Tcmetro Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Looks like the 2 new electric buses will be New Flyers (probably Xcelsiors) off of a Community Transit contract: http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2011/0912/0912_2011_224.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Looks like the 2 new electric buses will be New Flyers (probably Xcelsiors) off of a Community Transit contract: http://councilmeetin...12_2011_224.pdf Reading that indicates that they are not electric buses in the "2 bus Chicago grant" sense, but hybrid buses, the main advance being that the auxiliaries will be run off the battery, instead of the drive train. For that matter, I always wondered how hybrid cars could run the air conditioner with the engine off in a place like Florida without draining the batteries, but Minneapolis certainly isn't Florida. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Looks like the 2 new electric buses will be New Flyers (probably Xcelsiors) off of a Community Transit contract: So no Orions after all. Actually though after seeing the new Orion VII NG EPA09 w/ BRT package that Miway got, I think Xcelsiors look better. I hope they can go with frameless windows though instead of the typical ugly aluminum frames. I wonder if since these will be special guinea pigs if they'll be numbered in a unique range like the old 7000 series menthol Phantoms? Perhaps 9000 and 9001 or something. It'll also be interesting to see how they run, fully electric on the Nicollet Mall would be a nice ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 ... It'll also be interesting to see how they run, fully electric on the Nicollet Mall would be a nice ride. Although, as noted above, they won't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DE60LFR Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Dose any one have a interior picture of a Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro 3100-3149 2003 New Flyer D60 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Dose any one have a interior picture of a Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro 3100-3149 2003 New Flyer D60 I don't have a formal forward facing back photo of the interior, but I do have this video clip which has a walk through of the interior in the beginning (about 0:40): http://youtu.be/ZhMswcJdPgM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DE60LFR Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 I don't have a formal forward facing back photo of the interior, but I do have this video clip which has a walk through of the interior in the beginning (about 0:40): http://youtu.be/ZhMswcJdPgM thanks but I need a picture please and thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 15, 2011 Report Share Posted September 15, 2011 MVTA's State Fair ridership was up 24% this year: http://www.mvta.com/mvta_transports_record_ridership_to_2011_minnesota_state_fair.html All the destination signs on MVTA buses have been reprogrammed. "Cedar Grove" has been eliminated from 440d, 442, 444, and 445m signs. This was done because many riders were confused about southbound buses arriving at AVTS or BTS with a sign saying they go to Cedar Grove, when in fact they are coming from there. "Express" has been removed from express trips and replaced with "Northbound" or "Southbound". Additionally, all signs now feature backlit route numbers on the front panel. A lot of pavement was being laid south of AVTS today. Some major lane changes should follow. Finally, a couple photos: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted September 24, 2011 Report Share Posted September 24, 2011 There are some more buses at auction now: 492, 504, 506, 511, 535, 565, 3003, 3013, 3017, 3019, 3028, 3035, MG06, MG07, 516, 539, 541, 550, 554, 555, 562, and 617. https://www.transportmax.com/publicAuctionList.do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 Here are some recent photos, including 1300 on display at the MPTA expo: Also, at the conference I was able to talk to Mr. Lamb briefly. My suspicions were confirmed, Metro Transit will indeed be testing the new "advanced hybrids" in fully electric operation mode (no diesel engine running) on the Nicollet Mall. That will be really cool if it works. He also mentioned, in the presentation he was giving, that the hybrid fleet is getting 20% better fuel economy, and lately during the summer months, 30%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artthouwill Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 Here are some recent photos, including 1300 on display at the MPTA expo: Also, at the conference I was able to talk to Mr. Lamb briefly. My suspicions were confirmed, Metro Transit will indeed be testing the new "advanced hybrids" in fully electric operation mode (no diesel engine running) on the Nicollet Mall. That will be really cool if it works. He also mentioned, in the presentation he was giving, that the hybrid fleet is getting 20% better fuel economy, and lately during the summer months, 30%. Very nice pics. I will say the Gilligs are getting better looking. They look very nice with the new livery scheme. If nothing else, Gilligs seem to handle the brutal winters well. I will miss the New Flyer artics that are up for auction though. They were some smooth running buses. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted October 27, 2011 Report Share Posted October 27, 2011 I saw 1302 on the 16 the other day. There are also a few of the 3000s around. I saw one on the 260 and on the 16. I also saw an artic on the 21 about a week ago. I wonder if they are running because of the frequency reductions, but I am not sure if they are widespread or not because I haven't been using that line recently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted October 30, 2011 Report Share Posted October 30, 2011 SW Transit board meeting packet for Nov. 2nd is up. http://www.swtransit.org/sites/d82719c7-9b33-46b8-a7af-e5577d7145af/uploads/PACKET_8.pdf Some modifications have been made to the Dec. service changes. The 684 leaving at 5:45 pm and the 684S leaving at 6:00 am will be kept. Also, the subsidy has improved to $4.56 for the entire system, and ridership increased 4.1%. The 603 and 680 remain above $10, and the 684 recently dipped to just above $9. All the other routes are performing much better, subsidy-wise. For our Chicago members, Metro Transit has launched it's Rapid Bus concept. The study will be complete next Spring, and the first lines could be operating in Fall 2014. http://metrotransit.org/arterial-study.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted November 11, 2011 Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 I've noticed lately that the upper 1200 series and the 1100 series are fairly common on the East Metro routes. Still some older Phantoms hanging around however. A few photos of interest from today: 4937 with a mock-up of the AVTS platform edge: Note: Photo removed due to security concerns Also was able to see an LFS HEV demo: Too bad it was only stopping by for an hour, would've been nice to take a ride on it :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted November 11, 2011 Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 4937 with a mock-up of the AVTS platform edge: Also was able to see an LFS HEV demo: Too bad it was only stopping by for an hour, would've been nice to take a ride on it 1. The Jeffery BRT slides indicated maybe there would be a similar platform to accommodate accessibility. 2. So much for sw saying that Nova didn't make a hybrid. Basically all bus assemblers use about the same powertrains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted November 11, 2011 Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 I saw that Nova going down 35W yesterday out the corner of my eye. The newest bus I've seen so far is 1313 on the 133 a few days ago, with no ads. There are still a few 500's and 3000's floating around though, and I think I saw a D60LF go by in Downtown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted November 20, 2011 Report Share Posted November 20, 2011 Proposed changes for March 2012: Route 7: http://www.metrotransit.org/TransitArticles/Story.aspx?pageid=314&mid=431&articleid=638 Route 67, 68, 75: http://www.metrotransit.org/TransitArticles/Story.aspx?pageid=314&mid=431&articleid=639 Dec. 3rd changes: http://www.metrotransit.org/TransitArticles/Story.aspx?pageid=18&mid=393&articleid=629 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I saw 1333 last night, and it had ads, so it seems the latest order will be wrapping up soon. Met Council exercising 6 options on the MCI contract to replace SW Transit's 2000 MCI's: http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2011/1212/1212_2011_353.pdf A number of buses are up for auction again: MG07, 508, 510, 514, 521, 543, 545, 547, 559, 613, 614, 615, 616, 618, 631, 633, 634, 635, 636, 638, 639, 642, 645, 3055, 3056, 3057, 3058, 3059, 3060, 3061, 3062. https://www.transportmax.com/publicAuctionList.do Regional transit brand will be METRO. Hiawatha to be Blue Line, Cedar BRT to be Red Line, Central Corridor LRT to be Green Line. The buses for Cedar will be NovaBuses. Branding concepts are in this MVTA Dec. meeting packet: http://www.mvta.com/uploads/december_packet_2.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Regional transit brand will be METRO. Hiawatha to be Blue Line, Cedar BRT to be Red Line, Central Corridor LRT to be Green Line. The buses for Cedar will be NovaBuses. Branding concepts are in this MVTA Dec. meeting packet: http://www.mvta.com/...er_packet_2.pdf The color line is becoming highly unoriginal (especially when EasyGo in Hammond even uses it). Similarly not very original is using a wrap with a squiggly M or the like. In fact, I question what is accomplished by branding something like a transit system; either people recognize the vehicle or don't. At least one thing we won't see in Chicago is branding the commuter rail as CTA. Also, from the descriptions, it looks like this will be 40 foot BRTs. Is that your understanding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted December 23, 2011 Report Share Posted December 23, 2011 Yes, the Cedar BRT will use 40' buses. It will be interesting to see how riders respond to the new service, as it is a significant improvement. I guess the route coloring is pretty standard now in the US. I hope no one shows up expecting the Red Line to be a train! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I was able to stop by South yesterday for a couple photos of the remaining D60LF in the dead line: It'll be interesting to see where they end up. The look like they're still in good condition so I wouldn't be surprised if someplace bought them as spare units. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flossman Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I was able to stop by South yesterday for a couple photos of the remaining D60LF in the dead line: It'll be interesting to see where they end up. The look like they're still in good condition so I wouldn't be surprised if someplace bought them as spare units. Hint, hint Milwaukee... we could use some artics on the 10 and 15... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted March 11, 2012 Report Share Posted March 11, 2012 The Phantoms were out in force on Tuesday for some reason, a nice change from the usual LF/BRT scene. I've noticed the D60 seem to make appearances on the short turn branches on the 3. Otherwise the D60LFR are the only artics running now during off-peak. Lorenz has taken over the St. Thomas University shuttle service, I noticed that when finally I was in the right place at the right time in hopes of getting a photo of one of the Schmitty 35' Phantoms Most LRT cars have had the seat upholstery changed to a new design. Not sure if it's really any more durable than the old stuff. It's a darker blue though so it doesn't look as dirty from the shoe prints. Six of the Maple Grove Transit Phantoms are getting replaced with MCI coaches: Authorization to Execute Contract Options with MCI Any info on another order of Gillig LF w/ BRT front coming in? I'm assuming the 600 series will be up for replacement this year as they hit 13. Also 3230-3239 have been updated to the new scheme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted March 23, 2012 Report Share Posted March 23, 2012 Maple Grove is looking to replace their 2000 Phantoms with 6 more coaches, 3 40-foot buses, and 3 artics. http://www.ci.maple-grove.mn.us/filestorage/143/199/924/Jan_31_agenda.pdf Those 3 40-foot buses will come from the MT Gillig contract options: http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2012/0326/0326_2012_105.pdf Also, U of M is looking for a 30' Gillig LF to replace one of their cutaways. I imagine that this bus runs on the East Bank route on the Weekdays and the Campus Connector on Weekends. This bus will come off of the Nashville MTA contract. http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2012/0326/0326_2012_85.pdf P.S. Thanks for the other updates MVTArider :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted March 24, 2012 Report Share Posted March 24, 2012 Three things of interest in Chicago Maple Grove is looking to replace their 2000 Phantoms with 6 more coaches, 3 40-foot buses, and 3 artics. http://www.ci.maple-...n_31_agenda.pdf Elsewhere in the report, the agency actually uses marketing terminology, including stengths and opportunities (although they left out the correlative weaknesses and challenges). You don't see any analysis like that here. Those 3 40-foot buses will come from the MT Gillig contract options: http://councilmeetin...26_2012_105.pdf Apparently a Gillig 40 foot bus is about $10,000 more than an Axess. Also, U of M is looking for a 30' Gillig LF to replace one of their cutaways. I imagine that this bus runs on the East Bank route on the Weekdays and the Campus Connector on Weekends. This bus will come off of the Nashville MTA contract. http://councilmeetin...326_2012_85.pdf Apparently, contrary to Pace's reports on the bids it received, someone other than Daimler offers a 30 foot hybrid bus on other than an experimental basis. However, since the grant is only 83%, the total cost of the Gillig ($600K), seems about $90K more than what Pace paid per bus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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