Well here's some pictures of them on the U8. These buses sound real nice, but I still don't get why they were put on the U8. The changes on the U8 caused a lot of problems. The buses were late, and the turns looked really hard to make. Nonetheless, these buses are fantastic. I highly recommend riding them. This was a very great b-day present for me I couldn't get more pictures or videos because it was really cold outside.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd19/bjb91/013-Copy2.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd19/bjb91/016-Copy2.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd19/bjb91/022-Copy.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd19/bjb91/023-Copy.jpg)
Cool man cool! Next time I'm in DC, the area of the U8, I will most certainly ride it. How long will they be on this line?
And Happy 17th Bday.
I hope on Friday, my Bday, I'll spot some 40fts in that new paint scheme.
Thanks man. For your b-day present, i'll get the 16Y, and D8 (30 ft) route an estination voices for you. =D
Wow nice...and happy birthday man!
I heard one of them was involved in an accident (already? this is sad...) due to a tight turn (or something like that)
btw where were these pics taken?
Quote from: George on October 27, 2008, 07:27:08 PM
Wow nice...and happy birthday man!
I heard one of them was involved in an accident (already? this is sad...) due to a tight turn (or something like that)
btw where were these pics taken?
Yep. In Benning Heights. Metro will probably end up taking them off the U8 soon. And thanks or saying happy b-day.
I was at Capitol Heights Station and Minnesota Avenue Station.
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 27, 2008, 01:53:37 PM
Well here's some pictures of them on the U8. These buses sound real nice, but I still don't get why they were put on the U8. The changes on the U8 caused a lot of problems. The buses were late, and the turns looked really hard to make. Nonetheless, these buses are fantastic. I highly recommend riding them. This was a very great b-day present for me I couldn't get more pictures or videos because it was really cold outside.
Thanks for the pics and Happy b-day.
Quote from: rideonrulez on October 27, 2008, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 27, 2008, 01:53:37 PM
Well here's some pictures of them on the U8. These buses sound real nice, but I still don't get why they were put on the U8. The changes on the U8 caused a lot of problems. The buses were late, and the turns looked really hard to make. Nonetheless, these buses are fantastic. I highly recommend riding them. This was a very great b-day present for me I couldn't get more pictures or videos because it was really cold outside.
Thanks for the pics and Happy b-day.
Thanks Chris. And you're welcome. BTW, if anyone is interested, I have videos of these on YouTube.
Another Birthday Wish, and kudos for the shots. I get the feeling they won't be out there too long, so you've probably got some future historic pics there! :)
Quote from: btconet on October 27, 2008, 07:52:17 PM
Another Birthday Wish, and kudos for the shots. I get the feeling they won't be out there too long, so you've probably got some future historic pics there! :)
HEHE. Thanks btco. Yeah they were causing a lot of problems on the U8. Metro might need to take a second look at the BRTs being on the U8
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 27, 2008, 07:05:08 PM
Thanks man. For your b-day present, i'll get the 16Y, and D8 (30 ft) route an estination voices for you. =D
Really? Thanks.
Quote from: NGOrion on October 27, 2008, 08:03:23 PM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 27, 2008, 07:05:08 PM
Thanks man. For your b-day present, i'll get the 16Y, and D8 (30 ft) route an estination voices for you. =D
Really? Thanks.
Can't believe your b-day is on Halloween. Nice. And your welcome. Halloween is a free ay for me so i'll have a lot of time on my hands.
Yup. It is. ;D
Quote from: NGOrion on October 27, 2008, 09:28:42 PM
Yup. It is. ;D
IDK i'm just guessing, but does the 1089 in your YouTube username stand for October (10) 1989 (89)?
Yup, you guess it.
Quote from: NGOrion on October 27, 2008, 10:18:47 PM
Yup, you guess it.
I'm trying to understand why Baltimore peeps like WMATA more than MTA Maryland. Just asking.
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 27, 2008, 10:54:04 PM
I'm trying to understand why Baltimore peeps like WMATA more than MTA Maryland. Just asking.
That's a no brainer. Just look at our fleet and the type of service we have.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 27, 2008, 10:55:18 PM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 27, 2008, 10:54:04 PM
I'm trying to understand why Baltimore peeps like WMATA more than MTA Maryland. Just asking.
That's a no brainer. Just look at our fleet and the type of service we have.
Wow LOL. My bad. Anyways, hopeully, someone is going to catch the BRTs in service tomorrow?
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 27, 2008, 10:55:18 PM
Just look at our fleet and the type of service we have.
Exactly!
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
Yep. People were impressed and people everywhere including other bus drivers were staring these things down. I left at 8:30am and came back home at about 12-1 something in the afternoon. These buses are awesome.
The DC area does offer a lot more variety than Baltimore, but it's not ALWAYS better. MTA is much easier to learn the routes, particularly for non transit-geeks. Sometimes, WMATA does the "three trips in peaks don't go around the block here, so we'll call it the £3" to absurdity. Plus, we actually have true Owls out there on about a dozen lines.
But truth be told, DC's equipment is better taken care of, and their color scheme is more attractive.
Still, it ain't perfect. Some of the headways leave a bit to be desired though - particularly nearly anything in PG County on weekends, and OTP is kinda sketchy even when service is scheduled to be heavy.
Quote from: btconet on October 28, 2008, 06:51:37 PM
The DC area does offer a lot more variety than Baltimore, but it's not ALWAYS better. MTA is much easier to learn the routes, particularly for non transit-geeks. Sometimes, WMATA does the "three trips in peaks don't go around the block here, so we'll call it the £3" to absurdity. Plus, we actually have true Owls out there on about a dozen lines.
But truth be told, DC's equipment is better taken care of, and their color scheme is more attractive.
Still, it ain't perfect. Some of the headways leave a bit to be desired though - particularly nearly anything in PG County on weekends, and OTP is kinda sketchy even when service is scheduled to be heavy.
Of course MTA's routes are a bit easier to understand, the schedules can sometimes be hard to memorize if there isn't a set headway. The way I learned most of the schedules for Metro and Ride On was that I found there were alot of routes that had common headways during different periods of the day and I also used the block patterns to guide me to what time they arrive. Basically, I hardly need a schedule whenever I travel on Metrobus since I know the block numbers, headways, schedule patterns, etc.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 28, 2008, 07:42:52 PM
Quote from: btconet on October 28, 2008, 06:51:37 PM
The DC area does offer a lot more variety than Baltimore, but it's not ALWAYS better. MTA is much easier to learn the routes, particularly for non transit-geeks. Sometimes, WMATA does the "three trips in peaks don't go around the block here, so we'll call it the £3" to absurdity. Plus, we actually have true Owls out there on about a dozen lines.
But truth be told, DC's equipment is better taken care of, and their color scheme is more attractive.
Still, it ain't perfect. Some of the headways leave a bit to be desired though - particularly nearly anything in PG County on weekends, and OTP is kinda sketchy even when service is scheduled to be heavy.
Of course MTA's routes are a bit easier to understand, the schedules can sometimes be hard to memorize if there isn't a set headway. The way I learned most of the schedules for Metro and Ride On was that I found there were alot of routes that had common headways during different periods of the day and I also used the block patterns to guide me to what time they arrive. Basically, I hardly need a schedule whenever I travel on Metrobus since I know the block numbers, headways, schedule patterns, etc.
No TA is perfect. Every transit system has a down side to it, but let's focus on the ups rather than the downs. ;D
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 01:35:32 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
George: thank you for the comment. Based on your description you must live in the Washingtonian/Rio community because that is the only location where the #54 and #74 meet. I live off Muddy Branch Road near Diamondback (where the #54, #76 & #67 converge). We are neighbors. I plan to ride the 5A next week myself - let me know if you want company.
I'll be taking the 5A out and the Washington Flyer back in next week at some point.
Quote from: Tristan on October 29, 2008, 06:24:29 PM
I'll be taking the 5A out and the Washington Flyer back in next week at some point.
I'm getting on the 5A next week to catch some more BRT buses hopefully.
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 29, 2008, 03:53:43 PM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 01:35:32 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
George: thank you for the comment. Based on your description you must live in the Washingtonian/Rio community because that is the only location where the #54 and #74 meet. I live off Muddy Branch Road near Diamondback (where the #54, #76 & #67 converge). We are neighbors. I plan to ride the 5A next week myself - let me know if you want company.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking where u lived. I wish the 67 and 76 also came around here, sometimes I want to go to Kentlands or to friends who live in Dufief Mill. EDIT-wait the 74 does to to Kentlands too, but not through Kentlands Blvd.
Im gonna go to Rosslyn on Nov. 4th (after my English class and after voting)
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 07:21:43 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 29, 2008, 03:53:43 PM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 01:35:32 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
George: thank you for the comment. Based on your description you must live in the Washingtonian/Rio community because that is the only location where the #54 and #74 meet. I live off Muddy Branch Road near Diamondback (where the #54, #76 & #67 converge). We are neighbors. I plan to ride the 5A next week myself - let me know if you want company.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking where u lived. I wish the 67 and 76 also came around here, sometimes I want to go to Kentlands or to friends who live in Dufief Mill. EDIT-wait the 74 does to to Kentlands too, but not through Kentlands Blvd.
Im gonna go to Rosslyn on Nov. 4th (after my English class and after voting)
George, i'm going there on the 4th too. Maybe i'll see you there?
I'm thinking about doing a DC trip next Tuesday. Hopefully the BRT's will still be on the U8. If not then I'll just try to catch one of them on the X2.
Quote from: NGOrion on October 29, 2008, 08:35:10 PM
I'm thinking about doing a DC trip next Tuesday. Hopefully the BRT's will still be on the U8. If not then I'll just try to catch one of them on the X2.
Eric, they won't be on the X2 until next year when the Benning Road project is complete.
They are on the U8 now for the taking - in fact I saw no other buses on that route yesterday. I only took two shots because I know a lot of lenses will be trained on these (I'll get mine later) - how many of you noticed what the second picture shows? No need to look for a builder's plate!!
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 29, 2008, 08:40:52 PM
Quote from: NGOrion on October 29, 2008, 08:35:10 PM
I'm thinking about doing a DC trip next Tuesday. Hopefully the BRT's will still be on the U8. If not then I'll just try to catch one of them on the X2.
Eric, they won't be on the X2 until next year when the Benning Road project is complete.
They should put them on there now regardless of what condition Benning is on. Or at least spread them over other Bladensburg routes rather than ghettoizing them on a route in the boondocks of DC.
I want my BRT's in NW!!!
Um okay Scrabbleship, if you haven't noticed, the X2 and the U8...kinda serve the same general area. There's not going to be much difference. And the NW crowd doesn't ride transit in numbers to support artics, unless you mean 16th or GA NW. I dare you to drive a tic through Georgetown.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on October 29, 2008, 09:53:29 PM
They should put them on there now regardless of what condition Benning is on. Or at least spread them over other Bladensburg routes rather than ghettoizing them on a route in the boondocks of DC.
I want my BRT's in NW!!!
NW doesn't need them. The X2 is the sole focus of the tics. That line has the most capacity of the routes Bladensburg operates. The U8 is just a "breaking in" thing. Even the 79 doesn't necessarily need them because of the headways and the complementary routing of the 70 and 71. You just have to look at it from an operational view. It's better to utilize a bus where it is suited best instead of just for looks. If a tic is needed because of the crowding, then it has a purpose. If there isn't that much of high demand for a tic, then the route won't get it. Also, Western cannot really hold tics because of its size and most of their routes do not get heavy loads like the X.
Northern's current artic routes are most definitely justified and then some. I've been saying for years that WMATA needs to (conservatively) keep about 100 artics on roster.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 29, 2008, 10:03:47 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on October 29, 2008, 09:53:29 PM
They should put them on there now regardless of what condition Benning is on. Or at least spread them over other Bladensburg routes rather than ghettoizing them on a route in the boondocks of DC.
I want my BRT's in NW!!!
NW doesn't need them. The X2 is the sole focus of the tics. That line has the most capacity of the routes Bladensburg operates. The U8 is just a "breaking in" thing. Even the 79 doesn't necessarily need them because of the headways and the complementary routing of the 70 and 71. You just have to look at it from an operational view. It's better to utilize a bus where it is suited best instead of just for looks. If a tic is needed because of the crowding, then it has a purpose. If there isn't that much of high demand for a tic, then the route won't get it. Also, Western cannot really hold tics because of its size and most of their routes do not get heavy loads like the X.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 29, 2008, 10:03:47 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on October 29, 2008, 09:53:29 PM
They should put them on there now regardless of what condition Benning is on. Or at least spread them over other Bladensburg routes rather than ghettoizing them on a route in the boondocks of DC.
I want my BRT's in NW!!!
NW doesn't need them. The X2 is the sole focus of the tics. That line has the most capacity of the routes Bladensburg operates. The U8 is just a "breaking in" thing. Even the 79 doesn't necessarily need them because of the headways and the complementary routing of the 70 and 71. You just have to look at it from an operational view. It's better to utilize a bus where it is suited best instead of just for looks. If a tic is needed because of the crowding, then it has a purpose. If there isn't that much of high demand for a tic, then the route won't get it. Also, Western cannot really hold tics because of its size and most of their routes do not get heavy loads like the X.
The X2 has service too support it's heavy loas. Now, these buses need to go on lines that they are really suitable for. Like the T18, F4/6, Q2 maybe?, A12, 32/36 (i've seen 60 ft density on these routes), the P12 (but I wouldn't count on it since they go through Forest Hills Apartments) C2, C4 maybe?, or the some the A's (A2, A6, A7, A8 just during rush hour).
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 03:50:41 AM
The X2 has service too support it's heavy loas. Now, these buses need to go on lines that they are really suitable for. Like the T18, F4/6, Q2 maybe?, A12, 32/36 (i've seen 60 ft density on these routes), the P12 (but I wouldn't count on it since they go through Forest Hills Apartments) C2, C4 maybe?, or the some the A's (A2, A6, A7, A8 just during rush hour).
If Landover needed tics, Metro would have ordered them for Landover. Montgomery is already going to get tics next year. Annex cannot hold tics because of the restricted space at the garage (even the 6100s can't navigate thru the garage perfectly). Also, you have to realize, just because a run is crowded at just one time of the day doesn't mean it's crowded the rest of the day. If you assign a tic to a block where its a standing load for just that one trip and its used for the rest of its run period, you pretty much wasted the use of a good tic which could be used elsewhere.
I don't Annex will be getting new buses any time soon.
Also I've noticed that on some of the bus destination signs, the way the route/destination is displayed. Whoever is responsible for how the sign displays the route destination sometimes do a crappy job.
An example would be the U8. From pictures I've seen "U8BENNING HTS". It shouldn't be bunched up liked that. Makes it hard to see what route it is.
It Should just go back and forth between: U8 BENNING, U8 HEIGHTS, not U8BENNING HTS
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 30, 2008, 06:17:10 AM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 03:50:41 AM
The X2 has service too support it's heavy loas. Now, these buses need to go on lines that they are really suitable for. Like the T18, F4/6, Q2 maybe?, A12, 32/36 (i've seen 60 ft density on these routes), the P12 (but I wouldn't count on it since they go through Forest Hills Apartments) C2, C4 maybe?, or the some the A's (A2, A6, A7, A8 just during rush hour).
If Landover needed tics, Metro would have ordered them for Landover. Montgomery is already going to get tics next year. Annex cannot hold tics because of the restricted space at the garage (even the 6100s can't navigate thru the garage perfectly). Also, you have to realize, just because a run is crowded at just one time of the day doesn't mean it's crowded the rest of the day. If you assign a tic to a block where its a standing load for just that one trip and its used for the rest of its run period, you pretty much wasted the use of a good tic which could be used elsewhere.
I beg to differ. You haven't been on the routes i've been on. All day everyday, most of the routes I said were crowded.
As far as the P12 goes I don't think artics would suit that route, especially forest hills apartments.
Quote from: NGOrion on October 30, 2008, 09:55:10 AM
As far as the P12 goes I don't think artics would suit that route, especially forest hills apartments.
Yep. The F4/F6 suit the tics perfectly. Other routes don't need them due to non-60 ft density, or the frequent service of 40 footers relieve crowding. Now, I know Landover can't have the tics, but I would like to see them on Landover routes. It wouldn't hurt. The T18 is another route that can suit the tics also. Now, let's see if Bladensburg is going to do the T18 in the near future...
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 09:58:13 AM
Quote from: NGOrion on October 30, 2008, 09:55:10 AM
As far as the P12 goes I don't think artics would suit that route, especially forest hills apartments.
Yep. The F4/F6 suit the tics perfectly. Other routes don't need them due to non-60 ft density, or the frequent service of 40 footers relieve crowding. Now, I know Landover can't have the tics, but I would like to see them on Landover routes. It wouldn't hurt. The T18 is another route that can suit the tics also. Now, let's see if Bladensburg is going to do the T18 in the near future...
Landover is getting 42 footers. I still say they should work something out with the headways and beg for more funding to expand the service in the county. As for the crowding on the F4/F6, lemme ask you this. Is it crowded from one area to another area just carrying a load or it is crowded for the whole line.
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 09:58:13 AM
Now, let's see if Bladensburg is going to do the T18 in the near future...
Well Bladensburg used to do the 84 so T18 may be in the future.
Artics are often don't add nearly as much capacity as you would think, since TAs often use them to save resources. Compare the S2/S4 schedule to the 70, and see which one operates more frequently. In New York, they only run 3 articulated buses for every 4 standard buses. WMATA seems to do something similar, they cut service on half on the Ys when that line was supposed to go all artic. I understand the budget issues at stake, but I'd rather see more frequent service with 40 foot buses.
My experience with the S line has always been a 40ft. I seen more 40fts on this line then artics.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on October 30, 2008, 06:17:10 AM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 03:50:41 AM
The X2 has service too support it's heavy loas. Now, these buses need to go on lines that they are really suitable for. Like the T18, F4/6, Q2 maybe?, A12, 32/36 (i've seen 60 ft density on these routes), the P12 (but I wouldn't count on it since they go through Forest Hills Apartments) C2, C4 maybe?, or the some the A's (A2, A6, A7, A8 just during rush hour).
If Landover needed tics, Metro would have ordered them for Landover. Montgomery is already going to get tics next year. Annex cannot hold tics because of the restricted space at the garage (even the 6100s can't navigate thru the garage perfectly). Also, you have to realize, just because a run is crowded at just one time of the day doesn't mean it's crowded the rest of the day. If you assign a tic to a block where its a standing load for just that one trip and its used for the rest of its run period, you pretty much wasted the use of a good tic which could be used elsewhere.
Most of it's crowding is from New Carrollton Station to P.G Plaza and P.G Plaza to New Carrollton, but it stays crowed all the way at times. Everyday and every time of the day, it stays crowded from New Carrollton to P.G Plaza .
Quote from: NGOrion on October 30, 2008, 01:13:23 PM
My experience with the S line has always been a 40ft. I seen more 40fts on this line then artics.
Did you look at the timetables? The Georgia Avenue line carries more people than the 16th Street Line, but the 16th Street line has more arrivals and departures into and out of Silver Spring each day than any other line to serve the station. Why? Because the 70 runs articulated buses, whereas the Ss do not.
Oh yeah I looked at it. But I just looked at the times it leaves silver spring. More 70,71 trips
Regarding destination signs,
The last programming session really made a mess of things:
3T FALLS / 3T CHURCH STA (actually I think all routes into West Falls Church say this)
10B PENDLETON / 10B COLUMBUS (no ampersand)
3A ROSSLYN STATION - one line but justified at the top instead of the center - looks really silly.
I've also seen cute little problems on the old Vultrons like "2C TYSONS CORNER / 2C TYSONS / 2C CORNER"
Quote from: NGOrion on October 30, 2008, 05:31:03 PM
Oh yeah I looked at it. But I just looked at the times it leaves silver spring. More 70,71 trips
The 70/71 has a 10 minute headway during the peaks. The S2/S4 are running every 2-5 minutes apart during the peaks, and that isn't even accounting for S1s. The 70/71 has artics, the S2/S4 does not. See my point?
Yeah I do.
Quote from: Tristan on October 30, 2008, 09:03:24 PM
Regarding destination signs,
The last programming session really made a mess of things:
3T FALLS / 3T CHURCH STA (actually I think all routes into West Falls Church say this)
10B PENDLETON / 10B COLUMBUS (no ampersand)
3A ROSSLYN STATION - one line but justified at the top instead of the center - looks really silly.
I've also seen cute little problems on the old Vultrons like "2C TYSONS CORNER / 2C TYSONS / 2C CORNER"
They still didn't fix the FALLS CHURCH STA thing? I think WMATA wants to do something to have everything on one sign but just have the wrong signs to do them. Herein where Aesys and Luminator TITANs can do the job. Also, is FRIENDSHIPHEIGHTS still blinky blinky?
It's just shoddy programming, I guarantee you, because...well they've got *some* stuff on one sign stacked neatly and looking good (U8 MINNESOTA AVENUE STATION) and others just jacked up...and everything that was blinky blinky was formerly two screens, and they moved everything to one screen but I think they didn't delete the other "page" ... so the sign's doing what it was told to do, show page 1 and then page 2, but page 2 is blank sans the route number.
Quote from: Tristan on October 31, 2008, 10:49:27 AM
It's just shoddy programming, I guarantee you, because...well they've got *some* stuff on one sign stacked neatly and looking good (U8 MINNESOTA AVENUE STATION) and others just jacked up...and everything that was blinky blinky was formerly two screens, and they moved everything to one screen but I think they didn't delete the other "page" ... so the sign's doing what it was told to do, show page 1 and then page 2, but page 2 is blank sans the route number.
Still sacrificing clarity for simplicity.
Quote from: Tristan on October 31, 2008, 10:49:27 AM
It's just shoddy programming, I guarantee you, because...well they've got *some* stuff on one sign stacked neatly and looking good (U8 MINNESOTA AVENUE STATION) and others just jacked up...and everything that was blinky blinky was formerly two screens, and they moved everything to one screen but I think they didn't delete the other "page" ... so the sign's doing what it was told to do, show page 1 and then page 2, but page 2 is blank sans the route number.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Like the T17 for instance. It says T17 Greenbelt Station on one screen, then when it flips it says T17. I don't get it sometimes.
The same thing with every bus that displays Rhode Island Avenue Station.
Quote from: NGOrion on October 30, 2008, 10:38:36 AM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 09:58:13 AM
Now, let's see if Bladensburg is going to do the T18 in the near future...
Well Bladensburg used to do the 84 so T18 may be in the future.
That will never happen due to the fact that Landover is under a different union then Bladensburg and all hell would break loose if WMATA switched the T18 from one union garage to a different union garage.
Quote from: WES on October 31, 2008, 10:48:26 PM
Quote from: NGOrion on October 30, 2008, 10:38:36 AM
Quote from: landoverdivision on October 30, 2008, 09:58:13 AM
Now, let's see if Bladensburg is going to do the T18 in the near future...
Well Bladensburg used to do the 84 so T18 may be in the future.
That will never happen due to the fact that Landover is under a different union then Bladensburg and all hell would break loose if WMATA switched the T18 from one union garage to a different union garage.
How sure can you be of that? Why WMATA just doesn't switch Landover over from Teamsters to ATU, heck how Landover ended up with Teamsters in the first place, is one of the mysteries of the world. WMATA should have never let it happen...
This was probably done way before it was WMATA. Most likely when all of the privates were merged into the conglomeration. You can't just switch a union. WMATA can't force that, there would be huge trouble if that were to happen.
okay ? now Landover garage is in a diffrent union than the other garages threw out the system .There will be no route movements out of that garage . Bladensburg will never share or operate there routes period. Landover pick diffrent from the other garages the runs are not the same,they only have one relief run and that is the "F12" because it relives in front of the garage. Bladensburg never operated the "T18" or any of there routes. Before Landover open the Prince Georges division had artics 5001-5078 and other eqipment they operated into the far out areas only,but now its called the Southern Avenue bus garage. any other question please ask me the official wmata supervisor .
One time when I was at Rhode Island Ave Station, I think it was sometime last year when the route was still 84, 85, there was a C40lf on the 84. It was parked right in front of me at the 81,82, 83, 84, 85, 86 stop at R I Ave Station. I was waiting for the 83. A Bladensburg bus was the 84 route.
So my question is did Bladensburg used to do this route because I'm convinced that it did?
Quote from: Perry on November 01, 2008, 11:27:58 AM
This was probably done way before it was WMATA. Most likely when all of the privates were merged into the conglomeration. You can't just switch a union. WMATA can't force that, there would be huge trouble if that were to happen.
They can at least "suggest" it. And sometimes "huge trouble" has to happen for the common good of a company. I would rather take the Teamsters wrath by trying to switch Landover to ATU, even if it resulted in riots, than let Landover be a snobbish exception.
I want John Catoe's job!
I don't think it's worth all of the hassle of trying to get them to switch from Teamsters to ATU.
Quote from: Perry on November 01, 2008, 05:12:17 PM
I don't think it's worth all of the hassle of trying to get them to switch from Teamsters to ATU.
I know this may be a dumb question to you all but what is Teamsters and ATU anyway?
Quote from: landoverdivision on November 01, 2008, 05:40:47 PM
Quote from: Perry on November 01, 2008, 05:12:17 PM
I don't think it's worth all of the hassle of trying to get them to switch from Teamsters to ATU.
I know this may be a dumb question to you all but what is Teamsters and ATU anyway?
Different unions. ATU (or is it TWU) represents most of WMATA, Teamsters represents Landover.
Why wouldn't it be worth all of the hassle? Is it good for WMATA to have a single garage basically a fifedom within a large company?
It's up to the union members to decide if they want to switch unions or not, not WMATA. That's the way unions operate. There is most likely a collective bargaining agreement between them and you can't just say all of a sudden, "ATU, you are the one that is to operate Landover". Who says it hasn't been tried in the past to get ATU to take over Landover? I'm sure it was a topic years ago, but it was decided to keep them the same.
NYC has or had a couple of unions too. These operators take being in a union very seriously. It complicates operations, but in the end, this is what was decided.
when Landover was built it 1988 and open in 1989 metro ask the ATU if they could support the garage they declined and metro had to come up with another source . ATU told metro that they could not go far as that because that was MTA's area and it was cause a problem between the two. So TEAMSTERS came in with a good deal with metro and LANDOVER was a TEAMSTERS UNION in summer of 89. some operators who left PRINCE GEORGES GARAGE had to take a vote on to be at the new garage or to go to Southeastern ,in 1990 there were problems southeast could not handle some of the left over runs that was left .In the mid fallpick they had to reopen the PRINCE GEORGES GARAGE to be a tripper division only!! they had runs has trippers and operated school specials and other specials that was requested.
Quote from: wmata employee on November 01, 2008, 07:13:51 PM
when Landover was built it 1988 and open in 1989 metro ask the ATU if they could support the garage they declined and metro had to come up with another source . ATU told metro that they could not go far as that because that was MTA's area and it was cause a problem between the two. So TEAMSTERS came in with a good deal with metro and LANDOVER was a TEAMSTERS UNION in summer of 89. some operators who left PRINCE GEORGES GARAGE had to take a vote on to be at the new garage or to go to Southeastern ,in 1990 there were problems southeast could not handle some of the left over runs that was left .In the mid fallpick they had to reopen the PRINCE GEORGES GARAGE to be a tripper division only!! they had runs has trippers and operated school specials and other specials that was requested.
MTA's area? Landover is like 5 minutes away from D.C.
We all no this........ but thats a violation there routes operates in anne arundel county areas aswell.
Quote from: wmata employee on November 01, 2008, 11:33:56 AM
okay ? now Landover garage is in a diffrent union than the other garages threw out the system .There will be no route movements out of that garage . Bladensburg will never share or operate there routes period. Landover pick diffrent from the other garages the runs are not the same,they only have one relief run and that is the "F12" because it relives in front of the garage. Bladensburg never operated the "T18" or any of there routes. Before Landover open the Prince Georges division had artics 5001-5078 and other eqipment they operated into the far out areas only,but now its called the Southern Avenue bus garage. any other question please ask me the official wmata supervisor .
Whoa a little error there. 5001-5045 were the artics, 5051-5079 were the 30 foot Flxible new looks.
Quote from: NGOrion on November 01, 2008, 12:15:49 PM
One time when I was at Rhode Island Ave Station, I think it was sometime last year when the route was still 84, 85, there was a C40lf on the 84. It was parked right in front of me at the 81,82, 83, 84, 85, 86 stop at R I Ave Station. I was waiting for the 83. A Bladensburg bus was the 84 route.
So my question is did Bladensburg used to do this route because I'm convinced that it did?
Before Landover opened the 84 used to be operated by Bladensburg so was the F2, the F4,6 was operated by Montgomery during the week and Bladensburg on weekends. But when Landover opened, those aforementioned routes went to Landover. If you saw a C40LF on the 84 it could have been a bus to cover for a broken down bus from Landover. The main difference between a bus loaned from one garage to cover for another and a route that is mainly run by one garage that another garage covers is the run number. Even if say a Bladensburg bus covers a Landover route, it will still have the "L" as the first run number, because it is still a Landover route, it is just that the bus from Landover that ran that route either broke down or Landover was short a bus so they had to get any bus that could cover that run till they could get a Landover bus to take over.
If that doesn't explain that I know someone else can explain it better than I could.
I think we're heading down the road of beating a dead horse! Thanks for everyone clarifying things everyone.
Quote from: WES on November 01, 2008, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: NGOrion on November 01, 2008, 12:15:49 PM
One time when I was at Rhode Island Ave Station, I think it was sometime last year when the route was still 84, 85, there was a C40lf on the 84. It was parked right in front of me at the 81,82, 83, 84, 85, 86 stop at R I Ave Station. I was waiting for the 83. A Bladensburg bus was the 84 route.
So my question is did Bladensburg used to do this route because I'm convinced that it did?
Before Landover opened the 84 used to be operated by Bladensburg so was the F2, the F4,6 was operated by Montgomery during the week and Bladensburg on weekends. But when Landover opened, those aforementioned routes went to Landover. If you saw a C40LF on the 84 it could have been a bus to cover for a broken down bus from Landover. The main difference between a bus loaned from one garage to cover for another and a route that is mainly run by one garage that another garage covers is the run number. Even if say a Bladensburg bus covers a Landover route, it will still have the "L" as the first run number, because it is still a Landover route, it is just that the bus from Landover that ran that route either broke down or Landover was short a bus so they had to get any bus that could cover that run till they could get a Landover bus to take over.
If that doesn't explain that I know someone else can explain it better than I could.
How is this for an example (Bladensburg bus on a Northern route with a Northern block)?
(http://orenstransitpage.com/otpdccars/dccng42.jpg)
Quote from: WES on November 01, 2008, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: NGOrion on November 01, 2008, 12:15:49 PM
One time when I was at Rhode Island Ave Station, I think it was sometime last year when the route was still 84, 85, there was a C40lf on the 84. It was parked right in front of me at the 81,82, 83, 84, 85, 86 stop at R I Ave Station. I was waiting for the 83. A Bladensburg bus was the 84 route.
So my question is did Bladensburg used to do this route because I'm convinced that it did?
Before Landover opened the 84 used to be operated by Bladensburg so was the F2, the F4,6 was operated by Montgomery during the week and Bladensburg on weekends. But when Landover opened, those aforementioned routes went to Landover. If you saw a C40LF on the 84 it could have been a bus to cover for a broken down bus from Landover. The main difference between a bus loaned from one garage to cover for another and a route that is mainly run by one garage that another garage covers is the run number. Even if say a Bladensburg bus covers a Landover route, it will still have the "L" as the first run number, because it is still a Landover route, it is just that the bus from Landover that ran that route either broke down or Landover was short a bus so they had to get any bus that could cover that run till they could get a Landover bus to take over.
If that doesn't explain that I know someone else can explain it better than I could.
Now it all makes sense. Thanks.
Also I love pic. Nice.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on November 02, 2008, 12:23:56 AM
Quote from: WES on November 01, 2008, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: NGOrion on November 01, 2008, 12:15:49 PM
One time when I was at Rhode Island Ave Station, I think it was sometime last year when the route was still 84, 85, there was a C40lf on the 84. It was parked right in front of me at the 81,82, 83, 84, 85, 86 stop at R I Ave Station. I was waiting for the 83. A Bladensburg bus was the 84 route.
So my question is did Bladensburg used to do this route because I'm convinced that it did?
Before Landover opened the 84 used to be operated by Bladensburg so was the F2, the F4,6 was operated by Montgomery during the week and Bladensburg on weekends. But when Landover opened, those aforementioned routes went to Landover. If you saw a C40LF on the 84 it could have been a bus to cover for a broken down bus from Landover. The main difference between a bus loaned from one garage to cover for another and a route that is mainly run by one garage that another garage covers is the run number. Even if say a Bladensburg bus covers a Landover route, it will still have the "L" as the first run number, because it is still a Landover route, it is just that the bus from Landover that ran that route either broke down or Landover was short a bus so they had to get any bus that could cover that run till they could get a Landover bus to take over.
If that doesn't explain that I know someone else can explain it better than I could.
How is this for an example (Bladensburg bus on a Northern route with a Northern block)?
(http://orenstransitpage.com/otpdccars/dccng42.jpg)
Why is there a Bladensburg bus on a Nothern route with an N block? That confused the heck out of me.
Substitute bus - Northern probably ran short on equipment. The run doesn't change just because Northern has to borrow a bus from another division.
Quote from: Tristan on November 03, 2008, 11:11:04 AM
Substitute bus - Northern probably ran short on equipment. The run doesn't change just because Northern has to borrow a bus from another division.
No idea why it was there. But IIRC, that bus was at Tenleytown on the Hs earlier that morning.
Rode one of the Brts today. They're sweet. They sound similar to the C40lfs. Still got the new car smell.
They don't soun like the C40LFs.
Opinion is opinion I guess, but I gotta side with Brandon. As much of an audiophile as I am when it comes to buses (http://transit.tecsbrain.org/recs), I can't say it reminds me of a C40LF at all.
To me it sounds like it a little bit, but a faster. When I first heard it that's what I thought of. All I know is they sound like another CNG bus I heard before. I immediately thought the New Flyer C40lf, not the lfr the lf.
I can't believe the 60-BRTs are still on the U8.
Did anyone see these on the 5A yet?
Quote from: landoverdivision on November 04, 2008, 09:07:25 PM
I can't believe the 60-BRTs are still on the U8.
Did anyone see these on the 5A yet?
I saw one passing by above the bus terminal at East Falls Church this evening (11/4/08). But the other 2 blocks I saw at Rosslyn were 2706 & 2709.
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 07:21:43 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 29, 2008, 03:53:43 PM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 01:35:32 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
George: thank you for the comment. Based on your description you must live in the Washingtonian/Rio community because that is the only location where the #54 and #74 meet. I live off Muddy Branch Road near Diamondback (where the #54, #76 & #67 converge). We are neighbors. I plan to ride the 5A next week myself - let me know if you want company.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking where u lived. I wish the 67 and 76 also came around here, sometimes I want to go to Kentlands or to friends who live in Dufief Mill. EDIT-wait the 74 does to to Kentlands too, but not through Kentlands Blvd.
Im gonna go to Rosslyn on Nov. 4th (after my English class and after voting)
Yes, I am not pleased with the schedules for the 74, 76 and the 67 however. The 74 does not run on weekends and the 67 is rush hour only. Furthermore the 76 and the 67 leave and arrive at Shady Grove at almost exactly the same time. Many of the passengers on the 76 and the 67 ride between Shady Grove and Muddy Branch & Diamondback so of they miss a bus they have to wait 30 minutes for the next run. If the departure and arrival times for the 76 & 67 were changed so they didn't leave and arrive at the same time there would be better service. Also the 54 which serves Westside Gaithersburg does not serve tne nearest METRO station at Shady Grove but forces the passengers to ride all the way to Rockville to catch the train.
Quote from: Perry on November 01, 2008, 06:26:12 PM
NYC has or had a couple of unions too. These operators take being in a union very seriously. It complicates operations, but in the end, this is what was decided.
Yup - And NYCTA not only has TWU and ATU... They also have three locals within those. It's really mixed up and it gets even more complicated with all of the other agencies under the MTA umbrella. Even when the TA/OA, MTA Bus and LI Bus officially merge, these various unions will likely still be in place. My understanding is that the TA can move bus routes from one area (union) to another, but they must replace the "lost work" with some other work. The TA now has a lot of split routes and one which makes sense given the location of depots I was suprised that it happen given a bunch of differences. This is the route Q32. Historically this was a Manhattan division OA route (It used to be M32). The Q32 is now split between Quill depot and Stengel depot. The differences: Quill is OA, Stengel is TA, Quill is Manhattan division, Stengel is Queens Division, Quill is TWU and Stengel is ATU yet the split this route. Most other TA/OA split routes are within the same borough/bus division (and union).
Confuses me too.
Quote from: WMAveteran on November 05, 2008, 12:41:23 AM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 07:21:43 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 29, 2008, 03:53:43 PM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 01:35:32 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
George: thank you for the comment. Based on your description you must live in the Washingtonian/Rio community because that is the only location where the #54 and #74 meet. I live off Muddy Branch Road near Diamondback (where the #54, #76 & #67 converge). We are neighbors. I plan to ride the 5A next week myself - let me know if you want company.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking where u lived. I wish the 67 and 76 also came around here, sometimes I want to go to Kentlands or to friends who live in Dufief Mill. EDIT-wait the 74 does to to Kentlands too, but not through Kentlands Blvd.
Im gonna go to Rosslyn on Nov. 4th (after my English class and after voting)
Yes, I am not pleased with the schedules for the 74, 76 and the 67 however. The 74 does not run on weekends and the 67 is rush hour only. Furthermore the 76 and the 67 leave and arrive at Shady Grove at almost exactly the same time. Many of the passengers on the 76 and the 67 ride between Shady Grove and Muddy Branch & Diamondback so of they miss a bus they have to wait 30 minutes for the next run. If the departure and arrival times for the 76 & 67 were changed so they didn't leave and arrive at the same time there would be better service. Also the 54 which serves Westside Gaithersburg does not serve tne nearest METRO station at Shady Grove but forces the passengers to ride all the way to Rockville to catch the train.
I'm not far from you guys either. I live in the new development just east of Lakeforest. It's at the end of Odendhal near Summit Ave
Quote from: WayneNYC on November 05, 2008, 12:50:29 AM
Quote from: WMAveteran on November 05, 2008, 12:41:23 AM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 07:21:43 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 29, 2008, 03:53:43 PM
Quote from: George on October 29, 2008, 01:35:32 PM
Quote from: WMAveteran on October 28, 2008, 02:19:55 AM
I rode one of the NABIs (#5406) in service on the "U8" on Monday 11/27/2008 between the Capitol Heights station and the Minnesota Avenue Station. I live in Gaithersburg so I made a transit outing from my home using RIDE ON route#76 (#5501A - an 18 year old Orion that looked like it just came off the new bus showroom floor - it was immaculate!) to Shady Grove and the Red Line to the Blue Line to Capitol Heights.
At that time of day the "U8" runs every 13 minutes. I just missed the noon run at Capitol Heights but the 12:13pm NABI was precisely on time. There were only about 10 people on the bus at Capitol Heights but it turned heads everywhere; all the passengers were smiling and pedestrians just stopped to look. One person was taking pictures with his cell phone. The ride was silky smooth except for the seats directly behind the articulation joint that had an annoying vibration. The transmission had a torque converter but the shifts between gears were so smooth it almost felt like a CVT. Amazing acceleration for a vehicle that size!!! The seats were nicely padded and very comfortable.
By the time we reached the Minnesota Avenue station the seats were 2/3rds full but the vehicle is sooo big you didn't feel crushed. On a regular 40 footer with the same number of passengers there would have been a fully seated load with standees. The NABI has quite a presence with the red and silver paint and the streamlined appearance and that huge one piece front windshield.
I rode similar NABIs on the Orange Line in Los Angeles and although they had video screens for the news, etc., the WMATA NABIs rode better and had softer seats. Next week I think I will try to catch a NABI on the "5A" for some high speed mileage.
I returned home on the Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue to the Red Line to Rockville where I caught RIDE ON route#54 (Orion VII) back to my home. I left home at 10:30am and returned home at 2:30pm.
From what you described, it seems you live within a mile or 2 from where I live. Except the 54 and 74 are the only buses available in my area. I really want to ride or at least get a pic of 5501 before it retires, that would relieve me a lot.
Anyways, nice description of the new buses, I can't wait for next week so I can catch them on the 5A.
George: thank you for the comment. Based on your description you must live in the Washingtonian/Rio community because that is the only location where the #54 and #74 meet. I live off Muddy Branch Road near Diamondback (where the #54, #76 & #67 converge). We are neighbors. I plan to ride the 5A next week myself - let me know if you want company.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking where u lived. I wish the 67 and 76 also came around here, sometimes I want to go to Kentlands or to friends who live in Dufief Mill. EDIT-wait the 74 does to to Kentlands too, but not through Kentlands Blvd.
Im gonna go to Rosslyn on Nov. 4th (after my English class and after voting)
Yes, I am not pleased with the schedules for the 74, 76 and the 67 however. The 74 does not run on weekends and the 67 is rush hour only. Furthermore the 76 and the 67 leave and arrive at Shady Grove at almost exactly the same time. Many of the passengers on the 76 and the 67 ride between Shady Grove and Muddy Branch & Diamondback so of they miss a bus they have to wait 30 minutes for the next run. If the departure and arrival times for the 76 & 67 were changed so they didn't leave and arrive at the same time there would be better service. Also the 54 which serves Westside Gaithersburg does not serve tne nearest METRO station at Shady Grove but forces the passengers to ride all the way to Rockville to catch the train.
I'm not far from you guys either. I live in the new development just east of Lakeforest. It's at the end of Odendhal near Summit Ave
I thought you had moved to Gburg, why the Silver Spring polling place if you don't mind my asking?
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on November 05, 2008, 12:58:28 AM
I thought you had moved to Gburg, why the Silver Spring polling place if you don't mind my asking?
Oh - I kept forgetting to change my address with the Board of Elections. Then when I realized it this time, I decided to leave it as is and vote in Silver Spring since I know they still had my info. Now that the election is over we'll probably go on and change our address.
I also forgot to go out and find the newcomers (NABI 60-BRT). I didn't really forget, but I had a very busy week on vacation, didn't really get much time to recuperate over the weekend and I had to be at work yesterday due to us putting a new server in production. Hopefully I can do a little busfanning later this week or early next week. I'll probably go over to Rosslyn to find one since it's so close to the job.
I got a question: Why does Annex do some Landover routes?
Presumably for the same reason any other garage does any other division's routes - equipment and staff availability.
I asked that question because, from what I read on here, no other division does Landover routes on a normal basis because of Landover being a different Union. But I've seen otherwise with Annex buses. And I'm not talking about fill-ins. P Blocks on Landover routes that are near the Annex Division.
I thought Landover didn't split routes with other divisions.
annex does not do any of LANDOVER routes at all sometimes u may see there buses on their routes or another garage buses on their routes sometimes just because of bmnt movements. SO ANNEX DOES NOT!!! DO LANDOVER ROUTES.
OKAY wmata employee THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION AND CLARIFICATION!!!
LOL. Like you may see Bladensburg, Montgomery and Annex buses, but that's just because of shortage of equipment and what not.
Examples: 9809 on the A12, 6120 on the T18, and 4031 on the F14.
Another question, is it possible for ATU to still take over Landover?
Subject: NABI 60-BRT Debut. If union discussion continues, topic will be split off to form new Metro Unions thread.
Back to the 60-BRTs. I wonder when that Benning Road project is going to be complete so they can be on the X2.
Good Evening
I was wondering when and if all of the 5A blocks are going to be taken over by tha NABI's cause i was out there on monday and didnt see not 1 NABI out there.
I was saying the same thing Bladensburg. I can't be out there for long, so can someone tell me when's the best time to catch these on the 5A?
Probably during rush hour.