No surprise that the cutaways aren't the greatest buses in Ride On's fleet:
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/12/three-ride-buses-go-flames-15-months/2041966
I've always hated cutaways. They just make a fleet look so cheap and feels like an elderly shuttle. They are poorly built and even the so called "heavy duty" ones still rattle around. I guess Ride On might invest in getting more baby Gilligs.
they compare the lifespan of these things to the heavy duty buses metro has. Those "luxury schoolbuses" basically have a supposid lifespan of only 7 years at the most, but usually around 5 years, if I'm correct. Also they are considered relatively new for four years old. Those are mid to end life in terms of age for those things. Person who did the article know nothing about the industry. To me any bus that can't last more than 7 years is considered a disposable bus, in that they don't really last that long. I hope the transition from truck buses to regular buses for RIDE ON continue.
That's part of the reason why 30 foot heavy duty buses were created.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on December 29, 2011, 10:21:00 AM
I've always hated cutaways. They just make a fleet look so cheap and feels like an elderly shuttle. They are poorly built and even the so called "heavy duty" ones still rattle around. I guess Ride On might invest in getting more baby Gilligs.
Or maybe they could piggyback on the Orion order for MTA MD/WMATA.
Quote from: RideOn5905 on December 29, 2011, 06:21:25 PM
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on December 29, 2011, 10:21:00 AM
I've always hated cutaways. They just make a fleet look so cheap and feels like an elderly shuttle. They are poorly built and even the so called "heavy duty" ones still rattle around. I guess Ride On might invest in getting more baby Gilligs.
I don't think Ride On's exclusive contract with Gillig is up yet, so unless they get CNGs, ordering anything but Gillig is out of the question.
Or maybe they could piggyback on the Orion order for MTA MD/WMATA.
I don't know how the contract was set up with Gillig, but since now Gillig makes CNG buses, it's possible that their next CNG bus order could go Gillig's way.
Quote from: WES on December 30, 2011, 10:31:26 AM
I don't know how the contract was set up with Gillig, but since now Gillig makes CNG buses, it's possible that their next CNG bus order could go Gillig's way.
I thought that as Gillig was not making CNG's when the deal was signed that any CNG deal would be open. That is, unless they'd amend the deal if Gillig gave very favorable terms for a CNG order.