S95: RIP
B11 N7 S95 27
Some things do not die easily. True busfans, unite to revive the abused bus routes of Montgomery County!
-Chris
~~Kevin
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Plus, I wonder where they came up with Fazulli anyway, or thats probably just his name. But why Doctor?
-Chris
Even funnier was the placement of bus driver Ben Stein, who played as himself behind the wheel. Always interesting to find realistic buses in cartoons.
-F.
The other was a complete shocker. I saw two what appears to be experimental buses sitting in the lot across the Landover division in the front of Carmen E. Turner employee parking area. One was a New Flyer DE40LF(similiar to the one I saw there about 6 months ago,but this one was to WMATA specs). The second one was an MCI cruiser about 45 feet in length with an odd WMATA paint scheme. I guess within the next two weeks we might see these buses in service on some routes. Well we shall see.
Oh well I got my April Fool today when I boarded a bus I thought was going to New Carrolton and it said New Carrolton, but it was going to Silver Spring. On top of that it was raining and cold.
Now back to my other April Fools prank, hehehehe.
Contact me via email for his email address, or search his (FDNY) posts for the information he supplies.
JD
They dominated WMATA in 1996? Maybe in DC, but not in the suburbs...that was Flxible territory...in the early 90's they were a significant part, though.
Whoops - I meant when I visited in 1986, not 1996.
JD
-F.
-F.
-F.
-F.
-F.
Hopefully we'll see each other once again...
Until next time...
Ah, I have arrived at the land of Flxibles and Orions once more...
To Be Sold:
1984 GMC RTS-04: 3474, 3503
1985 GMC RTS-04: 3893, 3972, 4115, 4163, 4165, 4218
1986 GMC RTS-06: 4320, 4451, 4486, 4520, 4548, 4552
1987 TMC RTS-06: 4764, 4799, 4805, 4829, 4849, 4877, 4883, 4886
Either this is true or this is a very sick April Fool's joke!!!
Ray
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
B1-#9303-NOVABUS
B1-#9318-NOVABUS
Mark
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BIG AL
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
If my posts regarding that subject annoyed people, then I won't make anymore posts on it. I posted b/c I was a bit surprised but then again, we should expect the unexpected.
BIG AL
I actually update the roster everyday, but I don't send it out unless I feel 100% comfortable. I try to get it out at least twice a month. I'll add you to the mailing list.
Mark
BIG AL
http://www.transitalk.info/Rosters/NYCT-Busb.html
Acela
Want some fun? Go and find the ship, take pictures and send them to me, you'll get a reward!
The ship suppose to arrive Rochester, NY!
http://www.wnbc.com/news/2966949/detail.html
FOLKS, TAKE A VISIT AND TAKE PHOTOS IF YOU CAN!!
On another note, the B/O that I had this morning flat out ran a red light ( it was red from we were a block away). He even honked at the people crossing the street ( and they had the walk sign). BUT I managed to get to school on time, so hey...
Any thoughts?
Bx31 1096
Bx31 7666
It unbolts from one side and unhinges from another.
I was really hoping they would wait until Millennium Transit Services would get the RTS back into production, but it looks like they have an option to purchase more Gilligs for the next new order.
Just another LAME April Fool's Day attempt.
-F.
If that is so, then I guess NYCTA is turning away from Orion due to the slow delivery of the VII's.
Arthur
APRIL FOOL, EVERYONE!!! :P
-F.
But I surely remember the time a priest ripped a good loud one in church when I was about 15 years old. The whole audience gasped...and I was trying not to bust out laughing.
-F.
Honolulu?
Port Angeles, washington???? (Nah, they already have crappy buses -- a lot of Gilligs)
Someplace else?
-F.
What would have been better was if NYCT were to order Veguzti minibuses (or transit buses, period...or even motorcoaches...yes, Veguzti makes all of that)...
Better yet, CUTAWAYS!
Incognito
April Fools, My Ass!
-F.
Gilligs?!?!
dude u gots to be kiddin me.......
well i didnt get a chance to ride no buses in
Cleveland.....was too busy. Gilligs....dayum! that
means we gettin full sized 102 inch wide 40 ffot
Gilligs!!!! i hope they'll have an ISM in them!i knew
the 9300s were goin.....they have'in tranny problems.
the 9000s and 9100s are on there way and the
9200s...its just a matter of time.never knew they'd
kick the loop buses out though....looks like the 9400s
and 9500s are the only ones left....dayum!
Gilligs......oh well....its bound to happen.
I can't wait to hear what he has to say when he finds out I was pulling his leg...LOL!!! :P
-F.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BIG AL
Peeeeeeyel,what an awful
smell!!!
Also, 8005 is in ENY.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
FP's 1990 RTS's are as follows: 8003, 8006-8008, 8011, 8012, 8015, 8100, 8101, 8106, 8109-8112, 8116-8118, 8120, 8125-8127, 8130-8141, 8146-8148, 8151(die!), 8153, 8161, 8169, 8271, 8280(42)
I don't care which buses go where as long it doesn't help any of the 3 depots get buses newer than 1990.
The Artic order and CNG O7 order has failed to finish off the pre-1990 buses in Brooklyn. If fact, there are like 200 of them left! I guess those orders are too busy helping out Manhattan and the Bx as they gotten rid of almost all of their pre-1990 buses already. Some things never change.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
As for for pre-1990 buses in the Brooklyn Div., the RTS exclusivity that exists here will hopefully die soon, that is if the Hybrid ever starts, which we'll be lucky to see to happen in 2005, if not, much later!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Comming back though, I'm looking at possibly taking Septa R6(?) from Merion to Doylestown, then Trans Bridge to PABT from the Doylstown SEPTA station. It's pretty damn cheap too.
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with transbridge(or the Mt laurel or Doylestown areas). How early should I get there?
Also, any suggestions for any part of the trip in general would be appreciated.
I did the route through Doylestown that you are talking about a year or two back, but did it in reverse (i.e., I started from PABT). Thus, I am probably not able to be of much help, although the on the trip that day, the Trans Bridge bus stayed pretty close to schedule, falling behind a little only due to traffic. The bus part of the trip was quite enjoyable, and Trans Bridge seems to keep its equipment in decent shape. The bus dropped us off right at the Doylestown SEPTA station, so I assume the pickup point is nearby also.
Greyhound to/from Phili
Capitol Trailways to/from King of Prussia
Trans Bridge to/from Doylestown
Anyone know any other bus stops near Merion, Pa???(bout 10 min from Phili)
Although those on SubTalk may like this option better than us BusTalk folks, I would recommend taking NJTransit's NE Corridor train to or from Trenton, and combining that with the new River Line to or from Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden. The River Line offers a very nice ride. The fare for the River Line is only $1.10. For $1.85, you can purchase a combination ticket in Trenton that will get you to Camden and then use any NJT bus from Camden into Philadelphia. Alternately, you can take PATCO from Camden into Philly for $1.15.
If you really want to try an excursion, consider Bieber Tourways from the PA Terminal to Reading and then back to Phila on Capitol Trailways.
I am planning on doing this sometime in the future and IINM, the best timing to do this is to take the Beiber bus leaving the PA at 8 AM, arriving in Reading a little after 11, then the Cap Trailways leaves there about 11:50 or so and arrives at the Greyhound Terminal in Phila around 2-2:30.
What else... you could go NJ Transit and take the 319 to Atlantic City and then the 551 to Philadelphia.
But personally, I'd try the Trans-Bridge/R5 first. It's a nice ride and I'm sure you'd enjoy it. And then you could do the 551/319 on the way back.
To replace all the remaininmg Flxibles would require an order of approximately 625 units. NJT's question has to be, which manufacturer is stable enough to produce that many buses in the timeframe required, with the backing needed to be around for the life cycle. Neoplan is not in great shape. Millennium is a start-up even though the employees will essentially be the former Nova folks in Roswell. NABI is leaning low-floor. Orion is owned by DaimlerChrysler, so that could be the most viable in terms of being around for the distance.
The Metro-Ds can't be replaced until 2006 at the earliest, so they wouldn't be part of this order. There are 318 Metro-Ds purchased by NJT in 1994. The request for proposals probably wouldn't be issued until 2006-07 at the earlies.
Robert
Robert
Please be advised that the MNYBA trips frequently sell out in advance, so it probably is unwise to show up if you haven't already sent in your form and your money. By the way, I plan to be on the trip tomorrow. Let's hope the weather stays dry!
Incognito
-F.
Incognito
Ride Da 'Hound!
18xx-27xx: MC-12s (6V92-powered)
28xx-31xx: MC-12s (Series 50 powered)
62xx-63xx: DL3s
10xx: DL3s
70xx-72xx: G-Series
Hope this helps!
-F.
Wheelchair buses are:
0034 - 0038
0044 - 0053
0500 - 0503
1050 - 1068
6500 - 6614
Transfers are:
1060 - 1063 Amtrak shuttle bus in Californya
6007 - 6018,6133 - 6136,6427 - 6432 and 6434 to Greyhound Canada
6900 - 6960 and 6964 to Lation Bus Lines in Chi town.
Sold Buses:
1525 - 1803
If there is any more please feel free to add or correct me on anything. Thanks
Bx31 # 1083
Bx31 # 7655
Bx28 # 5278
Bx41 # 5696
Da Hui
Also to add injury to insult, recently in the past week or so, in Sacremento, two girls were pushed out of a moving Orion VII Bus' rear door. The Rear Door Gave way, this WASN'T SUPPOSED to happen. So this is one of the major defects in the Orion VII.
Slow Acceleration can be reset in the Detroit Diesel DDEC. As for the braking........Reset the rate that the retarder pumps hydraulic fluid into the tranny.
Some of these problems are Orion's Fault and some are the TA's fault in trying to slow buses to a crawl! I can attest, thes Orion VIIs are fast, I tried to chase one in my car and he burned the shit outta me.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
I believe that they are in fact governed, not to mention that the acceleration is average but the speed isn't so bad :-\.
Look at that! Complete with european license plate! Even if you hate buses you can't say that ain't gorgeous!
Guess the bus and anything else about the bus!
I used to drive a 1986 Neoplan Cityliner, and believe me, it was muchbetter looking.
It's Monkey Vomit Yellow!!!
-F.
Okey, the color sucks, but look at the vitural tour, it's really nice! Has a bathroom downstairs!
Anyway, you think that's ugly, you ever see a new flyer?
-F.
I remember seeing a computer rendering in some car magazine a few years back that looked almost exactly like that bus....
On that note, there are MUCH uglier buses out there....for example, the prototype buses that led to the Grumman 870 and Flxible Metro were COMPLETELY hideous, and looked NOTHING like the end result...their Transbus prototype was an eight-wheeled monstrosity, the High Value Bus looked like a mutated bread truck, and the one made just before the production prototype looked like the love child of a Flxible Metro and an Orion I. I don't know if there are any photos of these things online, but they are in the book "Flxible Transit Buses 1953-1995; A Photo Archive" by John McKane.
Thankfully, the latter-day Flxibles turned out to be MUCH better looking than any of the turds mentioned above.
-F.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
So then I transfer to the Bx21 @ Tremont Av, I just missed 9112 and I see a couple of GH buses with the interior #'s written with a white marker [like 5394], 199 on the Bx42, 1085 & 5251 on the Bx36 and an RTS on the Bx9. Then I get on 461 and ride that to the last stop, just missed the Bx8 so luckily its not running at 1/2 hour intervals 8-). I waited 12 minutes and I saw a freshly painted 418 going into service on either the Bx21 or 31 and then I catch 8778 on the Bx8 and its a mellow ride along Williamsbridge/Bronxdale Av to the las stop at 226 St so I catch the 2 train, ride that to Tremont Av then get the Q44 to Jamaica and I see 8460 on the Q24 so it takes less than 30 minutes to reach Brooklyn and then I get off to catch the J.
So I wait at B'way/Eastern, saw a couple of L trains and then I rode the J to Myrtle Av, just missed a B46 then waited about 8-10 minutes for 9437 to arrive and by time we reach Fulton St, the bus is nearly jam packed and then the LTD behind us, 4643 catches up to us by Empire Blvd but we manage to pass it anyway and when I get off at Avenue D there is a crowd of people waiting for the B8 and this is too commmonplace. Anyway When the bus pulled in, it was crush loaded! All standing room was taken, people try to squeeze in even though thye know they can't get in and we pass a few stops then things get more better as we go along the way until I reach my stopand finish my trip.
R40M 4463 (B)
RTS 8800 Bx15
O7 7657 Bx6
RTS 9123 Bx17
RTS 9226 Bx36
O5 461 Bx21
RTS 8778 Bx8
R142 7022 (2)
O5 677 Q44
RTS 8460 Q24
R42 4788 (J)
RTS 9437 B46 LTD
NF 971 B8
Bx31 # 1083
Bx31 # 7655
Bx28 # 5278
Bx41 # 5696
I dont know what that Bx36 thing is all about, but sure nuff the new artics at KB are starting to look like shit.Not really a surprise.lol. What happen to 971 that the cloth is black now?
Bx31 # 7668
Bx31 # 7655
Bx31 # 7660
Bx31 # 7655
Bx31 # 7668
Bx31 # 7680
Bx21 # 7670
Bx31 # 7660
Bx31 # 7655
Bx31 # 7668
Bx31 # 7682
Bx4 # 5349
Bx21 # 449
Bx31 # 434
4/1/04
Q55- RTS #5062
Q10- OrionV #5512
Q46- OrionV #518
Q85- RTS #8951
Q5- RTS #9262
Q56- RTS #9074
Q55- RTS #9480(my new favorite in FP)
4/2/04
B13- RTS #8542
Q55- RTS #9476
They all do. However, note the tailpipes on buses 416 and 444. They were moved to the top. The buses do not look re-engined, however; that is the only odd thing about them.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.coM)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I hate Gun Hill. They suck!
It's still a novelty to see low-floors operating so far from JG territory- where most riders have gotten used to them. Some young'uns on the BX6 I rode yesterday were absolutely fascinated with the prospect of a bus having an 'upstairs' and 'downstairs'. Personally, I'm striving to ride the O7s on such routes as the 8, 14 and 31- where they must look amusingly incongruous running on quiet, narrow residential streets. Even an older Orion looks enormous on the Spencer Estates portion of the 14. Most JG routes seem to run on wide, commercial streets with the exceptions of parts of the B11, 16, 65 and 77.
As far as I can see, the depots that run more than one kind of equipment on the same local routes are GH, QV, YUK (RTS/Orion), GLE (CNG Orion/New Flyer/O7) and WF. Supposedly MJQ mixes in Suburban Orions with RTS on its 'quieter' routes, but I've never seen one.
So does MV and MCH even though there are few O6's. Also from time to time you may see an RTS on the Artic routes from Kingsbridge, just on Friday I saw RTS 8833 on the Bx9, which is virtually 100% Artic.
Bx31 # 7660
I've ridden the BX6, 19, 35 and 36 across the heart of 'Ghetto Bronx' during the day on weekends, and transferred at University/Tremont, Concourse/167, Southern/Hunts Point and the West Farms Road terminal. The neighborhoods along the routes looked pretty rough, but lively. No one whatsoever bothered me on the buses or the above transfer points.
It looks like the 11, 15 and 17 run through some rough areas as well. I've been on the 21 between West Farms and Westchester Square, a decent area- but am very unlikely to ride the part of that route between West Farms and Mott Haven. It's said that the portion of the 27 between Morrison station and Clason's Point is very unsafe now. The 8 may be questionable above Allerton Avenue, but is decent below-and downright tranquil from Buhre station to Locust Point. Likewise the 14. If you woke up while riding it in Spencer Estates you'd swear you were on Staten Island.
Yes, WF is definitely a plus for the Bronx Division. Other than Artics, there's was nothing else worth looking at. Amsterdam was nothing special. But dominance of Orions is making it better.
I do plan on taking more WF's routes someday, and I'm also thinking of taking GH's Bx29.
1-Take over of the DOT lines by the TA(If it happens)
2-When Mother Hale Depot is closed for reconstruction.
Once Mother Hale Depot is reopened then Amsterdam will be permantley closed
Thank You
B1-#4651-TMC
Q55-#9462-NOVABUS
Q29-#2071-TMCRTS CNG-that's the bus i reported
I think he would receive a lot more than a repremand if a dispatcher saw him. Depending on his disciplinary record, he could well be looking at termination.
The radio system at the transit agency where I drive isn't worth a shit, you could die of old age by the time dispatchers get back to you on it (if it works at all...great system, installed two years ago by Orbital Communications, SOMEONE got their pockets lined).
Anyhow, I do more communicating with dispatcher via my own cell phone while in the bus, when situations occur, than I do on the worthless radio system. And we are very much permitted to do so. (That's the ONLY use of cell phones while driving, no othe ruse permitted.)
Oh, and it has GPS, too -- supposedly able to track us within three feet of the location of the front of the bus. That's why dispatch sometimes calls and asks "Where are you?" DUH!! One morning, they asked "Why are you still in the yard?" 90 minutes after I was out on the road in service, 16 miles up the 22 mile route!! Great system, huh?
At least within the five boroughs, the no-cell-phones-while-driving law must have lapsed by now due to the NYPD's aggressive non-enforcement.
Nextel. Done!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Triboro Coach used to have a nice fleet years ago, but my how things went south ! The buses I saw were so bad, they made Green Lines buses look good. I noted to a couple of attendees that Triboro Coach should be changed to Naporano Coach Lines. You know, a rolling junk yard.
Jamaica Bus Lines has a nicely maintained fleet and New York Bus Service in the Bronx is the Waldorf Astoria of the private bus operators.
Bill "Newkirk"
-F.
I depends which RTS's you mean, I you're talking about those 4400's in ENY, or some of the 4600's in FP, or UP's 4700's and 7500's, or Yukon's RTS's, then yes they are some of saddest sights you can possibly witness.
Or "Dilapidated" but, yes, if a bus looks busted it's ghetto, is most likely caused by ghetto people.
BIG AL
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I have the luxury of taking I-395/95 South in the AM and North in the PM which allows me to watch all the bus activity in the HOV lanes going the opposite direction.
I did see a Fairfax Connector bus with a full ad wrap for that same ride at Kings Dominion. Funny seeing a FFX bus with ads at all, let alone full ad wraps.
PRTC's Orion V's are nice. They are true suburban buses with one door, reclining seats and interior luggage racks. I rode 172 the other day from the PRTC transit center to Manassas and back. I've been riding a few here and there to get an idea of our service area. I take the turn by turn notebook, the headway sheets and some other stuff. I haven't been on an MCI yet, though. Probably next week, they'll send me on a DC run to see how those are, do some route timing, things like that.
Now we are finalzing our June service changes and working on the Fall ones as well. The fall is when Saturday service on the OmniLink buses begin.
I was also able to get some neat PRTC stuff like a polo shirt, sweater and baseball cap. Wore the polo shirt for casual day yesterday, but wont wear it every Friday because I was one of the only ones wearing it.
Congrats on the new job Perry
NOTICE: WASH A/C FILTER AND RE-USE. INSTALL BLUE SIDE OUT.
Is this a part of their 5% belt-tightning in each department, I wonder? All I see this doing is causing mildew and mold and such in the system...I hope they thought this out first..
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
While the others may get on our nerves once in a while, they don't come in here with their sole mission in life to whine about some bus operator's mistakes.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BIG AL
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
According to your ridiculous poll, Brooklyn67 gets two votes. I don't think soooo!!
Start your own board and apply your own membership rules. In the interim, you have no control who joins- and what they write.
You need to get on Peter Pan's bus and drive away to Loserville.
Have a nice trip-- and make it one way!! LOL
I didn't know I had so much control over you. Now I guess I just have to post every day knowing like a cockroach you're going to come out from darkness. LOL!!
Next question.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I would hate to see what they would do to you in there
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
But Only Once, and One Way.
As for now though...either the N23 via Harbor Rd, N20, the friday/sunday Greyhound from Hempstead, Li to Springfield, Ma, or a Adirondack Trailways run from Kingston to Babylon.
The run along the Expresswat is enjoyable. I'd also like to ride it toward the other end to Queens Village.
WF:Bx6
GH:Bx5,39,55
MCH:M2,M60
MV:All routes if possible
KB:M100,Bx7
100:Any route
MJQ:M6,M21,M27/50
FP:B24,B54
JG:B71
CAS:S40,S42,S48,S51,S54,S62,S78
Da Hui
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
As for routes:
FB- B41, B44, B46, B47, B49
JG- B8, B37, B65, B68, B69
MV- M3, M4, M5, M18, M98
WF- Bx8, Bx11, Bx31, Bx35
B1-#8693-TMC
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I did see 9236 with Ulmer Park stickers, but still with a Monroe College (Kingsbridge Heights) ad.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BIG AL
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Da Hui
Did his e-mail address change or he doesn't update his webpage anymore.
I do have route descriptions,,agenda notes from the NYCT
steve
FDNY
MetroB
steve
MetroB
Two comments:
1. I typed in the address and got nothing.
2. There are Flxibles that operate in Philadelphia - NJ Transit buses from South Jersey.
that's all the ones i know from off the top...
Generally, Greyhound's roll signs are in alphabetical order (from what I've seen) and include just about every city in the uS that they would use as a terminal point.
I think they do have Special
I remember driving an ex-Greynound MC-7 at one of the charter companies I used to work for, and it had about 120 or so readings....when we took the rolls out to replace them with our own, they were quite heavy even though they were the mylar signs!! (The boss kept them...sorry guys. This was 20 or so years ago.)
Chuck Greene
Hmmmm, they may actually use LOCAL for the Long Island runs......
Oh, I was on a hound this summer that had BANGOR. Well, it was a hound with some vermont transit logos.
Chuck Greene
JD
East Newyork
Flatbush
Casey Stengel
Amsterdam
Edgewater
54th old blue one
146th
Colluseum
West Farms
TA
Team transit
Road Control
I'd rather have the patches or the actual depot stickers that go on the buses. A 1" button is pretty small.
JD
Da Hui
Another driver let him know, but I am not sure if he ever realized it!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I don't like your attitude. But do you have pics?
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
You already said you didn't get pictures of the bus, so I think he was asking about pictures of the sorority girls. Did they take your camera and break it? ;^)
We were quite amused and were able to get pictures the bus as it entered the line of buses waiting to pick up passengers.
We were quite amused and were able to get pictures the bus as it entered the line of buses waiting to pick up passengers.
Look at this page with the codes for the subway shuttles.
9070 is A to Howard Beach
9040 is 6 to Parkchester
Remember, the keypad on the sign console looks like this:
123
456
789
_0_
Very easy to hit the wrong key and get the wrong sign.
54th Street Depot in China? Gotta provide us with a system.
Da Hui
Da Hui
If you check this site for pictures of the Bus Festivals held in NYC I believe that there are pictures of #621. Too bad they repainted to look like it could've run for QSC (or its predecsessor QT) as opposed to their old brown and yellow livery.
Exterior view
Interior view
Driver's area
This one looks similar to 621's paint scheme, except that 621 has an extra band of red on the bottom.
The "favya" store is now a McDonalds.
As Hart Bus mentions, you mean bus 621, not 627 (the script 1 does look a little like a 7, so it's easy to make that mistake). I saw both 621 and 623 at Triboro yesterday. 621 was under its own power, but I can't say if 623 is still operable (it looked like it might be). I doubt if either of these buses sees any passenger service, other than for special charters. (The MNYBA chartered 621 for a trip a few years back, shortly after it received its current red paint scheme.)
East New York
Manhattanville
146th Street
Command Center and maybe 54th.
What is the road control one for.
David
My understanding has been that CAT's NABI artics are numbered 530-574, and the new Neoplans are 504-509. The other day, I saw a NABI artic on the 204 (Sahara) route, and its fleet number was 575. Anybody know where that came from?
Despite being in Vegas for ten days, I did not see any of the Neoplans. :-(
I wonder where the DASH buses would lay over in that case? For one thing, any bus that just travels through that mall would have better on time performances since they lose a lot of time going through there, especially over the holidays. Not like many people shop there in the first place.
That would be nuts to see that place closed down, but its dying big time over there.
You think that THE BUS was running the mall.
Bus station must move
-----
With Highlight:
It is unclear how many riders pass through the ParkSide transfer station each year because no recent rider survey has been made there, Siebel said.
But the number is sure to be at least in the thousands. One of the routes, the 19 bus, is the biggest in Pinellas County with about a million riders a year, Siebel said. The 19 goes from Tarpon Springs to 54th Avenue S near Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.
Another route, the 52, is in the top five for number of passengers, Siebel said. It runs from Williams Park in St. Petersburg to Park Street in Clearwater.
-----------
And of course if the link dies:
With demolition just weeks away, developers have asked the county bus authority to move its bus transfer station off Pinellas ParkSide mall property for at least several months.
The request, which was a surprise to Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority officials, came as the mall's owners found out they could not reconstruct the mall in stages as originally planned. Instead, the entire mall - except the 16-screen movie complex - will be razed and redeveloped at one time.
"We are going to be closing the entire site down," said John Sabow, director of development for mall owner Boulder Venture South LLC. "We're not going to be able to accommodate the PSTA on site after May 15."
Allowing buses to come onto the property during construction would be dangerous and impossible because of traffic congestion, Sabow said.
The mall eventually will provide a new transfer station for PSTA along 70th Avenue N just west of the movie theaters, he said.
Mike Siebel, PSTA director of planning, said the deadline does not provide much time for officials to act. They plan to talk with mall engineers this week to see if some solution can be worked out.
"This was kind of an unexpected effect of deciding to tear the whole mall down at once," Siebel said.
The best solution for the PSTA and its riders, Siebel said, would be for the mall to build the new transfer station first.
"That way we'd move once and basically be out of their way for the rest of the project," Siebel said.
Another possibility is having the PSTA maintain a stop somewhere on mall property, moving from place to place as it became necessary.
Boulder Venture bought the mall last May from John Hancock Mutual Insurance Co. for about $12-million.
Boulder Venture wants to turn the mall inside out by tearing down the brown monolith that has housed stores since 1974. In its place will be central parking with stores sprinkled around the outside, rather like the rejuvenated Clearwater Mall. The movie theaters will remain where they are.
With its new configuration, the mall also will get a new name. Sabow confirmed Friday that would be the Shoppes at Park Place.
One of the changes will be the bus transfer station, located on the western side of the mall property behind the Home Depot. The bus facility serves double duty as a shopping stop and as a way for folks to transfer from one route to another.
Built about four years ago for about $180,000 provided by both the PSTA and the city of Pinellas Park, it serves six routes.
It is unclear how many riders pass through the ParkSide transfer station each year because no recent rider survey has been made there, Siebel said.
But the number is sure to be at least in the thousands. One of the routes, the 19 bus, is the biggest in Pinellas County with about a million riders a year, Siebel said. The 19 goes from Tarpon Springs to 54th Avenue S near Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.
Another route, the 52, is in the top five for number of passengers, Siebel said. It runs from Williams Park in St. Petersburg to Park Street in Clearwater.
Also important, Siebel said, is the 444, a local route that travels throughout Pinellas Park. It is used by seniors, particularly from places like the Mainlands, to shop and get to local doctors.
The letter to the PSTA is one indication mall renovation may begin a bit earlier than expected. Mall stores had been told they have until June 30 to be out and construction was scheduled to begin immediately after.
But engineer Robert Pierro said in his letter to the PSTA that "we are hoping to start demolition and regrading by May 15, 2004."
Pierro added, "The mall site will be under active construction for several months. I do not have a construction schedule at this time. My best guess is it will be several months before we can construct the new bus transfer facility on 70th Avenue."
But while the PSTA needs to get off the property, ParkSide Cinemas will remain and stay open throughout construction. To accommodate moviegoers, the parking construction will be done in two phases, Sabow said. It will be "tight" and "dusty" for a while, he said.
"It's going to be interesting," Sabow said. "We're determined not to close the theater. . . . I think it would just be horrible if we closed them down. That's not even a consideration."
[Illustration]
Caption: Map locating ParkSide mall redevelopment areas.; Photo: MAP
What that place needs is not a new building but a new owner, General Growth blows!
Landmark is currently getting a new food court that is supposed to open in Fall 2003 (sic). It'd be interesting if they tore down the mall three years from now after spending time on the food court.
WES, you and others may recall what happened with the bus stop at Landmark...because of construction, it was moved from one end of the mall to the other, which didn't slow the buses down much but really threw people off who had to walk the entire length of the mall from, say, Burger King to the bus stop...and in January, the bus stop was relocated to its original location...
now that seems like a normal thing that would happen during construction, but I remind you all that the project that supposedly caused the move has not made any progress since the temporary wall was put up probably a year ago now...General Growth..yeah..growth *rolls eyes*
And Tristan as for that supposid food court, ummm, don't hold your breath, right now there won't be any new stores opening probably for a long while, so my hopes for an Arby's, Popeye's, Boston Market, Mickey Ds and some better food choices will not come.
I am also ticked the mall doesn't give us free Krispie Kreme doughnuts any more. At least we have been getting free bread for the past Saturday and Sunday from some company called Nature's Own. BTW, they will be giving out free loaves again this Saturday.
Da Hui
I wonder how the Hybrids will handle in FP. The B13 is one the most difficult routes in Brooklyn, with the some of the tightest turns you will ever see. Mmm, this just gave me an idea for a new topic....
Incorrect, Orion 7561 still has yet to come.
8909 on the 42 today.
MCH: Not sure, maybe the M1 since it's their longest route.
QV: Q46 and Q43 would be the best two routes.
126St.: M15 already has Artics, so maybe he M31.
ENY: B12 is challenging, B25 and Q56 are decent choices.
FP: B13! One of the most difficult routes in Brooklyn(IMO), if an Orion7 can handle the these turns, there is no doubt it can get all other Brooklyn routes. Try that turn on Forest Av./Gates Av. @_@, that turn can't be done without bringing the bus on the sidewalk.
All other FP routes are cake compared to the B13. The Q58 would be the second best choice though.
BIG AL
B1-#4774-TMC
B64-#9302-NOVABUS
The meeting place was 7th St & Olive St in Downtown LA .... Cleanairbus arrivec on MTA # 5476 ( 2001 NF C40LF ) on Line 20. Chatted and looked at the pics he took throughout today. Carlton loves these CNG Neoplans and the neat retarder sound effects they had to offer...in addition he almost had a heart-attack when MTA # 5086 ( 1999 C40HF ) came by whistling and the neat effects of the '01-'02 NABIs and the CompoBus. So I lead the way to 7th & Broadway where a lot of the bus action takes place at .. especially on sunday. He wanted to see some of the MTA 6700s ... so we went over to the next block .... 7th & Spring and watch a few buses go by ... including MTA # 2116 ( 1988 TMC RTS ) which we litteraly chased after for the pic. We photographed # 5518 on the 40 line. It was funny because the operator was covering his eyes ... even when he was driving through the intersection. Yes we also got staredowns from other operators as we photographed buses for about 20 minutes .. even the one chick in MTA # 6504
A few minutes rolled by and we boarded MTA # 6737 ( 1999 CNG Neoplan ) on Line 28. This trip was very busy for a sunday. We deboarded at Olympic Bl & Vermont Ave. After that ... we caught MTA # 5188 ( 1999 NF C40HF ) on a busy line 204. Lot of people were waiting for Line 754 , which stops running at 800pm. The funny thing they were all waiting ... and as soon as Carlton and I went to board this come ... here comes the rest of the herd of buffalos.
We deboarded at Wilshire-Vermont .... and caught the Red Line to Union Station. After that, I showed him LA Union Station, the Metro Gold Line, Amtrak, and Patsaouras ( Pat-sore-ass ) Plaza & the LACMTA Schedule Rack ... aka the l.a. bus fans planning center.
After that, we caught MTA # 6395 ( 1998 Neoplan ) on the 40 line to 7th & Broadway. We walked to 7th St Metro Ctr. We caught our respected trains. As we were walking towards 7th St Metro Ctr ... we ran into # 6504 AGAIN and the operator gave us one of those staredowns ... hmm ... maybe she liked us.
Its great to see another east coast busfan to invade the west coast. Tomorrow it will be a lil more of MTA .... and also Metrolink, OmniTrans, and Foothill Transit and stuff
And how many buses run on the route during the rush hour?
Thes are some of the longest routes I know.
As for the Bx, I'm not sure, maybe Bx40/Bx42.
S74/84 -- about 17 miles from Tottenville to the Ferry.
S78 -- about 16 miles from Tottenville to the Ferry.
Q44 -- about 14 miles from Jamaica to the Bronx Zoo.
M101 -- about 11 miles from Cooper Square to Fort George.
I'd also include some "best guess" candidates: B6, B15, B44, B46, B82, Bx1, Bx8, Bx41.
B6,B15,B44,M3,M101,Q44,Bx40,S74,S78,S79
Some side choies: B82,Bx42
In minutes or distance?
Minutes-wise, the B82 to Stillwell is also up there.
I haven't beenin NYC in ages....I'm at the other end of the country.
The old full-length M101 did have the longest running time (about 2 hours at some times of day) of any local route, but not the longest end-to-end distance.
JD
Jim D.
Mark
Saw about 12 buses parked on the pier waiting for shipment. These were single door buses, Neoplan AN440s in the DART color schemes. The windows were protected with wooden boards.
Going overseas?
http://www.ridecarta.com/
-F.
Tallahassee has RTS (GM and TMC), Gillig low floors and several fishbowls. This was the first time I saw the fishies in actual service.
You'd be best to talk to the Private Lines themselves. Click here on NYCDOT's page on the Queens' Private Lines.
Just scroll down to see the links to each of the companies.
Normally that would be true, but they are in a "it's not my job" mode these days :-(
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Buses I seen:
8026,8035,8040: ENY
8157,8171,8201,high 8200: FLA
Add 8345 & 8449 to the Flatbush fleet.
I recently saw this bus at the Jamaica Terminal, running on the Q2, and I noticed that it now has traditional flipdot signs. When did this happen?
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Because there were some glitches with the orange LED signs.
The front sign started to have problems when I last saw it. One half of it was displaying and the other wasn't.
And I didn't know 522 used to be a CS bus.
I can tell you purely from an observational standpoint, not from a technical standpoint.
Some lines on the front sign were freezing, so the sign would be displaying two messages at once, if you know what I mean. Sometimes, some lines wouldn't be working at all, and only part of the messages would be displayed. Also, the sign seemed to be "slanted". And, like others have said, the rear sign rarely worked at all.
...the Orion 2...
...the Orion 5...
...the Orion 6...
...and the Orion 7.
But what about the Orion 3 and Orion 4? Does anyone know what they look like?
The Orion IV
And the Orion III
[Orion 4]
That looks weird!
Anyways I just found some infomations on the Orion VII Hybrid. Can't believe that they can go 70mph if NYCmta wanted them too..
http://www.electricdrive.org/oldpdfs/Brager.pdf
Okay, the S92 now has a variety of Gilligs on it. For example, during the morning rush hour...I saw Gillig Phantom 40TB102 #9100 (which had a HIG-piericing sound), then later that day I saw Gillig Phantom 30TB102 #9701 (that bus was transferred over to the Southampton Depot) and then Gillig Phantom 35TB102 #9605 in the evening. So, the varieties are big on Suffolk Transit routes. By the way, it looks official..the 10A will now have the Flxible Metro-D 30102 #9332 on it. That's all for now.
Ray
"The EASTERN Suffolk Man"
Thanks.
David
But 181st Street (formally the "Washington Bridge") is nowhere near Lower Manhattan (particularly City Hall and Police Plaza).
BTW, the BM1, QM11, etc. use CNG buses, and they're allowed to run past City Hall. That's because NYCDOT's buses were actually exempted from the Lower Manhattan CNG-ban so DOT wouldn't have to buy new express buses!
Formally? It still is the Washington Bridge.
Peace,
ANDEE
Peace,
ANDEE
"Formally," not "formerly."
Peace,
ANDEE
Well, I'm not surprised by that outcome :-P. Since the express buses are 4-6 years old, they didn't want to buy them "so soon".
This means NO CNG vehicles are allowed on the following routes, even if a route assigned to a CNG depot has them:
B51
B39
M35/M60
Q32
Q44
All express bus routes, except for X25, X90 (because these operate within Manhattan.
CNG buses, by law are not allowed in any tunnels either. This is obvious.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Incorrect, the B51 used CNG Buses including New Flyers before 9/11/01 when NYPD banned CNG buses over the Manhattan Bridge and since JG is 100% CNG, it needed to be moved to East New York, no perhaps in the future, the 51 may come back to JG.
Acela
It doesn't tell me that I just figured out HARTline is got 14 new gilligs this year, 3 electric/hybrids this fall, one more trolley, and will only have 8 flx's left by summer. That's from being bored and looking at a 198 page pdf file.
But looking down the page:
"APTA's Transit Vehicle Database CD-ROM contains detailed information on about 250 U.S. transit fleets, as well as procurements in the next 5 years. Included are year built, manufacturer, vehicle type, size, cost, accessibility, fuel type, number of vehicles, and other information."
So I guess the CD is better.
F1332 on the 291 line
Interior pic of F1334 on Line 486
Is it one of those agencies that can't get any interior ads sold? And is that rear door a push strip, or just operator opened only?
Can't think of any more annoying questions.
the rear door is operator controlled and the interlock release sounded wonderful :-D
well ...
heres a picture of Metro 7417 in fresh paint on Line 316 limited. 7417 is a 2001 NABI 40LFW
Metro 7987 ( 2003 NABI 40CLFW-CompoBus ) on Line 111 departing LAX Airport Bus Ctr
heres a picture of Metro 7417 in fresh paint on Line 316 limited. 7417 is a 2001 NABI 40LFW
another pic of that NABI 40ft CompoBus
I'm not sure Metro bus has an express paint scheme. When I was in L.A. about a month back, I saw some of the buses in the new Metro Local paint scheme running on freeway routes. Of course, given the traffic on most L.A. freeways, it is probably appropriate to call any bus thereon a local!
Y'all know I posted a shorter 31 foot verison in an earlier thread.
enjoy!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
April 4, 2004
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal that the MTA absorb private bus fleets could result in costs far exceeding the $150 million the city now pays annually in subsidies to the seven lines, according to documents and interviews.
Taking over the lines - a total of 1,100 buses that serve 418,000 riders, mostly in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens - probably would require replacing dozens of aging buses, acquiring new depots and maintenance garages, and assuming control of pensions for hundreds of present and former employees, transit and bus company officials say privately.
"There are any number of issues," Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Tom Kelly said.
Those costs, as well as figuring out how to transfer employees from private companies to the MTA, a public authority, have delayed the takeover, according to people involved in the transfer. Bloomberg has sought for two years to transfer the lines, in large part to jettison the millions in subsidies from the city's strained budget.
The MTA maintains that it is only willing to take over the lines at no additional expense.
Costs unclear
The exact cost of the transfer could not be determined, and the only estimate the administration has offered publicly spans a huge range.
Susan Kupferman, director of the city's Office of Operations and Bloomberg's representative in negotiations, estimated in sworn testimony before a state Assembly committee in May that the transfer would cost between $10 million and $500 million.
At that time, she testified that the city could zero in on a more specific estimate by June of last year. A Bloomberg spokesman recently declined to release any updated figures, saying they were not final.
"We are negotiating this agreement with the MTA, not through the press," Jordan Barowitz said Friday.
Kupferman declined to comment last week. In May, she told the Assembly committee: "I would think that there is a significant capital cost that would be associated with bringing the fleet [of 1,100 buses] immediately up to the standards of the New York City Transit Authority."
Since then, the city has released $160 million in federal money to buy 450 new MTA buses for use after the takeover.
But MTA officials are skeptical those buses and the 650 older private buses would be enough to meet MTA standards, according to one NYC Transit official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. NYC Transit uses only more modern buses, fit to their own specifications.
"Probably the best maintained of the [remaining] buses are 20 years old," the official said.
If none of the new or older buses could be used, the MTA probably would need to acquire 650 buses, each of which costs about $350,000. That would total $227 million.
Nowhere to put them
Then there are the depots needed to house them. Although the city owns two bus depots that the private lines use, officials and private bus executives believe the MTA would need more to house maintenance shops and hundreds of vehicles.
Private bus companies say they will not lease or sell their depots to the MTA or the city.
NYC Transit drivers often are forced to park overnight on the street due to a lack of space, and it would be difficult for current maintenance facilities to absorb more buses.
"Eleven hundred buses is a quarter of our fleet," the official said.
Officials have indicated that they could merge routes to make service more efficient. Such a move, however, is sure to infuriate riders and their elected officials. The Bloomberg administration has asserted that service after the transfer would improve.
Last are the pension issues. Jerome Cooper, chairman of Jamaica Buses and chairman of a group of four lines, has estimated the pensions of the unionized employees at the companies total about $300 million.
Stanley Aronowitz, a unionized labor expert with City University of New York, said whoever takes over the companies would be on the hook for paying pensions, even when revenue flattens out.
"I'm sure that that's what they're worried about - that they're going to assume a tremendous burden," Aronowitz said.
Bloomberg in November identified the pension costs as one possible stumbling block to a deal.
"The state, the city, the private bus companies, the MTA, nobody has the money to do it," Bloomberg said when he signed legislation to extend by six months the companies' franchise agreements. "So we've got to find a way to do it. It's just one of those things that just takes time."
here's an example
You see,,,
And they say a pic is worth a thousand words(or irrlevant observations).
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Full Service tends to cost more then self service for some strange reason. I agree that gas prices have been on a roller coaster since 9/11 and I think it may start to get a bit more worse in NY State since they ban a type of chemincal in gas that was in cheaper gasoline and now have to settle buying gasoline that costs more.
Is it safe to say that we may have a repeat of what happin in the 70's again?
FWIW, we have two types: A.P. Smiths (in the 9370 photo) and Dressers, as seen behind 3503
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
MetroB
On occasion, in the PM rush hour, the PABT gets so backed up inside, that it is closed temporarily to entering buses. In such case, buses with passengers (and without) coming out of the Lincoln Tunnel from NJ have to turn right towards lower Manhattan, after which they then make two more right turns so they are headed north on 10th Avenue. With all the traffic along 10th Avenue, by time they get back up to the PABT, the ramps for entering buses are usually reopened.
And will this affect service or anything on the Q20?
Why? Does the current ATU contract specifically prohibit artics? Did it have to be modified to allow the MCI's?
Congrats. You're my home depot. Work hard at whatever the hell you're doing, 'kay? ;-)
Why doesn't brooklyn have these buses already? The B41/46/49 have sky high ridership
Because the Department of Buses hasn't yet assigned any to Brooklyn.
David
BIG AL
David
BIG AL
With only one or two exceptions, Q44 and Q20A/B trips are not blocked together. A bus that starts on the Q44 stays on the Q44 all day, and a bus that starts on the Q20A/B stays on the Q20A/B (and thus in Queens) all day. That way, if the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge gets totally screwy, the locals are still there to offer a crowded-but-regular headway along Main Street.
For sample
Run 1 start Q44 & stay all day
Run 2 start Q20A/B & in the afternoon run on Q44
Run 3 start Q44 & in the afternoon run on Q20A or B
The Winter 2004 pick has a combined "Q4420" with 97 runs plus a few pieces scattered among the Miscellaneous runs. However, Queens Road Control has requested that the Q4420 pieces be removed from the Miscellaneous so that the other routes involved in those runs won't be subject to the vagaries of Main Street and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. So, for the Spring 2004 pick, the Q4420 will have 100 runs with no Miscellaneous pieces.
[...also some Q20A/B & Q44 runs start all day. There are two relief point one on Main St next to Citibank heading to Bronx & other Roosevelt Av near McDonald & #7 Train Station Dropoff only. Forget Artics on Q20A/B & $$ line.
For sample
Run 1 start Q44 & stay all day
Run 2 start Q20A/B & in the afternoon run on Q44
Run 3 start Q44 & in the afternoon run on Q20A or B]
Actually, runs 1 through 4 are the "hawks" (a poor word to use, since hawks are not nocturnal birds), so they all start on the Q44. The second piece of each run can be Q44 or Q20A/B.
Note that my previous post referred to the bus itself, not the run operating it. A bus on the Q4420 will pull out to one branch (Q44 or Q20A/B) and stay on that branch all day. A run can stay on one branch or the other all day, or can have the first half on one branch and the second half on the other (depending on how all the work falls into place).
Ray
I think its based on ridership.
On Weekends when its just the Q20A/Q44,1st half could be Q20A,2nd half Q44,vice versa or all 20A or all 44.So basically what it comes down to is that runs that have both Q20 and 44,drivers will take out artics if they make it to CS as well as drivers who have the 44 all day long.If a driver has just the Q20 all day long,driver could be given a O5.
Da Hui
The manhattan bound Bx17 will run the same route
except from E132 St and Walnut Av. The bus will turn up
Walnut or Locust then on to E 138 St the, on to Manhattan using the Bx33 route.
The Bronx bound Bx 17 will run from Manhattan on the Bx33 same exact route but at E 134 St and Walnut it will turn and run to Fordham Plaza
from the route the Bx 17 runs now.
So what do you think?
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Incorrect, that is in fact 8444, I have confirmed this with Flatbush Depot myself, and certain destination signs on the 8000s DO NOT come out bold, Also since when has 4444 had a destination lowered on the side?
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BIG AL
B46#4444LTD
Sadly, NYCT does not see it this way. In many cases, they will try to get anything on the Bus Operator and make it look like it was HIS fault for causing the muil-vehicle accident. Anything to terminate the B/O just to make them look good. I had one conversation with a B/O in the Bronx some time ago, and he told me a kid darted in front of a moving bus and was struck (not sure if he was injured or killed). Guess what happened to the B/O? He was terminated after the accident.
Anything outside of divine intervention could NOT prevent that kind of accident. The bus involved was nothing more than an innocent victim.
[Anything to terminate the B/O just to make them look good.]
They just don't want to admit that their buses can be victimized like other vehicles. I bet you that if a small airplane making an emergency landing attempt on the Gowanus Expressway and lands on a bus, causing an accident, the B/O would STILL be at fault, despite the fact that the B/O had ZERO control over the accident.
[I had one conversation with a B/O in the Bronx some time ago, and he told me a kid darted in front of a moving bus and was struck (not sure if he was injured or killed). Guess what happened to the B/O? He was terminated after the accident.]
The B/O should sue the kid's parents. Even if the bus was moving at 15 MPH, it wouldn't come to a full stop if the kid jumped out 40 feet in front of the bus
The artics can stop on a dime, thanks to the retarder
How does placing the blame appropriately on a third party make NYCT look bad?
Acela
Is there some sort of advantage to this, because the same amount of light is being distributed in the bus, correct?
My comparasion/reasoning is from proper bathroom design(yes bathroom design!). What you're supposed to have around a vanity mirror is lights on both sides(left and right) of the mirror. Not top down. Top down makes you ugly and you dont' get a good detail of the uglyness either.
So that's my theory. Unless they jsut want to be different.
I notice that old New Flyers, Phantoms, Flxibles I've been on recently have the top/middle config. And the gillig Advantages have the bottom/sides config. Old Neoplans had the top ones too right? I can't rmemeber what NABI does.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Proofreader anyone for hire?
DUH!
Thank You
Chuck Greene
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
If you play your cards right, you may get to see one of the new Champion cutaways at Morrell Park loop on the 304.
Now if the 66 remains trackless, why would the 59 and 75 be diesels (after, all come from Frankford Depot, correct?).
You realize, I hope, that Philadelphia has the oldest trolley coach system continuously in operation in North America, dating back to 1923. However, the original two lines, Oregon Ave. and Ridge Ave. (today's bus route #61) have been diesel for a long time.
Chuck Greene
If this is the answer to how far backwards SEPTA is going, I don't like it one bit. Anyone else hear this??
I think the original poster of that message was confused or didn't see the whole process. It's entirely possible that the person removing wire was doing so to replace it later with a new later. SEPTA would have a very hard time talking itself out of bringing back the ETBs at this, the city is hounding them over their lack of use of the 59 and 66 wires, the clean air council is hounding them over a memo where they claim the DE40LF hybrids are replacements for the ETBs. Also people along the routes are apparantly starting to get angry with SEPTA, not neccesarily over the dieselification of their routes, although some have filed noise complaints, but rather over the fact that non-ADA compatible Neoplans often substituted for their semi-ADA compatible AMGs (only some had W/C Lifts, yet none of the lines were ever called W/C routes).
To reitterate, I'm fairly certain that the ETB system is coming back. Also, SEPTA would never go CNG, they retrofitted Germantown depot for it, and hated every minute of it, so fortunately we don't currently have to worry about SEPTA being so stupid as to jump on the CNG bandwagon. If they were going to do anything, it'd be to buy some 60 or so DE40LF hybrids, apparantly the operators and maitenance people like them, and they're actually saving SEPTA money when it comes to fuel costs. However, CNG or Hybrid, if SEPTA tried to swap out the ETBs for either they'd be in a world of hurt from whatever the Clean Air Council could do to them (sue?).
I was thinking about this, and wondered, does Philly charge Septa for usage?
Or is SEPTA technically getting free fuel/power on these routes?
if there was a charge/billing dispute, I could see SEPTA holding out.
I can understand other agencies. I read about making a downtown loop use CNG buses, or busy routes getting electric-hybred, and that's fine, because they dont' have the infrastructure and they're too cheap to build it.
SEPTA has the infrastructure some other cities would love to be dealt with today to build upon. What do they do?
CNG buses. CNG!! Natural gas! Come on. Up north yet! Good old natural gas which gets more expensive every single year!
As I anticipate 3 hybrid electric buses coming to town, I think about how much they would've have loved to have wires in place instaed.
SEPTA with CNGs? HA! That's way too expensive, especially since they are complaining about expensive diesel. Besides, with their HEVs, why would they go to CNG?
FIRST of all, I've noticed that SEPTA has mostly Neos on anything that wonce used wires. 23, 56, 66, 59, 75, 79... Neoplan city. 29, I don't ride, and 15 is the only one I've ever seen with a mix... usually, it's a NABI that slides in.
Well, we all know the 15's going back to trolley ops THIS very year... SUPPOSEDLY, it's somewhere in SEPTA's plans to restore ONE of their remaining bustituted trolley lines... The 56 has been having problems lately with loose concrete on the ROW getting sent flying across Erie Avenune by speedy drivers on the tracks that actually don't belong there. The concrete coming away is wehre the rails are set. IIR^, they removed most evidence of the 6 and 53 as trolleys failry quickly. The way SEPTA is doing things with their bus orders as it stands, they go for wider buses to have two seats facing forward per row to each side. When they retire the Neos, rumor has it (I've heard confirmations from some, but debunking from others, both working for the company) that the company plans to revitalize the rails and restore the 23 to trolley service... not so sure on the 56, but it seems more likely they'd fx that as well.
Now to the ETBs... the 29 and 79 are most likely finished. The removal of ETBs on the 29 is mostly due to housing development construction that requires detouring. However, in the same move, they extended it to Pier 70. It's been floated to extend the wires there (and to Franklin Mills Mall for the 66), but nothing so far seems to be coming from it. The 79, who knows? SEPTA hasn't extended it anywhere, the buses run the TB route... so it's likely they'd bring them back there.
However, that bit about Frankford... Bullsh*t. When FTC was finished, the wires were NOT EVEN THERE. Recently, I've seen the wires coming back up. SEPTA is constructing new berths to be used by Routes 26, 73, and 84 (26 because of the routing via Bridge and Torresdale weekdays). When THAT is done, guess what? The Bridge Street terminal building's construction will have been completed, and the 66 will have a loading stand in the area... the wires there will likely remain in their old place, allowing the 66 to keep its old loading spot. But mark my words, Frankford District WILL be utilizing ETBs on their routes. I see no reason they'd ignore the 75; the 59 and 66 all share Frankford... If SEPTA wanted to permanently bustitute the 75, the wires would be down right now.
And on a slightly unrelated note, the main reason, I believe, that no trolleys have made a more recent appearance on the 23 and 56 is that there isn't a depot nearby to accomodate them. Allegheny is all artics, Luzerne's been closed and bought (by who, I don't know), and Germantown's out of service as an active depot for the fixed routes. Midvale would need to exapnd quite a bit to handle the cars needed on the 23 and 56, especially with the 23's frequency.
Actually, my point about the order (for the 23 - that's the bustituted line i know the best that runs down narrow streets) is that there is going to be no space in case the order is delayed (remember the 5400 order that came years late?).
If SEPTA really wanted to save money, they would've started by getting more heavy duty 30ft buses instead of spec'ing cutaways for transit service - they are only going to last 5 years anyway.
About the wires...I have seen them put up and I did see a Neo on the 66. I did see an AMG at Frankford (my god, it looks so outdated), and I asked the info guy at frankford if he knew when they were coming back - he said no time soon, though.
[
However, I did read in some budget report (accessible at www.septa.org) that there was funding for new trolley coaches for 2005-2006 fiscal years, and we already recieved funding for them some time ago.
The TT system isn't going, and the fact that SEPTA would go for CNGs is laughable - that's an old technology, and with hybrids that actually SAVE money, why go for anything else that's so costly?
I'm guessing that maybe the 79 and 29 may eventually use hybrids, because I don't think Southern is thrilled with the older special units (look at what they did to 3414). However, I'm sure Frankford would bring them back.
Southern isn't too thrilled with being Southern... About the only damn thing they manage to not have problems with is the 17.
5: Half Frankford
23: Half Midvale
47: Half Midvale
57: Half Midvale
108: Half Victory, and crossing CTD and STD management makes for an impossible to monitor route.
They just got the G recently (Callowhill dropped its half of the G and 64 to make room for the 10 and 15 trolley routes), and... well, Callowhill was more reliable.
I could actually run off a list of EVERY CTD route, and give you which district should actually have it... and Southern doesn't need some of what Southern has. I'll post it if you want.
C, G, 2, 5, 7, 12, 17, 23, 29, 37, 47/47m, 57, 64, 68, 79, 108, and the Broad Street Owl.
18 routes.
G and 64 WERE half Callowhill, and the C, 23, 47 and 57 are half Midvale. The 5 is half Frankford; the depots split this route when the 5 terminated at 2nd & Oregon. Currently, it turns back at Front & Market - Southern needs no part of it. 2 may be half Midvale, and the 7 should be as well, or half Allegheny (at one point, an operator friend of mine changed from 65 to Route 61; he worked from Allegheny, and this was back when Luzerne was still active... before the Neo artics, Allegheny had RTS II's on the property). 47m isn't split. The 12 is hard to figure... it could esily be split with Callowhill (the now dead Route 63, which didn't actually cross the Schyulkill River into Southwest Philadelphia was also split with Callowhill, but the 12, which does cross, is not)
The G should have retained the split; it operates right past Callowhill Depot. The 64 as well, since its extension to Parkside Loop puts it further into Callowhill's territory. Route 108 is shared with Victory in the Suburban Transit Division. Southern also had half of Route 50 and all of Route 90. Currently, the transfers still include the 90. The Broad Street Owl is shared with Midvale.
Frontier: 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 118, 124/125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 133, 201, 204, 206, 304.
Victory: 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117/119, 118, 120, 122, 123, 314.
Southern: C, G, 2, 5, 7, 12, 17, 23, 29, 37, 47/47m, 57, 64, 68, 71, 79, 108, Broad Street Owl.
Callowhill: G, 15, 21, 30, 31, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 46, 52, 64, 65, 121, Market-Frankford Owl.
Allegheny: 6, 9, 27, 33, 48, 60, 65.
Midvale: C, H/XH, L, 2, 18, 22, 23, 26, 32, 35, 39, 47, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 61, 77, 80, 89, Broad Street Owl.
Frankford: J, K, R, 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 25, 59, 66, 75, 88, 89, Market-Frankford Owl.
Comly: R (assumedly, it's at the END of the route list; other transfers show letter routes before numbers, but Owl lines after number... R is under MFO), 1, 14, 19, 20, 24, 28, 58, 67, 70, 73, 84, 88, Market-Frankford Owl.
Elmwood: 10, 11, 13, 34, 36.
The 204 is a contract line [Krapf's].
Frontier should drop the Bucks County routes and give them to a closer depot...that's a lot of money with EZPass.
118 was extended... sometime in the mid 1990's, probably around the time they started Sunday service on the 110, or just after they started the 117/119 split. Before that, it terminated in Newtown Square, where short-turn 104 trips go back.
C: Southern/Midvale
G: Southern (/Callowhill)
H: Midvale
XH: midvale
J: Frankford
K: Frankford (/Midvale)
L: Midvale
R: Frankford (/Midvale), Allegheny, Comly?
1: Frankford/Comly (Comly/Midvale or Frankford/Callowhill)
2: Southern/Midvale
3: Frankford
5: Frankford/Southern (as if Southern needs their hands on it anymore)
6: Allegheny (It's all artics, so understood... Midvale handles Artics that Allegeheny can't hold)
7: Southern (/Allegheny or /Midvale)
8: Frankford
9: Allegheny
10: Elmwood/Callowhill, will lose Elmwood when the 15 returns to trolley ops.
11: Elmwood
12: Southern (/Callowhill)
13: Elmwood (Darby Terminal service is pull in/out from here)
14: Comly
15: Callowhill
17: Southern
18: Midvale/Frankford
19: Frankford/Comly
20: Comly
21: Callowhill
22: Midvale
23: Southern/Midvale
24: Comly
25: Frankford (/Southern)
26: Midvale/Frankford
27: Allegheny
28: Comly (/Midvale)
29: Southern
30: Callowhill
31: Callowhill
32: Midvale
33: Allegheny
34: Elmwood
35: Midvale
36: Elmwood
37: Southern (/Elmwood, if they ever decided to do buses as well)
38: Callowhill
39: Midvale
40: Callowhill
42: Callowhill
43: Callowhill (/Frankford or /Midvale, since the opening of the route to Port Richmond Village)
44: Callowhill
46: Callowhill
47: Midvale/Southern
47m: Southern
48: Allegheny
52: Callowhill
53: Midvale
54: Allegheny/Midvale Frankford
55: Midvale (/Frontier)
56: Midvale (/Comly)
57: Southern/Midvale
58: Comly
59: Frankford
60: Allegheny
61: Midvale
64: Southern/Callowhill
65: Callowhill/Allegheny
66: Frankford
67: Comly
68: Southern
70: Comly (/Midvale)
73: Comly (/Frankford)
75: Frankford
76: Callowhill
77: Midvale
79: Southern
80: Midvale
84: Comly
88: Frankford/Comly
89: Frankford/Midvale
108: Victory/Southern
121: Callowhill
Market-Frankford Owl: Callowhill/Frankford/Comly
Broad Street Owl: Southern/Midvale
I also recall Luzerne dumping off their half of the 65 (they owned the Broad & Erie trips), and I actually own a Route X schedule.
26, I'd have figured eventually, especially since Midvale has it now... but the K and the 8?
Oh... talk is floating about yanking the artics off the 18, and sending it back to Frankford... in a pig's eye! That thing is more crowded than the BSL sometimes. 18 needs to be in Allegheny and Midvale. Frankford needs to give half of the 25 to Southern, and half of the R to Midvale, and maybe send its half of the 1 along with it... and split the K with Midvale... take full control of the 73 and get their half of the 5 back, so Southern can get their hands off it!
Wait... didn't Germantown have the 23?
Now, on #5752 and #5755, I noticed that while those inside headlamps were on, the small rectangular orange little lights around the frontal sign (minilamps?) were NOT on. NOTE: The outside headlamps were not on.
So, my theory is this: If the outside headlamps are not on, these so-called "minilamps" do not go on.
Is this the case? TIA for your explanations.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Mayaguez-Mayaguez Airport-Rincon-Aguadilla-Aguadilla Airport-Arecibo-Rio Piedras-Luis Munoz Marin Int'l Airport(San Juan). First bus out of Mayaguez on both days would be 8:00AM, last bus out of San Juan both days would be 6 or 6:30PM. The travel time is about 2.5 hrs total, so I figure about 2 runs in each direction per day.
My question is...would it be worth it for me to buy a Scenicruiser(one that is in working condition), fix it up, and run it?
Also, any other suggestions are accepted(including to check into a mental hospital ASAP)
Now I wonder if SEPTA will continue using the black bellows or return to the grey ones.
What do you think about the BLACK bellows?
Daryl J
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
6, 9, 18, 22, 27, 33, 48, 54, 55, 60, 65
The 18, 22, 54, and 55 will also use 40 ft buses from Midvale (for the 65, 40-ft buses from Callowhill).
You'd have a better shot of seeing an artic at Olney Terminal (definately on the 6, probably on the 18, 22, and 55) than at Bridge-Pratt.
seeing an artic in Frankford would be a miracle.
Now that the El project if finished, no more Artics at Frankford.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Chuck Greene
wow, black? I've never heard of such a thing...even the WMATA Neos don't have black bellows.
That sounds hot, though. Maybe I'll start liking these big neos a little more...
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Sounds like Sandra Bullock driving a GMC New Look bus, and keeping it above 50 MPH. That's SPEED (1994) for ya!
Behold, the power of "If"
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
"The Gauntlet" (1976), Clint Eastwood and Sandra Locke hitting inside a bus with 10,000 bullets flying at the bus.
Just two films off the top of my head.
Shoulders was the man...
trivia from The Big Bus: The on board piano player was Murphy Dunne who later appeared as the piano player in the original Blues Brothers movie. When the nuclear engine blew on the Big Bus, Dunne was the only crewmember instantly into his radiation suit and was still playing the piano.
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
The following website has quite a listing of buses in movies. Steve is always looking for more to update his listings.
http://www.busstation.net/screen/screen.htm
"8 Mile" has some bus scenes and rides(including werido staring at you!)
"Training Day" Buses going by on Crenshaw in LA, one scene riding the grafitti filled filthed up bus towards the end. Also lots of freeway, and LRT shots. Tastefully included and to convey that urban sense in the movie(after all mass transit is urban isn't it? No matter how much people in some cities refuse to accept this).
The Laughing Policeman, 1972, set in San Francisco, with many shots of Muni Macks.
The Clock, 1944, with excellent shots of Fifth Avenue Coach double deckers.
Gentleman's Agreement, 1947, opening scenes show Fifth Avenue Coach and Surface Transit buses (single and double deckers) at 5th Ave. and 59th St.
"No Way to Treat A Lady" with George Segal and Lee Remick
"Bye Bye Braveman" also with George Segal
"You're A Big Boy Now", to name four films
I made many different uSA subways systems that were exactly to prototype...NYCTA, Boston, SEPTA, WMATA, PATH, LACMTA, San Diego Trolley, Berlin U-Bahn and a lot of others.
I gave up on BAHN, it got kinda boring after doing so many layouts...plus got real turned off after I sent registration $$$ to the author and a few months later, started getting some nastygrams about "ripping him off" by NOT registering. I save the moneygram receipt and sent a scan of it to no avail.
I dont think all of them are that great but with Bahn I did my best
Please tell me
Da Hui
I wonder what were the reasons.
The test was only about a year back, and occurred after the current order for high-floor artics was placed. As New Flyer will probably not manufacture high-floor artics after the current NYCT order is filled, it is possible NYCT could order New Flyer low floor artics sometime in the future, if it decides it wants more artics. On the other hand, some manufactureres, such as Neoplan, continue to make high floor artics.
I also noticed that the paint livery on the bus was different.
It was blue with two stripes of red - one on top and one on the bottom.
I wonder if that is a sign of things to come. I always did wonder if the NYC Bus livery would change eventually. Unless it's a NYC look - the busses look like the NYPD cars. :-)
B1-#4458-TMC
B1-#4497-TMC with soft seats.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Da Hui
If I missed anything please correct me.
thanks,
acela
In the TA Brooklyn Division and 126th Street Depot if you pick a run that has weekdays off then you have to pick a Saturday run and a Sunday run on the same line in the same work period. They are 3 work periods hawks(all night) AM runs that clear before 8:59PM and PM runs that clear after 9:00PM.
An example i pick a run that starts at 12:30PM and clears at 8:45PM weekdays with Thursday and Friday off. On Saturdays i pick a run on the same line that reports at 9:00AM and clears at 5:00PM and on Sunday that reports at 12:15PM and clears at 8:15PM. The next pick i can pick the same weekday and Sunday run but have to pick a different Saturday run because someone picked that Saturday run ahead of me. You can pick any run on the line provided that it's not a work run and its still an AM run.
If you pick a work run then you work the runs assigned to that work run and you can be assigned to a different line on any day.
I do not know how the TA Queens and Staten Island Divisions work.
In the OA(MABSTOA) you pick a run and everything is linked together. so if i have run 10 on weekdays i still work run 10 on Saturdays but it is not the same weekday schedule. The same is true on Sundays.
I hope that this clears it up for you
Thank You
That's only on the "TA" side. The "OA" contract doesn't categorize runs by time of day.
One picked run includes two days off, weekday work, and if anything other than S/S RDO's, those runs to be worked on Sa or Su.
BIG AL
A 102DL3 representing The Bus? Please. Also, the extra "S" on the ruler means that they're extra special:-)
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
....of BUS PICTURES!!! :)
-F.
Of course Dan Quayle wouldn't know what a bus is or what one looks like. Same thing goes for the management at Bmore MTA and THE BUS.
Yea, that MCI on anything with THE BUS's name on it is like any clean shiny 10 year old bus associated with Balt-MTA nowadays.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Press the button on the back of the light if you are a passenger (or driver) of The Bus, and the blinking light will signal for help, saving you from peril.
(AAA battery included for size comparison)
-F.
-F.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
BIG AL
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Funny thing is, one day I was walking down the street on one of my layovers, and an RTS went by -- the branches of a tree scraped the roof of the bus, and one of the lamp covers flew off and hit me!!! I brought it back into the shop and told them what bus it came from...they got a good laugh out of it, saying "Let's see if anyone even writes it up!"
Celebrating 6 years on the net (yes, with a few quirks here and there).
To Celebrate we are opening a brand new page called, APPETIZERS. The page is designed for the small properties all over the US and Canada or for properties we do not have a lot of pictures for.
Click Here
We pray for 6 more!!!!! Enjoy!
Regards,
Trevor Logan
Webmaster
www.transitalk.info
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
David
Man....no wonder our CDTA is so obsessed with roll signs.
HEY! CDTA has some of those nifty NovaBus LFS's!!
Most of us on the trip will be within the 15-25 age range.
If you wish more info, you can contact me via aim at R682770
Mark
M7 # 6368
WTF, hell no. Wow, guess the CNG is more powerful
Allen Dicion
Toronto, Canada
www.transithub.net
Bx31 #7664
3893, 4165, 4799, 8072, 8179, 8202, 8204, 8228, 8267, 8277, 8278, 7535, 7537, 7543, 7544, 7545, 7551, 7554, 7559 and 7039.
As you can see, ex-GH 3474 is not on the list, as was recently reported. I understand that Reman #7545 is a favorite among a few busfans. Well, at least it will still be around in some capacity (hopefully not at TCC or GBL, though).
Mark
Ray
RESPECT THE BUS OF NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!
Ray
Da Hui
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Once in Manhattan(about 20 mins later after I got on), Drop a person off at the 1st stop(34 St and 2 Ave), Anouther person got off at 28 St and 2 Ave. It was me and 3 others left by time 603 got to 23 and Park. 2 People got off at 23 and Park and I just sat there waiting for my stop to come up(Madison and 34) and this is where things shook up. She said to me and I heard her(I was sitting on the drivers side and 1 row infront of the seat by the small square window) and she said that this is the last stop and I told her that I was going to Madison and 34 and she told me only in the mornings the QM21 go's up Madison and I told her that I had other drivers let me off at Madison and 34(Something like that) and she also said that to not get nasty with her and I just said(I figure out a way to get to 34 St then). So I got off and she turned onto Madison and I took the R Train 2 stops to 34 St and got a subway map and it had JBL's phone number on it. So when I got outside, I got on the phone and called JBL up and the guy I spoke to at JBL where pretty helpful. The Inbound QM21's in the PM follows the same exact routeing as the Inbound QM21's in the AM. The guy asked me and I told him and he understood and he told me that he would have a talk with her when she get's back into the garage that she have to serve Madison Ave in the PM as well(I guessing I was talking to the dispatcher and I know he was not happy about it).
QM21's Inbound PM ridership is a bit light but almost everybody would get off at 34 St/2Ave,28 St/2 Ave, and 23 St/Park Ave. But that does not mean that they end there. If there's a person that needs to get off at a QM21 bus stop along Madison Ave or 57 St, they have to take the person to the stop they wanted. I hope when I get that lady again, I hope she would let me off at Madison Ave or else she would get into trouble.
This driver I talking about is a Black lady who look like in her Late 50's Early 60's and acts verry nicely with black hair. I did tell the guy that I was talking with at JBL that she was driving 603.
Regards,
Kevin
Another (and probably among my favorite) is bus-shaped lapel pins and tie clips. Usually made of solid brass with enameled details, you wouldn't expect to see them on a lawyer or doctor, but at the same rate, I appreciate them for what they are. I proudly wear my Flxible Metro-shaped pin on the collar of my leather jacket every day as if it were a badge of honor. :)
-Fred
-F.
Keychain Penlights
TIM promotional token (Not available to Public (Only 50 were minted), I Have 1 but will not give it up)
Pencils
Pens
Free TIM Local Ticket (Were Place on doorhangers 8 times a month to Tempe Residents In November - January 1998-1999 then 2 tickets during try transit week thru 2001)
But I have a rainforest amount of bus schedules and brochures/newsletters at least.
MetroB
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Orions V -- lightbulbs
Newflyers-- L.E.D's
Orion VII-- L.E.D's
BIG AL
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Ray
RESPECT THE BUSES OF NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Question; What would the area now called "New York City" be like if the consolidation of 1898 had never taken place- no Brooklyn, Queens (With or without today's Nassau), Staten Island or today's Bronx? This would mean today we have 5 cities today.
Do you think subways would still connect the separate "boroughs" like PATH, PATCO or other such "subway" lines. Would the BRT ever touch Park Row in Manhattan or end at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge? Would the LIRR serve Manhattan as well or just Brooklyn,Queens, etc. (As we know, Long Island DOES include Brooklyn and Queens since they share the same island at Nassau and Suffolk counties today.). What about the IRT, and would this have an influence on the IND's mission to replace the competing els?
Would the Pennsylvania Railroad have served Brooklyn as well since they owned the LIRR ? How would the Pennsylvania Railroad have reached Brooklyn?
You ideas are welcome. Thank you!
Maybe the subway system would have been built differently. It would be more railroad than subway. Maybe Metro North and LIRR would have interconnected and connected the 5 borough area together. The IRT would have concentrated in Manhattan and the Bronx. BRT would have been mostly in Brooklyn. Staten Island would have connected with the railroads in New Jersey.
The Pennsylvania Railroad bought the LIRR to built a tunnel into Manhattan and to use the Sunnyside Yard to turn their trains. I doubt if service would have continued into Brooklyn or Long Island. Maybe in cooperation with the New Haven, freight service might have been expanded in the 5 county area.
It's interesting to think what Robert Moses would have done. Maybe he would have still built his roads and maybe at a later date there might have been another move for consolidation.
I like Flxibles, The RTS, and The Orion I and V.
... And I love Neoplans!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Chuck Greene
BTW Greetings!!
I also love Neoplans, Flxibles, and the Orion V.
You can have the RTS and Orion 1
I like everything you like, except the RTS.
Wow, there I am, rambling. The buses you mentioned are my favorite buses...well, except the RTS... I grew up with Orion Is, and love them (I'd like to buy one if I could ever get enough money) and the Vs are pretty cool too. I love a good Flxible ride...well, not a Metro D, but MEtro Bs and E's are fun.
Anyway, welcome to Bustalk.
Some of the Philly busfans know me as "neoei3318."
I lived in philly until '96. Now I live outside of Reading.
Up here, There's BARTA, which still has Orion I's and Gillig Phantoms that have stood the test of time, a handfull of Orion V's, Nova RTS's and CNG New Flyer C-40LF's.
Now They're buying Chance Opus Low Floors and Diesel New Flyer D-40LF's that sound exactly like their SEPTA Counterparts (with the Allison Trannies).
The Intercity Carriers are Capital Trailways and Bieber Tourways. Capital have MCI 102A3 buses with 6V92TA's with Manual Trannies and 2 or 3 MC9's. Bieber's 102A3 buses are being converted from manual to Allison B500 automatic transmissons. They also bought two Gillig Phantoms from San Diego Transit. They have the 6V92TA engine but they have Allison B400 Trannies now.
Whew! well, that's it. But again, it's finally good to be on Bustalk.
The BARTA's are 1991's and have the standard DDEC Series 92/Allison HT- 748 Combo. They're pretty fast for the most part.
The two KU Phantoms are ex. San Diego Transit 1988 models. They're owned by Bieber Tourways and they fixed them up real nice and might have installed the Allison B-400 transmissions. For the most part, the B-400 sounds similar, to a 6V92/HT- 748, but with longer shifts, since they have to climb long hills.
Welcome!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Seriously, I go Ding Ding for fun.
30s/N2
To FH
Normal to Jenifer St
L on Jenifer
X Western, Jenifer becomes Friendship Blvd
R on Willard
R on Wisconsin Ave to terminal stand at Hechts
Normal routing to Downtown
Other Ns
To FH
Normal to Friendship Blvd
L on Friendship
R on Willard
R on Wisconsin Ave to terminal stand at Hechts
Normal routing to Farragut Sq
T2
To FH
Normal to Wisconsin Ave
R on Wisconsin Ave to terminal stand at Hechts
To Rockville
R on Western
R on Friendship
L on Willard, then normal routing
Es
Normal routing, both directions
Ls
Normal routing, both directions
Ride-On 23
Same as T2 OR normal routing on inbound, uses 29 routing outbound to Friendship, then R on Friendship, L on Western, normal route from there
Ride-On 29
To FH
Normal routing to Friendship Blvd
L on Friendship
R on Western
R into bus station to terminal stand
To Bethesda or Glen Echo
R on Wisconsin Cir
R on Western Ave
Resume normal routing
Ride-On 1/11
To FH
Normal Route to Wisconsin Cir
Keep straight on Western
R on Wisconsin Ave
R on Wisconsin Cir
R into bus station to terminal stand
To SS
Normal routing
Ride-On 42
Normal routing in both directions
Now, as you may recall, the entire bus station loop was closed for repaving in the summer of 2002 for two weeks and buses used similar detours, some of which were really not that great. Using Hecht's as a layover point causes quite a bit of traffic on Wisconsin Ave because the buses take up an entire lane. My question is, can they really do this for two whole years? I think the establishment of bus stops elsewhere in the area could work because that is already one congested block of Wisconsin Avenue and to move the layover point just a block could make a big difference.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Mark
:-)
So, what is your favorite bus photo ever taken by the webmaster of a bus website?
Here's the link to mine, taken by John Villanueva over at SubwaySpot.com.
Once again, keep up the good work, John!
So, what's your personal favorite?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
2801 - M27 5837 - M2 8750 - M104 9188 - M42
5025 - M104 6125 - Q32 8766 - M42 9197 - M50
5032 - M4 7038 - M42 8772 - M104 9270 - M104
5050 - M5 8601 - M42 8794 - M104 9370 - M104
5125 - M104 8611 - M6 8796 - M104 9488 - M104
5130 - M104 8616 - M42 8797 - M104 9510 - M104
5170 - M104 8637 - M42 8798 - M104 9611 - M104
5182 - M104 8646 - Q32 8802 - M104 9623 - M104
5184 - M5 8647 - M6 9011 - M6 9625 - M104
5194 - M104 8668 - M42 9013 - M42
All the M104 and 42's were seen at Bryant Park on 42nd & 6th.
Ray
RESPECT THE BUSES OF NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!
PROOFREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
If so, why? If not, please explain.
Are you interested in seeing more service, or less service along this line?
For example, on the Q46 Glen Oaks branch, too many "LIJ bound" passengers were being displaced at 260th Street in favor of a handful (or none, or anywhere between) going to the scheduled Glen Oaks terminal.
You're not likely to change a headway on the main portion of the route, and a 40-60 minute headway on any bus line during the day seems excessive (although I'm not familiar with the lines/routes you mention).
I don't think your data and subsequent possible suggestions will play any part in the bus service you reference. But it never hurts to try, and use it as a learning experience.
Good luck.
displace: to take the place of
An example: Busfans tend to be boring because they displace beautiful weather with online surfing.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
PROOFREAD! CLARIFY! LISTEN TO YOUR LITERACY/ENGLISH TEACHER! MAKE YOUR MESSAGES UNDERSTANDABLE! IT'S LIKE TALKING TO A FIVE-YEAR OLD WHEN WE'RE TRYING TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR READING MY SCROLLING MESSAGE AND UNDERSTANDING WHY WE ARE SO PISSED OFF WITH YOU, CDTA.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
This is why I love Bustalk. The info I learn,pics, wisecracks , oneliners and of course, the flaming .
That route has deceptively low ridership...usually you see 30ft El Dorados and cutaways (between the Gulph and Conshocken). However, would you know that this bus runs most frequently out of every other route from it's division (Frontier - not including the 124/125) during peak hours, and ALSO has one of the longest service hours (the 97, another Dorado route, has the longest).
I ride the 95, and they usually aren't packed...heck, I've had some buses to myself. However, that doesn't mean the ridership is that far down...maybe you just aren't riding the 85 enough during different times of the day in the right places.
Also remember the RIDERSHIP VARIES FROM DAY TO DAY. Just because one day the bus is empty doesn't mean the next day it is. You have to average ridership numbers through different times of the week or month or even year to get average ridership. Then a route is proposed to be cut and everything like that. Also, cutting a route is not just about the route itself...at least it's not supposed to be. What are the other alternative routes? Take Oren's rt 27. Alternative service: other ride-on routes and rt T2.
Ridership analysis is a complex process...but ask rideonrules, he knows this stuff a little bit better than me.
David
Jonn
Da Hui
Soon there will only be one agency with one bus running here, i'm not thrilled about the newest fastest growing area losing service.
W538AM - 4
S625 - 6
S645 - 2
M707 - 7
M727 - 11
DO NOT HAVE 745,805,828,845, AND 1005AM
S905 - 3
M927 - 8
M945 - 9
M1037 - 4
S1107 - 1
M1137 - 8
S1205PM - 12
M1237 - 15
DO NOT HAVE 105,137,207,442,502,545,622,645,743PM
M245 - 9
M302 - 11
M322 - 8
S345 - 6
M402 - 11
M422 - 12
M525 - 6
M542 - 3
M846 - 7
M946 - 5
S1044 - 1
M1146 - 1 LAST BUS NORTHBOUND
The letters next to the times is the terminal name the bus is coming from:
M -Manor(Nursing Home)
S - Stow Ave (Apartments)
W - Williams Rd (Small Apartments and a Private School) What I want to know is ehat should change of this. To me most of the numbers are low. What do you think should change.
We also need to know what the operating agency's scheduling guidelines are -- the guidelines show how many trips should be operated over a given period (hour, half hour, etc.) for a given ridership level. At NYC Transit, for example, there are different sets of guidelines for rush hours, "base" service, "shoulders," and overnights, as well as for "standard" 40-foot buses vs. artics vs. over-the-road express buses. These guidelines are on a sliding scale, so that the more heavily used routes would be allowed to have a few more people per bus on them than more lightly-used routes.
David
David
Let's say there's a route that has 200 people passing through the maximum load point between 8 and 8:30 on a weekday morning (which would be the AM rush). The guidelines would call for, say, 4 trips, which works out to an average of 50 people per bus.
Now let's say there's another route that has 500 people passing through the maximum load point between 8 and 8:30 on a weekday morning. The guidelines would call for, say, 8 trips, which works out to 62.5 people per bus. That's where the sliding scale comes into play -- if we were shooting for a flat 50 people per bus no matter how busy the route is, we would schedule 10 trips for the 500 people on the route. But we didn't -- we scheduled 8. See?
Now let me add another twist -- the first route is a "grid" route and the second route is a "feeder" route. A "grid" route has a lot of on/off activity -- there's no one big place where everybody's going, like a subway station or a hospital. A "feeder" route mostly picks up along the line and then drops most of them off at one place (again, like a subway station or a hospital) -- in the afternoon, the reverse happens -- everybody piles on at the start of the trip and they get off as the bus goes along the line.
David
YOU ARE BECOMING SO PERVASIVE THAT IN MY OPINION, YOU ARE ALMOST JUST AS BAD AS DEFJEF OVER AT SUBTALK (THANK GOD YOU AREN'T). STOP ASKING THE SAME THINGS OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! MAKE YOUR POINTS CLEAR!!!!!! YOU CONFUSE THE H__L OUT OF EVERYBODY!!!!!!!! IF WE CAN'T ANSWER YOU, IT'S BECAUSE WE MAY NOT KNOW THE ANSWER OR WE CAN'T STAND YOU OR YOU JUST DO NOT POST IN AN ORGANIZED UNDERSTANDABLE MANNER!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR READING MY SECOND SCROLLING MESSAGE, CDTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
CDTA
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Of course, you could simply right-click the message and view the source. You could then immediately read the scrolling message as static text.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
I am a new poster at Subtalk and I last posted at Bustalk in March 2003, so I am kind of "new" there. I live in Phoenix and I moved from New York in 1993. I have been a railroad/subway/anything on rails enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and I have been a busfan for 3 years. I go back to New York sometimes in the summer, and when I have an opportunity I try to ride some of the trains there. I also ride the Phoenix area bus system, Valley Metro often (as there is not much else there besides buses) and that led me to become a busfan as well.
Rosco
(The guy former known as phoenix6116 at Bustalk)
People who use TransitGallery.com will see a big change, better service and more new supported stuff and new improved, you've been waiting for, FTP Feature!
This fun will begin sometime between May to June!
Also, soon I will offer email with TransitGallery.com and it will be available to members only.
I'm glad people now starting putting videos and I sucessfully repaired and upgrade to a new version however, version 3.0 will be due in May which will be much better.
Again, thanks for your support !
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
OOps, The better vantage points came out blurry(dang bumps).
Obviously no grab bars. Nice blue floors. Nice highback plush cushion seats with springs on the bottom. Push strip stop request thing along top of the windows. Driver operated rear doors.
Very nice bus.
Also, anyone know how to fix up pictures that were taken in the overcast? They got this hue to them.
Because of the fact that Phoenix's transit system is not covered that well in many websites (except for NATransit.com and western-transit.com), I was thinking about starting to take pictures of some of the PHX buses and sending them in somewhere. I know that some transit systems you need to get a photo permit. Are there any restrictions for taking pics (inside buses and outside) for Phoenix?
However, the hardest thing will be getting pictures of old equipment. I have searched and there are NO pictures that I know of from buses built before 1985 in Phoenix. If anyone happens to have these or know where I can find these, please either send me the link or post them here. I'll try to start taking pictures as soon as I can find a camera.
Also, if anyone has any Phoenix roster information, could you please tell me where it is at?
Thanks a lot,
Rosco
As far as buses go, if you're on a street corner or a mall parking lot, I doubt there's any legal issues in regards to taking photos. It's a public place and a public object.
And as far as you taking pictures and posting them here, good, takes the pressure off me to de-northeast-ify the place. :)
Oh, plus when I take a photo of the inside of a bus, I'm sneaking it in when the bus is empty or etc. I've been noticing some drivers around my parts probably would have zero problem anyway.
I'm not sure about Valley Metro's numerous transit centers, since they are technically private property. If you are questioned by a Valley Metro employee, explain politely what you are doing. Some transit systems have no problem with photographers.
I don't take many interior photos, but if I do it is when the bus is empty. As a rule, I try not to get people in my photos unless they are boarding a bus - one thing I've learned over the years is that some people do not like having their picture taken by a stranger.
Good luck, and have fun!
Jim D.
Don't you love it too?:-)
Purely speculative.
I get on 263 and the bus has slow acceleration and it is nearly filled up but its a good ride & I just miss 154 on the Q74 so I change at Union Tpke for the Q46 and I ride 505 to the last stop then I get on 1166 on the Q10 and I ride it to JFK Airport via Conduit and it was a fast ride, went through the terminals quickly and I see three Classics [712,714,715] along the way. So then I get on 8017 on the B15 and its a fast ride along Conduit Av and the Airport roads but the suspensions were kinda shaky. So I get off at Ashford St to catch 9176 on the B6 LTD, which I just made and its a mellow ride along the way and I take it to East 16 St to catch the Q and some notables include seeing 9231,9247,9316 & 9327. Then I finish my trip after riding the Q to my home stop.
R42 4947 (B)
O5 6047 M60
O5 256 Q48
O5 263 Q44
O5 505 Q46
GBL RTS 1166 Q10
RTS 8017 B15
RTS 9176 B6 LTD
R68 2862 (Q)
Da Hui
Those were probably Gillig low-floor buses (at least the ones for Hertz and Avis; don't know what National might have).
Bx31 # 7675
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BTW, that's one for you Brandon, one for Kyle (patylekenny), one for Daryl (Transitguy5501), and one each for the sororities at St. John's University for whom I delayed my SEPTA trip (Gamma Phi Beta, Zeta Mu Chapter, and Lambda Phi.) You may decide upon yourselves who wants what M and M. I will take the one on the bottom.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Dude, that's freakin enough already. Let me guess, just recently you're not a pledge anymore?
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
5454, 5497, 5561, 5569, 5692, 5711, 5712
I think there are a few others, but these are the ones that I have personally seen.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Chuck Greene
Interesting how a major airline announced paycuts for everyone the same week SEPTA ups it's debt over 2-5million bucks(depending on # of TWU workers. Not sure the total).
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
There are three words in the zoning code that every NIMBY hates: "as of right." Basically, it means that a proposed development that complies with the letter of the code (say, a three-bedroom house in a low-density residential zone, or a bus depot in a manufacturing zone) does not need to go through the public review process.
Da Hui
Got the 7 train out of Flushing to TSQ. Spotted the circus train at HP Av just before the tunnel.
Walked over to PABT and hung out for a few hrs....that place is alot bigger than I thought. Saw some DeCamp, some Lakeland. Then I went out to 9th and....uh.....41st? Saw a hole load of buses comming in from west of the hudson. Got some nice pictures(atleast I hope). A few hounds(one of them read Mobile, Al on the destination sign), some Academy, Martz, Bieber, and a few Red and Tans.
Took 1/9 to 50th, walked over to my mom's office, got some more cash. Went over to that exhibit they got at the UBS building, pretty neat. Took the B/D or w/e it is now from Rockefeller to 42nd, got the 7 to GCT, met up with a friend from phili.
Commin home I grabbed the L from 3rd Av, took it to the 3, met my mom at NYP, took LIRR PW line home.
I'm really hoping my pictures came out. Got some pics from the train and a lot of bus pics at PABT.
Enjoy!
IMO, the sound from DB's Flxibles is better than their counterpart in VTA....
When you bid, and win...then you work with the seller and send them funds to cover your bid and shipping/handling. ONLY if you are the winning bidder.
2)I supposed they carried as many readings as whatever depot the bus was operating out of.
3)Try and remember the answer questions before reasking them again. :)
4)Sometimes they get refueled, maintences sometimes clean them out. Some of them get repairs if needed.
2.) A lot of them. If you want a specific number, lets just say 87
3.) Contact CDTA's Transit Analyst Or Transit Planner
4.) They get inspected, serviced, cleaned, money taken out of the farebox, refueled, sleep overnight, inspected, and then they go back out the next day.
5.) CLICK HERE
6.) Yes, CLICK HERE
Those 6 NJT routes ran from the old TNJ/NJT Elizabeth garage, and the roll sign is likely from a 1976 Flxible New Look suburban.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Da Hui
We were all kids at one time. Give him a break. Or killfile him.
What do you mean?
Arti
MetroB
Was he actually a transit advocate in addition to a beat reporter?
Da Hui
My reports are that buses from both depots have been breaking down. Most of these people DO ride Yukon buses, but Yukon is significantly more overcrowded than Castleton. It must be hell trying to service all of those buses properly.
Da Hui
MetroB
The problem is, unless that location is absolutely, positively known to be the maximum load point (or at least the point at which the route splits or comes together), the numbers will be meaningless.
David
David
David
Find out the route's busiest point(s) and do your counts there over two entire service days. (Two days are preferable, to allow for things like variability in riding, accidents, and/or missing trips). Or just contact the agency's scheduling people and ask for their numbers.
I have kept quiet over this moron up until now but I feel it is just going over the top. Nothing but the same stupid questions a million times over!
For everyone's benefit CDTA, please STOP IT.
Da Hui
Offline or online it does not matter
Thank You
Da Hui
David
1-The B-17 Remsen Avenue route will operate with one branch between Eastern Parkway/Utica Avenue Station and Seaview Avenue/East 108th Street
2-A new bus route which i will call the B-18 will operate from Seaview Ave/East 80th Street to Gateway Mall as follows
via East 80th Street,East82nd Street,Avenue L,Remsen Avenue,Glenwood Road,Cozine Avenue,Fountain Avenue,Seaview Avenue,Erskine Street and stand at Gateway Mall
Return via Erskine Street,Vandaila Avenue,Fountain Avenue,Cozine Avenue,Glenwood Road,East 103rd Street,Flatlands Avenue,East 96th Street,Glenwood Road,Rockaway Parkway,Flatlands Avenue,Remsen Avenue,Avenue L,Paedegat 14thStreet(?),Paedegat Avenue,Seaview Avenue,East 80th Street and stand. During early AM rush buses will operate From Seaview/E. 80th St to Rockaway Pkway/Glenwood Rd only.
Benefits:One seat ride from Canarsie to Gateway Mall,easier transfer from Starrett City via the B-83(2 buses instead of current3 buses),bus service to Cozine Avenue Industrial Park, Easy transfer to/from the B-6,B-17,B-42,B-47,B-60 and B-82 routes from other parts of Brooklyn
Any comments
Thank You
David
Da Hui
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
http://brooklynbus.tripod.com/cbt2/id17.html
What are the best bus routes around the city to drive? and why?
Some like long runs and few trips ie B-6 ,B-41 ,B-44,B-46 or B-82
Some like short runs and more trips ie B-42 or B-74
Depends on what each drive likes
Thats my opinion
Thank You
A good majority prefer a light, short run with maximum pay and weekends off. Most runs aren't picked by location, but by included days off and the amount the run pays.
For me personally, I'd pick the Q79 regardless of the pay or days off. I prefer peace, quiet and minimal stress -- if possible :-)
Since that's not possible due to my depot peg, I pick by vehicle time, included boost time meal time, run on/off time and differential.
One sad note. Late one night the police spotted an M116 in an odd position at the East Side turnaround...120th and Garibaldi?...and discovered the operator had suffered a fatal heart attack. I was driving a cab then and I kinda identified with the guy. To die like that, all alone. No one even knowing until it was too late. A shame!
B31-#5084-NOVABUS
B3-#9096-NOVABUS
Da Hui
David
Da Hui
David
Example:
Run 012 on the Q98:
Report: 7:00 AM
Pull-Out: 7:08 AM
Pill-In: 12:01 PM
Pull-Out: 12:58 PM
Pull-In: 2:46 PM
Clear: 2:50 PM
The spread (total time from report to clear) is less than 8 hours. It's 7 hours and 50 minutes. The run actually pays 8 hours. This run will include a "boost" of 10 minutes additional pay to bring the run to 8 hours. This additional 10 minutes is time not worked.
However, should the operator of this run pull-in a maximum of 10 minutes late, or lose 10 minutes of run time for any given reason (road-call, sick-off-run, etc), the operator will not receive those 10 minutes extra pay as additional overtime.
The run number remains constant throughout the bus operators workday. The run number on the bus will change as a relief is made, but the run number assigned to a run will never change.
Run numbers are assigned to RUNS- not buses, not necessarily bus drivers. The oddity here is that should B/O Smith "go sick", his run will be covered by someone else who will then become "Run 001". Run 001 remains Run 001 (which has a predetermined schedule and pay).
Run 011 on the Q97:
Report: 7:00 AM
Pull-Out: 7:08 AM
R-6: 12:01 PM
R-9: 12:58 PM
Pull-In: 2:46 PM
Clear: 2:50 PM
BO Smith, Run 11 pulls bus 9990 out of the depot at 7:08 AM. Run 11 then gets relieved by Run 006 (who is just starting his day and has no bus, but walked or otherwise traveled to the relief point) at 12:01 PM. He gives his bus (9990) to BO Jones who changes the run number to 006. Run 006 now follows his schedule operating bus 9990.
At 12:58 PM, BO Smith comes back from "meal" (his lunch) and takes bus 9992 from Run 009 (who is now going on his lunch). BO Smith changes the run number from 009 to 011 and continues his schedule in passenger service.
At 1:00 PM, BO Smith feels ill. He had White Castle and Popeyes and can't continue in service. He pulls his bus off the road, notifies console that he's "going sick off run" and pulls into the depot. His run pay is cut for time actually worked and his day is done.
At 1:15 PM, BO Green, who is working the 11AM to 3PM "Reserve Trick" (standby) is notified that is instructed to complete the run left open by BO Smith. BO Green pulls out bus 9993, sets the run number to 011 and follows the schedule for Run 011.
Does this make sense? Let me know if I'm not clear.
Down here in Washington, we have block numbers not run numbers. The block number stays with the bus regardless of how many times there is an operator change. In New York, the run number changes every time there is a B/O change.
Michael
Washington, DC
Da Hui
David
David
Chuck Greene
Chuck Greene
There's a key distinction to be made:
- A run is a specific driver's assignment, which (at NYCT) typically includes trips on multiple blocks.
- A block is a set of trips covered by a physical bus, from pull-out to pull-in. If a block is long enough (up to 20 hours at NYCT), it might be covered by multiple runs (drivers) making reliefs and getting relieved.
Some agencies focus primarily on blocks, others on runs. NYCT uses blocks in the schedule development process but expresses the final result in terms of runs.
Michael
Washington, DC
Does NYCT Bus have any split runs or are they all straight?
Everyone else either pulls-in or gets relieved on the half, unless they have an "unofficial official" agreement with the Yard SLD.
Aside from hawks, a bus could be out for upwards of 20 hours on many different routes (especially now with Misc Interlining) running any number of Runs. From 2 to (I guess) 8 or 9 different runs, depending upon the number of reliefs, number of runs on a route (scheduled to remain in serrvice, of course) and if that bus pulled-in was drilled and sent back out.
Big Al can fill in the details.
David
So in response to CDTA's question (purely conjecture, anyone can feel free to correct it to make it more accurate):
A large number of straights and splits probably report starting between 3 and 4 AM and continuing to about 6 or 7 AM
The splits clear between 8 and 10 AM
The AM straights clear between 12 and 2 PM at which time the PM straights report
The splits return for PM rush between 2 and 4 PM
Operators covering evenings begin to report around 3 or 4 PM and work until around midnight or 1 AM
Hawks fall somewhere in all that
Comes out at 730am on bus 8646
Goes to lunch at 1200pm
While at lunch another driver takes over run 11 on bus say 9025
Then again when that driver goes to lunch
Da Hui
Da Hui
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
BIG AL
BIG AL
PS: Just kidding. I don't want you to have a heart attack.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Would it help if NJT opened a garage somewhere in Middlesex County and created new bus routes to help underserved areas? Or should NJT open a garage to add capacity? They could send the spares from Northern Garages (Metro Bs and Ds, RTS, MCIs). Maybe it would be a good opportunity for NJT to order buses from Millennium RTS. What do you think?
MetroB
An articulated city bus can haul a large load of passengers and still get around corners.
Bob Golfen
Road Test
Apr. 10, 2004 12:00 AM
Bus drivers hate it when you mention Ralph Kramden. That's so corny, going back to when Jackie Gleason portrayed the harried New York bus driver on The Honeymooners.
Those were the days, when bus drivers were bus drivers, before they were somehow upgraded to bus operators, as they're now called.
Whatever they are, I got to be one. And not only did I drive the bus, I drove the oversize kind that bends around corners.
A strange and amazing experience, fraught with terror? Not really, although I was somewhat concerned about flipping a $500,000 city bus while doing hot laps on a racetrack.
The track was a curving road course at Firebird International Raceway. The test vehicle was one of the 20 new articulated buses recently put on the street by Valley Metro.
The only strange and amazing part was Valley Metro entrusting me with one of their new buses. Driving instructor Jim Valenziano and several transit-company executives were brave enough to ride along. A Ralph Kramden joke elicited a blank stare.
The articulated bus is a marvel of modern technology, although its styling hasn't changed much over the years. What it is, mainly, is big. More than 60 feet long, 8½ feet wide and weighing 41,000 pounds (about 14 Honda Civics), this was the biggest, heaviest, most expensive vehicle I've ever driven.
Actually, my hot laps weren't all that hot, rarely crossing the 40 mph range. At that, I felt like I was hurtling along. I wanted to stop for passengers and holler, "Watch your step!" But that was not to be.
At least the Valley Metro people gave me a hat to wear, one of those old-fashioned bus-driver hats that hardly any drivers use anymore. They call them "Jackie Gleasons."
What it is
An articulated city bus built by New Flyer Industries of Winnipeg, Canada.
Performance
Here's a surprise: The 41,000-pound bus (not including riders) is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine. Just like a Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
But the bus engine displaces 7 liters, making each piston about the size of a 5-pound coffee can. The turbocharged diesel churns out 330 horsepower, which doesn't sound like much unless you consider its 1,100 pound-feet of torque. That's serious muscle.
Built by Detroit Diesel and linked to a five-speed Allison automatic transmission, the engine accelerates quietly, with nearly imperceptible gear changes.
The buses qualify as alternative-fuel vehicles because they use ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. Eventually, all diesel fuel will be ultra-low sulfur, but for now, it's alternative.
The engine is rated for more than a half-million miles before it needs a rebuild, according to the manufacturer.
The fuel tank holds 147 gallons, which is a good thing since mileage is a paltry 1.7 mpg city and 3 mpg highway.
Drivability
As driving instructor Jim Valenziano said, the bus is pretty responsive for what it is.
The bus was surprisingly easy to maneuver, not nearly as difficult as I anticipated. Cornering was weird. Obviously, you have to take corners very wide, keeping in mind the many thousands of pounds of bus lurching behind you, swinging around and bending in half. I kept all 10 wheels on the track.
The air brakes are highly effective, enough to elicit a few shrieks from the back when at first I hit them too hard. Air suspension provides a smooth ride, as well as allowing the bus to "kneel" for any passenger needing a smaller step up.
Styling
Though not as flashy as Valley Metro's new rapid buses, the articulated bus has a certain stoic appeal.
Interior
There's seating for 55 people, plus as many as 45 strap hangers. Transit folk call the maximum capacity the "crush load," which doesn't sound too appealing.
The seats are attractively upholstered with heavy fabric, with cushions that can be replaced quickly for wear or vandalism.
The floor is noticeably lower than buses of the past, making it easier to board.
Behind the wheel, the driver is faced with an initially bewildering array of switches across the front and side that control engine functions, suspension height, door opening, wheelchair ramp, climate control and a bunch of other stuff.
A newly designed electronic screen provides the driver with immediate information about traffic conditions, route connections and other news from headquarters.
The seating position is high and thronelike, giving the driver a commanding view of the road.
Pricing
The bus comes nearly complete from New Flyer at $474,243. Valley Metro adds such extras as the fare box and electronic information system, for a total of $507,243. Part of the cost of the 20 articulated buses came from the proceeds of Arizona Lottery tickets.
Bottom line
Roomy and responsive, the articulated bus is everything you could desire in a city bus. Ralph Kramden never had it so good.
------------------------------------------------------------------
New Flyer DLF60 articulated bus
Vehicle type: 55-passenger, Three-door urban bus, rear-wheel drive.
Base price: $474,243.
Price as tested: $507,243.
Engine: 7-liter, inline-four diesel, 330 horsepower, 1,100 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Total length: 60.7 feet.
Curb weight: 41,000 pounds.
EPA mileage: 1.7 city, 3 highway.
Highs:
• Roomy interior.
• Engine performance.
• Bends in the middle
Lows:
• Dicey handling.
• Hard to park.
• Grim fuel mileage.
Copyright 2004, azcentral.com. All rights reserved.
The D60LF's that I drive get a whopping TWO miles per gallon....
Anybody know what routes NBBC operates? Like maybe downtown Newburgh to the Beacon Metro-North station? ;=D
I don't kwow whether this is the bus you saw, but Leprechaun Lines operates buses between Beacon and Newburgh, which also serve Stewart International Airport. Info is available at this web address:
http://www.leprechaunlines.com/commuter_newburghbeacon.cfm
The D60LF's that I drive get a whopping TWO miles per gallon....
Did any of them get upgraded to the 6V92 at all?
Any info is appreciated.
A few of the buses that came with 6V-71 were upgraded to 6V-92 (including all of the 1981 RTSs that were rehabbed and became 7000s/7500s). Supposedly a few buses that came with 6V-92 were downgraded to 6V-71!
1983 RTS 3160 was the test bus for the Series 50 engine.
David
Some of the '81 buses came with the DD 6V-92TA engine. Those were 1288-1317 and 2281-2300. 1308 was an unlucky recipient of the DD 6V-71N early in it's life.
'82 - PA1717 and PA1743 also had their 6V-92TAs swapped for the dreadful 6V-71N.
CDTA
HELLDorado on the LUCY
New Flyer D40LF 5432 on the 44 line by 30 Street Station
NABI 416 5373 at 69 Street Terminal
SEPTA Neoplan 7123 at Olney Terminal
M and Ms for everyone! (One for Daryl, Brandon, and Kyle, the other two for the two St. John's University sororities that delayed my trip to Philly, Lambda Phi and Gamma Phi Beta (Zeta Mu Chapter)! Actually, this is SEPTA 5711 on the 18 on Olney Avenue at Broad Street, on the far side from the terminal.
For you old time Neoplan fans, I present:
Neoplan AN440EI 3353, at Olney!
Last but not least is:
Neoplan AN460 7201 at JFK Boulevard and 15th Street, across from that great City Hall!
Enjoy!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Daryl Jackson aka Frankford3425
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Nice pics!
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
If more service is needed (and I don't think it is), headways can be shortened. (And on the flip side, if artics are implemented, headways will be lengthened. Not only will the ride be slower, but the wait for the bus will be longer.)
Getting to New York
Sunday, April 11, 2004; Page P02
Planes, trains, automobiles and ultra-cheap buses all play their part in a trip to the Big Apple. Here's how to get from here to there.
• PLANE: Many carriers offer service from the D.C. area airports to Newark, LaGuardia and JFK, starting at about $140 round trip, with restrictions. Once on the ground, here's how to get into town:
* From JFK (718-244-4444, www.panynj.gov/aviation/jfkframe.HTM). Taxi fare for the 15-mile, 30- to 60-minute trip to Manhattan costs $35 ($45 after May 3), plus tolls (about $4) and tip. (From Manhattan to the airport, the cost is metered fare plus tolls/tip.) For $5, the new AirTrain JFK takes you to the Long Island Rail Road and E, J/Z subways at Jamaica Station and the A subway at the Howard Beach station, from which it's a 60- to 75-minute ride to midtown. MetroCard, the electronic fare card used for subways and buses, is $2 per ride and available at the airport and subway stations. Info: 718-330-1234, www.mta.nyc.ny.us.
New York Airport Service Express Bus (718-875-8200, www.nyairportservice.com) runs between JFK and Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority and Penn Station; the 50- to 70-minute ride is $13 one way, $23 round trip.
SuperShuttle (800-451-0455, www.supershuttle.com) leaves every 15 to 20 minutes and is $17 one way.
* From LaGuardia (718-533-3400, www.panynj.gov/aviation/lgaframe.HTM). Taxi fare for the eight-mile, 30- to 45-minute trip costs $16 to $27, plus tolls (about $4) and tip. The M60 public bus, which stops at the terminal, goes to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, and other stops.
SuperShuttle charges $15 to anywhere in Manhattan. For the 40- to 60-minute ride, New York Airport Service Express Bus charges $10 one way, $17 round trip between LaGuardia and Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority and Penn Station.
* From Newark (973-961-6000, www.panynj.gov/aviation/ewrframe.HTM). Taxi fare for the 16-mile, 45- to 60-minute trip costs $40 to $60, plus tolls (about $10) and tip.
The Olympia Newark Airport Express (908-354-3330, www.olympiabus.com) goes to Grand Central Station and Port Authority; the trip takes 45 to 60 minutes and is $12 one way, $19 round trip.
The AirTrain leaves from the gate level and connects to the Rail Link Station, where you can access trains to New York's Penn Station (one way on Jersey Transit is $11.55 and takes 30 minutes; one way on Amtrak is $26 and takes 25 minutes). Details: 800-626-7433, www.njtransit.com; 800-872-7245, www.amtrak.com.
Another option: Take the No. 62 bus ($1.10) to Newark's Penn Station, then hop a PATH train ($1.50) for the 35-minute ride to 33rd Street via Jersey City. Info: 800-234-7284, www.panynj.com/path/index.html.
• BUS: Greyhound and Peter Pan have daily service, departing almost hourly with additional trips on weekends. Buses run from the D.C. terminal (1005 First St. NE) to New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal (Eighth Avenue and 41st Street). The ride takes 41/2 to 5 hours. Fares are $38 one way, $70 round trip; $20 one-way tickets available with advance purchase. Info: 800-231-2222, www.greyhound.com.
Washington Deluxe runs a few buses a day for $20 one way, $35 round trip. Buses depart Washington from 1015 15th St. NW and 441 New Jersey Ave. NW and stop at 303 W. 34th St. and in Brooklyn. Reserve ahead. Details: 866-287-6932, www.washny.com.
For Chinatown to Chinatown service, Today Travel leaves from 610 I St. NW and arrives at 88 E. Broadway (four blocks from the East Broadway stop on the F train). Purchase tickets ($20 one way, $35 round trip) from www.ivymedia.com/washingtondc; show your confirmation printout at the office and you'll get an assigned seat number.
• TRAIN: Amtrak's Acela Express high-speed train goes from D.C.'s Union Station to New York's Penn Station in 2 hours 45 minutes; one-way fares are $157 for business class. The three-hour trip on the Metroliner starts at $109 one way in business class. Fares for regional service (about 31/2 hours in less-cushy cars) start at $72 one way. Info: 800-872-7245, www.amtrak.com.
• CAR: It takes about 41/2 hours to cover the 238 miles from the Beltway to New York. As hotel parking and garages run upward from $20 per day, consider parking in northern New Jersey and taking a train or ferry to Manhattan.
* Trains from Hoboken, N.J. PATH trains operate daily from Hoboken to several stops in Manhattan for $1.50 each way; commute time to West 33rd Street is 14 minutes. Paid parking available nearby. Details: 800-234-7284, www.panynj.gov/path/index.html.
* Trains from Metropark in Iselin, N.J., or ferries from Jersey ports. See accompanying Lab Report.
• FOR MORE INFORMATION: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 212-435-7000, www.panynj.gov.
-- Anne McDonough
Lab Report: N.J. Transit Train vs. N.Y. Waterway Ferry
Research Question: Readers bound for Manhattan frequently ask us, "How can I drive to New York without parking in the city?" Easy. Stop in New Jersey. We sent Travel staffers Andrea Sachs (ferry from Weehawken) and John Deiner (train from Metropark station in Iselin) to weigh two good options.
N.J. TRANSIT TRAIN FROM METROPARK
* TRANSIT TIME: About 4 hours 15 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes/204 miles by car from D.C., plus 10 minutes to park and buy a ticket and 45 minutes on the train -- there was one waiting for us when we got to the platform).
* COST (EXCEPT FOR GAS): $22.80 for round-trip tolls; $10.25 off-peak round-trip train fare; $4 parking ($2 a day on weekends, $5 weekdays). Total: $37.05.
* PROS: Easy to find off the Garden State Parkway (via Exit 11 of the Jersey Turnpike) . . . Abundant covered parking . . . Snack bar at station . . . Both automated and live ticket vendors . . . Two bucks a day for parking on weekends is a real deal . . . Relaxing train ride ends in Penn Station, in heart of Manhattan . . . Jersey Transit's NYC concourse is a marble-and-granite beaut.
* CONS: If you don't buy your ticket at station, you're subject to a $5 surcharge from conductor . . . Miss a train and you could wait up to a half-hour for the next one . . . Trains can be crowded . . . Pay attention to where you park, or you may end up wandering aimlessly around the labyrinthine lot . . . Traffic around the Metropark station can be killer.
* INFO: The Metropark station is directly off Exit 131 of the Garden State Parkway. Contact New Jersey Transit (800-626-RIDE, www.njtransit.com) for details.
FERRY FROM WEEHAWKEN, N.J.
* TRANSIT TIME: 4 hours 7 minutes (3 hours 40 minutes/ 225 miles by car from D.C.; 10 minutes to park and buy ticket; 10-minute wait for a ferry; seven-minute crossing).
* COST (EXCEPT FOR GAS): $26.70 for round-trip tolls; $10 round-trip ferry fare; $14 parking ($7 a day on weekends or before 10 a.m. weekdays, $9 after 10 a.m. weekdays). Total: $50.70.
* PROS: Frequent departures every 10, 15 or 20 minutes . . . Ferries run till midnight or 1 a.m., depending on night . . . Ample parking . . . Multiple departure points on the Jersey and Manhattan sides, such as Jersey City and the World Financial Center . . . On-site mini-marts sell provisions without NYC-inflated prices . . . Catch some rays on the open upper deck, or warm up inside . . . Bathroom on board . . . Buses idle outside the West 38th Street terminal, and ferry riders can catch a free lift on six routes.
* CONS: During rush hour, boat can get crowded with commuters, or on weekend returns, with shoppers and tourists . . . Weehawken terminal is a bit grungy . . . Many of the other ports, including downtown, run weekdays only . . . The ride's over, dare we say it, too quickly.
* INFO: The Port Imperial-Weehawken terminal is off Exit 16E of the Jersey Turnpike. Contact N.Y. Waterway (800-53-FERRY, http://nywaterway.com) for details.
Conclusion:Both offer convenient, relatively affordable access to the city, as long as you're willing to battle I-95 and the Jersey Turnpike. Go with the ferry for the view, the train if you want a little chill time before arrival.
© 2004 The Washington Post Company
With all due respects to John Villanueva for leaving the SubwaySpot community gallery.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Dropped:
2 Ampere - became Springdale Avenue Branch of 34 Market Street
3 Bergen - covered by re-routed 9 Clifton
8 Lyons Avenue - merged into 39/48 Harrison-Union
12 Fleet Street - covered by extension of 40 Kearny-Port Newark
13A Nutley-Belleville - became Belleville branch of 13 Broad-Clinton
14 Clinton Place - became Clinton branch of 13-Broad Clinton, (express runs via Chancellor Avenue turned over to 51 Park Ave
23 Central - became Scotland Road branch of 24 Orange-Elizabeth
54 Devine - covered by Ivy Hill branch of 1 Newark
61 Normal Avenue - covered by 27 Mt.Prospect and 60 Newark-Montclair
82 Watsessing - upper segment became Bloomfield nranch of 34 Market Street, lower segment added to 51 Park Ave
112 Clifton-Newark - replaced by Newark extension of 74 Main-Passaic
Changed:
1 Newark - re-routing in western Newark and Ironbound section
9 Clifton - re-routing in southern Newark to cover old route 3
13 Broad-Clinton - branches added to cover old 13A and 14
21 Orange - service to main terminals of Newark Airport dropped, now 62
24 Orange-Elizabeth - Scotland Road branch created to replace 23 service, all runs end at Erie Loop instead of West Orange, adjustments in Elizabeth routing
25 Springfiled Avenue - re-routing in Ironbound section of Newark
27 Mt. Prospect - new Bloomfield branch to cover former 61
34 Market Street - re-routing in Ironbound, new Bloomfield branch replaces 82, new Springdale Avenue branch replaces 2
39/48 Harrison-Union - combination of 39 Harrison and 48 Maple Avenue (merge point: downtown Newark), Irvington branch replaces 8
40 Kearny-Port Newark - extended from downtown Newark
51 Park Avenue - western end changed from West Orange to Erie Loop, eastern end extended from Park Ave City Subway stop through downtown Newark (old 82) and extended to Hillside along Elizabeth Avenue or via Chancellor Ave to Irvington (replacing 14 express)
62 Newark-Perth Amboy - service added to Newark Airport to replace 21
74 Main-Passaic - extended south from Clifton endpoint through Nutley and Belleville to Newark Subway to replace 112
New:
38 Elizabeth-Rahway
MetroB
25 also dates back to the early days of Public Service, also from Hilton.
94 wasn't an NJT route until Trackless Transit went under in 1983. It has since always been an Orange route.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Articulated buses have a tighter turning radius than 40-footers. They can make curves that 40-footers can't.
David
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
What? You mean when the D60HF is reversing all the fluorescent lights go out just to provide enough white light power to the reverser taillamps?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
It has NOTHING to do with the amount of power equired for the taillamps.
It has to do with the bus operator being able to use the passenger windows (by looking over their shoulder) to assure everything is totally clear when backing up. No lights = no glare, and then you CAN see out the windows at night.
We had 1983 Gillig Phantoms where I drive that did that sort of thing, soit isn't anything new.
David
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
BIG AL
BIG AL
Da Hui
Da Hui
I don't have access to the online timetable right now, but recollect that last time I looked at it, the map eliminated the loop and the timetable eliminated the Franklin General timepoint. The loop hasn't been run in many, many months. As an aside, I think the hospital is now called Franklin Medical Center and not Franklin General.
It's more of a limit than a quota. Quota implys you should use all 30 posts a day. :)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
On my layover in Reading I heard there was bomb scare in the Greyhound Terminal in Philly, and no one was getting in or out. That eventually delayed my trip because the Capitol Trailways bus that I was riding had to wait for it's connector from Philly.
Basically, the highlight from yesterday was hearing what a 6V92TA with a blown muffler sounds like on an MCI. It sounded pretty Badass.
Lastly, a 45FT. Bus is probably fun to drive unless you have to make a turn that is less then 45 degrees and you're behind schedule.
B1-#7531-REMAN RTS
Acela
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Ray
RESPECT THE BUSES OF NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!
P.S. By the way, 3rd Av buses also use the south tube but they get off before 2nd Av. More like 1st Av...I think.
BTW, I've taken QSC Express inbound via the tunnel. Nice view of Manhattan as you come in the LIE. The view out, if the take the upper level of the bridge, is nice too.
When the HOV lane is closed, buses are in mixed traffic on the westbound side of the LIE and use the north tube of the Tunnel.
I let two buses pass by then the third one is O7 6367 on the M1 LTD so I board at Housto St and its basically the same on the inside but the STOP REQUEST sign is far better than in the CNG's. The Cummins engine is very quiet from the inside and not too noisy from the outside [I don't own a sound recorder othersiwe I would of been able to link it]. Anyway its was a cool ride along Madison/Park Aves then I ride it to 147 St and it was raining & I walk back to 145 St, only to miss two Bx19's but luckily seeing it is prone to bunching, I catch 1094 and take the short ride to Broadway to catch the M5 LTD.
I wait about 3 minutes for 5133 to pull in and we run via Riverside Drive and it was a cool, quiet ride then at 72 St, this guy asked the B/O if the M5 stopped at 65 St, he told him yes but then he says that two of them bypassed it and waited nearly 1/2 hour; and he had no jacket so he might be getting a cold ;-). Then this lady asks the B/O This bus doesn't stop at 65 St? Then he has to tell the whole bus the rest of the LTD stops and he gave a small laugh to keep from getting frustrated. To make things worse, there was a damned M5 timetable right there :-\. I see four M104's in a row [what else is new] then after going around CC, I see two more in a row heading north.
Its a good ride along 5 Av even though there was some traffic and I get off at 33 St and walk over to the 6 train but then I see the O7 Hybrid again and I managed to get a pic of it. So it rains a little harder and I get on 8644 and the bus # is to the right when its normally in the center and had tape over it heh. Then I catch the B train at 34 St then I take the B8 and finish my trip.
NF 893 B8
RTS 9458 B41 LTD
R68 2517 (D)
R46 5975 (V)
NF Artic 1051 M14
O7 6367 M1 LTD
NF Artic 1094 Bx19
RTS 5133 M5 LTD
RTS 8644 M16
R40 4272 (B)
NF 981 B8
Sorry for changing the title.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Classic Coach is still going strong with a lot of Atlantic City line runs and airport vans.
Winston seems to have disappeared.
The LIALS bus was a Van Hool in white with Orange lettering "shadowed" in blue. It was sharp looking.
Does anyone know where the company is now based and how large it is ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2473275027&category=6728&sspagename=WDVW
PLEASE NOTE: I am in no way associated with the seller, just letting my fellow busfans know about the coach of topic. I was almost tempted to go get this one, assuming it was still in Richmond. But NY state is a little far for me to go for a bus! Enjoy.
-Fred
1-The B-74 is a feeder bus line to a subway route in this case Stillwell Avenue Terminal. I would estimate at least 98% of all B-74 passengers use the subway as their final destination. While some B-74 ridership will likely go to and from Pathmark i do not believe that it is sufficent enough to warrent an extenstion since passengers can transfer to the B-82
2-It will be hard to turn the B-74 around at Pathmark. This was the reason the B-82 was extended to Stillwell Avenue. I know that the x-28 still teminates at Canal Ave but those buses do not run as frequent as a local bus route
Thats my opinion only.
Thank You
It's probably on Harway only because when the trolley line was designed there probably wasn't any development along Bath Avenue east of 25th Avenue, cause if you look all the development there appears to be post-war. But there probably was some development on Harway but this really is only a guess.
Thank You
Thank You
Thank You
I am offering limited of beta testers wanted for our new version 3.0 which we hope to launch this Spring/Summer 2004, we will accept some numbers of members who can join the beta tester program. I will accept only 25 members at this time.... First 50 members who email me will be on this beta tester program.
What are the beta features?
1) FTP Feature - allows you to upload photos or videos and login in your account and it will be in yopur tempoary album on the fly, and move them to a new folder or delete them with no hassle.
2) E-Mail Account - New free email will be offered for you, and your email will be based on your username. The email account will come with 1GB of space, not need to worry about deleting other message and no banner ads or popups, ever!
3) Windows XP Publishing Wizard - For XP users, you can upload anything right from your desktop, that simple.
4) New improved layout navagation - new designed and better to use, make it easier for you to manage your account.
5) The free accounts will recieve a new extra space, a whopping of 1GB web space with unlimited albums and reminders!
If you are interested, please send email to transit@transitgallery.com and state your full name, your email address that you want to join the program.
I will keep it posted, check this thread as often you can for more new updates as well ...
Sorry for inconvience!
~Joe
This pic below was shot last year, 114 on the Loop, saw it on the loop again yesterday but too far away for another photo
Bee Line keeps their buses in good shape. And here's my bus...
Also going back I had a Coach USA bus on the Tappan Zee express. Had to ask the driver to make sure I was on the right bus!
Doesn't look like much of an express bus to me..... (hard seater)
And finally my bus, #635, well she ran very good but had some leaks...
The Q110 "express" buses are local buses to begin with because they come off their regular run on the Q110. Most of there express buses are used on the QM21 (if they are at all). In 1997-1998 school year while going to Baruch College in Manhattan along 23rd St, the QM21 would have the usual buses:
GMC RTS-06 #572-580 OR
MCI Classic Suburban TC-40102A #601-607
Sometimes, you'll find MCI Classic Suburban TC-40102A #608 on that Q110 "express" at 179th St. RARELY will they put a REAL express bus on that Q110 route. I use to live at 179th st and watch GMC RTS-06 #554 and a few TMC RTS-06 buses (3800s mostly) on that route. Hope that helps. Nice pics by the way.
Ray
RESPECT THE BUSES OF NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!
Ray
I know what these buses are in general...RTS this, Orion that: but I need the specifics. Company and actual version. Much thanks to all who reply!
All of the photos are so-so quality, save for the last one. Unfortunately, they are scans of disposable shots. :( In any case, I'm trying some supposed 'High Quality' camera from Kodak. The difference with this disposable is that you can get a free picture CD from a Kodak-supported developer. In any case, it will probably be better quality. This is where saving for a new digital camera will help!
And if anyone notifies me, I'm aware the images in the initial thread are down, but since I got the information I needed...there's no need to post 'em again, unless you want to see 'em again. :)
I have some questions about CTA's next bus replacement...
Do you know if CTA already schedule to replace thier old diesel buses (1990 TMC RTS's and 1991 Flxible Metros) with new low floor buses from either Gillig, NABI, Neoplan, New Flyer, Nova, or Orion?
In the meantime, except for 4 or 5 losses due to accidents or fire, the series is intact. However, they're showing their age, and according to CTA spokespeople, they've been troublesome to maintain. (The 1995-96 Flexible Metro-Es (6000-6329) seem to be much more reliable and are scheduled for a mid-life rehab soon.)
Delivery of 226 NABI Low-Floor Artics(Series 416?)(7500-7725) is under way and is about 50% complete. However, they're replacing much older buses: 1982 MAN Artics (Seattle hand-me-downs) and 1985 MAN Americanas.
The 1990-91 TMC RTS-08s (4400-4875) were extensively rehabbed in 2000-01. They're expected to remain in service at least through 2007.
Hope this helps.
-Dan T.
I notice you typed a question mark after "Series 416"....the correct
model is "436" for the 60' articulates and 416 are the standard 40'
long high floor NABI buses. But I could be slightly wrong.
Arthur Thomas
Samtrans which serves the suburbs south of San Francisco in San Mateo
County, CA recently recieved 55 NABI 436 articulated buses in 2002-2003...these buses are indeed high floors.
The CTA has stopped maintaining them, so most of them look pretty dreadful now. But, after all, they're almost 19 years old. By early summer, I think they'll all be history.
-Dan Terkell
1. A Run on the Q44 had a argument with a Female Officer after he was stopped for going through a Cash lane and arguing that his 15 years of service meant we shouldnt hassle him for such a minor offense.Well he was hassled ( The Officer pulled him over to the side) and also noticed an instructor in a Jimmy stop over after seeing the B/O arguing on the side of the road and probably saved his ass.The B/O was instructed by the Supt( thats what he said his title was) to frequently read notices concerning his route.During the time the passengers were transferred to another bus.
Word to the wise , If ur ever stopped by an officer ,just say u werent aware of or that u violated some rule,law or whatever. Attitude will always get u messed with instead of an warning.
2. NYCTA 4600s scrap towed to NJ
3. NYCTA Bus # 5106 towed to Cummings in the BX (ZEREGA)
4. NYCTA Bus# 8955 and and 9562 on a Bus Move to Zerega (2, 8900's was seen being driven back to Queens )
First one was seeing an odd 40 foot double header on the H8 heading into Rhode Island Avenue. The first one was 9328 and the second was 4010. This route usually uses 30 footers, and not once to my knowledge I have seen a 40 footer on this route.
The second observation was seeing 8907 on the 42. Not the first time, saw 8909 on a midday run. Both 89s used to run from Northern, whether they are that remains to be seen.
And here is probably the observation of the day. The 32 now has something in common with the A12, F4,Y8 and J1. All have now had surburbans on them. Saw this oddity this morning on the 32 heading towards either Friendship Heights or Georgetown, and the bus of honor was 4407.
Right after that one I saw yet another bus with an identity problem and that was seeing 4292(rehab) with 2211 in its rear destination sign. This one was on the 13A.
I would have had PM observations if I had left at rush hour time, but I left at 8pm from Tyson's. At least I didn't have to deal with the traffic.
WMATA is now issuing free system maps
The bad news:
They have tons of really really really really really really really stupid mistakes on them.
Among the ones I found on the DC/MD version:
1. VRE apparently stops at all Brunswick Line stops in Montgomery County shown on the map except Silver Spring and Rockville
2. The Yellow Line stops at Van Dorn Street
3. Van Dorn Street is the last stop on the Blue and Yellow lines
4. The US Postal Training Academy is apparently in the middle of Bucks Branch Park and north of Democracy Boulevard
5. UDC no longer has a campus at Mount Vernon Square
Also, expect WMATA's funding to be cut as soon as Bob Barr sees that the stop on the Blue and Yellow Lines between Crystal City and Braddock Road is "National Airport".
There is also some more good news. It shows THE BUS's routes on the map but doesn't mention THE BUS by name. I guess the chimp will be upset. Look for flying feces on WMATA buses soon.
It's annoying, though, having to worry about another system's numbering system. When I'm planning routes for The Alternative, I generally use letters or a letter/number combo, but then there are those SEPTA letter routes, like rt L, H, etc, that could confuse passengers...sigh.
PG the bus is crazy with their middle of nowhere office...
What office? Doesn't one of their CAGVs double as their office?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Regards,
Kevin
Da Hui
Is it the Bus talkers from:
SEPTA?
NJT?
WMATA, and other DC systems?
MBTA?
LACMTA?
Since I am without a computer at home for another couple of days due to Verizon being a bunch of aholes and not coming out to the new apt. to hook people up and my time on the internet at work is extremely limited, I am using the computer in our apts. business center.
Its been fun catching up on what you guys have been doing lately. I have seen so many buses the past few weeks, its making my head spin!
Things are going great at the new place. The past two Fridays I've gone out with the senior transit planner to take pictures of potential bus stops and current ones to update our inventory. We all have to get together soon for a bus-a-thon again. I can tell you that at PRTC, we are going to rehab the RTS's to put to use on the new Linton Hall to WFC Metro that will begin in the Fall. Linton Hall is in Gainesville, just West of Manassas. The RTS's will stick around for a few more years.
Nice to hear the RTS's will stay around for a few more years. Are they going to do the rehab, or will it go to an outside firm, ala Blitz, or will they be done at WMATA.
Oh yea I will begin planning for the June bustrip, since the changes have happened at Corridor Transit and Howard Transit. Speaking of Howard Transit I got a chance to see one of their new SLFs. Hopefully they will stop buying those god awful luxury schoolbuses.
Sorry Howard Transit, the luxury schoolbuses are for kids.:P
Glad you made it back here:-). I figured you were probably very busy with the move and job. I hope Verizon doesn't do that to me when we move. They can be just as bad as Cable TV in regards to keeping appointments etc.
We'll all have to get together soon for a busfan trip.
I guess in other words they don't count ;)
Corridor Transit may not be connected to DC's transit web "per se", but they do connect to either WMATA bus or rail six days out of the week. So they do qualify as being part of DC's transit system. Loudoun County is another story all together. They don't connect to any of WMATA's metrorail stations, and up until last September didn't even connect to metrobus.
More details on my connection at the Plymouth Meeting Mall on the 95...
I couldn't help but smile and laugh (people at the stop probably thought I was crazy) as I saw 2070 drive down the PM mall driveway and pull into the bus bay signed as "95 PENN SQUARE".
Let me start off by telling you that this cutaway was built toi be a BUS. It was similar to Ride-On in the way that it had the same seats as the HellDorados, and had a HUGE front door! There is no driver door, but that meant that door controls, etc, could be placed to the left of the driver, just like the "big" buses. ALSO, there was even a WIND GUARD!
Can I say that this bus has the MOST legroom I've ever seen on a bus! I could lay down in my seat, and still SLIP OFF (for those who don't know, I'm like 6'2). I couldn't really see the wheelchair lift, I guess it was under the door, but I didn't see anything resembling anything of the sort. However, I did notice that the first two rows were handicap accessible, so I guess there was some sort of a lift.
The windows were BIG, but unfortunately, sealed. There's no rear window, but there also is no "SEPTA carpeting" on that wall. However, did I mention the lighting system? REAL LIGHTS, not cut and paste crap! Also, a pleasure to see was the announcement sign, JUST LIKE ON THE REAL BUSES! It also has the orbital sign thingy for the GPS system.
However, every good bus has some bad things. I have two major complaints about it:
1) The ride was rougher than I expected from a Freightliner Chassis. The Freightliner schoolbuses I've ridden seemed to have a smoother ride than this one - maybe because they were bigger? This bus rode like a Gillig Phantom (or, for those who don't know Gilligs, like a truck - very rocky).
2) Also, the back of the bus is the ugliest thing I've ever seen since the back of the Orion VIIs. The stripe is between the tail lights as with the New Flyers, but the taillights are kinda...I dunno, high....It's hard to describe, but it was hideous...I almost retched upon seeing it.
3) The stop request sign was the cheapest thing I've ever seen. It had a white backround and "Stop Requested" in the narrowest red font I've ever seen. At first glance I almost thought it was just stuck onto the wall of the bus. Oh, btw, THERE IS A STOP REQUEST SYSTEM, unlike that other cutaway. Same transit ding, too. Plus, unlike the Dorados, it had "cut and paste" fleet number sign (just printed on one sticker and put on the white wall in front)
All in all, I have to agree with Ray's quote: "This bus is f***ing awesome." This bus is certainly a CHAMPION, not a chumpion like those for PG THE BUS (and University of Hartford). I encourage everyone here to try and get a ride on these mini-buses (these are generally too good to be called a cutaway.)
However, now we have to see if these buses can stand the test of time. I remember the first time I rode a Ride-On HellDorado, they were very solid. The next year, they were horrid - I hope my Champions don't suffer the same fate (and then take over the Dorados on the 95 - ugh).
By the way, Plymouth Meeting Mall is a nice place to transitfan if you don't mind the headways. We get everything up here (except HEVs) if you wait long enough. Two of my depots (Frontier and Midvale) have the NEWEST buses in the fleet, as well as the oldest (Midvale and the DKs - you'd have to take the L to Chestnut Hill, though). IN YOUR FACE SOUTHERN - HAHA.
Neoplans or NABI's?
I wanted ride on a suburban run before there are no more Neos at Frontier.
WARNING: Beware of Frontier headways. On the weekends, expect hourly service (on sundays, no service generally after 6), as well as during midday weekdays. It's generally half hourly service in peak service times, though.
For my last trip I took a 47m to South Philly, and then another one back into Center City (Neos 3298 & 3408), then I took the 61 Express (Neo Screamer 3463) all the way into Ridge and Summit, Rode an Artic on the 9, and New Flyer on the R to 23rd and Venango, took the 56 (Neo 3041) to Erie- Torresdale and then took the 3 (Neo 3278) into Frankford.
Since I usually do CTD Routes, I want to do a Frontier route or the 123 so I can record the sound with out the interference of Stop-and-Go Traffic.
Once again, thanks for the info.
CTC = Corridor Transportation Corp., d/b/a Connect-a-Ride, operates primarily in the Laurel, Md. area, however does have routes connecting Laurel with Greenbelt Metro, College Park, and Glen Burnie via Arundel Mills. CTC also manages the Howard County transit system.
In fact, there are weekdays when I see nothing but ElDos and no new Champions; prior to this, when the ElDos were fairly new, the 92/133 always got stuck with virtually all Fords on this line while the (then) newer buses went out to either the Norristown or Lower Bucks routes.
On Saturdays, though, I do see more Champions than ElDos on the 92/133, so perhaps its a matter of completing training first. I hope that's the case...
It's odd to know that there is at least one cutaway run on the 97, though.
I just started seeing Champions on the 95 this week (I don't know what was going on last week, as I was out of town). There are now two runs that I know of that operate them. Did frontier have their "picks" or driver change last week, or are they just training new people on these buses? Are the breeze cutaways still around?
Isn't the 92/133 Frontier's only route to Chester county (I mean deep into chester county, not like Pheonixville on the 99). Also, what is the ridership like on that route? Maybe because of the low ridership, they want to attract more riders by showing off their new cutaway's? In addition to this, these seem stronger than their Ford counterparts anyway. The thing is though, I feel that the Dorados and the cutaways (Ford and Champion) are very interchangeable - I mean, a cutaway on the 97 I've only seen once, and knowing that the 97 had cutaways on it is interesting, especially since those Dorados can get packed in the rush hour. Also, I haven't seen any 40fters on the 95 since Sunday (for the strangest reason, 95 service on sundays operates with 40fters). Well, back to the interchangeability with the cutaways and Dorados, it makes me wonder why SEPTA just didnt' go exclusively 30ft and get rid of the cutaways completely? The Dorados have the same if not better turning radius than the cutaways. Does SEPTA hate El Dorado and their 30fters?
Personally, though, I like the Dorados more - they are much more fun to ride in my opinion, but their suspension is getting fairly bad, I think. They are so rickety - you can see this just by watching one on the street. I still love my Dorados, though, especially how they roar!
I wonder how long they will last.
Chuck Greene
I love riding Dorados because they are fast and loud, as well as bouncy (my favorite part of the 77 on a Dorado was at Cederbrook Plaza where it rocked like crazy - also on the 95, there is a bouncy Dorado part - I almost put my hands up as if I'm on some sort of rollercoaster if the driver is driving it fast enough). There is a good bit of rattling that I've noticed, particularly from the farebox machine.
In other news, I'm severely confused as to where you guys get off claiming that Chinabus is sooo fast. Depending when I leave in the morning, between 6:30 and 6:45 or when I leave work in the evening, anywhere from 3 to 5pm, it seems I hit a bunch of chinabuses which seem to move extremely slowly. I paced a few at no more than 70mph, most of the time they make fools out of themselves by being in the middle, or worse, the left lane and doing 65. So far the fastest I've seen a bus on the NJTP was a train of 4 tour buses doing 75 last week, they were from some Dave somethingorother Tours, and I think there was one Dyna, one VanHool and two MCIs in the line. Also, somebody needs to tell the Chinabus operators that the signs on the NJTP say "No Trucks AND Buses in the Left Lane," those morons seem to think they're driving their Camrys or something, it's inexcusable for them to drive in the left lane like they own the highway.
Finally, does anyone know if Academy bus runs a commuter run to South Jersey or Philly? Maybe Mount Laurel greyhound station? I passed 8833, a D4500 I think, today just north of the stopped chinabus. It had "Port Authority" on it's destination sign, and looked just like the buses I've seen them run on the NJT contract lines in North Jersey, adverts and all. I didn't get a good look at the right side, since this driver at least had the sense to stay in the middle lane, but I think it had the NJT-style front door, with the split leaves.
Anyway, thanks in advance for any answers you can provide and all in good fun Chinabuswhores :-).
*somebody needs to tell the Chinabus operators that the signs on the NJTP say "No Trucks AND Buses in the Left Lane," those morons seem to think they're driving their Camrys or something, it's inexcusable for them to drive in the left lane like they own the highway. *
Passing or cruising?
*I paced a few at no more than 70mph,*
Jersey let's you drive faster than 45 or 50?
On some sections of the Jersey Turnpike, the speed limit is 65mph.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Youth Pass
At least there's an agency that actually want people to ride. All I need now is a fake school ID.
http://www.entandallergy.com/locations/nyc/nyc.html
1-Develop his own service which it appears that he did
2-Pay the TA the cost to operate the Shuttle Bus. I know of at least one instance and possibly a 2nd where this has happened.
In Brooklyn the B-25 bus route operates via Front Street towards Furman Street because an office building's owner pays for the service.
IN Manhattan the M-20 was recently extended from Battery Park City to West Street/Battery Place with the cost being paid by a third party(I do not know if Battery Park Authority is the party) but i do know that the service change was not submitted for approval or information update in the monthly TA Committee meetings.
Many public transit agencies do have shuttle buses paid for by private companies.
Hope this helps
Thank You
BIG AL
Unless otherwise instructed, a good majority of terminal SLD's will book the departure time in real time; whereas the arrival time, if they do so, via recap. For the most part, a terminal SLD, when appearing to book an arriving bus, is actually matching his recap of runs with the corresponding arriving bus number. Not necessarily the arrival time (although that *may* also be the case). In cases where the bus stands away from the terminal SLD, the arrival time, when booked, will reflect the scheduled arrival time for that run.
A good example of this in Queens would be the Q46 standing "on the hill" before the turn onto Queens Blvd. No, not in passenger service at the time, but still standing away from the terminal SLD "waiting out the scheduled time". A better example would be the Q1 and Q88 standing at Jamaica Av and Springfield Blvd. The best example would be the Q88 standing on Queens Blvd out of sight and out of view of intening passengers, as well as the SLD.
Big Al, as an SLD can expand upon this issue. I am a Bus Operator, not an SLD.
Is this what you meant?
Acela
Acela
On July 4, 2001, I rode 9614 on the Q32.
And my favorites from FLA are the 9400's, but still don't compare to FP's 9100 series.
And why is this?
Acela
It goes in this order
1. 96'Novas
2. 98'Novas
3. 99'Novas
BIG AL
Seriously, I really don't care if Brooklyn sees. Most of the routes can't even use them anyway. And they definately can't outdo the service the RTS's handle in FP and JA.
That's why if Brooklyn finally gets artics, they will go to Flatbush First since they carry most of the heavy lines here in Brooklyn.
---
BTW, The artics can make any turn that an RTS can.
Acela
Although Artics can make most turn, trust me it will still fail on any FP route that goes through Ridgewood due to their size. Where can they they parked when they pick up passengers? How can cars gets around them? I would bet any amount of money that Artics would fail in Ridgewood.
B1-#7512-REMAN RTS
B64-#9235-NOVABUS
BIG AL
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Bx31 #1080
From my inspection this bus is coming down soon for delivery, just minus the farebox inside, radios and maybe some other things I may not be aware of.
Allen Dicion
Toronto, Canada
www.transithub.net
If it doesn't work, if afraid the server was shut for maintenance.
Allen Dicion
www.transithub.net
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Incognito
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Here's what I've listed today:
Metro New York Area Mega Bus Calendars 1996, 1997, 1998
Corgi GM Fishbowls, NYCTA green and MTA two-tone blue
Corgi MCI MC-8's custom painted Airport Service and Starline Tours
Road Champs Flxible Metros:
Las Vegas
SEPTA
San Francisco Muni custom paint
North San Diego County Transit District custom paint
American Precision Models GM TDH4510 Old Looks:
Chicago (special APM paint)
Cleveland (special APM paint)
North Olmstead (special APM paint)
New Jersey PSCT (APM special paint)
New York City Transit Authority (custom paint)
Southern California Rapid Transit District (custom paint)
-Road Champs NJ Transit Shoppe Flxible Metro
-Gillig Chrome License Plate Frame
-Micro Machines RTS Slopeback
-Santa Clara VTA 1997 Roadeo Patch
-AC Transit GM Fishbowl (29-footer) Magnet
-Various Transit-related Lapel Pins
I will have Orion promotional materials and a diecast Tomica Greyhound MC-8 on there soon. Happy bidding!
Sincerely,
Fred Donaher
(eBay ID: flxible)
http://mta.info/nyct/service/bus/bussrvnobn.htm
A significant portion of Flushing Av appears to be turning into a one way street since it won't end until 1/2005.
Also, how is the service?
(All photos taken in the afternoon of April 8, 2004. Apologies for the poor lighting -- at least it wasn't raining.)
You mean the "secret rendezvous site"?
I'm not sure if i could handle getting on a bus with the message "GOOD MORNING" on it though, that's obnoxious.
Good paint jobs, it looks they used all the paint in the city on the buses(I don't see a drop of paint or striping on those roads!).
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
However, aside from school trippers, I would still not use artics. School trippers usually run artics on non-artic routes (i.e., the Bx28, 30, 31, etc.) (The real interesting thing though would be who would provide the artics--considering other garages do each other's trips in MaBSTOA.)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
If all of the artics at WF were not needed for the Bx19, the Bx36 may already be artic!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Well they do appear on the Bx15 and Bx36 from time to time and you have 1075-1109 so I don't know if 35 buses [before having spares and 'strays' onto other routes] could cover the 19 to be 100% Artic right now.
Sometime i saw Artics on Bx15, Bx31, Bx35, & Bx36 but they have least at 35 Artics @ West Farms Depot. Bx19 use RTS, Orion5, Orion7 CNG & most Artics, They use 24 buses in AM, 21 buses in Midday, & 29 buses in PM with 50 Runs in the Weekday.
If the Bx35 gets it then out of fairness the Bx11 should get it too
School riding alone is not enough; the route in question has to be very busy all day every day in order to be a candidate for articulated buses. None of the Riverdale corridor routes qualifies.
(Sigh) Let me restate and edit my earlier post....
"School riding alone is not enough, and operating 24/7 is not enough. The route in question has to be very very busy, all day every day in order to be a candidate for articulated buses. Again, none of the Riverdale corridor routes qualifies.
Ugh, why would the MTA want a 60 foot CNG low floor artic??? Just to see how low the gas mileage on a bus really can go? If Mr Hoskins says OCTA's D60LFs get 2 or so mpg, then it's a good bet that a CNG '60LF would get somewhere under 1 mpg, perhaps it'd be better to just measure in kilo-feet per gallon than miles.
They'd be much better off with a DE60LF, especially considering THAT already exsists and is being built. Also a hybrid drive system with EGR, Particulate traps and utilizing Low Sulfer Diesel will likely be cleaner than a CNG bus in terms of total emissions, as well as being more fuel efficient than a CNG. On the other hand a CNG bus only rids you of the Particulate matter that comes out the back, you're still pumping tons of greenhouse gasses out the tailpipe. Also a hybrid can burn the same diesel fuel that all the other buses burn, no need for new fueling facilities or anything.
However, IIRC the MTA found the Minnesota D60LF they borrowed last year unsatisfactory, and as such the point of C60LF vs DE60LF is likely moot.
BTW: Does anyone even operate a C60LF? Doesn't Neoplan make a low-floor CNG artic?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Secondly. Those routes DO NOT need articulateds, 1st off certain parts of the Riverdale portions of the Bx7 and 10 can not even fit articulateds. School Trippers does not warrant a hole line to be articulateds if that is the thinking also. and the 20?!!!
Yeah you got a lot to learn.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
But I like them better than buses anyway. :-P
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
San Francisco Muni route 38/38L Geary line
Sacramento Regional Transit route 51 Broadway-Stockton
AC Transit route 82/82L International(formerly E 14 st.)
Last time, you (I would use spammed, but it's on topic) inundated bustalk with lists of TA's with every freaking color steel wheels...
I am sorry if my posts offend you in some kinda way. But I posted those lists about a particular bus model once and will contiune to post west coast stuff on this message board.
You got a problem about me posting lists?
At least I posted those threads about a particular topic one time (not over and over and over....). I know the color of the steel wheels mean nothing, but are just decorations.
Later!
MetroBus Line 20/21/720 Rapid ( Wilshire Blvd )
Foothill Transit Line 480/481 ( former SCRTD Route ). Downtown LA- W. Covina-Pomona-Claremont-Montclair
OmniTrans # 14 - Foothill Blvd, 5th St Fontana-San Bernardino
Riverside Transit Agency # 1 ( Magnolia Ave ) Riverside-Corona
Long Beach Transit # 61/62/66 ZAP - Atlantic Avenue
Torrance Transit # 3 - Long Beach-Wilmington-Carson-Redondo Bch
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus # 7/Super 7-Pico Blvd
Montebello Bus Line # 40/341/342/343-Beverly Blvd, East 4th St, Los Angeles
These are some of them down here
HARTlines route 2 is the most popular and heavily used.
Lynx I can only guess, probably route 8, etc...
Red Line (All Weekday Trips)
#10 Roosevelt/Grant (Midday)
Green Line (Rush Hours)
#41 Indian School (Saturday)
#19 19th Avenue (Weekday Peak & Weekend All Day)
Miami-Dade Transit:
11-Flagler Street
S-Aventura/Miami Beach/Downtown Miami
38-Busway MAX (Limited stops route)
The above routes use the crappy Ikarus 436 artics.
Broward County Transit:
18-US 441 (this may be one of the few routes in the US that
serves 3 different counties, the 18 starts at the Golden Glades
Park-n-Ride in northern Miami-Dade County, then goes up
US 441 into Broward County, all the way across broward and
ends at Sandalfoot Cove in Boca Raton in southern Palm Beach
county)
At the beginning of this year, BCt started a limited version of the
18, and is considering that corridor for BRT.
SF Muni 38 Geary line uses exclusively 2001-2003 Neoplan AN460's with some 1991 New Flyer D60's, and sometimes stardard 40' Neoplan AN440's, NABI 416's, and New Flyer D40's.
Sacramento Regional Transit route 51 uses both stardard 40' CNG Orion V's and Orion VII's.
And AC Transit's route 82/82L uses stardard Gillig Phantoms, NABI 416's, VanHool A330's and articulated New Flyer D60's and VanHools
AG300's.
The next odd sighting was seeing 9496 on 15th Street in downtown DC. The 16Y and the 38B uses buses from Four Mile Run and 9496 runs from Arlington.
Also I rode 9448 on the 97 which is odd. The 97 only runs buses from Bladensburg and Northern and 9448 runs from Annex. I thought that bus was going to become an S51(for DC school kids only).
Next day - Got R-68 #2724 on the D to 59th Street. R-38 (forgot the car number) on the A to 34th Street (still love that 59th to 42nd express run). At 34th I got Nova RTS #9033 on the M34 to the Javits Center. After leaving Javits - Nova RTS #9196 had just pulled up on the M42 - so I rode it to PABT. I got R-68A #5029 on the W to 23rd Street. Those R-68As are looking really bad. At 23rd-Madison after watching endless TA MCI, Command, NYBS, Libery and NF Artics I suddenly remembered that many NYBS buses actually start picking up in Midtown during the PM rush. So - just as I'm about to ride the M1 up to abut 50th Street - one finally shows up. Yep - it was #1481. I was prepared to ride it on any of NYBS routes, but my favorite is Co-Op City. Suprise, suprise #1481 was about to do a Co-Op City trip. This ride made my two days. After that nice ride I got off at bay Plaza and caught '00 O5 #6110 on the Bx28. Fininshed the day with R-68 #2724 (again) on the D train and '03 NF artic #5712 on the Bx2.
It's always good to get home for some bus/railfanning, but it was also good to get back to the Flx Metros, Neo artics etc. of WMATA:-).
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Also saw a Neo artic being towed to Northern, couldn't get the number but looked like 531X.
At 34th I got Nova RTS #9033 on the M34 to the Javits Center
You were probably on 9034. 9033 is in my neck of the woods.
Great trip report!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I realized that right after I posted, but I cannot remember the number. I'm not even sure if it was 9034, but it was definitely one of the 90XX Novas.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Bus chair-lift nightmare
By WARREN WOODBERRY Jr.
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
A disabled Queens man catching a ride home on a Green Line bus was stuck on a busted wheelchair lift for more than four hours in the rain - and didn't even get an apology.
Jan Plattner, 48, a diabetic who is partially paralyzed, told the Daily News he came down with bronchitis after getting soaked in the Tuesday ordeal.
"I don't want to go near a Green Line bus after the other day," he said.
His misfortune began around 2 p.m. as he boarded the Q41 bus at 97th St. and Liberty Ave. to return to his South Ozone Park home from a trip to the pharmacy.
After the wheelchair got stuck in the motorized lift at the back door, the bus driver couldn't free him and called in a mechanic.
The mechanic couldn't fix it, so he summoned cops. The cops, also stymied by the breakdown, reached out to firefighters, Plattner said.
All the while, Plattner was exposed to the harsh weather.
Finally, around 6:30 p.m., long after the other passengers had abandoned the bus, Plattner's wheelchair was dismantled and he was freed.
But, he said, neither the driver nor the mechanic apologized. They just told him to wait for the next bus home.
Contacted by The News yesterday, a Green Line official extended the company's "sincere apologies for the inconvenience and discomfort this unfortunate incident may have caused."
Plattner said he has been stuck on Green Line lifts so often, he has a journal of breakdowns.
"I'm sure a lot more people are having the same problems that I am," he said.
In other words, he should have known the lift would be busted because of Green's reputation for not maintaining its city-owned buses.
Can we make this a soap opera? : - ) (The tentative title is As the Spleen Turns!)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Or for not running them either. ;)
Ironically enough, the only thing left in both photos is rather reflective of Queens' diversity. The 'Emigrant Savings Bank' sign.
Q53-#2814-TMC
David
URL: sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/04/16/BAGTG65UVI1.DTL
If you're looking for a super-size used vehicle for those "haul-it- all" summer family road trips, check out the 39-seat-vans that Golden Gate Transit is hawking on EBay.
For a starting bid of only $1,000, shoppers at the Internet auction site are vying for the ultimate road hogs: Nine 40-foot diesel transit buses -- and these aren't just any buses, said transit agency spokesperson Mary Currie.
As a provider of "long-haul'' commuter service from San Francisco to Santa Rosa, the transit agency prides itself on operating "suburban coaches" that deliver "a smooth freeway ride,'' she said.
"We want customers to be as comfortable as they can be,'' Currie said. "So, our buses have high-back, slightly reclining seats that are cushioned and well upholstered, and they have reading lights and luggage racks. They're not your typical, barren, bare-bones plastic seating, inner-city Muni buses.''
But don't be blinded by these beauties' signature Golden Gate Transit white-and-green striped paint job, the red-gray interior, the "curtain destination signs'' -- or visions of blasting your buddies with the public address system on the way to the 49ers game.
These 14-year-old retired behemoths are being sold "as is'' -- "With all Faults," as the EBay listing warns.
You get zero cup holders, and these road warriors get a gas-guzzling 4.1 miles to the gallon. Some bus carriages and interiors have logged up to 720, 000 miles, while some engines and transmissions are a nearly new 118,414 miles.
"I don't know that they're really very family oriented,'' Currie acknowledged, saying most retired buses are sold to other transit or tour operators -- and those few, brave individuals who just had to own a bus.
The EBay auction terms and conditions stress that the buyer has to remove his or her new bus from the transit agency's San Rafael yard and "the buyer is responsible for any and all injury to the public, person(s), and property and for all loss or damage arising'' if you mash anything on the way out.
But, Currie said, given the agency's aggressive maintenance program, "Our buses have a very good reputation as being in very good shape. They're pretty easy to move.''
Just as regular folks have learned EBay is a great place to unload every attic-clogging doodad imaginable, government agencies are using online auctions to sell off everything from pocket knives and corkscrews seized from passengers by airport security to electronics taken in police raids.
When the agency test-marketed one of the aging buses last fall on EBay, it garnered nearly $6,000. That's about $600 more than the average $5,400 sales price that it got for 30 similar buses sold through the traditional sealed-bid method.
Four days into the 10-day bidding period Thursday, Bus No. 1110 had tallied 15 offers, and a high-bidder with the moniker "nemo2k4'' had pushed the price to $2,280. But Bus No. 1159 was still going for a song, at $1,125.
Like many California transit agencies combatting whopping budget deficits with layoffs, service cuts and possible fare increases, Golden Gate Transit is hungry to get a buck wherever it can.
"Now that we've learned the (online auction) system and saw the response that we got, it's easier for us and we can tell people who want to bid on our buses, 'Hey, it's on EBay,' '' Currie said, adding that selling on the Internet has slashed the overhead costs of sealed bids that tied up staff with time-consuming paper-shuffling.
"As your staff is less than it was in years past, you've got to finds ways to stretch everyone's time and make it more efficient,'' Currie said.
Golden Gate Transit plans to sell 40 more of the 1989 buses in "batches" on EBay as it deploys 80 new state-of-the-art, low-pollution buses to meet higher state clean-air standards. The new fleet, which boasts the latest exhaust filters and high-efficiency engines that burn low-sulfur diesel fuel, cost a total of $28.5 million, with the federal government picking up 81 percent of the tab.
A page on the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District's web site links to EBay: www.goldengate.org/contracts/contracts.html.
E-mail Alan Gathright at agathright@sfchronicle.com.
-F.
Is 2011 the first of the Pike Ride brand and 2022 the last? Or does the brand start and end outside of those units? Are there any known units within that range that are not branded?
Which Orion IIs (blah) are used on the U Street-Adams Morgan yt shuttle with appropriate decals?
Can anyone list any individual WMATA buses that have been removed from active service that still have fellow members (series-wise) in the active fleet (Metro-Bs that have been sold although Metro-Bs are still in the fleet, or Orion VIs that aren't running even though the VIs are still around)? What happened to buses that are no longer operating?
All this information, and more that will be requested later, will be used for my comprehensive bus-by-bus WMATA roster...a daunting task but most of the information it will cover is relatively concrete -- nothing like garage assignments that change multiple times a day...
Can I also receive a copy of this roster? My site needs a WMATA Roster makeover since it is way outdated...
Thanx,
Incognito
Don't you just love WhyMATA.
As you can see most of the buses that have stayed with their garage are with northern and the least amount with Bladnesburg. Well since Bladensburg got a almost fresh set of newer buses they don't count, so next in line is Southern, and Landover, then Montgomery.
I just went over some of the Flxibles. All of the 51 series Flxs have changed garages. Didn't go over the Orions or Ikarus.
Lastly I wouldn't be surprised to see Four Mile Run get some of Bladensburg's 23's and 24's. Hey this is WhyMATA.
Mark
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Da Hui
FROM FEBRUARY 20, 1998
5001-5058: Callowhill
5059-5062: Frankford
5063-5068: Comly
5069: Frankford
5070-5133: Comly
5134: Victory
5135: Frontier
5136: Victory
5137: Frontier
5138: Comly
5139: Victory
5140-5141: Frontier
5142: Victory
5143: Frontier
5144: Victory
5145-5147: Frontier
5148-5150: Victory
5151: Frontier
5152-5153: Victory
5154-5197: Midvale
5198: Southern
5199-5213: Midvale
5214: Southern
5215-5236: Midvale
5237: Southern
5238-5256: Midvale
5257: Southern
5258-5295: Allegheny
5296-5325: Victory
5326-5329: Frontier
5330-5331: Comly
5332-5335: Frontier
5336-5364: Frankford
5365-5400: Southern
CURRENT AS OF APRIL 20, 2004 (Buses that have stayed at their same location throughout highlighted)
5001-5040: Callowhill
5041: Callowhill
5042-5058: Callowhill
5059-5062: Comly
5063: Comly
5064: Comly
5065-5068: Comly
5069: Comly
5070-5133: Comly (5099 was reportedly at Midvale briefly before returning to Comly)
5134: Victory
5135: Frontier
5136: Victory
5137: Frontier
5138: Midvale
5139: Victory
5140-5141: Frontier
5142: Victory
5143: Frontier
5144: Victory
5145-5147: Frontier
5148-5150: Victory
5151: Frontier
5152: Southern
5153-5154: Midvale
5156-5197: Midvale
5198: Southern
5199-5213: Midvale
5214: Southern
5215-5236: Midvale
5237: Southern
5238-5248: Midvale
5249: Frankford
5250-5256: Midvale
5257: Southern
5258-5266: Callowhill
5268-5278: Callowhill
5279-5292: Frankford
5293-5295: Comly
5296-5321: Victory
5322-5323: Frontier
5324: Victory
5325: Frontier
5326-5329: Frontier
5330-5331: Comly
5332-5335: Frontier
5336-5350: Frankford
5351-5364: Comly
5365-5374: Victory
5375-5400: Southern
As noted above, all but 88 of the 400 NABIs originally purchased by SEPTA are still at their original locations. I can't really speak about the Neoplans, though I doubt there are any Neos left at their original locations from the time they were delivered (though I could probably check some of my old rosters).
NOTES: 5198, 5214, 5237, and 5257 were originally at Midvale.
5138, 5330, and 5331 were originally at Frontier; the 1998 roster listed those buses as "loaned" to Comly, but that obviously is not the case.
5059-5062 and 5069 were originally at Comly but loaned to Frankford at the time of the 1998 roster; those buses returned to Comly by the end of 1998.
5041 and 5066 were briefly swapped between Callowhill and Comly in 2003 (for reasons that still make no sense to me at all).
The 5258-5295 series were moved from Allegheny in 2000 after the arrival of the Neoplan artics.
5321, 5322, and 5325 were moved in mid-2003 in exchange for ElDorados.
The 5351-5364 and 5365-5374 series buses were moved in 2002-03.
Would that ever happen
I know they have the LIRR
For several reasons
1-Why would the MTA have Long Island Bus compete with the Long Island Rail Road
2-The cost factor. It will be much more expensive by bus than by train
3-Time as noted before
4- Bus Capacity
I was a LIRR daily rider for 17 years. I speak from experience.
Thank You
Same reason as to why would Bee-Line/Liberty Lines compete with Metro-North Railroad with it's BxM4C and BxM3 bus routes.
Bee Lines is not MTA thats why.
I do not know if the NYCDOT covers the Weschester portion of the Liberty Lines BxM-3 costs. If its Bee Line again its not the MTA ands if its Liberty Lines or the NYCDOT again its not the MTA
Thank You
Arti
Right, but not in NY, as Barry was saying.
Arti
Arti
CG
Academy Bus competes with several NJCL stations; Suburban Transit competes with NEC stations Edison, New Brunswick, Princeton, Princeton Junction; DeCamp Bus Lines competes with Montclair Branch stations (Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Bay Street, Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair, Mountain Avenue, Montclair Heights) and a few Morristown Line stations (Brick Church, Orange); Community Bus Lines route 77 competes with M&E stations Morristown, Orange and Brick Church; Lakeland Bus Company (NJT Rail's most infamous competitor, since NJT had to pay them compensation for "unfair competition") competes against NJT M&E line at Millburn, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Convent Station, Morristown, Dover et al.
That's probably the most dramatic change I've ever seen in any transit service that took place over a course of a couple of years!
The LIRR, 7 train, and X51 are all MTA.
http://www.transportazumah.com/
Arti
Since it appears that the author of the post was also the operator of the service (based on the email address), I'll ask the question -- why was service suspended?
(I do drive along Dutch Broadway at that time of the morning a few times a month and never noticed the bus (or crowds of people waiting for it). Most of the bus crowds along Dutch Broadway are waiting along the south side of the street waiting for an N2 towards Jamaica.
CG
The ridership was approximately 10-15 people in the morning and 6-7 in the evening. I believe that changing the route, more publicity, and added service can do the trick. When reactivated, the route will have two branches. The first branch will continue to circulate in Elmont and Malverne, while the other branch will shoot straight down Hempstead Turnpike to the Coliseum area.
The extension to Jersey City was probably a good idea, as I suspect that the Manhattan traffic would have fallen off a bit once you could get free transfers from LIB to the subway.
With Malverne and Elmont being close enough to Jamaica to have those bus/subway transfers be rather painless, the Uniondale / East Meadow area might be the better option for an express bus service (presuming that one can find a reasonable routing -- Hempstead Tpk is a bit slow through Hempstead and Franklin Square in the AM, I think).
Increased service would seem to be the key to increasing ridership exponentially. Most commuters want options. Of course, the question of how much money one is willing to lose while developing that ridership base is always an issue.
Thanks again for your response, and best wishes.
CG
As for Hempstead, Greyhound already has that covered. If they wanted, Greyhound COULD bypass their Hempstead and Queens Village stops, maybe add one or 2 along the LIE, then another few in manhattan, and then from PABT, continue down to Brooklyn with stops in downtown.
In case you don't know, Greyhound operates out of Islip, I think exit 56 or 55, PABT and Washington DC. Stop list is: Islip(exit 55 or 56), Melville(exit 49), Hempstead Transit Center, Queens Village, PABT or GWBBT. GWBBT buses continue to Newark, Mt Laurel, then other stops to DC. Greyhound also has one friday and one sunday bus from Hempstead Transit Center to Springfield, Ma, stopping at Queens Village, New Rochelle, Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Springfield.
I really think though that Greyhound should run more PABT buses, and also have trips originating at Patchogue like Shortline. They'd make the shortline Lake KO stop(just north of the KO LIRR stop), then Islip, then the regular greyhound PABT route. Shortline buses currently run from Patchogue to Monticello
Another good idea would be for Adirondack Trailways to run some buses to PABT as well. They currently originate in Babylon and go to Albany, with LI stops at Massapequa, Freeport, Hempstead Transit Center, Mineola, and Queens Village.
Basically, here's a route list of some proposed service off the top of my head
Patchogue-Mac Arthur Airport-Lake KO-Islip-Melville-Jericho-Carl Place-Hempstead-Queens Village-Rego Park-midtown east-Broadway-PABT-some downtown stops-Brooklyn
Patchogue-Mac Arthur Airport-Lake KO-Islip-Melville-Jericho-Carl Place-Exit 36-some other stop-Rego Park-(see list of stops above from Rego Park)
Patchogue-Dowling College-Bay Shore Ferry-Babylon-Massapequa-Freeport-Hempstead-Mineola-Queens Village-(follow from first station list from Queens Village)
That might make some sense....I think....
BTW, anyone how heavily used the Greyhound LI runs are? I've only been on trailways from White Plains to Hempstead(some may remember that), and there were only 2 other people on the bus.
People's preferences seem to be one-seat rail first, two seat rail second, then one-seat bus. This is most evident from what has happened in New Jersey, where express bus ridership has fallen off the map whenever a direct line into Penn Station has been opened (first Midtown Direct and more recently the Montclair Connection). Similarly, very few areas in the 5 boros have direct subway access and express bus service. It's also worth noting that the NYC express busses don't go to a specific terminal, but offer many stops in Manhattan -- thus, they provide a one-seat ride for many of their customers.
LIRR, for all it's faults, still provides fast and reliable service. Service via the LIE into the Midtown Tunnel will not be as reliable -- and there isn't room for a dedicated bus lane (like you have into the Lincoln Tunnel in NJ) for most of the LIE.
The one place that you might get some ridership would be from the areas of Suffolk east of Ronkonkoma. However, the parking that LIRR has built at Ronkonkoma has already captured much of that market.
As to the ridership on Greyhound to PABT, I think it's mainly for riders connecting to other Greyhound services, with the very infrequent service it wouldn't make any sense for a commuter to rely on it. Ridership on the other LI routes is probably just moderate -- the people who run Greyhound/Trailways/ShortLine aren't idiots -- if there were demand for more service they'd run it. I often pass the bus that runs to Albany either in Queens Village or on the Clearview or I-95. It usually runs about 1/2 full from QV -- with about 5-10 people getting on there.
The only busses that are long-distance busses that are crowded onto LI are the Thursday/Friday/Sunday runs between LI and College towns (Binghamton, Albany, Ithaca, Springfield). In addition to the regularly scheduled services, many of the schools run charters themselves in order to handle the demand.
CG
Ron Bauman, president of Alert Coach, assigned his motley crew of OTR coaches (2 MCI 9's, a Buffalo Bus, a non air-conditioned Flx Suburban, a Prevost and a PD 4104). The route was extended to start at Exit 68.
It was a miserable failure for many reasons. Sometimes I was the only passenger. I think the failure happened because of the lack of a one seat ride into NYC and the lack of publicity.
Flushing has been part of NYC since 1898.
What was the exact routing of this run. Did it make any stops along the way?
Initially the bus left the depot in Amityville and went north to the WW Mall. Then south to the LIE west to Kissena Blvd or Main Street North to Roosevelt Ave (west) where passengers were discharged. They then turned around at Prince St. The 6AM WWM departure was expected back at 8AM to cover that run. The 7AM was expected back at 9AM.
Later the route was extended out to Exit 68. Then the routing was west on the LIE west from exit 68, stopping at several of the park & ride lots. The last P&R lot was at exit 49, then proceed north on 110 to WWM. On the eastbound trip, they exited the LIE at 49 south, proceeed along the service road to Pinelawn Road, north over expressway, west on service road into the P&R lot and then north on 110 to WWM
In Flushing the route was extened to Shea Stadium. The route was as above, heading west on Roosevelt Ave to Shea. It would then circle the Stadium, head east on Northern Blvd and turn south at Main St. IIRC, there was no formal routing so the drivers were free to improvise by getting off at Kissena, instead of Main Street. From WWM they could proceed south on 110 to LIE, or cut over to Old Walt Whitman Road to the LIE or turn on to Old Country Road West and pick up the LIE at Round Swamp.
The last stop in Suffolk County was the WWM and there were no stops in Nassau County and only Main St/Roosevelt and Shea in Queens.
In an attempt to stem the financial loss, mini-vans were substitued. Lesser service for the same money didn't cut it. I had heard that one of the van drivers would make a detour near Springfield/LIE to drop off a passenger at his job so that the guy wouldn't have to backtrack from Flushing. I don't belive there was ever any incidents with this arrangement, though it was definitely off route.
As has been mentioned, battling the traffic on the LIE didn't cut it. The only reason I took the bus was that I had business on the East Side of the city. Never knowing when I would be finished for the day made it hard to plan what LIRR train I would catch. Didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a PJ train. It was faster to go out to Flushing and get the bus, then to Penn and the train.
I think if they were to re-work this line with new stops and maybe better routing, get a bus lane on the LIE, and bring it to Manhattan(probably downtown), this thing would definately work as both intra-island and NYC bound transportation.
Unless you get everyone out of the "car mindset", I doubt anything will work. First you have to advertise the hell out of it, get subsidies in place and make sure the service is reliable. You still run into the vagaries of traffic jams on the LIE, unless you get an HOV lane all the way into the Mid-town tunnel and down the BQE to either the Willy B or the Manhattan Bridge. Also if you use the P&R lots, perhaps dedicating a certain number of spaces to the bus commuters so that they can find a spot in the AM.
Another thing to consider to potential passengers when the LIRR goes into GCT.
As for decent express bus service, there is Hampton Jitney, which beats up the Montauk Branch daily with superior frequency and one-seat service to Manhattan, and also Sunrise Coach Lines that holds its own against the Ronkonkoma/Greenport branch, on the "forks" of Long Island.
I think the N6 express and N22A are the closest things to express in Nassau County for commuter bus.
One good idea is to allow Queens People to board the 4:30 AM from Montauk in Queens for the Queens People to get to Midtown
Green
And which of the routes have the most riders?
Q10/10A
steve
JONN
-F.
Are buses at Queens Village being retrofitted to have their rear doors automatically? I've yet to see this anywhere else.
Of course this is also a bad thing; now you're going to have people who EXPECT the door to open on its own and will stand in front of the door for a minute waiting for it to open.
Acela
He opened them up at Union Turnpike, one of the stops for St John's, and at two other stops. Yesterday, the driver opened them up automatically only at 169 St.
Wonder why would they be using it now...since I've NEVER seen this happen ever since I began to use QV routes in October 2001...
Evidence of this practice can be seen at major stops along the route. In your case, St. Johns and 169th Street Station.
Whatever the reason, the driver has the ability to open the rear doors from the dash console. The only possible way the rear doors will open automatically is wheelchair system related. A defect, or the activation key-switch locked in the on position. All other rear-door operation is done manually; either by the driver or the passenger.
I wonder how long it will take for B/O's to realize that flooring the gas on an artic will not do much, and going *Tap*tap*tap*tap* (tap is the noise that the pedal on an artic makes when you floor it) on the gas does nothing, as the throttle on the D60's is computer controlled...
You hardly feel it in your own automobile, but a loaded bus is much different.
Chuck Greene
How is the A/C powered on a bus then? I'm surprised. Is there a difference on the roof mounted ones versus the ones in the rear possibly? How much power can their alternators handle?
I assume a roof mounted a/c is a little different, am i wrong?
Is it a GM Silversides without the silver on the sides ? And what's up with those funky whitewalls ?
Bill "Newkirk"
Mark
www.regionaltransitservice.com
They were reputed to be numbered in the 500 series, but I heard years ago that their width was 96". Is that true ?
Bill "Newkirk"
The number 96 is in the model number. That's probably for 96" width.
Bill "Newkirk"
Flxible model numbers, over the years, especially pre-1968, wre quite cryptic.
I logged on to the Ohio Museum of Transportation and checked their bus roster listing, but found no Grumman 870's or Metro Flxibles listed. Did I miss something ?
Bill "Newkirk"
You missed nothing.
"01/21/04 Updated several of the GM production lists. Updated a few of the link changes that have been sent in. Unfortunately had to pull down the Flxible production lists for the 870/Metro design temporarily due to some problems with accuracy from reloading the lists from an old backup copy. We hope to have them back up soon"
Phil Hom
All of the mentioned Buses are in Jamaica 8240 seen on the Q84 8245 on either the 4,5,or 85 and the others on the Q17. Hopefully QV gets their buses back.
Mark
Acela
Bx31 # 7674
800 - B61
802 - B61
914 - B67
939 - B75
1062 - M79
1077 - M23
1081 - BX36
4732 - B57
5036 - M4
5039 - M18
5046 - NIS Run Number 3
5047 - M10
5125 - M42
5235 - B25
5530 - M86
6035 - M7
6075 - M7
6077 - M7
7607 - B75
7638 - B75
8042 - Don't Know
8250 - M96
8284 - M10
8292 - M10
8488 - M72
8632 - M20
8635 - M42
8649 - Don't Know could not see
8651 - M42
8654 - M42
8659 - M42
More Later..............
Well the Bus Operator needs to have lunch doesn't he?
---
Sometimes in the middle of the run, the operator can 1)Get relieved by another operator 2)Operator Pulls back into the depot.
---
Sometimes a bus operator can keep his bus out his lunch brake as long as he gets an approval from the yard dispatcher.
Acela
MetroB
At Ride-On, a fairly good number of the weekend runs have at least one layover of more than 30 minutes. Some weekday runs also have layovers in excess of 30 minutes but there are very few of those, most of them occur after evening rush hour.
MetroB
Driver reports at 6:24 AM
Driver leaves garage at 6:39 AM, deadheads to start of first trip
Starting at 7:06 AM, he does 2.5 round trips on the 37, the last trip ends at 9:26 (layovers between trips range from 3 to 13 minutes)
After the last 37 ends, he deadheads to Shady Grove Station, where he takes his meal break (30 min break)
At 10:30, he starts driving again. He does a round trip on the 43, a round trip on the 90, a round trip on the 43, and a round trip on the 90. Layovers range from 5 to 20 minutes.
At 3:25, that last 90 trip ends at Shady Grove. At that time, the driver leaves to walk back to the garage (7 minutes walk) and clears. A new driver is there to meet the bus. He starts out with another round trip on the 43, then a trip on the 64, deadheads back to Shady Grove, trip on the 60, trip on the 64 back to Shady Grove, then has a 44 minute layover before doing a round trip on the 90. He gets to Shady Grove at 7:55 and has his meal break (about 35 min break)
After his break, he does another one way on the 64, then does 3 round trips on the 59, finishing at 1:27, then deadheads back to the garage, arrives at the garage at 1:41, and clears at 1:51 AM.
Most drivers pull in and out from the garage, but some ride with other drivers to meet their buses and get back to the garage. Some drivers have to walk (as seen above) and others have to ride the route 2 to get to their buses. A part of the union contract actually specifies the maximum number of trips a driver can do on a route in a row without a break, it varies by the length of the route though.
http://talk.nycsubway.org/perl/read?bustalk=109945
Please. Wait. Until. The. End. Of. The. Sentence. Before. Placing. A. Period.
MetroB
If you want to use the B-14 you would have to walk down to Snediker and Sutter Aves for the detour
Towards Utica Ave via Sutter,Snediker,Pitkin,Junius Street and regular at Sutter
Towards Linden Blvd/Elderts via Powell,Blake(I think but not 100%),Snediker,Sutter and regular
Thank You
Arthur
Foothill Transit will no longer accept MTA Tokens for base fare. Other fare media to be accepted is the Metro EZ Pass and the Metrocard or cash payment.
This brings up my next question. I saw a RTS on the Q38 running along Penelope Avenue on Wednesday (4/14) that had that same black painted "porkchop" as in the Queens Surface RTS's. Did Triboro ever get those same model RTS's as Queens Surface did (I've never seen those kinds of RTS buses anywhere else besides QUeens Surface)? Or did Queens Surface send one of their RTS's to Triboro, assuming the private lines actually swap buses (which I doubt)?
Thanks in advance.
Or did Queens Surface send one of their RTS's to Triboro, assuming the private lines actually swap buses (which I doubt)?
The Queens privates DO swap/transfer buses between eact other. Some of the GM's and TMC's have moved around between compaines. Example: 605 from GBL has brown seats, so it came from Jamaica Bus Lines.
Ray
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Mark
Ray
It's probably NYCDOT (which actually owns the buses) doing the swapping.
Ray
From what I've heard, the "methanols" aren't around and were reverted to diesel. Does anyone know when the conversion took place?
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
The bus I just got off, #283, that Cummins L10G could barely move with the earlier standing load.
This N22 had about several standees, though its difficult to see in this photo
The bus stop was a busy place, look at all those people piling onto that N15 at the first bus stop.
CG
N24-Orion V-CNG-#324
N43-Orion V-CNG-#395
Run 5 on M14 starts, let's say, 615am and clears at 204pm. Now let's say the B/O, let's call him Paul, got an hour lunsh break at 1105. On that day the B/O took bus 8556 for the first half on his trip. Ok he gets relieved at 1105 by another B/O and goes on his lunch break.
At 1205, Paul's break ends and gets his turn to relieve a B/O, let's call him Bob, who had run 3. Bob's bus was 8550 and now he's gone off for his lunch break and gets replaced by Paul who finshes his day with his new bus 8550.
To sum up: Paul started his day with bus 8556, took a lunch break and then got bus 8550 to finish his run.
MetroB
My advice for you is to print out the answers if you have a bad memory, so you can stop asking the same questions over and over and over again.
Do you understand?
Stop asking this question or variants of it as well as other questions. My tolerance level is starting to get reached and my fuse is not nearly as short as some of the others around here. Feel free to desire to learn, I don't encourage you to shut up and go to hell the way some other people here do, but please be more presentable.
The diesel buses lining commercial Av were all turned on for some reason(do they use these?). Comming home, had 376 on the N22 Jamaica to Mineola(I was suprised to see this bus. I see it almost daily on the N23). At Mineola, got I think either 384, 385, or 386, on the N23 Manorhaven.
N22 was pretty crowded, with a few people having to stand. The N23 was pretty packed in as well, but still with a few seats open. It lightened up a bit til we got to the LIRR Port Washington stop, where it filled up again.
Does anyone have an extra copy --I am willing to buy it,,from you
Thanks
Steve
FDNY
Email me your address. I'll send you a copy of the NYCT DOB 2004 calendar.
However, I'll check the depot and see if we have any left lying around. If so, I'll tag this thread at that time and let you know.
Speaking of which, a relative of mine was kind enough to part an old 1997 edition of the Insider manual, including a sweet diagram of an RTS-06 series bus!
BTW- If it weren't for your posted address, I'd never have known who you are! Can't you guys use one handle!?!? Sheez.... LOL
And then I see 4681 pull into the express pick up area and once I get on, this bus was very HOT!! Nonetheless, I had a window seat so it was all good and this bus still moves well at 16-17 years old 8-). Had a bait of a back up on the Sheridan Expwy and people were getting angry at the fact that this shuttle operation happens so often but praised the express service, interesting logic eh. I sat down and headed back to 149 St and I get on 9087, climate control is good and it’s a good ride but slowed up a bit near the ramp and along the Major Deegan so I’m back at 149 & I chill out then head for the A shuttle. I take an R62 4 train via express to Fulton St then catch the A train to Rockaway Blvd and I get on 635 first, cool ride to B 98 and the train crowd was waiting for the next bus so I walk around the area for a bit and go back on 4938, a good ride back to Rockaway Blvd then I stop for a bite to eat and these people were arguing with the store manager over wrong orders and a ruckus :-\. Anyway I order my stuff then I take one more RT before calling it a day so I notice that 309 is just stuck at Rockaway Blvd and looks like it had problems.
I take 8391, a fast ride and to my surprise, I see 4878 for the first time in Jamaica with converted seats; along with recent newcomer 9273. Then this lady starts spitting then briefly vomits and sounds so loud that the bus became dead silent for a moment and it was just nasty. So I just take the next bus that comes, 5167 and head back to Rockaway Blvd, wait a couple of minutes for the A train to come, ride an R44 via express to Hoyt St where I take 8157 on the B41 LTD, had sluggish acceleration but wasn’t a bad ride until we get caught in traffic between Lincoln Rd and Church Av, losing some time but rebounded until I transfer to the B8 and finish my trip.
Some interesting observations
-All of the 126 buses I saw were Artics
-More MV buses than any other time I saw this GO
-When I came back to Brooklyn, I saw 9446 in service on the B41
-The last two windows of 5503 has moderate graffiti/tags
-Some of the 10/1100’s sound like they have new transmissions
-Add 8340 to the Flatbush fleet
I always seem to have fresh material and expecting the unexpected on my trips 8-)
The buses I saw on the 2/5 shuttle:
100: 5510,5512,5524,5541,5588,5594
126: 5611,5633,5637,5663,5668,5678
MV: 5025,5029,,5052,5173,8263,8758,8770,9620,9638,9650
WF: 1083,1103,1104,4841,8055,8089,8782,9135
KB: 5424,5434,5491,5492
GH: 5333,5335,5352,5359,5365,5370,5412
MCH: 213,214,215,251,253,6025,6028
ENY: 4543,8077,8904
UP: 9087,9311,9335,9341
JG: 593,597,602,607
FB: 8426,8435,9387,9426,9446
FP: 4681,8004,8559,9460
MJQ: 8980,8995,9000,9008,9016,9021,9025,9206
The buses I saw on the A shuttle. Enjoy:
QV: 4938,8361,88368,8369,8381,8394,8395,9250,9367,9380,9381
CS: 302,309,541,544,555,560,567,635,643,652,662,6138
JAM: 4878,5167,8952,9259,9273,9564
R40 4343 (Q)
R62 1430 (3)
NF Artic 1075 Bx19
NF Artic 1103 EXP SHUTTLE
O5 251 EXP SHUTTLE
RTS 4681 EXP SHUTTLE
RTS 9087 EXP SHUTTLE
R62 1408 (4)
R38 4043 (A)
O5 635 A SHUTTLE
RTS 4938 A SHUTTLE
RTS 8391 A SHUTTLE
RTS 5167 A SHUTTLE
R44 5269 (A)
RTS 8157 B41 LTD
NF 979 B8
A Houston bus driver has been charged with assault for allegedly attacking a passenger who wouldn't pay his fare.
Officials said driver Raglaro Davis hit him repeatedly with a removable door handle.
Bill "Newkirk"
On May 15th and 16th, Andrews Air Force Base will have its open house and again parking will be prohibited on base grounds. Parking will be at FED EX field with shuttle buses taking open house goers to the base and bring them back. Also shuttles will be provided at the Branch Avenue metro Station. Also the shuttles for AAFB dwarf the ones for the Redskins shuttle and if the weather is great, man buses will be filled to overflowing.
On May 29th, WMATA as well as the other local T/As(not sure if any out of town T/As will be helping also, but don't think I will-would love to see some out of town T/As buses) will be providing shuttle service for the dedication of the World War II Memorial on the mall. At least 400 buses will provice shuttle service from at least the Stadium Armory station(that one I know of) along with some other stations to and from the event.
DC in May should a big time place to bus watch, at least for me any way. I will have a great view of the AAFB shuttles, hopefully.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Also do not be surprised to see any Orion soft seat buses also Bronx bound
This is speculation on my part only.
Thank You
Thank You
David
Correct - Take That The B6 Is My Home Route i See @
Sorry =\
Latest news from the Coalition rumor mill: There might be a Coalition to Thank Chris for Increasing Route 37 Service established following the release of the new timetable.
You must be on drugs, a fare rollback...
After I left the Museum after about 2 hours, I managed to get on an Orion VII, [7600 series] on the B61. I still think low-floor buses are ugly, but they are growing on me. During the ride, when the bus got into Williamsburg, I noticed [while the bus was on Whyte Ave] in an industrial yard about a block away from Whyte Ave between Ross St and Division Ave, a group of ex-Cleveland PCC cars. I was kicking myself for not having a camera with me, but does anyone have any info on this?
I got on the 7 [at Queensboro Plaza] and rode to Grand Central, then walked from GC to PABT, taking in the atmosphere and the delicious weather. I got on the 159 bus hoping to ride one of the new Neoplan artics, but got a tired, old Flxible. Rode to Fairview Garage, got a good look at the new Neoplan [much different from the SEPTA/WMATA/BeeLine versions], then got on another old Flx back to NYC. The trip was horrible, it spent an inordinate amount of time inching down Bergenline Ave. What gives there? I actually spent double the time going south on Bergenline than going North. Got back to PABT then went for dinner. Rode the R to Jackson Heights, saw what the new terminal will look like [very impressive], then backtracked to Midtown on a soft-seated Orion 101 on the Q32. Made good time back to Manhattan but then hit a lot of traffic on 34 St.
I risked life and limb crossing 7th Ave to make the 9:03 ot of NYP, but the train died at Newark. It completely blew all of my planned connections at Trenton, then at Camden. We had to be crammed onto the next NEC train at Newark, and thanks to the overcrowding, the conductor never collected my ticket. On my next trip, all I have to buy is a one-way to NYC or Newark.
In conclusion, thanks to the RiverLINE, traveling to NYC was made way too easy and cheap, and continures to fuel my temptation to go to the City every weekend, but maybe this weekend, I'll try to break my habit, and maybe go across the Delaware into Philly for something other than work.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
From what a driver on the 92 once told me, they were unreliable and that's why they were rarely put into service.
MetroB
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
MetroB
Anyway I get on 215 and it was pretty slow at first but its good and the backseat was hot so it was a bit uncomfrotable but anyway we make a turn onto E 180 instead of Tremont Av but its all good. So then I was hoping that 588 would be running express but it didn't happen and then there were a few Artics assigned to the local so then I get on 5043 and as we leave, I see 2 C40's behind me [grr...] and the B/O is cool and we chat for a bit, displaying some humor to the whole bus and its a very good ride along the way back to 149. Then I take a walk along the Grand Concourse and managed to snap a few pics so I go to 138 St & walk back to 3 Av until the Bx33 arrives so I get on 251 and take the ride crosstown to Leonx then I take a 2 express to Atlantic Av then I take an R68A Q to my stop then I hop on the B8 and finish my trip.
The buses I saw:
100: 1002,1015,1025,5511,5565,5574
126: 5611,5626,5627,5633,5637,5668
KB: 5433,5434,5435,5457,5464,5476,5698,5700,8876
WF: 1086,1089,1095,1099,1103,8080,8801,9119
GH: 5261,5283,5323,5328,5358,5351,5383,5394,5401
MCH: 215,6001,6039,6050,6052,6054,6070
UP: 8693,9302,9336
FB: 5093,8435,9441,9449
FP: 4695
ENY: 4424,9035
JG: 588,808
MV: 5043,5125,5179,9510,9515,9517,9523,9529,9637
MJQ: 9004,9007,9021,9044,9189,9203,9217
NF 941 B8
R68 2856 (Q)
R142 1140 (4)
NF Artic 5565 EXP SHUTTLE
NF Artic 1089 EXP SHUTTLE
O5 215 EXP SHUTTLE
RTS 5043 EXP SHUTTLE
R142 6941 (2)
R68A 5126 (Q)
NF 961 B8
I saw 5434 and 5435 4 times yesterday on the bruckner. I also saw 5555. I also 5386 running empty to the concourse.
Or the GM Futurliner.
The Orange County (CA) Sheriff Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department both got MCI 102D3's a couple years ago with no windows!! Just a flat pane along the sides where the windows are. I also think I've seen a State of California Department of Corrections 102D3 the same way recently.
Idea was so that nobody could see the jailbirds inside and the jailbirds inside couldn't figure out where they were being hauled to. Some of the jail facilities are way out in the sticks in outlying areas.
Yeah, I think that's what I said when I saw it, too.
Bet everyone looks at that sign!!!
I'd be shocked and surprised if that was real. If it is, I want to know the number of that bus!
It's real; bus # is 5123.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Chris
i meant shitty
Does anyone have NJT BUS maps?
-Chris
Robert
Newark-Essex County
Mercer County
Hudson County
South Jersey [Camden, Burlington, Gloucester]
Unfortunately, these maps are out of print, and completely usless because of the many changes over the years.
It would be nice if NJT would re-issue maps of their bus routes. It can be done on-line which would make it a lot easier.
MetroB
April 19, 2004
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has agreed to take over the financially troubled Queens and Brooklyn commuter bus lines in a deal to be announced today, sources familiar with the negotiations told Newsday.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. George Pataki, who have sparred over the fate of the lines for months, reached an agreement yesterday that will allow the MTA to assume operations by the summer, when franchise agreements with the city expire. The city now subsidizes the troubled private lines, which serves more than a quarter million riders daily.
Pataki and Bloomberg plan to appear today at a City Hall news conference to announce the deal.
The deal still requires state legislative approval. Leaders from the Assembly and Senate were briefed on the outlines of the deal in Albany yesterday.
A key to the agreement, said one official on condition of anonymity, was Bloomberg's decision to drop objections to the MTA board's planned $230 million purchase of 120 Metro-North rail cars. In February, the mayor blasted the authority for "showing more interest in improving life for suburban commuters" than in bailing out the failing bus lines.
That pressure tactic apparently worked, the official said. Jamie Van Bramer, a spokesman for four of the companies, declined comment last night pending a review of the details.
Bloomberg first proposed the takeover of the bus routes by the MTA from private firms in 2002 as a way of relieving the city of several hundred million dollars a year in payments it now must make to subsidize the service.
But the Pataki administration, which controls the transit agency, balked, citing its own fiscal burden. Now the state's operating deficit has become more serious than the city's.
Staff writer Dan Janison contributed to this story.
Bill "Newkirk"
That is without saying. the most likely sinario would be that current drivers would be segragated ala the current maboa drivers
Close enough ! I heard QSTOA will be the new moniker.
Bill "Newkirk"
The deal still requires state legislative approval. Leaders from the Assembly and Senate were briefed on the outlines of the deal in Albany yesterday.
Bloomberg first proposed the takeover of the bus routes by the MTA from private firms in 2002 as a way of relieving the city of several hundred million dollars a year in payments it now must make to subsidize the service.
But the Pataki administration, which controls the transit agency, balked, citing its own fiscal burden. Now the state's operating deficit has become more serious than the city's.
Its the state we really have to look at and they have the final say.
Agreed. A lot still has to happen here. There must be some sort of quid pro quo on the financing - I can't see the state offering to relieve the city of a $100 million burden without something in return. The article also fails to mention anything about the pension liability issue, which is huge, plus agreements must be reached with the unions.
JD
This makes perfect sense.
Cut out the duplicate senior management salaries
combine some routes
Fare will increase to $2 MTA base fare
Reduce costs through economies of scale
For instance command bus has a dedicated dispatcher that sits most of the day at kings highway B/q station on the B100
It's a win win for the city and the riding public
I wonder if the MTA has agreed to the Bronx privte lines also?
MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, GOVERNOR GEORGE E. PATAKI AND MTA CHAIRMAN PETER KALIKOW ANNOUNCE MTA TAKEOVER OF PRIVATE BUSLINES
MTA Takeover will Improve Service for Almost 400,000 Riders in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Governor George E. Pataki and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman Peter Kalikow today announced that the operation of seven private bus lines in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx will be transferred to the MTA by July 1, 2004. The MTA will assume all responsibility for the operation of the private lines. New York City will subsidize the MTA by financing the costs of operating the service beyond the revenue generated by State subsidies, fares and advertising. The transfer will ensure that the bus service is fully integrated with the transit service currently provided by the MTA and will result in a higher quality service and more efficient operations.
"The 390,000 residents of Co-op City, Canarsie, Middle Village, Rego Park and Forest Hills and the other neighborhoods that uses these buses deserve improved service and greater reliability," said Mayor Bloomberg. "For years they have stoically tolerated antiquated buses, and substandard and unreliable service. Nearly a third of the bus fleet is 17 years or older and many are not accessible for people with disabilities. Although, the City will continue to fully subsidize the bus service, it will get a better bang for its buck. New Yorkers will benefit from the efficiencies generated by this consolidation including the elimination of management and incentives fees paid to the private operators, reduced maintenance costs, insurance savings and the consolidation of fuel purchases."
"The MTA and the City have forged an important agreement to ensure better and more reliable bus service for commuters from Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx," Governor Pataki said. "Riders can look forward to improved service that will not keep people waiting at the curb, as well as 450 new, cleaner buses which will soon be added to the fleet. We will make sure that the transition is seamless so that commuters will not be inconvenienced while service is being transferred. I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg and Chairman Kalikow for working together to ensure that New York City riders get the transit service that they deserve."
"I want to thank Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg for their continued commitment to mass transportation," said MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow. "The MTA provides the best and most efficient transportation service in the country and we look forward to bringing that same quality service to more transit customers in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx."
The City will lease all its bus-related assets to the MTA including approximately 450 new buses that are currently being purchased and the two bus depots that are owned by the City. At the City's request, the MTA will propose an amendment to its 2000-2004 Capital Plan to set aside a $322.5 million reserve that will be funded from resources originally allocated to the LaGuardia Airport subway extension, but are no longer slated for that project. This reserve will be used for additional fleet replacement, facilities and other necessary capital improvements.
The MTA will assume all union employees and will honor existing collective bargaining agreements and collective bargaining obligations until new agreements are negotiated. To affect this, the parties plan to meet with the unions in the near future. To ensure a seamless transition of service between the MTA and the private operators, the City will also begin immediate efforts to negotiate agreements that address owners concerns quickly and fairly.
As part of this overall agreement, the City will support the MTA Capital Plan Amendments, including the accelerated purchase of new Metro North Railroad cars. In exchange, the MTA has agreed to address the Transit Authority's traditional Capital Plan funding in its next Capital Program.
"This historic agreement is extremely complex and I want to congratulate Governor George Pataki, MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow, Department of Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall, Budget Director Mark Page and the Director of the Mayor's Office of Operations, Susan Kupferman for their hard work in getting this done and their dedication to improving the transportation system for the citizens of New York," concluded Mayor Bloomberg.
Da Hui
Da Hui
Da Hui
I guess that answers the question of- Will Gun Hill ever take decent care of their buses? Noooooooooo!
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
You mean the idle blinkers button (the red triangular one that indicates that the vehicle is sitting idle for a while)?
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
You're thinking of the hazard signals, I guess.
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
Peace,
ANDEE
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
-Ben Diamond (a.k.a. 4traintowoodlawn)
For now, operate them.
Da Hui
Why not Bx50? The QBx1 is mostly in the Bronx, with a few trips running to/from Queens only as an afterthought.
Q50 Flushing/Main St Sta
Q50 Pelham Bay
Q50 Co-Op City
Da Hui
An electronic destination sign reading is not an etched-in-stone commitment for all time. Signs can always be reprogrammed.
Bx25
Code Rte Destination
==== ==== ==============
3250 Bx25 CO-OP CITY
PELHAM BAY
LOOP
Q50 Co-Op City
Q50 Pelham Bay
Q50 Flushing/Main St Sta
Da Hui
David
David
http://www.wmata.com/about/MET_NEWS/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=376
The story also mentions new equipment being purchased and an entire fleet replacement in about 2 years or so.
MTA To Take Over Bus Lines
NYC To Keep Paying Operating Costs
Apr 19, 2004 8:44 pm US/Eastern
NEW YORK (AP) The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will assume control of seven private bus lines that carry 400,000 riders across the city each day, but commuters will be hit with a fare hike once the deal is completed this summer, officials announced Monday.
The franchise bus lines run locally in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx and offer express service to and from Manhattan.
Despite the MTA takeover, the city will continue to pay a $150 million annual operating cost for the foreseeable future to keep the lines running.
The Bloomberg administration had been trying for months to get the MTA to assume control of the lines and take over the city subsidy but failed to win that agreement.
Nevertheless, Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed the deal a "victory" during a City Hall press conference that included Gov. George Pataki and MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow.
"This is a major victory for New Yorkers who ride these buses," Bloomberg said.
The switch takes place July 1, and standard fares on local routes will rise from $1.50 one way to $2. But once the systems are part of the MTA, riders will be able to take advantage of weekly and monthly MTA discounts they had not been entitled to before.
The express fare of $4 will remain the same.
The MTA "will provide at least the same service, hopefully better service," said Kalikow, whose agency is facing a projected $840 million budget deficit.
The agreement calls for the city to continue providing the $150 million annual operating subsidy to the franchise bus lines and to lease the buses and two bus depots currently owned by the city to the MTA. The seven companies have a total of 82 routes and about 1,300 buses.
The MTA agreed to propose an amendment to its current capital plan to set aside $323 million that will be used for fleet replacement and other upgrades. The amendment would need to be approved by the state Legislature.
The officials said one of the advantages of the takeover will be that commuters will get to ride in new buses, although the MTA has not committed to keeping the existing routes.
The city has already purchased 450 new buses, and Kalikow said the MTA will upgrade the fleet entirely in 18 to 24 months.
The MTA will also assume control of the employees of the bus companies.
Several of the bus lines have had significant economic problems during the past several years, and employees of three of the lines -- all in Queens -- went on strike for seven weeks in 2002, demanding better pay and benefits. The strike at Queens Surface Corp., Jamaica Buses Inc. and Triboro Coach Corp. stranded about 115,000 riders daily.
Officials at the bus companies did not return calls seeking comment Monday.
(© 2004 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. )
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
David
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
If they are buying 425 new buses, then I think most will be scrapped after the new buses arrive. Depending on age, maybe they'll keep the Orions since they're not that old.
As far as the NYBS Fishbowls go, they'll probably be instantly retired. They're not wheelchair friendly.
Bill "Newkirk"
Weekend service is going too?
David
I've also recently started getting in my last GMDD fishbowl rides. I'll be out there every chance I get now.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
-Fred
Based on what evidence exactly? None I'll bet. Ask any B/O who has experience of the Fishbowls/Blitzes and I doubt they'll tell you that they are over-rated.
I never said that the Fishbowls were better than RTSs. In some ways they probably are, some they aren't. However, for you to say that the Fishbowls are over-rated is wrong, plain and simple. The NYBS Fishies only run low miles as that is all that is required of them - I have no doubt that they would be quite capable of many more hours' use every day. As I said before, ask the people who know - B/Os and maintainers before making comments based solely on your own personal favorites.
Furthermore, you are again wrong in stating that they will become part of the MTA fleet. They wont, as has been stated several times before here. Search the archives and you will see this.
'let your nostalgia get the best of you, you're the type of person the seller needs'
Umm, based on what evidence or is this another of your ill-informed, type-before-I-think comments? Care to state exactly what you know about what kind of person I am? As it is, I have no intention whatsoever of buying one of these buses, nice as they are.
Well?
The Fishbowls in Toronto are a minority. And, also, they reside in a country where buses cannot be retired until they are 18. Now, first of all, most major operating authorities do not retire their buses at the minimum age. Especially cash strapped TAs like Toronto. Yes, they rebuilt the Fishbowls, however, do not think that all of them are running because they want them to. Toronto has stated those buses need to be replaced, but they don't have the funds to do so. Also, there are other buses with severe mechanical defects needing to be replaced. So, yeah, they'll let some of the oldies run instead of a potentially dangerous rustbucket. However, the Orion VIIs will put some of the most decrepid Fishbowls out of their misery.
>>>I never said that the Fishbowls were better than RTSs. In some ways they probably are, some they aren't. However, for you to say that the Fishbowls are over-rated is wrong, plain and simple.<<<
I never stated you said that. Take your own advice and think before you type. And how is it wrong for me to say they are overrated. Maybe, MAYBE, if I said they were flat out crap, I'd be wrong, but saying they are overrated is quite valid.
>>>As I said before, ask the people who know - B/Os and maintainers before making comments based solely on your own personal favorites.<<<
Actually, I have. They were pretty solid buses, cold all the time, pretty hard to steer, but semi reliable. And these were from the people that drove them. About the RTS they said it was like the Cadillac of buses. Easy to drive, slow but good on the highway, never flooded out, able to hold the road, and etc etc.
>>>Umm, based on what evidence or is this another of your ill-informed, type-before-I-think comments? Care to state exactly what you know about what kind of person I am? As it is, I have no intention whatsoever of buying one of these buses, nice as they are.<<<
Once again, take your own adivce. I never said YOU were going to buy one of the buses did I? I stated that the seller was looking for people like you, with a soft spot for Fishbowls so he could push off an overpriced, old piece of equipment.
LOL. Listen, I'm a Toronto bus driver, and if those fishbowls are a minority then I'm at a loss to explain why I keep getting one every single day. In actuality they make up about half the fleet.
>And, also, they reside in a country where buses cannot be retired until they are 18.
No that's not true, transit authorities in Canada may retire buses whenever they like. The reason why Toronto sets the 18 years standard is BECAUSE of the fishbowls. They want any new bus they buy to last AT LEAST as long as a fishbowl. So far none of them do, we're hoping for success with the Orion VII.
>Also, there are other buses with severe mechanical defects needing to be replaced. So, yeah, they'll let some of the oldies run instead of a potentially dangerous rustbucket. However, the Orion VIIs will put some of the most decrepid Fishbowls out of their misery.
No actually the Orion VII's are putting the D40-90's and the D901 Flyers out of their misery, and possibly even the '91 Orion V CNG's (though I hope not) and the Orion VI's (that's right, the 1998 Orion VI's). Yes the most decrepit fishbowls will be retired, but let me assure you that decrepit fishbowls are far and few between. The majority of Toronto fishbowls are in great shape and they continue to be the most reliable bus in our fleet. Furthermore, the main reason Toronto is considering their EVENTUAL retirement is because they'll soon be unable to find parts for them, otherwise they'd continue to rebuild them.
And as an operator who drives them every single day I can assure you they are not overrated, they deserve all the praise they're given.
And also know that the few RTS's we have here in Toronto are actually the most unreliable buses in the fleet, and are universally hated by all who drive them. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they get retired before the fishbowls too.
Just imagine, Train to Midtown, Fishbowl to City Island, Ferry to PW....that'd be a nice trip......
I wonder why they ended that ferry service?
Lack of customers?
It seems that there would be a good demand for it. An alternative to having to take the bridges.
It was a pax only ferry, no cars. If they re-opened the service with some carrying cars and trucks. It'll be a faster route for those trucks going to the industrial area in town, a much faster route.
If they want to make sense, they should leave it alone. However it is possible that they could add a stop at Rockaway Blvd and maybe a few others.
Perhaps an even wilder idea would be having the Q53 serve Jamaica bus terminal?
Not necessary.
Well one things for sure I better busfan these "private lines" before they become blue. QSC kept their equip in pretty good shape, but triboro,Green, and the others have "LI Bus - like maintanance".
Many times I rode the Q53 there was no a/c and I always saw breakdowns. Sound familiar?
The question is how long would it take for the MTA colors to appear on the DOT buses? As I said in another thread dealing with the possible takeover, when I see it I'll believe it. Now with non existent A/C, that is all too common but isn't limited to Triboro however I have never seen any breakdowns on the Q53, you must of had bad luck or something.
For Local Service Run Q21 From Queens Blvd/Woodhaven Blvd/59th Street
South To Rockaway Freeway then West to Beach 116th Street (S)
No it doesn't. Granted, the Q53, like any other bus line have had equipment failure, but on a regular basis-I haven't experienced that. The Q53 is the best thing Rockaway has and hopefully it will be left alone, with the exception of extending the last bus out of Woodside from 9:00pm to 11:00pm. I have heard about the horrible conditions of the TCC buses, but for some reason, it doesn't apply to the buses that run on the Q53. A lot of people used this bus as an alternative to the "A" train and the QM16 to get to Manhattan.
As a matter of fact, I just rode the Q53, round trip this weekend (as opposed to the train, bus, train crap the TA has been offering Rockaway riders on the weekends lately) and it was pure pleasure, especially looking out the window at jam-packed MTA shuttle buses.
Here are a couple of pictures from that ride:
Enjoy.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
I've also noticed that during the last two summers, weekend service was provided entirely by Orion Vs. Before that, during the summer weekends, the Q53 ran everything TCC owned with the exception of the MCI Classics.
Da Hui
Green Lines' Classics are local buses.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Da Hui
Cummins is a well-respected engine maker and makes good stuff. The M11s that got stuffed into 10 RTS buses are very fast.
Saw old versions of those in HARTline's flxibles and was curious. I like them.
David
any opinions would be cool to read
what would happen to the B100 would they restructure EITHER the B2 or B31 to merge with the B100 my choice is the 100 and 31 since the 2 serve the Plaza and that may be lost for mthe few riders who do use that service..
Lets say the TA went with your choice of the B31. Then what service would the folks in Gerritsen Beach who use the B31 have?
Da Hui
1) New route
2) Killing a route
3) Permanent change to a siginficant portion of the route
4) Route combinations
Now, the NYCDOT has 82 bus routes. The MTA must figure out what will stay and what will go. They will not do this one at a time. In addition, they will honor all union agreements for the time being. Therefore, there will be:
1) No route alterations: this may require renegotiating contracts.
2) No "efficiencies" except a single set of overhead.
3) Whatever the city pays for runs.
4) No new buses before 2005: buses require a six month lead time and several manufacturers are backlogged. Those 450 new buses will be alternate fuel models. Nothing else is known.
5) Widespread service cuts. Some of the private buses cannot be saved. The MTA does not have enough pieces to replace them and they aren't going to lease anything to do that. Expect the Transit Alliance's service cut program to be put in place.
6) Widespread moaning and groaning. This will be an extremely painful process on many sides. The Bronx riders are happy with their service and many of the senior guys over at NYBS are considering futures in the school bus division, resulting in possible driver shortages.
In addition, the private bus drivers will be the first Regional Bus division. They will be happy to keep their jobs and salary, but some already know that they will be Regionalized to the dismay of the two other divisions. The handling of the takeover may lead to strikes after September 2004 and serious union problems within TWU and ATU. I fear for TWU Local 100, who has both private and MTA drivers in the same union.
Buses will continue to break down even though they may be painted in MTA colors. Maintenance backlogs take time and some mechanics will have to be retrained. People will say that the MTA is no better than the privates because nothing will change except colors and names. The busfans will be pleased, but the passengers won't be all smiles. There is NOTHING the MTA can do about this.
7) Atlantic Express's X23 and X24 aren't involved in this process. Efforts will be made to get them involved, but the MTA needs to construct more storage space on Staten Island. They are overcapacity as is.
8) Garages are the key. If the MTA cannot secure all of the garages, it CANNOT operate the services. Based on NYCDOT's treatment of the Queens carriers, the Transit Alliance will have a SERIOUS case in blocking any condemnation of their facilities. I would be very worried about the Coopers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2474458512&category=6728
Very sad. I was hoping to ride one before they all left town. Does anyone know if they might still have a few in service?
-F.
It's so odd to me, though...it almost looks too young to be retired...
A nice bus, though!
Dave
On the bright side, I understand a local museum in Ohio has preserved a 1984 Flxible Metro from the SORTA fleet. Hopefully a museum in the Carolinas will follow suit, if there even is such interest there.
-F.
-Fred
Dave
-Fred
D.
-Fred
But as for 169 using Metro Flxible slider type windows combine with the traditional Grumman type that was pretty much common place there. The Flxibles never use any of thier parts. I guess they had surplus windows lay around or something but then again the A/C wasn't all that great on the Grummans.
Dave
-F.
-F.
On that note, has anyone been to Rocco's? How is the food, and is it really as crazy there as it looks in my living room?
-F.
There are also additional shuttle routes from Station C - Federal Circle that use the New Flyer low floors. I suspect that a good part of the fleet is also being kept for emergencies should AirTrain break down.
I personally never been to Rocco's, though I'd like to(that show is GREAT advertising), but as someone who's worked in a restaurant that size with close to that amount of people, plus with a boatload of foodservice/catering credits under my belt, I can attest that:
Yes, it's THAT crazy, maybe a little bit more. :)
My particular restaurant, I didn't have to do tastings or any special classes for my position, so my shift was never as long as theirs, but time does fly(and the stacks of ones jam the bank machines, no kidding).
And thanks, i was wondering the same question. Airtran AND a bus. What's LGA get???
-F.
What abut the Q53?
Will the Fishbowls retire?
What buses will be scrapped?
WHO KNOWS? We got at least ONE month before any of those questions would be answered. Also, let's wait until not only for this to be official BUT for it to actually happen. Why? Because as everybody here knows, anything can happen BEFORE this summer! So, let's chill with the questions because right now we can say things like:
The Q53 will be discontinued
The Fishbowls will go to Flatbush Depot
All the MCI Classics at QSC will be scrapped or sent to Jamaica Depot
Who knows for sure. If anything happens, let Q5Merrick, BIG AL, David and others tell us. I for one can't wait for the change over BUT April is almost over...so I think we can wait until at least June. Again, with the MTA...you never know, the deal could fall by next week or something.
Ray
The MTA will begin taking over operations of all private line bus services currently under the NYCDOT.
The first two franchise companies to be restructured under the MTA banner will be Queens Surface Corp and Command Lines.
These two will the first, beginning this July 1st, with one takeover every 6-months thereafter until all private bus franchises have been transferred to the MTA.
*NO* cross-agency interlining will begin at this time. *NO* changes in physical appearance will begin at this time. *NO* changes of route personnel will happen at this time.
The entity created will be similar to MaBSTOA - a non-civil-service entity under the MTA. All current employees will retain their titles, begin NYCT orientation, safety and awareness, and rules and regulatory training classes at the Zerega Facility in the Bronx, effective immediately.
I apologize for not posting this information sooner. I had been asked not to do so by my sources.
These two will the first, beginning this July 1st, with one takeover every 6-months thereafter until all private bus franchises have been transferred to the MTA.
Why these two first? Are there fewer issues with the garages?
From what I've seen, Green Bus is in the most dire need of MTA takeover and reorganization, followed by Triboro. Queens Surface appears to be the best run of the Queens operators.
JD
I thought that might be the case. I still would expect an uproar from the Green Bus riders, though - they won't care about the garage issue.
I've heard differently from other sources; I won't believe anything until July 2.
I agree - a lot has to happen between now and that date. I haven't seen anything in the news reports about the pension issue, and that could become a huge roadblock.
JD
In a nutshell, we've all come to the "I'll believe it when I see it" conclusion. Yet, the sources of information are too reliable to brush off as simple washroom gossip.
To those I've discussed the matter with via email, you're free to discuss the matter openly, with confidence that none of us will disclose (our personal) outside sources.
I'm certainly not doubting the validity off any sources or the seriousness of any talks, but there are still a number of issues that haven't been resolved. As far as I can tell, the only hurdle that's been cleared is the mayor agreeing to pay the MTA to take the buses and operate the routes.
To make things more interesting, according to the Times article on the takeover, Jerry Cooper refuses to sell and plans to try to stop the takeover. The Queens Surface garage doesn't have any extra capacity, and the TA depots in Queens certainly don't have room; I don't know what the situation at Command is. The buses have to go somewhere.
The Command facility can handle more buses if they parked in rolls and not slots like they are now.
I do not know how Queens Surfice parks their buses.
By the way the City can condem the depots of Green,Jamaia and Triboro via eminent domain
Thank You
So can Transit.
I can't figure out why they don't take over NYBS first since Arrigoni has wanted out for years and a source has told me that supposedly Gun Hill can handle the extra buses.
Just hope they don't junk the fishbowls but perhaps donate them to a bus museum.
2) 130 buses are going to be tough to squeeze into Gun Hill.
3) The as yet unnamedSTOA (or Division) probably won't even be allowed to share facilities with OA or TA on a permanent basis.
4) The Coopers may well force the MTA to shed weaker routes to squeeze it all in.
The TA takes over all the routes as of July 1st.
Changes will be made slowly but the only differnce is that on June 30th you will be riding a private bus line and on July 1st its a TA bus
Thank You
Takeover and restructuring are two different things. All of the lines will be MTA, but MTA fingerprints won't be on all of the routes for some time. In addition, Queens Surface and Command may see route restructuring and/or service cuts first.
2-It is not fair to the union workers of both the private lines and the TA. You are going to have a system pick every 6 months. Remember the DOT Company workers are going to lose their seniority within the TA and or OA. Bring them all in at once and let them maintain their seniority. If a Queens Surfice driver with 1 year on the job pick ahead of the last company taken over with 20 years on the job because the Queens Surfice worker became a TA worker first is that fair.
3-The labor union ia also a problem especially with Command since they are ATU while the Brooklyn Division is TWU. I believe what will happen is that the 2 ATU companies Green and Command union workers will end up working in one depot in Queens while the Brooklyn Division will operate the Command routes and the Queens Surfice,Triboro Coach,Liberty Lines Express, New York Bus Service and Jamica Bus Line drivers be placed in the OA at the bottom of the current list in order as when the joined their old private company.BTW I believe that the Jamaica Buses 4 local and express route will be placed in the TA Queens Division between Jamaica and Queens Village Depots
4-Expect a lot of depot changes to be made. As long as the total number of jobs remain the same it will be done.
Thats my opinion. By the way i do not work for NYC TRansit or the MTA
Thank You
Remember, this is a "takeover of management". There will be no outward changes, no outside picking of runs and no 'system pick' between the two entities. Everything will be as it is until all companies have been taken over. The current contracts will remain in force over the transition, with exception of those rules and regulations that violate NYCT specific standards.
This announcemnet came out of left field and i honestly thought the issue was dead when it was announced that the DOT will be buying new buses and will buy 50 retired TA buses for $7,000 each.
We all have to wait and see what will happen.
I do know for a fact that the DOB had a teneative takeover plan in work but nothing concrete.(I knew this since late last year)
There is still a lot of issues that will have to be ironed out
Thank You
Sometimes, a "golf buddy" who has nothing to do with transit can be an excellent source of information :-) Sometimes misinformation! What's the difference? An official announcement from the affected agencies. Until then, it's all speculation and washroom gossip.
I would think that Green Lines and Triboro Coach would be the first with the crappiest equipment around.
Bill "Newkirk"
Could it be the amount of money needed to replace the GM's, which are in horrid condition; for example? I'm pretty certain that costs and ownership issues are the reasons that they won't be taken over first but we shall see what really happens.
MetroB
MetroB
So maybe the subway shuttles will start getting a little more colorful, no?
I could see the Q53, Q21 bus lines elimated. They would be in direct competation with the current subway. Then again they might be retained or merged into another bus line. Depends on what the residents along the affected routes will say when the hearings come up start regarding the elimation of the routes.
I would assume that decals will be used, and that the MTA would make a big show of putting their logo on these buses immediately after the takeover. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few token MTA buses be assigned to these routes as well.
JD
There's no subway from Rego Park to Ozone Park, and there are plenty of existing NYCT bus routes that parallel subway lines. Routes probably would be modified to provide more sensible service.
Before the route could be discontinued, hearings have to be held. The Q9A and Q21 would definitely not survive, and the Q67 may not have that good a chance either. Better money would be saved through consolidation of some express and local routes. The B2 and B100 come to mind initially.
-Adam
(allisonb500r@aol.com)
Chances are, there will be route combinations like the Q45/47 for example and even possible eliminations. The Q53 should be kept however it may be modified to make more stops like at Rockaway Blvd but IMO should be left as is. As for the Q21, I see it being combined with the Q41, or even the Q53.
TA might keep the Q53 and the QM23 (?) from Brooklyn Manor running since both routes were formed to provide service due to the closing of the LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch.
I don't know about the Q45 or the Q47 to say anything about them. The Q21 probably be taken over by the Q11 or the Q41. It all depends on how badly the customers at Broad Channel and Rockaway Park want it.
I guess it will all be mentioned when the hearings start.
I dount know too much about the B2/100 routes.
Expect the Q-53 and the Q-21 to be consolidated into one route. The main reason the routes duplicate each other except for a couple of blocks in Rockaway Park. It does not make sense to consoidate the Q-21 with the Q-11 or the Q-41 for any other reason.
Other possible consolidations include Triboro's Q-19 and Queens Surfice's Q-103.
New York Bus Service City Island Express service will be consolidated with the Pelham Bay route and possibly the Parkchester and Morris Park routes
Liberty Lines Express Riverdale/Wall Street service with the Riverdale/West Side Express.
Command Bus Starrett City and Canarsie Expresses
Queens Surfice Clearview and Bayside Express routes
What i think will happen will be extensive reroutes of existing lines to create more direct east/west and north/south service but that is way down the road.
Thats my opinion
Thank You
JD
Expect the Q-53 and the Q-21 to be consolidated into one route. The main reason the routes duplicate each other except for a couple of blocks in Rockaway Park. It does not make sense to consoidate the Q-21 with the Q-11 or the Q-41 for any other reason.
I don't think a Q11/Q21 combination would do any good since the 11 would become too long and have multiple southern terminals; 4 terminals would come as a result. If the Q21/53 were to be combined then the LTD service would have more added stops and I think riders would object to it but who knows what will happen.
What i think will happen will be extensive reroutes of existing lines to create more direct east/west and north/south service but that is way down the road.
Lets hope that there aren't more B82 type combos ;-). Seriously, chances are routes like the B100,Q19,19B,21,34,67,103 are prime candidates to be eliminated but it seems like they don't really do it nowadays so I will bet that those routes are serioulsly modified. I expect many combos and resturcturing too. Some of my ideas include the Q113 becoming a full time LTD with Q111's making all stops, the Q40 being extended along Queens Blvd to allow all Q60's to become a LTD [the con is that it will mimic Queens Blvd subway service but I think its worth it], combining the Q45/47, Q38*/72, Q38/Q65A and Q19B/29 for example. I had a idea for the Q37 but I have to get back to you on that.
*Q38 would be restrurctured to lose the 'annoying' loop by running on the current Q65A route while the Q72 is extended via the southern portion of the 38 to 62 Drive.
Command Bus Starrett City and Canarsie Expresses
Well, Starrett City is a part time run on the BM2 so it wouldn't necessarily be a combination. Now the BQM1 is the one that you may have to look at, unless that's where you come up with the possible combo of the BM2 and BQM1?!
On the B103, I say it would remain but I believe it will be modified.
On the Q53, I'd rather it stay the way it is but that will be in doubt and also subject to modification.
On the Q10A, I don't know how much riders it has but the hours should be expanded or depending on the exits on the Van Wyck, if there is a Rockaway Blvd exit then it should be its first stop after Kew Gardens. Could be a route in danger of the ax if it is lighly used.
NOTE: This is my opinion and assuimg that the takeover will occur.
1-What traffic generators will a revised route draw from to get ridership
2-What alternate transporation is available
3-Will a route change cause existing riders to leave the system
4-Is the proposed route cost effective
Changes have to be made that make sense. You just do not make changes for the sake of making change. Especially in Queens the private lines have operated mostly in one area for over 60 years with little interference from the other companies as well as the TA. Now that its going to be one system you have to make it attractive for people to use it.
In regards to a Q-21/Q-53 consolidation expect some trips to continue to operate as current especially on the weekends but you can see some trips adding a few stops from Liberty Avenue to 164th Avenue and then all stops from 164th Ave via Broad Channel to the Rockaways. I would not be surprised if you will see some short trips between Liberty Avenue and Beach 116th Street in peak rush periods
Thats my opinion
Thank You
JD
I guess those 425 new buses will replace all DOT's 1985/86 GMC RTS-04's and 1988/89 MCI Classics.
JD
That's Federal transportation money, so he can't use it for his city budget. If they don't buy buses with this money, it must be returned.
JD
Now this is on top of another 500+ (CNG and Hybrid) buses the MTA is ordering for themselves which includes 128 MORE Articulateds on top of the Option order that is set to come in the fall.
Basically over the next year or two the MTA Metro area will see close to or just over 1,000 brand new buses.
Regards,
Trevor Logan
www.transitalk.info
Trevor, will those articulateds be low-floor? I thought NFI was done with high-floors after the TA's current order of D60HF's is delivered.
Jim D.
Da Hui
1-Storage is going to be a big problem. In the Bronx New York Bus Service will need his facility to operate his school bus fleet. The Liberty Lines Express depot is not even in the Bronx but in Yonkers.
Green Bus Lines,Triboro Coach and Jamaica Buses garages are privatley owned and are not part of the deal. The City or the MTA will either buy the depots they need or condem the property under eminent domain laws currently on the books. I speculate that the Green Line Rockaway Blvd facility will be the only one taken over. Triboro routes can operate out of the Queens Surfice facility in College Point
2-You may see some current TA reserve buses on the DOT routes as of July 1st.
3-Seniority and labor unions still have to be worked out. Remember that under the last contract the TA can be merged with MABSTOA. Also what happens with Command(ATU) in the Brooklyn Division which is TWU.
4-Runs will also have to be adjusted to comply with current TA/union rules.
I predict no real changes until the September pick
Thank You
The TA will most likely not buy it. Its too small.
Thank You
What MTA Fleet number classes are open?
Da Hui
Ray
Da Hui
2200s are in service as remanufactured buses, and they coexist peacefully with MCI Cruisers.
Da Hui