It has been comfirmed WMATA & MTA is getting New Flyer XDE40LFs WMATA is supposed to get I think 100 to try them out and MTA Maryland piggybacked off of WMATA to get 275 Xcelsiors to replace ALL of the NABIs. Also WMATA is using this same oppurtunity to get more CNGs for the New Southeastern Division. The Chief of inspections @ MTA maryland comfirmed it on monday.
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 01, 2010, 09:32:18 AM
It has been comfirmed WMATA & MTA is getting New Flyer XDE40LFs WMATA is supposed to get I think 100 to try them out and MTA Maryland piggybacked off of WMATA to get 275 Xcelsiors to replace ALL of the NABIs. Also WMATA is using this same oppurtunity to get more CNGs for the New Southeastern Division. The Chief of inspections @ MTA maryland comfirmed it on monday.
Source?
Yeah, I'm curious as well. The 1000s and the 9100s that are being built will retire the 1997 NABIs leaving upwards of 205 NABIs minus early retirements. 275 is way too much and the Neoplan can't be retired until 2014 at the earliest. I believe it's more along the lines of 100 for MTA and 275 for WMATA.
Quote from: Nabinut on September 01, 2010, 11:01:39 AM
Yeah, I'm curious as well. The 1000s and the 9100s that are being built will retire the 1997 NABIs leaving upwards of 205 NABIs minus early retirements. 275 is way too much and the Neoplan can't be retired until 2014 at the earliest. I believe it's more along the lines of 100 for MTA and 275 for WMATA.
I do remember that MTA was slated to get 100 per year (per O'Malley i think). 275 does sound like WMATA since MTA's buses are well within 12-15 years.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on September 01, 2010, 12:25:15 PM
Quote from: Nabinut on September 01, 2010, 11:01:39 AM
Yeah, I'm curious as well. The 1000s and the 9100s that are being built will retire the 1997 NABIs leaving upwards of 205 NABIs minus early retirements. 275 is way too much and the Neoplan can't be retired until 2014 at the earliest. I believe it's more along the lines of 100 for MTA and 275 for WMATA.
I do remember that MTA was slated to get 100 per year (per O'Malley i think). 275 does sound like WMATA since MTA's buses are well within 12-15 years.
Either WMATA has a lot of people piggybacking on this order or they're going to try to replace the last of the Flx's and all of the 4200's in one fell swoop. The latter sounds a bit risky especially if FY12 is supposed to be worse than FY11.
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 01, 2010, 09:32:18 AM
It has been comfirmed WMATA & MTA is getting New Flyer XDE40LFs WMATA is supposed to get I think 100 to try them out and MTA Maryland piggybacked off of WMATA to get 275 Xcelsiors to replace ALL of the NABIs. Also WMATA is using this same oppurtunity to get more CNGs for the New Southeastern Division. The Chief of inspections @ MTA maryland comfirmed it on monday.
Sorry man, but I can't believe that fully until a source is given.
*A part of me believe you because you were right about MTA purchasing the DE60lfs from CTA. Somebody told you about that before this http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/2010/06/mta_chief_outlines_priorities.html. And the other part doesn't because those buses cost more than the LFRs, and I don't think MTA's the money to buy those.*I'm curious as to who telling you this information? I remember in another topic you said there was one on MTA property, but according to Chuck, there never was.
Also, according to Adam and this http://www.newflyer.com/index/071610-second-quarter-2010-orders-and-backlog , the 1000 series buses are LFRs. If they were Xcelsiors, I'm quite sure New Flyer would have said so, as they did with Brampton.
But there's always the possibility that some last minute changes took place, so we'll have to wait until source/press release, or until 1000 or 1001 arrives on MTA grounds.
STOP THE PRESSES!! Come to find out WMATA diddnt want the Xcelsior and that WMATA is getting more LFAs so there is More LFAs in the near future. In a way it's gud cause it'll save money parts wise but WMATA jus did the ultimate dirty now. So more LFAs for WMATA. :'(
Hmm...ok.
Can't they just go back to LFRs and get roof shrouds like Mississauga? It would probably be cheaper, and it's not like there's a huge comfort difference between the LFA and LFR. Meh, oh well...
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 02, 2010, 06:15:19 PM
STOP THE PRESSES!! Come to find out WMATA diddnt want the Xcelsior and that WMATA is getting more LFAs so there is More LFAs in the near future. In a way it's gud cause it'll save money parts wise but WMATA jus did the ultimate dirty now. So more LFAs for WMATA. :'(
As has been brought up many times whenever the "why doesn't WMATA shift the order to LFR's" debate takes place, maybe the order that they made was ironclad and one they couldn't modify whereas MTA's order wasn't tied to a certain model.
I think that after the LFA's WMATA takes a few years off from bus purchases. The 4200's can probably make it to 2013-14 before needing to be replaced at the earliest and the budget can use a break with the operating side in a shambles.. Since Orion has to support the Orion V until 2020 at the earliest, the rush to retire them isn't like that with the Flx's.
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 02, 2010, 06:15:19 PM
STOP THE PRESSES!! Come to find out WMATA diddnt want the Xcelsior and that WMATA is getting more LFAs so there is More LFAs in the near future. In a way it's gud cause it'll save money parts wise but WMATA jus did the ultimate dirty now. So more LFAs for WMATA. :'(
What about MTA Maryland?
I agree with scrabbleship to an extent it would be simple for wmata to downgrade to LFRs, but maybe since it's so many LFAs purchasing more would probably cost less not to mention no more hasstling for parts. At this point they're still probably deciding on what to get 1st they wanted LFAs now it's talk about Xcelsiors again we'll jus have to wait and see. And MTA Maryland is talking bout working with Orion and is supposed to purchase 57 Orion VII NG and they will used the ISL/&llison Ep-40 hybrid drive system. But if you still don't believe me talk to a Mr. Vaner who works for MTA Maryland he has been correct on alot of things happening there like with the new tics I don't know when but they maybe come out in a few months or so but once again something always happens last minute and everything gets changed so don't bank on it yet but I do hope Xcelsiors will hit the DMV area in the near future
With very few exceptions any and all MTA procurements must be approved by the Board of Public Works (BPW) before a vendor is given a notice to proceed. The BPW met only once in August and on Sept. 1st with no bus contract on the agenda. That's not to say that negotiations of some sort aren't going on behind the scenes but..... Only rumors at this point IMO.
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 03, 2010, 02:30:18 PM
I agree with scrabbleship to an extent it would be simple for wmata to downgrade to LFRs, but maybe since it's so many LFAs purchasing more would probably cost less not to mention no more hasstling for parts. At this point they're still probably deciding on what to get 1st they wanted LFAs now it's talk about Xcelsiors again we'll jus have to wait and see. And MTA Maryland is talking bout working with Orion and is supposed to purchase 57 Orion VII NG and they will used the ISL/&llison Ep-40 hybrid drive system. But if you still don't believe me talk to a Mr. Vaner who works for MTA Maryland he has been correct on alot of things happening there like with the new tics I don't know when but they maybe come out in a few months or so but once again something always happens last minute and everything gets changed so don't bank on it yet but I do hope Xcelsiors will hit the DMV area in the near future
Speaking of Orion, there was a VII NG demo at the Bush division a couple months ago. That could possibly mean something.
Quote from: OrionFlyer on September 03, 2010, 06:53:48 PM
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 03, 2010, 02:30:18 PM
I agree with scrabbleship to an extent it would be simple for wmata to downgrade to LFRs, but maybe since it's so many LFAs purchasing more would probably cost less not to mention no more hasstling for parts. At this point they're still probably deciding on what to get 1st they wanted LFAs now it's talk about Xcelsiors again we'll jus have to wait and see. And MTA Maryland is talking bout working with Orion and is supposed to purchase 57 Orion VII NG and they will used the ISL/&llison Ep-40 hybrid drive system. But if you still don't believe me talk to a Mr. Vaner who works for MTA Maryland he has been correct on alot of things happening there like with the new tics I don't know when but they maybe come out in a few months or so but once again something always happens last minute and everything gets changed so don't bank on it yet but I do hope Xcelsiors will hit the DMV area in the near future
Speaking of Orion, there was a VII NG demo at the Bush division a couple months ago. That could possibly mean something.
Doesn't always mean they are getting that model. They had an Orion VII model before but didn't order them. It might be some components they are testing.
NO MORE ORION VIIs
So at the rodeo yesterdy 2 employees from New Flyer who drives the LFAs to WMATA says WMATA placed an order for 152 Xcelsiors, I overheard them talking to a few mechanics and one of the employees himself told us that the 152 coaches are due in March. Lets hope it stays like that, don't believe me go to the landover division and talk to some mechanics, as for MTA Maryland they're probably gonna piggyback of WMATA to get theirs.
If MTA does get these, then I hope they add more color to them.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on September 01, 2010, 09:34:40 AM
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 01, 2010, 09:32:18 AM
It has been comfirmed WMATA & MTA is getting New Flyer XDE40LFs WMATA is supposed to get I think 100 to try them out and MTA Maryland piggybacked off of WMATA to get 275 Xcelsiors to replace ALL of the NABIs. Also WMATA is using this same oppurtunity to get more CNGs for the New Southeastern Division. The Chief of inspections @ MTA maryland comfirmed it on monday.
woahh more cngs damn!! u know what bus model cngs??
Source?
Quote from: Antozilla on September 05, 2010, 02:04:23 PM
NO MORE ORION VIIs
are 7s are great idk what u are talking about?? maybe 2500s ehh but not the 2600s!
Only until you have to ride them. Sucky buses slow and with stadium seating.
Give me an Orion VI any day. Sure it looks like a shoe box but that is part of its appeal. No hump over the back wheels
If I have read WMATA's FY 2011 budget correctly, $74.2 M has been budgeted for bus replacements. Does anyone know if this number is the total for intended purchases or just the 20% local match? I'm assuming it's the total amount. Assuming funds will be available WMATA plans to acquire 100 buses/year through 2015 all of which will be hybrids. The budget assumes ~$570K/40 ft. and $900K/artic., BRT style.
Quote from: Antozilla on September 26, 2010, 02:13:29 PM
Only until you have to ride them. Sucky buses slow and with stadium seating.
well the 2600s arnt slow i ride them alot yeahh the 2500s are slow but no the 2600s
Actually neither is slow it's just how the 2500s accelerate I've been on fast 2500s believe me.
...and they accelerate very slowly. They may be OK once they get up to speed, but they do not get there very quickly.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 28, 2010, 03:52:25 AM
Actually neither is slow it's just how the 2500s accelerate I've been on fast 2500s believe me.
i guess 2515 was kinda fast
Hopefully if the order goes thru for Xcelsiors they're supposed be numbered in the 7000s
Unable to confirm the piggyback purchase of 100 new buses for the MTA.
Chuck
Quote from: DCAreaTransitFan on September 27, 2010, 08:04:34 PM
Quote from: Antozilla on September 26, 2010, 02:13:29 PM
Only until you have to ride them. Sucky buses slow and with stadium seating.
well the 2600s arnt slow i ride them alot yeahh the 2500s are slow but no the 2600s
There are bad apples in both bunches, speaking in terms of acceleration. Any vehicle will roll down a hill, speeding up along the way, and then keep that speed for some time (reword: any vehicle can *get* fast), but the question is how long it takes to get to that point. When you're starting and stopping every block, it's acceleration that matters, not sustained speed.
WMATA's Orion VIIs could make good express buses, but overall, as a whole, they make crappy CITY buses.
Quote from: Tristan on October 07, 2010, 05:42:39 PM
There are bad apples in both bunches, speaking in terms of acceleration. Any vehicle will roll down a hill, speeding up along the way, and then keep that speed for some time (reword: any vehicle can *get* fast), but the question is how long it takes to get to that point. When you're starting and stopping every block, it's acceleration that matters, not sustained speed.
WMATA's Orion VIIs could make good express buses, but overall, as a whole, they make crappy CITY buses.
That is true.
Depends on the gearing of the transmissions and the differentials. Buses for mostly stop & go city operations have lower gearing (higher numerically, e. g. 4.11) for faster acceleration. Buses for mostly highway "express" services usually have higher gearing (lower numerically, e. g. 3.55) for a higher cruising speed but somewhat slower acceleration.
Ever notice that fire trucks are very loud. They have lower gearing for fast acceleration over short distances. So even when they are trundling down the street the engine sounds like its running at high RPM's; because it is.
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 26, 2010, 07:51:41 AM
So at the rodeo yesterdy 2 employees from New Flyer who drives the LFAs to WMATA says WMATA placed an order for 152 Xcelsiors, I overheard them talking to a few mechanics and one of the employees himself told us that the 152 coaches are due in March. Lets hope it stays like that, don't believe me go to the landover division and talk to some mechanics, as for MTA Maryland they're probably gonna piggyback of WMATA to get theirs.
According to Chuck, MTA does have plans on purchasing 57 New Flyers next year. It would be a piggyback of WMATA's order. According to him, it's most likely Xcelsiors, but it depends on funding and approval by the Board of Public Works.
Quote from: OrionFlyer on October 31, 2010, 11:40:47 AM
Quote from: Southern Avenue Annex on September 26, 2010, 07:51:41 AM
So at the rodeo yesterdy 2 employees from New Flyer who drives the LFAs to WMATA says WMATA placed an order for 152 Xcelsiors, I overheard them talking to a few mechanics and one of the employees himself told us that the 152 coaches are due in March. Lets hope it stays like that, don't believe me go to the landover division and talk to some mechanics, as for MTA Maryland they're probably gonna piggyback of WMATA to get theirs.
(http://www.siliconbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/talktochuck21.gif)
According to Chuck, MTA does have plans on purchasing 57 New Flyers next year. It would be a piggyback of WMATA's order. According to him, it's most likely Xcelsiors, but it depends on funding and approval by the Board of Public Works.
So Xcelsiors or not?? Anyone else confused?
The 2009 MTA New Flyers were a piggyback from a WMATA order and they ended up being different models so it's not a guarantee that if WMATA receives Xs that MTA will go with LFRs...
I still don't understand...how is MTA getting a "piggyback" off of the WMATA order if they are two completely different models? I can understand if they went in for a "joint order", but not as the MTA just adding onto the WMATA order. Unless I'm confused about the whole notion of "piggybacking", which is quite possible.
Sometimes "piggybacking" means acquiring another agency's manufacturing slots. When we piggybacked off of Eugene LTD's order of DE62LFAs, we acquired DE60LFRs. Likewise, we acquired some of CTA's cancelled slots (of what were to be DE60LFs) to order D60LFRs (later upgraded to hybrids) at a discounted cost.
The piggybacking case that comes to mind for me is an oldie from the early 1980s. NYCTA ordered 837 Grumman Flxible 870s. They were model 53102-6-1 with 2 X 1 transit seating, two-tone blue interior and DD 6V-71N engines. NYCDOT piggybacked for 178 buses for the DOT Privates. However, these buses were 53102-8-1 and 53096-8-1, with 2 X 2 transit seating, tan/brown interiors and DD 8V-71N engines. I listed this example in agreement with Aznboy and Nabinut that an agency piggybacking on another's order doesn't mean that both will get the same type of bus (options/features).
Quote from: aznboy4305 on November 07, 2010, 10:52:44 PM
Sometimes "piggybacking" means acquiring another agency's manufacturing slots. When we piggybacked off of Eugene LTD's order of DE62LFAs, we acquired DE60LFRs. Likewise, we acquired some of CTA's cancelled slots (of what were to be DE60LFs) to order D60LFRs (later upgraded to hybrids) at a discounted cost.
I have a feeling they might stick with the LFR to try to standardize the fleet mainly for parts and maintenance simplification.
I can think of three cases of piggybacking which involve this area: Ride On's C40LF's (Culver CityBus), WMATA's 60BRT's (LACMTA), and most of ART's NABI's (LA World Airports and Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for the 35LFW's, I think the 30LFW's might be an LACMTA piggyback).
Would Ride On hitching onto the Upstate New York Hybrid Consortium (the source of the 2006 and 2007 hybrids) qualify as a piggyback?
WOW NABIs in Minneapolis?! Quite cool.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on November 08, 2010, 12:48:05 PM
WOW NABIs in Minneapolis?! Quite cool.
Only for airport shuttles, mainly for employees and parking.
So let me get this straight as a fellow fan from Philadelphia land. DC is getting over 150 XDE40LFR (UGH LONG NAME) in 2011? WOW, I am glad that someone is looking into purchasing New flyer's newest line of New Flyers.
Quote from: mrpete on October 07, 2010, 10:45:49 PM
Depends on the gearing of the transmissions and the differentials. Buses for mostly stop & go city operations have lower gearing (higher numerically, e. g. 4.11) for faster acceleration. Buses for mostly highway "express" services usually have higher gearing (lower numerically, e. g. 3.55) for a higher cruising speed but somewhat slower acceleration.
Ever notice that fire trucks are very loud. They have lower gearing for fast acceleration over short distances. So even when they are trundling down the street the engine sounds like its running at high RPM's; because it is.
High gearing allows for faster acceleration. Lower gearing ratios increases the overall top speed of the speed. Of course this is within respect to the terrain, wheels, engine, weight, and overall design as well.
In case of the 2500s, they have the Cummins C-Plus with Voith? More likely its the C-Plus and that long 1st gear holding them back.
Quote from: Van2006ko on November 08, 2010, 05:08:16 PM
So let me get this straight as a fellow fan from Philadelphia land. DC is getting over 150 XDE40LFR (UGH LONG NAME) in 2011? WOW, I am glad that someone is looking into purchasing New flyer's newest line of New Flyers.
Quote from: mrpete on October 07, 2010, 10:45:49 PM
Depends on the gearing of the transmissions and the differentials. Buses for mostly stop & go city operations have lower gearing (higher numerically, e. g. 4.11) for faster acceleration. Buses for mostly highway "express" services usually have higher gearing (lower numerically, e. g. 3.55) for a higher cruising speed but somewhat slower acceleration.
Ever notice that fire trucks are very loud. They have lower gearing for fast acceleration over short distances. So even when they are trundling down the street the engine sounds like its running at high RPM's; because it is.
High gearing allows for faster acceleration. Lower gearing ratios increases the overall top speed of the speed. Of course this is within respect to the terrain, wheels, engine, weight, and overall design as well.
In case of the 2500s, they have the Cummins C-Plus with Voith? More likely its the C-Plus and that long 1st gear holding them back.
RE: Xcelsiors for WMATA: Not saying it will not happen, but at this point there's yet to be any supporting evidence posted here, which is why this thread is in "The Grapevine" section.
Now that I know a little information and have seen pics, this is confirmed thus topic being moved. What I'm hearing is the order is for 148 units, they will be numbered 7000 series and they have back windows!! HOT!!
Have you seen what WMATA's are going to look like? I've already seen what MTA's are going to look like thanks to a user on facebook who posted pictures of 3D renderings of the MTA Xcelsiors that were from New Flyer. One of those pictures was at the Motor Trend International Auto Show where 10023 was. According Administrator Wells, he told me this himself at the auto show, the first one will arrive by June. He also said that MTA is still deciding if they should have the rear windows or not.
This picture is from the user on facebook.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1337.snc4/162902_176151772422006_100000815528250_336167_2230229_n.jpg)
The upper right one was at the auto show, along with a photo of the blue Xcelsior demo.
Quote from: rideonrulez on February 16, 2011, 08:30:40 AM
Now that I know a little information and have seen pics, this is confirmed thus topic being moved. What I'm hearing is the order is for 148 units, they will be numbered 7000 series and they have back windows!! HOT!!
YES! So these definitely will be hybrids, I guess. Are they replacing anything?
Quote from: OrionFlyer on February 16, 2011, 08:59:53 AM
Have you seen what WMATA's are going to look like?
This picture is from the user on facebook.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1337.snc4/162902_176151772422006_100000815528250_336167_2230229_n.jpg)
The upper right one was at the auto show, along with a photo of the blue Xcelsior demo.
Yes I have seen pictures of them. It does look like the graphic except (and obviously) in the WMATA paint scheme. The tailights are different as they will have the traditional WMATA tailights with four 4 inch LEDS.
Here's a pic, courtesy of TTMG's forum: http://www.ttmg.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=614
(http://www.ttmg.org/photos/cgarnier/WMATA_NFI_7000.jpg)
That looks awesome!!! But it could do without the red under the windshield.
I don't know if its just this particular picture, but it doesn't strike me as that much different from the LFRs.
I would love to get my hands on a couple of those models. Anyone hear anything like me know. Thanks 8)
Quote from: aznboy4305 on February 17, 2011, 03:06:33 PM
I don't know if its just this particular picture, but it doesn't strike me as that much different from the LFRs.
If you were to see it from the side, particularly the door's side, you'll see a major difference.
I just noticed there is a MetroBus stop in the background. It's somewhere in the DC area.
Quote from: OrionFlyer on February 17, 2011, 04:15:06 PM
Quote from: aznboy4305 on February 17, 2011, 03:06:33 PM
I don't know if its just this particular picture, but it doesn't strike me as that much different from the LFRs.
If you were to see it from the side, particularly the door's side, you'll see a major difference.
I just noticed there is a MetroBus stop in the background. It's somewhere in the DC area.
I took the pic, it was at Carmen Turner Facility today about 1:30pm
Quote from: OrionFlyer on February 17, 2011, 04:15:06 PM
If you were to see it from the side, particularly the door's side, you'll see a major difference.
Well going by other pictures of the curb side, the only difference is the window treatment. Other than that, it looks like the same design as the LF models, both inside and out.
Looks pretty cool. I'm glad the Xcelsior doesn't have the extra 2 feet of non-functional plastic. They're currently testing one in NYC too.
Quote from: WayneNYC on February 18, 2011, 10:23:13 AM
Looks pretty cool. I'm glad the Xcelsior doesn't have the extra 2 feet of non-functional plastic. They're currently testing one in NYC too.
Wayne, I feel you on the Non-Functional plastic. I have never cared for the LFA. The Xcelsior is a good looking bus. Chris- that is an awesome photo of instant archival quality. Although it's a new pic, it looks very stately and has an old school, postcard-like feel. Great job, man. :D I look forward to checking these babies out when I come up next. They will definitely do the 7000-series numbers justice over the old AM Generals. (BTW, we have AMG no. 7535 in our fleet at the CC&T...but I feel the NFIs will be a more substantial (and more attractive) bus fleet overall).
Quote from: rideonrulez on February 17, 2011, 04:44:18 PM
I took the pic, it was at Carmen Turner Facility today about 1:30pm
Thanks for sharing. Awesome photo. :D I agree with Flxible, it does have a postcard-like feel.
Here are mines.
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1179-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1181-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1184-1.jpg)
Great additional pictures! Thanks for the original picture, rideonrulez. It's really a handsome transit bus...tastefully stylish, not so "hey look at me I'm trying to be an LRV" like the LFAs. I can't wait to ride them!
Those are some great pics of 7001- although I must say the Flxes in the background and foreground steal the show for me. ;) It's good to see they at least still exist. Any word on whether they are still truly in Ready Reserve status?
Quote from: Tritransit Area on February 18, 2011, 11:59:40 PM
Great additional pictures! Thanks for the original picture, rideonrulez. It's really a handsome transit bus...tastefully stylish, not so "hey look at me I'm trying to be an LRV" like the LFAs. I can't wait to ride them!
LOL @ TTA- I agree about the LRV comment, especially when those and the 5400s came in with those hideous wheel covers. Just looked at my copy of the Bus Ride Magazine 2007 Buyer's Guide earlier this week, and the NABI ad for those featured both 42-BRT and 60-BRT demos with fender skirts over the front wheels too, which meant the latter was suggested to come with the wheels covered up on ALL THREE AXLES. Fugly-tastic! :P
Nice pics man. I tell you, that's one fine lookin' bus. Can't wait to ride those. I'm even more excited about MTA's now. 4 more months to go.
Quote from: OrionFlyer on February 17, 2011, 02:40:28 PM
That looks awesome!!! But it could do without the red under the windshield.
I agree. IDK why WMATA has decided to do this- it's tacky, and doesn't take away the silver monotony up front quite the way it should. A red and blue stripe of some sort would get the job done, a la second scheme.
I think they are trying to "improve" on their Express/Local scheme by adding something to the front to let people know if they are about to board a "local" or "express" bus. Personally, I think the blue looks better, and without this stripe, buses like the 40LFs and Orion VIIs look bland.
More pics,
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1545-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1547-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1544-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1527-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1534-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1533-1.jpg)
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/LIL_J_558/D2/IMG_1531-1.jpg)
I must say, that is rather sexy
Interesting to see New Flyer going back to the future with each wheelchair position knocking out 3 seats (vs. 5) and the "wall" between those seats and the regular seats. I also noticed that there forward-facing seats facing the rear door aren't there, to see a New Flyer set up that way is a bit odd.
Overall, this is a knockout that balances styling and sensibility. I wonder who will get them first...
Wait, do the C40LFs have the 3 seats that face the rear door? I know that MTA New York's buses (from way back in the late 90's) have the typical seating set up.
I'm very excited about the Xcelsiors. The local kingdom of New Flyers is sticking with LFRs, so I'm glad that I'll at least have an opportunity to catch these buses in MD...but where are these WMATA units destined to go?
Is that a no standees area in the back?
Quote from: Tritransit Area on March 06, 2011, 07:39:08 PM
Wait, do the C40LFs have the 3 seats that face the rear door? I know that MTA New York's buses (from way back in the late 90's) have the typical seating set up.
NYCTA had spec'd the side facing seating arrangement opposite the exit door because all of the RTS and Orion Vs they purchased had the lift in the rear doorway.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on March 06, 2011, 07:39:08 PM
Wait, do the C40LFs have the 3 seats that face the rear door? I know that MTA New York's buses (from way back in the late 90's) have the typical seating set up.
Yes. Isn't that the standard setup for 40LF(R/A)'s? The number of agencies that don't do it (Ride On, MBTA's 6000's) I can think of is less than those that do.
QuoteIs that a no standees area in the back?
Yes, and the LFA's have the same.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on March 07, 2011, 09:34:52 AM
Quote from: Tritransit Area on March 06, 2011, 07:39:08 PM
Wait, do the C40LFs have the 3 seats that face the rear door? I know that MTA New York's buses (from way back in the late 90's) have the typical seating set up.
Yes. Isn't that the standard setup for 40LF(R/A)'s? The number of agencies that don't do it (Ride On, MBTA's 6000's) I can think of is less than those that do.
Wow, I didn't realize that Ride-On's C40LFs didn't have the 3 seats facing the rear door. For some reason, I thought the WMATA C40LFs were different as well...yeah, I need to ride these systems again. I've avoided the New Flyers like the plague down there since, well, there are over 1,000 New Flyers to enjoy on SEPTA's turf.