September 2013 observations.

[NewFlyer9736BCT]

How many new Gilligs are coming in and are they replacing the ex-WMATA 1999 Orion Vs diesels?

12 40-footers and 28 30-footers, so that makes it 5759-5770 and 5032-5059
When I took this shot yesterday, I still saw plenty of 1999 Orion Vs and the ex-WMATA baby Orion Vs, so I don't think they're going quite yet.

[Chargerdodge9]

Ok, interesting. But Ride On does need some new CNG buses soon. Their 1996 Orion V CNGs are approaching 18 years of age and their 2000 Orion V CNGs will soon be 14.

[NewFlyer9736BCT]

The 1996 CNGs have been gone for a while now.

Anyways, here's what's confirmed at Bladensburg: 6112, 6136, 6147, and 6213

[Chargerdodge9]

Rode new 2013 PRTC Onmilink Gillig Advantage #279 yesterday on the Fuller Heights/ Transit Center line. Also spotted #288 on the Route 1 line as well. It seems that the 2004-2005 Gilligs are being replaced kinda of early, because the Feds usually require buses to be retired no earlier then 12 years of age. These older Advantages are approaching 9-10 years of age.
-PRTC 274 Fuller Heights line.

[rideonrulez]

Rode a 2013 Ride On Gillig 30ft #5037 tonight on the #5 to Twinbrook

[Chargerdodge9]

Do these buses have rear doors? I know Omnilink's units don't.

[Chargerdodge9]

Spotted PRTC #282 today on the Route 1 line. Also noticed that the seating arrangements on #278 and up are different from #277 and below. They now have bench seating in the low-floor section.
PRTC 277 PRTC TC
PRTC 279 FH.

[Chargerdodge9]

Also spotted both #267 and #268 in service today. I guess the '05 Gilligs are now rushhour buses.

[rideonrulez]

Do these buses have rear doors? I know Omnilink's units don't.

Yes the Ride On 30 footers have back doors.