The first of the new 29ft Gilligs have made it in. There are a few differences from the last few (5726-5730) that came such as, they got rid of the "Christmas lights" on the rear, they put the "Rideonbus.com" instead of the long ass county website address, they have a "girlfriend seat" and they got Alcoa rims. 4/6 are on property, the rest should be here by the end of the week. These will retire a few Helldorado's. The new 40 footers are coming in behind them which will lead to the transfer of 5710-5725 to Gaithersburg. The Flx's and Orion I's will be retired though there thinking of keeping a few of the Orion I's and getting rid of a few more Helldorado's instead. Pics coming soon...
*EDIT by TRISTAN: Topic split due to confusion in finding information about new Ride On buses*
Here's some pics of Ride On's new 29 footer Gillig Advantages. For those who don't know new buses are delivered with the spare wheel/tire inside of the bus. The luggage very likely belongs to the delivery driver who would probably get a flight back home.
Photos taken by Rideonrulez.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/Ride-On/ro1.jpg)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/Ride-On/ro2.jpg)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/Ride-On/ro3.jpg)
Nice! I want a Baby G for christmas!
What's a 'girlfriend seat'?
The first passenger seat right across from the driver...the joke is that the driver's girlfriend would sit there and talk.
They put seats on top of the raised wheel wells? I hope they provided a ladder to climb up there. :P
We did that at PRTC with the same configuration. It's just a flip down step to get up there, no big deal.
Quote from: Perry on November 20, 2008, 09:12:23 PM
We did that at PRTC with the same configuration. It's just a flip down step to get up there, no big deal.
Same configuration over at CDTA for their 29' Gilligs. Of course, unlike PRTC and Ride On, their seating is all longitudinal which can be a pain.
On a 29' Gillig Low Floor, the wheels are smaller...don't have comparisons, but I wouldn't expect it to be done on a 35' or 40' bus.
Will the baby Gilligs go to Nicholson? When is it estimated that they will go into service?
Also, I'm glad to hear Ride-On is considering to keep some Orion Is and retire more HellDorados...does that explain why I saw 5506 on the 79 this afternoon?
Quote from: Tristan on November 20, 2008, 10:16:07 PM
On a 29' Gillig Low Floor, the wheels are smaller...don't have comparisons, but I wouldn't expect it to be done on a 35' or 40' bus.
So I take it theyll be R4s instead of N4s. I think I'mma like these. It's something about small buses (REAL ones) that make them seem so cute for some reason. The frameless windows just adds the touch. Thank god they got rid of the Christmas lights. Seemed like that'd be on every order. I do agree with you Chris, that long ass county website replaced by the simple Rideonbus.com.
Also, Chris, when are
5726-
5730 going to get the new radios? They are still without a proper Stop Requested sign and they still have the connectors and hookups for the radios.
R4s? N4s? Huh?
Quote from: George on November 20, 2008, 11:07:29 PM
Will the baby Gilligs go to Nicholson? When is it estimated that they will go into service?
Also, I'm glad to hear Ride-On is considering to keep some Orion Is and retire more HellDorados...does that explain why I saw 5506 on the 79 this afternoon?
The baby G's will go to Nicholson. They will probably be in service in the next week or two. There awaiting fareboxes, radios etc.....
The reason why you saw 5506 on the 79 because Nicholson was short of buses last night including my trip home last night!!
Quote
Also, Chris, when are 5726-5730 going to get the new radios? They are still without a proper Stop Requested sign and they still have the connectors and hookups for the radios.
They will be getting the stop announcement system/radio AFTER they finish installing it on all the buses/vehicles at Nicholson. They have installed the stop announcement system/radios on 6-7 of the Nicholson buses last I checked.
Quote from: Tristan on November 20, 2008, 11:37:07 PM
R4s? N4s? Huh?
The model code. The last 3 characters denote the wheel size and the number of tires. N for normal R for reduced. I forgot the exact format of the model codes but I know the Advantage starts with G.
All of the baby G's (5001-5006) are now in revenue service as of today (11/25/08).
Quote from: rideonrulez on November 25, 2008, 10:01:37 PM
All of the baby G's (5001-5006) are now in revenue service as of today (11/25/08).
Great...now that I just arrived in Florida...perfect timing as always, lol...
Looks sweet, it even has different doors this time around.
Yeah, I never saw a Gillig with the squared off glass for the doors before. Hopefully I'll be able to run into a few on my trip to the area.
Route 18, here I come!
Out of curiosity, how many of the Dorados are now left? Additionally, are the G-town routes still using these or did they go low floor?
Quote from: Tritransit Area on November 27, 2008, 02:47:42 PM
Yeah, I never saw a Gillig with the squared off glass for the doors before. Hopefully I'll be able to run into a few on my trip to the area.
Route 18, here I come!
Out of curiosity, how many of the Dorados are now left? Additionally, are the G-town routes still using these or did they go low floor?
The Germantown cutaway routes, like the other cutaway routes, use both the helldorados and low-floors. I usually see more helldorados but occasionally I do see low-floors, except on the 75...
Now hopefully I will be able to see some of the new 29' Gilligs around there.
I kinda wish we got more 29' Gilligs. They sure look nice...
I was intrigued to find an Hell Dorado on the Van Go...I thought those were all replaced by the low floors.
BTW, getting to the various buses in during construction (especially most Ride-On routes) sure is a workout, especially going uphill on Ramsey! Great way to get in shape! :)
Quote from: Tritransit Area on November 27, 2008, 02:47:42 PM
Out of curiosity, how many of the Dorados are now left? Additionally, are the G-town routes still using these or did they go low floor?
Ride On has about 30+ of the Helldorado's (unfortunately) and George is on the ball with the second question....
Quote
I was intrigued to find an Hell Dorado on the Van Go...I thought those were all replaced by the low floors.
Ride On actually still has all three of the old Van Go painted (5179-5181)
buses vehicles.
(Sorry Tristan, it was a little early in the morning for me)
5731-5734 were at Silver Spring garage. They look exactly like the 30 footers (except no girlfriend seat) but ten feet longer.
Last week it was 5001-5006, now we got 5731-5734. More surprises every week :P. Chris,are there any cosmetic differences between 5731-34 compared to their cousins 5726-30?
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on December 01, 2008, 10:46:46 AM
Last week it was 5001-5006, now we got 5731-5734. More surprises every week :P . Chris,are there any cosmetic differences between 5731-34 compared to their cousins 5726-30?
From an earlier post.....
There are a few differences from the last few (5726-5730) that came such as, they got rid of the "Christmas lights" on the rear, they put the "Rideonbus.com" instead of the long ass county website address, they have a "girlfriend seat" and they got Alcoa rims.
Cool. Can't wait to see pics of them. Watch by either the end of the week or next week, they'll be in service.
hmm...I thought I heard from someone that they were in service already. I guess it was my imagination...now that I return home tomorrow, I look forward to finding the baby Gilligs and hopefully the new 40-foot Gilligs.
Speaking of which, when are 5735-5746 coming into service?
QuoteCan't wait to see pics of them
You asked....
Plus an extra shot of 5002..
Can't wait to ride them!
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
Quote from: George on December 01, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
LOL Maybe next year ;)
Quote from: George on December 01, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
Can't wait to ride them!
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
Dude what's your problem with the Flyers? ;D
Quote from: George on December 01, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
Can't wait to ride them!
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
Why would you want a Gillig when you could have a New Flyer or Orion instead?
The first of the new 40 foot Gilligs (5733 & 5734) have hit the streets this afternoon (12/3/08).
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on December 01, 2008, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: George on December 01, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
Can't wait to ride them!
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
Why would you want a Gillig when you could have a New Flyer or Orion instead?
Trust me Oren, when you ride a New Flyer or Orion V on the 55 EVERY SINGLE DAY, it does get boring after a while. Plus, with the engines and speed the Gilligs have, it would be a really nice
and quick ride on the 55.
Quote from: George on December 04, 2008, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on December 01, 2008, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: George on December 01, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
Can't wait to ride them!
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
Why would you want a Gillig when you could have a New Flyer or Orion instead?
Trust me Oren, when you ride a New Flyer or Orion V on the 55 EVERY SINGLE DAY, it does get boring after a while. Plus, with the engines and speed the Gilligs have, it would be a really nice and quick ride on the 55.
Variety is nice, but Gillig builds crap. Orion and New Flyer are far better bus manufacturers.
To be honest with you, Gillig is back on the upswing. They dipped in the early early 90s to crap level (WMATA's), 93-94 seemed to be good years, 95-98 they crapped out again, but I think they've gone up and have stayed up since then...and I think the Advantage is built better than the Phantom, or maybe it's just a stronger design.
Of course, I still would like to see the oldest of the "new generation" Gilligs (let's say for DASH 2007 and for Ride On 2006) hit 5 years old and see if they're still holding up -- that has always been the magic number at which their buses just started to fall apart.
Is the 55 still running with exclusively 40 ft buses?
Quote from: Tristan on December 04, 2008, 06:15:35 PM
To be honest with you, Gillig is back on the upswing. They dipped in the early early 90s to crap level (WMATA's), 93-94 seemed to be good years, 95-98 they crapped out again, but I think they've gone up and have stayed up since then...and I think the Advantage is built better than the Phantom, or maybe it's just a stronger design.
Of course, I still would like to see the oldest of the "new generation" Gilligs (let's say for DASH 2007 and for Ride On 2006) hit 5 years old and see if they're still holding up -- that has always been the magic number at which their buses just started to fall apart.
TCAT's first and Ride On's first hybrids were part of the same NYS Consortium order and I'm not impressed by either, nor am I impressed by any of the other Gilligs running around up here. Haven't been on the latest RO Gilligs though. The Gilligs have the worst wide quality and are the most uncomfortable of any full size TCAT bus in my opinion, and they aren't the favorite buses of the TCAT staff either.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on December 04, 2008, 08:48:54 PM
Quote from: Tristan on December 04, 2008, 06:15:35 PM
To be honest with you, Gillig is back on the upswing. They dipped in the early early 90s to crap level (WMATA's), 93-94 seemed to be good years, 95-98 they crapped out again, but I think they've gone up and have stayed up since then...and I think the Advantage is built better than the Phantom, or maybe it's just a stronger design.
Of course, I still would like to see the oldest of the "new generation" Gilligs (let's say for DASH 2007 and for Ride On 2006) hit 5 years old and see if they're still holding up -- that has always been the magic number at which their buses just started to fall apart.
TCAT's first and Ride On's first hybrids were part of the same NYS Consortium order and I'm not impressed by either, nor am I impressed by any of the other Gilligs running around up here. Haven't been on the latest RO Gilligs though. The Gilligs have the worst wide quality and are the most uncomfortable of any full size TCAT bus in my opinion, and they aren't the favorite buses of the TCAT staff either.
Well, the new Gilligs that Ride-On have are much better than the hybrids (according to Ken - personally I think they are both the same, but nice)
I do agree with Ken that they run much faster and smoother and even the '06 Hybrids still have that new bus feel.
Some TA's might have crappy Gillig Advantages, it tends to happen but it's true. I guess it's the same case with TCAT.
But South Florida, for example, has been ordering Gillig Advantages since '99 and have been running strong up till today (only till '03 for BCT since they switched to NABI). Sure, some of the older Gilligs may be dirty and used-up, but they still run strong.
BCT had '96 Phantoms and '97 New Flyer D40LFs, and which ones are still in service? The Phantoms, oddly enough (even surprised me). The Phantoms, unlike the D40LFs, are high-floor, older, and have no other differences with the D40LFs, but they still for some reason chose to retire the D40LFs instead. If they really made a decision like that, then you can't really say that Gillig has crappy buses.
Although, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so if you think they are crappy buses, then that's your opinion and I can't change that.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on December 04, 2008, 06:37:11 PM
Is the 55 still running with exclusively 40 ft buses?
Yes, and it will always be like that.
However, sometimes you will find a 35' bus on the 55, even during peak hours. It tends to happen sometimes. Like yesterday, when I rode 5551 on the 55 southbound. That's why I posted this sighting as significant.
QuoteBut South Florida, for example, has been ordering Gillig Advantages since '99 and have been running strong up till today (only till '03 for BCT since they switched to NABI). Sure, some of the older Gilligs may be dirty and used-up, but they still run strong.
BCT had '96 Phantoms and '97 New Flyer D40LFs, and which ones are still in service? The Phantoms, oddly enough (even surprised me). The Phantoms, unlike the D40LFs, are high-floor, older, and have no other differences with the D40LFs, but they still for some reason chose to retire the D40LFs instead. If they really made a decision like that, then you can't really say that Gillig has crappy buses.
Although, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so if you think they are crappy buses, then that's your opinion and I can't change that.
Reasons I can think of that they could have retired the D40LFs before the Gilligs:
1. The New Flyers had more miles
2. Fleet standardization
Gilligs tend to be less expensive than New Flyer or Orion, which is why many small or medium sized TAs are ordering them. However, you get what you pay for, and Gillig never bids for large TAs because their buses won't hold up in a city like New York.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on December 04, 2008, 08:48:54 PM
TCAT's first and Ride On's first hybrids were part of the same NYS Consortium order and I'm not impressed by either, nor am I impressed by any of the other Gilligs running around up here. Haven't been on the latest RO Gilligs though. The Gilligs have the worst wide quality and are the most uncomfortable of any full size TCAT bus in my opinion, and they aren't the favorite buses of the TCAT staff either.
Centro's Gillig hybrids were part of the same consortium order (Centro was the lead agency) and they seem to be doing well. I've ridden on a few of the Gilligs recently and the ride quality didn't seem noticeably worse than a D40LF or Orion V.
By comparison, the Phantoms seem to be hit or miss. I rode on a Phantom suburban in Norfolk VA last summer and it rode great. On the other hand, one of the worst bus rides I've had in recent years was on an Avis Phantom at the Detroit airport – every bump was a teeth-jarring experience.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on December 04, 2008, 06:37:11 PM
Is the 55 still running with exclusively 40 ft buses?
It seems to be more of a weekday thing. On weekends you'll plenty of the shorter stuff on the 55. Sunday on Gaithersburg routes you won't find many 40 footers at all.
Quote from: NewFlyer97BCT on December 05, 2008, 07:14:42 AM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on December 04, 2008, 08:48:54 PM
Quote from: Tristan on December 04, 2008, 06:15:35 PM
To be honest with you, Gillig is back on the upswing. They dipped in the early early 90s to crap level (WMATA's), 93-94 seemed to be good years, 95-98 they crapped out again, but I think they've gone up and have stayed up since then...and I think the Advantage is built better than the Phantom, or maybe it's just a stronger design.
Of course, I still would like to see the oldest of the "new generation" Gilligs (let's say for DASH 2007 and for Ride On 2006) hit 5 years old and see if they're still holding up -- that has always been the magic number at which their buses just started to fall apart.
TCAT's first and Ride On's first hybrids were part of the same NYS Consortium order and I'm not impressed by either, nor am I impressed by any of the other Gilligs running around up here. Haven't been on the latest RO Gilligs though. The Gilligs have the worst wide quality and are the most uncomfortable of any full size TCAT bus in my opinion, and they aren't the favorite buses of the TCAT staff either.
Well, the new Gilligs that Ride-On have are much better than the hybrids (according to Ken - personally I think they are both the same, but nice)
I do agree with Ken that they run much faster and smoother and even the '06 Hybrids still have that new bus feel.
Some TA's might have crappy Gillig Advantages, it tends to happen but it's true. I guess it's the same cast with TCAT.
But South Florida, for example, has been ordering Gillig Advantages since '99 and have been running strong up till today (only till '03 for BCT since they switched to NABI). Sure, some of the older Gilligs may be dirty and used-up, but they still run strong.
BCT had '96 Phantoms and '97 New Flyer D40LFs, and which ones are still in service? The Phantoms, oddly enough (even surprised me). The Phantoms, unlike the D40LFs, are high-floor, older, and have no other differences with the D40LFs, but they still for some reason chose to retire the D40LFs instead. If they really made a decision like that, then you can't really say that Gillig has crappy buses.
Although, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so if you think they are crappy buses, then that's your opinion and I can't change that.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on December 04, 2008, 06:37:11 PM
Is the 55 still running with exclusively 40 ft buses?
Yes, and it will always be like that.
However, sometimes you will find a 35' bus on the 55, even during peak hours. It tends to happen sometimes. Like yesterday, when I rode 5551 on the 55 southbound. That's why I posted this sighting as significant.
I agree with you. The Hybrids are hella ugly. Do Ride On's Gillig Advantages have sound?
Well, they have the typical ISL/B400 sound...much to my disappointment. I have yet to actually ride one, but from the outside they do seem to be quieter than the average standard diesel bus.
Am I the only one to notice this?
Quote from: Tritransit Area on December 17, 2008, 12:20:19 AM
Well, they have the typical ISL/B400 sound...much to my disappointment. I have yet to actually ride one, but from the outside they do seem to be quieter than the average standard diesel bus.
Am I the only one to notice this?
I've noticed this as well. Even for the hybrids although they are a bit loud on the inside, the insulation probably blocks most of the sound.
Who said Gillig built crap buses? They may have taken a huge dip in the mid-90s, just as Flxible did during the early 90s, but they make some decent buses nowadays. Every generation of Gillig Advantages are still holding up good up to this day, and yes but sadly they are built better than the Orion VIIs. The Phantoms vary depending on when they were built, Ride On has 1995-1997 Phantoms that are ready to collapse while CityBus is still operating 1983 Phantoms that are running stronger and more solid than brand new Orions.
I haven't seen the 5731-5746 in my neck of the woods yet...
Quote from: ChristopherF on December 18, 2008, 12:45:55 PM
I haven't seen the 5731-5746 in my neck of the woods yet...
Thats because they have farebox issues. Three of them did hit service for one afternoon that I mentioned a few weeks ago but since then have been parked. We have 15/16 units on property.
Well 5731, 5733, 5734, 5736 & 5737 are on the road this morning but I think it was because we needed buses to make pull out.
I saw 5734 doing two inbound 15 runs this morning. That baby looked beautiful. The paint is darker and richer and it look like it just had been unwrapped. So farebox issues delayed their service debuts. So Chris, when you said 16 units on the property, are these the second order or combined from 5726 up to 5737 or so?
They are darker than the other diesel Gillig Advantages? No more teal (or is it sky blue?).
I noticed the scheme changed with these new Gilligs. Is this the modified scheme for the advertisements? I can dig it, although I kinda miss the white around the taillights and sides near the back...was kinda like a "blur" only with lines instead of a gradient.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on December 19, 2008, 09:34:27 AM
So Chris, when you said 16 units on the property, are these the second order or combined from 5726 up to 5737 or so?
The 16 number did not include the 5 (5726-5730) we already have. This is the group that is numbered 5731-5746. Next year were looking at getting a pretty BIG order though which means George can get some Gilligs upcounty ;)
Wow Gilligs upcounty? Never thought I would see the day - i missed the time when the '99 Gilligs (5400s?) were up there.
I imagine if the order is big enough we are saying goodbye to...the '96 Gilligs?!
dam those Gilligs are so kute lol
Quote from: Tritransit Area on December 20, 2008, 03:42:23 PM
Wow Gilligs upcounty? Never thought I would see the day - i missed the time when the '99 Gilligs (5400s?) were up there.
I imagine if the order is big enough we are saying goodbye to...the '96 Gilligs?!
I believe the '99 Gilligs (5410-5423) were originally Gaithersburg buses. Plus, a couple of months ago, 5400 and 5401 paid a brief visit to some Gaithersburg routes, but now they are on the training track (though they are still Gaithersburg buses).
I'm still protesting on why 5579 is on the training track when it has the new (and only) LED signs....that's such a waste.
Oh and yeah, I'm looking forward to upcounty Gilligs, will they be CNGs?
Quote from: NewFlyer97BCT on December 20, 2008, 05:57:46 PM
Oh and yeah, I'm looking forward to upcounty Gilligs, will they be CNGs?
Gillig doesn't do CNG (that is until the CARB probably forces them to) so unless Ride On wants to have a third party convert them to CNG I wouldn't hold my breath.
What I wonder is who the next bunch of CNG buses will come from? Would they go back to New Flyer? Give NABI a try? Try to see if another manufacturer comes in the picture? That might be more interesting if Gillig and Ride On are once again best buddies...
Quote from: rideonrulez on December 19, 2008, 11:33:14 AM
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on December 19, 2008, 09:34:27 AM
So Chris, when you said 16 units on the property, are these the second order or combined from 5726 up to 5737 or so?
The 16 number did not include the 5 (5726-5730) we already have. This is the group that is numbered 5731-5746. Next year were looking at getting a pretty BIG order though which means George can get some Gilligs upcounty ;)
Any more nat gases? It'd be funny if Ride On got 45CLFWs.
Quote from: NewFlyer97BCT on December 20, 2008, 05:57:46 PM
I'm still protesting on why 5579 is on the training track when it has the new (and only) LED signs....that's such a waste.
How is it a waste? It's better off there because the sign isn't even programmed.
Also to note 5718 & 5721 are up at Gaithersburg and are in service. That's because the 40 foot Gilligs have hit the street in full force today. 5731-5734, 5736-5742. That only leaves 5735, 5743-5746 to go into revenue service.
Farewell 40ft Orion Vs! I shall miss thee...at least in the southern part of the county.
Of course, I had a chance to ride on of them on the 15, but I decided to ride a '96 Gillig on the 16 instead!
Monday I spotted 5004 on the 4 to Kensington. I also spotted 3 different Orion Is. 2 on the 55 and another one on an unknown route. I didn't know Ride-On's C40LFs sounded just like WMATA's but a little quieter.
Quote from: NewFlyer97BCT on December 01, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
Can't wait to ride them!
(hey I asked...now I demand one on the 55! ;D )
Dude, I would kill to see one of these on the 55. I would ride it from Rockville to Lakeforest all day!!
Yes, these brand new advantages are nice, fast and rather solid (barely any rattling!). The square door windows really intrigue me - I haven't seen them elsewhere.
I guess the farebox issues were fixed, because these buses were very plentiful tonight (Saturday). Aznboy and I managed to grab one on the 5 (of all routes!) and I saw them on the 16 and other routes as well!
It's nice that Ride On went (back?) to Alcoas. They really look sharp, and the slightly darker blue is nice as well.