It's about time I updated you guys, so here we go....
-The September changes are coming in 2 phases.
=Phase one will be Gaithersburg garage only effective 9/7/08. We updated some running time on the 43,46,58,61 and 64. We changed leave times and other changes on the 48,71,74,78 & 100. All runs have changed.
=Phase two will include Silver Spring and Nicholson garages. This is due to the Silver Spring Transit Center project (hence all those newly installed shelters on the street) and we do have a date for the start of this project BUT as much as it has moved I will not put the start date. Alot of the leave times have changed on any route that currently goes to/from Silver Spring. There will also be some equipment/route swapping between these 2 garages. I'll add to this at a later date.
-There will be alot of new schedules in the new format after these service changes.
-They will begin installing the Orbital systems on the Nicholson buses this month.
-The new Gilllig Advantages Clean Diesels are still coming in at the end of the year. This order consist of 16 forty footers and 6 twenty nine footers. These will retire the Flx's :'( , the Orion I's :'( and a few Helldorado's ;D . So get your last rides and pics of the first two I mentioned!!
-Ridership was up 10.7% in July 2008 comparing to July of 2007. Weekdays have been averaging over 100,000 riders a day!
When I think of more news (which I probably will eventually) I'll add it here.
On a tangent based off of this. Last week on my regular bus back home from work (the 5:50 1 heading from Silver Spring towards Friendship Heights), the driver mentioned that this coming week would be his last on that route and a lot of drivers are wanting to NOT do routes that start/finish at Silver Spring since it'll be a madhouse. Is this true and will it be hard to find drivers to work routes that'll be screwy for years to build a building that isn't really needed?
I know I'm still relatively new to the area, but I don't see the benefit to the Silver Spring Transit Center when what there is now works well and connections are going to be screwed up for years due to the construction.
Now, can you get a Flx on the 46 heading towards Medical Center in the PM rush for me ;)
Actually in my opinion, it doesn't, especially during rush hour. When buses have to practically run cars over that block the road to get into and out the station and also the transfers would require one to sprint from either the RIDE ON side to the WMATA side or vice versa. And also not all of the routes/agencies that pass through there would fit. With the new Silver Spring Transit Center WMATA, RIDE ON, MTA Express, U of MD and Greyhound will be all in one place along with I think MARC and Metrorail will be in the same place also, making easier transfers and hopefully better traffic flow.
The problem is right now, especially during rush hour is that there is no traffic lights don't seem to be properly set up to allow uninterrupted entry and exit into the transit center as is. It's not a good thing when you have to have station managers and other bus drivers stopping traffic on Wayne Avneue just to get the buses in and out. For the next few years, it may seem like a headache, but when it is all finished, it is supposed to be better.
Wes,
I totally agree. When I lived in Silver Spring I always thought they should've addressed that problem.
I always thought that they should have a cop (or some county employee) out there to during rush hours to keep Wayne Ave. traffic from blocking the entrance/exit for buses. The bus operators have to be aggressive or else they'd never make it across Wayne Ave. I imagine the traffic lights could've been set in such a way that Wayne Ave would not have stopped traffic in that section where the buses enter/exit the station.
I'll never forget the time this guy in his convertible threw a hissy fit because the buses were aggressively rolling in and out in front of him. It was one day during the PM rush hour and I was on my way home from work. They way it happened was the guy turned from N/B Colesville onto E/B Wayne (I was the car behind him). There were a bunch of buses waiting for their chance. The guy in the convertible hesitated a bit too long and all of a sudden about 8 buses started rolling in and out fast and furious while the guy threw his hands up in the air and was yelling. I thought it was hilarious.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 07, 2008, 12:01:25 PM
On a tangent based off of this. Last week on my regular bus back home from work (the 5:50 1 heading from Silver Spring towards Friendship Heights), the driver mentioned that this coming week would be his last on that route and a lot of drivers are wanting to NOT do routes that start/finish at Silver Spring since it'll be a madhouse. Is this true and will it be hard to find drivers to work routes that'll be screwy for years to build a building that isn't really needed?
I know I'm still relatively new to the area, but I don't see the benefit to the Silver Spring Transit Center when what there is now works well and connections are going to be screwed up for years due to the construction.
Now, can you get a Flx on the 46 heading towards Medical Center in the PM rush for me ;)
ALL Ride On operators did do a pick that is effective today (9/7/08) but this will only be in effect till the construction of the new Silver Spring Transit Center (except Gaithersburg) is ready to go.
I also have to agree with Wes & Wayne. We have more then outgrew the current transit center in Silver Spring. There are not enough bus bays to accommodate all the routes that go there thus all the doubling up. They also need a better Kiss-N-Ride as everybody picks up and drops off in the Ride On area (upper deck) which is the most heavily used stop (1,2,11,16,17,18,20) at the station!! That doesn't include that every Ride On bus that pulls in alights there too.
The new transit center will improve traffic flow as there will no longer be an entrance on Wayne Ave, it will also put ALL local systems under one roof since MTA picks up today on Colesville Rd, Shuttle Um picks up on Bonifant St and Greyhound is on Fenton St and which will also allow for future expansion. Plus there will be a third level for Kiss-N-Ride and Taxi's. So it will consist of 3 levels (not including the buildings on top) and a park. After all said and done it will be worth the kiosk we have to go through for the next 2 years!!
So I'm guessing that the 40' Gilligs will cause the '99 Orion Vs (5710 and up) to move to Gaithersburg? Unless Gaithersburg will finally get some Gilligs...
Where can the Flx's be most likely found? I haven't seen one in a while and I wanna get a ride or 2 on them before they retire. I'm also guessing 5546 will retire as well?
George, why would you want the Gilligs in the first place?
I agree with what has been said about the Silver Spring situation. The end will justify the means, and a rebuilt transit center at one of Maryland's busiest transit stops will benefit everyone.
Are there any Purple Line provisions being included in the design? I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the design accomodates the Met Branch Trail if that ever gets built, and will also be friendly for users of the Georgetown Branch and Wayne Avenue bike routes.
Quote from: George on September 07, 2008, 03:02:48 PM
So I'm guessing that the 40' Gilligs will cause the '99 Orion Vs (5710 and up) to move to Gaithersburg?
That is the plan last I checked
Quote
Where can the Flx's be most likely found? I haven't seen one in a while and I wanna get a ride or 2 on them before they retire. I'm also guessing 5546 will retire as well?
Yes anything built in 1993 and before will be gone with this next Gillig order. The Flx's are used only as a last resort to make pull out. I'd say the best chance to get it is at Shady Grove East during rush hour.
Quote
The end will justify the means, and a rebuilt transit center at one of Maryland's busiest transit stops will benefit everyone.
Are there any Purple Line provisions being included in the design? I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the design accomodates the Met Branch Trail if that ever gets built, and will also be friendly for users of the Georgetown Branch and Wayne Avenue bike routes.
Actually Silver Spring Transit Center IS the busiest Transit Center in the state. From what I've seen of the plans, yes all of the above is correct.
Ok it looks official, The Silver Spring Transit Center construction (aka IOS) will take place....
September 28, 2008!
All buses will move out of the current terminal to there on street location. WMATA will be on Wayne Ave both directions, the "jug handle" and Dixon St NB only. Ride On routes 2 & 9 will be on Wayne Ave. The 8, 18, 21 & 22 will be on Dixon St SB. The 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13 & 17 will be on Bonifant St WB under "the bridge". The 14, 15, 16, 19 & 20 will be on Bonifant St EB under "the bridge". The route 28 "Van Go" will be on the "jug handle" with WMATA's F4,6. MTA Commuter buses will still be in the same place. Shuttle Um will be at the bus stop on Bonifant St WB near side Dixon St. This madness will be for 26-30 months. Pull out your cameras!!
Quote from: rideonrulez on September 11, 2008, 11:18:27 PM
Ok it looks official, The Silver Spring Transit Center construction (aka IOS) will take place....
September 28, 2008!
All buses will move out of the current terminal to there on street location. WMATA will be on Wayne Ave both directions, the "jug handle" and Dixon St NB only. Ride On routes 2 & 9 will be on Wayne Ave. The 8, 18, 21 & 22 will be on Dixon St SB. The 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13 & 17 will be on Bonifant St WB under "the bridge". The 14, 15, 16, 19 & 20 will be on Bonifant St EB under "the bridge". The route 28 "Van Go" will be on the "jug handle" with WMATA's F4,6. MTA Commuter buses will still be in the same place. Shuttle Um will be at the bus stop on Bonifant St WB near side Dixon St. This madness will be for 26-30 months. Pull out your cameras!!
Aw damn. All hell bout to break loose. As for accessing the Metro station, how will that be situated, plus, any idea on the bus bay locations. The Metro evac maps sort of give an idea but I found some errors (such as the MTA commuter buses being at Bay V).
Quote from: rideonrulez on September 11, 2008, 11:18:27 PM
Ok it looks official, The Silver Spring Transit Center construction (aka IOS) will take place....
September 28, 2008!
All buses will move out of the current terminal to there on street location. WMATA will be on Wayne Ave both directions, the "jug handle" and Dixon St NB only. Ride On routes 2 & 9 will be on Wayne Ave. The 8, 18, 21 & 22 will be on Dixon St SB. The 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13 & 17 will be on Bonifant St WB under "the bridge". The 14, 15, 16, 19 & 20 will be on Bonifant St EB under "the bridge". The route 28 "Van Go" will be on the "jug handle" with WMATA's F4,6. MTA Commuter buses will still be in the same place. Shuttle Um will be at the bus stop on Bonifant St WB near side Dixon St. This madness will be for 26-30 months. Pull out your cameras!!
You
think it will be for 26-30 months. As optimistic as you are and as much inside information as you know, I doubt it. Look at the delays in actually getting things started, wasn't it supposed to be finished by now?
Maybe it's just the cynical ex-(upstate) New Yorker in me, but I think that the very earliest 2012 will be the finish date during which time Silver Spring will take a huge hit. I know New York isn't Maryland but I have no trust in any capital projects and given how this project was supposed to start 2 years ago I doubt it'll be finished by time.
Would it be possible for the J's and S's to do discharges at the Ride On/MTA stop at the corner of Colesville and East-West? It would be very defeatist to pass under the Metro and not stop then force everyone to backtrack.
Delays in starting do not necessarily equate to delays in finishing. The delay in getting started is in getting approvals and funding and contracts -- when the project starts, most of that is already in place. Keep your spirits up :-)
Welcome to Maryland.
I just found out that Ride On will have 16 additional 40' Gillig Advantage clean diesel buses to go along with the 5 it already has. Will they be numbered 5731-5746? What about the 6 29' Gillig Advantage clean diesels?
The 300s are the one series that comes to mind for the 29 footers. Those were the designation for the 30 foot Gilligs back in 89.
Question about the Silver Spring changes (to which there may be no real answer):
How are buses going to be routed upon arriving at Silver Spring now? For example, an incoming 15 that was heading out as a 1 could just go straight to the 1 bay and discharge there. Are drivers just going to take whatever route they want to get to the appropriate bay, or is interlining going to be limited?
How are you going to change an interline without a new pick? That's part of an operator's run. The routes that change to another one would just park wherever the route they're leaving as.
Quote
Aw damn. All hell bout to break loose. As for accessing the Metro station, how will that be situated, plus, any idea on the bus bay locations. The Metro evac maps sort of give an idea but I found some errors (such as the MTA commuter buses being at Bay V).
All the bay assignments are posted up around the terminal/downtown Silver Spring though covered. Just got to look for them ;)
Quote
You think it will be for 26-30 months. As optimistic as you are and as much inside information as you know, I doubt it. Look at the delays in actually getting things started, wasn't it supposed to be finished by now?
Would it be possible for the J's and S's to do discharges at the Ride On/MTA stop at the corner of Colesville and East-West? It would be very defeatist to pass under the Metro and not stop then force everyone to backtrack.
I'm an optimistic person but honestly, I doubt it will be done in the time they gave us. Though there will be alot of pressure to get it done on time from the local property owners (Discovery, Hines, ETC...)
Also about that stop at Colesville & East West northbound far side, Sorry to say BUT it will no longer be served by Ride On when the construction starts. WMATA has never served it, but MTA will continue to serve it only. So yes, buses will bypass and go all the way up to the IOS and alight there. There is a reason behind it.....
Quote
I just found out that Ride On will have 16 additional 40' Gillig Advantage clean diesel buses to go along with the 5 it already has.
Didn't I mention this a few times already? Where have you been? ???
Quote
How are buses going to be routed upon arriving at Silver Spring now? For example, an incoming 15 that was heading out as a 1 could just go straight to the 1 bay and discharge there. Are drivers just going to take whatever route they want to get to the appropriate bay, or is interlining going to be limited?
Wow very good technical question and yes I have an answer but it might be a long explanation. When the IOS starts, you will see less interlining then we do today in Silver Spring. Reason being is that now we have some routes on one side of the street (Example A:1,2,5,12,13,17) and some others routes (Example B: 14,15,16,19,20) on the other side. So what i tried to do for example was if you come in as a 5 (A side) you will leave out on any route that serves on the A side and vice versa. So that way they know which side to pull in on except as noted on there runsheets. Now they will switch sides quite a bit during peak hours because the heavy routes for example are pulling in (B side) at AM rush are weak pulling out in the AM BUT the (A side) is heavy pulling out in the AM. The situation is opposite in the PM obviously.
This is easier to explain in person then typing, sorry if you don't understand :-[
How does this affect things if it's mid-pick? Someone that picks a route that interlines with a certain route but doesn't now, is that a problem with the union? Do your operators actually have a union?
That type of scheduling gives me a headache just thinking about it. We have detour galore out here all the time but nothing that would complicate things THAT much!! Good for you for working that out. I hope it goes as smoothly as possible. It's going to take a lot of education to the passengers so they can figure out what's going on.
Quote from: rideonrulez on September 13, 2008, 11:57:55 PM
I'm an optimistic person but honestly, I doubt it will be done in the time they gave us. Though there will be alot of pressure to get it done on time from the local property owners (Discovery, Hines, ETC...)
Also about that stop at Colesville & East West northbound far side, Sorry to say BUT it will no longer be served by Ride On when the construction starts. WMATA has never served it, but MTA will continue to serve it only. So yes, buses will bypass and go all the way up to the IOS and alight there. There is a reason behind it.....
Two words about that:
BAD MOVEWhatever the reason, it has to be lame because it takes people WAY out of their way for nothing. Why break further what wasn't broken? Whoever did this should be relieved of their duties because they are inconveniencing the riding public and will hurt Silver Spring in the long run.
The transit center is a massive waste of time since it is going to only make things worse, far worse. Sure, you'll have a gleaming building but you'll have nobody to enjoy it after all the petty crime and the disability advocates get to you.
Restore the discharge stop at Colesville and East-West for the safety of your riders or else there will be a LOT less people wanting to go to Silver Spring since its lifeline has been cut for nothing. Sarbannes deserved better than this waste of time and the money would have been better spent on raising the ceiling a foot at Friendship Heights.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 14, 2008, 07:29:43 AM
Quote from: rideonrulez on September 13, 2008, 11:57:55 PM
I'm an optimistic person but honestly, I doubt it will be done in the time they gave us. Though there will be alot of pressure to get it done on time from the local property owners (Discovery, Hines, ETC...)
Also about that stop at Colesville & East West northbound far side, Sorry to say BUT it will no longer be served by Ride On when the construction starts. WMATA has never served it, but MTA will continue to serve it only. So yes, buses will bypass and go all the way up to the IOS and alight there. There is a reason behind it.....
Two words about that: BAD MOVE
Whatever the reason, it has to be lame because it takes people WAY out of their way for nothing. Why break further what wasn't broken? Whoever did this should be relieved of their duties because they are inconveniencing the riding public and will hurt Silver Spring in the long run.
The transit center is a massive waste of time since it is going to only make things worse, far worse. Sure, you'll have a gleaming building but you'll have nobody to enjoy it after all the petty crime and the disability advocates get to you.
Restore the discharge stop at Colesville and East-West for the safety of your riders or else there will be a LOT less people wanting to go to Silver Spring since its lifeline has been cut for nothing. Sarbannes deserved better than this waste of time and the money would have been better spent on raising the ceiling a foot at Friendship Heights.
The current terminal is way over capacity than it used to be when it first opened. You didn't have like 30 routes or so operating out of the same terminal with just 12 bays. Over the years, more routes started being added and capacity had increased. Today, it is a nightmare trying to get into the station and out of the station for both Metro and Ride On with trying to navigate around traffic on Wayne and Colesville. There are bottlenecks getting through the lower bays with a slew of Metrobuses alighting, laying over, boarding, and leaving all at the same time. This is nothing more than Pentagon station when it outgrew its old terminal. The new terminal has an easier traffic flow, divides commuter/express buses and local routes. I remember the time I went down to VA with my mother and caught the 22A up toward Ballston. It was very confusing trying to figure out where the buses were and what to take. Also, the new terminal is pushed out a bit further from the Pentagon building (for security reasons I would think).
The new Sarbanes Transit Center is supposed to combine different modes of transit in one hub. MARC, Greyhound, Metrobus, Ride On, and MTA commuter bus. Obviously, the months during construction will be difficult with having to change travel habits, but you have to look at the end product instead of the means. I don't think the amount of people wanting to go to Silver Spring will decrease since it is a very populous area and a great shopping district. Plus, alot of commuters work in the general area. It isn't a waste of time because this was long overdue and the new terminal will provide for more expansion (and the future Purple Line). All I have to say is: It will be a headache for a while, but once things are done, it will be easier to travel. You just have to be patient.
QuoteWow very good technical question and yes I have an answer but it might be a long explanation. When the IOS starts, you will see less interlining then we do today in Silver Spring. Reason being is that now we have some routes on one side of the street (Example A:1,2,5,12,13,17) and some others routes (Example B: 14,15,16,19,20) on the other side. So what i tried to do for example was if you come in as a 5 (A side) you will leave out on any route that serves on the A side and vice versa. So that way they know which side to pull in on except as noted on there runsheets. Now they will switch sides quite a bit during peak hours because the heavy routes for example are pulling in (B side) at AM rush are weak pulling out in the AM BUT the (A side) is heavy pulling out in the AM. The situation is opposite in the PM obviously.
This is easier to explain in person then typing, sorry if you don't understand
I get it, thanks for the explanation/answer.
Scrabbleship, seeing as most of the bus connections have moved, not having that last stop before Silver Spring won't be the end of the world. You could always get off the bus at the last stop on EW Highway and walk to the Metro if you think that will be faster. I don't see how you came to the conclusion that the construction of this transit center is a waste of time, it is going to be destroyed by crime once it opens, lifelines being cut, etc. I can assure you that changing the height of the Friendship Heights Station would be a far worse use of time and money.
I can understand the construction and its needs, but what wouldn't be good about raising the ceiling at Friendship Heights? When in 10-15 years the majority of the fleet of WMATA and Ride On can't access most of the bays due to the policy barring hybrids and CNG's from going inside, the choices would be to raise the ceiling or change the policy and I can't se the latter happening.
Thank God I'm moving a block and a half from the Metro the day the policy comes into play...
You can't just lower the roadway at Friendship Heights by 12 inches without compromising the integrity of the office building that sits on top of the bus station.
As has been discussed here, hybrids and CNGs do fit at FH, even though WMATA's policy dictates that they not operate inside the terminal.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on September 14, 2008, 02:35:22 PM
As has been discussed here, hybrids and CNGs do fit at FH, even though WMATA's policy dictates that they not operate inside the terminal.
Thing is when will WMATA policy compromise common sense. In a future when most of WMATA's buses are CNG or hybrid and can't go inside, what would WMATA do? Changing the policy might be their only option in the future outside of abandoning the terminal and routing everything on Wisconsin/Western. WMATA brought this upon themselves by putting in a limited clearance and then by putting in an asinine policy.
When that whole thing was built, I don't even think anyone thought the buses would be that tall. But, it has been proven that CNG buses can fit in there now.
You can have all the foresight in the world, but nobody knows how the designs will change or what other challenge may come their way. They just have to go with the flow.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 14, 2008, 05:12:01 PM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on September 14, 2008, 02:35:22 PM
As has been discussed here, hybrids and CNGs do fit at FH, even though WMATA's policy dictates that they not operate inside the terminal.
Thing is when will WMATA policy compromise common sense. In a future when most of WMATA's buses are CNG or hybrid and can't go inside, what would WMATA do? Changing the policy might be their only option in the future outside of abandoning the terminal and routing everything on Wisconsin/Western. WMATA brought this upon themselves by putting in a limited clearance and then by putting in an asinine policy.
When the terminal renovation started, the number of CNGs and hybrids in the area was quite small. The only times those buses came to Friendship Heights was on the T2 on the weekends (and that was pretty rare, the T2 almost always got 96/98 Orion Vs and the occasional 99 Gillig), the trippers on the even 30s, and the trippers on the Es (which stop outside the terminal). Even now, the number of CNGs and hybrids that potentially have to enter the terminal is minimal. The T2 got moved outside, the 30s have been restructured so few if any trips from Bladensburg operate to Friendship Heights and even before that, redoing the runs so they ended at Tenleytown isn't a huge deal, the Es and L7/L8 were already outside. The weekend T2 now comes out of Silver Spring instead of Gaithersburg. The 42 (now 34), 1/11, and 23 are the only Ride-On routes that use hybrids, and the 42/34 stop outside. IIRC, Western Division isn't even capable of servicing hybrids at the moment. So the only time hybrids or CNGs need to access the inside of the terminal is for the 1/11, 23, and even 30s.
But put all that analysis aside for a moment. Perry hit it on the nose when he said no foresight could have predicted this issue. I'm not sure when the building was constructed over the terminal, but the Metro station opened in 1984. There weren't any CNG or HEV buses then.
The current policy isn't asinine, it is logical to a point. If and when they really need to operate a large number of CNGs and hybrids into the terminal, they can. Until they really need to, they won't.
Also, there was a proposal to abandon the terminal as part of the Friendship Heights redevelopment plan and move it to where the Hechts or whatever it is now called is currently standing. The current bus terminal would have been converted to a kiss and ride.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 14, 2008, 11:09:33 AM
I can understand the construction and its needs, but what wouldn't be good about raising the ceiling at Friendship Heights? When in 10-15 years the majority of the fleet of WMATA and Ride On can't access most of the bays due to the policy barring hybrids and CNG's from going inside, the choices would be to raise the ceiling or change the policy and I can't se the latter happening.
Really?? Wow! I never knew that was a good idea! Why don't I just head over there tonight, pick the building up and stick a few wooden blocks underneath it. Ahh so simple, I wonder why WMATA never thought of doing that.
Run down on the stop locations. I'm sure the brochures will go out to the public soon. An operator of mine showed me the brochure that Transit gave her so she could get her stop locations down before the curtain goes up on Sept. 28th. The brochure (pdf format) is at the SSTC site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sstc (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sstc)
Wayne Avenue stops (purple)
Stop A (The Jughandle)
F4, F6
No B. I dunno why.
Stop C (Wayne Ave. opp. Ramsey)
Z line locals (Z2, 6, 8 )
Stop D (Wayne Ave. midblock)
Z11, Z13
Stop E (Wayne @ Discovery Pl. opp. Dixon farside)
Z9, Z29
Stop F (Wayne @ Discovery Pl. nearside)
J line (J1, J2, J3)
Stop G (Wayne @ Georgia farside)
RO2 Lyttonsville
RO9 Wheaton
J4 Bethesda
Stop H (Wayne @ Ramsey farside)
70, 71
Stop I (Wayne Ave. midblock in front of Howard Univ. bldg.)
79 Metro Extra :D
Stop J (Wayne @ Dixon nearside)
S line (S2, S4)
Stop K (Wayne @ Dixon farside near Subway)
RO2 Silver Spring
RO9 Silver Spring
J4 College Park
Stop L (Wayne @ Georgia)
free
Dixon Avenue stops (green)
Stop M (Dixon @ Wayne)
free
Stop N (Dixon @ Bonifant)
RO 8, 18, 21, 22
Stop O (Dixon midblock)
Y line (Y5, 7, 8, 9)
(I'll be suprised at how this is gonna work for them since they got that immediate left on Georgia)
Stop P (Dixon midblock)
Q line (Q2)
Stop Q (Dixon @ Bonfiant NS)
J5 Twinbrook
Bonifant Street stops (orange)
Stop R (Bonifant under the garage)
RO 1/11, 3, 4, 5
Stop S (Bonifant under the garage)
free
Stop T (Bonifant under the garage)
RO 12, 13, 17
Stop U (Bonifant under the garage NS Dixon)
free
Stop V (Bonifant @ Dixon opp. garage)
Shuttle-UM, Montgomery College
Stop W (Bonifant under the garage)
free
Stop X (Bonifant under the garage)
RO 14, 15
Stop Y (Bonifant under the garage)
free
Stop Z (Bonifant under the garage)
RO 16, 20
Also, VanGo will operate at Stop A in the jughandle.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 14, 2008, 07:29:43 AM
Two words about that: BAD MOVE
Whatever the reason, it has to be lame because it takes people WAY out of their way for nothing. Why break further what wasn't broken? Whoever did this should be relieved of their duties because they are inconveniencing the riding public and will hurt Silver Spring in the long run.
The transit center is a massive waste of time since it is going to only make things worse, far worse. Sure, you'll have a gleaming building but you'll have nobody to enjoy it after all the petty crime and the disability advocates get to you.
Are you sure about that?
I went out to Silver Spring yesterday to get some Flxible videos the traffic around the "jughandle" looked like a middle school fire drill. Here's video of the debacle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmANr9-7Y_g
The biggest "waste of time" that I could see was the current one in which buses sit for several minutes in a futile attempt to reach the terminal. Only those who took the law into their own hands were ever going to make it into the terminal.
Stick a fork in the current Silver Spring - it's done.
The interim construction period will be a royal pain in the rear, but the new terminal looks like it will be a tremendous improvement when it is finally completed.
Well, notices on the two year headache transit center were put up in and around the Silver Spring station when I noticed two "Service Change" notices on the stop at the corner of Second & Colesville where the 1/2/3/11/18/J's/S's stop. Don't tell me that's being shut too, if it is it's just a waste.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 21, 2008, 09:47:32 PM
Well, notices on the two year headache transit center were put up in and around the Silver Spring station when I noticed two "Service Change" notices on the stop at the corner of Second & Colesville where the 1/2/3/11/18/J's/S's stop. Don't tell me that's being shut too, if it is it's just a waste.
I think somewhere in this thread it was stated that it will be.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on September 21, 2008, 10:09:18 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 21, 2008, 09:47:32 PM
Well, notices on the two year headache transit center were put up in and around the Silver Spring station when I noticed two "Service Change" notices on the stop at the corner of Second & Colesville where the 1/2/3/11/18/J's/S's stop. Don't tell me that's being shut too, if it is it's just a waste.
I think somewhere in this thread it was stated that it will be.
That stop won't really be necessary since the interim stop for the lines will be on Wayne and Bonifant. Also, there will be alot of traffic in the area so I think its best to close that stop for the time being. When the new terminal is built, that stop won't exist anyway.
There is one little thing I wonder. Where will the 929 and 995 buses stop to serve the station going southbound on Colesville?
Well with all these changes on 9/28/08 will be equipment/route swaps too.
Silver Spring will send:
(7) 1999 Gillig Phantoms to Nicholson
(4) 2007 International Champion Diesels to Nicholson
Nicholson will send:
(11) 2007 Chevy Champion Gasoline vehicles to Silver Spring
The 22 & 25 will be fully operated by Silver Spring Division and the 23, 30 & T2 (weekends) will be fully operated by Nicholson.
Quote from: rideonrulez on September 22, 2008, 02:53:15 PM
Well with all these changes on 9/28/08 will be equipment/route swaps too.
Silver Spring will send:
(7) 1999 Gillig Phantoms to Nicholson
(4) 2007 International Champion Diesels to Nicholson
Nicholson will send:
(11) 2007 Chevy Champion Gasoline vehicles to Silver Spring
The 22 & 25 will be fully operated by Silver Spring Division and the 23, 30 & T2 (weekends) will be fully operated by Nicholson.
That is going to be interesting. I'd like to see a cutaway on the T2 line. That'll really blow people's minds. Are the 29 footers due in soon?
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on September 22, 2008, 03:38:56 PM
Quote from: rideonrulez on September 22, 2008, 02:53:15 PM
Well with all these changes on 9/28/08 will be equipment/route swaps too.
Silver Spring will send:
(7) 1999 Gillig Phantoms to Nicholson
(4) 2007 International Champion Diesels to Nicholson
Nicholson will send:
(11) 2007 Chevy Champion Gasoline vehicles to Silver Spring
The 22 & 25 will be fully operated by Silver Spring Division and the 23, 30 & T2 (weekends) will be fully operated by Nicholson.
That is going to be interesting. I'd like to see a cutaway on the T2 line. That'll really blow people's minds. Are the 29 footers due in soon?
I've seen a cutaway on the T2, though I wish the circumstances weren't what they were: it was the day limited service was provided so operators could attend Conrad Johnson's funeral and First Transit subbed on many routes they don't normally operate.
Are the Gilligs going to Nicholson going to be used primarily for the 23, 30, and T2? IIRC, the T2 is a 3 bus operation assuming it isn't interlined. The 23 is only 2 buses off peak and I would imagine would be 3 at the peak without interlining, the 30 is 2 or 3 at most again with no interlining, so it seems that the 7 35 footers would be enough to cover those three routes at the times they have traditionally had full sized buses.
I thought Takoma Park only wanted the gasoline vehicles on the 25 due to noise concerns. Will Silver Spring operate the Chevys on the 25 or is the 25 going to see full size buses now?
You need to account for spares too.
Quote from: Perry on September 22, 2008, 05:59:03 PM
You need to account for spares too.
Well, obviously Chris knows how it will work but here is more speculation (all circumstances assume no interlining and don't take into account the fact that runs can only be so long and drivers need lunch breaks):
The 23 needs 2 buses off peak, it would need 3 to do a 20 minute peak service. The 23 already uses cutaways middays.
The 30 needs 2 buses off peak, it would need 3 to do a 20 minute peak service. AFAIK, the 30 still uses full buses only during the peak of the peak.
The T2 seems to be a 3 bus operation on weekends when it matters for this discussion.
Saturday would need 5 35 footers to make pullout for these routes if they were to be Gillig only. Sunday would only need 3. A cutaway could handle the 23 fine on the weekend based on my experiences. I think they could try mandating that T2 service be operated with only Gilligs and they would be fine in terms of making pullout and having a spare ratio.
I'm not so sure that the same holds true for weekdays at this point, but if Nicholson still has some Orion Is, those could represent spares and might cause things to work out.
Like I said,
this is all purely speculation on my part.
QuoteI'd like to see a cutaway on the T2 line. That'll really blow people's minds. Are the 29 footers due in soon?
Your wish is granted. There is a few trips on the T2 that is scheduled with a cutaway. The 29 footers should be in by January 09 last I checked.
Quote
Are the Gilligs going to Nicholson going to be used primarily for the 23, 30, and T2?
23 all day weekdays only, 30 peak hours weekdays only and T2 only on weekends. But don't be surprised if they show up outside of what I mentioned because personally, I'd rather drive a REAL bus!
Quote
Will Silver Spring operate the Chevys on the 25 or is the 25 going to see full size buses now?
The Chevy cutaways will be on the 21, 22 & 25 exclusively.
Chris, how will interlining work with the interim bus operations?
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on September 26, 2008, 07:34:11 PM
Chris, how will interlining work with the interim bus operations?
I guess you missed this from an earlier post.....
Quote
When the IOS starts, you will see less interlining then we do today in Silver Spring. Reason being is that now we have some routes on one side of the street (Example A:1,2,5,12,13,17) and some others routes (Example B: 14,15,16,19,20) on the other side. So what i tried to do for example was if you come in as a 5 (A side) you will leave out on any route that serves on the A side and vice versa. So that way they know which side to pull in on except as noted on there runsheets. Now they will switch sides quite a bit during peak hours because the heavy routes for example are pulling in (B side) at AM rush are weak pulling out in the AM BUT the (A side) is heavy pulling out in the AM. The situation is opposite in the PM obviously.
This is easier to explain in person then typing, sorry if you don't understand :-[
Well this will be interesting, not only with the cutaways on the T2 but also seeing some Gilligs on Nicholson routes in Germantown.
Also, Silver Spring already has some new cutaways? which ones are they?
I did see a few of them at Lyttonsville today. Some 5290s or so. I think one was 5297. I can't really recall the actual numbers too well.
I've seen how Silver Spring was during the SSTC Construction. Let me tell you. It is HELL. Traffic jams are even worse now. They have to hurry up with that transit center or people will start slapping the transit guys like lil girls.
So Chris...why and how long are the coaches on the 100?
Plus, will the rest of the Orion 5700s move to Gaithersburg as soon as the new Gilligs come in or earlier or what?
I recently received an Email reply from Ride On, & they said that the additional 40' Gillig Advantage Clean Diesel buses will be numbered 5731-5746. These buses will operate out of Silver Spring, with the rest of the 40' 1999 Orion Vs (5710-5725) moving to Gaithersburg upon delivery of the aforementioned Gilligs. As for the 6 29' Gillig Advantage clean diesels, they will be numbered in the low 5000s (5001-5006).
Ride On is borrowing 14 Thomas CL960s from Ocean City Transit until the new Gilligs are in...
Quote from: rideonrulez on November 08, 2008, 02:49:52 PM
Ride On is borrowing 14 Thomas CL960s from Ocean City Transit until the new Gilligs are in...
Eww...why? Ditching the Orion I's a little premature, aren't we?
What garage(s) are the loaners coming out of?
Whoa!!! I'll be sure to avoid those things.
Those would be great to run on the 70. :-)
Quote from: Scrabbleship on November 08, 2008, 03:54:17 PM
Quote from: rideonrulez on November 08, 2008, 02:49:52 PM
Ride On is borrowing 14 Thomas CL960s from Ocean City Transit until the new Gilligs are in...
Eww...why? Ditching the Orion I's a little premature, aren't we?
Who said we were ditching the Orion I's with this
POS Thomas? They will only be used as back ups and will operate out of Gaithersburg on the route 100 IF they need them.
Unit #'s 205,206,209,210,212,213,215,217,218,219,220,275,277
Quote from: rideonrulez on November 09, 2008, 12:46:53 AM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on November 08, 2008, 03:54:17 PM
Quote from: rideonrulez on November 08, 2008, 02:49:52 PM
Ride On is borrowing 14 Thomas CL960s from Ocean City Transit until the new Gilligs are in...
Eww...why? Ditching the Orion I's a little premature, aren't we?
Who said we were ditching the Orion I's with this POS Thomas? They will only be used as back ups and will operate out of Gaithersburg on the route 100 IF they need them.
I missed riding 5401 on the 54, I'll be sure not to miss this one on the 54! (not that I like these buses, but it will be an interesting ride, seeing as these buses are obviously out of the ordinary)
edit-NVM, I guess it will be the 100 only, or the 70...
I am glad i dont drive for Ride on anymore! I dislike those Thomas thingys from when i drove for Ocean City and now they are on loan to Ride on!! What next are they going to RFTA?? j/k on a serious note they wont be popular at Ride on because of the perimeter seating and the operators will dislike the school bus driving aspect of the poorly planned drivers area. I still say school buses are NOT safe.
Quote from: djsiknik on November 09, 2008, 03:22:33 PM
I am glad i dont drive for Ride on anymore! I dislike those Thomas thingys from when i drove for Ocean City and now they are on loan to Ride on!! What next are they going to RFTA?? j/k on a serious note they wont be popular at Ride on because of the perimeter seating and the operators will dislike the school bus driving aspect of the poorly planned drivers area. I still say school buses are NOT safe.
I just shuddered when I heard about it. Even the TL960s we got at Shuttle are total POS. They need to get rid of them badly. Whoever's idea it was to convert a school bus into a transit bus must have been on something. They don't offer anything in comfort and they are cheap. I've heard stories about drivers wanting to screw them up so they wont have to take them out on their runs. I don't blame them. I'll take the Champion's and IC LCs anyday over them. Kinda ironic how they went from MCIs to Thomas buses. Shocking. Right now, I'd go for a no-power or even a SLF230.
Sweet! Thomases!
I split the Gillig discussion off into a new topic about new Ride On buses because this one was getting longer and longer and it was getting hard to find any specific issues mentioned:
http://www.dctransit.info/forums/transit-today/new-ride-on-gilligs/
Beginning Sunday, January 4, 2009, Ride On will not issue or accept paper transfers.
To get the rail-to-bus discount or to transfer free from bus-to-bus*, you must use a SmarTrip card.
For more information, or to find out how to buy a SmarTrip card, please visit rideonbus.com or call 240-777-7433 (TTY 240-777-5869). Thank you for your cooperation as we make the switch to a more efficient, paperless transfer system.
*Except when transferring to a bus with a higher fare.
Quote from: ChristopherF on December 23, 2008, 09:17:46 PM
Beginning Sunday, January 4, 2009, Ride On will not issue or accept paper transfers.
To get the rail-to-bus discount or to transfer free from bus-to-bus*, you must use a SmarTrip card.
For more information, or to find out how to buy a SmarTrip card, please visit rideonbus.com or call 240-777-7433 (TTY 240-777-5869). Thank you for your cooperation as we make the switch to a more efficient, paperless transfer system.
*Except when transferring to a bus with a higher fare.
I saw that ad on 5836. It's the same ad as Metro's, but in Ride-On words.
QuoteIt's the same ad as Metro's, but in Ride-On words.
What does that mean?
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on December 26, 2008, 10:24:52 AM
QuoteIt's the same ad as Metro's, but in Ride-On words.
What does that mean?
It's WMATA's ad except it says Ride-On on it.
I'm a little late on updating since half of these things are already in effect...
-We added service to the route 70 that was effective 1/4/09. All we did was convert 2 strategic buses from Gaithersburg depot and made them into revenue trips on the 70.
-No paper transfers went to effect at the same time as above
-The public hearing for the proposed service cuts will be on 1/13/09 at 6:30pm at 101 Monroe Street (EOB Auditorium).
-Our next bus order looks big BUT I won't put a definite number as of how many yet as it keeps changing which leads me to this....
-The budget looks bad and may look to do more cuts later this year. Just a heads up!
-Inauguration Day Ride On is planning to operate a "Modified Weekday" service. There will be service on all routes. The "rush hour only routes" will operate till 10pm to help people get home. We really want people to leave there cars at home and take the bus to Metro.
-As of now it looks like we are getting a new Gaithersburg depot if the land swap deal goes through. Clarksburg depot looks to be a few years out. This will close the Nicholson depot.
-Not really a Ride On note but it has to do with bus service in this county. They plan to have a open house this month on how to improve the Q2 Veirs Mill Rd line.
That's it for now I think....
Quote from: rideonrulez on January 06, 2009, 01:35:35 PM
I'm a little late on updating since half of these things are already in effect...
-We added service to the route 70 that was effective 1/4/09. All we did was convert 2 strategic buses from Gaithersburg depot and made them into revenue trips on the 70.
-No paper transfers went to effect at the same time as above
-The public hearing for the proposed service cuts will be on 1/13/09 at 6:30pm at 101 Monroe Street (EOB Auditorium).
-Our next bus order looks big BUT I won't put a definite number as of how many yet as it keeps changing which leads me to this....
-The budget looks bad and may look to do more cuts later this year. Just a heads up!
-Inauguration Day Ride On is planning to operate a "Modified Weekday" service. There will be service on all routes. The "rush hour only routes" will operate till 10pm to help people get home. We really want people to leave there cars at home and take the bus to Metro.
-As of now it looks like we are getting a new Gaithersburg depot if the land swap deal goes through. Clarksburg depot looks to be a few years out. This will close the Nicholson depot.
-Not really a Ride On note but it has to do with bus service in this county. They plan to have a open house this month on how to improve the Q2 Veirs Mill Rd line.
That's it for now I think....
1.Seems like the 70 is gaining ridership. That's good. That line has definitely had a jump in ridership.
2. I wonder how things are going well without paper transfers, so far on the Metro side, I haven't seen too many problems. I do see people still paying with cash but boardings have been alot smoother with more people getting Smartrip and flash passes.
3. Did you mean 10am for the rush hour only routes because I can't imagine seeing a 70 running at 9 at night coming from Bethesda.
4. If Nicholson moves up to Clarksburg, and GBurg expands, would some of those north county routes still stay the same?
5. Thank goodness the Q2 is up for a study. Even though its not a Ride On route, the 48 comes pretty close on the main part of Veirs Mill.
No, he means 10 PM and I believe it. They may not need 70 service until 10 PM because that route is duplicated in its entirety by other services (you could just take the 55 from Shady Grove), but having routes that aren't duplicated running so late means that people will feel they can use the bus to get to the Metro instead of driving there and trying to fight for parking at the Metro lots. Operationally, the buses are there since it isn't a peak period. My only concern would be ensuring there is enough downtime for the drivers between that night and the next day, but I'd imagine that is being taken into account by the powers that be and if it is an issue, it will be dealt with.
Is there going to be a complete schedule posted for the extended rush hour routes, or just a notice such as Route 37 will run every 30 minutes from the end of regular service until 10:00 PM?
I wonder about having a complete schedule posted myself, let alone which ones will see extended service for inauguration day.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on January 06, 2009, 06:08:10 PM
1.Seems like the 70 is gaining ridership. That's good. That line has definitely had a jump in ridership.
2. I wonder how things are going well without paper transfers, so far on the Metro side, I haven't seen too many problems. I do see people still paying with cash but boardings have been alot smoother with more people getting Smartrip and flash passes.
3. Did you mean 10am for the rush hour only routes because I can't imagine seeing a 70 running at 9 at night coming from Bethesda.
4. If Nicholson moves up to Clarksburg, and GBurg expands, would some of those north county routes still stay the same?
5. Thank goodness the Q2 is up for a study. Even though its not a Ride On route, the 48 comes pretty close on the main part of Veirs Mill.
1) Yes 70 ridership definately jumped when the gas prices were high, but now that there back down.... ???
2) I wish they waited a little longer before doing the paperless transfer because Smartrip is not able to be used at it's full capacity yet. But money does the talking in these times.
3) I'm sorry, I meant to say 10pm the first time around. My bad....
4) Well there will definately be ALOT of route swaps when these depots open thats for sure!
5) The 48 for the last few years has been one of the fastest growing routes in the system. I think because it has to do with schedule reliability.
The 48 also serves a ton of residential areas that the Q2 doesn't since they stay on VM Road. I always liked the scenic neighborhoods it went through.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a Q1 type of bus start up again that runs some sort of limited stop between Wheaton and Rockville. That was a good route it just seemed to be scheduled so close to the Q2 and probably should have had a couple of extra stops as well. It was 'too' express at that time. Either that or truncate the route at Rockville and/or MK, I mean MC.
If a Q1 type was to be reintroduced, I'd say run it between Rockville and Silver Spring. The other thing would be to probably slack back on the headways on the Q2 to compensate for the new route to minimalize bunching, but then again, Georgia Avenue is unpredictable.
I was also thinking that the Q2 could benefit from some buses being turned at Rockville or MC. They always seem to get tied up at points before Rockville and then at least 2 of them leapfrog up to Shady Grove with another not far behind. Perhaps if there was supervision at Rockville he/she could turn some buses as needed to fill in those delay-created service gaps.
There is so much duplication of service between Rockville/MC and Shady Grove, it seems wasteful to have such a long route like the Q2 going all the way out there. Just leave that segment to Ride On as they can probably fill in any gaps either by having increases in headways at certain times so as not to break the bank, or something of that nature.
I didn't think of that. You make a good point.
IIRC, the Q1 was also pretty limited in terms of its hours of operation. Hopefully, they run it 6 AM-7 PM weekdays and not just as a peak directional service, which I think it was originally.
Yes, the Q1 ran at peak times. I used to ride it when I was going to MC as a little change of pace and often there were less than 5 people on the whole trip.
Wow, the Viers Mill Road corridor certainly can use a full time weekday express route...
Perhaps during school time, they could extend it to MC...it might help with the stress on the 55.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on January 08, 2009, 03:42:13 PM
Wow, the Viers Mill Road corridor certainly can use a full time weekday express route...
Perhaps during school time, they could extend it to MC...it might help with the stress on the 55.
Extend what, the 48?
There's no point...there's already the 46, 55, and Q2 that go to MC from Rockville...all of them which run fairly often.
He meant extend an express route to MC. I think an express route should only go as far as Rockville and use anything else whether it's the 46 or the 55. Plus the 45 goes there too.
The Q2 should do its route as it is now. Maybe have a few turnbacks at Rockville during either midday or AM/PM rush. I do agree with an all day express service along the corridor. I've ridden the Q2 and 48 even during midday, you still get a crowd.
Here's a little stoplist of what I think would be best for a new limited stop line
Rockville to Silver Spring
-Rockville Station
-1st Street
-Broadwood Drive
-Twinbrook Pkwy
-Aspen Hill Road (maybe)
-Parkland Drive
-Randolph Road
-Connecticut Avenue
-Newport Mill Road
-University Blvd (farside stop)
-Wheaton Station
-Plyers Mill Road or Dennis Avenue
-Forest Glen
-Seminary Road
-Spring Street
-Silver Spring Station
Quote from: Perry on January 08, 2009, 08:09:56 PM
He meant extend an express route to MC. I think an express route should only go as far as Rockville and use anything else whether it's the 46 or the 55. Plus the 45 goes there too.
Yeah but the 45 doesn't actually go into Manakee St and into MC like the others do, it just bypasses it via Hungerford Dr.
BTW I agree that there should be a limited-stop route along Viers Mill Rd from Silver Spring (or Wheaton) to Rockville or MC.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on January 08, 2009, 08:43:44 PM
The Q2 should do its route as it is now. Maybe have a few turnbacks at Rockville during either midday or AM/PM rush. I do agree with an all day express service along the corridor. I've ridden the Q2 and 48 even during midday, you still get a crowd.
Here's a little stoplist of what I think would be best for a new limited stop line
Rockville to Silver Spring
-Rockville Station
-1st Street
-Broadwood Drive
-Twinbrook Pkwy
-Aspen Hill Road (maybe)
-Parkland Drive
-Randolph Road
-Connecticut Avenue
-Newport Mill Road
-University Blvd (farside stop)
-Wheaton Station
-Plyers Mill Road or Dennis Avenue
-Forest Glen
-Seminary Road
-Spring Street
-Silver Spring Station
Yeah I agree with this list...and I think there should be stops at both Plyers Mill Rd and Dennis Ave...and a possible extension to MC Rockville (no stops in between Rockville Sta and MC)...like a shuttle from Rockville Sta to MC. And it would be NICE if they accepted MC Student ID cards for this route at least. If not then oh well.
The funny thing is that I always thought there were Rockville short turns on the Q2. Surely all the Q2 buses don't need to head up to Shady Grove...a waste of capacity?
The 45 back in the day used to go into MC, but was revised to where it's at now. If there were revenue time to spare without the need to add an additional coach, I'm sure it could be rerouted through there.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on January 08, 2009, 09:26:58 PM
Surely all the Q2 buses don't need to head up to Shady Grove...a waste of capacity?
It sure is...
Usually when I wait for a bus at MC Rockville, I see a Shady Grove-bound Q2 bus, with some passengers. Then right behind it is another northbound Q2 bus...with less people, or sometimes none, and sometimes even ANOTHER northbound Q2 bus behind it.
The Q2 should still go up to Shady Grove, but have half of the runs end at Rockville (especially during midday)
It will be just like the 50s line (where some terminate at 14th and Colorado and others at Takoma Station).
5726-5730 now have the Orbital announcer system installed as of now (February 2009). 5731-5746 do not have the Orbital announcer system installed yet.
Here's a mini-update
-As some of you may know we had some interesting bus moves since the new Gilligs rolled in. All of the remaining 1990-1992 Orion I's (5501,5502,5523,5529,5537) and 1993 Orion V (5546) have made there new home at Nicholson Court. 1997 Gillig Phantoms 5400 & 5401 which are training buses are temporarily at Nicholson. Can't forget the transfer of all the 5700 Orion V's to Gaithersburg
-There will be 6 wrapped buses vehicles for the "Round Rockville" shuttle or the route designation we all know, route 45. These will be the Champion low floor cutaways.
-Apparently the new "Gaithersburg" garage has been approved and will be built across the street from the Giant store at Shady Grove & Crabbs Branch. This will improve the capacity of the depot as it will be bigger then the current depot.
-There will be ALOT of route swaps between garages this summer/fall 2009. Be on the look out :o
Quote from: rideonrulez on March 04, 2009, 01:04:02 PM
Here's a mini-update
-As some of you may know we had some interesting bus moves since the new Gilligs rolled in. All of the remaining 1990-1992 Orion I's (5501,5502,5523,5529,5537) and 1993 Orion V (5546) have made there new home at Nicholson Court. 1997 Gillig Phantoms 5400 & 5401 which are training buses are temporarily at Nicholson. Can't forget the transfer of all the 5700 Orion V's to Gaithersburg
-There will be 6 wrapped buses vehicles for the "Round Rockville" shuttle or the route designation we all know, route 45. These will be the Champion low floor cutaways.
-Apparently the new "Gaithersburg" garage has been approved and will be built across the street from the Giant store at Shady Grove & Crabbs Branch. This will improve the capacity of the depot as it will be bigger then the current depot.
-There will be ALOT of route swaps between garages this summer/fall 2009. Be on the look out :o
Thanks as always for the latest news.
Two questions:
1. Any timeline for the new Gburg garage?
2. Are the route swaps being done to minimize deadheads, now that you all can operate any route from any of the 3 garages in theory?
Quote from: rideonrulez on March 04, 2009, 01:04:02 PM
-There will be 6 wrapped buses vehicles for the "Round Rockville" shuttle or the route designation we all know, route 45. These will be the Champion low floor cutaways.
Does this mean that the baby Gilligs will no longer serve this line as usual? Or any other bus or vehicle like the upper 5400s?
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on March 04, 2009, 08:35:58 PM
Two questions:
1. Any timeline for the new Gburg garage?
2. Are the route swaps being done to minimize deadheads, now that you all can operate any route from any of the 3 garages in theory?
1. 2012ish
2. Nope, it is to balance work between the 3 depots. Most of the routes that are proposed to be eliminated are currently operated from Nicholson.
Quote
Does this mean that the baby Gilligs will no longer serve this line as usual? Or any other bus or vehicle like the upper 5400s?
That is the plan.
Quote from: rideonrulez on March 05, 2009, 11:32:04 AM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on March 04, 2009, 08:35:58 PM
Two questions:
1. Any timeline for the new Gburg garage?
2. Are the route swaps being done to minimize deadheads, now that you all can operate any route from any of the 3 garages in theory?
1. 2012ish
2. Nope, it is to balance work between the 3 depots. Most of the routes that are proposed to be eliminated are currently operated from Nicholson.
Quote
Does this mean that the baby Gilligs will no longer serve this line as usual? Or any other bus or vehicle like the upper 5400s?
That is the plan.
So which route will those particular Gilligs be on now?
Hmm, the Baby Gs run regularly on the 45? I should try that route out then!
However, what is Rockville Transit Center? Is that just a fancy name for a P&R?
Quote from: rideonrulez on March 04, 2009, 01:04:02 PM
-As some of you may know we had some interesting bus moves since the new Gilligs rolled in. All of the remaining 1990-1992 Orion I's (5501,5502,5523,5529,5537) and 1993 Orion V (5546) have made there new home at Nicholson Court. 1997 Gillig Phantoms 5400 & 5401 which are training buses are temporarily at Nicholson.
Are the O1's still being used on a regular basis?
Quote from: RailBus63 on March 06, 2009, 09:15:25 AM
Quote from: rideonrulez on March 04, 2009, 01:04:02 PM
-As some of you may know we had some interesting bus moves since the new Gilligs rolled in. All of the remaining 1990-1992 Orion I's (5501,5502,5523,5529,5537) and 1993 Orion V (5546) have made there new home at Nicholson Court. 1997 Gillig Phantoms 5400 & 5401 which are training buses are temporarily at Nicholson.
Are the O1's still being used on a regular basis?
I know you're not asking me, but yes...it is often I see Orion Is on the 45 so yes, they are used regularly
I took a class at Glen Echo about 5 or 6 years ago and as a result, I've been getting email from them ever since. I just got this from them. My question is how many visitors to and from Glen Echo Park actually take the bus there and how many drive?
QuoteDear students and friends of Glen Echo Park,
In an effort to cut costs for FY 2010, Montgomery County is considering discontinuing the Saturday service of Route 29 (Friendship Heights to Glen Echo and back). The County is having a hearing on the
possible cuts in Ride-on bus service on Tuesday, March 24, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Terrace Level, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD. Details
This action, if passed, would result in no public transportation to Glen Echo Park on Saturdays from Friendship Heights, which is the nearest Metro hub. This would also affect patrons who wish to visit the Park from other places via Metro to Ride-On.
For current details on the Route 29 map, click here.
Please consider attending/testifying at the March 24 hearing or sending letters of concern to Councilman Roger Berliner. We believe this will adversely affect our patrons and programs.
Please circulate this notice to others who may want to express concern.
Thank you!
-The Public Hearing for the service cuts is on Tuesday 3/24/09 at 6:30pm at the EOB (101 Monroe St). I usually host these type of events but I'm not going this time but is anybody on this board plan on attending?
-Ride On is going to recieve 31 baby Gilligs and 46 forty foot Gilligs this summer. They are suppose to replace the remaining Orion I's :'( , Helldorado's ;D , 5546 :-\ and the 94-96 Gillig Phantoms . It might retire the 1996 Orion V's too.
Hm so soon as this is all said and done, Ride-On is going to be Gillig Country. Kinda. Is Ride-On getting any other type of bus? They should get more New Flyers.
Who knows? After all, we thought Ride-On was going to become "Orion Country" until Orion messed up with the VII...3 times....
Silver Spring division was always Gillig Country, although it would be interesting to see Gilligs on the northern routes.
I don't think Ride On will become Gillig Country anytime soon. OK, maybe downcounty will be somewhat, but the Orion CNGs aren't moving anywhere obviously, and the 2001 Orion Vs ought to be around for awhile...
5740 now has the Orbital announcer system installed. The bus stop display was already installed on these 16 2008 Gillig Advantage 40' buses when they arrived late last year.
Whats an Oribital anooucer? Is it the thing that makes the bus say "Route 48......Rockville" or something? And how do ride on fuel theyre CNG buses? I thought MD dosent allow CNG Fueling.
Quote from: DE40LFR on March 24, 2009, 03:03:13 PM
Whats an Oribital anooucer? Is it the thing that makes the bus say "Route 48......Rockville" or something? And how do ride on fuel theyre CNG buses? I thought MD dosent allow CNG Fueling.
no, that's WMATA who didn't want CNG facilities in the MD facilities. Ride-On is a different TA, so if they want a CNG facility in Gaithersburg, then so be it, and it seems to be working fine and it always has.
And yes, the orbital announcer is the voice announcement thing.
First, it's important to note that Ride-On had CNG buses long before WMATA did.
Also, it was to my understanding that Montgomery depot was supposed to become a CNG depot (for alternative fuels). However, hybrids became more mainstream, and WMATA decided to spring for those rather than install CNG fueling facilities.
It's not law to not have CNG vehicles in Maryland...
Quote from: Tritransit Area on March 25, 2009, 09:47:13 PM
First, it's important to note that Ride-On had CNG buses long before WMATA did.
Also, it was to my understanding that Montgomery depot was supposed to become a CNG depot (for alternative fuels). However, hybrids became more mainstream, and WMATA decided to spring for those rather than install CNG fueling facilities.
It's not law to not have CNG vehicles in Maryland...
Actually, the Erlich appointed WMATA Board Member for Maryland at the time decided that CNGs were too expensive and that the same environmental benefits at far less cost could be achieved with hybrids, which is why Landover and Montgomery have hybrids and Montgomery never became CNG.
5736 now has the Orbital announcer system installed.
Annoncement to the DCATZ board
Today (4/3/09) is my last day here as an employee at Ride On I will miss it here as it is like a family to me for my last 10+ years but I got to move on with my career. I still of course will continue to participate as a DCATZ member.
*gasp* I had no idea! Congratulations on making it to the next step in your career. Are you remaining local?
Quote from: rideonrulez on April 03, 2009, 09:29:49 AM
Annoncement to the DCATZ board
Today (4/3/09) is my last day here as an employee at Ride On I will miss it here as it is like a family to me for my last 10+ years but I got to move on with my career. I still of course will continue to participate as a DCATZ member.
=O
Good luck with your career and thanks for contributing to the site!
BTW a Ride-On update: So far, I have not been seeing the new Round Rockville buses on the 45 yet...I continue to see the great variety of Gilligs and Orion Is...just today I saw 5420 and 5529 on the 45...as well as normal-branded Cutaways and baby Gilligs.
Quote from: rideonrulez on April 03, 2009, 09:29:49 AM
Annoncement to the DCATZ board
Today (4/3/09) is my last day here as an employee at Ride On I will miss it here as it is like a family to me for my last 10+ years but I got to move on with my career. I still of course will continue to participate as a DCATZ member.
Congratulations and much luck in the future. Keep in touch.
At this time (4/6/09), all of the Gillig Advantage clean diesels from 2008 (5726-5746) should have the Orbital announcer system installed.
Well, it looks like Ride On is realigining their service adjustments:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/changes_in_montgomery_bus_plan.html#comments (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/changes_in_montgomery_bus_plan.html#comments)
I support keeping the 53 and Saturday service on the 29.
Hiking the 93 and 96 to full-fare makes total $en$e.
But hiking the 70 to an express fare!?!? That's transit suicide!! And to believe that when I wrote my testimony on WMATA's adjustments I said that the 70 might take the J7/9's passengers if that route's fare was hiked.
Will anyone get that save for airports express fares only work going into downtown Washington!?
Quote from: Scrabbleship on April 23, 2009, 07:49:17 AM
Well, it looks like Ride On is realigining their service adjustments:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/changes_in_montgomery_bus_plan.html#comments (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/changes_in_montgomery_bus_plan.html#comments)
I support keeping the 53 and Saturday service on the 29.
Hiking the 93 and 96 to full-fare makes total $en$e.
But hiking the 70 to an express fare!?!? That's transit suicide!! And to believe that when I wrote my testimony on WMATA's adjustments I said that the 70 might take the J7/9's passengers if that route's fare was hiked.
Will anyone get that save for airports express fares only work going into downtown Washington!?
Personally the route 7 can go. The 70 is a bad idea, I think they will lose alot of riders with that one. I'm happy they kept what they have there on the list.
In other Ride On news, Look for the new Ride On paint scheme coming on this next order of Gilligs.
Quote from: rideonrulez on April 24, 2009, 11:24:16 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on April 23, 2009, 07:49:17 AM
Well, it looks like Ride On is realigining their service adjustments:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/changes_in_montgomery_bus_plan.html#comments (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/changes_in_montgomery_bus_plan.html#comments)
I support keeping the 53 and Saturday service on the 29.
Hiking the 93 and 96 to full-fare makes total $en$e.
But hiking the 70 to an express fare!?!? That's transit suicide!! And to believe that when I wrote my testimony on WMATA's adjustments I said that the 70 might take the J7/9's passengers if that route's fare was hiked.
Will anyone get that save for airports express fares only work going into downtown Washington!?
Personally the route 7 can go. The 70 is a bad idea, I think they will lose alot of riders with that one. I'm happy they kept what they have there on the list.
In other Ride On news, Look for the new Ride On paint scheme coming on this next order of Gilligs.
Please tell me it looks better than the current (green/yellow) one. Man I look foward to seeing this new scheme. When are the new Gilligs due?
Cant ride-on get more buses from another bus manufactuer other than gillig?
Quote from: DE40LFR on April 27, 2009, 10:54:26 AM
Cant ride-on get more buses from another bus manufactuer other than gillig?
HA Imagine Ride-On with NABIs. Weird...
I could definitely picture a NABI (with the old front) in the Ride-On (blue and white)scheme. The new front...not so much.
Ride-On did look at the Compobus some time back for the Viers Mill Road BRT, if I'm not mistaken.
I remember when I didn't think that Ride-On would be operating New Flyer buses...same with SEPTA. Obviously, I was wrong on both accounts.
I hope they dont get those ugly Compobuses but if they want to go with NABI, they should get the NABI LFW with the new front. In matter of fact i had a dream about that the other nighnt. But if they want to go with Gillig. As muc as i hate the back of it *sighs* they should get the new Gillig BRT's. And is it possible for Ride-On to buy some artics?
The bus contract goes to the "lowest, responsive, responsible bidder". While price is the largest factor, just as important is whether or not the bidder claims it can meet the specifications and delivery/service/warranty conditions and does the bidder have the financial capacity to complete the order.
Typical bus bids for larger TA's include options for additional vehicles to be ordered and delivered at a future date if the TA has the $$$. Thus, to oversimplify, the TA is reserving space on the vendor's assembly line. This is how TA's can continue to purchase from a single vendor for several years without going out for a new bid. If the option is "assignable" and the TA decides not to exercise it, that TA can assign the option to another TA which can now get its order sooner.
It looks like the 63 has been shortened from Shady Grove to Gude and Piccard Dr. during mid day...I think it's a logical choice rather than completely eliminating the route.
5746 now has the fleet number on the front. Not sure about 5738, though (I reported it to Ride On via Email recently).
I just received an Email from Montgomery County Ride On this morning & their fleet specialists confirmed that there will be 35 new 2009 Gilliig Advantage 40' hybrid buses, which will be, by far, the largest order of hybrid buses to date.