Nova LFS Dash Numbers

[sw4400]

With the Nova fleet on it's way out in the next 6-12 months, I've decided now would be an appropriate time to ask this question. All the other current and retired buses never had their numbers marked on the dashboard except the Novas. Why are the dashes numbered? The bus surely has more than enough number markings on the inside and outside.

[qwantae]

I really unhappy to see these Novas go. They're my current favorite fleet. They were Excellent buses that serve Chi-Town streets in last 11 years.

[Guest]

I really unhappy to see these Novas go. They're my current favorite fleet. They were Excellent buses that serve Chi-Town streets in last 11 years.

They seem like they just arrived only two or three years ago and to hear that they will be gone by about this time next year is a bit shocking. I still remember when they would arrive with plastic wrapping still inside, no fareboxes and especially the "new car" smell! I broke in a couple of them at FG on 54A and 80. I was the very first driver of #6800! I report for my afternoon half and the signout guy says "is #6800 ready? another guy tells him "yes", we just installed the farebox in it". Signout says "6800!" You the first driver!" I was like "Wow"! That was a good feeling to be the first operator after a new bus had just been delivered.

[Railwaymodeler]

So there is such a thing as "New bus" smell, much as the famous "new car" smell? Neat!

I, too, liked the Nova LFS buses. Back in 2005, I worked at the Planetarium in Chicago, in the IT department. Would come into Northwestern Station on Metra, and take a bus, I think it was the route 128 (Ran direct from Northwestern Station to the Planetarium). During the winter, I would often hole up in the very back, next to the engine compartment, and look at the back glass. Very comfortable!

[Busjack]

So there is such a thing as "New bus" smell, much as the famous "new car" smell? Neat!

When the plastics are still fresh. As the interiors become more plastic .... (especially prominent in an RTS).

As you can tell, I am holding out for Novabus to win this contract, but only for aesthetic reasons.

[See Tea Eh]

So there is such a thing as "New bus" smell, much as the famous "new car" smell? Neat!

I, too, liked the Nova LFS buses. Back in 2005, I worked at the Planetarium in Chicago, in the IT department. Would come into Northwestern Station on Metra, and take a bus, I think it was the route 128 (Ran direct from Northwestern Station to the Planetarium). During the winter, I would often hole up in the very back, next to the engine compartment, and look at the back glass. Very comfortable!

127. 128 is the Soldier Field Bears shuttle.

[artthouwill]

127. 128 is the Soldier Field Bears shuttle.

Actually I think it was the 130. The 127 at the time ran to McCormick.

I rode the Univ of Alabama's Crimson Ride busrs ladt year. They were Novas, but did not have the engine in the left rear corner of the bus like Chicago's. If I can find my pics, I will try to upload.

I won't miss our Novas, it is near time for them to go. They have done well but now their age is starting to show. Twelve years in Chicago is like 15 ,to 18 years in most other places. Consider the used buses CTA purchased from Seattle and PACE. The buses were older than some of the buses CTA were replacing, but were in better shap and had lower miles. Chicago streets can be brutal and those buses aged QuickTime

[Busjack]

Actually I think it was the 130. The 127 at the time ran to McCormick.

No, at the time the 127 was the weekday to Planetarium. 130 was usually weekends only. The Auto Show bus was also numbered 127, but was a separate operation.

Bill V. has the history, including that at some point 127 was to McCormick Place, but in final form until it was turned into the short-lived circulator, was to the Planetarium.