More Bus Moves

[RJL6000]

4061 is running on the 156 LaSalle today.

That confirms that Kedzie now officially has 62 artics (4000-4061) assigned to it (and it doesn't need any more at this point).

[jajuan]

That confirms that Kedzie now officially has 62 artics (4000-4061) assigned to it (and it doesn't need any more at this point).

At least I'm not the only one who can see that Kedzie (and North Park) doesn't need more artics at this point.

[RJL6000]

At least I'm not the only one who can see that Kedzie (and North Park) doesn't need more artics at this point.

For that matter, 103rd doesn't need more artics. And why 77th doesn't get currently assigned any is a mystery to me.

[BusHunter]

For that matter, 103rd doesn't need more artics. And why 77th doesn't get currently assigned any is a mystery to me.

They probably want the new buses on the lakefront. Very soon 77th should get some artics, the other artic garages are overstocked. (I'm surprised Kedzie got anything as alot of their express routes were cut) Whether those (at 77th) are going to be #4000's or #4300's I don't know.

[Busjack]

They probably want the new buses on the lakefront. Very soon 77th should get some artics, the other artic garages are overstocked. (I'm surprised Kedzie got anything as alot of their express routes were cut) Whether those (at 77th) are going to be #4000's or #4300's I don't know.

It gets back to the same issue as at Pace. Apparently all administrations have decided that new buses go to garages where the need is questionable, and then there have to be shifts of other equipment to where it is needed. Obviously, CTA has gotten away from either trend of a standard average age at all garages (after1995) or replace in place (at least the early 1000s, although that broke down).

We don't have "bus shuffle" threads for nothing. For that matter, not the "train car" shuffle, either.

The question again is whether any of this makes economic sense. Especially to people who pay taxes in Cook County.

[jajuan]

It gets back to the same issue as at Pace. Apparently all administrations have decided that new buses go to garages where the need is questionable, and then there have to be shifts of other equipment to where it is needed. Obviously, CTA has gotten away from either trend of a standard average age at all garages (after1995) or replace in place (at least the early 1000s, although that broke down).

We don't have "bus shuffle" threads for nothing. For that matter, not the "train car" shuffle, either.

The question again is whether any of this makes economic sense. Especially to people who pay taxes in Cook County.

It sure as heck doesn't make any sense to me. And there's one big flaw in Bushunter's hypothesis that maybe new buses are wanted on the lakefront is that it would mean 4300s should be interspersed among Kedzie and North Park as well in some way if there were enough to do that.

[Busjack]

It sure as heck doesn't make any sense to me. And there's one big flaw in Bushunter's hypothesis that maybe new buses are wanted on the lakefront is that it would mean 4300s should be interspersed among Kedzie and North Park as well in some way if there were enough to do that.

The only rationale would be that the first 33 are to be wrapped as Jeffery Jump. Hasn't happened yet.

The more interesting question is whether there is any rationale behind allocating the 67 diesels? At least, so far, all lakefront routes have hybrids of one form or the other. I'm sure CTA doesn't care one way or the other about the R front cap.

[jajuan]

The only rationale would be that the first 33 are to be wrapped as Jeffery Jump. Hasn't happened yet.

The more interesting question is whether there is any rationale behind allocating the 67 diesels? At least, so far, all lakefront routes have hybrids of one form or the other. I'm sure CTA doesn't care one way or the other about the R front cap.

Interesting point. And I don't think they care about the restyled front cap either. It would put them closer that item on the Jeffery Jump page that unique looking buses going on the route than just wrapping some 4000s in blue and gray. It does bring up the question of what to do with the currently wrapped Jump buses though as it would be doubtful if they'd keep 103rd overstocked in artics. They're transferring out almost all the unwrapped buses kind of points to that.

[Busjack]

It does bring up the question of what to do with the currently wrapped Jump buses though as it would be doubtful if they'd keep 103rd overstocked in artics. They're transferring out almost all the unwrapped buses kind of points to that.

Then they take the wraps off. Sort of like what Pace does 3 or 4 years after Pace transfers a bus from Elgin that has a Reflejos or Provena ad wrap. :lol:

[BusHunter]

It sure as heck doesn't make any sense to me. And there's one big flaw in Bushunter's hypothesis that maybe new buses are wanted on the lakefront is that it would mean 4300s should be interspersed among Kedzie and North Park as well in some way if there were enough to do that.

Who says NP and Kedzie won't get any #4300's? Now if the #6 went back to 77th, I'd say they may get #4300's. I personally think their getting #4000's. 103rd may be getting #4300's now, but they don't need more than what the #J14 and #6 can handle. I'm told they don't like using artics on the #26 because of some of the turns on the south side. So that puts no more than 50 something for 103rd and that's if they plan on removing wraps they just put on. The only argument that is valid for putting #4300's at 77th is for the Dan Ryan closure. It all depends how badly they feel they need them for that.

[Busjack]

...The only argument that is valid for putting #4300's at 77th is for the Dan Ryan closure. It all depends how badly they feel they need them for that.

As CTA previously indicated, they are going to need 100 of some kind of bus for that. Not indicated if they need artics.

Other than that, they need these buses to replace Novas, eventually (like Dec. 2013, when that project is supposed to be complete). I suppose one can speculate whether CTA is going to make 22 all artic, for instance, which might be indicated by the moves to NP, or put them on 66 (as first reported), restore artics to 79, or on any route where they cut service 20% in 2010, but did not put on the bigger equipment, as Huberman [falsely] purported when leasing the 150.

But, as I noted with my allusion to Pace, new buses apparently now do not go where they appear to be needed.

[BusHunter]

As CTA previously indicated, they are going to need 100 of some kind of bus for that. Not indicated if they need artics.

Other than that, they need these buses to replace Novas, eventually (like Dec. 2013, when that project is supposed to be complete). I suppose one can speculate whether CTA is going to make 22 all artic, for instance, which might be indicated by the moves to NP, or put them on 66 (as first reported), restore artics to 79, or on any route where they cut service 20% in 2010, but did not put on the bigger equipment, as Huberman [falsely] purported when leasing the 150.

But, as I noted with my allusion to Pace, new buses apparently now do not go where they appear to be needed.

Well the only way their going to increase artics on the #66 is to run those out of Kedzie, at least for now. While they should go with bigger buses for 79 and others, they haven't done it so far. That would be the whole basis for 77th to get them.

[BusHunter]

BTW, #4300 is currently in the loop on the #J14. I wonder if it is wrapped? That may be the reason it hasn't gone out yet 'til now. One thing that is kind of weird about putting #4300's on the #J14 (full time), in the case of #4089, that already has the onboard Bustracker. If they did transfer the current #4000 #J14 buses, they would not only have to remove the wrap, but the onboard Bustracker in this case. Should be interesting to see if 103rd does get the #4320's and 30's at 77th currently.

[Busjack]

...One thing that is kind of weird about putting #4300's on the #J14 (full time), in the case of #4089, that already has the onboard Bustracker. If they did transfer the current #4000 #J14 buses, they would not only have to remove the wrap, but the onboard Bustracker in this case. ...

No they wouldn't. The impression I got from the interior shots (people who have rode the buses can clarify) is that the Bus Tracker screens are already in the 4300s. Also, the Q&A also referred to bus route information LCD screens for the next order. So, if there is a surplus of buses suitably equipped, CTA could just put out a press release saying, for instance, that 146 also has the Bus Tracker service, although not other BRT enhancements.

[YoungBusLover]

Did 74th make some trades for some low 6400`s and 6500`s in the past week or two ? because I saw 6476 on the #55 today and 6521 or 6512 on the #9 today around the pm rush.

[pace2322]

Who says NP and Kedzie won't get any #4300's? Now if the #6 went back to 77th, I'd say they may get #4300's. I personally think their getting #4000's. 103rd may be getting #4300's now, but they don't need more than what the #J14 and #6 can handle. I'm told they don't like using artics on the #26 because of some of the turns on the south side. So that puts no more than 50 something for 103rd and that's if they plan on removing wraps they just put on. The only argument that is valid for putting #4300's at 77th is for the Dan Ryan closure. It all depends how badly they feel they need them for that.

Have you drove a 60ft bus sir? The 60 ft buses are easy to turn and turn like a 35 ft bus!

[BusHunter]

Have you drove a 60ft bus sir? The 60 ft buses are easy to turn and turn like a 35 ft bus!

I am only repeating what a fellow 103rd operator told me, (he obviously don't have your opinion) Of course when they train you they tell you that it's like driving a 30ft bus. But others can testify when the weather gets slippery, what's better to drive a 30 foot bus or an artic. More passengers, bigger bus, more responsibility. Of course that's only my opinion. Being a 103rd operator yourself, would you care to tell us why there are more 40 foot buses on #26 versus artics?

[RJL6000]

Did 74th make some trades for some low 6400`s and 6500`s in the past week or two ? because I saw 6476 on the #55 today and 6521 or 6512 on the #9 today around the pm rush.

They were fill-ins from 77th. Of the 6400s, 74th should have only 6479-6484 (six buses). Otherwise, the Novas at 74th consist of 6596-6609, 6611-6662 and 6664-6691 (6610 was retired while 6663 is still at 77th).

[Mr.cta85]

I am only repeating what a fellow 103rd operator told me, (he obviously don't have your opinion) Of course when they train you they tell you that it's like driving a 30ft bus. But others can testify when the weather gets slippery, what's better to drive a 30 foot bus or an artic. More passengers, bigger bus, more responsibility. Of course that's only my opinion. Being a 103rd operator yourself, would you care to tell us why there are more 40 foot buses on #26 versus artics?

As a fellow 103rd operator I would rather have the artics over the 30fters any day they ride smoother and handle better even though their longer. As far as the turns that are on the 26 they aren't that tight you can easily make them with an artic just as smooth as a 40fter, for some it may be slightly difficult depending on which type of artic your in, the 4000 series have a tighter turn radius than the new 4300's thus making it easier to operate over the newer series. That's probably where or why you mentioned the artics being on the 26.

[BusHunter]

As a fellow 103rd operator I would rather have the artics over the 30fters any day they ride smoother and handle better even though their longer. As far as the turns that are on the 26 they aren't that tight you can easily make them with an artic just as smooth as a 40fter, for some it may be slightly difficult depending on which type of artic your in, the 4000 series have a tighter turn radius than the new 4300's thus making it easier to operate over the newer series. That's probably where or why you mentioned the artics being on the 26.

You have a point if you have to choose Optimas!! :P

[YoungBusLover]

They were fill-ins from 77th. Of the 6400s, 74th should have only 6479-6484 (six buses). Otherwise, the Novas at 74th consist of 6596-6609, 6611-6662 and 6664-6691 (6610 was retired while 6663 is still at 77th).

Thanks for clearing that up. :D

[pace2322]

I am only repeating what a fellow 103rd operator told me, (he obviously don't have your opinion) Of course when they train you they tell you that it's like driving a 30ft bus. But others can testify when the weather gets slippery, what's better to drive a 30 foot bus or an artic. More passengers, bigger bus, more responsibility. Of course that's only my opinion. Being a 103rd operator yourself, would you care to tell us why there are more 40 foot buses on #26 versus artics?

Come look in the dead bays and see all the jumps buses with dead motors. Ie we need more 60 ft buses if you want more on the 26!

[Busjack]

Come look in the dead bays and see all the jumps buses with dead motors. Ie we need more 60 ft buses if you want more on the 26!

That doesn't sound too good. You didn't say if you were referring to the 4000s or 4300s, but, either way, a dead 1-1/2 year old or new bus sounds like something is wrong.

[sw4400]

Here's an interesting video... passenger appearantly had someone else's CTA transit I.D and wouldn't leave the bus without getting it back and refused to let the Bus Operator continue with it. So operator physically forces him away from the bus, and the rest I'll let you see here

[Busjack]

Here's an interesting video... passenger appearantly had someone else's CTA transit I.D and wouldn't leave the bus without getting it back and refused to let the Bus Operator continue with it. So operator physically forces him away from the bus, and the rest I'll let you see here

The video seemed to lack context (in that it started with the shoving match).

However, I mentioned thugs a minute ago, and this CTA driver certainly was one.

So much for the mission statement items of:

• "Courteous - We will create a pleasant environment for ourselves and our customers.

...

• Motivated - We will meet each task with spirit, enthusiasm and a sense of pride to be second to none.
• Professional - We will provide transit service with the highest standards of quality and safety for our customers and ourselves."