Bus bunching on #76 Diversey

[Buslover88]

Talk about bus bunching. I was waiting for a westbound #76 Diversey bus to Harlem around 5pm this afternoon. When the bus(es) finally arrive at about 5:10, four of them pull up. 1034 was packed so much to where nobody couldn't board, 1324 was also packed but not as bad as 1034, 5744 (the bus I boarded) had about ten to fiftheen people and 6042 only had like four people on it. The bus before those four was 1369 and it was at the stop just before 4:50. That was the worst bus bunching i've ever seen.

[mikeymc77]

Talk about bus bunching. I was waiting for a westbound #76 Diversey bus to Harlem around 5pm this afternoon. When the bus(es) finally arrive at about 5:10, four of them pull up. 1034 was packed so much to where nobody couldn't board, 1324 was also packed but not as bad as 1034, 5744 (the bus I boarded) had about ten to fiftheen people and 6042 only had like four people on it. The bus before those four was 1369 and it was at the stop just before 4:50. That was the worst bus bunching i've ever seen.

But it was worth the wait cuz you got to ride 5744. Farewell Flxibles :(

[BusHunter]

Talk about bus bunching. I was waiting for a westbound #76 Diversey bus to Harlem around 5pm this afternoon. When the bus(es) finally arrive at about 5:10, four of them pull up. 1034 was packed so much to where nobody couldn't board, 1324 was also packed but not as bad as 1034, 5744 (the bus I boarded) had about ten to fiftheen people and 6042 only had like four people on it. The bus before those four was 1369 and it was at the stop just before 4:50. That was the worst bus bunching i've ever seen.

I saw some major bus bunching last week on the #152. (a week and a day ago) There were 6 buses bunched together at 7:00 P.M. with no ballgame or schools letting out either. the first was a nova. It had a Kedzie sign going west at the blue line with no passengers. I assumed it would be short turning via avondale/pulaski. Then 3 #6000's show up at the same time about two minutes behind the nova. The first was a pull in at Harlem the rest were going all the way to the west terminal. I board the last one (#6128) another nova and Flx (#6170) passes us at pulaski en route west. I rode on and noticed there were no eastbound buses all the way from cicero to the west end. No supervisors at Central which I thought was really odd. They needed to short turn somebody. When I got to Harlem there were about 10 -15 people waiting for eastbound service and some of them were holding there arms up at the westbound bus. Talk about some big holes in service.

[qwantae]

Talk about bus bunching. I was waiting for a westbound #76 Diversey bus to Harlem around 5pm this afternoon. When the bus(es) finally arrive at about 5:10, four of them pull up. 1034 was packed so much to where nobody couldn't board, 1324 was also packed but not as bad as 1034, 5744 (the bus I boarded) had about ten to fiftheen people and 6042 only had like four people on it. The bus before those four was 1369 and it was at the stop just before 4:50. That was the worst bus bunching i've ever seen.

Is 5744 the one with Cummings Engine? I thought all the Cummings 5700s already gone.

I'll tell you what about #79 79th at Stony Island/ 79th. Around 4 pm. I saw 6 eastbounds bunching, starting first are 2 TMCs, 2 New Flyers and 2 Novas in a row. Weird huh? TMCs were more Packed though and them 4th one which is New Flyer. Now thats the worst than 4.

[Busjack]

I'll tell you what about #79 79th at Stony Island/ 79th. Around 4 pm. I saw 6 eastbounds bunching, starting first are 2 TMCs, 2 New Flyers and 2 Novas in a row. Weird huh? TMCs were more Packed though and them 4th one which is New Flyer. Now thats the worst than 4.

79th was always bad. A couple of years ago, a NABI would have been running empty in that bunch, but I guess they have moved on.

Maybe putting DE60s on that route or making it part of the BRT project will help straighten out the bunching, although, again, I don't know what you could do between State and Stony Island with the narrow street.

[Buslover88]

Is 5744 the one with Cummings Engine? I thought all the Cummings 5700s already gone.

5744 is one of the buses that has (or had) a cummius engine, but its still around.

[Guest]

5744 is one of the buses that has (or had) a cummius engine, but its still around.

Bus #5744 was NOT equipped with the Cummins L-10 diesel. The Cummins powered buses were numbered #5745-#5764 which have all since been retired, #5746 being the last bus retired of that series.

[Guest]

I saw some major bus bunching last week on the #152. (a week and a day ago) There were 6 buses bunched together at 7:00 P.M. with no ballgame or schools letting out either. the first was a nova. It had a Kedzie sign going west at the blue line with no passengers. I assumed it would be short turning via avondale/pulaski. Then 3 #6000's show up at the same time about two minutes behind the nova. The first was a pull in at Harlem the rest were going all the way to the west terminal. I board the last one (#6128) another nova and Flx (#6170) passes us at pulaski en route west. I rode on and noticed there were no eastbound buses all the way from cicero to the west end. No supervisors at Central which I thought was really odd. They needed to short turn somebody. When I got to Harlem there were about 10 -15 people waiting for eastbound service and some of them were holding there arms up at the westbound bus. Talk about some big holes in service.

I remember a few years ago with the Harlem ave. rebuilding there were some huge delays in service on the 90 Harlem route. The bus delays were further impeded by the fact that freight trains on the Milw. Dist. West line were holding the crossing at Harlem and Grand causing the Harlem buses to be held up. At Christmas time forget it! I remember one night during the holidays all of the Harlem buses were bunched up one behind the other NB. And I remember seeing high counts of passengers at stops, some raising their arms while others made obscene gestures waiting for SB buses, mainly at the mall. Other areas that caused many delays were Harlem/Higgins, Harlem/Belmont and of course the crowds from the mall at Harlem/Irving and frequent construction traffic. The Carsons Ribs Restaurant lost a lot of business and subsequently was a casualty of that long construction project. We were getting an earful from riders just about everyday. That time was not a good one to be a CTA bus operator, Ill never forget it.

[Buslover88]

Bus #5744 was NOT equipped with the Cummins L-10 diesel. The Cummins powered buses were numbered #5745-#5764 which have all since been retired

Oh okay. Thanks for the information. I'm sorry.

I remember a few years ago with the Harlem ave. rebuilding there were some huge delays in service on the 90 Harlem route. The bus delays were further impeded by the fact that freight trains on the Milw. Dist. West line were holding the crossing at Harlem and Grand causing the Harlem buses to be held up. At Christmas time forget it! I remember one night during the holidays all of the Harlem buses were bunched up one behind the other NB. And I remember seeing high counts of passengers at stops, some raising their arms while others some obscene gestures waiting for SB buses mainly at the mall. Other areas that caused many delays were Harlem/Higgins, Harlem/Belmont and of course the crowds from the mall at Harlem/Irving and frequent construction traffic. The Carsons Ribs Restaurant lost a lot of business and subsequently was a casualty of that long construction project. We were getting an earful from riders just about everyday. That time was not a good one to be a CTA bus operator, Ill never forget it.

Oh geez, that sounds bad, especially at Irving and Harlem.

[jajuan]

5744 is one of the buses that has (or had) a cummius engine, but its still around.

I think your confusion on 5744 came from the fact that 5741-5744 had Alcoa wheels like Cummins powered buses 5745-5764 while they were assigned at Archer. Shortly before Archer transferred out its 5300s to other garages with the NOVAs' arrival, these four buses received the standard transit wheels of the rest of the non-Cummins 5300s. Not sure if 5744 is still around though. With only 30some 5300s left, it's a good chance it may be retired.

[nflyer22]

I think your confusion on 5744 came from the fact that 5741-5744 had Alcoa wheels like Cummins powered buses 5745-5764 while they were assigned at Archer. Shortly before Archer transferred out its 5300s to other garages with the NOVAs' arrival, these four buses received the standard transit wheels of the rest of the non-Cummins 5300s. Not sure if 5744 is still around though. With only 30some 5300s left, it's a good chance it may be retired.

Hmm, that's weird, since I remember riding 5742 back when I was little and it had the standard non-Cummins 5300s wheels, but I may be wrong with my failing memory, since I haven't been on a 5300 Flxible for so long, and completely forgot to ride one this past Friday. Better grab one while at most 30 are still around soon, which is better than having none forever.

[jajuan]

Hmm, that's weird, since I remember riding 5742 back when I was little and it had the standard non-Cummins 5300s wheels, but I may be wrong with my failing memory, since I haven't been on a 5300 Flxible for so long, and completely forgot to ride one this past Friday. Better grab one while at most 30 are still around soon, which is better than having none forever.

It had Alcoa wheels initially. It could have been switched to standard wheels before the other three, but I do remember those buses had Alcoas like the Cummins buses while I was in high school. They all didn't switch to standard wheels at the same time, but they were definitely all in standard before leavng Archer. 5741 was the last one I remember seeing in Alcoas before getting standards.

[Buslover88]

I think your confusion on 5744 came from the fact that 5741-5744 had Alcoa wheels like Cummins powered buses 5745-5764 while they were assigned at Archer. Shortly before Archer transferred out its 5300s to other garages with the NOVAs' arrival, these four buses received the standard transit wheels of the rest of the non-Cummins 5300s. Not sure if 5744 is still around though.

5744 is still around. I know it is because I rode it last Friday. Also, I apologize for my confusion to all of you. Sorry guys.

Better grab one while at most 30 are still around soon, which is better than having none forever.

You most definately should. I rode 5744 last Friday and that was a great ride. But you do know you have to go on certain routes (all from Chicago garage) to get the Flxibles, right?

[Guest]

It had Alcoa wheels initially. It could have been switched to standard wheels before the other three, but I do remember those buses had Alcoas like the Cummins buses while I was in high school. They all didn't switch to standard wheels at the same time, but they were definitely all in standard before leavng Archer. 5741 was the last one I remember seeing in Alcoas before getting standards.

I remember when Flx #6063 had the painted grey wheels on all sides. It actually looked pretty cool. Rims reallly make the look of a vehicle, whether chrome, aluminum or painted. I know were getting off the topic here. But since we are talking rims I thought Id throw that in.

[nflyer22]

You most definately should. I rode 5744 last Friday and that was a great ride. But you do know you have to go on certain routes (all from Chicago garage) to get the Flxibles, right?

Yeah, I know; that's why I want to try my luck this Thursday and Friday, since I have to make up my loss from last Friday. Besides, that was also why I asked which routes were most often seen with at least one Flxible, or riders who ride them most often and know if they are on them. So far I only know of X54 and 76 as good candidates for Flxibles. Any more routes out there you all know of I'll be happy to add to my riding schedule in the next several days. Thanks to you all out there! :)

[Buslover88]

I only know of X54 and 76 as good candidates for Flxibles. Any more routes out there you all know of I'll be happy to add to my riding schedule in the next several days.

I think #53 Pulaski may also be a good candiate, but i'm thinking they have more 1995 Flxibles on that route than 1991s, but I would still try it. And #54 Cicero (local) may also be a good candiate.

One route you will NOT find the 1991 Flxibles is on #20 Madison, just letting you know.

[biffalow]

I think #53 Pulaski may also be a good candiate, but i'm thinking they have more 1995 Flxibles on that route than 1991s, but I would still try it. And #54 Cicero (local) may also be a good candiate.

One route you will NOT find the 1991 Flxibles is on #20 Madison, just letting you know.

I saw 5744 on the Madison route tonight at 7pm on Madison and Kostner. I found that very strange.

[Buslover88]

I saw 5744 on the Madison route tonight at 7pm on Madison and Kostner. I found that very strange.

That is strange, especially considering that 1991 Flxibles are very rare on that route, and I didn't think they'd be running anymore 5300s on that route because of the tracker.

[BusHunter]

I think your confusion on 5744 came from the fact that 5741-5744 had Alcoa wheels like Cummins powered buses 5745-5764 while they were assigned at Archer.

#5740 also had the Alcoa rims. :P

[BusHunter]

Yeah, I know; that's why I want to try my luck this Thursday and Friday, since I have to make up my loss from last Friday. Besides, that was also why I asked which routes were most often seen with at least one Flxible, or riders who ride them most often and know if they are on them. So far I only know of X54 and 76 as good candidates for Flxibles. Any more routes out there you all know of I'll be happy to add to my riding schedule in the next several days. Thanks to you all out there!

They shouldn't be too hard to find especially in the rush hour. Yesterday I spotted #5478 on the #73, #5744 on the #20, and #5445 on the Cicero corridor. I also spotted a bus that looked like #5602 on pulaski. ( just out of range from seeing the number clearly) From what I've seen or noticed, pretty much you can find a #5300 every weekday on the #53. Same goes for the cicero corridor. I have also seen #5300's on the #73 and #70. The #76 is spotty sometimes it has them sometimes it don't. The #65 seems good too. I've spotted #5442, #5559, #5687 and #5709 in the last two weeks. The #20 seems to have the least of all. I haven't seen anything except #5744 in three weeks. They seem to run #6000's on there more than #5300's.

[BusHunter]

I remember a few years ago with the Harlem ave. rebuilding there were some huge delays in service on the 90 Harlem route. The bus delays were further impeded by the fact that freight trains on the Milw. Dist. West line were holding the crossing at Harlem and Grand causing the Harlem buses to be held up. At Christmas time forget it! I remember one night during the holidays all of the Harlem buses were bunched up one behind the other NB. And I remember seeing high counts of passengers at stops, some raising their arms while others made obscene gestures waiting for SB buses, mainly at the mall. Other areas that caused many delays were Harlem/Higgins, Harlem/Belmont and of course the crowds from the mall at Harlem/Irving and frequent construction traffic. The Carsons Ribs Restaurant lost a lot of business and subsequently was a casualty of that long construction project. We were getting an earful from riders just about everyday. That time was not a good one to be a CTA bus operator, Ill never forget it.

Harlem is one of those routes. Every weekend has bus bunching. I think alot of the problem lies in the fact that it runs every 15 minutes. That's too long. Addison on a saturday runs every 12 minutes in which the service is very good. The #90 can be aggravating to drive or ride. Just last weekend 3 strollers tried to board the same bus. Add that to all the people at the mall. Sometimes a supervisor gets involved down there at the Metra tracks at Grand and will short turn buses at the old #90 terminal at Grand/Nordica. I remember the harlem construction a few years back. Things were so bad on a friday night rush hour the traffic would stack bumper to bumper from the Kennedy to the mall. I once walked from the Kennedy to the mall beating the bus which was stuck in traffic. unbelieveable!! At least one thing about Carsons, you can still go to Deerfield and eat there on Milwaukee north of Lake- Cook Road. Carson's still does exist to my surprise. :)

[sw4400]

Sometimes a supervisor gets involved down there at the Metra tracks at Grand and will short turn buses at the old #90 terminal at Grand/Nordica.

OT: These Metra tracks... are they a 3-track setup? I remember running into a set of 3 on Harlem with a PACE Bus where a Metra came through on the southernmost track, followed by a frieght on the center track earlier this year. I'd like to do some railfanning without going too far out of the way, and these tracks seem like a good place to do so if they are the same ones I had to wait for.

[BusHunter]

OT: These Metra tracks... are they a 3-track setup? I remember running into a set of 3 on Harlem with a PACE Bus where a Metra came through on the southernmost track, followed by a frieght on the center track earlier this year. I'd like to do some railfanning without going too far out of the way, and these tracks seem like a good place to do so if they are the same ones I had to wait for.

Route #307 ( Harlem Ave) actually crosses over two sets of three track railroads at grade, there's the one at grand which you sound like your referring to or there's the burlington northern/Santa Fe tracks in Riverside. Both are virtually identical that they run freights in the middle and runs freights in excess of 100 cars. I don't know too much about the BN, but the CP (the one at grand) runs freights all tracks. When the economy was good you would see freights every half hour at times now your lucky if you can catch one in 2-3 hours.

[nflyer22]

Just writing to describe my ride today; it was one of the longest days I've ever had on several rides on the CTA, but I would say it's well worth it. Got on #6541 on the 62, headed southbound all the way to Cicero (annoying and long , since it was rush hour). Then hopped off, hoping that a Flxible would come next on the X54, and luckily it did, #5596 to be exact. Headed all the way north to Jefferson Park, hopped off, and waited several New Flyers to pass me, since I saw a Flxible or 2 going the other way when I was on #5596, and luckily, #5702 showed up after 2 New Flyers; bad part was that it was only going up to Chicago, since it was ending its day. I had to get on, since it was a Flxible, couldn't pass up an opportunity like this. Hopped off at Diversey, waited for about 5 minutes, then NF #1019 came up and I hopped on, didn't want to wait for a Flxible in the cold and rain! Took it to the Brown Line, transferred to the Red Line at Fullerton and then, here, home!

Two quick notes: #5596 may have been a little quiet out there with its engine, but its wheelchair lift was still kicking, worked perfectly for one passenger; also when I got off #5702 at Diversey, the back sign was still stuck at "62". I was laughing as it pulled away, since it has been away from Archer Garage for quite some time, and I just couldn't believe it's still stuck at it; people around me were wondering if I was okay .

Overall, 4 hours spent around the city, but I'd say it was well worth it for 2 Flxible rides. :)

[Guest]

Just writing to describe my ride today; it was one of the longest days I've ever had on several rides on the CTA, but I would say it's well worth it. Got on #6541 on the 62, headed southbound all the way to Cicero (annoying and long , since it was rush hour). Then hopped off, hoping that a Flxible would come next on the X54, and luckily it did, #5596 to be exact. Headed all the way north to Jefferson Park, hopped off, and waited several New Flyers to pass me, since I saw a Flxible or 2 going the other way when I was on #5596, and luckily, #5702 showed up after 2 New Flyers; bad part was that it was only going up to Chicago, since it was ending its day. I had to get on, since it was a Flxible, couldn't pass up an opportunity like this. Hopped off at Diversey, waited for about 5 minutes, then NF #1019 came up and I hopped on, didn't want to wait for a Flxible in the cold and rain! Took it to the Brown Line, transferred to the Red Line at Fullerton and then, here, home!

Two quick notes: #5596 may have been a little quiet out there with its engine, but its wheelchair lift was still kicking, worked perfectly for one passenger; also when I got off #5702 at Diversey, the back sign was still stuck at "62". I was laughing as it pulled away, since it has been away from Archer Garage for quite some time, and I just couldn't believe it's still stuck at it; people around me were wondering if I was okay .

Overall, 4 hours spent around the city, but I'd say it was well worth it for 2 Flxible rides.

I was eating today at the Subways restaurant on Milwaukee/Higgins and saw #5596 heading SB on Milw.