CTA Bus Garage Rosters

[Busjack]

Something that is kind of interesting is the 150 Nova bus option. Could they tweak that to include Nova artics and less 40 footers and still be party to a similar contract? They could then explore 50 artics with them and avoid another contract for a small number of artics. That might be the plan anyway. Why build lifts for 60 foot buses if they don't foresee years of artic bus use at those garages?

Not the way the award was made. Going back to the original b.s. when the solicitation was posted, it was originally posted as a sliding scale between 40 and 60 foot buses adding to 450 with no options, but then was amended to 300 40 foot buses with 150 options and 50 articulated buses with 100 options. First reference to that change is here.

Also the Press Release of 1/11/2013 says:

The board approved a contract with Nova Bus that allows for the purchase of at least 300 buses and as many as 450 clean diesel buses that will provide customers with a more comfortable and reliable ride.

...

With a standard useful life of 12 years, the 484 6400-series Nova buses that were purchased by CTA between 2000-2002 will be gradually replaced with the new, standard (40-foot), low-floor, clean diesel buses following delivery of a prototype in December with full-production expected to begin in February 2014.

...

The CTA’s plans for an upcoming purchase of up to 150 new articulated (60-foot) clean diesel and hybrid buses, which are also part of the bus fleet modernization plan announced in 2012, will be announced upon completion of the procurement process.

[Busjack]

Nova Artics would require longer lifts. They are end to end 62', not 60'. Two feet may not make a difference on a lift, then again it may(that might cause the bus to fall off the end or tip off the lift if the weight isn't distributed on the lift properly). CTA would need to take length into consideration when they procure more artics(which is why New Flyer would probably get artic bids pretty much as their artics are measured at 60')

Most of that is in the nose. Even a Xcelsior is 60'10". The props are under the body.

Most specs now say that a 60 foot bus is 59 to 62 feet.

[BusHunter]

Not the way the award was made. Going back to the original b.s. when the solicitation was posted, it was originally posted as a sliding scale between 40 and 60 foot buses adding to 450 with no options, but then was amended to 300 40 foot buses with 150 options and 50 articulated buses with 100 options. First reference to that change is here. Also the Press Release of 1/11/2013 says: The board approved a contract with Nova Bus that allows for the purchase of at least 300 buses and as many as 450 clean diesel buses that will provide customers with a more comfortable and reliable ride....With a standard useful life of 12 years, the 484 6400-series Nova buses that were purchased by CTA between 2000-2002 will be gradually replaced with the new, standard (40-foot), low-floor, clean diesel buses following delivery of a prototype in December with full-production expected to begin in February 2014....The CTAs plans for an upcoming purchase of up to 150 new articulated (60-foot) clean diesel and hybrid buses, which are also part of the bus fleet modernization plan announced in 2012, will be announced upon completion of the procurement process.

Interesting, I didn't notice the 50 artics were already mentioned in the contract, then if they proceed with the 150 buses in the Nova bus option and I don't see that not happening, then they can proceed with the 50 artics. That must be what they are referring to in the budget.

[Busjack]

Interesting, I didn't notice the 50 artics were already mentioned in the contract, then if they proceed with the 150 buses in the Nova bus option and I don't see that not happening, then they can proceed with the 50 artics. That must be what they are referring to in the budget.

That was the basis of the budget. However, other than decoupling the 40 and 60 foot parts of the contract, I'm still not sure why they would need 600 buses to replace, in effect 415 (if we assume 100 artics have replaced some Optimas or Novas), Probably they are trying to fix prices now on the basis that they think they will get the Ashland grant, but don't really think they will, so it isn't firm.

[sw4400]

That was the basis of the budget. However, other than decoupling the 40 and 60 foot parts of the contract, I'm still not sure why they would need 600 buses to replace, in effect 415 (if we assume 100 artics have replaced some Optimas or Novas), Probably they are trying to fix prices now on the basis that they think they will get the Ashland grant, but don't really think they will, so it isn't firm.

The Optimas are pretty much a write-off. I don't think 44 buses will be largely noticed as gone, especially since they are only 30' long. The 484 Novas will, however. I don't feel this BRT plan is going to go through honestly... there seems to be too much clout and complaining from residents and alderman alike. I don't think the CTA is going to sink money into specially designed articulated buses with exit doors on both sides of the buses if this fails. What will be done with these buses then? They would be a safety factor in regular routes, especially if the operator opens the doors in oncoming traffic and a unsuspecting(or just plain ignorant) passenger blunders out in front of a car going 35-40 mph.

[BusHunter]

470 something novas and 44 optimas get you to about 525 buses. They are not saying so far what the artics may be for whether that's BRT or not. Maybe they want a floating fleet like rail is doing. As far as BRT, what are the differences in the J14 corridor versus the #9. I don't hear to many complaints from south siders. I think they could better sell Ashland BRT if they just eliminated parking on Ashland like from 6am to 6 or 7 pm. Then they would get the two lanes back for traffic. It seems to work for cicero on the north and west side that's what they did there and offered off street parking lots this way everyone is happy.

[jajuan]

Correct on the part that they didn't say what the 50 to whatever artics would be for. They didn't even say that the artics would specifically come from Nova. So for all we know on that part the artics could be more New Flyers and be used for traditional style local and express bus services. As for the Ashland BRT project itself, their biggest obstacle isn't just that they are trying to do this by preserving parking. It's also that they expect folks from Irving Park all the way down to 95th Street to just swallow that their attempt to block left turns. As BH points out, do some partial parking restrictions instead and maybe do curb side bus lanes to some degree, and they'd get more traction and support. It's what NYC did to varying degrees for MTA's Select Bus System (SBS) network of BRT routes.All but one of the current BRT routes use the pay before boarding setup. Those that do use Nova artics with 3 doors all on the right side. The sole route that requires traditional payment of fares as you board uses standard 40 foot buses. All buses for BRT regardless of size are still decked out in MTA' SBS livery.

Edited January 13, 2014 by jajuan

[ctrabs74]

Correct on the part that they didn't say what the 50 to whatever artics would be for. They didn't even say that the artics would specifically come from Nova. So for all we know on that part the artics could be more New Flyers and be used for traditional style local and express bus services. As for the Ashland BRT project itself, their biggest obstacle isn't just that they trying to do this by preserving parking. It's also that they expect folks from Irving Park all the way down to 95th Street to just swallow that their attempt to block left turns. As BH points out, do some partial parking restrictions instead and maybe do curb side bus lanes to some degree, and they'd get more traction and support. It's what NYC did to varying degrees for MTA's Select Bus System (SBS) network of BRT routes.All but one of the current BRT routes the pay before boarding setup. Those that do uses Nova artics with 3 doors all on the right side. The sole route that requires traditional payment of fares as you board uses standard 40 foot buses. All buses for BRT regardless of size are still decked out in MTA' SBS livery.

Weren't the 4300s part of the initial procurement? Or was this a separate contract by CTA?

[RJL6000]

Weren't the 4300s part of the initial procurement? Or was this a separate contract by CTA?

The 4300s were a separate deal that was originally procured by Seattle's King County Metro system. The CTA simply took what KCM didn't need (KCM had a habit of ordering more buses than what they really needed).

[BusHunter]

This is what I have as far as the current CTA bus roster: (starting from north to south, descending from newest to oldest) (last updated 2/16/14)

Forest Glen (243 total)

Optima Opus #500 series (2006)
#526, #527, #533, #534, #536, #539, #540, (7 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):
#1083 - #1087, #1090 - #1098, #1189 - #1199, #1202, #1203, #1205, #1207, #1209, #1214, #1215, #1218 - #1222, #1224, #1226 (37 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):
#6498 - #6520, #6574 - #6593, #6692 - #6725, #6727 - #6737, #6739 - #6831, #6833 - #6849 (205 total)

North Park (284 total)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 -2009):
#4043 - #4070, #4072, #4073, #4117 - #4207 (121 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):
#1266 - #1270, #1301 - #1328, #1375 - #1429, #1761 - #1797, #1855 - #1859, #1861 - #1897 (odd numbers) #1899 - #1903, #1905 - #1925 (odd numbers) (163 total)

Chicago (275 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006- 2009):
#1041 - #1082, #1099, #1329 - #1331, #1430 - #1467, #1469 - #1471, #1855, #1860 - #1898 (even numbers) #1904 - #1924 (even numbers), #1926, #1927, #1974, #1982 - #2029 (174 total)

Nova LFS Smart Bus (2014)

#7900, #7901 (2) (coming soon)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):
#6491- #6497, #6521, #6523 - #6530, #6532 - #6567, #6569 - #6573, #6594 - #6596 (61 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012-13):
#4377-99 (23)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 - 2009):
#4075 - #4079, #4098, #4106 - #4116 (17)

Kedzie (282 total)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 - 2009):
#4000 - #4042, #4074 (44 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012-13):
#4321, #4322, #4324 - #4340 (19 total)

New Flyer DE40LF (2006, 2007):
#800 - #809 (10 total)

New Flyer DE40LF (2006, 2007):
#900, #904, #905, #907, #909 (5 total)

New Flyer D40LF (2006 - 2009):
#1162 - #1188, #1200, #1201, #1204, #1206, #1208, #1210 - #1213, #1216, #1217, #1223, #1225, #1277 - #1282, #1332 - #1334, #1348 - #1374, #1590 - #1596, #1601, #1603, #1606 - #1614 (even numbers), #1615 - #1723 (204 total)

74th (253 total)

New Flyer D40LF (2006 - 2009):
#1088, #1089, #1100 - #1161, #1545 - #1589, #1724 - #1760 (147 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):
#6479 - #6488, #6597 - #6609, #6611 - #6691, #6876 -#6883 (106 total)

77th (265 total)

Optima Opus #500 series(2006):
#502, #519 (2 total) (these have not been in service in a month)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):
#1227 - #1247, #1258- #1265, #1273 - #1276, #1283 - #1300, #1335 - #1347, #1928 - #1973, #1975- #1981 (121 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):
#6400 (slated to become a training bus for Olive-Harvey College, still in service), #6401, #6403, #6405 - #6419, #6421 - #6449, #6451 - #6478, #6489, #6490, #6850 - #6875 (105 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012-13):
#4341 - #4376 (36 total)

103rd (237 total)

Optima Opus #500 series(2006):
#505, #509, #511, #517 (4 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012):
#4300 - #4320 (21 total)

New Flyer DE60LF #4000 series (2008, 2009):
#4080 - #4097, #4099 - #4105 (25 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):
#1000 - #1040, #1248 - #1257, #1271, #1272, #1472 - #1481, #1483 - #1544, #1597 - #1600, #1602, #1604, #1605 - #1613 (odd numbers), #1798 - #1854 (188 total)

Buses Out Of Service

Nova LFS #6400 Series: (2000 - 2002):
#6420, #6450, #6522, #6531, #6568, #6610, #6726, #6738, #6832
2 Novas slated to become training buses for Olive-Harvey college: #6400 (still in service), 2nd bus: ???
2 Novas have become work buses: #6402 - Wb-1, #6404 - Wb-2

Optima Opus #500 Series (2006) :
#503, #506, #514, #529, #532 are officially retired
#515, #516 are now Ventra buses
#500, #501, #504, #507, #508, #510, #512, #513, #518, #520 - #525, #528, #530, #531, #535, #537, #538, #541 - #544 are unofficially retired at South Shops meaning even though they still are on the roster, I don't think they'll be back in service again.
#502, #519 have not been seen in service in the last month. They're return is questionable.

New Flyer D40LF #1000 Series (2006 - 2009):
#1305, #1468, #1482

New Flyer DE40LF (2006, 2007)
#901 - #903, #908 (currently at South Shops, this might be an early retirement)
#906 (the 2/1/14 roster says this is retired)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 - 2009):
#4071

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 Series (2012):
#4323

[garmon757]

This is what I have as far as the current CTA bus roster: (starting from north to south, descending from newest to oldest) (last updated 1/20/14)

Forest Glen (257 total)

Optima Opus #500 series (2006)

#523 - #528, #530 - #544 (22 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):

#1083 - #1087, #1090 - #1098, #1189 - #1199, #1202, #1203, #1205, #1207, #1209, #1214, #1215, #1218 - #1222, #1224, #1226 - #1247, #1258 - #1260, #1262 - #1265 (66 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):

#6498 - #6520, #6574 - #6593, #6692 - #6725, #6727 - #6737, #6739 - #6818 (175 total)

North Park (285 total)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 -2009):

#4043 - #4070, #4072, #4073, #4117 - #4207 (121 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):

#1261, #1266 - #1270, #1301 - #1328, #1375 - #1429, #1761 - #1797, #1855 - #1859, #1861 - #1897 (odd numbers) #1899 - #1903, #1905 - #1925 (odd numbers) (164 total)

Chicago (273 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006- 2009):

#1041 - #1082, #1099, #1329 - #1331, #1430 - #1467, #1469, #1470, #1855, #1860 - #1898 (even numbers) #1904 - #1924 (even numbers), #1926, #1927, #1974, #1982 - #2029 (173 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):

#6491- #6497, #6521, #6523 - #6530, #6532 - #6567, #6569 - #6573, #6594 - #6596 (61 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012-13):

#4377-99 (23)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 - 2009):

#4074 - #4079, #4098, #4106 - #4116 (18)

Kedzie (282 total)

New Flyer D60LF #4000 series (2008 - 2009):

#4000 - #4042 (43 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012-13):

#4324 - #4338 (15 total)

New Flyer DE40LF (2006, 2007):

#800 - #809 (10 total)

New Flyer DE40LF (2006, 2007):

#900 - #909 (10 total)

New Flyer D40LF (2006 - 2009):

#1162 - #1188, #1200, #1201, #1204, #1206, #1208, #1210 - #1213, #1216, #1217, #1223, #1225, #1277 - #1282, #1332 - #1334, #1348 - #1374, #1590 - #1596, #1601, #1603, #1606 - #1614 (even numbers), #1615 - #1723 (204 total)

74th (253 total)

New Flyer D40LF (2006 - 2009):

#1088, #1089, #1100 - #1161, #1545 - #1589, #1724 - #1760 (147 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):

#6479 - #6488, #6597 - #6609, #6611 - #6691, #6876 -#6883 (106 total)

77th (273 total)

Optima Opus #500 series(2006):

#500 - #502, 504, #518 - #522 (9 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):

#1273 - #1276, #1283 - #1300, #1335 - #1347, #1928 - #1973, #1975- #1981 (91 total)

Nova LFS #6400 series (2000 - 2002):

#6400 (slated to become a training bus for Olive-Harvey College, still in service), #6401, #6403, #6405 - #6419, #6421 - #6449, #6451 - #6478, #6489, #6490, #6819 - #6831, #6833 - #6875 (135 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012-13):

#4339 - #4376 (38 total)

103rd (247 total)

Optima Opus #500 series(2006):

#505 - #513, #517 (10 total)

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 series (2012):

#4300 - #4322 (23 total)

New Flyer DE60LF #4000 series (2008, 2009):

#4080 - #4097, #4099 - #4105 (25 total)

New Flyer D40LF #1000 series (2006 - 2009):

#1000 - #1040, #1248 - #1257, #1271, #1272, #1471 - #1481, #1483 - #1544, #1597 - #1600, #1602, #1604, #1605 - #1613 (odd numbers), #1798 - #1854 (189 total)

Buses Out Of Service

Nova LFS #6400 Series: (2000 - 2002):

#6420, #6522, #6531, #6568, #6610, #6726, #6738, #6832

Optima Opus #500 Series (2006) :

#514, #529, #516 & #515 are now Ventra buses

New Flyer D40LF #1000 Series (2006 - 2009):

#1305, #1468, #1482

New Flyer DE60LFR #4300 Series (2012):

#4323

Here are the busses that are temporary out of service at 77th Garage as of 01/20/14 (busses may vary depending on whether or not some are in line of a major rehab, retirement, and/or would be released back to their respective garages): 504, 510, 513, 518, 520, 521, 522, 531, 535, 538, 541, 542, 901, 902, 903, 908, 1029, 1092, 1208, 1274, 1296, 1301, 1435, 1448, 1456, 1468, 1503, 1557, 1610, 1653, 1687, 2028, 4032, 4106-08 (Both will return back to Chicago Garage tonight or tomorrow), 4141, 4337, 6423, 6435, 6568, 6635, 6687, 6802, and 6863. Another note, that's not all off the busses at 77th. I did the best I can to sight most of the busses as possible.

[sw4400]

Here are the busses that are temporary out of service at 77th Garage as of 01/20/14 (busses may vary depending on whether or not some are in line of a major rehab, retirement, and/or would be released back to their respective garages): 504, 510, 513, 518, 520, 521, 522, 531, 535, 538, 541, 542, 901, 902, 903, 908, 1029, 1092, 1208, 1274, 1296, 1301, 1435, 1448, 1456, 1468, 1503, 1557, 1610, 1653, 1687, 2028, 4032, 4106-08 (Both will return back to Chicago Garage tonight or tomorrow), 4141, 4337, 6423, 6435, 6568, 6635, 6687, 6802, and 6863. Another note, that's not all off the busses at 77th. I did the best I can to sight most of the busses as possible.

504,510,513,518,520,521,522,531,535,538,541 and 542 could be getting repairs or prep for retirement. It's hard to say with these and CTA's plan with them

901,902,903,908 are interesting.... they aren't getting a rehab, as only 1,030 of the New Flyers, or all of the D40LF are under contract for the mid-life "gut" rehabs. This doesn't include the DE40LF's. I would think they are just there for repairs, but who knows... I think the 800's are more reliable than the 900's have been. They might be retired before the 800's are, whenever that is...

1029,1092,1208,1274,1296,1301,1435,1448,1456,1468,1503,1557,1610,1653,1687 and 2028 are pretty much self-explanatory... these are probably the next group of mixed garage buses getting the mid-life "gut" rehabs. Keep an eye out for their return to service and look for the changes(LED lighting, seat covers, etc...)

The New Flyer Artics are most likely just getting repairs of some sort. And the Novas are either getting patchwork done or prep for retirement. But I wouldn't expect a mass retirement of them until about 50% or more of the Nova LFS Smart Buses are on CTA property(which probably won't be until mid to late 2014, depending on delivery schedule)

[garmon757]

504,510,513,518,520,521,522,531,535,538,541 and 542 could be getting repairs or prep for retirement. It's hard to say with these and CTA's plan with them

901,902,903,908 are interesting.... they aren't getting a rehab, as only 1,030 of the New Flyers, or all of the D40LF are under contract for the mid-life "gut" rehabs. This doesn't include the DE40LF's. I would think they are just there for repairs, but who knows... I think the 800's are more reliable than the 900's have been. They might be retired before the 800's are, whenever that is...

1029,1092,1208,1274,1296,1301,1435,1448,1456,1468,1503,1557,1610,1653,1687 and 2028 are pretty much self-explanatory... these are probably the next group of mixed garage buses getting the mid-life "gut" rehabs. Keep an eye out for their return to service and look for the changes(LED lighting, seat covers, etc...)

The New Flyer Artics are most likely just getting repairs of some sort. And the Novas are either getting patchwork done or prep for retirement. But I wouldn't expect a mass retirement of them until about 50% or more of the Nova LFS Smart Buses are on CTA property(which probably won't be until mid to late 2014, depending on delivery schedule)

The Optimas shouldn't be retired yet in my opinion. The 900s are highly questionable. 2028 is also questionable determining rehab because 1955 is the only Allison transmission bus that was rehabbed so far. 1468 hasn't been in service for a while. The artics, yeah I think you're right about them being repaired. The Novas, I think most of them that I've mentioned are done. Also, I don't know what's going to happen with 4323 determining whether or not to be retired.

[Busjack]

....Also, I don't know what's going to happen with 4323 determining whether or not to be retired.

What happens to that one depends on some dump truck company's insurance ponying up.

But the feds paid for it and it still has 11 years service life left.

[garmon757]

What happens to that one depends on some dump truck company's insurance ponying up.

But the feds paid for it and it still has 11 years service life left.

If that's the scenario then what's the hold up from it being in service?

[Busjack]

If that's the scenario then what's the hold up from it being in service?

What I mentioned,* plus there was the previous discussion whether modern buses with high strength stainless steel frames can be fixed as easily as the old ones .**

____

*I'm sure an insurance company isn't in a rush to admit blame and write a check for $940,000.

**Both CTA and Pace have tended to retire buses with collapsed front ends.

[garmon757]

What I mentioned,* plus there was the previous discussion whether modern buses with high strength stainless steel frames can be fixed as easily as the old ones .**

____

*I'm sure an insurance company isn't in a rush to admit blame and write a check for $940,000.

**Both CTA and Pace have tended to retire buses with collapsed front ends.

So you're saying that the insurance company is the main factor in why 4323 isn't in serivce?

[jajuan]

504,510,513,518,520,521,522,531,535,538,541 and 542 could be getting repairs or prep for retirement. It's hard to say with these and CTA's plan with them

901,902,903,908 are interesting.... they aren't getting a rehab, as only 1,030 of the New Flyers, or all of the D40LF are under contract for the mid-life "gut" rehabs. This doesn't include the DE40LF's. I would think they are just there for repairs, but who knows... I think the 800's are more reliable than the 900's have been. They might be retired before the 800's are, whenever that is...

1029,1092,1208,1274,1296,1301,1435,1448,1456,1468,1503,1557,1610,1653,1687 and 2028 are pretty much self-explanatory... these are probably the next group of mixed garage buses getting the mid-life "gut" rehabs. Keep an eye out for their return to service and look for the changes(LED lighting, seat covers, etc...)

The New Flyer Artics are most likely just getting repairs of some sort. And the Novas are either getting patchwork done or prep for retirement. But I wouldn't expect a mass retirement of them until about 50% or more of the Nova LFS Smart Buses are on CTA property(which probably won't be until mid to late 2014, depending on delivery schedule)

The 900s are probably getting repaired also most likely. CTA used federal money on those like they did the 1000s so don't look for any of those to be gone retirement-wise until at least 2019 given the 900s' year of delivery. And apparently not all rehabbed buses up to this point have the newer ADA seat inserts. NP's 1306 rehabbed a few weeks ago, for example, and it doesn't have the inserts though it does have everything else from a rehab.

[BusHunter]

Here are the busses that are temporary out of service at 77th Garage as of 01/20/14 (busses may vary depending on whether or not some are in line of a major rehab, retirement, and/or would be released back to their respective garages): 504, 510, 513, 518, 520, 521, 522, 531, 535, 538, 541, 542, 901, 902, 903, 908, 1029, 1092, 1208, 1274, 1296, 1301, 1435, 1448, 1456, 1468, 1503, 1557, 1610, 1653, 1687, 2028, 4032, 4106-08 (Both will return back to Chicago Garage tonight or tomorrow), 4141, 4337, 6423, 6435, 6568, 6635, 6687, 6802, and 6863. Another note, that's not all off the busses at 77th. I did the best I can to sight most of the busses as possible.

I took the optimas at 77th off the roster, even though they do still appear on the roster, I haven't seen some of those buses in months and there are too many of them there to be getting repaired. One or two may come back. If they do I'll put them back on the roster. Same thing for the #900's. There are too many there, half the fleet? Our observations of #900's missing at Kedzie I don't believe is a coincidence. The #1000's are most likely there for rehab. Fg has been going straight down the #1090's, so maybe I need to start looking for #1093. Same for #1028 at 103rd. If you notice most buses are below #1630. #1955 seems to be an experiment, but it doesn't have the new inserts on the left side from what I can see.

[garmon757]

I took the optimas at 77th off the roster, even though they do still appear on the roster, I haven't seen some of those buses in months and there are too many of them there to be getting repaired. One or two may come back. If they do I'll put them back on the roster. Same thing for the #900's. There are too many there, half the fleet? Our observations of #900's missing at Kedzie I don't believe is a coincidence. The #1000's are most likely there for rehab. Fg has been going straight down the #1090's, so maybe I need to start looking for #1093. Same for #1028 at 103rd. If you notice most buses are below #1630. #1955 seems to be an experiment, but it doesn't have the new inserts on the left side from what I can see.

I'm not sure why there are so many Optimas out there in the first place. If CTA aren't going to keep them in serivce, then I can see them being a appropriate fit for some bus companies or shuttle busses on the long run. There are some debates about the NF 800s are better than the 900s but it's undetermined why nearly half of the 900s are out of service. You're saying that 1955 was half-rehabbed???

[jajuan]

I have to agree with garmon about the 900s. Regardless of there being four out of the ten total being down at South Shops, that's still not enough to say that they're being pulled from service. I will state again, because they were part of the larger overall NF order and that order was paid for in part with federal dollars, CTA is on the hook not to pull them before 12 years time. So I still say CTA is looking at it more likely as 4 out of 1050 instead of a 4 out of 10 sidelined scenario..Unless any of the 900s has been in some type of crash or some other incident where an individual bus is wrecked and/or damaged to the point of not being salvageable enough to repair or FTA regulations on when TA's can retire buses bought with federal money change, it's highly unlikely any can be permanently pulled from service and retired before 2019.

[BusHunter]

Why does Kevin say under the #900 buses tab/summary that they are experimental only planning on being in service for a few years? They must not be bound by the federal 12 year law because they are experimental.

[jajuan]

Why does Kevin say under the #900 buses tab/summary that they are experimental only planning on being in service for a few years? They must not be bound by the federal 12 year law because they are experimental.

That doesn't mean they can be officially retired. The 5900s were also experimental but those still couldn't be officially retired until a few years ago. The 5800s were technically experimental also given only 65 were ever ordered and we know those stuck around for 13 to 14 years approximately, And with all the eyes on CTA these days in terms of how it's spending money due to the recent frequent "doomsday" threats, I don't see them so ready to waste money to let workable buses sit and rust for the next five years on a long term hold to get around a federal regulation. So to put this discussion to rest, until the CTA decides to come out and say they'll also scrap the 900s soon and prove me wrong, I'll stick by my current stance that the buses in question are sitting for repairs.

[andrethebusman]

Which nova is the new WB-1? Seen at S Shops in all white with no # visible, "Not In Service" painted over front and side signs

[Busjack]

Why does Kevin say under the #900 buses tab/summary that they are experimental only planning on being in service for a few years? They must not be bound by the federal 12 year law because they are experimental.

I think that was discussed before, and certainly recently with respect to the electric buses. There seems to be a difference between running the fuel cell buses in an experiment and then putting them in in the 78th and Perry Pasture, and what I thought they said about the hybrids, which was "we'll test them for a year to see if we should order others." As it was, they exercised the Seattle option for the 150 before a year was over, but I think Kevin also wrote that off as that the 900s didn't pass, notwithstanding that they certainly had not been in service for a year.

What might be a current knock against the 900s was this New Flyer announcement essentially that ISE was in bankruptcy, although NF was making contingency plans to support the buses. ISE Corporation liquidated and sold its assets.

To make the long story short, maybe there is now a problem getting parts.

However, unless someone working at South Shops, one can't tell.