Bus Driver Dude Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Alright, here's some pics from me: Metro Transit pictures, more Southwest Transit pictures and more Lorenz Transit Bus pictures. Interesting to see how Metro Transit being unable to supply service for the free shuttles affects everything. I was wondering if I would be in the background of one of those pics since I was there at the same time as the reporter. Hope your computer will recognize your camera soon Tc Also nice pics of the fair buses Bus Driver dude! I have a picture of a Northtown bus but I took it Monday. Nice pictures. I really have not have time to take picture other than on my cell phone. I guess I am working to much. Anyways, you commented on flicker that Southwest is the only one that has route numbers. Metro Transit fair buses do have route numbers but they choose not to put them on the destination signs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 It looks like that Nova LFX has the small destination signs they use in Quebec. That Nova LFX looks really nice though! Perhaps we can get those as replacements for the 1999 and 2003 New Flyers (The 98 NF's will probably be gone with the 29 D60LFR's that will come next year). And it has a back window! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 It looks like that Nova LFX has the small destination signs they use in Quebec. ... Obviously a demonstrator. But it looks like they used a font that was not as tall as the sign, which seems to have several rows of blank pixels underneath the "628 SW Transit", depending on how one interprets the pebbled lookling black area between that message and the top of the windshield. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 I saw 3 new MVTA 2009 Gillig LF 40' buses on the 465 and the Burnsville-State Fair routes. They were 4943, 4944 and 4947. Differences from the 2007 Gillig LF's were square front door windows (like the MT BRT's) and new brighter (LED?) lighting. The windows were already squeaking on these brand new buses. <_< 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bus Driver Dude Posted September 7, 2009 Report Share Posted September 7, 2009 Como Transit Station Como Transit Station Part 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geneking7320 Posted September 7, 2009 Report Share Posted September 7, 2009 Hi Folks; Let's see if I can attach a few pics from my Minneapolis visit.I took these near the north end of the Nicollet Mall. I have a few more pics on a different computer which I'll sent later. Gene King 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 7, 2009 Report Share Posted September 7, 2009 I saw 3 new MVTA 2009 Gillig LF 40' buses on the 465 and the Burnsville-State Fair routes. They were 4943, 4944 and 4947. Differences from the 2007 Gillig LF's were square front door windows (like the MT BRT's) and new brighter (LED?) lighting. The windows were already squeaking on these brand new buses. I had no idea they were getting more Gilligs this year, I guess those are the replacements for the 4 CNG Bluebirds then. Those squeaky windows can get annoying! At least they don't get wet seats from leaky HVAC ducts like the DE60LFA I was on in Cleveland I assume the standard theater seating in the back with no rear doors? ... Nice videos with the fireworks in the background. BTW if you were driving some of the last ones out do you get a lot of tipsy people on those trips? I can't help but wonder, especially now that there's beer on a stick Hi Folks; ... Nice pictures I see you were by Minneapolis Central library. BTW I might be mixing you up with someone else but did you have a Flickr or Photobucket page at one point? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geneking7320 Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 I had no idea they were getting more Gilligs this year, I guess those are the replacements for the 4 CNG Bluebirds then. Those squeaky windows can get annoying! At least they don't get wet seats from leaky HVAC ducts like the DE60LFA I was on in Cleveland I assume the standard theater seating in the back with no rear doors? Nice videos with the fireworks in the background. BTW if you were driving some of the last ones out do you get a lot of tipsy people on those trips? I can't help but wonder, especially now that there's beer on a stick Nice pictures I see you were by Minneapolis Central library. BTW I might be mixing you up with someone else but did you have a Flickr or Photobucket page at one point? I do indeed have a Flickr page look for geneking7320. I hope to organize my Flickr page soon. Gene King 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 ^Nice LRT pics Gene Some updates: I've seen a few 300 series Phantoms in regular service, I assume Metro Transit is trying to burn some more miles onto them before auction. Starting Monday both of the morning to early afternoon runs on 445 will use the GMC/Glaval buses. While there is enough ridership to support the route there is not quite enough to justify the 35 foot Gilligs for those runs. I'm assuming there will still be large buses in the early morning and evening though since those trips get a lot of riders. I saw some MCIs parked behind South earlier this week. I have also seen MCIs in service in Minneapolis, however I haven't had time to take any pictures. I was riding 3049 yesterday and it was shaking so bad my teeth were chattering Seriously the Startrans cutaway on the 446 had a smoother ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geneking7320 Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 Just a quick note... While visiting Minneapolis I saw an MCI signed for route 365 (I think) destined for Cottage Grove. Here in Chicago we have a Cottage Grove Avenue (served by CTA route #4) and I had lived within 4 blocks of it for the 1st 24 years of my life. I was probably in my thirties before I heard of Cottage Grove, OR or MN. [Too bad I don't have a CTA pic to post]. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geneking7320 Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 ^Nice LRT pics Gene Some updates: I've seen a few 300 series Phantoms in regular service, I assume Metro Transit is trying to burn some more miles onto them before auction. Starting Monday both of the morning to early afternoon runs on 445 will use the GMC/Glaval buses. While there is enough ridership to support the route there is not quite enough to justify the 35 foot Gilligs for those runs. I'm assuming there will still be large buses in the early morning and evening though since those trips get a lot of riders. I saw some MCIs parked behind South earlier this week. I have also seen MCIs in service in Minneapolis, however I haven't had time to take any pictures. I was riding 3049 yesterday and it was shaking so bad my teeth were chattering Seriously the Startrans cutaway on the 446 had a smoother ride. Thanks for the complement. In my previous post I tried to attached a pic of the MCI that I saw. If it doesn't work this time I'll put it on my Flickr page [if it isn't already there]. Gene King 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Transit Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 MVTArider, I finally got the correct info on the bus contract with the state of Mn., involving NABI and El Dorado National...the state has a Cooperative Procurement Venture(CPV) with several other states...through this venture, bus manufacturers and bus dealers can submit bids for rfps, for various types and sizes of buses...if selected, they can sell their bus models to any state transit agency that participates in the venture...unfortunately, no Mn.transit agencies purchased any 40 or 35ft. buses from either bus manufacturer...rfps will be put out again next month for the 2011 CPV, with the contract expected to be awarded at the end of the year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bus Driver Dude Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Metro Transit 2009 MCI Bus #206 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 ^Nice video Bus Driver Dude Finally got some new pictures yesterday, here are a few of them: I see from the August 14th board meeting summary (link) that as I suspected, Gillig won the bid for MVTA, DTA and Rochester for the 2010-2014 supply. Apparently Daimler misread a spec so they had an inflated price (darn ), I wonder who the third bidder was? (NABI or New Flyer??) Actually though, after hearing how much Orion VIIs rattle and clatter in many YT vids I wonder if they would be any better. (Not saying Gilligs are bad, I like the MVTA Gilligs pretty well.) Of course it will be a lot simpler for maintenance for everyone to keep getting Gilligs as well. Some non Gillig variety would've been nice though... Also here's the Northfield Lines Northfield to Twin Cities schedule. Someone should phone in an abandoned vehicle report on that Coach USA SLF Thanks for the info. Mr. Transit. BTW I found out MATBUS Moorhead will be getting some New Flyer 35 footers (I assume D35LFRs like MATBUS Fargo) in 2010. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Transit Posted September 26, 2009 Report Share Posted September 26, 2009 MVTArider, bids are out already for the Mn. DOT's CPV contract for various sizes of buses for 2010-2011. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nabinut Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 After a successful week in the midwest, I'm about to post several videos with some featuring various models including the Metro Transit system. Now i need to know the following: Year, Engine & Transmission: Gillig Phantom 600 Series Gillig Phantom 900 Series New Flyer D60HF 3000 Series New Flyer D60HF 3100 Series New Flyer D60LF 3200 Series University of Minnesota: Gillig Advantage Hybrid Van Hool AG330 Any help is appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 5, 2009 Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 After a successful week in the midwest, I'm about to post several videos with some featuring various models including the Metro Transit system. Now i need to know the following: Year, Engine & Transmission: Gillig Phantom 600 Series 1999 Detroit Diesel Series 50/Allison B400R Gillig Phantom 900 Series 2002, 989-999 2003, Cummins ISM/Voith New Flyer D60HF 3000 Series 1998 Detroit Diesel Series 50 Allison B400R New Flyer D60HF 3100 Series 2003 Cummins ISM/Voith New Flyer D60LF 3200 Series 3230-39 2007, 3240-54 2008, 3260-70 2009 2007-2008 have Cummins ISM and Voith C4HT2R-8.5 transmissions, I think the 2009s also have this combo but I'm not positive. University of Minnesota: Gillig Advantage Hybrid 2008 Cummins ISB GM/Allison EP-40 hybrid system Van Hool AG330 2008 Cummins ISL/ Voith Hope you had a good time :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nabinut Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Here's some of my photos from Metro Transit and other providers: Metro Transit: Gillig Phantom 512 in Downtown Minneapolis: 2009 New Flyer D60LFR 3261 at the 5th Street Transit Garage: Southwest Transit: New Flyer D40LFR Suburban 603 entering Downtown Minneapolis: Gillig Low Floor BRT Suburban 612 in afternoon light: Plymouth Metrolink: New Flyer D40LF Suburban 2605: Bluebird 2109: Maple Grove Transit MG12: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority: A trio of MCIs leaving Downtown Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Campus Connector: Van Hool AG300 Van Hool AG330 Now for the Videos: Gillig Phantom with a Cummins M11 Engine: New Flyer 3060 on a UMM limited stop service: New Flyer D60LFR with a Cummins Engine: University of Minnesota Van Hool AG330: Video from the day's events: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JolietJakeCTA Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 Wouldn't the 4700 series Gillig Low Floors MVTA operates be #4726-4736? There is proof of a video of MVTA 4736: Part 1: Part 2: Also: do MVTA buses #4943-4947 (40 ft Gillig Low Floors) also use the Cummins ISM engine and Voith D864.5 transmission? ~Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 16, 2009 Report Share Posted October 16, 2009 Nice pictures NABINUT Here's a couple shots I got yesterday: Wouldn't the 4700 series Gillig Low Floors MVTA operates be #4726-4736? Also: do MVTA buses #4943-4947 (40 ft Gillig Low Floors) also use the Cummins ISM engine and Voith D864.5 transmission? ~Ben Yes they do go through 4736, I have a picture of 4735 as well. 4943-47 have the same Cummins ISM/Voith D864 combo as 35 ft Gilligs 4937-4942 and the aforementioned 4700 series Gilligs. Also 4937-4947 replaced 6 1999 diesel Bluebird CSRE 35 footers (9900-9905) and 4 1999 CNG Bluebird Q 40 footers (9911-9914). Now for sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JolietJakeCTA Posted October 16, 2009 Report Share Posted October 16, 2009 Nice pictures NABINUT Here's a couple shots I got yesterday: Yes they do go through 4736, I have a picture of 4735 as well. 4943-47 have the same Cummins ISM/Voith D864 combo as 35 ft Gilligs 4937-4942 and the aforementioned 4700 series Gilligs. Also 4937-4947 replaced 6 1999 diesel Bluebird CSRE 35 footers (9900-9905) and 4 1999 CNG Bluebird Q 40 footers (9911-9914). Now for sale. Thank you for answering me! ~Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 Here is the agenda for the next Transportation Committee meeting on Monday: http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2009/1026/agenda102609.htm It looks like that Maple Grove Transit will be getting 3 MCI's using options on the Metro Transit order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bus Driver Dude Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Here is the agenda for the next Transportation Committee meeting on Monday: http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2009/1026/agenda102609.htm It looks like that Maple Grove Transit will be getting 3 MCI's using options on the Metro Transit order. Very cool. I hope that Maple Grove takes this time to update the bus design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 29, 2009 Report Share Posted October 29, 2009 More new pics. (sorry they aren't super sharp, haven't been able to get out on a sunny day lately.) I finally saw one of the '98 Gilligs MVTA got (4495) on 460U by the U. I didn't have my camera at the time but I noticed it still has a T and 495 on the roof. From what I could see through the windows the seats are still blue as well. I've also seen a couple others still in MT service on the 114 and 542. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted October 29, 2009 Report Share Posted October 29, 2009 What's the point of the wrap that the bus goes forward and reverse? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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