much better than the one we rode going to Torresdale.
After this we stood around at Frankford waiting for a ZF New Flyer to come. As expected, ZF Flyers came, but none were on the 20, our intended route. So finally we gave up and rode an Ikarus 416 on the 20 out to Franklin Mills. We had this granny driver, she held her own pretty well; she didn't tear up the road, but she did waste a few cars in the left lane at times and was a fairly quick driver.
After this we rode an Allison New Flyer on the 84 back to Frankford TC. We feasted on greasy Church's Fried Chicken for dinner, and then Trevor and his friend Thomas went out riding some more while the DC crew went back home.
Here's a few teaser photos:
I miss the days when I could see this on my home route:
As usual, everyone help fill in the gaps or correct any information.
The driver's seat of the Neoplan artic impressed me. You can control with air how much support you have in the different parts of the seat. The ZFer driver seats were so uncomfortable, though, but that's to keep the driver alert anyway.
Chuck Greene
It seems that you guys were really focused on getting a 20. You know that there are 3 ways to get to Franklin Mills via the 20, 84, and 67?
Chuck Greene
I think those are Southern's (not OFFICIALLY, but keep reading)... I find them frequently enough on the 47 57, 68, and 108.
Btw, Artics for my Route 14, please.
I'm a bit tired now, but we had a great time.
I don't know why he didn't let you and Trevor ride that Flx New look for at least several minutes so either you or Trevor can recond that
bus engine/tranny sound.
Arthur Thomas
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
The NJT drivers were very nice - I learned a lot about NJT from them, such as how to use my RiverLINE ticket to transfer from the NJT bus. I'll be NJT fanning very soon (as soon as i get some money and some time). I'm raring to go up to Newark to catch the NJT Neo remix (I consider them SEPTA Neo IIs because they sound so similar to my Neos!).
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
THE BUS SUCKS.
Wes Samuels-
WMATA doesn't want me and THE BUS is afraid I'll take over.
The SEPTA rides we had from Frankford were great. I can't wait until we can get together again to do some more busfanning! I am in serious need of some Ride On rides, but I'll wait for the new batch of Orion VII's to arrive.
Great pics. I'll have to get mine developed and see how they came out.
I always love an Orion I ride, and I really want to ride some Orion VIIs - up here they are non existant!
My SEPTA rides were nice, although it was mainly business oriented (riding it to go somewhere for a purpose, like a friend's house).
A nice way to spend my one full day of freedom from college!
It was great seeing everyone and meeting new people too. Joe, Marcus, and I discovered a lone transitfan (we were all there one time - thinking we are the only person in the world to be interested in buses). He took him a long for the ride with us.
Next time I'm in the DC area, I must ride PRTC - I think that's the only TA truly worth fanning on down there that I haven't ridden yet. I might try and get me a PG THE BUS Thomas too, not to mention riding Orion Vs and VIIs...
Ah, it would be great to see Orions running in the Norristown area (and not the Orion II - that was philly's only representation of Orion and a horrible one at that, although SEPTA did look at a VII demo for the ZFer order - that was when I didn't like them).
PRTC will be fun when we get the Gillig Advantages for the OmniLink. You should take the Prince William Metro Direct from Franconia Springfield to the PRTC Transit center, then ride a couple of the Link routes and head back on the Metro Direct. That would give you a pretty good idea. Or, you could go to West Falls Church and take it to Manassas and ride the Link buses there. The only difference is that the Transit Center houses all of the buses, so you'd see the MCI's, RTS's, etc.
The Advantages are coming very soon, aren't they? Do you know what powertrain they have (hopefully ISL/DD50 with ZF transmission?)
Is the transit center big?
The Transit Center isn't huge, but its where the 4 OmniLink buses, Prince William Metro Direct, Cross County Connector and the OmniRide buses from DC come through. There are timed transfers every 45 minutes for the OmniLink buses. Its nothing like Frankford Terminal, that's for sure.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
I had fun on the SLF I rode last time I was down there, and the TL was surprisingly solid. Too bad I forgot the number...just too many to remember, lol.
Did THE BUS ever get through it's frame problems? Are they getting new buses? What would be interesting yet frightening would be Gillig Advantages (ha, I wish!).
It was a fun Roadeo, but geez, the SEPTA drivers couldn't compare to the Ride-On and DASH drivers I saw at the Ride-On Roadeo!
One of the instructors for NJT (he drove the hybrid - sweet!) gave me this whole spiel about how NJT has the best training program in the US and also why it has such an amazingly low accident ratio. He started quoting salaries for drivers (excuse me, professional bus operators - he was very specific about that - not trying to belittle the operator's job). He quoted a salary for bus cleaners - I was sold, at least for a little bit. Now I'm pretty interested in working for NJT.
The parade was fun - I finally got to ride a Dorado - interestingly enough, the Dorado at the Roadeo was the crappiest one I've ever ridden, 4537 (they really fixed it up! Last time I saw it, the right windshield wiper was like hanging off or something - it was formerly dubbed the "Ghettorado" (no offense to anyone). It has been quite the while since I last rode one of these since the infestation of Chumpion cutaways on my route (the 95).
I loved that Vanhool bus - very nice!
I loved the E series bus - pretty awesome - I really want to ride one of these or the J series!
The guy's Fishbowl (former WMATA/AG and W? bus) was pretty nice - we had a nice discussion about owning a bus (I of course was interested because of my interest in getting an Orion I). Turns out that things were very inexpensive for him - however, it was basically because he was driving an antique. The best part was being able to sign it as my MD home route, bringing back memories of riding these things (well, I at least remember riding the Flxible New Looks) on that route. It was pretty cool seeing the different destinations on the sign until Ray broke it (now it's stuck on Y8 NOT IN SERVICE - makes sense for WMATA). All I can basically say though after going through all of that is thank god for electric signs!
The NABI low floor from DART seemed promising. Tri-level seating is always unique, and I even found a leg room seat! The interesting thing is that I think this bus is fairly tall for a low floor - it needed 10' 7" or something of clearance - isn't that the height of a standard floor? It seemed to be Orion VII tall. All in all, I guess the New Flyer low floors are just shorties. Anyway, a NABI is a NABI, that's basically what I have to say about it.
One of the Blue Bird school buses (the wheelchair one) had a/c inside of it - two big units - completely out of place.
Anyway, you guys saw a very special Neo artic. It's one of a handful of buses with the bike rack, PLUS it is an overhaul! Not much different/nicer than the others, although I did notice those extra large nuts on the front wheel.
What did you guys think of the champions? I'm sick of them, but they seem somewhat decent to drive. The telescope/tilt controls of the steering wheel were reversed from other transit buses though, which was slightly annoying. However, they were definitely built to be a bus (kinda) - go Champion!
Afterwards a few friends and myself bummed a ride on 3332 back to southern depot. He was pretty cool, and it was nice riding a neo down I 95 (although we eventually were smoked by some New Flyers - our bus was only governed to 50mph). Got a NABI (the NABI hex continued!) on the 17 with a snotty driver who put me bad mood for a while (sometimes I can't stand rude drivers). Got a ZFer on the C to Olney TC, then another NABI on the 55 (good grief!). Returned home, got ZFer 5728 on the 55, NABI 5251 on the L (strange air lock release from closing of back door) and NABI 5147 - I told you, the NABI hex! - on the 98 Norristown "express" home (not an official express, just cuts out a huge annoying portion of the routing in the business complexes - in fact, it followed the 1989 routing, meaning it stopped at my 95 stop (upon request, of course)!
All in all, it was a great roadeo - let's do it again sometime!
I need all your pics for inspection now :)
Those busrides definitely turned the back of the buses into a big party bus. There was a huge divide over where the other passengers sat and where we were. LOL. It was so much fun!
That's pretty funny. Though I can't understand how anyone could just outskirt franklin mills, my favorite mall. I'm starting to think the Marshalls stop might be a good photo op, with the 67 and one other bus parking there to layover.
Next time, I'll have to check out Franklin Mills. Looks really built up around there.
If you feel like walking, you can always go over to the far side of the lot to see the buses laying over.
Thanks to Chuck Greene for being our Philly bus guide,was an enjoyable experience. Next the PRTC rodeo which I can only go part of the day, got to go to work and also the next day might start my second vacation where I will hit up NYCTA and the DOTS also hopefully Bee-line and LI Bus, SEPTA, and DelDOT. And of course there is the BIG TYME bus trip which might not be till September(more details to come).
I hope the PRTC roadeo will be good. There is a lot of planning going into it, but it wont be huge like the SEPTA one. That one was my favorite last year and it lived up to my expectations this year.
It was fun seeing so many people from this board there. This is a classy group of people.
We had a great time on the bus rides swapping stories, etc. and raising hell all the way. I loved the imitation sounds of the Neo's performmed by Mr.Thomas. He had them down pat after a few service stops!
Count me in for any future trips! Especially on weekends!
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
That's hilarious - you guys forgot you were in SEPTA world. In WMATAville, Chuck, you can get a transfer and use it to ride whatever you want (including the same bus back or to continue going) for two hours (WMATA used to be lenient and give up to 4 hours, but I guess due to budget constraints, they are cracking down now).
Sounded like you guys had a party on those buses! Next time you want a ZFer, try Olney terminal - Midvale uses them religiously.
Thanks for giving me a ride to the Roadeo Chuck - you really helped me out a lot!
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
DC area transit and TARC in Louisville KY are the only two that I've heard of that do that.
Riding around transit in WMATAville is like a vacation - I usually use cash and pay less than I do with SEPTA (even with a token).
Chuck Greene
What out of "Bought and Sold" District is using them?
~Midvale's getting better
CALLOWHILL:
5400s: 5411-5470
5700s: 5803-5820
COMLY:
5500s: 5541-5585
5900s: TBD
FRANKFORD:
5500s: 5501-5540
5700s: 5753-5792
5900s: TBD
MIDVALE:
5600s: 5667-5712
5700s: 5713-5752
5900s: TBD
SOUTHERN:
5400s: 5471-5500
5500s: 5596-5600
Hybrid I: 5601H-5612H
5600s: 5613-5656
5700s: 5793-5807
Hybrid II: 5831H-5850H (due on the property end of this month)
RED ARROW:
5400s: 5401-5410
5500s: 5586-5595
5700s: 5821-5830
5800s: 5851-5884 (tentative; delivery in progress)
FRONTIER:
5600s: 5657-5666
5800s: 5885-5900 (tentative)
SERIES DEFINITIONS:
5400s: 5401-5500 (DDC 50/Allison B400R)
5500s: 5501-5600 (DDC 50/Allison B400R)
Hybrid I: 5601H-5612H (Cummins ISL/Allison EP40 Hybrid Drive)
5600s: 5613-5712 (DDC 50/Allison B400R)
5700s: 5713-5830 (DDC 50/ZF HP-592)
Hybrid II: 5831H-5850H (Cummins ISL/Allison EP40 Hybrid Drive); delivery expected this month
5800s: 5851-5950 (DDC 50/ZF HP-592); subject to change pending possible execution of options; delivery in progress
5900s: 5951-6050 (DDC 50/ZF HP-592); subject to change pending possible execution of options; assignments TBD; delivery expected 2005
Many thanks to Chuck for being our SEPTA guide and Trevor and Thomas for providing the laughs.
I was pretty numb by the time we sat down for dinner. Poor Thomas, that 'sundae' he had LOL "do you need some ice cream to go with that sauce"! I'm glad you had the same thought about the lemonade and it wasn't just my imagination. It was sooooo watery.
Our theory was that Chris was getting really restless in your car and that the sugar from the ice tea really kicked in!! Chris D. got some good pics from our car. But when you changed lanes, his camera was pointing right at someone else's and he thought he better take it off the dash in case they got nervous. LOL.
Definitely a great day.
They called Chris soon after we got on I-95.
Yes - we definitely need to make a day of it like we did last year. Yes, Thomas' sundae was flooded with syrup. It looked good, but the sugar from all of that would have me bouncing off the wall for many, many hours. With the lemonade I wanted to catch you before you sat down. That stuff looked pretty good, but of course the taste was a different story.
That's funny that Chris D. was snapping away pics of Chris G.
I told you, riding transit in WMATAville is like a vacation for me - and I don't even have to use special passes!
Chuck Greene
Sorry I missed most of the people, I know I saw Chuck G when I walked into the place, I guess I could have followed him around to see the rest of you, but if I'd caught a bus off the premises I would have had to find a way back to my car.
Chuck Greene
I would have rather played with the big neo, but it wasn't on - my plan to have a neo artic signed as the 95 was foiled, lol.
They were mainly playing with 4536 - I don't know where that bus came from.
I saw that thing at Broad & Hunting Park I think on the 11th. I wonder what became of their vintage 1974 Flxible (last seen by me at the 1995 Trolleyfest for a tour) SEPTA needs to whistle up Flxible to build their next bus batch, and maybe borow NJT and WMATA's idea of having a SEPARATE LED/flipdot field for route and for destination, so they can stop abbreviating where it wouldn't really be needed.
SPEAKING of NJT, is that one of their RTS wannabes I see? SEPTA needs that, and the coach next to it (don't think they have a route for them? 119, 124, 125, 55, 93, 96, 104)
SEPTA already has a fleet of hybrid buses (the New Flyers) which would make such a bus (similar to NJT's 4001-4003 buses) unnecessary.
RE: SEPTA & MCIs
I could see MCIs working on a handful of routes in the suburbs, but probably not the ones listed.
The 93 and 96 aren't really suited for an MCI as the 104 or 124/125 would be. I don't know that the ridership on the 93 or 96 warrant MCIs; low floors or NABIs would be sufficient. I also don't see how an MCI is going to be able to navigate through the Montgomery County Prison on the 93. On some peak hour 96 short-turns to Lansdale, I've actually seen Champions used on that line (as I did on Monday; I think it was 2082).
The 104 would be a perfect fit for MCIs because (1) outbound fare collection is pay-as-you-leave, which does not use the rear door of the SEPTA bus fleet and (2) once you get past PA 252 in Newtown Square, stop spacing is further than it is between 69 St and PA 252. The 120 and 123 could also fall under this category.
AFA the 55, the ridership south of Willow Grove is large enough to justify artics as opposed to MCIs. I also don't see how MCIs would work on the 119, considering that's a fairly urban route between Chester and Granite Run Mall.
If you were going to run MCIs in the City, then the perfect candidate would be the 14 as a limited stop service between Bridge-Pratt and Oxford Valley with limited stops at key transfer points between Cottman and City Line.
Once, I actually though I SAW a coach bus with SEPTA's logo on it at 15th & JFK... sometime in summer of 2000.
If you go to the transit museum, SEPTA made up a lot of hype about those buses. of course, we don't have MCIs, do we?
Behind the SEPTA 1970 New Look is the 1974 Flxible!
But... behind THAT... is that one of SEPTA's retired RTS IIs? The ONLY type of RTS II I've ever seen with a slanted back... Please tell me it is, I LOVED their motor sound (the NJT 3000 series Flxibles sound most like it, as do the RTS buses used for Park Towne Place), second only to the 3000 series Neos SEPTA still has floating around.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
NO buses wore the "Gulf Oil" colors common to the PCC's. The "Old Looks" had the same NCL colors throughout their career [Green, White, with narrow orange stripe], although some were painted for ads, and one bus was painted in a psycheldelic scheme back in the early 70's as part of an student art project.
The Fishbowls went through 4 paint schemes [except the 4250-4427, 1200-14 series which went through 3 schemes, and the Red Arrow buses which went through 4 schemes]
The schemes were:
Green and White [All fishbowls bought by PTC].
White with maroon stripe [all Fishbowls bought by Red Arrow]
Tan and White [initial scheme on Fishbowls and the '72 Flxibles bought by SEPTA, and repaints of the PTC/Red Arrow fishbowls]
Tan and white with Maroon stripe [scheme on most Fishbowls after 1971. It was the initial scheme on the '73 Flxibles. On the '75 Flxibles, a variation was caused by the use of a different base in the paint, that made the '75 paint scheme look a little lighter than the other buses. Some 'bowls had the original tan and white scheme until they were rebuilt]
Red, White and Blue [big stripe, with the "S" at each end of the vehicle], this scheme appeared in 1977, and was applied to some Fishbowls [actually, they were on ALL of the rebuilt Fishbowls] and most of the Flxibles, Rebuilt PCC's, and even the Norristown line fleet and it was the initial scheme on the Kawasaki cars and the AM General trolleys. After 1983, all New look buses had this scheme.
Some Fishbowls, Flxibles, PCC's, most AMG Trolleys, and even some Kawasaki Trolleys had the "Neoplan Style" paint scheme with the windows "blacked" out.
By 1993, the "blacked-out" window look was gone, some of the Neoplans were repainted in an "Off White" color which tended to turn [and look] gray. They were re-painted in a brighter white scheme with the stripe. Then in 1996, the NABI's appeared, and virtually overnight most of the buses [especially the 3000-3491 series], plus a majority of the Kawasaki cars and most of the AM General Trolleys were repainted in the NABI Scheme [without the black windows]. The Black windows on the NABI's were removed when the buses underwent their overhaul. That is the current scheme on SEPTA buses today.
Only one Marmon was painted in the Red/white/blue scheme common to the buses. It was 325, a Marmon refitted with chopper controls [like the AMG Trolleys]. It was refitted and rebuilt as a prototype of the AM Generals in 1978.
Wasn't the "tan" acutally a yucky light goldish color?
I might be mistaken on that.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
The breakdown of Buses went like this:
Old Look [PTC only]:
500-799
1001- ? small buses nicknamed "Davy Crocketts" I have no real detail on these buses.
2900-3249
3500-3849 [102 inch buses]
These were the NCL buses that replaced all of the pre-PCC trolley fleet. Most were retired in phases during the 70's when the Flxibles came in. About 150 hung around until 1980.
New Looks [PTC only]:
5000-5049 [102 inch - no AC]
3900-3914 [Suburbans]
4000-4043 [96 inch with AC]
4100-4149 [ same as the 4000's]
These buses arrived in 1963 and 1964, and were retired in 1980
New Looks [PTC/SEPTA]:
4150-4249 [1967]
5050-5099 [ 1967-retired 1980- SEPTA wanted to get rid of the 102" buses]
4250-4427 [1969/70]
1153-1156 [30' Baby Fishbowls 1970]
1201-1214 [1970] 35'
206-211 [1970 Red Arrow]
All of these buses were rebuilt in the early 80's in the David Gunn regeime.
Flxibles [SEPTA CTD/RAD]
6000-6074 [CTD], 300-324 [RAD] 1972
6075-6313, 1215-1240 [CTD], 325-334, 335-359 [RAD] 1973
the 1215-1240 and 335-359 were 35' long
325-34 were exchanged with 6284-6293 in 1975 [the 6284-93 had soft seats and the 325-34 had hard seats, so these buses switched places], however the 6284-93 buses never received the 300 numbers. They simply had the 6 removed from the fleet number, and spent their days as 284-293. The ex 300 RAD buses were renumbered 6284-93.
6314-6665, 1241-1270 [CTD], 360-408 [RAD], 1975
1241-70 and 360-408 were 35'.
1157-1161 [ 30'Baby Flx New Looks 1976 they were supposed to be the battery buses, but Flxible could never get them manufactured]
6314-6363 had soft seats, as well as the 360-408 RAD buses.
Buses from 6075-6665, 284-93, 360-408 hav 8V71 engines
Buses 6000-6074, 300-324, 335-359, 1215-1270 had 6V71 engines.
You forgot the Bx 16 the Mundy Lane branch runs in a part
of Westchester (Mt Vernon)
You can tell when u are on the bus when u enter westchester because of
the street lights and signs
Also with the Bx 9 correct Marble Hill is a part of manhattan
most people don't know that
CG
Considering Triboro's CNGs - the RTSes, anyway - can't run for more than three hours when the ambient temperature exceeds 80°F...
Triboro just needs better Mechanics and they will be alright
there is nothing wrong with their fleet
maybe if they Moved those RTS CNG's to Command for 05 CNG's
they would be even better. just a thought though
I'd like to see a comparison from, let's say, Queens Surface and Jamaica Bus Lines.
Then how can you say one is worse?
"I'd like to see a comparison from, let's say, Queens Surface and Jamaica Bus Lines"
Jamaica Bus has good maintance but their newset buses are secondhand ex Queens Surface TMC'S
Jamaica Bus has been shitted on by the the DOT for years
their fleet doesnt even compare to Queens Surface
best fleet in Queens is Q.Surface
As for a comparison between Queens Surface and Jamaica Buses, both companies are good but QS has a newer fleet ; with O5's and TMC RTS only while Jamaica is subject to mostly second hand hand me downs from the other companies but they still run very well; so you can say that they "have an advantage". Take a trip on a Jamaica bus and a Green Lines or Triboro bus and you will see the difference.
From an economical standpoint, and I'm sure Millennium pointed this out in their proposal, the RTS would be cheaper over time.
MetroB
MetroB
Things like this are what you were referring to
While there's no excuse for vandalism, the other issues you indicate are easily correctable. That is, if depot management allowed the BMA/BMB to do his job properly.
Your complaints, while valid are directed towrads the wrong individuals. If you truly care about the fleet, contact the depot management and say so. Nothing posted here means anything.
This message was posted on another message board. Can anyone explain exactly what it means and whether it's accurate? The person who posted it is a troll.
May not care about the fine points, but comfort and attractivness are universal.
B49-#8456-TMC
Depending on where your at. But people have opinions on having padded seats or hardcovered seats. AC or non-ac. Even low-floors I bet. If they didn't care 100%, buses wouldnt' have paint, audio ennunciators, or even seats. Just a box with grab bars.
How long was 93001-93050 at Yukon? Because I think I remember (I could be wrong) riding 93086 on the Q48 in June of 1994, which would place it at Stengel.
The troll's from Chicago, now lives in Vegas. He inhabits a Chicago board and believe it or not, they regard him as a New York City expert. I say believe it or not cause he's clueless. The other night he posted a message that NYCT buses are on average about four times as fast as the NYCT subway once the rush hour is over. To prove it he said early one evening he went from 42d St and Madison to 168th-Bway on the M2 or M3 "in barely 20 minutes". When I pointed out to him that in the evening the schedule time for the M2/M3s btwn those two points is about 60 minutes he posted the above. About the 1960s 5303s.
Hmmm - Well, I'll start with his statement above. I'd agree that he's somewhat (if not totally) clueless. First. In 1980 - NYCTA rec'd an order of 837 Grumman Flxible 870. Of this group a few were indeed express buses, but not many (like less than 100 of them). In 1981 there were 837 GMC RTS-II 04 series (1201-1658, 2201-2579). Of these buses just 20 of them were express buses (1298-1317). During this time most NYCTA express buses were indeed fishbowls, but the overwhelming mahority of them were GMC T6H-5305A and T6H-5310A. The 8800-8900 series were T6H-5305A. There were just a handful of TDH-5303 that were express buses. These were a few 8400 and 8300 series buses, but again it was very few. Eventually as the fishbowls started being phased out by the early 90's the express fleet was indeed nearly 100% RTS. By time the RTS were in high numbers on express routes... New Yorkers were quite familiar with the "new" (ABD) buses because most of them were local buses.
His statement about buses being faster than the subway... He's clearly uninformed and/or just has bad info. The alleged trip from 42nd-Madison Ave to 168th-Bway in 20 min on the M2/M3. Well the only true part about that is that both of these routes serve both locations. I don't know what the schedule calls for, but it's closer to what you said. I'd guess it's about 50 min. What site is this? I'm curious to see what else he's saying. You probably should invite the person to visit this site.
I would take the express bus if i wanted to read in peace
As to the running time from 42d to 168th. I've never ridden either line all the way up. But I noticed on the route map that one - the M2 I think - goes west on 110th to Powell Blvd, then uptown on Powell to 155th Street. (That's Lenox Ave, right?) From driving a cab I remember Powell as being two lanes in both directions with a median in the middle. And busy with stores and a lotta street life. With cars double-parked, turning left, etc, I can see where that stretch is gonna slow a bus down. The other route goes west on 110th to, I think, Manhattan Avenue. That's not exactly a speedway either.
This is even done today. With the purchase of the MCI D4500s for express service, a lot of the suburban RTSs and Orion Vs are indeed operating in local service. Again, the B3 operates the suburban RTSs, along with other routes that operate out of the Ulmer Park, Jamaica, Queens Village, Casey Stengel (Orion Suburbans only) depots.
CASEY STENGAL
Orion 05 - 3xx, 2 61xx's
QUEENS VILLAGE
Nova RTS - 3 49xx's
JAMAICA
NOVA RTS - 89xx's
DID ANYONE SEE ANYTHING ELSE OR OTHER DEPOTS OUT THERE
I have no comment really. I like 3 of the routes they plan to add, and the 58lx might be a good change. I don't know if this is a final version as they keep changing their plans with every feedback.
I do have one problem. My office is moving to a new location, where I could probably use a route called the 200x. I could take teh 6am bus(there's only two in the am, 6 and 7). The problem is in the afternoon, the first bus is after 5 with a second close behind.
Who works 10 hours+ 5 days a week? Why could i have a bus that can get me to work at either 7 or 8 and then bring me back at 5? hours are 7-3 or 8-4, maybe 8-5 with lunch. I get to work on time and have to wait TWO hours to get back?
Maybe i should fill out the online comment form, but i'm banking on PSTA adding the 301x park and ride to westshore, hopefully while i'm still working there. :(
New Eltingville Transit Center Page is up on transitpics.com.
Click on the image below to view it.
Also, Click here to see my redesigned bus pics page. Not many photos now, but more coming soon.
-Chris
Through brooklyn, these buses use the Gowanus Expy from the bridge to BBT.
-Chris
Michael
-Chris
If one day they will replace the Ferry boats or make a subway connection to SI from one of the Boroughs then it would jeopardize the SI express Buses. However this wont happen for another 25 Years.
"Would be nice" isn't good enough. For a proposal to be viable, it must serve a travel need that isn't already being served efficiently (or at all), AND it should generate enough new* ridership to cover at least most ofthe additional operating costs.
- - - - -
* "New" ridership means absolutely new to NYCT. Existing riders who simply shift from other bus/subway routes don't count.
Buh bye underused routes (Q9A, Q21, B100...) (I know nothing is set in stone, but looking at ridership, these routes are huge money losers, I would imagine.)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Regarding the B100, I tend to think it is being used greatly (not on weekends though) because without it, Mill Basin people really have no convenient ride to the subway. Every now and then, I don't get a seat, and when it passes by Madison High School between 3PM and 4PM on a school day, you then see the need for it. (Don't even think about moving them to the B2 and the B3; they're crowded enough).
Off topic, look up Robert Moses and his failed plan to criscross Manhattan with three expressways.
What is typed above is purely my opinion.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
In fact the B60 is a good alternative to the L line. It basically duplicates the whole Brooklyn segment of the L line.
The B2/b00 route needs to be combined. Except for the evening rush hour, most b100 runs could be eliminated with little if any bus crowding. The B2 and b100 are virtually empty except for the morning and eveining rush and for a short time period when school lets out at madison.
As for the mill basin portion of the route. The b2 line needs to be modified to go service Mill Basin riders
"Every now and then, I don't get a seat, and when it passes by Madison High School between 3PM and 4PM on a school day, you then see the need for it. "
Those riders could easily be handled by the B2 by simply adding one additional run per hour between 2-3pm on the B2 and by moving the b2 from ave R to queitin road between ocean ave and nostrand ave.
I have ridden the B2/b100 for over 15 year including going too and from school and work. Both lines run almost completly empty except for rush hour periods. A recent ride on the B100 at 9:05 had a total of 6 riders from e36th street and ave R all the way to E16th street Q subway station
Based on extensive experience with the B2/b00 here would be my adjustment to the schedule
Morning rush elininate all b100 runs and add 2 additional runs per hour between 6:30-8:30am to the b2
8:30 am to 2pm - eliminate all b100 runs. The added run time of the new route would be offset by the reduced downtime at the end of the line. Drivers on the B2 have to have some of the shortest drivetimes in the bus system
2pm to 5:30pm elininate all b100 runs, add two addtional buses per hour to the b2
5:30-7pm Run the same number of runs as are currently on b2/b100. It is the evening rush hour where there is a concentrated number of riders piling off the Q.B trains all at once where it is almost imposible to remove any runs. Most buses on both lines pull out at capacity. Most riders will use either bus line.
7pm-6:30am all b100 runs elininated
Eliminating a route should be the last resort after attempts at making it more useful have failed. The TA is very resistant to experimentation or to compromise with the communities. That's why the Northeast Bronx and Southwest Brooklyn studies in the early 90's went absolutely nowhere.
Just looking at a Queens bus map, the routes in Middle Village seem to follow no planning guidelines and make little sense. I think it's the Q32 that seems to run in a circle, while others miss transferring by a few blocks. Is it any wonder why most people in Middle Village drive? With the takeover of the Privates, there is an opportunity to do some planning and rationalization, rather than simply looking at the bottom line and then cut routes or portions of routes.
This is mass transit, not a taxi service. Nobody has the right to demand special treatment at the rest of the city’s expense.
As far as I know this has never been done because the TA believes that the politicians won't let them undo the change once it's done, so it's never proposed.
I'm also not convinced that the established guidelines are even followed. They're just used as a convenience to support a predetermined conclusion and ignored when they do not support the desired result.
When the B18 was discontinued along Cypress Avenue, the TA's own figures showed that 500 passengers a day would be deprived of all bus service. (Service guidelines say that passengers should be within 1/4 mile of a bus route.) They were told to use the L train 1/2 mile away. If that were a feasible option, those people would already be on the L train rather than waiting 30 minutes for a bus. 500 passengers per day was quoted rather than number of passengers per year, because it sounds like less of an impact. However, savings were shown on an annual basis to make it seem greater. Both numbers should have either been quoted on a daily or annual basis for consistency.
The grand savings amounted to a savings of one bus per day at the expense of 500 people being deprived of all bus service since there are no bus alternatives nearby. The TA assumed that since the bus was travelling through a cemetery, no one needed it. But this was not true since some people were just travelling through the cemetery and were not even counted in the TA's analysis. They just had ten minutes added to their trip which also translates into dollars (people's time).
If the TA wanted to save a bus, they could have taken one off many other routes where it would have had less of an impact. But the TA never did have the interests of the passenger in mind. Also, their summary of the public hearing to the Board never mentioned that 12 out of the 12 speakers, spoke against the proposal to combine the B13 with the B18. But they did it anyway just because they could get away with it.
This will give the Ta the business inteligence it is sourly missing in order to make many of the touch schedule decisions it needs to make
The B2 runs though neighborhoods where 99% of households have cars and parking is not much of a problem. Most homes have offstreet parking. Street parking is also readly available
The B2 primary purpose is to shuttle people to and from the e16th street Kings Highways subway stations during rush hour and to serve madison hs and students transfering at ocean ave for Murrow or Midwood HS
The rest of the day and all weekend, you can count on your fingers the number of people on the bus on many runs
these buses have the new CAT engines and the ZF-ASTronic 10-speed automatic transmission.
GLI # 7299 at Los Angeles, Ca
i think the San Diego 1 day passes are 5 dollars
You are correct, sir!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!
these buses have the new CAT engines and the ZF-ASTronic 10-speed automatic transmission.
GLI # 7299 at Los Angeles, Ca
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Photo by Eddie A
glid4500@earthlink.net
http://labusfan.net
these buses have the new CAT engines and the ZF-ASTronic 10-speed automatic transmission.
GLI # 7299 at Los Angeles, Ca
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo by Eddie A
glid4500@earthlink.net
http://labusfan.net
these buses have the new CAT engines and the ZF-ASTronic 10-speed automatic transmission.
GLI # 7299 at Los Angeles, Ca
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo by Eddie A
glid4500@earthlink.net
http://labusfan.net
Da Hui
Michael
Washington, DC
While we're at it, let's merge the B41 with both the B51 and the Q35 so that it runs from Park Row all the way to Rockaway Park.
Don't laugh. The MTA actually almost had something similar to that back in the '70s during the summer months only. The B46 from Williamsburg straight to Riis Beach. It just didn't cross that bridge into Manhattan. :)
Merge the Q44 with the Bx9.
Or the Bx12 with the M101,
Or the B44 with the Q54,
Or the B6 running to Staten Island Mall,
And for Westchester Bee-LIne, lets combine Route 60 with Route 14 and have a one-seat ride from Bedford Park, Bronx to Peekskill, NY
For LI Bus, let's do N4 with N19.
-Chris
What I would like to see is a Limited service from Bay Ridge-86 St Sta. to Eltingville transit ctr.
The S89LTD(lets call it). Limited stops on Hylan Blvd and no mall. Only instead of only stoping at major streets, it can skip some, like New Dorp La and Tysens la. That way, you have an even amount of passengers and less overcrouding. I dont know if 'Ysuk' has enough busses to make this route. An alternative would be to get some articlated busses on the 79(like that would EVER happen).
Just an idea.
-Chris
Da Hui
Then I guess the RX8 was a really dumb idea....
this was the first express bus over the bridge...
It ran to downtown Brooklyn...
It would kill that LONG R TRAIN ride..thats for sure...
these buses have the new CAT engines and the ZF-ASTronic 10-speed automatic transmission.
GLI # 7299 at Los Angeles, Ca
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo by Eddie A
glid4500@earthlink.net
http://labusfan.net
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Metro # 4500 at Sylmar-San Fernando Metrolink Sta
2001 NewFlyer C40LF
Metro 5373 on Rapid Line 745 at Vignez-Cesar Chavez
7982 and 7988 are the only compobuses so far to be painted Rapids. So far #7980, 7981, 7983, 7984, 7985, 7988, 7990, 7991, 7992, 7993, 7999
thats it for now, enjoy
photos by eddie a.
glid500@earthlink.net
http://labusfan.net
in this picture here ... 7904 is operated out of the GC-1 yard .... casically thats
Gateway Cities sector, Division 1
Others you will or havent seen yet are
GC-2 ( Gateway Cities sector, Division 2 )
SGV-3 ( San Gabriel Valley sector, Division 3 )
SB-5 ( South Bay sector, Division 5 )
W-6 ( Westside sector, Division 6 )
W-7 ( Westside sector, Division 7 )
SFV-8 ( San Fernando Valley sector, Division 8 )
SGV-9 ( San Gabriel Valley sector, Division 9 )
GC-10 ( Gateway Cities sector, Division 10 )
SFV-15 ( San Fernando Valley sector, Division 15 )
SB-18 ( South Bay sector, Division 18 )
2001 NewFlyer C40LF
Fortunately, Corgi is sometimes making a prototype and reaching out to some knowledgeable collectors (thankfully not me) before issuing the item. Before issuing the first Scenicruiser in the new series a picture of the prototype. was sent out and posted on another board. Immediately detected was that the bathroom was on the wrong side of the bus along with other small details. That error was corrected before the model was issued.
Part of why NYCTA schedules get messed up as bad as they do is a NYCTA (especially MABSTOA) peculiarity in that they will not change a bus's destination enroute. Say an M15 leaves S Ferry on time, but gets tied up in midtown. If he starts signed up for 126th, that is where he is going no matter how late he gets. Now once he gets to 126th the dispatcher there might have him turn at 23rd southbound to get back on schedule.
I wonder, first, is that true? Second, if it is, is there an operational reason for it or a work rule involved? Mr. MaBSTOA?
David
Peace,
ANDEE
Thanks for ignoring the rest of my message, too.
I will say this -as a rider it was very gratifying to see a dispatcher take charge the way this guy did, in order to maintain service to the public. I never dispatched buses but I did dispatch cabs and if anyone thinks serving the public is easy, well my only advice is -try it some time!
And give credit to the B/O as well who could have been just as obstinate as the first one
Michael
Washington, DC
The dispatcher seemed annoyed but not like it was a big deal that someone should get fired for. Like I said before, I take my hat off to the dispatcher for really working hard to accommodate the public. I wish now I'd written a letter to the MTA praising him. (Does it do any good?) But I admit, in addition to dispatching cabs I drove them, so I could see the bus driver's point as well. Driving one of those buses in snarled Manhattan traffic has gotta be a pretty tough job.
BIG AL
Michael
Washington, DC
BIG AL
BIG AL
I had to wait a full 20 minutes for a bus once,while the posted times said buses would arrive 7-9 minutes.
The funny part was,when the bus finally came...along Myrtle ave,we pass the buses that never showed up at Jay street.
Just goes to show you,how sick transit has become....
two buses were suppose to come between 700 and 726..no bus came untill the latter.So that means we stood there for over 20 minutes waiting for buses that never came.
Funny thing is when the bus did come...we passed the two buses on Myrtle ave[the 709 and the 718]that were suppose to start from Jay street.
So the way I see it,they short turned those buses at Flatbush ave...
Jim D.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
On Tuesday the 29th, I headed to Staten Island to try to ride some RTS on the 44, 59 and 74, which I haven't been able to do since they were assigned to YUK. I've ridden '99 Orions on virtually every YUK and CAS route to the point of boredom.
After departing the ferry at Saint George at 8:30, I quickly checked Platforms B and D, which host the 74 and 44 respectively. (It seems that the ramp to Platform A is closed, requiring a detour up the ramp to B and then crossing over the B bus lanes.) There were an RTS 4700(!) and two 8200s resting next to the inner walls at various locations, but the drivers took them OOS to the depots. All other departing buses were Orions, with a Suburban on the 62.
The post-ferry wave of outbound buses dissipated, so I stood on the sidewalk by the exit at Richmond Terrace (at the risk of arousing suspicion) to see what equipment was coming in to meet the 9:00 boat. Alas, everything coming in was an Orion.
I decided to get the 40 to Port Richmond where I could perhaps get an RTS on the 44 or 59 towards the Mall- and the Eltingville Transit Center (Is 'Bus Station' a politically incorrect term these days due to their assocation with squatting homeless?!), which I also wanted to check out. Along the Terrace, a 7000 Remain went by inbound on the 44. The post-'94 two-line destination LED bulkhead sign looked very strange with a Staten Island reading. It was unclear if it had the modified Suburban seating that a couple of such buses that used to run out of 126 had.
After disembarking at Port Richmond, I had time to walk down the main drag (and notice how blighted it looked) to Post Avenue in time to get a Mall-bound 44, unfortunately a '99 Orion. If nothing else, it went over some as-yet uncharted territory along Walker Street and Morningstar Road. Along Richmond Avenue, TWO 7000 Remains went by the other way. I got off at the Mall to use the facilities, then back out to get a Brooklyn-bound 79 (also a '99 Orion) to Arthur Kill and Le Transit Centre. The sight of all the MCI expresses penned up on Forest Hill Road across from YUK never fails to amuse.
We got Le Transit Centre just in time to miss a Tottenville-bound 8300-series on the 74. It didn't look like much more than a glorified bus shelter; no A/C, the Coke machine was out of order and the water fountain ran hot. The schedule racks were devoid of any local route schedules, but had plenty for a few expresses. Since it was a semi-off week, the parking lot didn't look terribly full. One would surmise that the location right at the end of the Parkway might encourage some people to drive from further on the Island- or from Jersey over the Outerbridge to catch express buses there.
After about a ten-minute wait, I was 'rewarded' with 3901 on the inbound 74! That must be by far the lowest-numbered RTS remaining. No A/C, no bell, chipped seats, two wheelchair seats and one seat grab bar missing. It did feel strange to hear the classic unrepowered RTS accelerating 'whine' in such suburban- and Orion- territory. Naturally, another 8300-series passed by the other way near Richmondtown. The 'Tottenville' reading looks very strange in pre-1994 LED font.
Any potential 'speed' was hampered by senior citizens getting on and off all the way to New Dorp, but it actually did pretty well along Richmond Road and Targee up till the expressway overpass. We got hung up in a horrible construction bottleneck at Vanderbilt that took ten minutes to get through (where we caught up with a '99 Orion on the 76, thus explaining our ability to go fast on the duplexed section). The bus' age was extremely evident on the steep hills along Van Duzer. When we arrived at the ferry, a couple of drivers on break expressed sympathy towards ours.
By then it was 11:30, so I headed back to Queens and drove to the Island to swim- as is my custom whenever I'm off on a weekday during the summer. Come the fall, I'll have to use some of the numerous weekdays I'm off to try this again. If I could somehow get an RTS on the rush-hour 59 to Tottenville, that would REALLY be interesting!
Click the image below to visit the transitpics.com E.T.C. page.
-Chris
-Chris
Thanks in advance.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
--Acela
nyctba.com
Just a Though
On Wednesday the 30th, I boarded a very crowded (at 6:30 AM) '96 Orion on the Q44 at Parsons & 14th, the last stop in Queens. Virtually everyone, including myself, got off at Parkchester. There was a token 8700-series RTS going into service on the BX14, but that's old hat. So I took the 6 train to Westchester Square, where there are many more options- last spring I saw several RTS and Orions(!) on the AM peak BX40/42.
The first bus of interest was a 7600 O7 on the Locust Point-bound BX8, one of my all-time favorites. Riding a bulky low-floor bus along narrow suburban shorefront streets is quite the novelty. (I've always associated the Lo Floors with heavily urban western Brooklyn.) We had trouble passing a '94 Orion on very narrow, two-way Dean Avenue. In the loop through the private Edgewater Park co-op (small ranch bungalows, non-NYC street lights, common parking lot), we were sandwiched between an inbound 8000-series RTS and a 9200-series Nova-a continuing testimony to WF's variety. The snarling, roaring O7 engine got extremely loud along the fast stretch on the Throgs Neck service road.
The bus I was on went OOS at the Longstreet terminal, but a 7700 O7 with orange LED sign came almost immediately. After an enjoyable return trip, I disembarked at Buhre station and walked up to Pelham Bay terminal just in time to get a '99 Orion on the BX29 to City Island. Several passengers had fishing tackle, and there looked to be a few domestic or restaurant workers. The speed on the many freewaylike stretches was as good, if not better than an RTS. The far end of City Island is delightfully quiet at 7:30 AM- nothing like the touristy gridlocked madhouse it's become on the weekends.
I rode the same bus all the way back to Co-op City. We picked up quite a few people on the island, all of whom seemed to know each other. After dumping everyone but me at Pelham Bay, the bus took a slightly different route as did the BX12 in front of us. Instead of getting directly on northbound I-95 from Westchester Avenue, we headed right towards City Island again (which made we wonder if the driver made a mistake), then did a U-turn before the drawbridge, headed west again and then right onto 95 north and over the Amtrak bridge. The 12 continued straight to its normal routing. Maybe there's some new rule saying Artics can't use cloverleafs, which the Inwood-bound 12 would do after leaving Pelham. But why would the 29 take this strange detour?
It's very strange to see all those TA Orions along the Hutch service road (except for many RTS on the QBX1 subway shuttles), pure RTS country for decades. After disembarking by the multiplex, I grabbed a bite on Bartow and then headed towards Baychester. The same '93 Orion that passed me on Bartow by Asch arrived at Baychester and Aldrich fifteen minutes later. That lengthy detour the 26 and 28 (and to a lesser extent, the 30) take around Co-op must be excrutiating, especially if you're late for work. The Orion ride along Allerton Avenue's rolling hills was fun, as was the (blessedly uncongested) winding, bucolic Kazimiroff Boulevard through Bronx Park. Several Artics passed the other way on the 26.
Got off at Jerome, where it was very strange to see TA Novas (BX10) again. Took the 4 train downtown to 161st for the BX13, a '96 Nova. (At least four O7s passed by on the BX6 in either direction, but no RTS or Orions.) Having never ridden the 13, I discovered that High Bridge is NOT a desolate slum, but a busy, working class neighborhood with a vibrant commercial strip along Ogden Avenue that looked not unlike Kingsbridge, or even Riverdale. There were some beautifully restored single family and row houses along Plimpton Avenue.
After crossing the Washington Bridge (which was MUCH less congested than on weekends), I got off at Amsterdam to see what outbound WF bus would come first. It was an 8700 RTS on the BX11. The High Bridge segment, which features many turns and steep hills, is always fun. Having never been on the 11 past the Concourse, this was quite an adventure. There's another steep hill down Clay Avenue, and Claremont Parkway through Crotona Park is hilly, narrow and extremely curvy. We got a close-up tour of the new housing that's said to have revitalized the South Bronx (passing the celebrated Charlotte Street).
At the last stop, I crossed Westchester Avenue- which looks very strange in the few blocks there's no el over it- for the BX4 back to Parkchester. 5255 fulfilled what everyone on this board has said about GH artics: flapping ad cards, no bell, no A/C, horrible screeching sound when the brakes are applied and a belligerent passenger in the front who would bang his cane loudly on the floor now and then for no particular reason.
An interesting feature at the stops at Elder and Morrison was a concrete platform of sorts parallel to the curb right at the el pillars between the parking lane and center of the roadway- almost like a trolley or light rail stop. You don't see this type of arrangement on any other bus route that runs under an el with pillars in the street such as Broadway, Jerome Avenue, White Plains Road, 31st Street in LIC/Astoria or 86th Street in Bensonhurst.
It took from 11:00 to 11:45 for a Queens-bound Q44 to come- or rather, three simultaneously. A '96 Orion passed by the '93 Orion that stopped, which ticked off the already angry crowd to no end. Right behind it was a '99 Orion, which I pretty much had to myself. Unfortunately, there was a strong smell of urine in the back- where I always sit in Orions (more legroom, good sightlines). We passed the other two buses on the service road, and was in turn passed by another '96 Orion on the Bridge. When I got off at Parsons & 14th, a harried-looking dispatcher was talking over two-way radio about "an accident on the Bridge." I hadn't seen evidence of any.
I then went for my usual afternoon swim.
Drove to Hillside & Francis Lewis, where there's a large variety of NYC and LI BUS routes. Got a 4900 Nova on the Q1 to Queens Village station for the novelty of riding a NYCTA bus deep into Nassau County (and for the novelty of seeing a double-decker stopping at Queens Village- but that's for the other board).
At around 7:30, there was a large number of buses from all three Queens depot in the station loop and on Springfield under the trestle. Pretty much every class of bus from those depots was represented. There were pink paper signs on the windshields with computer printing of "BELLEROSE/FLORAL PARK"; "STEWART MANOR/NASSAU BOULEVARD"; "GARDEN CITY ONLY"; "HEMPSTEAD EXPRESS" and "ALL STOPS". A huge crowd of drivers and dispatchers were going over maps and written instructions. When the Penn-Queens Village shuttle train discharged- the stairs from the outbound platform put you on the south side of the trestle- there was mass confusion. I was of mind to get the local bus to see what the routing would be- and for the incongruity of riding ANY kind of bus along Stewart Avenue.
The Hempstead express was a QV Suburban Orion; the Bellerose/Floral Park a JAM Suburban Nova; the Stew Manor/Boulevard a JAM 4500 RTS.
9568, a JAM '98 Orion wore the Local sign, so I boarded that. Fifteen minutes later, the driver asked me where I wanted, and advised me the express to Hempstead was around the corner. He throught I was nuts for taking the local all the way to Hempstead.
Our routing was, from memory: Jamaica Avenue, Commonwealth Boulevard to Bellerose LIRR plaza, Commonwealth Boulevard, Jamaica Avenue, Tulip Avenue, Plainfield Avenue, Caroline Place (Floral Park LIRR plaza), Tulip Avenue, Covert Avenue, Stewart Avenue, NHP Road, Stewart Manor LIRR plaza, NHP Road, Stewart Avenue, Nassau Boulevard, South Avenue (Adelphi sure could use a bus- that's a LONG walk from the LIRR!), 6th Street, Hilton Avenue, several circuits around the Garden City station without finding any legal way into any parking lot, 7th Street, Cherry Valley Avenue, Cathedral Avenue, 6th Street, Franklin Avenue, Franklin Street, Fulton Avenue (NOT Columbia or Jackson Streets, which would've been much more direct), Washington Street, Jackson Street to LIRR station. We got very good speed along Stewart and South Avenues, and quite a few double takes from dog-walkers (the only pedestrians you'll see in Garden City), and people waiting for the impending inbound LIRR train.
I walked over to the bus terminal, armed with downloaded schedules for most LI BUS routes. The first thing to leave that I hadn't already ridden was the N55 to Massapequa, a 300-series with excellent A/C. In fact, the driver loudly suggested the male passengers keep the women passengers warm so he wouldn't have to shut it off. The bell on this bus didn't work either, but the canned announcements did- except they were a little too far ahead. One person seemed to get off at EVERY stop through Uniondale, preventing us from getting any good speed. Things improved a bit in Merrick.
I'd planned on staying on till Sunrise Mall, but the already annoying group of women (loud cackling; gum-cracking; dirty male-bashing jokes) broke out some extremely smelly egg sandwiches. So I decided to bail as soon as as I could for the next connecting bus that wouldn't take long to come (necessitating some frantic schedule shuffling). We JUST missed a Hicksville-bound N50 at Bellmore Avenue (where the automated announcement also incorrectly advises of connection with the N46, which intersects the 54 and 55 at Bellmore ROAD). I saw there would be a possible connection for the Hempstead-bound 46 at Bellmore Road, so got off there. There was no bus stop sign for the inbound 46 on either side of Jerusalem, so I hiked down Bellmore Road to the next stop, a good three blocks.
The 46 arrived about ten minutes late, a 100-series with some A/C but most windows stuck open. The canned announcements gave out after the second stop- maybe the driver turned them off? Despite light traffic and no stops, we didn't go very fast on what should have been good stretches along Jerusalem Road, East Meadow and Prospect Avenues.
At Front & Merrick, I got off to use the bathroom in the Dunkin' Donuts and get the N51 to Roosevelt Field. It was a 300-series with all the windows closed, but the A/C seemed to be blowing hot. This didn't detract from a very interesting ride along the new high-speed boulevards constructed in the seventies for the Coliseum and EAB headquarters. Really interesting was going through the heart of NCC, which was devoid of the usual boring concrete-glass structures so common to college campuses. Most of the buildings were vintage wartime Mitchel field barracks, and there was a very large and charming athletic green right smack in the middle. It was strange to emerge onto stereotypical suburban office building-laden Stewart Avenue again. (Somehow it WAS a hoot hearing the canned-announcement girl enunciate "Department of Immigration".)
At Roosevelt Field, I checked the schedule to see that we'd apparently just missed a 22 AND 24 to Queens, with each bus running on a half-hour headway in late morning. (The posters for the 'new' N8 and N43 were still on the shelters and the dispatcher's shack. Since when does the 43 serve EAST MEADOW?!) A 79 with GOOD A/C arrived soon, so I hopped that to Mineola, figuring I'd so some trainwatching in the meantime. Along Old Country, the N24 I thought I'd missed passed us by. We got to Mineola Boulevard just in time to see it turning left off Old Country over the bridge.
The 22 arrived right on time. This was my first 400-series LI BUS. Other than a new-bus smell, nothing seemed that much different. The announcements were made with the same voice. While riding along the very rutted stretch of Hillside Avenue in Williston Park, my stomach became very upset. So I bailed at Herricks Road where there's a Nathan's with good bathrooms, then had a couple franks- just the thing to do with a bad stomach, huh? (Watching CNN montages of Marlon Brando, whose passing had just been announced, didn't help either!) The next Jamaica-bound 22 was a 200-series, with one passenger for each discharge-only stop in Queens. Don't you HATE when that happens?!
And on to the pool-
I'm assuming that this is because of the low bridge behind the Doubleday property?
CG
I'd originally planned to go all the way out to at least Massapequa LIRR and try to get an 80 or 81 back to Hicksville- especially the 81, which I've seen doing what looks like 50MPH or better along Bethpage's Stewart Avenue. I've done the 19 numerous times, and it's painfully slow along Merrick Road- a lot of stops. The 46 only runs weekdays, and on an hourly- or worse- schedule.
But the very slow LIRR local shuttle bus (Well, I should've KNOWN, shouldn't I have?) didn't get to me Hempstead till almost 10:00, later than I would've liked.
Maybe it's bad luck, or I just tend to notice more when it happens, but it always seems like an inbound LI BUS makes a lot of discharge stops in Queens- particularly when I'm in a hurry.
I'm guessing that if you get in the inbound afternoon LIRR shuttle bus, it would be on the north side of Columbia just east of the station building. Hopefully I'll get to do that someday. It's quite amusing riding an RTS where none have trod before.
The questions just keep on coming...
MetroB
I miss the days of loud buses, though. My loud ones were the 6v92TAs, but thank goodness for the El Dorado Transmarks, although they aren't much louder than the NABIs.
I miss that neoplan start noise. Along with their bell ringing. :(
Speaking of Neos, what were some of the problems that different operators (such as B-more's with starting problems). I'm talking about more recent ones though, but any information about pre 1995 Neos would be interesting as well.
~The Alternative is coming to a place near you (in Chester or Mont.Co, PA).
#8700's:8780,8789,8796,8788,8781,8798,8776.
#8800's:8806,8891.
also, on the dead row included #4767,#4775,#4774,#4756,#4663 and #9100. What was weird that i saw was #4650 and #9319 had paper on it's front windows, yet these buses were facing foward. Don't know if they are oos though.
B1-#9316-NOVABUS
B8-#974-New Flyer
B64-#8788-NOVABUS(with bronx map)
Da Hui
We will run transit, suburban, and intercity services. Charters would be incidental to my business. Most of the equipment would be over the road equipment (a heavy dose of MCI, maybe some Setras because they hold lots of people). I would run up and down the Northeast. Basically, the buses would be painted similarly to MTA buses (a yellow stripe with blue lettering instead of a blue stripe with white lettering) since I'm not a flashy person.
No, I don't own equipment yet. It's much easier to use someone else's equipment and I like using Greyhound's stuff to do work. Of course, the day will eventually come that I will need to purchase my own fleet or steal someone else's. Hey, don't those MTA MCIs finish their 7 year lease in a year or two? Hehe.
there's your answer in the bus section of that site. Transit and suburban.
"What type of buses would you purchase"
Any thing I can get my gruby lil hands on. lol. I've seen all sorts of buses for cheap. Mostly MCI, alot of Eagles, very few Prevost. Hopefully, maybe, I can find a Scenicruiser or 2 also.
As for transit service.....probably that ultra LF or w/e from bluebird(ya think that'll do well?)
Colors.....I'm not sure. Right now, I want to pretty much paint up the buses with murals of Long Island. Like, the Sands Point to Jones Beach route would probably have a painting of the beach on it. All the buses however, would have an image of the back of the big wooden duck out in Riverhead, I think, on the back of the bus. Just a little comedic touch there.
For the Puerto Rico company I want to open, probably some kind of tropical mural on the buses. Kinda like what Tri-Rail did with some of its trains. Those look beautiful. Either that or just a big mural of the Puerto Rican flag on the sides.
more details on my company later...
Oh well, I guess we'll have to test em out ourselves. Make some sorta course to see how much of a beat down these things can handle.
Well, this is a great time to go into my company, The Alternative.
This bus company would operate in the Philadelphia suburbs, mainly Chester and Montgomery Counties with some routes going into Bucks, Del. Co., and Concord, DE (if SEPTA 202 won't do it - well, it's gone anyway - I'll do it!).
Okay, The Alternative (TA) is basically a transit company (like Ride-On!) that will connect communities together and beef up service in areas that SEPTA barely serves (like Phoenixville!). However, there will be express routes with The Alternative "Limited" service (X series routes). Right now I have proposed around 20 routes in both of these areas. I've been working on Chester County (it's very easy considering the lack of service there), but I think I'll go back to working on Montgomery County again to.
The company colors? Green, Blue, Red, and Goldenrod (or yellow, whatever you percieve it to be). The buses would be painted in a way similar to the LYNX and PAT fleets - buses in a variety of colors, only there would be a specific paint scheme to link all buses together. Also, the color variation would be by individual bus, but rather by order of bus, like the 30ft Opuses would be light blue, the 35ft Orion VIIs would be green, etc. That way, if anyone loses something, they can say, "I lost it on a light blue bus" and right away employees could go to the Opus. In addition to the colors, I also have little corny WMATA - type messages over the windows (you know, like how the WMATA Neos used to have "articulate with us" written on them). Instead, I'd have things like "Gas too expensive? Take the Alternative" and other stuff like that.
Ah, music! Well, drivers are permitted to bring their own little radio (just started working on driver policy), but I would probalby have music playing through the bus as well. On the West Chester Shuttle the buses would play the college radio station, but on others, some nice easy listening such as jazz or smooth R&B may be playing (yeah, Neo-soul!). You always need some cruising music, lol.
Now, for the fleet. The basis of the fleet would be the under 30ft Optima Bus Opus (light blue). I'd also have some 35ft Orion Vs running about as well (dark blue). There would be 30ft Orion Vs too, which are a part of a regional bus order between Krapf's Transit, SCCOOT, Doylestown DART, and the Coatesville Link (i'm not sure what color they would be yet, but maybe an apple red like Pittsburgh's Phantoms). There may be a few SLFs (gold) running about on the 1 - Pheonixville Loop, as well as the West Chester Shuttle. Need more low floors? Well, also operating would be 35ft and 40ft Orion VIIs (dark green). For promotional reasons, I'd have two 30 or 35ft (haven't decided yet) Gillig Phantoms (Silver) for the Quick Silver Free Ride program (kinda like the Big Blue Bus - if you catch this, you get a free ride - they deserve it for having to ride a Gillig Phantom!) Finally, there is the cream of the crop of the Alternative - 10 Neoplan AN440 suburban buses with all the trimmings (special "limited" scheme). These Neos have the CAT C9 engine hooked up to a ZF transmission. I thought about MCIs, but I personally don't believe in TA's operating MCIs - in addition to that, they aren't as flexible in the system as the suburbans are. If I ever need a 40ft bus immediately, well...those customers will grin ear to ear when one of these Neos pull up.
Now, if you are considering just putting anything in the fleet without any sort of practicality, I'd just add some Orion Is (Ride-On style) to the mix, along with some suburban Flxible Metro Ds and Es with an M11 engine hooked up to a ZF transmission. In fact, I want some Orion Vs like that too! I wouldn't mind a historic fleet too where we have some flashy fishbowls running about, and I'd also like some neo trolley buses (MBTA style) too. Oh, silly me, I almost forgot something very important. MY Neos would be rebuilt, looking like the 10 Neo C9s in the fleet in terms of seating and LED signs, but still having their trademark engine/transmission configuration (long live the Neos!), although I'd have some like 3200 and 3298 (those who know understand what I mean).
Anyway, maybe one day you'll see my buses rolling down the street, or in King of Prussia, or West Chester, or Coatesville. Hopefully, I can make up a website to clearly present my ideas - I just need to learn how to do so in a professional way (not like www.expage.com/lts).
NIMBYKILLER's site seemed very interesting. I'd like to make one with pics of the buses too, and maybe if I have too much time on my hands, I could start with a basic schedule or something.
I have found a place where you can get a somewhat decently smooth ride while riding an artic (such as down henry ave or ridge pike). The back row - the very back row, right above the engine. Sure it is loud, but that's where I sit all the time in order to get a smooth ride.
~A comfortable rider is a happy rider.
Transit/Commuter
Charter/Limo
School Contract
and Taxi
Bus Fleet would be NABI CompoBuses, NABI 436 Articulateds, a few Rebuilt Flxible METROs, a few Rebuilt Orion 1s, and MCI D4000s, fleet divided by routes and needs.
Charter Fleet would be 5 MCI J4500s
Limo Fleet would be a few 10 Lincoln Town Car Limos (5 Short and 5 Stretch) and 2 MCI F3500 Conversion.
School Contract fleet would be 10 Thomas HDX Saf-T-Liners.
Taxi Fleet would be 10 Chevrolet Impalas.
Service would be called Surface Transit Authority.
Below is an example of a paint scheme i'd come up a while ago for my buses
Limos and F3500s would be a painted into the high gloss grey that is on the Flxible. The Taxis would be painted in the high gloss dark blue
that is on the Flxible.
School buses would be your average yellow, but extra high gloss, the skirt panels would be black, windows super tinted and would have Amber Destination Signs.
Driver Uniforms would be extra comfortable. Winter uniforms would be dark blue "Khaki-like" pants with dark blue turtle necks and grey pull over knit vest OR Denim Button-down shirts with company name and logo stitched on the right chest. Dark navy socks and Sketcher style shoes. Jackets would be Dark Blue Denim with company name and logo stitched into the jacket and operator would have a choice of what kinda buses they'd want stitched on the back OR a Navy Blue Down Coat.
Summer uniforms would be also comfortable also. Dark Blue shorts (Men) or Dark Blue Skort (Women) with Sky Blue Short-sleeve Rugby style shirts, same stitch mess OR Dark Denim Short with White Rugby Style Shirt. Ankle Style Grey or white socks and White Sneakers. Combination of winter pants and summer shirts may be worn as per operator's choice.
Welcome to the world of Surface Transit Authority, A TransiTALK Operation.
Oh and at some point, Private Corporate Jets might come into play with Boeing 7E7s But that's year down the line.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
I tried the CDTA website, but I couldn't open the PDF files.
Coming back,the 90 runs on 15th street and route 7...I believe.
GET on that bus and ride it to Congress street/3rd st to transfer to the 24 bus for the trip back to the train station.
Coming back,the 90 runs on 15th street and route 7...I believe.
GET on that bus and ride it to Congress street/3rd st to transfer to the 24 bus for the trip back to the train station.
If your coming from the bus station,most buses run to the Empire State Plaza during the day...your best bet would be to take the 24 from Broadway going to the Dunn Bridge...,
or take the 29 bus to Latham Circle mall then transfer to the 90 heading to TROY...
Hope that helps...and good luck.
Any others. I also looked at UPenn, but I probably would have no chance of getting in.
City college is on the west side, in downtown, right?
Take the 1 train to 137St-City College.
The M4,5,18,100, and 101 buses goes to the college as well.
I may just go to Dowling for my first year, then move on to somewhere like University of Puerto Rico.
Boston U
Clark U (often called the Harvard of geography)
U Mass-Amherst
UMD College Park
Cornell
Syracuse
U of Toronto
McGill
U Minn
U Wisc-Madison
MaAelester (sp?)
Northwestern
UC-Davis
MIT
Most transportation programs that I know of are graduate programs though but look at viewbooks and course catalogs and you can begin to see what your options are.
What year will you be in next year? Consider taking the ACT in addition to or instead of the SAT I. The only school that won't accept the ACT as far as I know is Wake Forest.
--Acela
www.nyctba.com
Full
Album can be found here
ENJOY!
Nice pics man. Terminal looks pretty cool too. I may be heading up that way sometime. I'll try to snap a few extras for ya.
Who among Management can I speak to about this? And how much of a shot would my efforts be?
Operations Planning
MTA New York City Transit
130 Livingston Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn NY 11201
Remember, though, that the more stops a Limited makes, the less "Limited" it becomes. Unless the stop would be used heavily enough to benefit more people than it inconveniences, that's NOT a good thing.
David
The questions that go through mta.info are answered, just as the questions that are sent via "snail mail" are answered. Try it and let us know about the response; make sure to provide contact information.
David
thanks
Michael
Washington, DC
David
Michael
Washington, DC
We have added in a new College Campus Gallery devoted to College Campus shuttle bus systems. We've also opened up the Green Bus Lines, Triboro Coach, MTA Metro North and Long Island Railroad Pages & have added in some new MTA Subway photos. In addition, we've added 2 new bus sounds, 2 new rail movies, and 1 new rail wallpaper.
Sit Back and Enjoy!
Click Bus To Enter Update
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Click Here
Trevor
When I got off at Snyder Ave, I was planning to get either the Subway or the C bus back downtown until I saw 5609H on the 37. Now the idea of riding a Hybrid on this route freaked me out, since I would be riding this bus on a route with a lot of speed running. The ride did not disappoint me. The engine really gave out a nice hum that seems to get lower the faster the bus moved, and it was smoother, and didn't vibrate like buses with diesel engines tend to do when idling.
I got off at Island Ave and took the 36 trolley back into town, but I was satisfied with the double hybrid bus ride. Maybe later on this month, I will try to ride the Hybrid all the way to Chester, if SEPTA assigns a Hybrid on this route.
Now I have ridden all 3 hybrids; The New Flyers in Philly, the Orion 6 and 7 in NYC, and the RTS Hybrid in Trenton. The RTS hybrid is very weird, with its engine cutting off and on when the bus is stopped, The Orion and New Flyer Hybrids virtually act the same way, with the engine hum. I know the SEPTA Flyers have the Cummins ISO280 engines in them but do the Orion 6/7 buses in NYC have the same type of engine in them ?
Trevor
IMHO, It SUCKS! No color anywhere. The only good thing is that they used a RiverLINE car to depict light rail.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
The disappointment sentra was 01 or 02 model I beleive. Auto. Not sure the liters. It is the only 4cyl car i've ever rented, but that thing ain't for racing.
It's comfy on teh inside, and had the best stereo system I've ever heard, but at 30-35, accelerating through a toll lane, the Metro beats it hands down.
I might be spoiled from how many times I've gotten an Altima, that things got the best accel, but the sentra was just plain werid, even after you got used to it.
And that's my motortrend report for the day. :)
The thing about the honda accord...I guess that explains why everytime i've been in someones little honda they redline the thing just to get to the speed limit, and this is automatics i'm talking about! Save some gas, drive like a snail or get an "american" car. :)
I know this is BusTalk, but I could talk cars all day. Nissan's styling is a bit radical for my tastes, but after losing it's way in the early 90's... Nissan is making all the right moves - even with the Infinit line. I think most people don't know that the Altima V-6 is the quickest front-drive 4-door car on the US market at this time.
Now why don't I see more of them around? It's probably the only japanese car I like, though the camery ain't bad. But if they say you can tune a Ford Taurus to 500hp, what can you do to this car???
Chuck Greene
No buses for me down here in a LONG time. I'm overdue for a trip. I was at the mercy of Metrorail as I made my monthly trip to Wheaton. If I didn't have to get back so soon yesterday afternoon, I would have bussed at least my trip home, which I think I'll do in the future. I'm just not a Metrorail fan. Its a convenience more than anything. I also got stuck in the switch replacement single tracking on the Orange Line that added unnecessarily to the trip.
Chuck Greene
Looks like the rain is moving up the coast fairly fast, so it will get out of here!
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
You'd think they have the common sense to do the major work during the middle of the night where they would not affect any revenue service, but they just have to do it in the middle of the day.
What time were you at Wheaton? I was there yesterday from 2:15 to 2:45 after letting an Orion VII get away from me ;-)
I left Wheaton around 1:30 or so. That's funny that you were there, too, not so long after. If I didn't have to get home sooner, I would have stuck around. I was thinking of doing Orion VII hunting myself. I didn't stick around to really see the equipment, but I saw mostly WMATA's Orion V on the C2 and Q2 and I kept seeing Metro E 4006. That must have been running the Y7.
Looking at things, I am picking Sat. July 31 to do some long awaited riding! Anyone want to join, I'm game. Maybe Ride On's new Orion VII's will be around then? That's where I want to concentrate my riding. I love riding that system, especially Upper Montgomery runs! I'm in need of Orion VII, Orion V CNG's and Orion I's! LOL
THE FLX AND THE FURIOUS!!!
Of course, there would have to be a cameo by Vin DIESEL. :)
-F.
And yes, I would LOVE to pay 8.50 to see such a movie!
-Fred
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=56382
thanks
-Alexander-
Robert
Da Hui
I'm afraid I don't know how to get a schedule for the line, except for just taking a trip out to the line and asking the driver.
SAS
B1-#8779-NOVABUS(with Bronx Map)
B6-#8787-NOVABUS-NEW TO ULMER PARK
Is this route subsidized in any way by the DOT ?
No. It loses a few dollars, but is provided as a community service to Williamsburg and Borough Park.
I was looking through the Transitalk's Bus pictures and I was looking at the old bus pictures. I was wondering what the rosters were like back in the 1960's and 1970's? I ask this question because I saw bus #5128 on the B44 and then bus #5149 on the R106 (S67). Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Try "Bus Rosters on the Web" at: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9036/
They have a 1978 snapshot roster of NYCT that should be helpful.
Those 5100 series fishbowls you saw were Blitz rebuids (mid 80's). NYCTA had sent a bunch of them to Blitz and all were renumbered into the 5000.
1-190, 501-805, 1000-1130?, 2001-2075 were GMC TDH-5301 TA
3301-3555 OA, 3601-3950 TA - GMC TDH-5303
5000-5100, 5600-5700 series Fxlible new-looks (don't know model designation) TA
5201-5525 GMC TDH-5303 OA
6401-6700 GMC TDH-5303 OA
6701-6900 GMC TDH-5303 OA (Bus-O-Ramas)
8001-8202 GMC TDH-5303AC TA (Bus-O-Ramas)
8301-8780 GMC TDH-5303AC OA (Bus-O-Ramas)
8800-8927 GMC T6H-5305A TA (Some of 8800 series w/Bus-O-Ramas)
4300-4499 GMC T6H-5305A TA
4000-4202 Flxible 111C-D51 TA
4600-4727 Flxible 111C-D51 OA
6000-6350 GMC T6H-5309A TA
6901-6956 GMC T6H-5310A TA
4500-4505 GMC T6H-5310A OA
4801-4919 GMC T6H-5309A OA
7000-7204 Flxible 53102-6-1 TA
7300-7361 Flxible 53102-6-1 OA
7500-7659 Flxible 53102-6-1 TA
7700-7937 Flxible 53102-6-1 OA
9000-9154 Flxible 53102-6-1 TA
9155-9159 Flxible 53102-8-1 TA
9160-9164 Flxible 53102-8-1 OA
9165-9309 Flxible 53102-8-1 OA
The Blitz rebuilds were
5000 series (original TDH-5303AC 8000 series)
5100 series (original T6H-5305A 8000 series)
5200 series (original T6H-5305A 4300-4400 series)
5300-5500 series (Original T6H-5309A/10A 4000 & 6000 series).
This the entire new-look NYCTA roster from 1959 right up to 1977.
I pulled a hose off once as a garageman. Made a heck of a racket, and scared the heck out of me! The hose swung around and smashed into the pump, breaking the glass.
There is also probably a political side to having CNG buses on routes. If you were a council person, wouldn't you want to be able to say that you helped create a healthier environment for children? By having them all in one garage, it limits those buses to only the neighborhood that, that garage serves. Just a thought.
KEEP GUESSING! No one has got it yet!
Also I will bump this again [looked too challenging at first eh ;-)], see if you can guess this location.
I'll throw in a second one as well.
61st Street & Roosevelt Avenue, Queens!
As SubBus said before, it's a former MTA bus that is now with Triboro. Its number is 2004. All 3 signs are stuck on code #4635 or 4636 (I think those are the numbers.)
And for those who are interested, here's the full photo. The ad previously mentioned is under the LIRR overpass.
Another thing that caused me to think a bit. Whenever someone would push the "STOP" button, the LED sign at the front of the bus would flash, "STOP REQUEST/WALK ALERTLY." The first part is completely understandable. It's that second half that's getting me. "Walk Alertly"? What's the deal with that?
BTW, 7914 is a D4000 bus.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Although it seems obvious now that you mention it, I lived in NJ for a number of years and would see that sign and I had no idea what they were talking about!! I thought they wanted you to pay attention as you walked down the aisle of the bus in case something was on the floor.
CG
FWIW, they're also used on the Metro B Suburbans (at least the ones I used to ride on out of Washington Twp; I now avoid those buses when I travel between WRTC and Center City so I can ride either an MCI, Metro D, or Nova).
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Bx42: Webster Av/White Plains Rd
B42: Rockaway Pkwy
M42: 42 St Crosstown
Q42: Jamaica/Addisleigh Park
S42: St Marks Pl/Bay St
However, I could not find an "X42" route; does such a route exist?
The lowest number for a Staten Island route is S40; the highest in the Bronx is Bx55. That narrowed the range down to between 40 and 55. The only numbers in that range from Manhattan were the M42 and M50; the only number in the 50-range in the Bronx is the aforementioned Bx55.
Hence, the only number that fits the criteria above is 42.
Trevor
If you've been reading over on the Straps lately, we've been getting together a few Saturdays to play softball. If you go a few years back, there was talk of the Straps challenging the BusTalkers to a game...
Well, I'm ressurecting the challenge!
If you are interested in playing a softball game against the Straps state your intentions!
We will be meeting again July 31st, and/or August 7th. Most likely East River Park, which is a great field to hold a game. We've played there twice.
Form your team, get organized, do whatever!
We (I'm playing for their team, those who post on both sides are free to choose their side) challenge you!
I hope you guys accept the challenge, and I hope people from BusTalk who want to play show up. I'll be posting updates regarding the time, date, location etc.
Once we got to Mineola, I was really stunned. The place was over run by diesels. Saw about 5 total there. Wish I had my camera.
Commin back, got the N79 to Mineola. At RFM, I saw 398 again, but this time on the N45 Roosevelt Field, along with another O5, not sure which one or what run, I think it was the N15. Also, I saw 621 again. It was still signed as N23 Mineola, but it was really OOS on Old Country Rd.
Goin back to Port Washington, I rode 414. The moment I stepped on, it felt like a 10 degree drop in temp. Thank you AC!
Unlike 398, this thing actually moved! It was a great ride.
Perhaps they get the bottom of the barrel in terms of equipment.
CG
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
wayne (formerly of the N2 and N6)
Here is a list of the full time LABO runs:
N43, N94, N95
Here is a list of LABO assisted runs.
N6 about 8 weekday trippers, 2 runs Saturday
N20 majarity of Clock Tower-Flushing runs/first am Hicksville run.
Some additional Hicksville-Flushing Trips
N21 some midday and evening trips
N22 About 8 trippers
N22A The 6:39am to Hicksville
N24 some morning and pm trippers
N25 first and last runs of the day
N27 all sunday service
N32 one pm tripper some weekend trippers
N35 some late saturday service/all sunday service
N40/N41 late saturday night service/ some early sunday service
N54/N55 about 8 trippers
N70 some morning and evening trippers
N71 early sunday morning service
N72 every other sunday trip to Rte 110
N79 some tripper service between Hicksville and Mineola
Basically if you see a 600 series coach during the off peak or on the weekend its a LABO run.
It's interesting that the 35 operates on Sundays, if only from Roosevelt Field to Westbury. That's a very short run by LI BUS standards. Somebody must've pulled some strings- perhaps someone on this board? Many buses you'd expect to run on a Sunday don't, such as the 16, 37, 45 and 51.
Also of note is that there seems to be an N15 shuttle from the mall to Hempstead Sunday afternoons around 5:00. Most buses heading to Mitchel would logically go OOS at the mall. We saw at least five do just that. Maybe this N15 shuttle was interlining after reaching Hempstead?
For the hour we were there, we saw no 400s or 600s. True, Sunday afternoon isn't the best time to watch LI Buses. But the top of the garage is a great place to do so. Luckily we didn't arouse any suspicion. I did get nervous when a Nassau County police van drove around the small parking area next to the dispatcher's shack. But since we didn't have a camera, what could they say? Plenty, I'm sure-
Dont look at me! :-0
I do take that bus on Sundays however, as the N22 always seem to be well off schedule and packed, and an on time ride on a nice empty bus seems more appealing. I do think the 35 should be extended to serve Hempstead on Sundays, at least for some runs, since the N15 tends to get pretty crowded (being the only bus to Hempstead).
BTW I've seen all kinds of buses on the N43, the 600s do seem prevalent, but I've seen CNG's from the 100s, 200s, even some 300s on there too.
Either way, thank you GM for the complement.
Either way, thank you GM for the complement.
The instructer at the Roadeo made NJT seem amazing!
Or was it a former KB or GH bus ?
David
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
What the hell is "NO PRIVADO"
SAS
Hey, where's that photo taken? Linden Boulevard (7th Avenue) lamp posts, haven't seen them in ages.
wayne
As you can see by the photo, Post Avenue in downtown Westbury now has the "7th Avenue" poles.
Franklin Avenue through Garden City and Atlantic Avenue in downtown Lynbrook have replicas of the famed Bishops Crooks. Those started to reappear on numerous shopping strips around the boroughs in the early ninetites.
wayne
BTW I saw 7 or 8 of these today on the N15, N16, N22A, N55, N71 and N79
Here's 400:
Here's 409:
Enjoy.
I was driving behind 607 a few days ago, as it ran light on Northern Blvd and then Lakeville Road. The bus sounded horrible -- like an old lawnmower -- and every time the driver hit the gas, heavy black smoke came from the bus. Still, the thing had great pick-up...
I made it all of 4 stops for my $2 before having to switch over to a cab in order to get somewhere on time. I did coin a new phrase for myself -- "Having a Qtrain day" -- for when a broken down bus disturbs my plans.
CG
I suspect that something was wrong with it, as it was heading east on Northern Blvd (empty) at around 6:00 or 6:30. I wouldn't think they'd be sending busses back to the depot that early in the rush hour. I didn't get a chance to see whether the driver was a regular driver or a maintenance guy.
CG
Let's commission a study, shall we? Let's see if the same drivers are having problems with breakdowns. After all, there are some people who know how to drive a bus and some who don't. If you take any bus up a hill with a standing load and A/C on during 80+ degree days, you're going to break the bus.
I'm probably way off, cuz it's all just guesses. All I know for sure is that there is a Mitchell Field and a Rockville Centre depot.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
A list of assignments of routes to depots has been posted before, but I don't recall when.
CG
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=77700
Mitchell Field:
6,20/21,22/22A,23,24,27,28,35,37,40/41,45,46/47,48/49,50,51,54/55,
57/58,70/71/72,73/74.78/79,80/81,94,95.
When I was a kid back in the 1950s - ;=D - my Dad used to take me up to 126th Street like on a Sunday nite to see all the buses parked with their doors open. That has been a NY City Transit Authority garage for a long time, right?
I don't know it's history, but I do know that it's never been a MABSTOA depot. 126th Street has the M15, M31, M27/50, M66 and M116. I remember as a child in the 70's passing 126th Street depot on the old Bx29 (now Bx15) and seeing many of it's buses parked. It was always a bit more interesting to me (than OA depots) because right away these buses stood out as being a bit "different" from what I was used to. This is because I grew up in the Bronx riding OA routes until I was in my teen years.
There have been some route switches over the years. 126th Street now services the M-15, M-31, M-35, M-57, M-66, M-72, and M-116. The M27/50 are now serviced out of Quill.
As for the other question, Wayne answered it.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
The reason many people believe that 126th Street is part of the Brooklyn Division is that its the only TWU civil service depot outside of the Brooklyn Division in the TA. If there is an excess of drivers or additonal drivers are needed i believe that the contract allows them to be transferred to and from Brooklyn. I recall some drivers were transferred to Brooklyn in 1995 when the M-22 went to the OA and additonal drivers went from Brooklyn to 126th Street when the M-31 was merged with the M-58 which was an OA route.
Thank You
One question I have about 126th Street is... We call it 126th Street now, but I remember when the old fareboxes used to have the (abbreviated) depot name on it... buses from 126th Street had "MAN" on theirs. This made since to me since it was the only TA depot in Manhattan that it could be call Manhattan Depot, NYCTA. The way I see it they couldn't use the 126th Street letters (OTS) because 132nd Street depot was already using OTS. Just a thought.
Wayne
By the way, where on 99th and 108th were the East Side and Comprehensive facilities? (Were those company names?)
Route reliefs save money but waste time, regardless of where the reliefs are made. Terminal reliefs may waste less time for the passenger, but cost more money in travel time for the TA.
I can empathize with you guys. Who wants to sit on a bus waiting for a new driver, only to have that driver start fiddling with the bus for a few minutes more after he finally shows up? But that's the way it is. This, a legitimate complaint, should be forwarded to Operations Planning and the DOB Customer Relations Center.
Since the codes that go into the farebox haven't been mentioned in any post, (I don't remember seeing any), I've seen some drivers change the codes and some haven't. In a much earlier post, a B/O explained that the right codes have to be entered so the passenger gets the correct transfer.
Michael
Washington, DC
JD
Michael
Washington, DC
Michael
Washington, DC
1] I do not know if this is still being done, but on WMATA's 9A bus, the driver making a switch used to pull right into the Four Mile Run depot [with passengers on board] and do the switch right then and there. I remember this from my days of living in DC in the 80's.
2] NJT has a weird way of switching drivers on several lines: For example at places like Avandale [551] or Glassboro [408], the releif driver would take a bus out of the depot, drive it to the releif point, switch buses with the driver he/she's releiving [the passengers stay on the bus he's taking over], and that driver would take that bus back to the garage in Turnersville [Wash Twp.]. I think this was done because of the considerable distance from the Garage to the releif point. I think this is a waste of time, asd well as another bus. The driver should drive straight through and do the pull in/pull out routine, or the switch should take place at either the Philly, Camden, or AC Terminal.
What do you think of these two switch practices?
I used to hate it when I'd have to take a 10-100 on my route at Shuttle UM and we had to drive back to the garage with people on it and park the bus in a spot where the dispatcher could monitor while we did our thing.
At PRTC, our transit center is our administrative building as well, but there have been no instances that I know of where passengers have made their way to unauthorized areas, i.e. the bus parking area. I usually make a point of walking through the passenger waiting area at least in the AM to say good morning to our passengers. In the Evening, I'm tired and just want to go home, so I leave through the side and avoid as much human contact as possible, except to say hello and goodbye to the bus operators that I happen to run into.
MetroB
-F.
Michael
Washington, DC
Trevor
What are the good snow buses of today (still being made). Aren't RTSs supposed to be good? I know I've heard that Neoplan is pretty good (at least the non articulated versions).
Enjoy!
But yea, somethign about the sun going down or the paint isn't as shiny as you'd think on those. Looks like a good amount of systems are still going with them high-floors.
Actually, when done right, the Phantom is a pretty sharp bus (MUCH nicer than its low-floor brother). I agree that the SCAT units look kind of shabby; that's probably because of a bad paint scheme, and the chincy silver window sashes which make them look like rehabs. Metro Transit in MSP manages to pull off the silver window thing, but it goes nicely with their icy blue paint scheme. Generally, I much prefer black window sashes. And on Phantoms, black window trim usually looks pretty slick, too.
What I want to know is how those buses are numbered. 3701 and 4101? If those were 2001 buses, I might think that it's "inverse" year-numbering. Also, doesn't SCAT have multiple unit numbers for the same bus? I recall seeing some pics of SCAT buses with their "main" fleet number, but then also a smaller number on the bumper.
On another note, does anyone have a casual list of Phantom customers? It's hard to track, because it's mostly smaller systems ordering them, but it's still nice to know who's buying standard-floor buses.
I can think of a few TA's that have bought Phantoms as of late, anyone else is free to add-on if they wish.
* City of Poughkeepsie Transit just took delivery of two 40TB102 Phantoms to replace part of their aging and decrepit 1990-91 35TB96 order, probable new ones are due to come within the next couple years, sooner if the remaining '91's and the rest of their stock doesn't fall apart first.
* MVRTA in Haverill, MA just took delivery of some new Phantoms, their whole fleet (IIRC) is Phantoms. However, this shipment will be their last as they are awaiting delivery of the first Advantages in New England sometime between mid-2005 and early-2006.
* City of Long Beach Transit on Long Island just took delivery of some 35" models, someone can fill in about the width.
* Doesn't Suffolk Transit have a pending order for more Phantoms to replace the oldest Flxibles? I remember reading something of the sort a while back on here.
* Transport of Rockland is also expecting new Phantoms to replace the remaining Orion I's (then again, others know more specifics than myself).
* I'm not sure, but isn't/hasn't LRTA in Lowell, MA getting/gotten Phantoms to replace their 1990 Flxibles?
Even with all of these current orders (plus the new Advantage orders by NFTA and RGRTA), Gillig has to be doing something good besides low-bidding to get buyers a whole continent away with their junk product.
About 3 months ago, MVRTA (Haverhill MA) received 17 Gillig Phantom 35 footers (0401-0417), allowing them to retire the remaining 1987 GMC RTS 35 footers. Their fleet is almost all 35 foot Phantoms now, 14 from 1996, 12 from 1999, and the 17 2004's. The 4 non-Gilligs are MCI D-4000's used on their Methuen/Lawrence/Andover/Boston express run. I haven't heard anything about them ordering Advantages, but I'll check into that. But there are already 7 Advantages owned by a transit agency in New England: Nashua NH Citybus has 7 30 footers that they received in January 2002. The LRTA Advantages should be the first 35 foot advantages in public transit service in New England. Avis Rent A Car has some at Boston's Logan Airport, but those aren't in public transit service so I don't count that.
Also with Gillig Phantoms in New England: Manchester NH Transit Authority has 2 35 footers, Middletown CT Transit has/had some 35 footers (I have a pic I took of one in 1995 or 96) if anyone has info as to whether they still do. South Portland (Maine) Bus Service has one or two 30 foot Phantoms, Bridgeport CT GBTA still has some 35 foot Phantoms as of last month. That's all the Phantoms I can think of in New England.
Mark
As for other agencies that have Phantoms in New York, it looks somewhat sparse. Outside of Dutchess County Loop and (if the Advantage Suburbans haven't taken them all yet) RGRTA, I can't think of any other agencies besides the ones named earlier that currently run Phantoms. Yes, the dominance Orion has in its backyard of Central New York plays a part in it, but given the low-bid mentality of Gillig there (sadly) has to be an agency or two more that runs them, yes?
This is interesting, in what's mostly a gillig state in Florida, I believe PSTA is looking at getting the brand new gillig design slated to come out in '05. I dont' know what it is though but somethings coming I believe.
I never did like the silver window lining, but I guess that saves on paint (it looked horrid on Flxibles and RTS from LACMTA). Black trim usually looks great on buses, particularly Flxibles and Gilligs. They look empty without it, i guess, but maybe that's because I'm so used to Ride-On's Gilligs (with the black going over the back).
However, the really old Phantoms are easy to tell apart, with their recessed headlights and different A/C grille design.
I got nothing but a white box with a red X in it.
Can you link the page of the image?
Arthur Thomas
I have seen that bus before on BusExplorer website. It looks like the early Gillig phantoms many small TA's near San Francisco had where I'm from. Those first types of phantoms were built in 1980-1982 and are the "T" models.
All models were 96 inches wide with either 30, 35, or 40 foot lengths.
Arthur Thomas
http://busexplorer.com/PHP/MidPage.php?id=1366
Gillig phantoms with silver window frames....
AC Transit and TriDelta(None of you know about) currently has Gillig
phantoms with silver window slashes. Also, both of these TA's used
to have older gillig phantoms with tinted windows and black frames.
B100-#4976-TMC CNGRTS(ex #8396)
Yesterday I spotted #3949, 4896, 4897, 7040, 7041, 7043-7046, 8303, 8306, 8307 and 8315.
Jason
How about, instead of drawing lines on a map, we come up with a list of prospective new routes for which there is actual, demonstrated demand?
David
1) Staten Island to Downtown Brooklyn. Start service at the Grasmere SIR and run nonstop to Downtown Brooklyn. As Staten Island depot space opens up, extend route via the Staten Island Expressway service road to Richmond Avenue. In Downtown Brooklyn, run bus via B37 route.
It may be possible to store equipment at South Shore depot site temporarily during a six month trial of the service. If this is not possible, negotiate a shuttle where Castleton operators use a special miscellaneous non-revenue run to Ulmer Park to pick up the buses needed for this service. Ulmer Park would run said shuttle. There is a market of 2,800 Staten Islanders just to MetroTech alone. Service would start with four buses assigned to it. If this doesn't work, reroute the X20 to Downtown Brooklyn via the SIR.
2) Downtown Brooklyn to Jersey City. I know that there is this "we don't do interstate service" business, but perhaps NYCT can "contract" with someone to provide bus service from Atlantic Terminal to Harborside and Hoboken Terminal. Over 1700 commuters go from Brooklyn to Hudson County and over 3000 make the reverse trip. Hoboken Terminal allows you to tap into Brooklyn markets from all over New Jersey. The subsidy on this service would be lower than normal due to peak flow in both directions.
For others who can't easily get to the Bx31, re route the Bx5 to turn on Zerega Avenue instead of Castle Hill Avenue creating transfer oportunities with the Bx31. This also allows people from the South East Bronx to travel to the North East Bronx (north of Gun Hill Road) with only 2 buses.
Bx31 doesn't run 24/7 so this would be cheaper for the MTA (for now unless service needs to be expanded). The other option is to use Westchester Avenue, then turn on Zerega (for the 6 station there as well). Bx31 gives riders more options than the Bx21. Easier connections to Eastchester Road
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
LET'S GO Orion Vs!!!!!!!!!!!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Trevor
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
It's challenging however. You'll be fighting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic for a clean shot. Lots of obstructions!
New Orion V, MCI, RTS, and Artic pics on BusSpot.com
Here's a few:
The Hated Orion V:
Some others:
-Chris
Last real bus GMC made, before before selling out....
The Bx17 will run from W 135 St and St Nicholas to Fordham Plaza
but it should still make stops at its old terminal on Walnut av
This route in my mind makes sense.
Look at the Bx 15 and the Bx 19
What do you guys think
-Chris
The crowds for the S79 are ridiculous
ST to PJ station->LIRR to NYP->waterway bus to 38th st terminal->Ferry to Weehawken
or
ST to Islip->Greyhound to PABT or GWBBT-> and then is there any bus from either of those 2 to Weehawken?
The first option (rail/ferry) seems a lot more scenic, speedier and also more frequent.
While many busses go to Weehawken, only some of them (mostly 158's) serve the NY Waterway ferry terminal. See the combined 156/158/159 Lincoln Harbor timetable on the NJT website.
I probably should've taken a bus to PABT from there, then subway to NYP, but I may have missed the 3:49 if I did that.
Most overnight buses run at least every hour mainly 40-60min except the M15 and the Q44 at 30 min respectively.
What routes do u think should have their overnight service decreased or cut?
And also if the fare is increased should we see a drop in ridership?
Peace,
ANDEE
#6371 - Out of Service
#6385 - Assigned primarily to 19/43 (a swing run)
Here's a post regarding those details:
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=120614
Enjoy :-)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
JD
How would the bus get from Avenue D onto the Bridge? If the answer is to use Houston and Essex Streets, then what would serve the housing complex bounded by Houston-FDR-Delancey-Columbia?
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
The times shown for buses to arrive at stops are way off...some buses do not show up at all.....
Another thing, put a trafic cop at Myrtle ave/Flatbush ave during rush hours to speed up service...and get ride of left hand turns at that intersection....
Please stay where you are familiar with, FOR LIFE!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I'll post questions as they come to mind and photos will eventually come.
First one is when did the M10 move to Manhattanville? Wasn't it at MJQ before? Was it part of the shakeup when HP and Amsterdam closed and WF and 100 St opened?
Thanks, in advance.
That should answer your question.
SAS
http://www.cleanairbus.tk
Right now, all of the north-south routes on the Upper West Side except the M7 are out of Manhattanville. I can't complain.
Thanks, in advance.
SAS
http://www.cleanairbus.tk
The free account now has 800MB storage space, up from 500MB space, also the album and reminders limit has been lifted to 800 which you can have up to 800 albums & reminders.
Every photo, you will see a IMG tag HTML code ready for your use, just a new updated one.
I hope you will enjoy using TransitGallery.com ... Within few days, I will be on vacation to Florida which I will take more new photos and will share them with you!
Later ...
About 1/4th the train got off at Syosset. It was a fairly nice ride to Port Jeff. We passed 2 trains. 420 was on a passing track around Northport I think, and I think the other was at Kings Park. Between Smithtown and Port Jeff, I layed down across the 2 seats and slept, gettin up every now and then to check out the views.
By the time we reached Port Jeff, there were still quite a few people left on the train, about 1/4th to 1/3rd. I was really suprised.
Got the S61 bus about 10 minutes later. Took it to the ferry. For those who haven't seen these things, THEY ARE HUGE!!!!!!!!
Filled out the application and handed in my resume for good measure at the ferry companies office, walked around town. Got the 11:00 S61 to the train station. Got some pizza, then got the 11:40 train. Saw what I think is the old Northport Village ROW. Transfered in Hicksville to an M7. Stopped Mineola, Hillside, Jamaica, Woodside, NYP.
After finding out I missed the waterway bus, I sprinted to the ferry terminal at 38th and 12th, just in time to see the ferry I was aiming to catch pull away. Fortunately, they run every 10 minutes or so. Got the next one to Port Imperial, walked down to the Waterway office, handed my resume. Went back to the ferry terminal.
Got the next ferry to 38th st. Took the FREE(YEY!) shuttle bus to Penn station, got a ticket for Port Washington. Made the train by 2 minutes. Ran into my mom on the train. I was suprised how crowded it was on the train(an M7). It was the last off peak(3:49). All stops to PW.
Got 35 pics, I'm dropping them off in a lil, hopefully they're good.
A few questions:
1. Why did LIRR waste money building 2 high level platforms at Greenlawn if they only use one?
2. Why is Port Jeff so wide? 6 tracks til the platform, 4 tracks at the platform(only 1 track uses platform)
3. What's the track goin off northwest from the Port Jeff line, I think between Northport and Greenlawn stations.
4. Is the Port Imerpial ferry terminal actually just a really big boat, or is it just made to look like that? It was not connected to land, and you could feel it rocking back and forth.
As I have posted several times previously, after former Congressman Robert Mrazek secured funding for the electrification, then LIAR president Bruce McGiver announced that the funds would be used to electrify to Ronkonkoma.
3 - That was the beginning of the branch going to Northport and out to Wading River. The original Northport station was on Rte 25A and Church Street. It became a lumber yard and now is a King Kullen shopping center. When the station was closed the name of the East Northport Station was changed to Northport. Technically the present Northport Station is in East Northport.
If you want more info on the branch look at Bob Anderson's site
www.lirrhistory.com.
He also once sent me track maps of that division from Greenlawn to Northport. If you send me a private e-mail, I'll try to find them and send them to you.
Hart Bus
Also, I don't think that was the Northport spur. That spur went northEAST, this one went northWEST.
Out to Wading River? Wading River extension was from the current Port Jeff station.
Since they know there's no possible way to maintain the schedule, many of the drivers simply don't even try. The TA is well aware of the issue, but claim there's nothing more that can be done to help the route. The terminal loop has been changed 4 times over the last 5 years, and it still doesn't help. There's only so much real estate and roadway there to utilize.
My suggestion to improve the line permanently fell upon deaf ears. I suggested that the blacktop municipal parking lot have a perimiter fence installed for use as a bus-only "loop" lane. Buses would enter and exit through the same entrance and avoid just about all traffic in the area. There would be no need to reach Queens Blvd at all. The main problem there was that the people would have to cross the street to and from the bus- something the City and TA frowned upon.
Given all of the buses that feed into this location, and the fact that the bus stops, particularly the terminal stops, are so spread out, a central terminal area would have been a hell of a great idea. No one, not the developers, not the city, not the elected officials, had the slightest desire to pursue this.
It's too bad the developers don't share the same feelings regarding public transportation. What an ideal opportunity to develop "something" with all the construction going on at Queens Center.
Actually, I thought it would have been interesting to have an entrance/exit direct from the mall to the subway station...but, eh.
I can recall having a run on the Q88 some years ago and just sitting at the turn for a good hour until someone came down to move their car. I had traffic backed up for miles behind and to the sides of me. Together, along with 3 Q88's behind me, we blocked Junction Blvd AND Horace Harding Blvd. For an hour. I wasn't sure if I could make it until I was actually about an inch on both sides, and the Q88 behind me didn't know I was blocked until it was too late and he was already on my bumper.
Since we all discharged our passengers, I went ahead (after finally being able to move through) and picked up the stand. My follower went to the right to start at Junction, and his follower made a left on Junction to start at Main Street.
I am requesting your assistance in obtaining route descriptions for the LI Bus Routes..I have requested this before,,I know,--------however,,with no real success!!!
I do know there are ppl here,,who use LI Bus Routes.or actually work for them ..
I will pay for this information ..if it is complete,of course,and up to date
I also need the same for the LIRR SHuttle to Hempstead...of course.all routes are needed in TWO directions,with turnaorund routings included
Please contact me on smokiecat54@aol.com
thank you
steve
FDNY Operations
I only know of going to Queens: On Coulmbia(?), L on Fulton, R on Hempstead Tpke, via Hempstead Av, R on Francis Lewis Blvd, L on Jamaica, L on 139 Pl, L on Archer then last stop @ Jamaica. Going east shouldn't be much different, it follows the N6 basically to/from Francis Lewis to Hempstead.
I have the schedules,,,the maps are missing end of line areas,and some main line sections
steve
Saw this in the bathroom at Triboro:
R.I.P.
Triboro Coach
6-31-04(with a line through it)
12-01-04
Subject to change!
At least there is a sense of humor about it.
The transcript of the hearing was posted at work. In it, the judge laced into the corporation council for threatening to shut down bus service in Queens if the Regional bus service didn't take effect! I'll try to get mor info on it.
More bus drivers to provide more bus service and not where it is not needed, people standing on the corner writing what time the bus goes by.
And we are not talking about state of the art technology either
The public desrves thier hard earned tax dollars and fares to be spent wisely not wastefully as it is now
If you want to pay for the waste, pay it out of your pocket.
Whether the MTA or anyone else runs it, subsidies bring inefficiencies, period. Despite their PORK, it is cheaper to have these guys do it than the MTA. If they had to compete for the contract, the fat would be further reduced than now. Since these contracts are "no bid because we're too lazy to rebid them" contracts, the companies themselves have become inefficient even by public sector standards because they have faced little pressure along the way.
Having your family members work at a company does not mean anything if they actually work. Some of them don't and this is a problem. However, more money is going to leave your pocket without your consent when the MTA shows up. However, 85% of the routes wouldn't survive in the free market.
Of course, you are more than free to set up "voiceofreason" Bus Lines. Do you know that the MTA buys and sells routes? You can buy the B2 and B100 (Command) and make them run the way they are supposed to instead of complaining about them. Don't worry about the union drivers: there are so many underserved areas in this city that they can be put to work close to home without a big problem. Try it and earn back that money that is being sucked from you daily.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12139954&BRD=1776&PAG=461&dept_id=6363&rfi=8
Plus you fail to realize that the city will be spending more money on the MTA's subside($150 million, hey weren't we supposed to be saving that money??), than they do on the privates now($100 million is the city's contribution)!!
Better service?? Hold your breath!!
Waste?? You haven't seen nothin yet!!
I'll grant that the $20,000 secretaries earn their keep, and are probably grossly underpaid.
However, the president of Triboro sits on the boards of JBI, Green, and Command - and thus collects 4 paychecks. Similarly, the presidents of JBI, Green, and Command sit on the other companies' boards, and also collect 4 paychecks each. Add in Cooper himself (who owns all four companies), and you'll find five people who account for 20 of the 400! And that's before adding in all the owners' relatives (and the company chef at Queens Surface).
However, regarding the Coopers:
1. The company is a group of stock holders, granted many of the stock holders are related.
2. Board of Dir.: It's a part of corporate life that they have Board of Directors and these Board members get paid for that job.
Now, there may be some aspects of this arangement that aren't 100 % kosher, but what difference does it make since it a matter of when not if it all goes away !
R.I.P.
Triboro Coach
6-31-04
12-01-04
Subject to change!
Lines through text are done with the HTML tag.
At the Transcenter, I ran into the restroom at the White Plains Station, and came back just in time (with a minute to spare) to catch the I-Bus (route 903) to Stamford. The bus did good speed down the Cross-Westchester Expressway, but the driver was adamant about not exceeding 60 (the bus is capped at 70), because the New York State Troopers have I287 set as a speed trap--and because speeding drivers caused an accident at the eastern end of the Cross-Westchester Expressway. However, on the Connecticut Turnpike, there was heavy traffic, a la Cross Bronx Expressway. The delay was so bad that the driver, between exits 2 and 3 (Grennwich) decided to take the local streets, which wound up saving time! The bus arrived at the McKinney Transportation Center at 2:07, and there I went inside the Stamford station to buy batteries (which wound up being Plenticells with Duracell wrappers), and then waited for the 41 to Norwalk WHEELS Hub.
The 41 came 5 minutes late, but it was a rather fast ride nevertheless to Norwalk. After Darien, though, I cannot recall much of the ride because I sank so much into the TRANSIT seat that I wound up falling asleep! I got to the Norwalk Hub at 3:20, and I decided to see what buses were laid up (and Carlton, aka Second Avenue Stubway, as you will see in a bit, you were right and I was wrong about the RTS buses). I saw 135, which was an ex-CT Transit D40LF now leased to Norwalk Transit for its 7-Danbury Link service, parked there. I also saw 1990 (11/90) RTS buses (T70606) 134 and 137 laid up on Burnell Boulevard, as well as Flxible Metro-C (35096-6T) 144 and Orion 7 (07.502) 165 laid up. However, bus 140 has finished its career with WHEELS and is now owned by the city of Norwalk for tourism use. (Since 135 is now a WHEELS bus, and presumably 136 is also, and maybe 133, I can also presume that the RTS buses which bore these #s are also now off WHEELS property.)
I thought about taking the 7-Link bus (which was the D40LF 135), but the Coastal Link-2 bus came first, none other than WHEELS RTS 137. I sat in the front of the bus. Man, Connecticut's motto must be, BEAT THE BUS, NO MATTER HOW HARD THE BUS HAS TO BRAKE! That bus had to brake to avoid two cars en route. What I saw also was that the Coastal Link was a co-operation of four different TA's: WHEELS, GBTA Bus, Milford Transit District, and CT Transit New Haven Division (which meant that one could see an RTS (from GBTA or WHEELS*--GBTA's in the 1700 series), a Gillig Phantom from GBTA*, a New Flyer D35LF from GBTA*, an Orion 7 from WHEELS, a Flxible Metro-C from WHEELS, and a D40LF from GBTA*, Milford Transit District*, or CT Transit New Haven Division*. (The *s indicated that I saw these types of buses from these TA's on the CL-2 bus.) Mine was a rather crush-loaded ride, and it did flag stops along the way, especially in Fairfield, as the bus operated completely full.)
I got to Bridgeport at about 4:40, and there I waited for a while until the 3 bus to Westfield(R) Trumbull came (to ride GBTA). This bus was a Gillig 40 footer. At Westfield(R) Trumbull, I changed buses to the 4 (a New Flyer D35LF) to get me back to the Bridgeport Transit Center. Both of these rides were rather pleasant, albeit when holding up my phone, some guy thought I was taking pictures of him, until I calmly explained that my cell phone was not a camera phone.
I then took Metro-North home, and I was glad the train was a little late, or I would have missed it. I rode in the first car, and across the way from me were 7 or 8 chicks drinking Bud Light, in the conductor's view---and apparently, they were so drunk, they had to urinate on the train. The ride was pleasant, except that the MTA does not believe in comfortable seats on its commuter trains, however.
Arriving at Grand Central, I took a New Lots Avenue-bound 5 train, and then a B6 suburbam bus, and finally the B83 to get me home!
8693 1994 RTS-06 B83
1480 1984 R62 3 train
7098 2003 R142 4 train
553 2002 AN460 Bee-LINE 20
130 2001 D40LF CTTransit I-Bus (903)
107 2001 D40LF CTTransit 41
137 1990 RTS-06 WHEELS CL-2
9845 1998 Phantom GBTA 3
5327 2003 D35LF GBTA 4
8719 1973 ConnDOT M2
6870 2002 R142 5 train
9304 1996 RTS-06 B6
8005 1990 RTS-06 B83
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
The New Flyer that wheels operates is a CT Transit loaner, which has been allocated by WHEELS to that Route 7 Link.
The Coastal Link is an route jointly operated by only three operations, not four. They are Norwalk WHEELS, Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, and the Milford Transit District. The Norwalk WHEELS buses on that route are often the GMC RTS-04s (T70-604), the Greater Bridgeport buses are their GMC RTS-04s (the only ones they still have are the T7J-604s, the T8J-604s are long gone) and their brand-new D40LFs (in the 4300-4310 series), and hardly any Milford buses show up on the route...at least not that I have seen.
The New Flyers you saw were not CT Transit New Haven buses, they are in fact D40LFs purchased by the GBTA with CT Transit New Haven specs, possibly as piggybacks to the CTT New Haven Division order. GBTA also has 28 D35LFs built to those specs (#5310-5339) that operated on the GBTA routes out of Downtown Bridgeport. These New Flyers are the GMC RTS's replacements.
BTW, about the WHEELS Orion VIIs, I would have to go back up there, since I didn't see any Orions when I was up there, I *did* spot one of their new Thomas SLF230s and their recent ElDorado EZ-Riders. I didn't know they purchased Orion VIIs until you mentioned it some time ago.
Hope this helps.
SAS
About those WHEELS 07s, it may be 15 purchased (151-165), with some of the RTS buses having been transferred to tourism operations, with absolutely no colors on them anymore. (It also seems as though they are the only CT TA of what I have seen so far that does not piggyback off CT Transit.) I have the pictures ready for direct IMing, and will put those on new AOL Hometown pages dedicated for transit by state soon.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Bridgeport has the low-floors, not Milford...Milford only has Flxibles and Thomas TL-960 Transitliners...unless they received LFs like Bridgeport did, in the low 300-series.
The Bridgeport 35- and 40-footers both have DD50s like the CT Transit New Haven buses. The Hartford and Stamford Flyers have DD40s, NOT C8.3 Cummins.
SAS
I don't even know where BK67 works...
Da Hui
I hope that this doesn't happen.
Also in regards to fleet numbering the article left out the Grumman 870 and early GMC TDH-5301 that had three digit fleet numbers.
Thanks for the post.
The list is only 1981-on.
You're right. However, if you read the text... it states that the DOB used four digit numbering from the 1950 to May 1993.
8400 (now NYPD 9598) and 8401 are '92s.
8567 and 8750 '94s.
8751-2 are '95s.
9525-9699 are '98s.
5105-5249 are '99s.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
*muffled laughter*
Are you embarrassed to laugh at the bush?
126TH STREET
M15,M31,M35,M57,M66,M116
CASEY STENGAL
Q12,Q13,Q14,Q15,Q16,Q20,Q26,
Q27,Q28,Q32,Q44,Q48,Q74,Q76,
X32,X51
CASTLETON
S40,S42,S46,S48,S51,S52,S53,
S54,S57,S60,S62,S66,S67,S76,
S78,S81,S86,S90,S92,S93,S96,
S98,X10,X11,X12,X13,X14,X16,
X18,X20,X22,X30,X31,X42
EAST NEW YORK
B7,B12,B14,B15,B17,B20,B25,
B45,B51,B60,B82,Q24,Q56
FLATBUSH
B2,B31,B41,B44,B46,B47,B49
FRESH POND
Q54,Q55,Q58,Q59,B13,B24,B26,
B38,B39,B48,B52,B54,B57
GUN HILL
BX4,BX5,BX12,BX22,BX25,BX26,
BX28,BX29,BX30,BX34,BX39,BX40,
BX42,BX55
JACKIE GLEASON
B8,B9,B11,B16,B23,B35,B37,B43,
B61,B63,B65,B67,B68,B69,B70,
B71,B75,B77
JAMAICA
Q3,Q4,Q5,Q17,Q42,Q77,Q84,Q85,
X63,X64
KINGSBRIDGE
M100,BX1,BX2,BX3,BX7,BX9,BX10,
BX13,BX16,BX18,BX20,BX32,BX41
MANHATTANVILLE
M3,M4,M5,M10,M11,M18,M96,M104,
M106
MICHAEL J QUILL
M6,M8,M9,M14,M16,M20,M21,M22,
M23,M27,M30,M34,M42,M50,M79,
M98,X90
MITCHELL FIELD
N6,N20,N21,N22,N23,N24,N27,
N28,N35,N37,N40,N41,N45,N46,
N47,N48,N49,N50,N51,N54,N55,
N57,N58,N70,N71,N72,N73,N74,
N78,N79,N80,N81,N94,N95,JB50
MOTHER CLARA HALE
M1,M2,M7,M60,BX33
QUEENS VILLAGE
Q1,Q2,Q30,Q31,Q36,Q43,Q46,Q75,
Q79,Q83,Q88,X68
ROCKVILLE CENTRE
N1,N2,N3,N4,N14,N15,N16,N17,
N19,N25,N31,N32,N33,N36,N62,
JB62
ULMER PARK
B1,B3,B4,B6,B36,B64,B74,X25,
X27,X28,X29,X37,X38
WEST FARMS
BX6,BX11,BX14,BX15,BX17,BX19,
BX27,BX31,BX35,BX36
YUKON
S44,S55,S56,S59,S61,S74,S79,
S84,S91,S94,X1,X2,X3,X4,X5,X6,
X7,X8,X9,X15,X17,X19
Where have you been?
126: M15,31,35,57,66,72,116
ENY: B7,12,14,15,17,20[short runs],25,42,45,51,60,82,83,Q24,56
WF: Bx6,11,14,15,17,19,21,27,31,35,36
The B20 is mainly out of Fresh Pond while the ENY runs are from Stanley Av to Broadway Junction.
And for LI Bus, what routes do the N8,43,52,53,65,66 & 67 [did I miss any?] run out of?
I didn't want to go too far without things being right, so could someone please test the page, and let me know if these work?
Presently, I have 9 images in 128x128 format.
To test, point your cellphone browser to...
http://www.btco.net/wp
I like New Flyers, save the ones running out of Gun Hill (Jesus, do they suck bad), and basically newer buses like the O7 and the C40LF's running in brooklyn.
Thanks for coming up with this wap site :)
Chuck Greene
Well... I remain hopefull that the DC gang will ride at least one of the ZFers the next time we invade SEPTA land.
Yes, I agree - those ramps are pretty quick. I guess we're all used to the conventional lift of a high-floor bus.
Chuck Greene
WTF?
But I had no idea there was a shuttle recently.
J SHUTTLE
J to CYPRESS HILLS
And the side sign and rear sign said the same things (although the rear simply said 'J').
Take the Artix out of KB and the new home for the Bx1, Bx2, Bx9, and Bx41 can be WF from now on. It's really okay because at nights, WF doesn't get overcrowded because buses can either go to the Bx9 (because the Bx1, Bx2, and Bx41 don't run late nights) or to WF, or some to the Bx9, some to WF. I think KB maintains the 40-footers well, but not too good with the Artix.
What about your inputs?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I bet you knew that was coming from me
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=121508
So a typical NYCT RTS in service now would be RTS II-06 (T80206).
So is it (< means better than, > means worse than) KB < GH, or KB > GH? Maybe 5 Brooklyn Local can help.
BTW 5 Brooklyn Local, I spotted artic #5395 on the Bx22 a few days ago, and all four back windows (to the B/O's left) were scratched to the point of being (nearly) opaque.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
This is an example of how maintenance varies throughout the depots. Look at how the 10/1100's Artics from KB made a turnaround at WF. The 4200's and 4800's that came from there [KB] a few years back to FP & JG were horrible as well. Shameful indeed.
I know for a fact that the BSL cars have it - I could see the edges on the windows. Also a decent reason why there isn't as much scratchiti on the windows of the subway cars.
If you look at some of the NABIs (it may have changed though) some of the plastic has warped somewhat. I 'm not sure if it was a vandal covering or just acrylic windows, though.
Bus World: Only the depots that suck don't put vandal shield on the windows of their buses.
But KB either puts vandal shield on and forgets to replace it, or they just don't put it on.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
For the obvious differences between the quality of KB vs GH equipment, transfer from the BX 1/2 to the bx12.
A GH aritc had "If your IQ is lower than 50, then you will exit through the front door" written on the lights directly behind the driver on a bus that I rode a week ago. I took the liberty of using the green marker pen that I had in my pocket to write on the ad panel under that, in medium-large letters, " If your IQ is lower than 50, then you will drive a bus out of Gun Hill".
Screw Gun Hill, I hope they get shut down.
And if anything, you just don't appreciate the sense of humor they have over there.
Now I brace myself for the childish expletive-filled response.
Yeah, sure you did.
Robtre
I got no idea what a ABS button on a bus do. But an ABS button in a car avticates the Anti-Braking system (It keeps from stoping so the bus will keep on moving even if the drive drive to tap on the brakes really hard HEHE) J/k Really it prevents the wheel to lock up just incase the drive brakes to hard. Most modern buses got the ABS system implement in it.
According to NJT's site on its corporate history:
" Created by the Public Transportation Act of 1979, NJ TRANSIT was established to 'acquire, operate and contract for transportation service in the public interest.'
In 1980, NJ TRANSIT purchased Transport of New Jersey, the State's largest private bus company at that time. Between 1981-85, the services of several other bus companies were incorporated into NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations, Inc. On January 1, 1983, a second subsidiary, NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations, Inc. was launched to assume operations of commuter rail in the State after Congress ordered Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to cease its passenger operations. A third subsidiary, NJ TRANSIT Mercer, Inc., was established in 1984 when the agency assumed operation of bus service in the Trenton/Mercer County area. In 1992, following a full reorganization, all three subsidiaries were unified and operations were significantly streamlined."
NJ TRANSIT does it best to in providing service of 5,325 sq miles making it the third largest transit provider. It has fleet of 2,027 owned buses, 711 trains and 45 light rail vechiles on 236 bus routes and 11 rail lines. NJT makes 233 million passenger trips each year.
Its mission is to provide safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of employees, dedicated to our customers' needs and committed to excellence.
NJ TRANSIT also administers several publicly funded transit programs for people with disabilities, senior citizens and people living in the state's rural areas who have no other means of transportation. In addition, the agency provides support and equipment to privately-owned contract bus carriers.
For 25 years, NJ TRANSIT has kept NJ moving with safe reliable service. It's mission statement, "To provide safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of employees, dedicated to our customers' needs and committed to excellence."
And I think most of its 300,000+ of its daily passengers can agree, they accomplish that goal every day.
(I know I am making a big deal and don't get me wrong, much love to NYCT, but NJT is the first TA that I became a fan of.)
And so I wish NJ Transit, and its dedicated employees, a happy 25th Annieversary and a bright future.
Much love to NJT from a NJT fan,
MetroB
NJT is the way to go.
And, those who don't agree with that statement probably live in South Jersey, especially those who ride the non-MCI lines out of Washington Twp garage (hint, hint)...
What Greyhound series buses were borrowed to NYCT & what series numbers did NYCT renumbered them to & where did they borrowerd 5950 bus from & where is this bus now.
NYCTA renumbered them 5801-5949 plus the MCI demo 5950.
A bunch of the MC-8's showed up in California when NYCTA was done with them -- they were sold off by ABC Bus Sales. A tour/charter company that I worked for wound up with ex-NYCTA 5906, but we weren't the first owner after NYCTA. Some outfit in Bakersfield had it, and apparently they owed myboss some money, so he took the bus. It was a genuine piece of shit. Between being thrashed by Greyhound and NYCTA, it was on its last legs.
Yes, I'd have to agree with you. I remember when those MC-8 arrived. They didn't seem too bad, however, after several months... many of those poor buses sounded and looked horrible.
B49-#9458-NOVABUS
1. No farebox. I'm not sure of the logistics of placing a temporary farebox, or even if the current metrocard box would fit in the specific area. I suppose they could run 'fare paid'.
2. I would imagine that a good 80% of drivers currently in service are not qualified to drive the vintage buses. (Meaning, just about all those who have operated those buses, save the obvious 'new' classics, have since retired themselves)!
3. NYCT prides itself on having a 100% accessible bus fleet. We know that would not be the case with just about all of the vintage buses, and a possible violation of ADA regulations if these buses were slotted within headway. To avoid that problem, they could be used in supplemental non-scheduled service.
4. Cost. A 'chaparone' or 'matron' would have to ride along with each bus to ensure no vandalism occured.
But I like the idea. Unfortunately, when it comes to such agenda, the NYCTA, as well as a better majority of fans see the Subway as NYCT and not Buses.
I don't think it would be a bad idea for you guys to contact the TM and inform them of your interest. There's always a great turnout for BusFest, and many of you even attend the DOB Rodeo.
BIG AL
But that train was not in revenue service. If you had ridden, you would have been asked to pay $40 and you would have been dragged from Stillwell to 9th Avenue at the least. Not good for somebody who has only 20 minutes to spare.
(It's unfortunate that the demand for these events is invariably on weekends, when lots of NYCT employees are at work all day and can't attend.)
I say Phuck teh buses! Bring on the TARS cars! We don't need no stinking buses, trolleys did the job better, cheaper, and quieter. All we gotta do is get some jackhammers, girder rail and conduit and then we can celebrate the centennial in style! Not on some goddamn old smelly bus!
While we're at it, we might as well contact Ohio brass and see about bringing back the Brooklyn ETB routes.
Many old coaches are bought by individuals who want to be in the bus business. They wear many hats such as owner, mechanic, driver, booker,etc. instead of just one. This could be one of those situations.
A quick internet search turned up the following/
Alston Tours - 186 Clerk Street - Jersey City, NJ 07305 201-332-0161.
Don't know JC at all. So I can't say if that's an office, garage or both.
Also on this site there's a 1980 MC-9, ex-Concord Trailways and was owned by Holiday Charter Service of Fitchburg, who I think may have folded recently. I saw a couple of their other early 80's MC9's for sale in one of those car sale ad books you buy at the convenience store. They always had second or third hand coaches, no more than 4 or 5 at the most, and they did have a couple of MC-8's a few years ago as well.
Mark
A few photos of PCL's fleet are included on one of my Webshots pages, on both page 1 and 2.
BTW, with the exception of MABSTOA's ex-Fifth Ave. Coach Manhattan routes, all of the routes officially had alpha boro prefixes (B, BX, R, M, or Q) but these were not displayed on the bus curtains. The MABSTOA ex-5th Ave. Coach routes never had an M boro prefix.
The '72 GMC New-looks rec'd by NYCTA/MABSTOA were actually T6H-5309A (local) and 5310A (express). The OA buses were 4800-4919 (5309A) and 4500-4505 (5310A). The next buses were the Flxible 53102-6-1 (7000-7204 TA and 7300-7361 OA). The next group (without standee windows) with the two-piece style sign (that was actually one piece) in '75 were also Flxible 53102-6-1. They were numbered 7500-7659 TA and 7700-7937 OA.
The Grumman 870 were actually '80 models.
Also, I think the N65 runs no longer. LIB terminated the contract with Kellenburg HS, or so I'm told. The N66 I think though runs from Rockville Centre.
Someone please tell me this thing is out of date!
If the schedule that you saw posted is timely, then the above sentence is correct.
I think it is actually a 1997 but someone cannot type
Also, I noticed the new buses. They make a tone instead of the bell for the STOP REQUESTED sound, and the driver's area is black so the front lights don't have to turn off when the doors are closed.
Also what are some tech specs of the buses?
Da Hui
The same buses have been running on both respective lines for four or five years now. (Assuming that you're talking about the 1999 models of the RTS and Orion V.)
There was nothing wrong with the maturity of that post.
These buses are rarely found on the Q27 for a fact.
I doubt that. The only buses Stengel ever purposely "assigns" to a route are the 1993 surburbans.
The 1999 61xx buses are found on all of Stengel's routes, including the Q27. There's no reason for them NOT to run it on the Q27.
Sorry, shoulda said all of Stengel's LOCAL routes.
Q17 uses RTS's of all varieties...from Novas to TMCs, to some repowereds and then some unrepowered buses too.
Q27 --> nothing but Orion V's.
The 27 uses a couple different versions of the Orion V. The 200s and 300s are 1993 vintage. The 500s and 600s are 1995-1996s and the 'newest' ones are 6100s from 1999. These are the ones with the black interior in the front and the different chime sound. A couple other differences include the lower farebox pedestal for a little better vision to the operator's right and a much better, brighter LED destination sign. When you put the 1999 in reverse, all the interior lights go out to aid in vision. Other than that, the Orions are all the same.
The only new buses in Queens with the exceotion of the MCIs for the express lines is the single Orion 7 Hybrid Electric - 6385 assigned to Queens Village.
Hope this helps.
Which bus route is the Queens Village route where I can find the Orion 7's?
Bill "Newkirk"
On a tangent, I applaud MATS for getting back on the ball via expanding service and creating new lines, but their choices of new buses were quite bad. Replacing Fishbowls (albeit ones that ran 25 years with no replacement) with Thomas SLF's is mindnumbing condidering all the alternatives.
One I well remember was the White Plains & Port Chester Bus Line. Based in Port Chester it operated from what was then the New Haven train station on Westchester Avenue in Port Chester to White Plains' old bus terminal at the foot of Main Street. (The roadway just west of and parallel to the Metro-North station, where today Rockland Transit buses sometimes park on weekday afternoons.) In fact the route is the same as the eastern half of today's Bee-Line 13 route. With one exception -westbound the private line operated on North Broadway to Hamilton Avenue in White Plains. (Bee-Line takes Martine Avenue.)
Back in the early 1960s when I first saw the Port Chester line they were operating an all-Old Look fleet. The short ones, 30-footers? Below the windows they were painted a strange purpleish-maroon color (best I can do) and white above. I think they had four or five Old Looks, numbered from about 21 -25. They operated half-hourly service during the day, using only two buses, every 15 minutes during rush hour when the other two Old Looks would come on the road. Sometime in the mid to late 1960s they acquired a Fish Bowl, which was immediately put on the road all day long. I think it was numbered 26. It got the purpleish-maroon too I think.
The odd thing about the old Port Chester line was that fares were collected as you got off. Back then Westchester buses charged zone fares, so on the Port Chester bus if a new rider asked the bus operator the fare the reply would be, "Where'd you get on?" Because of the "Pay As You Leave" (as it was inscribed near the front door) policy the Port Chester buses had no rear doors.
I used to ride them from White Plains over to Port Chester to get to the New Haven Railroad (I've always been a railfan) and sometimes just to take a ride. The thing I liked was, back then there was very little development on Westchester Avenue. Once those buses got east of the General Foods complex on the outskirts of White Plains they flew!
B82
Coney Island
Stillwell Av
Via Flatlands
Via Kings HWY
Did THat Strat THis After it was Extend to Stillwell
Any Help ;)
Hartline: I drove into Tampa for the first time where I was somewhat disappointed and unimpressed with this much older city. Traffic was by far worse than Orlando and very little if anything in the way of development and expansion. I walked into the Hartline bus depot/main office and inquired about getting some employment information. To my surprise, the recruiter walked out and interviewed me on the spot, something I was not ready for since I was wearing shorts and a tee shirt. He didn't seem to mind. He basically told me Hartline hires every 3 weeks and was willing to put me in the next class pending a background investigation, once he realized I work for NYCT and knew what I was talking about. However what turned me off was the fact that it takes a whopping 7 years to reach top pay which is somewhat lower than Lynx. ($14.00 for b/o's and around $17.00 for supervisors) Also, Hartline only promotes from within the organization which means I would have to drive for 6 months to a year, not a problem for me but again the 7 year top pay scale really stood out in my mind. No dental plan is offered at this time either. Hartline however is running about a 90 % fleet of brand new Gilligs with orange dest. signs. The balance of the buses are Flxible Metros which are in the process of going bye-bye.
My choice goes with Lynx. The thought of not having to work in the cold anymore alone is enough to get me to want to move down there. The easy relaxed life style is more cream on the cake.
BIG AL
Grab a second application.
;)
BIG AL
BIG AL
I've always had a good feeling about Lynx. It really seems to be focused on the customers and advancement. Now, if only it wasn't chock full o' Gilligs...
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
But depending on what area/county you are a hard freeze isn't too uncommon, 20's-30's. Sometimes snow. Except in Naples and miami. 1-3 hours of driving can rocket you up 50 degree's, it's insane.
BIG AL
Though I couldn't imagine jax, that place would be COLD.
Now thats cold!
Isn't it like that all year round,just about?
when I left N.Y that month,it was 15 outside....got to FLA..it was in the 70's!
Beatiful!
You reminded me of one complaint i have about downtown tampa. they need to plant some TREE"S. Orlando's got tree's and shade, tampa, which I love to walk around becomes 180degree's in the summer. it's insane! That really cuts down my 300x usage.
Orlando's also getting new gillig high floors with Orange led signs. Hartline is interesting how all their buses have different interior configurations based on year. I dont' think they're that on te ball due to funding. Suprised you didn't see PSTA which I assume is a much better agency and has a new huge garage/terminal being built. They're getting the new '05 gillig design I beleive. Plus they have a good amt of flx's running as substitues for thos pos new flyers it looks like. PSTA also runs a fleet os MCI's but that's based on senority on who get's to drive them.
Hartline should only have half a dozen flx's left at the end of the year, along with 2 electric buses coming in. I liked the seats on the flexes.
One of each:
Study carefully for your decision.
And of course there's also the tiny little agencies with like 10 buses.
For someone coming from NYC, everything will be small by comparison!
My intention was to get over to visit "PSTA" also. However I got stuck on the I4 inside Tampa and lost over an hour time. By the time I was done with everything in Tampa it was already 2:00pm and I had to be back in Orlando by 6:00pm to catch my flight back to the toilet, errr New York I mean. Clearwater/St. Petersburg is another 60 minutes west of Tampa so my time would have been too short to bother making the trip. I was looking forward to seeing the Florida gulf coast for the first time and will definitely make the visit next time I'm back in Florida which may be within the next 6 months. I know two people who got jobs with "PSTA" and say it is a very good company to work for. I'm not sure however I would feel comfortable having a house built so close to the coast.
Jeff, I agree and disagree with you on some of what you said. I agree Tampa is a much older city. However I found certain areas to be quite run down which surprised me. I also agree it is more of a real city than Orlando, but it seems to have in line of the same problem that I can't wait to get away from here in the big apple. There doesn't seem to be much room for expansion, at least not nearly as much as in Orlando. Orlando is much newer and a growing city. The government pumps the majority of it's money into the Orlando area to keep it clean and well kept, mainly for tourists monetary reasons, the backbone of most cities resources. Orlando has plenty of room to move around in, a main reason why most people are fed up with New York. Another thing I noticed was the traffic seemed to be much better in Orlando than in previous years I was down there. I suspect this is due to several new highways and main thoroughfares which have been recently built and opened up, where as Tampa has no more room that I was able to see. Orlando still has plenty of room to build yet more highways. The main area of congestion in Orlando is the International drive area, which I call the "Times Square" of Orlando. Kirkman road was slightly congested but moving better than the last time I was in town now that the construction is done. (they widened the road, something that doesn't happen here in NY) All other areas seemed to be traffic free except for around 5-6pm when the highways got heavy. Here in NY, the highways are heavy almost 24 hours a day now, especially on the weekends.
I drove around most of the downtown area of Tampa. I spoke to a bus operator on a road named "Hartline transit drive" or something like that in the downtown area. He directed me to the Hartline headquarters where I drove around some more for about two hours. The whole time, I did not see any new development or new sub-divisions being built or any open land for that matter. I'll admit the Hartline buses were nice and I caught the polo shirts the operators were wearing also, as is the same in Orlando. In Orlando, I also noticed the new Gilligs now in service.
I won't rule out Hartline completely as a choice of work. However I couldn't find any complaints about Lynx where as Hartline had a few turnoffs as mentioned in my original thread.
Jeff, keep sending those great pictures. I love looking at them. Actually, I love looking at any picture that has to do with Florida. You never mentioned what part of Florida you are from, although I suspect you're somewhat to the west of Orlando someplace.
BIG AL
Either way, you're here in the "empty" summer. Once winter rolls around, grab a book, and a bucket(for you know what), get some good A/c, and don't be too optimistic about getting around. And I hope service-wise, Hartline finally get's itself together.
I'm in clearwater, used to be in Bradenton, then Orlando/Seminole county too, and Tampa proper a long time ago.
When I used to get to take the bus on PSTA too, I get the feeling it's all nyc bus drivers. Lot of accents, one of hte guys i'd talk to was from there. And of course a few of them are more horn happy than myself, there's a clue.
BIG AL
Da Hui
BTW, where are all you people at, i post these same pics all the time!
This is a pure guess, but Coach USA has a number of Orion V's that came from the same cancelled WMATA order as those at Green and NORTA. I believe Coach USA operates the NYU service, so it could very well be one of those Orion V's.
Sorry about that...again, I thought I made it clear that it was one of my very bad jokes...
By DYLAN FOLEY
July 19, 2004 -- Ronald Ruiz is a bus driver who loves his passengers.
In a city where a poker face is considered a virtue, this Bronx driver always has a smile for his regular riders, directs lost tourists to the sights on City Island, and makes elderly women laugh.
"Ronald Ruiz is an uplifting person who makes my days feel better," says regular passenger Gary Makufka, who nominated Ruiz for the Post's Community Liberty Medal.
For the past two years, Ruiz, 57, has gone to work at the Gun Hill bus depot at 4:30 a.m. He picks out the nicest bus possible for his Bx29 route to City Island and sprays it with disinfectant. His tour starts at Bay Plaza.
"First, I pick up my fishermen going to City Island," says Ruiz, a 10-year MTA veteran. "They are trying to make their 7 a.m. fishing boats. It is their day off, so it has to be a good trip."
Ruiz has more than 100 regular passengers, many of whom he knows by name.
And anytime there's a tourist on the bus, Ruiz promotes City Island shamelessly.
"You want a restaurant?" asks Ruiz. "How about Sammy's or the Lobster Box? We also have Mooncurser Records on City Island, one of the best record stores in the city. They still sell LPs."
Ruiz has been temporarily moved to another MTA job for the summer, but hopes to get back to his City Island route soon.
"I love working with the tourists," he says.
Ruiz, a single father with two daughters, has already won more than 100 MTA "Apple" awards, commendations that drivers get when riders call the MTA to praise a bus driver's service.
He also has a reputation for providing great help to the disabled.
"I try to make their day the best possible day," says.
That is where the guy comes from right??
Mr. Ruiz sounds a lot like me in the many aspects of his daily operation.
Those folks over there get what they deserve online... none of which means anything in 'real life' ;)
Doesn't the depot assign you a bus?
This is a really good article though. I like it a lot because it shows that transit isn't made up of cruel bus drivers. No offense to drivers here, but I've had many experiences (and so have my non-transit friends, which makes the situation a lot worse) where the driver wasn't the most friendly person around. On the other hand, I do note the nice drivers out there, and truly appreciate them. It's nice when you get on a bus and you mood is actually brightened, even if you get the NABI or the cutaway. In Ride-On land, I had a driver who was nice to everyone, not just a selected few. She had a smile and greeted every passenger, as well as bidding them adieu. I just had to send in a compliment to the office, and I just hope that she recieved recognition for it.
Some drivers just don't know how much a smile can do for someone who is having a rotten day. I know some people are rude (like those who make you wait/pick them up after leaving the stop and don't even say thanks - that irks me too), but sometimes, even if the person doesn't respond to "hi" or "welcome aboard", they feel better about transit.
BIG AL
Ruiz, a single father with two daughters, has already won more than 100 MTA "Apple" awards, commendations that drivers get when riders call the MTA to praise a bus driver's service.
Wow, that is just amazing.
SEPTA's big Neos can barely pull themselves, lol
But again, that's a really cool story, GMC TDH-4512! I wish I had seen that :).
MetroB (Still a dependable bus)
wayne
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Now back on topic: You're not the only one! Thanks for that pic Trevor!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Yes, but none of the Orions had been repainted (or, in some instances, painted in the first place).
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
real pic:
But next time, should thier be one, let it linger longer!
Trevor
Da Hui
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
BIG AL
in NYC?
in Philly?
in DC?
in Chicago?
in LA?
in San Francisco?
in Boston?
in NJ?
Silver Spring is good pretty much all the time, IIRC it is the busiest or 2nd busiest terminal in all of Maryland (about 3000 arrivals/departures each weekday)
Shady Grove isn't too exciting outside of rush hour, Rockville is a bit better than Shady Grove outside of the peaks
Bethesda is busy during rush hours and stays fairly busy outside the peaks, good place to see the Ride-On Flxibles
Connecticut and K is good throughout the day on weekdays
Pentagon is always busy but photography isn't allowed
Just by walking around the downtown CBD (bordered by K, 23rd, North Capitol, and Independence more or less), you will get quite a bit of action, especially during rush hours.
From the street?
Sounds like I need to take a trip to DC...
The buses don't run on a street?
i don't know if there is a place where you can legally take pictures that the buses end up, though, that's far away from the pentagon.
Oh, OK; I don't know my DC geography. Guess I could use a fast shutter out the car window ;)
in NYC: 42nd and 5th ave, Bowling Green [Broadway, State St], Parsons-Archer station - way lots of different buses at these locations.
in Philly: City Hall, North Side at Broad St/see all kinds of SEPTA and NJT buses. 69th St Terminal/a smorgasbord of buses and rail to boot. Frankford Terminal/both the old and new terminals got great sights.
in DC: Pentagon Metro Station/the old terminal was the best, but the new one isn't shabby, too bad pics are prohibited at the new terminal. Silver Spring Metro Station/WMATA and Ride-On variety, plus rail from WMATA and MARC, what more can you ask for!
in NJ: Broad and Market St, Newark/A bus fan's dream. Walter Rand Transit Center, Camden/This area is WAY TOO SHABBY, but the addition of the RiverLINE brings more interest.
Can anyone name any more?
Another good spot would be Wissahickon Transfer Center, where you could see virtually every bus type except the Champions show up - ElDorados on the 35, 40-ft Neos on the 61, Neo artics on the 9 (until the fall, when it moves from Allegheny to Midvale), 27, and part of the 65, NABIs and New Flyers on every other route (even an occasional appearance on the 61).
My Neospot in the city is actually at Chestnut Hill Loop, although recently not many buses have been laying over there. Plus, you can get a slice of pizza at Cosimos and a latte at the Borders!
One spot to get every type of SEPTA bus that's not an HEV is Plymouth Meeting Mall. Of course, the headways are less than desireable, but you get a garanteed big neo sighting, and Chumpions!
Chicago: Michigan Ave, State St (Downtown Loop area), Howard El Station, 95th St El station.
Philadelphia: Market St in Down Philly, Frankford and 69th St Terminals
Newark, NJ: Penn Station, the corner of Broad & Market Sts.
Jersey City, NJ: Journal Square, Kennedy Blvd
In New Jersey, the best spot is 254 Doremus Avenue, Newark, buses from lots of major cities! :)
In NYC - there's plenty of good ones. Parsons/Archer, 179th-Hillside, Main St-Roosevelt, West Farms Square, 149th-3rd, 125th Street Bet. 3rd & Broadway, 57th/Madison & Fifth, 34th/Madison & Fifth, 23rd Madison & Fifth, Bway & Park Row, Fulton Mall, Williamsburg Br. Plaza, St George Ferry Term. I'm sure I left out quite a few. Honorable mention also goes to the White Plains Transit Center.
Market St in Philly is a good place to bus watch - you get about everything except the Chumpions and El Dorados.
Back when SEPTA operated the Phlash, you also saw the Orion II [diesel and CNG], and the [ugh!] Ford cutaways 115, 2056, and 2057.
There are numerous good bus watching spots throughout the Boston metro area. South of the city, Dudley Square has the articulated Silver Line buses along with local routes (which are soon to be all NABI CNG's). Ruggles station also has a high concentration of buses and will be mostly NABI's along with a few RTS buses on weekdays. Ashmont station will also be mostly NABI's, but has several routes based out of Quincy garage which will be Neoplans. North of the city, Sullivan Square station will be mostly RTS and New Flyer C40 buses with some Neoplans on weekdays, and Central Square Lynn will be a mix of RTS and Neoplans.
Going about 45 miles south of Boston, I also have to nominate RIPTA's Kennedy Plaza in Providence as a great buswatching spot. RIPTA operates a mix of RTS and Orion V's and may even still have a few Neoplans left running out their last days.
JD
San Diego: Broadway -- San Diego Transit and MTS buses and if you stand near the Santa Fe/Amtrak station, San Diego Trolley trains going to the Bayside and Old Town/Mission Valley lines.
In the San Francisco Bay Area:
San Francisco: Market St (diesel buses, electric trolley buses, vintage PCCs on the F-Market and if you were at Powell and Market, the cable car terminal). And though out of view on the street, BART and Muni Metro were below ground.
Oakland: Broadway around 12th St, lots of AC Transit buses (and again BART downstairs)
San Jose: Santa Clara & 1st St or 2nd St--Lots of Santa Clara VTA buses, the Highway 17 Express buses, and VTA light rail (runs in one direction each on 1st and 2nd Sts)
Oakland:
Tampa: downtown transitway. Sit down on one of the tree border things and hang on. During rush hour it get's nuts.
Orlando: convention center area during big convention, hundreds(HUNDREDS!!!) of coaches and transit buses circling.
Philly, i'd say frankford terminal. Franklin mills is okey if you can't get to the terminal. Actually, bustleton ave south of hte boulevard is bus central, more buses than cars!
Chuck Greene
Got the N40/N41 to Freeport. Got the 8:29 out of Freeport(M7), connected to a C3 going to Patchogue at Babylon. I was really suprised to see, this thing was PACKED! SRO! TG I was only goin to Bay Shore. A lot of people got off at Bay Shore. Took one of those van services to the Bay Shore ferry terminal. Good thing I didn't have breakfast., That ride was so bumpy, I would've been chunkin all over the place(aint that a pleasant image)
The Bay Shore ferry terminal is pretty cool. Nice place. I think there were about 8 ferry slips. It was really busy there.
Applied for a job, walked up into town. Got the S40 to Sayville. As it pulled in, I snapped a picture of it. The driver started to give me greif about takin pics(What's ST's pic takin policy?). Went down to the ferry terminal over there. Applied for a job, then went back into town. Got some lunch, got the S40 to Patchogue RR station. Got a shot of I think an empty headin westbound. There was a suffolk cop watchin me, but he didn't bother me.
The Watch Hill ferry terminal was right there, but of course, it had to be closed. Walked down to the Davis Park terminal, applied for a job. Saw an old steamboat make a quick run around the area. I then decided to take a ride to Fire Island and back. It was a very nice ride.
Got the 4:43 out of Patchogue. The train was short a car, so it was SRO by the time we hit Bay Shore. Connected to a local to Freeport(another M7)
Got the 6:24 N40(413, very nice ride). SRO when we left the train station, all the way to HTC
At Mineola, took a few more train and bus pics, 2 MTA cops saw, they didn't do anything.
Got the 7:25 N23 to Port Washington(141)
Can't wait to see the pics.
I searched twice all over town, starting at Port Convinience near the middle school, down Port Blvd, Main St, and Shore Rd all the way to Soundview. Only 1 place was actually hiring(bus boy, ugh), and I put in 2 job applications, but don't expect anything from them.
I've figured out the cost to travel, and I still make a decent buck for the summer. Besides, I need something to do. I'm goin nuts at home.
Da Hui
Funny thing is, security on buses and at commuter stations seems to be getting tighter than at airports!
Da Hui
Next week I have another vacation(week off unless I really enjoy it then it will be a vacation), and I am planning to do some major bus tripping outside the DC area and I am posting it here incase anyone here is interested, especially the DC bustalkers, again sorry for this being late, you can kick my ass at the PRTC rodeo.
Monday I plan to hit NYCTA and NYCDOT, but this one I am planning to leave at 1:30am in the morning and leave NYC at 11:30pm Monday evening. And YEA I am planning to do some major busfanning.
Wednesday I plan to hit SEPTA to ride mainly some ZFers(or ZheFfers is the tranny is slow :P)
Friday I plan to do DelDOT, didn't do enough of that wondered briefly into SEPTAland.
Also for my third and final vacation which will be in mid to late September it will be NYCTA, GRTC and NJ Transit.
Let me know you are interested and don't try to email me because neither of my email I am able to get to.
Hey, although you want a ZFer, don't forget about the Neos. By the end of this ZFer order you will not be able to get Neos in the burbs, and you know how hard it an be to get them in the city (unless you ride the 23, 15, or 61 EXP).
I HOPE NOT TO GET ANY NABIS ON THIS TRIP, I AM NABIED OUT.
Hmm, I dunno how successful you may be if you hit Frankford. Hey, if you go to Frankford, try getting the 26 to Olney terminal. I think you may have a better chance at catching a ZFer at Olney, maybe on the L, 55, 22. Hey, maybe you could get one on the 8.
If you take the L (Plymouth Meeting or Erdenheim buses ONLY), Chestnut Hill is a nice place to get the 23 back to the subway at Broad and Erie (you can catch a view of the now defunct 15 trolley!). The 23 is almost guaranteed Neo. Additionally, it runs around every 10-15-20 minutes (depending on time of day) so it's not too much of a wait. If you get on at Chestnut Hill, try getting on in the loop instead of the stop at Germantown-Bethlehem - you are more likely to get a seat that way (believe me, I had to deal with that when I had to carry a violin AND viola on a bus that ended up getting packed).
At 69th St, the 104 is a nice choice, but catch any bus out, i guess. I know the 109 often uses New Flyers as well, and has been usuing a lot of ZFers.
~Coming from Wilmington? If only the 202 still was in operation...
Buses rode today:
2035 F14 Cap Hgts
9460 97 Union Sta
2417 80 Farragut Square
2003 38B Rosslyn
3909 3B Falls Church
3951 26A EFC
9490 2B Ballston
(F)ART 5228 41 Columbia Pike
2069 16J Pentagon
4065 9A Old Town
DASH 63 AT7 VDM
7792 109 Huntington
7763 110 King street
73 AT5 Brad. Rd
49 AT4 Pentagon
9212 13B THE MALL
8804 34 Naylor Road
9643 F14 last
You certainly had a day filled with bus rides. I have to do more of NoVA too.
The latest: Yesterday the first of Ride-On's Cummins equipped Orion VII CNG #5918 made its debut. I met Chris G. and Ray at Bethesda (They had just ridden 5918 from Glenmont) I rode it on the 47 yesterday. As we neared Montgomery Mall we noticed 5547 has always been sent down to Silver Spring. It was on the 38 - so Ray and I decided to bail and wait for the B/O to take a 20 min. break. This was a good ride and that 6V-92TA sure did sing nicley. The Veirs Mill stretch was awesome. This was my first time riding the 38 and Ride-On's 6V-92TA equipped Orion Vs.
At Wheaton, I got 9638 on the Y7 to Silver Spring (I should've waited for a NABI). After eating dinner, I headed back out to Bethesda to get my car. I got 4367 on the J2. This rehab was OK, but it seemed to be lacking sound deadening materials in the engine compartment.
5918 was a nice ride and we have a favorable opinion of it. However, I think we prefer the sweet sounds of DD S50G Orion VII - 5901-5917.
Anyway, do you guys know what the Bus Systems in the Vermont & New Hampshire are like? Any information you guys can send this way (including links) would be very much appreciated :-)
Thanks
Let's see.....there's some MTA in Manchester, Nh that has about 15 bus routes in Manchester(and extreme northern londonderry).
Not sure what else there is.
The Portsmouth/Dover/Rochester area has a small transit system, though I don't know what their fleet looks like.
Other cities with transit systems (usually just 1-2 buses operating loops) are Concord, Keene, Lebanon/Hanover, Laconia, and Plymouth.
Concord Area Transit runs 3 routes using Orion 1's.
Greater Laconia Transit Authority uses a mix of cutaways, Champion shuttle style buses, a Wayne transit style school bus repainted white and blue, plus a couple of fake trolleys that run during the Summer around Weirs Beach and Meredith. Plymouth is a part of GLTA, there's a run from Laconia to Plymouth.
Advance Transit serves the Hanover/Lebanon area as well as a couple of VT towns just across the CT River, using a mix of cutaways and Blue Bird Transshuttles.
Mark
AR, I have *zero* interest in start-up and independent contracting. I just want to fill out an application, take the instructor for a ride around the block and go to work the next day.
Thanks for the input.
Because the Calvary Line was the only trolley route in that area operated by the New York & Queens County Traction Company (predecessor of the old Queens Transit).
[3. Why does it seem like the Q39s "close brother"?]
I'd guess that Triboro Coach (which, after 1935, had the bus franchises for Queens Zone A) wanted to compete with NY&Q's Calvary Line.
Th major street the q67 operates on is on 69 st and along the LIE service road
the q39 was put there i guess cause of competition
but most people say the q39 should stay and the q67 should be discontinued
If you mean by "northern part of Queens" the Astoria div., then you are correct, but I think you ment only the College Point Div.
And least we forget there is the Express service to Manhattan and Local service over the Queensboro Bridge.
And I love to turn in a petty cash slip for one "Fun Pass" [grin]
(I ride for free on QSC)
This line was a part of Steinway Transit until 1988 when QS took over it was always a route which runs about 10 mins during rush hours and 30-60 mins other times other than 12am-5am. Recently as of late the line now operates from 3am - 11pm Weekdays and 6am - 11pm Weekends.
It is a great route that needs some ridership, I always thought of this feeding in the B24 network or link with eastern half of the Q30 via LIE making a true LIE route. by saying the Q30 meaning switching the Q88 and Q30 terminals at the West End. Making Qns Blvd the major xfer point between the 2 sides.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
BIG AL
I haven't had the opportunity to drive #6385 yet, so I cannot compare.
22 LANDOVER MALL
and a
17 IKEA
cardboard sign in the winshield.
I just had to laugh when I saw that:-)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
A College Point based bus company is looking for one or two folks to do some field work. We are looking for a recent high school graduate who is dependable, i.e. you show up on time or we get someone else :-(
Requirements: Liking buses helps a lot; must be able to keep good records (have to be able to read your own writing ... I have that problem sometimes when I'm in a hurry); able to work flexible hours (your assignment won't always be at the same time of day, and some week-end work may be necessary); some experience with computers tablulating data would be a plus too.
This is N-O-T a joke !
If interested e-mail me directly, DO NOT POST your interest here, because I'll ignore it.
What I found interesting is that most I've met or otherwise know, e.g.
one I said hello to on Saturday's MOD BU trip, another I met for the first time on the Garden City Secondary, a third joined a "Field Trip" 1st ride on the M-7s, etc. This had no relationship to the names I forwarded, but I found it interesting just the same.
LED signs are far superior to Flipdots and rollsigns, since they display much more information than rollsigns, faster than flipdots and less prone to failure because there are no moving parts
When a rollsign goes bad:
When a flipdot goes bad:
JD
That's true, as this photo shows:
Despite what the sign said, this Green Lines bus was OOS.
-RJM
Pros
Easy to read, and in the case of trains, better than LED signs, which is why a car I designed uses rollsigns in front rather than LED signs.
Cons
They can rip.
Flip-dot Signs
Pros
They look nice flipping.
Cons
Very hard to repair when flip-dots are stuck. Also hard to read in broad daylight.
Pros
They really help a bus' appearance. Also very bright and easy to read.
Cons
I'd prefer rollsigns when used on trains. Also very susceptible to slanting.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The photo of NYCDOT Liberty Lines Express MCI Classic #3064 on the BxM2 on 32 Street was actually taken by Trevor Logan (Nice shot, Trevor!). The photos of NYCT Orion V #195 on the Bx26 near 205 Street & Paul Avenue and NYCT New Flyer D60HF Articulated #5753 on the M23 at 23 Street & Lexington Avenue were both taken by me, and you very well know that Artic shot, as it is my #1 bus shot. :-)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Rollsigns:
When they rip, they rip badly (some of the ones on CDTA's LFS's have parts nicked off at only 5 years of age).
Route changes can be a pain because of the costs of altering being high and often out of reach, see semi-upstate junkbuckets Poughkeepsie Transit and Ulster County Rural Transit where window cards sometimes abound.
Plus is that the visually impared can kinda see them (CDTA's excuse for a bad flipdot test years ago, though now they're testing LED's on cutaways(!))
Flipdots:
When they break, fixing them can be hard or cost prohibitive, leading the signs to stay broken for weeks, even months. Anybody in MBTA land can attest to this, same for other junkbucket TA's such as one located with one of the aforementioned rollsign users.
LED's:
One dead dot can potentially black out half a sign, but...
The amount of information that can be put in a sign increases vs. flipdots, potentially to a level equal to some loaded scrolls.
I'm undecided on which one is the best. LED's look the nicest, rollsigns are the most foolproof (but look the cheapest, sometimes really cheap), flipdots at least look remotely modern but have the largest amount of issues.
I think I'll need to try and get that Neo that's been driving around campus this week. Hopefully I'll be able to get Neo pics at my mall too.
It's so hard to get a Neo in the city nowadays - get your last Neo rides in!
~Sincerely,
The original Neo advocate(as far as I know)
$Neo4ever$
In fact, most of the buses I've seen on the 104 lately are either the 5700s or 5800s, with a few NABIs tossed in. Neo sightings on the 104 today are as rare as New Flyer/NABI sightings on weekday 104s just a couple of months ago.
I believe there is one Neo run on the 104 that's a Newtown Square Short turn - I've seen it while I rode the NABI on the 120 from campus.
The 104 has definitely been using a lot of New Flyers lately - I've seen them traveling in the opposite direction a lot.
All in all, my oh my, I'd hate to see what happens when the ZFers start to enter Frontier territory. No more Neo commute to work, lol.
The 104 was recently dominated by Neos? That's very interesting. I always thought of it as a NABI/New Flyer route (even before the 5800s - I don't think Victory has any 5700s).
Anyway, I've never appreciated the 105 as a Neo route as much as I do now, lol.
I wonder if people were sad about the Flxibles leaving the fleet because of the Neoplans coming in...
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
I've never heard that Neo sound anywhere else...I'll miss it more than anything else
~Neo rider for 18 plus years - still excited about riding one
You do bring up a good point. At least they are somewhat significant, but at least for me, it's very odd that these buses are becoming rare. These used to be the face of SEPTA (and recently SEPTA has been ignoring that completely). If you want a general idea of just how many Neoplans there were in the fleet, just think about this: Every bus order that SEPTA had since the 1989 Neoplan EZs (except for the cutaways I think) has replaced a certain amount of Neoplans.
Now that requires a restoration for the historic fleet, not to mention a simple picture on the septa website (if a Ford Cutaway could make it, why not a Neoplan?)
So Houston got rid of all the RTSs already?
And I don't recall the 104 being Neo dominated... When the RTS buses were around, they were about evenly mixed with Neos. As the NABIs got phased in, the Neos began to take over, but once Victory got a hold of the NABIs, they seemed to slowly edge out the Neos... it was the 110 and 111 that were Neo dominated for a while (Not a long while), and I think the 103 stuck with them as well.
Of course, this was ALSO back when SEPTA had their 8000 and 1000 series Neoplans around... until the El Dorados showed up, the 1000s were floated around the 97 and 107. The 8000s are what the original New Flyer batch was meant to replace. Once the 8000 and 1000 series were gone, there was never again seen a Neoplan on the 107 or 103 (the 97 occasionally used one), and the entire system became New Flyer Hell.
Oh well. The new Flyers would be an interesting sight if the drivers happen to have the right hydraulics. Imagine a New Flyer bouncing up the street on your home route, don't tell me you wouldn't laugh.
Lastly, a few questions, and a final comment.
1) What became of that one 40-foot bus from Volvo that got sent as a gift with the 7000 series Volvo articulated buses? Does SEPTA still have that?
2) One (at least one) Neoplan that Frontier has, I recall it having LED display signs installed instead of the flipdots, usually used on the 97. Was this a 1000 or 8000 series Neo, or oes SEPTA still have this?
3) Does SEPTA have any of their 1000 or 8000 series Neoplans left? And which districts have the El Dorados now?
And finally, I was sad to see the New Look and Flxible fleet go... same thing when the RTS fleet was retired. I regret having no recollection of the sound of a New Look r Flxible engine, but the RTS sound, I could never forget... especially since the Park Towne Place bus that runs through Center City has RTS and NJT-esque Flxibles running... the older NJT Flxibles (lacking the rear route flipdot display) have a similar sound for their motor to the RTS buses. The 8000 series Neos (and the 1000 series) had a whine that seemed to be a mix between the 3000 series Neo and the RTS bus.
Okay, second most finally... the New Flyers and NABIs are a very rare sight on the 23, only appearing for late night runs to/from South Philly. THIS is a Neo-dominated line, and for some reason, so are the 29, 75, and 79. I stick to my theory that Neo-dominated lines that once used electrical overhead power that hasn't been removed (and where prevalent, neither have the rails), they are slated to return to the vehicles they were meant to have. The 56 and 66, however, I am not sure of. The 56 is almost all New Flyers, and the 66 mixes New Flyer and Neo stock, mostly Neos. The 66 has been slated for reinstatement of trolleybuses.
Okay, okay, last deal. If you want to find Neoplan buses running you'll have the best luck with the following routes: 10 (until restoration of trolley service), 15 (same deal as the 10), 23, 29 (pending restoration of trolleybus service), 47m, 59, 61, 66, 75, 79, 105, 108.
1]8590-[The Volvo 40 footer] was donated to a museum in upstate PA. Check with Ctrabs for any info regarding this bus.
2]That Neo with the LED destiantion sign is 3200. I think it is retired, but I'm not sure.
3]The 1300 Neos were retired when the Eldorados came in. Half of the 8000 series Neoplans were done in by the OQ Artics, the Eldorados, and last but not least, some of the Ford cutaways, the other half were killed by the 54/5500 New Flyers.
2) One (at least one) Neoplan that Frontier has, I recall it having LED display signs installed instead of the flipdots, usually used on the 97. Was this a 1000 or 8000 series Neo, or oes SEPTA still have this? The bus was 3200 is currently operate out of callowhill and serving it's remaning time on the 10 shuttle
3) Does SEPTA have any of their 1000 or 8000 series Neoplans left? And which districts have the El Dorados now? It' both the 13xx series and 8000 series has been fully retired as of june 2002. The Depots that has the eledoadoes are Midvale Frontiar Victory and Germantown. Plus one from victory to Callowhill for use on the 31S.
The ficibles has like the same muffler and transmision systems as find in SEPTA RTSes so they sound very simler.
New Flyers and NABIs actually start appearing weekday evenings as well. I've witness this personally - I think there is actuatlly a specific Non-neo run (I couldn't tell you what it is though). It might go into the late night, though.
2)The bus you speak of was actually not an 8000 series bus or a 1000 series bus. That bus is 3200. I remember it had bilevel flip dot before being retrofitted with the LED sign. This is now at Callowhill, and you can catch it on the 10 shuttle and I guess the 15 too.
1) I think the Volvo you speak of is in a museum somewhere in PA. Someone else may have more information about that vehicle.
I remember when the NABIs came in, I actually rode my first one on the 110 Express. The 105 has been a Neo dominated route as long as I have known it, until recently with the ZFer order. I remember occasionally seeing a NABI, New Flyer, and El Dorado on the route, but those were basically substitutes.
I agree with you about the Neo dominated lines, at least in Philadelphia. It's actually rather odd, but makes sense somewhat.
3) 8000s were completely replaced by the Allison New Flyers, and the 1000s (or are they better called the 1300s) were completely replaced by the El Dorados. El Dorados are mainly located at Frontier and Victory depots, with a few at Midvale for the 35 and some trips of the 77 (the 77 used to be Dorado dominated - that has been changing recently).
USER: SPRINT RELAY XXXX DIALING 973-762-5100 RINGING 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4 ... (RECORDING PLAYING) (HOLDING ...,..., (M) NEW JERSY OPERATOR 86 GA
OPER: hello good afterenoon i am wondering if i am deaf do i concern disable and pay disable fare or full fare? ga
USER: YES YOU CAN PAY DISABLED FARE GA
OPER: without showing any id or anything? gas
USER: YOU WOULD HAVE TO SHOW PROOF OF YOUR DISABILITY IF IT IS NOT APPARENT GA
OPER: such as social security or something? what form of id? ga
USER: WHATEVER YOU HAVE THAT WOULD PROVE YOU ARE A DISABLED PERSON MEDICARE CARD OR VHATEVER YOU NORMALLY CARRY GA
OPER: yeah i have social security paper states that im disbaled so i can use that right? ga
USER: YES YOU CAN GA
OPER: ok at the Ticket vending i put exact 4.25 or can put 5.00 will give me change? cuz i never rode njt before so thats hwy im asking ga
USER: IF YOU USE A VENDING MACHINE THE VENDING MACHINE CAN MAKE CHANGE OR YOU CAN USE A CREDIT CARD GA
OPER: alright when i purchase the disable fare then i have to show the ticket and paper to the people when i get on train right? ga
USER: YES GA
OPER: alright im sure they know about the papers as long it shows im disabled right? ga
USER: YES GA
OPER: well i guess that answser pretty much thanks again have a nice day sir ga to sk
USER: OK THANK YOU FOR CALLING GA TO SK
OPER: sksk
USER: OK THANK YOU SKSK (PERSON HUNG UP) SR 4175F GA OR SK
OPER: thk u sk
USER: ***YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DISCONNECTED THE CALL***
Must be exicitng and first time gonna take the train!!!
Later
for example the S76 on SI is 6761 or 6763.......does anyone have a full list?
I know there was a website out there that had the complete list, but I don't remember thr URL. Try a BusTalk search on the topic.
BTW, what does "maximum overall uploaders" mean? For some reason, I can't figure that one out.
SAS
In the meantime, I have my movies at SubwaySpot.com which is a much simpler site with a much better user interface. And that site gives me no problems uploading movies up to 10MB in size.
I would have more to contribute, but for some reason the program keeps logging me out whenever I try to upload photos. I couldn't even make a complaint to the webmaster because it would log me out when I tried.
What's going on with that. I thought it was something with my computer until I just read another posting where somebody was having the same problems.
Is this temporary? I hope.
I moved to a new software becuase it supports better features and it runs mysql which I need becuase it allows me to make backups daily to prevent loss, the other old gallery doesnt run mysql at all.
I already gave you the FTP access where you can upload large files and you keep complaining it doesnt work, basically you NEVER use it at all, I had done everything I can.
The software just been upgraded to new version and it should fix all the problems.
if you have problems, you were being told to CONTACT me not posting the issues here, that is why I have contact form on my site, not here. This board is for discussions about public transit.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Have a nice day
Regards,
Joseph
TransitGallery.com
BIG AL
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
After this we boarded 5918, the Cummins Orion VII, on the 63 to Shady Grove. The bus felt like it was assembled/constructed to a much higher degree of quality, moreso than our DD series of Orion VIIs.
At Shady Grove I rode 5703 on the 55 to Lakeforest Mall, where I then caught 4400 on the J8 back down to Bethesda, since Chris Garnier said that 5920, another Cummins Orion VII, was going to do a 70 to Milestone.
Here comes 5920, 5 minutes late, and the guy hauls out of Bethesda station. This particular bus had a flaw where every time the front doors closed, the STOP REQUESTED bell would be triggered, which renders the bell cords useless.
As we approach Medical Center, the bus fills up to about 80% crush load (all seats taken, and about 3/4 of the max standee capacity). The bus takes off very quickly from a dead stop, even at 80% crush load with the A/C unit running. However, it had a hard time maintaining even speeds on even the slightest inclines on I-270. If it maintained a speed of 60 (which is what the bus is capped at), a slight incline will bring it down to 50 even if the driver floors the gas. But, I guess this is expected when there is such a burden on the engine with the crush load and the A/C.
Finally, I end up at Milestone and I grab a quick bite to eat at McDicks and then rode 5915 on the 70 back to Bethesda. This driver tore up the local roads near Milestone, doing 50 in a 35 zone. He also took the on-ramp to I-270 at about 40-45 MPH, so there was some rollin and rockin:-)
At Bethesda I rode 5611 on the 34 back to Wheaton, which ended my trip.
So basically, the Cummins Orion VIIs are good, but I still like the DD Orion VIIs. That sputtering DD50G exhaust sound makes ALL the difference in the world. One thing that I noticed was that even the turbocharger on the Cummins Orion VIIs, with their C Gas Plus, make the signature coughing noise thats so common with the DD50G. That leads me to believe that a 3rd party makes the turbocharger unit, not DD or Cummins. But then again, I could be wrong.
Anyways, it's a smoother, more solidly built Orion VII, but it still doesn't impress me like the DD Orion VIIs:-)
Back to the ride, the bus felt like the Ride-On Eldorado 51xx series cutaways, that is, the ride was rough and truck-like. Maybe it was the way the leadfoot driver was driving it, but I felt the bumps along the way. I took an hour bathroom and snack break at Exton Sq, then I got on an Eldorado [45xx] on the 92 to West Chester. Saw a couple of Crap's buses [excuse me, Krapf's buses] on the WC to Coatesville run, the dreary Thomas 9811, and a larger version of the Champion bus on the A bus.
At West Chester [ town whose reputation was ruined by the JACKASS guys], I was hoping for one of the ZF Flyers, got a NABI [5307] instead. But the long run was nice and smooth despite the NABI's engine noise. Got back on the El and rode back to town to catch my No Jersey Transit bus home.
I have yet to see a Krapf's transit bus in real life - maybe when go to college in the fall, I'll go for a ride and check out Coatesville transit feasibility. Maybe before that with my daypass :)
By the way, it's not how the driver was driving the Champion bus that makes the ride very rocky - it's just the truck suspension. I told you guys they weren't smooth riding. I personally like the Dorados a lot more than the Champions, but most others feel the opposite. I guess if you get the Chumpions all the time on your home route, they get on your nerves.
And... the 403 never gave me problems... of course, that was back when it didn't have runs to Camden CC or cross Keys Commons, just Turnersville and Erial. The 400 always gives me a problem... especially that first ride where we got stuck at Deptford Mall for an hour.
On weekends, I always count on taking the later connection on the RiverLINE because the bus is ALWAYS LATE!
I bitched to NJT many times, and I think my e-mails go absolutely NO FRIGGIN'-WHERE, oh, I forgot, it goes to NORTH JERSEY, where the asinine people up there do not know SOUTH JERSEY from their own asshole!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Anybody know where these buses are?
The buses are 1993 TMC RTS 06, DD series 50, with Allison 731 retarder transmissions.
Not downtown, but midtown:
This may be an inane question, but regarding #3 why do NYCDOT's CNG suburbans have a back door? I'll admit I've never ridden on any of the privates before, but what good does the rear door do when the buses are used near-exclusively on the express routes? I'll just wait for the inevitable explanation on why
Those pictures came out very well. Are you sure that was a digital camera? I wish I could get clear pics like that with mine!
Did the TA ever buy the narrow versions[96' or 6 ft wide buses] like the private companies, or other transit systems?
As for your second part of the comment, it's a contridiction of sorts. Nova made 96" wide RTS's, but NYCDOT's last RTS's came under TMC, not Nova (though they narrowly preceeded the switchover, leaving that to MBTA's 0XXX order). Also, there was no way that Queens/Steinway could have bought Nova's in that form when Nova didn't exist when Queens/Steinway became QSC. Yes, if NYCDOT had the money they could have bought 96" RTS's for QSC, just that they did not have the fortsight to do so.
(My apologies to go so far off of nine words, but a double contradiction is a double contradiction;).
Now that you bring up Queens/Steinway, is it just me or is their paint scheme, though it would be dated today, sorely missed. Though it sometimes looked ugly, the variation for the AM Generals specifically, it still looks good some 20+ years after it was last applied to a bus and 15 years since its company ceased to exist in its form.
B1-#9245-NOVABUS
They're tricking you into thinking you're riding a D4000:-)
Well, we just lost a Champion the other day. The operator got hurt, too, but hopefully she'll be ok. I haven't heard an update. The sad thing was the day before, she was also involved in a minor accident. She got rear-ended while deadheading to Quantico by a truck. I saw it the other day in the maintenance bay and it got hit so hard that the middle of the bus crumpled and the front windshield shattered.
I guess this is one bus I wont have to worry about auctioning off.
In reality, they're a decent way for agencies to go low-floor for low-maintnence routes. Their appeal is better than that of a cutaway, their styling is better than that of a cutaway, and odds are that their lifespan will be longer than that of a cutaway (if it is remains to be seen). In fact, one upstate agency was/is looking at/buying (I'm not sure of the status) Opii to replace cutaways on shuttle routes. At the same time, I can name several smaller agencies that should have bought Opii instead of what they decided on.
Downside is that instead of being seen as what they could be seen as, Opus buyers have seen it as just another bus, in turn making it an RTS/Flxible killer on a smaller scale than the typical suspects. Can a 30'/99" wide low-floor bus suitably replace a built-to-last Flxible (a la HRT-Norfolk, CATS-Charlotte, Red Rose Transit-Lancaster, and CCTA-Burlington) or RTS's that lasted 20+ years (BRTA-Pittsfield, MA)? Will the Opii reliably last the same amount as what they replaced? This is the major shortcoming of the model, replacing something it shouldn't solely because it was a cheap buy that made a good PR move for introducing/expanding low-floor vehicles.
Having missed a chance to ride said BRTA models, can anyone here actualy attest to riding on an Opus? Is it as good/bad as it is made out to be?
I basically call more than one Opus "Opusi".
The bus was in good shape from an agency that only gets 15% of its funding from the jurisdiction that owns it. That agency's maintenance is not top in the nation but it's no Trihorror either...I'd rank it along with Ride On (Montgomery County, MD) in terms of maintenance. Lynchburg's roads are not the best in the nation -- I'd compare them again to Montgomery County but I dunno how clear that makes things for everyone around here.
Under those circumstances, the Opus I rode was in good shape. These weren't the worse-than-Altoona conditions of New York, Baltimore, or DC, but it wasn't gliding on streets of gold either. When we hit bumps, the bus did not rattle to pieces but I noticed some vibration from very few loose or missing screws. There was also a cracked rear door glass panel, most likely from vandalism or a frantic passenger trying to alert a driver that he was running for his bus.
From that one ride, I'd say that a well-maintained Opus will survive at least its lifetime, but I don't know of any low floors that have hit the 12-year mark and are still going strong, so I have no real benchmark.
Good to see at least one Opus buyer use them to replace something that is universally derided (and coming from a Gillig-heavy area, I'd dump even the new Phantoms for an Opus, then again the maintnence here is horrible). As mentioned earlier, you'll delight in that at least one Opus buyer (BRTA) used them RTS kill, albeit a miture of RTS-04's and secondhand RTS-03's that were WAY beyond their useful life*; as a result, ANYTHING that wasn't a cutaway would be a suitable replacement. From the looks of this, I can say I have ridden worse and will concur with Basman that Opera would do well on SEPTA's suburban routes, just about anything has to better than the El Dorados and Champions they run right now, yes?
* Downside for some is that they also killed a few secondhand 870's, possibly some of the last running ones out there. Then again, those buses were 23 years old and literally falling apart towards the end, thus making such a killing a mercy killing.
You see, in terms of low floors, I don't look down on vibrations of the SLF that I rode. The thing is, the New Flyers SEPTA has rattle the same way - in some ways I don't even understand why they are so "solid". Personally, I feel the best part about the New Flyers is the front wheel well...
I can't wait to ride an Opus. I'm thinking about going to Reading to ride one (I heard that BARTA got a few) but I'd have to deal with motorcoach fares...Where there isn't transit service between Reading and Pottstown still boggles my mind. I mean, they are closer together than Pottstown and Norristown.
Yes, we are replacing all of the Champions, which operate on the OmniLink side of PRTC with 16 new 30 foot Gillig Advantages. The first one is to arrive within the next two weeks I've been told. Can't wait for it to arrive! : )
Note the plates
David
BIG AL
David
Unfortunately, I don't remember how many buses were borrowed from Greyhound (I might never have gotten a number).
David
Enjoy.
I've seen pictures of NYCTA MC-8's.
JD
In addition, at one point on our ride, my friend (who is not a transit enthusiast at all) and I discussed the Purple Line and she was quite surprised to hear I was not in favor of it.
I'm glad I was able to get my farewell ride on the Gilligs on the 15 (I'm loving it). The last one I rode was running very hot. I had to open the windows in the back to attempt to cool down my area (I was in the very back above the engine) despite the fact the A/C was one. It was a nice ride otherwise - it made all of the noises I remember as a child, and I think I was able to hear the engine decently (not too much of the fan hum) and the trademark air hiss (Sshhhp) that I always loved to mimick as a little kid.
I'll certainly miss them, but I know that it is their time to go :-(. The buses may not last forever, but memories last a lifetime (usually).
I'll miss the Gilligs, and I'll definitely miss the O1s when it's time for them to go.
~TMCs, Gilligs, Flxibles, Neoplans, followed by Orion Is...bus legends continue to become memories...
Larry,RedbirdR33
Peace,
ANDEE
Larry, RedbirdR33
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
SmarTrip supply low as sales soar
Since Metro shifted to a SmarTrip parking payment system on June 28, sales of the plastic rechargeable farecard that can be used to pay for parking, Metrorail rides and most Metrobus rides have soared. As a result officials believe they will run out of the cards before a new supply arrives.
Prior to the start of the SmarTrip-only parking payment program, sales of the cards averaged 8,000 per month (between May 1999 and May 2004). Since June 28, customers have been purchasing them at a rate of between 3,000 and 4,000 per day, most directly from new SmarTrip vending machines that are located inside 30 Metrorail stations.
Between June 28 and July 20, 65,000 SmarTrip cards were sold. Seventy-five percent were sold from the new SmarTrip vending machines; 14 percent from Metro sales offices; 5 percent through local commuter stores; 4 percent via the internet; and the remaining 2 percent via other means.
SmarTrip sales have been so high that Metro has sold in the last three weeks what it had been selling during an average eight-month period since SmarTrip was launched five years ago.
There is only one manufacturer of the SmarTrip chip that is in the cards and another manufacturer responsible for embedding those chips in the SmarTrip cards. Metro expects to receive 10,000 new SmarTrip cards by the end of the month and another 62,000 by mid-August. New orders are in the works for up to one half million cards. The high volume of SmarTrip sales can be attributed to several initiatives coming together at once. They include:
• the shift to SmarTrip-only parking payment program that was initiated on June 28;
• the installation of the SmarTrip vending machines inside 30 stations, making it easy and convenient for all customers (not just those who are parking in Metro facilities) to pick up a SmarTrip card;
• the continued installation of SmarTrip fareboxes on all Metrobuses (all but one garage of buses has the new fareboxes and those buses are expected to be fully equipped in approximately two weeks) which has created a demand for SmarTrip cards by Metrobus users;
• a surprising pre-September 11th resurgence of tourists to the region, which has resulted in an elevated purchase of SmarTrip cards by one-time-only users of the cards; and
• unprecedented high Metrorail ridership that saw June’s average weekday ridership top 700,000 for the first time and July’s average weekday ridership counts that have not yet seen the traditional dip that results from commuters who take a summer vacation.
In an effort to conserve SmarTrip cards until the next shipment arrives at Metro, officials have decided to temporarily halt internet sales of the cards, temporarily cease sales promotions targeted to non-parkers who ride the rail system; and delay an upcoming promotion of SmarTrip to bus customers that was designed to coincide with the installation of the SmarTrip fareboxes on buses.
When Metro runs out of SmarTrip cards, customers will be able to pay the parking fee by purchasing paper farecards in the exact amount of the fee. Parkers will then hand the paper farecard to the parking customer assistance representative who would be stationed at the lot’s exit gates. Customers who have SmarTrip cards will still be able to use them for quick exit.
The shift to the SmarTrip parking system has been extremely successful. Metro officials were lenient in allowing exceptions during the first week of conversion to the SmarTrip-only parking system, allowing for the transition period, however since then, less than 1 percent of daily parkers are given an exception to exit the parking lots.
Most of the approximately 250 parking-related calls to Metro’s customer service center since June 28 have been questions about how to get receipts; their wanting to know how to obtain a SmarTrip card; recommendations for improved signage; and complaints from one-time or occasional parkers who do not want to purchase a SmarTrip card. Metro has also received complaints about how Metro’s SmarTrip contractor has been experiencing difficulty keeping up with the high call volume since the launch of SmarTrip-only parking on June 28. The vendor has hired additional staff to handle the increase in calls.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
How abot the talkers in your area, I got on a 159 bus and had to hear some girl's conversation in Spainish. The worst ones [in Philly, NYC, and DC] are the ones you have to hear in Chinese, Korean or Russian. The ones I hear in English is sooo smutty. it looks like there are a bunch of perverts out in the community.
Consider, upwards of 10 to 15 people doing the very same, each attempting to be heard over the next, raising their voices over one another, in addition to the engine and other various sounds heard within your average bus.
Consider that all windows are closed.
Consider that the interior noise level has increased to the point of not only distraction but disturbance. Do we each not have a right not to be disturbed?
Consider, 10 people each yelling atop one another, the AC system spewing decibles into and throughout the bus, the engine reving, the transmission up-and-downshifting while mothers cater to their children, people attempt to pay fares, others asking for travel assistance while even more wait to ask more questions. This, while I may be attempting to negotiate traffic, sometimes in wet and/or icy conditions, horns blaring, emergency vehicles seeking their right-of-way and important announcements from TA dispatch coming over the radio.
Consider, the emergency systems within the bus designed to inform me of a defective braking, engine or air system failure by way of audible alarm.
Consider, I don't hear it. I hear "What, huh, come again"?
Resolution 0070-2004 History
Res. No. 70
By Council Members Reed, Lopez, Perkins, Brewer, Oddo, Koppell and James
..Title
Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to promulgate rules governing the use of portable telephones on the New York City mass transit system.
..Body
Whereas, Public transportation in New York City provides transportation to individuals from all parts of the world; and
Whereas, The passengers on the New York City buses and subways are confined in close quarters for relatively short periods of time; and
Whereas, Smoking and playing of portable radios are examples of conduct that is otherwise legal, but that is illegal during the short periods of time that a passenger uses the bus or subway; and
Whereas, These rules enhance the ride and the comfort of all passengers in a manner that is comparable to other quality of life rules; and
Whereas, The comfort of all passengers requires that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority enact and enforce rules that insure that passengers will not act in such a way as to cause annoyance, alarm or inconvenience to another reasonable person; and
Whereas, A close attention to the quality of life in our mass transit system removes stress and increases the satisfaction of the users of the system; and
Whereas, A satisfied user returns to the system and in other ways gains a favorable impression of New York City; and
Whereas, Cellular phones are often used without regard for others, and in a manner that can be obnoxious or even rude; and
Whereas, Individuals using these phones, raise their voices and in other ways intrude on the comfort of others; and
Whereas, The Metropolitan Transit Authority has rules against sound production devices and engaging in nontransit activities while in subway stations or riding on buses and subways; and
Whereas, The widespread use of portable phones is a relatively new practice; and
Whereas, These devices are susceptible to abuse and need to be regulated in a manner comparable to that applied by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to radios; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to promulgate rules governing the use of portable telephones on the New York City mass transit system.
I hope this answers your question.
Da Hui
As for the hotel, after someone decided that in order to move away from everyone else and in order to get better reception meant moving next to my table in the dining room at breakfast and holding his conversation there, and after I got to listen to another lady yelling into her phone on the Lake Porch which used to be a relatively quiet and serene place, I sent a comment card to hotel management for the first time in the 11 times I have stayed there, and talked with the two dining room captains who know me well from over the years, one of which said to me that if she ever saw anyone using a cell phone in the dining room, she would ask them to leave or hang up the call.
Please use courtesy when using cell phones!!!
Not long ago,I was taking a trip on my Running Dog[you know what the running dog is]A woman and her friends were stand in line to get on the bus talking away to each other and on their phone....when it came time to get on the bus,the driver[a friend of mine] asked them to keep it down because it would be a distraction....AS THEY WALKED THRU THE DOOR....
Never the less...they didn't comply. He had to make annoucements during the trip to reminde them...He pulled into a rest stop and
asked them to stop using their phone.
On our buses,the drivers always make annoucements to the passengers about radio's, C.D Players and Cellphones.....at the begining of a trip....
Needless to say,after the stop,it became a very quiet ride.....
the phone is for communication,
not conversation...
Make it quick...and get off....
(sarcasm)
And not all carriers let you roll over unused minutes.
BOB
Good thing you weren't a lunatic.
She would not have liked it if you were and would have responded to her middle finger by pulling out a gun or a knife.
Oooohhhhhhh, maybe
AFA Boston goes, I'm guessing the MBTA lacks a sufficient number of available (read: presentable) buses to transport delegates, hence the apparent leasing of SEPTA's newest buses.
As most bus fans recall, a similar thing happened at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 (including then brand new NABIs from SEPTA and New Flyer C40LFs from Reading, Pa. (BARTA)) were used to supplement the MARTA fleet and at the Salt Lake Olympics two years ago (when San Francisco MUNI, WMATA, San Antonio, and a few other cities) leased out some of their buses to the Utah TA.
NJT couldn't [or wouldn't] spare any buses for the Convention, but SEPTA had plenty of buses. They did light overhauls of the NABI and Neoplan fleet [cleaned them up, new windows, cleaned floors, made sure the engines and such worked], and combined them with the delivery of the Neoplan Artics that was in progress at the time. [That's why the Volvos held on in the summer of 2000. Once the convention was over, that Monday afterward, the Volvos were GONE!]
Mark
Mark
And with the new route signs, they could put up some wild stuff!
Chuck Greene
I think FP now has 9112, 9117-9119, 9122, 9124, 9125, 9130, 9132, 9134, 9135 and 9138(12).
concerning,
Lovell Thomas
ctrabs
Mdlbigcat
me, the Basman
patkylekenny
wdobner
TransitChuck
Daryl J
Once the last Neo is gone though, so's my expertise, unless you wanna know about NE routes, those almost never change.
Chuck Greene
Isn't that same portion of the sightline gone when passengers sit in the row of seats next to the sign?
JD
UPS and other package van drivers and drivers of straight trucks navigate the same streets as city buses without the benefit of a side window like this.
JD
True ... but the issue with the lower side sign was posed as a safety issue. And a driver on a full bus with standees right behind the line is still going to have a problem seeing running passengers through the side windows.
JD
All new models have upper signs.
Mind you, they manage to get the cord UNDER the side sign on a NABI. I believe the New Flyers don't have the cord reach to the far front because there is no seat there, due to the low-floor nature of the bus leaving the wheel prominent right where the sign is. Don't know about the Neo artic cords; I'm usually riding in the "accordion reeds" or near them. Not sure about Champion cutaways or El Dorado buses either, as I rarely ever ride any route that uses them.
Do you mean for the people in the front who actually obey the request to go out the back door?
Since they lowered the stop request cords to that people could actually reach them (instead of having to get up and stretch to pull them) the cords could go underneath the sign. This is apparent on every SEPTA bus that's post-Neo (including the Fords with the buzzers). Don't worry, i have pleny of experience with Dorado and way too much experience with Champions (I do live in the land of minibuses after all - ironically, SEPTA's largest buses serve my town too).
I hate sitting in the back with the New Flyer cords, though, for the pull cord is way to low ( it is at head level). You can't put you head against the window without ducking and dodging to avoid signaling for the next stop (I think the ZFer seats may have improved this problem, though).
Notice that the nearly exclusively Neoplan routes (Routes from Frankford, Comly, and Southern, the depots that had NO RTS II buses are exempt) are using the New Flyers, which have the sign in the front. So you may have something there.
I never realized back door boarding went back so far. I know that today during peak service they use backdoor boarding at City Hall (passes and transfers in the back, paid fare in the front). I thought it was a new thing or something like that.
The Volvos had the rear sign, but I wonder why the Neo artics didn't. Maybe maintainance issues as you mentioned before that the 3rd sign rarely ever worked. I wish I had a chance to ride them when they were in service.
Odd that SEPTA would scrap the Volvos so soon, but add in extra Neo artics on the order to cover the current use of them on the 6, 9, 18, 22, 27, 33, 48, 54, 55, and 60. I'll point out, though, that the 22, 54 and 55 use a mix of Neos and NABIs (or Neos and New Flyers for the 55, with the occasional NABI - 22 sees few if any New Flyers), so it's not THAT much of an expansion to the fleet. The 18 also gets the occasional New Flyer or NABI, but the rest are all artics, all trips, all times (yes even the late night 6, 33 and 60 runs, though being an Allegheny route will do that to you, since they have nothing but artics)
I think they may have initially planned to eep some Volvos, if not all of them. The ORIGINAL plan for the artics had them slated for the 6, 14, 18, 33, 47, and 55, in addition to the 9, 27, 48, and 60. I'm not sure what made them drop the 14 and 47 for the 22 and 54. But the 14 needs artics; if it means the 14 has to be split with Midvale or Allegheny, do it.
The Neo artic order more than tripled the amount of artics owned by SEPTA (I believe there were only 50 Volvos). However, while they are a lot more easier to find than the Volvos ever were (I never even saw one in actual service except for in 2000 on the 9), it seems like the demand for artics is a lot higher than ever before! I've never ridden the 14, but from what I've heard/seen, I bet it would need artics. It would be interesting to see artics up at Oxford Valley Mall.
I thought I heard SEPTA mention putting artics on the 14 recently, as well as the 20. However, it seems that just disappeared into the air like the Roosevelt Blvd Subway Line.
Maybe it's time for more Neo artics - this time either HEVs or with DD60s/Cummins ISMs.
OK, the COMPLETE list of the initial plan for the artics; they were to be on the following: C (City Hall to Cheltenham), 6, 9, 14, 18, 20, 27, 33, 47, 48, 55, 60, 65. Somewhere, they dropped the 14, 20, and 47, and added the 22 and L (the L gets artics, but rarely). Allegheny and Midvale are the only districts with the artics around, so it might be a lack of room for the spare routes on the roster. Allegheny would have to drop either its half of the 54, or Midvale would, and drop half the 18 and/or 26 to Frankford. Then, Comly could swing half of the 14 ad 20 ops to Midvale and/or Allegheny. Not sure what Midvale would do for artics on the 47; maybe clip a few from the C or 55.
Also of note: the Owl buses for the Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines occasionally saw Volvo artics in service. More prominent on the MFL owl than the BSL.
Scene: A southbound Q27 with a 'JAMAICA AV' sign up..
Intending customer: "Does this bus go to Cambria Heights?"
B/O: "No m'am, the one after me does. The last stop for us is Jamaica Avenue"
Customer: "OK". Customer boards and pays fare.
Bus arrives at Jamaica Avenue, B/O makes ADA announcement and reiterates it's the last stop. Customer is dumbfounded when she's asked to leave bus. Gets off and looks at sign now still reading JAMAICA AV. While gazing, the Cambria bus passes her. She now waits another half-hour.
Those same short arms have been popping-up on replaced Nova 93xx/49xx QV buses with lowered SDS. That's a formula for a lawsuit if there ever was one. This agency will never learn. Their own stupidity leads to much of the litigation against them.
For example: Is there a legitimate reason why there's no wheelchair belt safety clamp when not in use (to buckle the belt under the seat and out of harms way), so they don't dangle outward posing a safety hazard for my passengers? No.
You mean to tell me that she cant put 2+2 together. You are at Bwy Jct, the signs says Bwy Jct is the last stop. The doors are open and you heard the annoucement that the train is going back to the city.
Gotta love the passengers.
Screw the Red Sox.
I know this is Bus talk.
I havent post on Subtalk for more than a year now. I will make a return to Subtalk soon............
BTW, hows the B1 treating you?? (See, I brought it back to buses...)
concerning,
Arthur Thomas
concerning,
Arthur Thomas
-Fred
This brings about a bad question: Does Bee-Line have any plans to strike the ire of many readers here and look for replacements (which they shouldn't do, yet)? I remember reading about them getting more O5's, but the roster at Northeast Buses reads that they're awaiting delivery of 4 O7's (which would be good given the anti-low floor mindset of suburban TA's which is unfounded). What are their options when it comes time for them to pass on?
Da Hui
As for the O7's mentioned on the roster at Northeast Buses, that had to have been either a typo or a dream. Can't let high levels of SUV ownership let TA's buck widespread bus trends, can't we;).
Tony M.
Bus Operator
MetroB
I'd say aye here too, except my 'official' residence is in PA, not NJ, despite the e-mail address.
BOB
Haven't had a chance to get on the board since your post, but I reside about as far north as you can go in New Jersey. I am not in the transit industry - just a bus fan!
Okay, so Letterman was doing the CBS Mail Bag and the final letter asked about Letterman's daily routine. So he starts saying how he goes about his average day but then says that Alan Kalter, the announcer had a strange experience during his commute, so the camera cuts to Alan and he does his little flashback thing.
Next scene, he's sitting on a bus, and immediately I recognize the NJT suburban-style seat pattern. Alan was reading the paper then looks up when the bus stops and he hears a lot of horns honking. He goes to the front to see what's going on, and it's a spoof on the Six Flags commercial with the old man dancing to the jingle in front of the bus, which is in Six Flags shrink-wrap. Alan gets in the driver seat, closes the door, puts the bus in reverse, and runs the old man over, then drives away slowly!
Just thought I'd share that for NJ bus fans!
Peace,
ANDEE
BOB
1. You approach such an intersection, and pass the "Stop Here on Red" sign when the light is yellow.
2. The light turns red when you're between the line and the crosswalk.
3. You proceed through the intersection (with the red light) to the other side.
Then, if you need to inch forward to see past some parked cars, you can do so.
What I LOVE though is the people who have their whole vehicle past the bar. Most lights are activated via loop detectors, and if they're past the bar, they're typically past the detector, and viola, the light will NOT change. :)
Sometimes on sundays I just wonder how long those people are sitting there before someone comes behind them to activate the light.
2. The regular route over 47th Avenue-Rocky Hill Rd-48th Avenue that the 27 and 31 have been detoured away from for some time due to reconstruction appears to be all done as normal traffic is flowing through that stretch. However, a conversation I overheard today indicated that the detour will remain in effect until Ops Planning replaces the bus stop signs along the former route.
Now let's get 56th Avenue finished already!!!! You wonder why the 27 is a lousy line these days.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Da Hui
Chuck Greene
~VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM...
Could that be it? Better get ready. Ah, I see it now!
The Dorado trademark!
Chuck
Funny......
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Error in text, sorry.
Meandering away from the original topic slightly, when Leyland introduced the National single-decker in the early 70s to the UK they worked by the somewhat questionable rationale that hot air doesn't rise and installed the heating vents above the windows (this applying to the driver's compartment as well as passenger cabin). This led to predictable complaints and many companies fitted floor-mounted heater units which ran off the engine coolant. Whilst the Fishbowl vent siting is a compromise, the National positioning was plain bad design as a/c is virtually unheard of in buses in the UK, and as such the vents were only used for heat.
Here's a link to a somewhat quirky Leyland National site, if anyone's interested. Aside from the UK I believe they have also operated in Venezuala and Jamaica, amongst other places.
This is also a common problem with buses that have the radiators behind rear wheel - most of those in operation in the US, as far as I have seen. The radiators need frequent cleaning if they are postioned here - if not they can get covered in gunk with overheating the result. In Britain, buses with front-mounted radiators rarely if ever overheat whilst in my experience it is a lot more common with the rear-mounted version.
http://www.transitalk.info/Photos/JPappas/110102/Sonoma_Eldorado_241b.jpg
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Trevor
Sorry we missed you Saturday :-(
If this was boring , off topic or unneeded to some , I apologize
Chuck Greene
I feel the same way about people that jump in front of trains.
How many of CTA 490 TMC RTS-08's are retrofitted with AC units so far?
Thanks
What it SHOULD have done, considering the Outerbridge P&R didn't exist at the time, was run from Seguine Ave and Hylan Blvd, Seguine to Foster Rd, Foster to Woodrow Rd, Woodrow to Bloomingdale Rd, then down Bloomingdale to the West Shore Expressway. The x22 would still run as it does now; this provides service on the section of Woodrow between Bloomingdale and Rossville Ave.
The system probably would be ran out of new depots built in the 70's or 80's. Maybe it would have been Crosstown, and/or even Jackie Gleason, and the system would comprise of 9 or 10 routes, many of the lines would serve Downtown Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Crown Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Boro Park, Bay Ridge, and Flatbush.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I wonder if there's a truth-in-advertising issue here.
Was this taken on the Q60?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking at ways to speed up bus service around the city.
The agency said Thursday a consultant will soon begin working to identify five major bus corridors as candidates for Bus Rapid Transit, a concept that's been implemented in other major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles.
Bus Rapid Transit would, among other things, give buses priority over other vehicles, and allow them to load and unload faster.
“There are bus lanes that are in a number of corridors that are helping to improve bus speed, but this goes beyond that,” said Butch Seay, the MTA’s Senior Vice President for Buses. “This goes to looking at dedicated lanes, and looking at timing of signals."
On Thursday, an MTA board committee approved the 21-month study. It's being done in cooperation with the city's Department of Transportation, which must sign off on any changes to traffic patterns. "
REGOVERN THESE BUSES to a sensable speed (i.e., 55 MPH), that a freakin' start.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
They can also use whats in L.A. with a few of its buses ,
some buses have the ability to change the traffic lights
Da Hui
Da Hui
Assuming that the acceleration rate is not impeded by the governing process, what's wrong with governing a bus -- to the reported 40 MPH -- that is intended to travel on city streets where, with rare exception, the maximum allowed speed is 30 MPH?
David
Because NYCT routinely uses the expressway and parkway system whereby limiting the speeds to *upwards* of 40 miles per hour creates a safety hazard in and of itself.
Secondly, by virtue of your own admission that NYCT hasn't *officially* notified of governing buses, those buses scheduled to deadhead via parkway/highway for a return trip or what-have-you is based on the speed limit of 50 miles per hour, losing 10 MPH on current scheduled deadheads. That time is lost, thereby creating a delay in service- potentially of 20%.
If a given deadhead/pullout/pullin move cannot be made within the allotted time for any reason, governed buses or otherwise, the condition should be brought to the attention of the Superintendent in charge of the route so the Superintendent can verify that the problem exists if it does, and the extent of the problem if it exists. The Superintendent should then speak to the appropriate Schedules personnel about changing the deadhead path or adding running time.
David
CG
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
The repowers have a fleet defect. Something's causing the buses to produce excessive smoke, and the residue in the smoke is stuffing the filters, which in turn is causing the buses to lose power. NYCT and the manufacturer are investigating.
David
a) Him having a family member who operates these buses, and
b) Buses, not withstanding mechanical defect nonetheless governed to speeds below 40 MPH.
Thank you.
Thank YOU :-)
David
Which is a leg-up on you. He also didn't say who he rode the bus *with*.
B. Possible, but he does not know it to be a fact,
If the driver explained the situation to him, whether right there on the bus, or at home afterwards, he does indeed know it for a fact. It's you who simply don't believe it, because you don't value the facts provided by the contributors here.
and apparently neither does anybody else here.
Quite the contrary. Everyone here who either follows these issues and/or who drive these buses knows all about the issue, save those doomed inside the cubicle of an office building who haven't a clue what's actually going on within the bays of the depots.
Why do you persist with this argument? A difference of opinion is always healthy, but you're argumentatively disputing fact, which boggles the mind.
As someone who is usually a valuable source of information, you're losing credibility with each successive denail. I suggest you accept the issue for what it is and move on.
I was looking for a reason that could stick, as to why the buses should not be governed to a speed not much higher than the prevailing local traffic speed limit -- and it looks to me like "Brooklyn67" has provided one (as amplified by "ar"), not that I can do anything about it.
Still, I'd like to hear from the person who reported the slow, "governed" bus, how he knows it's governed. Did he, in fact, talk to the Bus Operator about the situation? Is that particular Bus Operator in a position to know a governed bus from one that is not? The bus in question is a repower, and the repowered buses as a group have experienced smoking problems that have caused the filters to clog, in turn causing slow acceleration and a lower top-end speed.
And now, since I don't know the answer and I'm curious, I'm going to ask: Do governed buses accelerate more slowly, as a rule, than they did before they were governed? Subway cars with the field-shunting disabled have trouble maintaining their acceleration rate as speed increases; do buses that are governed act the same way?
David
I agree- to a point. I understand the move to limit bus speed in an effort to lessen and limit the number of potential accidents and subsequent lawsuits that would surely follow. That said, governing buses when said buses utilize the highway system poses a different safety hazard- impeding the flow of traffic which makes the bus 'a target' of sorts with respect to road rage, safely merging and the inability to maintain a "cushion" (refer to NYCT's Five Keys program). The scheduling issues are secondary, but important nonetheless.
I was looking for a reason that could stick, as to why the buses should not be governed to a speed not much higher than the prevailing local traffic speed limit -- and it looks to me like "Brooklyn67" has provided one (as amplified by "ar"), not that I can do anything about it.
You and I both know, this agency doesn't require too many 'reasons' to implement procedures they deem 'as appropriate' :-) Still, there are reasons as to why the buses are indeed govrened, and those have been listed and outlined above and in prior discussions.
Still, I'd like to hear from the person who reported the slow, "governed" bus, how he knows it's governed. Did he, in fact, talk to the Bus Operator about the situation? Is that particular Bus Operator in a position to know a governed bus from one that is not? The bus in question is a repower, and the repowered buses as a group have experienced smoking problems that have caused the filters to clog, in turn causing slow acceleration and a lower top-end speed.
Fair enough. I'll leave it to him to explain, if he so chooses.
And now, since I don't know the answer and I'm curious, I'm going to ask: Do governed buses accelerate more slowly, as a rule, than they did before they were governed? Subway cars with the field-shunting disabled have trouble maintaining their acceleration rate as speed increases; do buses that are governed act the same way?
I cannot compare a subway car to a bus because I've never operated a train. I can tell you that while operating a bus that has been governed, it accellerates no differently than one that has not. You don't know a given bus is governed, and to what speed, until you reach that predetermined limit, and the converter simply refuses to shift. The bus, at this time, feels as if it's 'coasting', regardless of throttle position or accellerator depression by the operator.
David
Well ENY that's why they have right lanes for, for slow buses and cars...
David, are you NYS CDL-BP/AB/NR Article 19-A Qualified? Because if you are, I invite you to pull-out the QV "LOCAL BUS" of your choice. All of which use the Grand Central Parkway, Cross Island Parkway or Long Island Expressway to run-on, run-off and/or deadhead. All of which are GOVERNED. If you are NOT qualified to drive a NYCT bus, please refrain from making inaccurate statements (which are actually opinions based on second-hand misinformation) or arguing with someone who is fully aware of the (in)capabilities of the buses operated, and operates them daily as a primary means of employment.
If a given deadhead/pullout/pullin move cannot be made within the allotted time for any reason, governed buses or otherwise, the condition should be brought to the attention of the Superintendent in charge of the route so the Superintendent can verify that the problem exists if it does, and the extent of the problem if it exists. The Superintendent should then speak to the appropriate Schedules personnel about changing the deadhead path or adding running time.
There is no "otherwise". The issue brought forth is based upon schedules formulated by a given maximum legal speed of 50 MPH that cannot be attained behind the wheel of a governed bus. Period.
David
Who's going to get re-elected based on uncapping buses?
David
1) Buses that dump people in the street because the bus lane is blocked.
2) Where is the MTA's second South Shore route according to the deal?
3) Residential and commercial streets being turned into overflow bus parking.
In any event, we're starting to stray here. The original issue was BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). The only elements of BRT I see potentially working in New York City are prepaying of fares -- dwell time is a component of running time, in some cases a significant one -- and signal prioritization -- but what happens when there are routes on both cross streets and buses on both routes want priority? Other aspects of BRT, such as dedicated roadways, require space that just isn't available here (dedicated bus lanes without physical barriers don't work very well because they're generally not enforced).
David
BRT will not work in NYC. If the city can't do something as simple as getting our friendly neighborhood traffic agents to roam the lanes with tow trucks to make sure they are clear, then we can't handle BRT or any other advanced surface technology that moves faster than traffic.
For $3 million, we could easily remedy speed issues by just sending out agents. Of course, Operations Planning could easily do this in-house, but the MTA decides to feed the consultants...again.
To answer YOUR question, the union(s) raised the issue with management, to wit, the depots raised the governed speed to approximately 45 MPH at Queens Village Depot. I cannot speak for any other depot.
Thank you for your opinions.
Now that "Brooklyn67" has posted information about what happened at Queens Village Depot, I accept that some of the buses, at least some of those at Queens Village Depot, have been governed, and I thank him for the information. I hope that "Brooklyn67" will, in turn, concede that (a) NYCT's bus system does not consist solely of Queens Village Depot, (b) outside of Queens Village and maybe Gun Hill, NYCT does not have much deadheading/pulling via limited-access highways, and (c) it is possible, just POSSIBLE, that the fleet defect to which I referred elsewhere in this thread, and not governing, is responsible for the slow acceleration and low top-end speed another poster observed on his bus ride.
David
(No Powerpoint?) ;)
Well, maybe a little, but not by me! It's simply used to dress up reports, not as a be-all-and-end-all of the work process.
David
I don't think it's nothing wrong govern a bus down to 40mph in NYC since most of it's streets traffic may never make it to 40mph plus mta will save fuel in the process. But if you put one of these 40mph buses on the expressway where everything else goes about 60mph than they should select a few that for highway and tune them up for that.
Local AND express buses deadhead on highways, expressways, and parkways. Here is a picture of our highways, expressways, and parkways:
Buses: 40MPH max
Speed limit: 50MPH max
Traffic: 30-50MPH - rush hours, peak periods on weekends
55MPH - middays
65-70MPH - all other times
Most drivers can deal with a 10MPH closing speed, but other than rush hours in the peak direction, such a condition does not exist on our highways except in localized spots. On the Belt Parkway (where buses deadhead as well), I must do at least 60MPH in order to use the middle lane. The left lane operates at 68-75MPH IN A 50MPH ZONE!
NYCT transit buses should not be capped. The buses themselves can only go 60-65MPH on their own anyway (with the exception of the MCIs, which can cruise at 80MPH). Buses should not impede the flow of traffic and it is HIGHLY DANGEROUS to have speed differences of 20-30MPH on a facility. This, among other things, is why speeding and going too slow are both illegal.
Oh... is this for Manhattan....? okay I don't care...
for the "other"boro's...GIVE ME LIGHT RAIL,OR NUTHIN!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Does this happen anywhere else in NYC?
How about outside of NYC? I know of one case: the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District's 22 Illini route is an elaborate loop of sorts which happens to run along Illinois Street three times within one round trip, twice in one direction and once in the other. Here's the map.
What amazes me is when a bus stops at the same stop twice in one direction. For instance, Ride-On rt 26 stops at an aparment complex, goes through this routing in a neighborhood, and then ends up stopping at the same complex again. Very convenient if you miss the bus (at least, the first time it arrives at the stop).
- B13 at the East New York Postal Facility
- Bx21 at Bronx State Hospital
- Q27 at Queensborough Community College
- S62 at College of Staten Island
S54/57 at Seaview Hospital.
S74 at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility. I've only observed this by riding through to or from Tottenville- I've never gotten on or off there!
ON STREET:
BX29 at Pelham Bay Station. Be sure to ask the bus driver which way he's going. They frequently forget to change the signs at the terminals, which results in much panic and screaming when the bus goes the 'wrong way'.
At the same complex, there are supposed to be separate curbside stands for each direction of the BX12, but it's not consistent. Likewise, the QBX1.
It may not be NYC, but the N20/21 detour to Great Neck LIRR has stops for both directions along both sides of Middle Neck Road between Northern Boulevard and the station. At least the signs are marked that way. Many drivers will only pick up passengers in the direction LEAVING the LIRR.
A similar arrangement exists on the N22/24/78/79 along East Gate Boulevard for the detour through Roosevelt Field.
Also, the B15 and Q10 have it at Federal Circle I think.
The Bx12, Bx29, and QBx1 all loop through the Pelham Bay Station in both directions, but they have different stopping locations for each direction. The QBx1 actually has three stops: Co-op City clockwise, Co-op City counterclockwise, and Flushing.
Bx29 stops in the same area at Pelham Bay
Bx29 used to have the same stops in both directions in Co Op City in Bay Plaza, but was changed year ago
Q27 (locals) at Queensboro CC going to either Flushing or Cambria Heights
Bx21 at VA Hospital near Waters Pl going to either 135 St or Westchester Sq
N54 at Sunrise Mall going to either Hempstead or Amityville.
With NYCT, the S62 at College of SI is another one.
Both-direction stops in the downtowns (two of 'em, anyhoo) and at the malls. Check 'em out.
BOB
Michael
Washington, DC
Here are my observations in Queens today. By the way, I saw a RECORD number of construction projects today including a reroute on the Q27! The Q27 goes up Springfield Blvd passed 56th Av due to construction. I believe it makes a left on 48th Av and then regular. Maybe somebody can shed some light on that. Anyways, other observations...NEW traffic lights about to be put up. One NEW light will be put up at 73rd Av and 197th St (Q75, Q88 and QM1A) in Fresh Meadows. Also, NEW lights along the Q84 route! One on 120th Av and about 195th St? (About two blocks east of Farmers Blvd) and the second one at the last stop of the Q84 at 130th Av and Laurelton Pkwy (238th St)
Now, my BUS observations that I saw in order...SUBURBANS RULE!!!:
1995 Orion 05.501 #625* - Q88
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #9261 - Q88
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #9251 - Q88
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #9287 - Q75
1995 Orion 05.501 #534 - Q46
1997 NovaBus RTS-06 #9536 - NIS (Side destination sign was raised)
1997 NovaBus RTS-06 #9362 - Q43
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #8971 - Q3 (side destination sign was raised)
1995 Orion 05.501 #524* - Q36
1990 TMC RTS-06 #8382 - Q1
1990 TMC RTS-06 #8239 - Q1
1996-1998 GMC RTS-04 Remanufactured #7008 - Q36
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #8950 - Q3
1993 Orion 05.501 #114 - Q76
1998 NovaBus RTS-06 #4911 - Q75
1995 Orion 05.501 #519 - Q2
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #9343 - Q43 (Wrap Ad on the Back)
1997 NovaBus RTS-06 #9555 - Q17
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #9294 - Q43
1997 NovaBus RTS-06 #9364 - Q2
1990 TMC RTS-06 #8391 - NIS
1997 NovaBus RTS-06 #9550 - Q3
1996 NovaBus RTS-06 #9346 - Q84 (must be a regular on the Q84, huh?)
1998 NovaBus RTS-06 #5147 - Q84
1990 TMC RTS-06 #8241 - Q5
1997 NovaBus RTS-06 #9557 - Q85
* - Both Orion 05.501 #524 and #625 have a LOUD sound to them as they are moving. IDK why.
JAMAICA BUS LINES:
#3849 - Q110
#552 - Q110
***I was in Jamaica and then I took the Sunrise Hwy home***
MTA LONG ISLAND BUS:
#164 - N6
#240 - N37
#341 - JB62
#112 - N62
#284 - N54
#418 - NIS at Sunrise Mall
SUFFOLK TRANSIT:
#9301 - 1B
#9302 - 1A
#910-#915 - E.B.T. Depot in North Amityville (Those are going to be scrapped like SOON! They are in crappy condition especially #913)
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Enjoy!
Detour1:Leaves Flushing on regular route to Hollis Court Blvd then follows the Q26 route to Francis Lewis Blvd,left on FLB to 53Av,right on 53Av,left on Clearview Exp Service Rd,right on 48Av then regular.
Detour2:leaves regular route at 216St/50Av then:left on 50Av,right on 220St to Springfield Blvd/56Av then regular.
Hope this helps.BTW,there was a Flushing bound detour for the 56Av construction on Monday but then they just told buses to follow regular route but to drive with caution.One driver apparently didnt know that.Busted radio probably.
Da Hui
M4-#5030-NOVABUS
Thanks for your help!
I was looking at the vans of an operator called "Economic Express" from Paterson to New York, even though the van itself wasn't ex-NJT, the seats inside were! I was laughing hysterically, right in their faces...of course, they were staring at me like I was crazy, all while I was waiting for the 190 bus back to NYC, with some REAL NJT seats!
SAS
Da Hui
The Dispatcher at Smith & Fulton Streets has a Gleason bus and Bus Operator do a B51 trip if there is a problem on the route that would otherwise result in a trip being dropped.
David
Boarding Location: West Farms Square @ East Tremont Avenue (In Front of The Twin Donuts)
TIme: 10 AM
How To Get There: (2) or (5) Trains or the Bx9, Bx21, Bx36, Bx40/42 and Q44 Buses. You can also take the New York Bus Morris Park Avenue Line to the first stop and transfer to a Mott Haven Bound Bx21 Bus.
We Go Rain or Shine!!!!!!
Da Hui
I won't being going with yall on the bus, but I'm lookin forward to seein you guys. I'll be the kid in the grey vest that looks like its about 3 sizes to small(hey, gimme a break, its almost 4 yrs old).
-Alexander-
By Luis Perez - Newsday Staff Writer
July 22, 2004 -- The city is about to spend $3 million to study how to make your bus go faster.
Beginning as early as September, private consultants will walk bus routes for 21 months in search of ways to make bus lanes more efficient and traffic around them more obedient.
Slow-going buses have long been an embarrassment for New York City Transit, and have been lampooned the last two years by the Straphanger's Campaigns' annual "Pokey" awards.
Last fall, the straphanger's group noted that city buses are among the slowest in the nation. The M15 bus won an award for taking 1 hour and 17 minutes to crawl from Harlem to City Hall — two minutes shy of what it takes an Amtrak train to wend its way from Penn Station to Philadelphia.
Planners from DMJM + Harris will consider about 30 ways to make bus lanes more restrictive to other traffic, officials said. Right now, bus lanes have no round-the-clock traffic restrictions.
One likely introduction for more congested bus stops is sidewalk "bulbs" — concrete extensions that make it easier for bus drivers to pick up and drop off fares, officials said.
Other initiatives may include improving traffic light timing, adding street markings and pre-boarding areas where riders swipe their Metrocards in advance.
NYC Transit is paying $2 million for the project, while the city Department of Transportation will pitch in another $900,000.
A few years down the road, more funds would need to be set aside to implement the study's finding, officials said.
Gene Russianoff, lead attorney for the Straphanger's Campaign, praised the study and noted that it was the first time the two agencies collaborated on such a massive project.
Millard Seay, senior vice president for buses at NYC Transit, said the project was a good beginning.
"I don't think the study is going to be the end-all, be-all," he said. "Just a start."
2. Someone else here posted that E.B.T's oldest Gilligs (Used primarily on the S1) are on death row in North Amityville, those in the 900 sereis. When were these buses purchased? BTW, does ST run these things into the ground and do away with them like LIB? What's the average mileage figure on a NY bus at retirement?
3. Going back a few years, from when I used to use bus transport as daily transport, there were Gilligs with roolsigns. Where did those go, and when were they built? I used to get them on the S41.
4. In Yaphank, at the SCPD's EVOC center/Shooting range there were one or two REAL old ST Gilligs parked to the side of a building with a few other vehicles in weeds. Any info on that?
5. In Huntington, along Pulaski RD. (Just before the Dolan Family Health Center) to the side of what I believe is/was a DMV office there were old HART (Huntington) Fishbowl's. Last ive seen them had to be like 2-3yrs ago, anyone here know of?
6. Lastly another HART question: Where did the OrionI's, and that one old Gillig wiht the rollsign go? What yrs did they ever come in service. BTW who else agree's that HART has to be one of the worst run services on the Island? (Aside from SCT, of course, which is a real wreck).
SOrry for all the questions, and thanks for any answers!
2-not sure what year the 900 series Gilligs were bought. Do know go by the first 2 digits of the bus,it gives you a idea what year(96xx,99xx). They probably do away with them when they can't run anymore and the mileage might be low as there is no overnight or sunday service out in suffolk. It also depends on the garage and maintence.
3-those might have been earlier Gilligs which have since been scrapped.
4-dk
5-dk
6-HART has actually improved on their buses. The Orion 1 were scrapped earlier in 2003(used to go to Walt Whitman Mall a lot so i remember seeing them running). Currently it is HART running either 2002 or 2003 Gilligs(800's). HART only runs Monday-Saturday 7a-7p-and service was cut on saturday. use to be a bus per hr on each line, now its per 2 hrs. But it would work line this, 9A has a bus leaving Mall at 7a-returns at 8A becomes a 9B and comes back to the Mall at 9 become a 9A again. It's weird, but revenue isn't higher to justify service.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12139954&BRD=1776&PAG=461&dept_id=6363&rfi=8
N72-#659-Orion V CNG(still in MSBA label-running on a Sunday!)
B1-#9237-NOVABUS
B64-#9090-NOVABUS
The yard is for the Town of Huntington's General Services division and not part of Hart which is on 2nd Street east of Lenox Road. I think the Fishbowls are gone longer than two years. Only wish that I had been deeper into the hobby and had taken a few pictures of them before they were sold off. Don't know who bought them.
Incidentally, those three Fishbowls were orginally owned by a private operator whose name, I believe, was Northport Bus Company, or something like that. They ran a route from the Northport LIRR station in East Northport along Pulaski Road down to the LIRR station in Cold Spring Harbor, IIRC. Haven't had time to research Dave Childs production lists at www.omot.org to see if NBC was the orginial owner or not.
Thanks
The old X90 routing (from 110th & 5th) was originally the M7X, operated by the Avenue B & East Broadway Bus Company (which died in 1980). The M7X became a branch of the existing X23 until the late 1980s, when the multi-headed X23 was restructured into two routes (X90 and X92), each with its own uptown and downtown market. A third branch (X91) would have linked upper York Avenue with the City Hall and WTC/WFC areas, but it was rejected in favor of a transfer privilege between the X90 and X92.
That transfer privilege was too successful for its own good: Riding from 5th Avenue and East 79th Street was minimal at best, and most of the X90's riders came from upper York Avenue via transfers from the X92. Transit's response to that was to abandon the 5th Avenue leg and reroute the X90 along York Avenue, effectively creating the X91 that had been rejected earlier.
That lasted until September 11, 2001. After the Day All Hell Broke Loose, the X90 had to follow the X92 along Water Street to reach Battery Park City. The X92 became nothing more than a short X90 (remember the X21 on Staten Island?), so it was abandoned as a distinct number and all X92 taxrips became X90's.
I heard everything from back wheel problems to cramped/odd passenger arrangements. These problems have finished off the Orion VI, may she always be remembered...
6350 can be found mostly on Run 31 on the M4 and 6351 roams the M5 daily.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
I'm not sure exactly what TAs will be there, but the Roadeo is co-sponsored by Valley Metro of Roanoke and GLTC of Lynchburg. Usual participants are Blacksburg Transit, CTS and UTS of Charlottesville, and HRT of the Tidewater/Va. Beach area. No word yet on Alexandria DASH, Fairfax Connector, or GRTC of Richmond.
For those of you into old-school transits, our local bus museum (CC&T) may be bringing along two vintage buses; a 1973 GMC 3302 "Baby Fishbowl" from Staunton, and a restored 1976 Flxible New Look 40-footer from Pentran of Hampton Roads. And for this event....
WE STILL NEED A FEW MORE JUDGES. Please help; we'll feed you well!
-Fred
-Fred
Scene 2: A bronx bound Q44, bus 540 ,at around 4pm. This bus also is leaking from the roof vents, in the same way 6130 was, and is occasionally dripping water over the engine seats closest to the driver's side. The bus is crossing the whitestone bridge, and hits a bump. I don't know exactly what happened, or how, but a very sizeable stream of water shoots through the back door and all over everyone sitting behind the back door (mainly me and my phone because I was sitting in the aisle facing seat directly behind it). The only thing I saw was a big white blob in mid air heading straight for my face.
You thank Nokia for making thier faceplates somewhat watertight, curse orion for making such crappy buses, and enjoy the ride.
Some of you might be laughing at this moment, since it's quite probable that this bus was booby trapped by Gun Hill employees, just for the sake of getting even with me. Quite possible since there were 4 non driving TA employees on the bus at the time, one of which was sitting across from me.
SAS
www.cleanairbus.com
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
©2004 Cleanairbus. Photo taken in Jamaica, Queens, 7/2/04
The Cleanairbus Transit Page™, http://www.cleanairbus.com
Bookmark it today!
Any questions, comments, suggestions, complaints,
E-mail Me
--Carlton a.k.a. Cleanairbus a.k.a. Second Avenue Stubway
I'll send more information and photos on some of the upstate agencies at some point, if that isn't a problem.
Glad to see Red&Tan/Hudson finally showing off the new paint...
BOB
As I head eastbound, I was getting ready to get off at Sunrise Mall and I see that 643 on the N80 has just turned off the highway so I was ready to wait for a long time, and sure enough I waited 35 minutes for the next bus to show up. Saw a Suffolk Gillig on the S33 go by and a few LI O5's then my bus finally showed up and 383 on the N81 was a very good ride and was very empty. I was the first one on and the last one off the bus and rode from terminal to terminal. I walk across the street and use the restroom then I see the N49 boarding passengers so I get on before it leaves. I'm on 380 and its a relatively short ride heading south to Hempstead and I see 3 MTA buses [268,301,9276] but looked like they weren't going to leave for a while so I decide between the N6 and N32. I see 3 more 400's series O5's on different routes and I just get on 337 on the N6 to 179 St then I ride the F to the Q and finish my trip.
NF 812 B8
R42 4949 (B)
R46 5484 (V)
R46 5706 (F)
LI Bus O5 409 N22A
LI Bus O5 210 N45
LI Bus O5 366 N19
LI Bus O5 383 N81
LI Bus O5 380 N49
LI Bus O5 337 N6
R46 5551 (F)
R68A 5084 (Q)
The southbound is also permanently rerouted via Powells Cove and 154th to the Cross Island. It's another case of a construction detour working better than the official route.
BTW, Powells Cove had already been established as a snow detour route because of some nice hills along 10th and 12th Avenues that can become impassable during a blizzard.
Still, from my experience in Pennsylvania, it's an age-old tendency of drivers never to open back doors unless nobody is getting on at a given stop, and of the ones getting off few or none are near the front. You'd have to be extremely lucky to find an 'op' who instinctively opens both doors regardless of the situation.
The language problem is inexcusable. I've even seen it (howbeit on a very small scale) here in PA!
BOB
Also, Northern and Montgomery are to recieve their new fareboxes between now and August 9 IRRC. SmarTrips are now being sold again in a reversal from this week's earlier announcement.
David
I got a Flyer ZF on the way home, and it was pretty peppy.I'm starting to like the Flyers more and more. I think SEPTA made the right choice to buy a big fleet of them!
Chuck Greene
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
SAS
(sorry, had to say it...)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Couldn't think of anything better.
Till next time...
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I don't mean to be hard on you. I just want you to understand.
Peace..:&:..Love
Chris
Gimme some of those...or a pretty VAN HOOL...
You missed out on that late last year on the A shuttle bus [don't feel like digging through the archives, if you want go back to around October 2003], there were Artics from 100 St mainly. Also earlier this year on the L bus from Broadway Junction to RP they had a few Artics from 126 St.
Thank God For Places Like Double A after NJT kills the rest of the metro b's
What was that CT Transit bus we rode? That was another great ride.
Hope everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did.
Started out by taking the Q train to Atlantic Av where I transfer to the 4 train and ride that north to 149 St/GC then take a 2 one stop east to avoid the shuttle bus crowd and it was skipping the stop I needed to go to. So I decide to take the Bx21 and I see 421 at the next stop so I ride that to Tremont Av, take some picutres then we see the chartered bus, which was an ex NJT MC-9A, fleet # 6310. So we were in front of the Donut Shop for a while and I have to say that we had a pretty good turnout, ~35 people on board. We departed at 10:45am, then we head north to Connecticut and we make a pit stop along the way then we continue to eventually arrive at the Double A Festival around 1:30pm and there were a sea of buses around the area.
The rundown
-Lots of Flxible Metros and even a few Grummans
-Two Flxible New Looks
-Two ex MTA RTS, 4167 and 4191
-At least 10 ex CT Transit Classics
-One ex NJT Volvo, 9251
-Lots of GM New Looks, including a ex Blitz and even a ex Metro Apple bus!
-One trolley
-Varoius school buses of different eras, some in cool paint schemes
So we spend the day at the festival and we take a lunch break after a coupe of hours on the road & to our surprise we get a ride on Classic 9091 around the area and it was a very cool ride, especially when the bus was screaming with the 6v92TA, its unfortunate that these buses were retired before they should have been :-(. Anyway after goign back to the festival there were various sign changes on the different buses that had functioning destination signs. So we chill out in the charter bus then we hear that we will get a ride on Double A Flx 3191 so that was very popular as well and on a short stretch of roadway, we managed to do 50mph and it was just a sweet ride period! Then we have a 3rd ride this time on Classic 9130 which ran good but it was kinda dusty and padding was missing on the inside. Rode that briefly then took a few more pics.
After that we just chilled out on the chartered bus before we called it a day and it was time to head back to the Bronx. Also they even had a few souveneirs like 'custom' depot stickers, magazines, fareboxes and even a subway rollsign. Heading on the highway we make a pit stop in Waterbury for a hour long food break and at 8pm we continue on our way and at the restroom in the bus was as hot as a sauna, literally as the temp was climbing. Then we have to make a brief stop in the middle of nowhere lol so there was a nighttime photo op then after 15 minutes or so it was back on the road and we just have a good time on the bus. We arrive back at the point in which we started at 10:15pm then everyone departed by 10:35 and went their separate ways. I take the 2 train to 149 St/GC then the 4 to Atlantic Av and finally the Q and finish a long day out.
R68A 5170 (Q)
R142 1140 (4)
R142 6610 (2)
O5 421 Bx21
MC-9A 6310 SPECIAL
CT Classic 9091 SPECIAL
Double A Flxible 3191 SPECIAL
CT Classic 9130 SPECIAL
MC-9A 6310 SPECIAL
R142 6643 (2)
R142 1244 (4)
R68A 5071 (Q)
The 795
Second Avenue Stubway
SciGuy 1904
VCP R62 1516
ENY Nova 5205
NIMBY Killer
Thru Express
To view the album, click on the photo.
And now some pics:
Enjoy!
Mark
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
For those who don't know; I was the one with glasses, jeans, and the grey vest.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Even though I got behind the wheel of 4167, it did look disappointing to know that this bus was not operable. As for the New Looks, I noticed that the ex-NYCT Police Bus may have been the only 102" New Look there!
About CT Transit, it is sad that they only use their buses for 12-13 years (for which the FTA rules for bus procurements and funds may have something to do), especially with dead Classics sitting in a scrap yard on DATTCO property and a few at Double-A (although 9091 is getting a new lease on life with Garden State Bus.)
We all learned (if we did not before), why Flxible is called Flxible!
For my pictures, follow this link and click on TransiTALK Double-A Trip.
Enjoy!
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Did they ever run this bus in service with this on the signs...
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
No 3966?
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Hooters and Hooters-wrapped intercity coaches, it doesn't get much better than that.
Exactly. There's nothing wrong with that bus. If it's suitable to be driven on the road, then it's suitable for BusTalk.
If these women want to dress that way, who are you to tell them what they can or cannot wear? After all, it's THEIR life decisions, not yours.
You make it sound as if they've decided to painfully kill themselves. There's nothing wrong with what they wear. They're lucky they can get paid to look so good.
*I may get flak for this,but this bus is just another reason why sexual assaults, rapes, and other horrific attacks against girls and women are so commonplace these days.*
Nothings ever changed throughout history. YOu must be thinking about Uday in iraq. As I walk down the street or when i was on campus and there was no need to for any imagination from what these girls wear, I didn't see any rapes or other things going on that's any more common than up north where the girls are stuck in sweaters or coats.
I do have some issues with girls wanting implants(is this really the most popular graduation gift this year???) just to work at one of those restaurants, but taht's not my business. I live down the street from their HQ and very first restaurant, i'll be sure ot pass along your concerns.
It sure doesn't look anything liek that motorcoach. I need to post some shots someday.
My personal pic, which was really good with the skyline in the background was killed during resizing. :(
Have a change of thought?
--To me, sexuality is NOT important
Well if you believe it isn't, you wouldn't have made such commotion about this bus.
I'm not dragging you into a flame war (if you want to make it one, go right ahead but i wont have a part of it), I am merely pointing out double-talk.
--I only "discussed" my sexuality when some other SubTalker made offensive statements about a certain group, and I responded.
Responded as in making a big point about it in multiple posts, right?
Me, Ray, Wayne, Perry and Pam, and Chris G
How could you? A First Transit vest?;-)
So anyways, they had an Orion V suburban set up for a pre trip preparation area for the drivers:
Plus they had a awesome 102A3 on display:
Orion Vs on the course:
Perry even challenged a fellow employee to a challenge around the roadeo course. He did pretty well around the course, and brought the Orion V up to 24 MPH (The fastest of any competitor) before stopping short of the cone on the decceleration/braking precision test:-)
After the roadeo, everyone went to lunch at the PRTC garage. Me and Ray managed to convince the employees on site to let us ride to the garage in the 102A3. That bus was quick (God bless that 6V92), very few things rattled inside, and the bus overall was in excellent shape.
At lunch, it was announced that Roscoe Shell of DASH won the event. After lunch, we left Perry and Pam to head back for Montgomery County.
We headed back to Rockville since Chris G had to go into his office to finish up some work, but that plan was scrapped since we saw a DD50G Orion VII on the 59:-) We rode that to Shady Grove where we then heard over the PA speakers that the Red Line was being single tracked again. Way to go WhyMATA for single tracking during a Saturday afternoon:-/
Then we saw another DD50G Orion VII on the 55 back to Rockville. We rode that back and then Chris G and Wayne parted ways. Wayne saw a Flxible on the Q2, so he jumped at the opportunity. Chris had to go back to Virginia to meet someone.
Meanwhile, a Cummins Orion VII, 5925 appeared at the 46 bay so we ran after that. We rode this to MC where we then rode an Orion V CNG on the 55 to Giuseppi's for pizza.
After this, we rode an Orion I on the 46 back to MC, where Ray thought he saw a Flxible at the MC bus bay. Sure enough, it was the ex-MTA Metro-D, 5701. It did a southbound 46, which we rode all the way down to Congressional Plaza, where we saw the Hooters Bus:
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=122511
After checking out the bus, we ended up riding an Orion VII south to Twinbrook where we saw 5701 again.
From Twinbrook we rode the 10 (A hammerhead no less):
to the intersection of Viers Mill Rd and Randolph Rd. We got refreshments at Baskin Robbins and then rode the 48 down to Connecticut Ave where we then rode an L8 to Friendship Heights.
From here we rode the 1 back to Silver Spring where me and Ray went our own ways to go back home.
As usual, it was a blast today, and fill in the gaps, correct me, or add any interesting stories or info.
I had so much fun today. I can't believe how I messed up on that course. I figured at the end, even if I was going to nail all those barrels, I was going to give you all some fun by getting 182 as fast as possible.
I had no idea Roscoe worked for PRTC. We were told we had to wear those vests on the course. LOL, I didn't know they had First Transit on them until I saw someone else wearing one. I'm true teal PRTC!
Pam had a great time, too. I give her a lot of credit for coming down there and hanging out like that.
You had some nice bus adventure once back in MOCO, too. Oh, I hope that Metro D is out next Saturday when I come up to do some Ride On riding! It looks like I'll at least get a Cummins Orion VII ride.
The PRTC roadeo was a blast. We had a great time. I thought Perry did a great run on the course when you consider he's not a B/O and hasn't been one since his college days. Hopefully they got lots of sleep this afternoon and evening. He also gave us a nice ride back to the depot on Orion V #183. Boy... this bus really was impressive at tackling those hills.
After I left you guys... the Metro-E ride on the Q2 (4042) was nice and fast. The B/O had the climate control off and there were very few passengers. So... we basically flew along Veirs Mill and GA Ave. I noticed lots on Flxibles on the Y today. Once I got to Silver Spring, I decided to do more riding on WMATA since my transfer was good 'til 6:30 PM. At Silver Spring Orion VI 2034 came roaring in on the F4. I decided to ride the F4 which I always find amusing. Today it was amusing in more than one way. The B/O was driving like a typical F4 driver which is faaasst. She nearly threw this fella off the bus who tried to flash an expired transfer - he was about to offer a sob story, but the B/O put up her hand to say - "I don't want to hear it". He ended up paying the $1.25 (why do some people always want to get over). This was an even faster ride than the Q2. At Riggs Road I noticed NF C40LF 2326 on Chris Der's home route (R2 with it's weeekend 70 min intervals). I rode it to Ft. Totten. I waited 30 minutes for the E3 which was fifteen minutes late. The E3 was recently rehabbed 4347. This bus was nicely done. It sounded relatively quiet and very solid. This and Metro-E leapfrogged each other to GA Ave. I got Neoplan 5321 on the 70 back to Silver Spring. Got to Silver Spring a 6:00 PM - still had 30 min to ride. I spotted 4054 ariving on the Y8. I grabbed this ride. The bus was nealy empty as the earlier Y had left less than 5 min earlier. We made it to Wheaton in about 8 minutes. I saw rehab 4336 and 9638 about to leave, but I passed these up in an attampt to get a NABI. NABI 5211 shows up on the Y8. Again the NABI had just a few passengers and since those 2 Orions had just left - we soon blazed by them and arrived back in Silver Spring very quickly.
Can't wait 'til next Sat.
Salt in the wound! Salt in the wound!:-)
Looking forward to seeing you guys next week. I think it will be a good chance for a Red Robin break at Lakeforst. : )
DART in the Greater Dallas Area is getting new NABI 416 suburban buses. For official info
about DART's newest NABI high floor buses, Click here.
Arthur Thomas
1: Isn't NABI also making buses for the transit routes to replace the now-retired GMC RTS's and Neoplans? I remember something of the sort being alluded to here awhile back and they've lost more than they've gained the last couple years. I guess I'll have to find out for myself when I'm next down there.
2: If the transits are also 416's, I wonder what DART's anti-low floor stance (if there is one) is justified by. It's flat as a pancake, which takes steep hills out of the question, and the other major TA's (plus some smaller ones) in Texas have all gone low-floor. Are they gullible enough to follow the "we fear an SUV crash" mentality of LI Bus/NJT/Bee Line which is easily debunkable?
3: I'm surprised that DART refered to the 416 as such in this press release, NABI's own website shows it under the rechristened "40SFW" name with the 436 accordingly becoming the "60SFW". It looks like the 35LFW has been retired as well, which may be a good thing considering the problems those buses have had.
Does Dallas still have its 1990 model Flxible Metros? IIRC, those were either CNG or LNG models with the notorious Ballard fuel cells.
-Fred
Those types of designs were originally used for having more than one person collect fares weren't they?
Taken on friday at La Conte near Westwood Blvd.
Eddie A Photo
gild4500@earthlink.net
Taken Last night at Vermont & Hollywood Blvd
Eddie A Pic - glid4500@earthlink.net
-Tom
MetroLocal are the buses used on Local, Limited, and Express lines. Sometimes that dont happen
The new paint schemes came out on a few buses before the 35 day MTA Strike in October 2003. Lots more buses were suppose to be painted, but they obviously fell behind during the strike. With a MetroRapid line planned, they quickly painted some C40LFs so that they can be ready by then.
FYI, There is not a 3rd paint scheme. The MetroExpress scheme was voted out.... as there wasnt a need for it, since a majority of the express lines are being phased out as MetroRapid is expanding.
in addition, it makes all the fans here in LA, like myself, happy to see a local on a rapid and vise versa.
The new paint schemes came out on a few buses before the 35 day MTA Strike in October 2003. Lots more buses were suppose to be painted, but they obviously fell behind during the strike. With a MetroRapid line planned, they quickly painted some C40LFs so that they can be ready by then.
FYI, There is not a 3rd paint scheme. The MetroExpress scheme was voted out.... as there wasnt a need for it, since a majority of the express lines are being phased out as MetroRapid is expanding.
Eddie, I think the third scheme he was talking about was the "yellowjacket" scheme, which of course is being phased out.
And I thought the Rapid routes were replacing Limited
routes (300 series), rather than freeway express routes
(400-500 series) (except of course for the 761 replacing
the 561).
In the next shakeup, MTA will implement RapidBus Line 740.
This line will travel from Union Station to South Bay Galleria. It will also replace Line 340 limited and Line 442 express.
Im not sure if youre aware of this or not ... but the MTA Line 436 got cancelled when the Rapid # 720 began service 4 years ago.
Taken last sunday on Line 174 to Pacific Coast Hwy & Ximeno
Eddie A Photo - glid4500@earthlink.net
2222 on the 22, hehe
e a
all the 1000 series Gilligs are getting TwinVision Orange LED signs
for those that do not know, Foothill Line 480 used to be a SCRTD/LAMTA Line a looooong time ago
Taken at El Monte Station
glid4500@earthlink.net-eddie a photo
thats all the pics for now.
BOB
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I'm on top of everything up here in Riverdale, even if I have a crappy depot not to be proud of. 6060 and 6072-6078 are the nine Orion Vs there.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
No database or message specified. db=
m=
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Currently, the only buses I can think of that has seen service in all five boroughs are 1993 Orions 101-119. These former Yukon express buses have obviously seen service in Staten Island, Brooklyn (albeit non-stop service via the Gowanus Expwy) and Manhattan, and are now serving Queens and The Bronx out of Casey Stengel Depot. Come to think of it, QV's 611-624 have a similar history.
Mark
These 2 routes are entirely different from the N21 and N27. Anyone know anything about these 2? Qtrain?
www.freewebs.com/islandtransitli
for the details.
This is not our first trip. My wife and I were actually there ten years ago, pre-parenthood. Since we stayed between downtown and the Space Needle- 6th Avenue between Lenora and Virginia- we hoofed it or used the free downtown bus zone for the Needle, Underground Tour, marketplace, waterfront and all that touristy stuff. As we did then, we'll have a rental car for the Boeing plant in Everett, Ballard Locks, Gasworks Park- and possibly Mount Ranier or Vancouver if time permits.
But since we're going to be out in the 'burbs this time, I wonder if it might not be more practical to use the bus to get downtown than to drive. Some say that downtown parking is extremely expensive and rush-hour traffic is terrible. (Is there a major metropolitan area anywhere in the world where rush-hour traffic is GOOD?!)
I don't know if there's anyone in this board from Seattle, who's ever lived in Seattle, or is otherwise familiar with the local bus system. After extensive research of the King County Metro website, it appears that the 174 route to and from downtown serves our Best Western Executel. If I'm reading it right, there's frequent service all day seven days a week and a two-zone fare (for going over the city line) is very reasonable- $1.25 off-peak and $2.00 peak. It looks to take a little more than an hour during peak and somewhat less off-peak. It seems like using the bus to get downtown would stave off a lot of aggravation and expense.
As a transit buff, I also look forward to riding the Waterfront Streetcar and checking out the Downtown Bus Tunnel. The website doesn't make it clear whether you can ride in the Tunnel and stay within the free zone.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
P.S: Wonder if the Monorail is up and running again after the recent mishap?
Yes Downtown Parking is difficult. No parking is permitted during the day. After 6 PM the few metered spaces fill up quickly and are virtually impossible to find. But unlike NY, there are open air lots and multi-story parking garages on every single corner. So there is never a shortage. And compared to Manhattan, the prices are a bargain. Most are $6 for the first 2 hours. We found one garage that was only $3. And if you are willing to walk a few blocks (like parking on 5th or 6th Avenue instead of 3rd or 4th, the prices are cheaper. (The avenues are about 300 feet apart.)
Of course, I'm talking about driving to Downtown for dinner or a short stay. If you want to spend an entire day downtown, that's another story. That would cost you about $20 and probably wouldn't be worth it. But 1 to 1/2 hours by bus sounds like a long uncomfortable trip even if the service is frequent unless you just like riding buses. I would recommend parking in a section outside of downtown such as Queen Anne and take a bus from there where I think the trip should be shorter. More than 30 minutes on a bus and you'll feel like you're commuting. That's no vacation.
And from what I remember although downtown bus service is frequent, the story is quite different for many routes operating to the burbs. I'm sure service on some routes is frequent, but the shear number of routes operating and stopping at a paricular stop downtown is mind boggling. There are so many that the maps at the bus shelters only show the routes with frequent service. Some stops have as many as 25 routes stopping there and many of the routes to the suburbs operate on frequencies greater than every hour. There are also several different bus companies serving downtown, and if you ask a bus driver about a route of another company, all he'll tell you is that it is operated by a different company and he can't help you.
Hope this has been of some help.
Long live the Volvo B10M.
www.freewebs.com/islandtransitli
I may use both of them. I'm thinking about getting a fleet of something like the D4500, and maybe G4500, just for the Riverhead-George Washington Bridge Route(X-495, Long Island Express) and the Northern Blvd-midtown and Northern Blvd-downtown routes as well.
Buses like the MC-9Bs will probably be used more on routes like Patchogue Ferry to SUNY Stony Brook.
I have yet to import the schemes of The Alternative to the website - I keep changing them, lol.
I'm thinking maybe run:
MC9A
MC9B
in the shorter coach runs in the 1st paint scheme. Runs like Patchogue Ferry to SUNY Stony Brook
Buses like:
MC9
MAYBE(some say it's a bad call) a few Prevost LeMirage XLs
MAYBE an Eagle or 2
on medium length runs, like Sands Pt to Pachogue Ferry, and Port Jeff Ferry to Long Beach. Not sure yet what paint scheme for those runs.
Buses like:
D4500
G4500
on longer runs like Riverhead to George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal and Sunken Meadow State Park to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
As for the North Shore bus and the shuttles, probably have something like NABI CompoBuses.
Morris & Essex line is pretty neat and first time rode it, Rochester needs a fucking rail system badly which will help carry communters all over easier than bus becuase it took me what? 20 min from Penn Station in NYC to Secacus Juntion in 20 min! It was fast, comapre to driving maybe hour or more? Who knows ...
My final statement: NJT owns all, no one can beat NJT :)
Gonna go and be back later .... My vacation is runnin and dont want to waste my time ... Here I come, BEACH! :)
Till now, later
~Joe
www.rochestertrolleyrail.org
thx
www.rochestertrolleyrail.com
I guess they couldn't forsee what the future was going to be like. It's probably hard envisioning mass congestion when roads are brand new. Lot of people in non high growth states cant picture it eitehr, but all of us down here do.
Rochester (played by IIRC Eddie Anderson) was his black chauffer/manservant. Eddie Anderson had a deep gravely voice who always said "Yessir", or Yes Boss" and it sounded funny because of the voice.
The comedy bits always revolved around Jack Benny's cheapness in denying Rochester a raise and how Rochester always got back at him.
NFTA: Their last two orders were a piggyback deal and to Gillig, prior to that they switched manufacturers order to order. Convulted fare system, bizzare scheduling, and their routes are often archaic (and in one case was fatal). On top of this, the only light rail to fail horribly in North America which has become basically meaningless.
Centro: I'll give them props for delving into alternative fuels (even considering that CNG is becoming passe) and for unwrapping the buses to show a halfway decent scheme. Decent suburban services, but the fleet is blah compared to the others though the addition of D30LF's is nice. In fact, Centro seems like RIPTA misplaced 300 miles to the northwest in terms of fleet, routing, attitude, etc.
CDTA: As much as their management may be weird (rollsigns, BRT, dealings with the train stations and airport, etc.), they often lead the way in some things. They had the first low-floors in the northeast, will soon be one of the first 100% low-floor fleets, are implementing a smart card system, are expanding into the suburbs (often letting retail development plan new routes), after a long time asleep they've become proactive. They still have some issues though, coverage could be expanded (both geographically and timewise) and the return of artics is becoming more and more necesary.
Now compare it to other medium-size TA's in the US. I'm willing to say that many of them couldn't hold a candle to the variety of services and types of buses that RGRTA runs. It really doesn't sound that bad, your gripes could be echoed in any area with a medium-sized TA. Heck, anyone in south Jersey would be willing to match your RGRTA gripes with NJT gripes if not beat them. Be blessed that you're in a decent transit city (not that the aforementioned are horrible like other upstate TA's or The Bus...).
Centro does a pretty decent job as medium-sized TA's go. They've done a lot of work in recent years to gradually transform a streetcar-era routing network to one that reflects the popularity of today's suburban malls. There are several important crosstown routes now that avoid the downtown area and directly connect outer/suburban destinations such as Carousel Center, the Regional Transportation Center, Shoppingtown Mall and Fairmount Fair.
As far as the fleet is concerned, the relative lack of diversity is really an accident of history. When Centro was formed in 1972, one of their first tasks was to update an ancient fleet of Twin Coach and GM buses. It wasn't realistic to stagger bus purchases with such an old fleet, so a single large order of Flxible New Look buses was purchased. These buses were replaced by a large order of Neoplan AN440's in 1987, and the Neoplans (by then badly rusted) were in turn replaced by the Orion V CNG buses (#9900-9977) in 2000. Centro did receive five Orion V 35-footers last year (#2378-2382) and the aforementioned New Flyer C30LF's this year (#2400-2409), five of which are assigned to Syracuse and five assigned to Centro of Cayuga in Auburn to replace the 30-foot Orion I's which had been running there. Eight clean-diesel buses are also to be ordered for Centro of Oswego, which is the last place to find the blue 500-series Orion V diesels in everyday service.
JD
The big 4 upstate TA's are quite underappreciated for the service they provide which locals often belittle. In comparision to some areas, riders of Centro, RGRTA/RTS, and CDTA should be pretty lucky they're in areas with halfway decent bus service unlike other areas (NFTA is a bit more dicey, IMO); yes, it isn't NYCTA, but they're better than even some of the large TA's in some regards.
You are correct that bus riders in Syracuse, Rochester and Albany benefit from decent bus service. The availability of evening and weekend service is what separates these cities and Buffalo from the smaller cities elsewhere in the state (Utica and Binghamton come to mind) where the bus systems are basically Monday to Saturday operations and shut down in the early evening.
Jim D.
They are in talks MAYBE take over Centro and make a big TA, they are also developing a bus service like NJT has, a direct bus to Buffalo, Sysurcause and Albany with thoses D4500s.
But RGRTA needs to fix thier bus schedules to run more frequently, just my 2 cents ...
Where have you heard this? Such a takeover would require action by the Assembly, since RGRTA has no authority to operate outside of its designated service area (other than special buses like the seasoanl runs to the Bills games in Orchard Park and to the SU Orangemen football and basketball games at the Carrier Dome). Frankly, I can't see any justification for merging upstate bus operations in cities that are 80 miles apart.
JD
RGRTA used had shuttle to Six Flags and it was unsucessfull due to low ridership, wtf ... They gave special deal $27 for bus trip and admission, how dumb!
RGRTA is pretty big and its growing very slowing, they just got more new buses now ....
In terms of medium-sized agencies, RGRTA is unlike most of its northeast peers in that they buy buses just about every year instead of large cluster orders with side orders here and there, accomplished in part between their transit tax (which, IIRC, no other TA of that size has in these parts) and their usage of any funding as soon as it comes in. Which of these two systems is a better way of running an agency? Are clustered orders and grouping together grants really a smart way of doing things or does RGRTA set an unattainable standard? Should more TA's take such an approach?
On top of this, RTS's bus stop signs blow anything other TA's regionally have out of the water from what I've seen. Better than older signs on posts.
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=113715
RGRTA is keeping order more buses to keep the flow of service, they are in works to upgrade the system, they will have nextbus a system real time navagation, you can check it out at www.nextbus.com
Should be ready within 6 months from now...
RGRTA is very smart with thier budget, they have been under budget since 1998 with no problems!
What transit tax is that? I know that RGRTA and Centro (and I believe NFTA and CDTA) receiving funding from the 'mortgage recording tax'. Does RGRTA have an additional source of local funding?
JD
I think they are running route 157 not sure
http://www.trimet.org/improving/video/malldesignright_low.mov
VERY NICE!!!
http://www.trimet.org/improving/video/i205_web_md.mov
Hey, this is BusTalk, not SubTalk. What's wrong with the M10, M16 or M20 uptown and the M11 or M16 downtown!
i want a direct connection like AirTrain, makes it faser and easier
The second 1960 set (#501-805?) was divided between 126th Street, ENY, and Fresh Pond.
The third set (#1001-1130?) was based entirely at Fifth Avenue (now Gleason).
The fourth set (#2001-2170?) was assigned to the Queens Division, divided between Jamaica and Flushing (now Stengel).
These are considered the "First Generation" of New Looks.
The second set was divided between Fresh Pond (lower numbers) and ENY (higher numbers). About the same time 1-44 or so were sent from Flatbush to 126th Street, 501-530 were sent from Fresh Pond to 126th Street. When the 3600's came in to 126th Street, 501-530 were sent from 126th Street to ENY.
My first introduction to them was the 3100's in the Bronx.I guess it was around 1960 or so. They were green & yellow & ran on the Southern Blvd line.
All of 1-190 went to Flatbush originally. A year or two later, the lower numbered buses (possibly 1-44 or so) were sent from Flatbush to 126th Street.
--Before posting.. think twice! Is this post on-topic? I think it is, but my judgement might be impared :(
--Polite?
I want it to be polite, but someone who hates vintage equipment might be offended...
Trevor
Robert
JD
Go here: njtransit.com
Also as has been mentioned in the past, TCC,JBL, GBL and Command are all owned by the same family members (Cooper) so it isn't surprising to see one company's bus at another one's yard.
There are no TCC Buses at Jamaica Buses. The last one got towed away a good three or four months ago.
Kevin
Kevin
From News 12:
(07/26/04) GARDEN CITY - Some Garden City residents are concerned about Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses traveling along residential streets.
During Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) summer track repairs, many train lines are stopping at the Garden City Train Station. Buses then pick up riders to complete their commute.
But some Garden City residents who live along 6th Street, a street that does not allow trucks, are worried about extra pollution, increased traffic, wear and tear on the roads and the safety of children in the area.
Village officials say they are aware of the residents' concerns and are looking into the matter. In a statement to News 12 Long Island, the LIRR says they are taking prescribed routes and are limiting idling at train stations.
Summer track work on the LIRR is slated to end in September.
Then at 7:00 there is a train that terminates at Garden City. Passengers to Hempstead are taken there by bus. That operation requires about 4 busses. Because that train arrives on the eastbound track, the busses must load in the 6th Street lot so that passengers don't have to walk all the way around the station (I don't think there is a crossover at Garden City, except at the end of each platform).
There's simply no way that 18 busses over the course of one day produce any meaningful change in the amount of pollution, nor any meaningful additional stress on the roadway.
Wonder how many of the complainers take the LIRR and need the benefit of the improved tracks. Perhaps the railroad should abandon the tracks all together and have the bus permanently come down 6th street. Then the complainers will realize what they had after they lose it.
HA! Garden City is the most sellfish place in the world I'm suprised they don't have a stone wall surrounding the town.
I call the Central Branch the Garden City NIMBY Dog Walk, i.e. no train should come by to disturb the Beautiful People's dogs while they are doing their thing.
Why don't they just fence themselves in and call it a day?....
The LIRR is trying to IMPROVE service to make THEIR COMMUTE easier..and they complain...and it doesn't stop there....
Long Island's rep...for being a bunch of bitches has not changed one bit...
The one time I saw that operation it was covered by 2 NYCT busses and 2 mini-school busses (didn't catch who the operator was, though).
CG
Nor should they be allowed down narrow, hilly streets, unless absolutely necessary for the safety of the passengers and residents.
While I have never been on 6th Street, from the TV picture it didn't look too narrow or hilly to allow a bus to go down there on a temporary basis. So what's the beef from these NIMBY's.
Everyone should remember that in order for buses to be sucessful the routes have to go near where the people are and where people want to go with a fair amount of frequency, otherwise no one will use them and opt to jump in their cars.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
In Queens when they shut down the Astoria line the TA provides buses on the Q101. Subway floks will board a QSC bus with the "General Order Transfer" paper. We get nothing from the City, because they are supose to wait for a TA bus :-(
2) We do not know the pay package that was offered to TWU 252. Were they going to be compensated for all the deadheading and such? We may never know unless someone explains it to us. Surely not all Long Island Bus personnel are morons.
3) Be happy you have buses to complain about. The N20, N21, and N22 are probably up there in terms of service provided. In places like neighboring Suffolk County, the service density is thinner, despite increasing demand for service there.
4) All LIRR riders aren't the same. The railroad is usually the fastest way to the city, not the most snobbish. Some people have to work hard and you'll be surprised at how many riders can't lay out money for a monthly because of the amount they would have to spend. You should notice that those shuttle buses serve mostly NEW YORK CITY RESIDENTS on weekdays.
Kedzie Garage was rebuilt on the site of the old Kedzie Barn, 69th was closed as an operating barn, North Avenue was replaced by a new facility on Pulaski Avenue near Chicago Avenue and the former land was used to build a strip mall
Click here.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Most of that time, we lived on 18th Street and he drove right past our house on the #6. Right before his lunch break, he'd stop at the house and either my sister or I would go out and give Daddy his lunch (we were toddlers/pre-school at that time). If he was across the street heading north at the time, he'd block the whole street with the bus. Passengers back then thought that was adorable... I'm sure that wouldn't go over well tody.
Major TA's such as Muni in San Francisco, AC Transit in Oakland, and a few other smaller TA's in small cities along California's coast have modern transit buses with rear windows. The reason these buses have rear windows is because they DON'T NEED AC units due to mild temperatures we have out here along the coast.
A few other posters know what I'm talking about, but I think
they are keeping a very low profile right now.
Arthur Thomas
-F.
The rear windows don't help one iota....other than to make more scenery visible to the passengers back there and let more light in. Usually the rear windows are dirty so you can't see through them, and if you could, you could only see a few hundred feet behind the bus, not what's under the rear bumper, for example, when making a backup move.
-F.
-Fred
-Fred
-Fred
enjoy!
While you were there, did you get any shots of their Flxible Metros? Those were the last eight units delivered to a TA before the factory closed down.
-Fred
B1-#9299-NOVABUS
B64-#9297-NOVABUS
This passed Thursday afternoon I came upon 3 more as they were passing exit 18 (Lake Carmel) #'s 0419 & I believe 0421 & 0423.
They looked brand new, with NOT IN SERVICE on the destination sign.
Just wondering....where are they comming from & how come they're being driven up to Beantown.
Gotta admit though....it'll be kind of neat on one of my Boston trips & seeing one of those puppies & thinking that it was within a mile of my house in Lake Carmel!!!!
Pretty neat!!!
Any info is appreciated!!!!
Thanks
2238 would be a part of NABI's order of 40LFW CNG's, though why they drove them from Alabama considering the potential lack of availability of CNG stations is interesting. Are stations that readily available for said buses to refuel?
B1-#9299-NOVABUS
B64-#9237-NOVABUS
Robert
B1-#9327-NOVABUS
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Go New Flyer!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-F.
I hope New Flyer trashes this concept.
BOB
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Word on the street is...
Well, I'll leave it to you guys to find out...
SAS
http://www.cleanairbus.com
I take it we can reserve its spot in the bus graveyard next to another nonstarter, the Neoplan 440/445 TLF (a good idea, but has anyone actually bought it?). A true Invero artic would have been a slightly better concept than making that bulbous thing on wheels.
BIG AL
Wow - I sure hope it doesn't show up at my bus stop.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
JD
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
I'm in shock at a new flyer that actually uses somet type of styling or mold and not just some steel with plastic super-glued on it.
I have to say I'm disappointed by utter conservatism shown by the members of this board. I often joked that bustalkers were little more than number-counting, small minded, unimaginative people. I had little idea how valid my assumption was. Only two or three people outside myself showed the slightest enthusiasm for the DE60i. The same people who long for the return of the Old Looks and Fishbowls pan the modern incarnation of those design icons. I completely do not understand this completely illogical thinking. How can a Artic RTS be to some people the embodiment of the perfect artic bus, yet what, at least IMHO, looks very similar suddenly be evil incarnate?
The only conclusion I can come to is that you people are so incensed against NFI that automatically anything that comes from them must be ugly. I admit the D40i wasn't much to look like (even if it did have a certain fishbowl-ishness to it), and the DE60i has the misfortune of being stuck with the same suffix and marketing name as it's ugly sister.
-F.
I had a chance to drive an Orion V last weekend and they drive very nicely. Feels a little like a Flx.
WMATA no. 3900....sent down from WMATA as a loaner/demo as part of Orion's attempt to lure our TA away from Gilligs, which they still ordered anyway! Oh yes, and not long after, they also sent 2164 down to our garage when it was fresh from the factory. It was NICE!
-Fred
I enjoyed driving an Orion. Nothing beats a Flx, but the Orion was a very nice bus. I just like driving the buses period, as long as it isn't a Thomas or a Blue Bird. I have yet to drive a Gillig, but hopefully that will happen soon when our Advantages arrive.
This bus must apparently have leaks; the Hybrid Drive brochures inside courtesy of Allison were all water-damaged. They did, however, have some free DVDs of their King County Metro trial.
Yesterday was awesome; we had a continental breakfast at the Wyndham Airport hotel, then a new Gillig Phantom provided shuttle service to the Civic Center. Once there, the 35-foot competition was handled by our 2004 Gillig fleet, and before that, the 40-foot competition was performed on Blacksburg Transit's 2002 New Flyer D40LFs. I got to judge the real dual clearance sector, which was a first for me as I usually do left or right-hand reverse. Quite interesting!
We had our new Smart Way shuttle on display (a new express link between Roanoke and Blacksburg); it is a Freightliner with Glaval cutaway body. I was hoping for suburban transits, but oh well. As an added bonus, we had cookout-style catering for lunch, a DJ was on hand to play 70s and 80s tunes....as each competition began, he played the theme from "Rocky"...LOL!!!
We also had our restored 1976 Flxible New Look from Pentran on display from Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum. The HRT drivers were very excited about that one as it was one of their former buses and even lined up to have their pics taken with it. After the Roadeo, I rode back to the museum in the Flx and checked out our latest addition; it is WMATA Fishbowl no. 1319, formerly of AB&W.
The winner of the state Roadeo was veteran Jimmy Carter from Valley Metro of Roanoke; also, Valley Metro took the title in virtually all areas of competition. Looks like I live among champions! :)
-Fred
P.S.: Perry, I remember going to the Post Office on 3900 that day, and as I recall, I was delivering your WMATA Flxible Metro model. I believe it was either 9815 or 9832? It was a very fun model to make!
The low floor design grew on me, though :)
That said, I do look at new designs like this NFI bus with a grain of salt. I would like to see these buses thoroughly tested in revenue service to see if they can stand up. There are other practical questions as well. What is the fuel efficiency? What is the seating and standee capacity vs. a regular 60-foot artic? What is the outside skin made of, and what are the repair costs if the bus gets into a fender-bender? Transit systems are under a lot of financial pressure these days, and I get concerned when 'sexy' new buses like this one are promoted - these buses need to work on a practical level as well, or they are only going to create bigger challenges down the road for the transit system.
JD
I couldn't have said it better...
SAS
The only conclusion I can come to is that you people are so incensed against NFI that automatically anything that comes from them must be ugly.
Well I said no such thing so relax. Ok, I like New Flyer in general but I dislike this model. I'm sorry but to put it bluntly this design is ugly but who knows, its possible that it will be successful. Y'all probably have seen some of my O7 rants and while the bus has grown on me, I think the design could of have been a little better but hey as long as the bus is running its all good.
I didn't know busfans were all engineers. :)
I don't have a problem with a bus looking nice, it should, most cities you need to ATTRACT ridership and not be strickly utilitarian, which I admit the gillig phantom looks like. I have a problem with wannabe's. Will a wanna-be LRV bus end up being a fake "trolley". If it's a bus then make it a bus not a trolley or make a new term for it. Next we'll be seeing phoney plastic pantographs on these BRT vehicles.
That's why I like Orlando's BRT. It's a new flyer, and it's a bus. They ordered almost every feature(wood and big doors!) with beautiful stations, but they don't pretend it's a trolley like how it was originally supposed to be. Imagine how ruined that system would be with an ugly loud high floor trolley wanna-be. It's perfect the way it is.
Is it a BRT Bus?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
http://wcbs880.com/njnews/NJ--Bus-Hit-Run-jn/resources_news_html
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Too bad, some states that's a jailable offense. Do you think the NJT union will fight to keep his paycheck going while in prison?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Hmmm I wonder...
LOL!!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
David
David
Thanks.
#1072 - Bx19
#8789 - B6(LTD)
I am guessing $2 Million for 24 hours period
Current roster is..
6365-6387, 6389-6396, 6399-6402, 6406, 6410
I won't count 6406 as a QV bus becuase its just a loaner.
Current CNG Roster is..
7560-7683, 7686-7702, 7704-7708, 7710-7752, 7755-7759, 7761-7764, 7780
(7560 and 7561 is in Oriskany)
Regards,
Trevor Logan
SAS
http://www.cleanairbus.com
B11-#916-New Flyer
Q35-#5512-Orion V
One thing LIB really needs to fix is the N23 evening northbound. There is a 2 hr service gap on Main St between LIRR PW and Mill Pond. Here(buses run every 30 mins):
N23 Manorhaven via Main St
N23 Manorhaven via Harbor Rd
N23 Roslyn
N23 Manorhaven via Harbor Rd
N23 Manorhaven via Main St
Why they have a bus that terminates in Roslyn during rush hour I don't know. They should just extend it to Manorhaven as a Main St run.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
She's late every day. And everyone calls her Miss Old Lady, just speak to the regular people who take that bus!
Just today waiting for the N25, I arrived at Franklin Ave & Hempstead Turnpike at 9:23am. Assuming I definately missed the 9:16 bus, I was focusing on the 9:26 bus. No bus arrived until 9:35, its the USUAL 9:16 driver. A second later another N25 arrives. (BUNCHING!) There must have been construction or an accident or something, it is not usual to see bunching on the N25 (Except for the 9:26/9:33@ Hemsptead Tpke trips). The bus that was behind us jumped ahead and left us in the dust as we dropped off people along Franlkin Ave.
(there must have been alot of bunching today because...)
We arrive at the intersection of Hempstead Ave/Franklin Ave/Lakeview Ave. I see a N32 crossing and proceding down Hempstead Ave. The light turns green and we proceed down Hempstead Ave after it, I get off after Peninsula Blvd, and there is a N32 directly behind us dropping off passengers! Followed by a N25!! That N25 was the 9:33 from Hempstead Turnpike.
So from regular patronage I know that the 9:16 bus was not supposed to get over taken by the bus that left us in the dust. And that that driver of the bus I was on is ALWAYS driving the 9:16 one.
Tony who is a big supporter of the museum, restored and gave the museum a Conn Co Tow Truck.
I have been a member of BERA for about 4 years and never saw # 1172 on the property.
We Still have #1256, #1261 and #1401. I know we have three old looks but I think these are the #'s. Perhaps a glance at the website
www.bera.org will give you the actual numbers.
As Mae West once said "Why don't you come up and see us some time?"
BTW, we have a 3rd Old Look that is a parts doner, plus a Yellow coach that is kept indoors AND a pair of Tranckless trolleys (both from Philly, one is a doner for the other). All are in need of some TLC, so as Al said food for thought ... we're not that far away from the City.
Not sure what type of Orion 1 it is...I'll leave that to the experts.
Regardsm
Trevor Logan
I decide to buy some Mickey D's then I see that there are two old LI Bus maps, one from 1984 and the other from 1989 and included the old route designations [Q3A, Q12A, Q44VP, Q49, Q99, etc....]. So I take a few pics of the LI diesels and then I wait and wait then I see Gillig 9636 on the S33 so this is my first ride on this system. We depart at 6:10 and the bus and the ride is quick and note that I am taking a big gamble with the possibility of being stranded and doing a lot of walking! So I have one more stop to go before I have to get off and I just missed the last bus going to Walt Whitman Mall so I was very angry and hoping that I wouldn't be stranded but I have confidence that I won't be [thank goodness I looked at the schedules before leaving!]. Missing that last mall bus really sucked since I was gonna take the N79 to the N22A or N24. Its about 6:45pm, in the suburbs with infrequent bus service so I decide to start walking backwards seeing that there is one S23 left to Babylon.
So then I see a Gillig and have to look for a bus stop on Grand Blvd then sure enough I see the last bus of the day and I felt a little relieved 8-). I ride that southbound and while going by I see Flxible 9337 on the S29 so I go to the last stop at Babylon then transfer to the N72, so its gonna take about 20 minutes to depart so I have some time to get a few pictures of the buses then its time ot start heading home. I get 145 and while this bus is very loud, the acceleration is good and that was the best ride of the day. We rolled via Hempstead Tpke to HTC where I go to a waiting N6, 201 and the ride was very good and got back to Queens in 35 minutes. Along the way, I see 410 on the N24 going to Jamaica but anyway I board a F train, ride that to 34 St and transfer to the Q and finish my trip.
Not bad for my first ride, seeing that the headways are so far in between but next time, I'll leave earlier lol.
R42 4949 (B)
R32 3899 (E)
R46 5984 (F)
LI Bus O5 186 N6
LI Bus O5 621 N55
SCT Gillig 9636 S33
SCT Gillig 9634 S23
LI Bus O5 145 N72
LI Bus O5 201 N6
R46 6010 (F)
R68A 5116 (Q)
Judging from your post, these two old LI BUS maps are at the Sunrise Mall bus stop, where the N55 ends. Is that correct? I'd love to see them!
You didn't say what time you left home. When I've got an ambitious itinerary in unfamiliar territory, I leave home as early as 6 AM to ensure that I'm not left stranded in an out-of-the-way place facing a long wait- or worse, after a route stops running for the day.
Correct, it is at that location although both are fading out.
You didn't say what time you left home. When I've got an ambitious itinerary in unfamiliar territory, I leave home as early as 6 AM to ensure that I'm not left stranded in an out-of-the-way place facing a long wait- or worse, after a route stops running for the day.
Oh I left home at 2pm. Yes I know that's too late, especially for a Nassau/Suffolk trip but thankfully I looked at the schedules before leaving otherwise I would have just taken the N54 or N71 back to Hempstead and do something else. It was all b/c of a stalled train at Roosevelt Av [took 20 minutes for the next E or F to arrive and that derailed my whole plan :-\. Also if I didn't have to go out briefly I would of left at 12:30pm.
BIG AL
JD
BIG AL
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
#9106 - B6 Stickers On Both upper left side and Upper Right Side ;)
BIG AL
David
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Just a reminder to everyone who has NOT YET signed the rail/busfan photographers' rights petition to please visit the above link and do so...and please also pass it along to your fellow rail/busfans across the USA and around the world.
Thanks.
I see:
An ugly design
Unstandardized part inventory from the rest of the fleet
Maintainence issues
Mechanical issues
Operating issues
Functional issues
Unattractive and illegible destination sign positions
HVAC in the front?! What the fuck were they thinking
Unprovenness
And you?
-Fred
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=119256
On that note, do you think WMATA may order any in the near future? :)
-F.
One of them is the back doors. The back door green light would not activate until the bus has completely stopped for 3 seconds (a safety feature where bus drivers and passengers don't have the patients for). The touch bars are not attached to the doors like the D60LF, instead they are attached beside the doors. Passengers have a hard time finding where the touch bars is (since they have never been on an Invero before). And the doors tends to close on to people.
Second is the brakes. Once the Inveros has been delivered, the brakes have to be re-aligned BEFORE they enter into service.
Other than that, the Invero bus are nice to ride on and the A/C is strong. The engine is very powerful, therefore the take off is fast. But just don't get caught in those back doors!
Regards,
JCL
OC Transpo Bus Fan Club
OC Transpo Enthusiast Page
Tri-Met in Portland, OR has tested an Invero on it's streets and may be the next major USA TA with possible New Flyer Invero buses.
Arthur Thomas
Speaking of Tri-Met, are they still running any Flxible Metros? I know they have some 1992 and 1994 models around....I've seen the 88s and 89s pop up on eBay over the past several months.
-Fred
The Invero actually looks very nice when it's painted into an OC Transpo maple-leaf scheme, check this picture out at http://ctt.t35.com/oct_008_4203.jpg
Now for the bad news...
Out of their fleet of 12 Flxes, only 5 are still running, and those are only used as occasional trippers and game shuttles while ADA-compliant New Flyer LFs handle regular service. All of them sit outside while the NFs are treated to a nice, cozy garage. Worst of all, the fact remains that their days are numbered. Guess I'd better enjoy them while I still can!
Speaking of Flxibles from that vintage, I wonder how long the remaining 87-8900s will stay in service at WMATA? I know for a fact that some of them are slowly showing up on eBay. And what is the longest duration that a Flxible Metro has stayed in service?
-Fred
On that note, would any DC Talkers like to congregate on Saturday, the 14th? I should hit town the day before. Let me know either way!
-Fred
My suggestion would be if you are ever able to get up here on a weekday, do it. The Flxibles aren't impossible to get on the weekends, but you oviously stand a much better chance of getting an older one during the week.
-Fred
Pfffft
Same shit, different day
The 8700-8900 Metro-Bs are spread out at all of the divisions. Of course the best way to find one is at a busy area during peak hours. You will find some out there on weekends, but not too many. I did manage to get 8887 doing a P6 trip on a Saturdau evening. However, I think I just got lucky.
Enjoy!
-Fred
http://millenniumtransit.com/NPD.asp
And this is the official site.
This was just too funny. Apparently the poor guy just doesn't realize what he has. The bus is a former Champaign-Urbana Flxible Metro in what looks to be sad shape. Check it out for yourself!
-F.
A buy it now price for $1699? Haha with the bus in that condition from the outside, the interior must be that good :-).
-F.
Da Hui
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
X17A - Annadale to Downtown
X17B - Midtown Super Express to Arden Heights via Brooklyn
(no longer operates)
X17C - Off-peak service between Arden Heights, Downtown, Midtown
X17J - Midtown Super Express to/from Arden Heights via New Jersey
B1-#8791-NOVABUS(still had a Bronx Map)
B1-#8794-NOVABUS(still had a Bronx Map)
David
Every few days, someone here or in a newspaper claims that transit executives are overpaid, yet nobody seems to even know how much these people ARE being paid or how much equivalent executives in private industry make. So, I'd like to know, on what basis is the claim that transit executives, specifically those in the MTA and its constituent agencies, are overpaid being made?
David
Okay... That's an interesting way to address David's question. Now, I'd be even more interested in an answer to it.
[Do you think that the average bus or subway rider makes what these MTA bigwigs make?....]
Numbers, please. Exactly how much does the average bus/subway rider make? (Hint: The Bureau of the Census publishes figures on average hourly wages for each Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area nationwide.) Exactly how much does each MTA bigwig make? (Since they all have to file financial disclosures, that info is part of the public record. Go dig it up.)
[I'll wager a good amount of these MTA hotshots have had NEVER set foot on a subway or a bus in thier lives before coming to the MTA.]
No need to wager anything. Just name the names.
[Tell me how ANYONE make minimum wage can even HOPE to afford riding with escalating fares??]
Most people probably earn more than the minimum wage. (Back to that Census data....)
[You are entitled to your opinion....]
David's "opinion" was actually a request for facts, which sounds reasonable to me.
I'd be interested to see what you dig up. I think most of your claims are baseless.
The issues are the following:
1) Revenue bonds bought our 1000 newest subway cars. That means that part of that 1000 x $1.1 million/car is coming out of the operating budget instead of the capital budget. Debt service is over $170 million per year, or more than the subsidy for the private bus lines, the nation's 7th largest bus system.
2) The express bus system is expensive because most of the Staten Island routes are inefficient and are too long on both ends. Express buses aren't cheap, but they are a necessary component to this transportation system.
A claim was made that MTA executives make too much money. I'm not challenging the correctness of that statement, which may well be correct; I'm simply asking for backup. Which people are making too much money, and by how much should their salaries be cut? For comparison, we would need to know the salaries of people doing similar work in private industry.
It's easy to make blanket statements while sitting in front of a computer.
David
- Salary records show about 500 executives and managers at the agency make at least $100,000 a year - roughly double the current base pay of subway operators, which is $50,600.
With overtime, subway operators pocket an average of about $59,000 a year, according to agency officials.
Not surprisingly, the biggest paycheck goes to TA President Lawrence Reuter, who earns $225,000. The second-largest salary goes to the senior vice president for subways, Joseph Hofmann, who gets $176,579. Nearly a dozen other senior-level officials earn more than $150,000, records show.
Scores of other management-level employees receive six-figure paychecks at the agency, including superintendents of bus maintenance, construction managers, purchasing officers, engineers, lawyers and architects, records reveal.
Transit workers long have grumbled that they labor under a suffocating layer of bureaucracy, but TA officials say the six-figure jobs are filled with highly skilled managers who could double or triple their incomes in the private sector.
1 manager to 4 workers
The TA employs more than 45,000 people, including 2,700 managers. According to union figures, some divisions in the agency have one manager for every four workers.
"These are dedicated public servants who work tirelessly for over 7 million customers," said Tom Kelly, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the parent agency that controls the TA.
Many of the managers "are the ones responsible for the return of the No. 1 and No. 9 lines in record time following Sept.11," Kelly said.
Michael Jerome, a staff representative for the Transport Workers Union, didn't object to the level of compensation for managers but said it shows union members "should be making more."
"There's no question we feel that workers are overmanaged, that the TA is top-heavy," Jerome said.
The pending union contract awarded a $1,000 lump-sum payment to workers in the first year of the contract, followed by 3% raises in each of the two following years. It also includes a large increase in the MTA's contributions to health coverage over the life of the contract.
The TA's proposed budget calls for trimming the administrative staff by about 139 positions through attrition. The TA projects its labor costs will increase to $3.8 billion by 2004, up from an estimated $3.6 billion this year.
According to records, other top earners at the TA include Michael Lombardi, chief of operations, $171,107; Barbara Spencer, executive vice president, $170,802; Millard Seay, senior vice president for buses, $170,802, and Mysore Nagaraja, senior vice president for capital programs, $161,340.
Source: NY Daily News, 2002
So let's take everyone's statements here as the gospel truth. There are too many managers. They are hideously overpaid. Workers are overmanaged. etc. etc. etc.
Let's take half of those 500 executives and fire them. Tomorrow. Don't bother coming in, we'll clean out your desk for you and mail you your stuff.
How much does the MTA save? $25 Million per year. But they're short by $540 Million this year and $1.3 Billion next year. $25 Million is a pimple on an elephants ass.
I'm in 100% agreement with those who say bloated managements should be trimmed and people who are overpaid and underqualified should be shown the door.
It annoys me when people trot out the intellectually bankrupt argument that executive salaries are the cause for needing a fare increase. Inflation is running 3-4% per year. Why should a 5% fare increase EVERY YEAR be so surprising to people? So often, it seems that the same people who complain incessantly about proposed fare increases are the exact same ones who post that busses aren't being maintained as they should be or that service is at too low a level.
There's no such thing as a free lunch!!
Okay, let's take that and run with it. Since "everyone's statements" have been accepted "as the gospel truth," then all information needed to back up those statements must be readily available. So....
They are hideously overpaid.
Please specify, by name and title, exactly which managers are "hideously overpaid" as well as the exact amount by which each of those managers is "hideously overpaid."
Let's take half of those 500 executives and fire them.
Please specify, by name and title, exactly which executives should be fired, and exacly which of the remaining executives would take over their functions.
One thing I would like to see is a 20 year comparison of the number of NYCT employees by division and title, along with a comparison of the amount of work done (revenue miles driven, miles of track replaced, car parts replaced) then vs. now. If productivity gains have averaged two percent per year, NYCT should be able to do the same work as 20 years ago with 32 percent fewer people. Or, flipping that around, since it in fact has the same amount of people, it should be doing 45 percent more work. The latter may be true in some cases. I'd like to see the numbers.
The answer is no.
But a combination of reducing unneeded management and other wastes and INCREASING NON-FARE revenue will go along way to putting the MTA on better finacial footings.
These wastes have occured for years. Add them up over time and factor in the monies that could have been used to pay down debt that is costing interest payments and the savings are magnified.
The MTA has to focus it's monies on where it is needed. Frequency of bus and train service
Sure. Just keep the fare down and borrow, as the MTA did from 1995 to 2002.
Or course what follows is expensive starvation.
I'd like your opinions on this.
--Acela
www.nyctba.com
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
1. Which panel on the outside of the bus is for the fuel fillup? I noticed at least 2 of them on one side of the bus.
2. On the wall behind the driver is an apparatus with 6 different lights. What does the BYPS and PASS stand for?
3. The 2:25p bus from Flushing to Cambria Hts.: The driver continually presses a button that makes a "SPCL" tone when "STUD'T" lights up instead, when a string of passengers pay their fare. Why does he do this?
4. What are the different variations of the Orion V bus? #146 was low floor, there are the 61xx series, and some have the "Stand Behind White Line" as a sticker or as flashing lights. Are there any more differences?
As far as the 61xx series, they are the newer Orions in Stengel - 6120-6141. Only 6120 and 6136 have received major paint overhauls, but I notice 6121, 6122, 6133, 6137 and 6138 have different numbering font on the black air conditioner unit in the back. Also, bus 6138 has the Driver Door unit, which now appears on the Orion 7's - 76xx and up (it may be others, I only know 7656 and up have it for sure.
As to the "Step Behind Whitw Line", I believe Orion 101-317 have it. Many of them do not work anymore and some have a sticker replacing or covering the light. Its a cool thing when you find one that has it working. Orion 4xx have the slot for it, but it is covered up, and Orion 5xx through 680 do not have the light at all, they only have the sticker. I am not sure what bus was the first one without the slot for the panel at least. I am saying Orion 5xx but it may be earliar or later (Perhaps Orion 581-CNG??)
Same goes for the Orion 60xx-63xx. They do not have the light, just the stick-on sign.
If I have misstated anything, I defer to my more knowledgeable talkers who can update you. But I believe that I am right on almost everything here.
Hope I helped.
Thank you.
flx7595
Btw, on two different buses: one Orion V had the BYPS flashing at regular intervals. And an MTA worker usu. gets on our bus at Bell Blvd. to Flushing and the PASS lights up.
So what are they for?
I think SPCL means s/c or h/c.
STUD'T is for a student.
PASS means an emplotee used their pass.
I'm not sure what BYPS means.
Sounds like a question for Big Al or BLX to finish answering.
David
Maybe I am just wrong, but I noticed Orion V Bus #552 out of (Casey) Stengel seems to have been given a nice new paint job. Which is nothing unusual (557 got one too) - but I noticed that this bus has the "5 5 2" on the roof of the bus, something that has been missing from most of the Orions once they go in for repaint (with the exclusion of some that are BARELY visible after the paint job because the paint either didn't take or wasn't put on heavy on the roof. I think 295 or 296 is like that.
Maybe Mike can shed some light on this. Are the new paint jobs being done with the re-inclusion of the block numbering on the roofs?
Thanks all.
flx7595
I do know this: Before many of the repaints, the numbering on the driver's side used to be after the words "New York City Bus". After repaints, it is directly under the driver, in that little square panel. Nearly all repaints have had the number moved there. With some few exceptions:
Orion 117,163,290,and 667.
558 has it in BOTH places until this past month when she got repainted again.
667 may not have had it done because that bus was in a fire, and may have been repainted elsewhere (where it got fixed up)
Of the 61xx Orions in Casey, only 6120 and 6136 have been repainted with the numbers moved under the driver (A Close look at 6136 shows you that the back roof area near the engine was replaced, because the light on the left side is not in the placement that the other Orion 61xx's have it in - Look closely - Someone - put that down in their list of "Quirky Buses" (a la QV 8173). If any other Orion 61xx had repainting done, the numbering was left where it originally was (6122, 6133,6137 and 6138 have a different font in the back air conditioning unit; 6121 and 6125 a different font in the front, 6130 had no number in the front until a few months ago).
That's my 2 cents,
flx7595
Do both companies still operate?
What do they charge?
Where do they operate from and where do they go(south of 59 St.)?
Can you get on and off them?
Are they both open top?
Are they reliable operators?
What are the buses like?
Personally, the older the bus the better as far as I'm concerned but the family is more interested in the tour and the comfort of the bus. That's why I'm asking some of these questions. Thanks for any info anyone can supply.
I think New York Double Decker Tours goes to Brooklyn. I think they stop at the Mariott just south of downtown brooklyn.
I think they have those hop-on, hop-off passes.
All the buses I've seen are open top. I think some are equipped with retractable canopies.
I remember getting some of the tin toy Trailways buses and plastic Greyhounds as a child whenever travelled out of town via intercity bus. Those were the great days when the Super 7s (MC-7) ruled Grehound and Eagle 05 at Trailways.
Thank goodness for Corgi, Road Champs, and Royal Coach. Now, if only they would make Neoplans :)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
In those days I thought the B61 was still operating from Crosstown which was about to close.
And so does the majority of employees in the transit industry.
As every one knows, I love rail-transit also, but busses were my first love.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
Put it all together, with my car-oriented experience turning me into an anti-congestion nutjob, with my humanist beliefs and elements, plus tourism, all equals out to the current mess I am now. But somehow it all came together I guess. FOr a while I didnt' have any toughts or feelings about buses except, "it would be nice if i could use one again".
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
A note to you youngsters out there, yes, drivers made change at one time.
My mom, a widow, refused to get a car. We lived on 43rd St, half block north of Queens Blvd. Always took the Q-60 (GBL), the 15 (FACC, now the Q-32), the "Astoria Bus" Q104 (Steinway Transit), occasionally took the Q58(?) to Middle Village and of course the Q-53 to Rockaway for the beach. Also took the Flushing IRT a lot.
I guess you grow to love what you're familiar with. In my case, it was subways and buses, over cars and trucks.
Then about 7 years ago, I went to a Greenberg Train Show at Hofstra and bought the Corgi MCI Demo bus, because I liked it. Then several days later I had a meeting in a fellows office in Brooklyn. His office had a lot of shelves with Hess and other oil company trucks. After discovering E-bay and now some 60 buses later, I'm run out of display space.
During my childhood years, I didn't know the rounded bus design with the 50 degree windshield angle was called the "GMC RTS" or the few types of boxy designs with the driver's slanted windows were called the "Gillig Phantom", "Grumman 870/Flxible metro/", and "Flyer D900/901". As time went by, I started enjoying and drawing these various bus designs as I kept observing them, thus making a hobby out of it.
The Fishbowls were dying out by the time I was born. At least I got to ride the Neos (and still can today for the most part!).
Trevor
This morning I took a major bus and rail ride in Northern New Jersey, particularly Newark, Montclair, Wayne, Paterson, Union City, Bayonne, and Jersey City. I used mostly NJT buses and rail systems [with a little help from PATH and PATCO] and spent all day riding 18 buses and trains. So here are the details of the ride:
1] 6:45 am - Took Apartment shuttle to PATCO
2] 6:59 am - PATCO 243 - Collingswood to Broadway - usual morning commute to Philly
3] 7:11 am - RiverLINE 3504 - WRTC to Trenton - This trip will get busier as we go further north, with commuters going to State offices and transferring to the NEC line. Something new on the RL cars, none of the crunching noise as the car rounds the tight curves.
It seems that the RL is developing a nice two-way commute. Most systems generally have a one-way commute, into town in the morning and out in the afternoon, with the opposing direction generally empty. But the RL had the Trenton/NYC crowd going northbound, and the Philly/Camden crowd southbound, making this quite a busy line during the rush hours.
4] 8:16 am - NEC - car 6017 - Trenton to Newark - after nearly courting exhaustion running for the train, it gets delayed leaving the station because there are three trains ahead, and the first one broke down. This will slow my trip. The Alstom cars tend to “Rattle and Hum” when at speed. Got into Newark 30 minutes late.
5] After a bathroom and snack break, went to get on the Newark City Subway at 10:15 am car 111B - Penn Station to Grove St - quick ride to Grove St, walk to Bloomfield Ave for the 11 bus at 10:35 am.
6] 10:55 am - 11 bus - bus #1313 - this bus is not for the superstitious. Had to endure some loud nitwits on most of the trip. Interesting scenery, particularly passing the old Lackawanna Terminal, now a shopping center. Rode through Belleville, Montclair, Verona, Little Falls, Wayne, and finally got to Willowbrook Mall, and the Wayne Town Center, two not so hot looking malls. Took a Bathroom and Lunch Break.
7] 12:35 pm - 712 - bus 1301 - Willowbrook Mall to Paterson -
Nice, cool bus. The scenery of Wayne and Totowa is mostly commercial schlock. Passed by the Market St garage of NJT, and arrived in downtown Paterson. Paterson may be an armpit, but it’s a lot livelier and better looking than the dead-assed towns of Trenton and Camden. While waiting for the 190, I noticed those AWFUL cutaways poaching passengers from the 190. I saw one rolling rat trap with window panels missing from the entrance doors, and the emergency door in the back [383]. No wonder I will NOT ride those things.
8] 1:23 pm - 190 - bus #7928 - Paterson to Union City - now I wonder why people chose the rolling death traps over a nice, comfy MCI with wonderful AC. In my book, the MCI wins over any need for cheap transit, the money’s worth it. The last time I rode the 190 a few years ago, the line ran 35xx Flxible metro B’s. The MCI’s that replaced them are much better. Trip was interesting, saw no crapmobiles in Rutherford [maybe they outlawed them], and on the way to Secaucus and Union City, passed by the Meadowlands, and the channel 9 studios. At 2:15, got off in Union City, and waited for the bus in front of the old NJT Union City Garage. What a majestic structure.
9] 2:23 pm - 84 - 2601 - Union City to Journal Square - rode a rehabbed RTS. The Cummins engine sound somewhat different from the 1000 series RTS. I wonder Why?
10] 3:10 pm - PATH 159 - Journal Sq. to Pavonia Ave. Uneventful ride. At Pavonia Ave, I marveled at the fact that 25 years ago, this was not the upscale office-shopping complex, but rotting warehouses. The Pavonia Ave station was closed on weekends, since nothing of value was here at the time.
11] 3:25 pm - HBLR - 2010 - I wonder why doesn’t this line accept Bus Passes like the RL and the NCS. The scenery of NJ and the NY skyline is fascinating. Check out the Chicago-style El junction before arriving at Hoboken.
12] 3:33 pm - HBLR - 2008 - Hoboken to 22 nd St Bayonne -The ride was marred by a horde of noisy ghetto children. The insults and incessant talking got on my nerves. At Liberty State Park, the noisemakers got off, and the car really opened up on speed. While in Bayonne, I saw MTA D4500’s coming from Staten Island to Manhattan. I guess they take the shortcut through NJ to beat the traffic. Got off to deal with a day-long problem with my personal gas problem, let’s say that it made me take far too many bathroom breaks today, and that annoyed me.
13] 4:17 pm - HBLR - Bayonne 22nd ST to Liberty State Park. - Nice, fast ride to LSP. Then changed to the West Side Ave Car.
14] 4:32 pm - HBLR - 2002 - Liberty State Park to West Side Ave - Quick, fast ride on the West Side Branch. Then took the same car from West Side Ave to Exchange Place . Fast run to LSP then slow
running to Exchange Place. Very annoying.
At Exchange Place at 5:00 pm, rush hour is busy but not insanely crowded like in Manhattan. Lots of Transit action at a place once desolate and empty 25 years ago.
15] 5:25 pm - PATH - 687 - Exchange Place to Newark - Usual packed rush-hour trains out of Manhattan. At Newark, the station is just as big a madhouse as Penn Station in NYC. Arrived and waited at Newark for the Super Express. Went through the late-evening congestion as several Amtrak trains had to get through before the NJT train arrived.
16] 6:05 pm - NEC - 6572 - Newark to Trenton - Super Express to Princeton Jct, then Hamilton and Trenton. Got worried that I won’t make the RiverLINE connection, but the train made up the 5 minutes and got to Trenton. Made the RL connection with minutes to spare.
17] 7:00 pm - River LINE - 3503 - Trenton to Camden got a lot of reading materials [all of the NYC papers] to keep me company on the trip.
18] 8:03 pm - 403 - 3158 - The 403 bus cooperated by coming 5 minutes late [it’s due at WRTC at 7:58, the RL gets in at WRTC at 8:02 pm], that made my night since I won’t have to wait 45 minutes for the next bus in that pit called Camden.
8:25 pm - Home, 13 hours and 40 minutes since I left this Morning.
You passed through my town of Bloomfield while riding the #11 bus.
Willowbrook Mall is okay, but if you want to visit a really nice mall, check out Garden State Plaza up in Paramus.
Here's an itinerary to consider for next time - ride the 28 up Bloomfield Avenue all the way out to Montclair State University. The 28 follows the route of the 11 up to Park St & Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Then the bus turns right and goes through Upper Montclair and Montclair Heights and ends at the University. Connect there to the 705 to Willowbrook Mall. From there, get the 748, which takes a sort of roundabout but scenic way to Paterson, then take the 171 or 770 to Garden State Plaza.
After you're done with the Plaza, you have a number of options.
You can,
A) take the 163 to the Port Authority
B) take the 171 or 175 to the GW Bridge Terminal
C) take the 770 to Hackensack Terminal, then either the 76 to Newark Penn Station or the 83 to Journal Square
D) take the 709 to Main Avenue in Passaic, the 74 to Branch Brook Park Station and then the Newark Subway
E) take the 709 all the way to Bloomfield, then toward downtown Newark on any Bloomfield Avenue bus.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1863&dept_id=152656&newsid=12535443&PAG=461&rfi=9
Joe
SAS
Joe
Joe
And you should try to spell your words better.
How many Classics does GBL have anyway?
Also saw one of the New Flyer low-floors that Caravan Transport used at the airports. Parked too far inside the property to get a number.
To answer another poster - Have no way of knowing if the bus made it there under its own power.
Have never seen repainting there. Saw some repainting done a few times at Thriftway Auto Body on the east side of Rte 112 (exit 64 on the LIE) about 2 miles north of the LIE.
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
On this date in...
1907...The Fifth Avenue Coach Company removes the last of its horse cars from the Avenue. They are replaced with double decker buses
Peace,
ANDEE
aka the Queens Mary's
The QMs lasted until 1953; last ones ran on the #5 Riverside Drive route.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Anyway, here's a real interesting article from today's Newsday:
www.nynewsday.com/news/local/newyork/politics/nyc-nynabe303912169jul30,0,6043265.story
I've heard this and that about Regional Bus, but can anyone give me a complete and detail explaination about this concept, such as why it was brought up? Green Lines didn't seem to bad except that the Classic didn't have A/C (big deal - at least the windows opened, unlike a certain other company I have to ride everyday).
The campaign contriburtions may come from the farebox, but they're still business expenses which are still reimbursed by NYCDOT, and thus are still covered by your tax dollars and mine.
Also said that Command didn't give.
While this is pure speculation on my part, I'd bet its GBL,JBL and TCC, due to their common ownership, are the companies involved. Since Command (a subsidiary of GBL) didn't give. Didn't have to if its parent corporation is one of the three.
JD
The MC-9 was the final blow - the change to rectangular windows with narrow pillars like the ADBs put the nail in the coffin of the Buffalo. By the end, GMC couldn't give them away new, and resale value of used units dropped like a stone. Even making a suburban version (NYBS and a few others ran these) didn't save the day.
For lack of a better phrase, the Buffalo was a New Look in a world of ADBs. It just didn't sell any more.
I'd say that Liberty Lines was one of the last operators to use the GMC Buffalos. #1110 is one of the suburbans (w/o lav) that Liberty Lines purchased new. Later in the early 80s Liberty Lines bought a bunch of second-hand Buffalos.
Also
GunHills 5511 and 5517 plus , 2 Freshly painted Rts (no #S) on outside crossed into Queens.
Training buses
Stengal 2899 , Eny 5119 ,and FreshPond 958?
Thanks,
Mike
Detailed Videos and Photos can be found at:
Sarasota SCAT
I am enclosing some photos:
-Adam
(fishbowl6v92ta@aol.com)
Oh, sorry, I forgot. You don't have any, do you? It's just your tiny little mind running away with itself, isn't it?
Now shut up and leave 5 Brooklyn Local alone (and that includes when you expected a "childish expletive-filled response" from him a while back). I bash GH and KB too so why ain't you sayin' anything to me?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
1) 34th St/PABT: Leave 5 Brooklyn Local alone. And ditto about my proof that GH employees vandalize buses.
2) 5 Brooklyn Local: Don't call people idiots just because they disagree about how terrible GH is. I think it's funny when ya bash GH, but don't go that far as to call others idiots.
3) Stop flaming each other over a stupid terrible depot.
Now make up please.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
And ditto about my proof that GH employees vandalize buses.
What proof is this? Most of the GH buses are plagued by bus operators that have had fender benders and missing bumpers. Ok The Numbers interior missing is probably some operator pulling them off. But other than that, saying that the GH employees are vandalizing buses is a strong accurization and knowning that TA people looks at these boards, you may be costing someone thier job.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
I hope that takes care of that.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Would a passenger write in sharpie in the ad panels a message flaming people for exiting through the front door ("if your IQ is less than 50, then you will exit through the front door")?
Why would a passenger write "DA SAME 2 U 2" on the ad panels right behind the operator's position?
How many stop request signs in the GH articulated fleet are in non-vandalized condition?
How would a passenger get away with drawing pornographic images on the ad panels directly behind the front door?
You might be a B/O, but you have to think: How or why would a passenger do these any of these things?
And yes, I do know that TA people read these boards, which is why I bring attention (and with pictures, more recently) to the conditon of GH artics.
Da Hui
http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mta_nyc.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php
Stop the complaining here.
Would a passenger write in sharpie in the ad panels a message flaming people for exiting through the front door ("if your IQ is less than 50, then you will exit through the front door")? Why would a passenger write "DA SAME 2 U 2" on the ad panels right behind the operator's position?
To Answer Your Question.......YEP!!!! I've sat right in the back of the bus and watch people or shall I say ignorant kids write stuff like and on the back door and behind the drivers panel and on the ads and.....etc.
AND further more, when I'm driving my bus, MY FIRST and FOREMOST job is the watch the road, NOT to stay in my rear view mirror watching passengers.
So You think its YOUR job to bring it to the MTA's attention, believe me the MTA has a way of knowning what is going on WITHOUT your added help!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Bus Operator
www.transitalk.info
*gasp* You too??!!!??? Say it aint so....
I'd imagine the whole "pop up at the white line as the bus is going through a stop" thing would get annoying, but to actually do what the kids at Gun Hill do?
I officially barr you from hanging out with the kids at GH, their bad habits are rubbing off on you...
WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING LATELY???????
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
The majority of thier Bus operators.
If there wasn't jail time associated with slugging a B/O ( the same amount as law enforcment- WTF???), one of thier drivers would have found their face getting really comfortable with the farebox today. Few people survive (in one piece) disrespecting my grandmother, and 7 years for beating the crap out of a POS Gun Hill B/O wasn't worth it.
I've already filed a complaint with the appropriate people, complete with a short video of the incident, so i won't bitch about it here.
Sorry everyone, i just really needed to finish venting.
You got a problem(s) with GH? Fine. Write, phone or e-mail the MTA. But don't keep going on about it here. You seem to have an unhealthy obsession with Gun Hill.
You just can't please some people, even with evidence in their face...
BTW, how is it OK for you to vandalize GH's buses, but not OK for others to do so? You wanna write stuff on 'em - go ahead. But don't come on here castigating others who do so too.
Maybe you ought to realize the reasons why GH's buses look like shit (and I agree with you, they do look like shit).
1. Passengers. If they didn't drop rubbish in the buses in the first place, they wouldn't be a mess. If they didn't vandalize them, like you have done, they wouldn't need fixing.
2. Demoralised staff. Who's fault is this? The MTAs.
3. Insufficient budget to effect immediate repairs.
4. Insufficient spare capacity to haul a bus off the road and into the repait shop. Would you rather a bus ran that was dirty and dented, or didn't run at all? I know which I would prefer.
R142/R143MAN
You're an idiot, I thought that I killfiled you...
Your admission that you vandalize buses singles YOU out as probably the biggest idiot on this board. Besides that, what about when you admitted to blocking a train's doors to record an announcement? And don't even think of denying you used to post as Wheeee...... etc, it's patently obvious - you were a dumb son of a bitch then and you continue to prove that you are still a dumb son of a bitch now.
Your posts amuse me. You are quite obviously so lacking in basic intelect and common sense it is unreal.
Grow up a bit, then reply to me. I won't be holding my breath.
Oops, that's just to make it more difficult!!
okey, here's another clue....
Trevor Logan
Not even how many feet it was either. Slipping.....