Does D.C. own all the Metrobuses?

[Chargerdodge9]

I ask this because I noticed that all the WMATA buses sport D.C. plates, even the Orion VII OG CNGs, most of which are probably going to be permanent VA residents. How com some buses don't have VA or Maryland plates?

[rideonrulez]

WMATA owns the buses. WMATA is headquartered in DC. I think you can figure it out from here....

[Chargerdodge9]

Yes, but as I recall, doesn't WMATA comprise of 4 to 5 counties and several cities? With that logic, shouldn't the state that fund for some buses get those while the other gets the rest or something like that? I mean, WMATA is kind of a unique TA.

[Sand Box John]

Chargerdodge9
Yes, but as I recall, doesn't WMATA comprise of 4 to 5 counties and several cities? With that logic, shouldn't the state that fund for some buses get those while the other gets the rest or something like that? I mean, WMATA is kind of a unique TA.

WMATA is for all practice purposes is a cooperative. The member jurisdiction make a funding contribution for the services they want. WMATA provides those services from the pool of assets they have. Like Metrorail those assets are moved around on an as needed basses.

[BigPimpinSlimDB]

The DC government actually owned/purchased the Orion IIs. They only operated out of Bladensburg(D4, D8(Sundays), H6,  K1, K2, U2, U4, X6) and Western(98, D2, E6, H5, H7, M4).

[Chargerdodge9]

I heard they also owned the Gillig Phantoms when they were in service until 2001. After that, I heard a rumor that PRTC Omnilink bought some. Is that true?

[WES]

Yes DC did buy the Phantoms and yes two went into service for PRTC before the first batch of Advantages came in.

[Chargerdodge9]

Cool, wish  there were photos.