Does anyone have pics of these, or any account as to whether they are still in service, or for how long they stayed around? I know they were 1991 models and supposedly have 5-digit numbers. Any information is welcome. Also, any pics of current fleet or description of service would be great.
They're definitely not in service anymore. I've heard the rumor but ... know no more than you do. Other than...it was called ColumBUS back then, right?
Yea back in the day "Howard Transit" was called "ColumBUS". The five Flx's were built about 1991 and were 30 footers numbered in the early 9100's with I think an L10 because I used to love riding them because they sounded alot like the 93-9400 WMATA Flx's. I know 1-2 of them died in a fire at the bus garage somewhere in the mid-late 90's.
:o What the heck happened to them to revert to being a cutaway system?!
Quote from: Tritransit Area on July 07, 2010, 09:20:52 AM
:o What the heck happened to them to revert to being a cutaway system?!
Agreed! That definitely seems to be a significant step backward. At least now they have a real bus once again. Same thing happened in Augusta GA. When I'd visit my grandparents there in the 1970s Augusta Transit used to have these brand new GMC T6H-4523A fishbowls and then they even got a few 01/03 series RTS. Sadly, when I visited 3 years ago, I saw nothing but cutaways:-(.
I have a pic or two, but can't seem to find them right now. One of them is on a slide from 1991 when they were new and with Columbus. I seem to remember them hanging in to about 2004 or so, though I can't say for sure. I rode one once when new and fondly remember the very torque filled L10 engines on these 30 footers.
As far as HT, they are starting to show signs of re-evolving out of the exclusive cutaway system. There are a pair of 35 foot Advantage Hybrids, and just the other week, I spotted a second hand short Gillig Phantom carrying HT decals. There is also another cheesier looking cab forward bus that came from an offshoot of MTS in San Diego.