Bringing our idea over from BTCo.net...might as well finish out July in one place, so I'm sticking this thread here just so it's ready to roll on 8/1 :-)
I finally get to contribute to one of these!
WMATA 9819 (and its mis-matched rear doors) resting at Montgomery.
WMATA 5213 on the Z2(!)
WMATA 5206 on the Z8(!!)
WMATA 4096 on the J5
WMATA 2111 with a wrap for Mini on the S4
Ride On 5761 on Rockville Pike (between White Flint and Twinbrook) doing "Special Transportation". I've seen cutaways handle that, even once seeing a Van Go bus signed like that at Union Station, but a hybrid?
Name the only time when you will see a THE BUS passenger transport vehicle after 9pm.................? Give up....
Well when the bus apparently broke down and was fixed and was seen traveling back to the garage................followed by a tow truck. Could it be that THE BUS has bought an actual tow truck or did they just steal one of WMATA's? The bus in question was an HDX couldn't get the number, apparently they fixed the bus well and the thing looked it was hauling a** down Redskins Road.
There was a time when I went to DC on four consecutive Fridays and did not spot a Duh Bus bus at all. Even during rush hour when I was on the MARC train stopping at New Carrollton, I just saw all Metrobuses.
What's wrong with this sighting at King St Metro tonight? Winner receives tickets to WMATA's next Bussian Roulette!
|| FARRAGUT NORTH
Unbelievable: clearly that was the Red Line rush hour only extension from the Twilight Zone to Virginia. It must use express track 8 1/2 along with the Hogwarts Express. I am surprised you were able to see it at all! Are you a wizard?
Actually it was off-peak!
So you are a wizard (lol)!
Just sounds like a screwed up destination sign. Did all the signs say Farragut North or just one?
2052 on the L2, so the L2 seems to be a Western route on weekends, just like the N6
2172 on the 31
Saw a 36, 31, and 32 in fairly close succession on Wisconsin Avenue, it is good to know some things don't change ;)
All of them...I'd say it was bad operator input but I've seen it a few times before. Maybe it's the same operator's bad input over and over.
Interior of 2550 -- new 4one seats, I think CitiPros. Notice how all the "specialty" seats (benches and flip-ups) are still American Metropolitans, as many other VIIs have by default. Couldn't get spectacular shots because the bus was in service with many people on board, but...you get the idea I guess.
My 8/2/08 bus sightings are as follows:
RIDE ON:
995705 remains @ Gaithersburg & it DOES NOT have the announcer system installed.
995708 remains @ Gaithersburg.
METROBUS:
4311 remains @ Northern.
(NOTE: 4311 is wrapped in an ad for the MINI Clubman.)
4331, 4332 & 4333 -- all with "W" blocks -- were all on their respective 30s routes.
4340 is now wrapped in the Friends of the Berlin Airlift 60th Anniversary ad. The www.Germany.info Web address can be seen on & near the back.
2078 on the Q2 (Shady Grove Station), remains unrehabbed
2114 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station), bus was overcrowded
2123 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station)
2145 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station)
6161 on the F4 (New Carrollton), all 4 light bulbs behind the "Stop Requested" sign have burned out
2420 on the R2 (Ft Totten)
2413 on the R2 (Calverton)
Saw 5751 at Friendship Heights about half an hour ago behind a tow truck, it looks like it will be helped back to Silver Spring tonight...
2550's seats look like the one the NABI 60BRT's have from the pictures in the WMATA press release.
QuoteAll of them...I'd say it was bad operator input but I've seen it a few times before. Maybe it's the same operator's bad input over and over.
I'm not so sure it was operator error. The code for Farragut North is 05. Fort Totten (Yellow) is 29, Huntington is 31, Largo is 72, and Franconia is 16.
What about Greenbelt?
Greenbelt with Yellow dashes is 24.
QuoteRIDE ON:
995705 remains @ Gaithersburg & it DOES NOT have the announcer system installed.
995708 remains @ Gaithersburg.
There staying up there in Gaithersburg too, in fact you will see more of them up there soon
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 03, 2008, 12:31:21 AM
2550's seats look like the one the NABI 60BRT's have from the pictures in the WMATA press release.
That's what I thought!
Quote from: ChristopherF on August 03, 2008, 12:10:07 AM
My 8/2/08 bus sightings are as follows:
RIDE ON:
995705 remains @ Gaithersburg & it DOES NOT have the announcer system installed.
995708 remains @ Gaithersburg.
METROBUS:
4311 remains @ Northern.
(NOTE: 4311 is wrapped in an ad for the MINI Clubman.)
4331, 4332 & 4333 -- all with "W" blocks -- were all on their respective 30s routes.
4340 is now wrapped in the Friends of the Berlin Airlift 60th Anniversary ad. The www.Germany.info Web address can be seen on & near the back.
2078 on the Q2 (Shady Grove Station), remains unrehabbed
2114 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station), bus was overcrowded
2123 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station)
2145 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station)
6161 on the F4 (New Carrollton), all 4 light bulbs behind the "Stop Requested" sign have burned out
2420 on the R2 (Ft Totten)
2413 on the R2 (Calverton)
Welcome to DCATZ, Chris.
Just to point out a couple things:
2400s on the R2 ... isn't that special of a sighting -- happens every block, every day, unless a C40LFR goes out.
Also, the "99" or whatever the first two small digits are before a Ride On bus number aren't actually part of the actual vehicle number; it's just the year that particular bus was built.
It's acceptable to just say "5705"...in fact, all Ride On buses start with "5", so many drivers and dispatchers might just say "705" :-) But for consistency's sake, I'll keep the five.
Quote from: WMAveteran on August 02, 2008, 02:21:00 AM
Unbelievable: clearly that was the Red Line rush hour only extension from the Twilight Zone to Virginia. It must use express track 8 1/2 along with the Hogwarts Express. I am surprised you were able to see it at all! Are you a wizard?
Hmm. That could explain a lot about Tristan! During many of the past few months, I could have sworn he was wearing an invisibility cloak! And there's got to be some spell being used at DASH that keeps all their buses dent free!
Mr. Net, my invisibility cloak lands at Dulles tomorrow morning...no magic there ;)
Anyone notice how, lately, DASH only wins roadeos when I'm present? :-X
Quote from: Tristan on August 03, 2008, 03:26:36 PM
Mr. Net, my invisibility cloak lands at Dulles tomorrow morning...no magic there ;)
Anyone notice how, lately, DASH only wins roadeos when I'm present? :-X
Well, looks like the fun of the school year is over, and you'll be returning to your room under the stairs in the broom closet.
Guess I won't be seeing you on my planned return to DC like last Saturday!
A couple meta-observations from earlier today:
1: I decided to fan the N22 and I noticed that all 5 of the buses I saw on the route had "NOT IN SERVICE" on the signs rather than "N22 - Navy Yard Station" or "N22 - Union Station". I can understand a bus here and there, but 5? Problems at FMR perhaps?
2: While at Navy Yard waiting for a Green Line train, about 90 minutes before the Nats game, I noticed pantograph gates and a bunch of Metro police and WMATA supervisors about 1/3 of the way down the platform. I know that the Nats games make crowds, but when I went to 3 games earlier this year I never saw gates on the platform.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 03, 2008, 04:52:00 PM
1: I decided to fan the N22 and I noticed that all 5 of the buses I saw on the route had "NOT IN SERVICE" on the signs rather than "N22 - Navy Yard Station" or "N22 - Union Station". I can understand a bus here and there, but 5? Problems at FMR perhaps?
I doubt that's the case, if you're referring to headsigns at least. I've seen FMR buses (in fact, another member here has a picture of a
38B bus...) on the N22 with the proper signage and, as was mentioned before in another thread, or maybe on BTCo, all buses carry systemwide sign programming.
Quote from: btconet on August 03, 2008, 04:25:36 PM
Quote from: Tristan on August 03, 2008, 03:26:36 PM
Mr. Net, my invisibility cloak lands at Dulles tomorrow morning...no magic there ;)
Anyone notice how, lately, DASH only wins roadeos when I'm present? :-X
Well, looks like the fun of the school year is over, and you'll be returning to your room under the stairs in the broom closet.
Guess I won't be seeing you on my planned return to DC like last Saturday!
Me, miss an opportunity to make fun of B-B-B-B'more, eMpTy-A, and our good friend? Ssssheeeiiittt!
Quote from: Tristan on August 03, 2008, 05:11:27 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 03, 2008, 04:52:00 PM
1: I decided to fan the N22 and I noticed that all 5 of the buses I saw on the route had "NOT IN SERVICE" on the signs rather than "N22 - Navy Yard Station" or "N22 - Union Station". I can understand a bus here and there, but 5? Problems at FMR perhaps?
I doubt that's the case, if you're referring to headsigns at least. I've seen FMR buses (in fact, another member here has a picture of a 38B bus...) on the N22 with the proper signage and, as was mentioned before in another thread, or maybe on BTCo, all buses carry systemwide sign programming.
Here it is...
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/WMATA/DSC09716.jpg)
Quote from: Tristan on August 03, 2008, 03:26:36 PM
Anyone notice how, lately, DASH only wins roadeos when I'm present? :-X
Maybe you should become a judge this year so you can give DASH the help they need!! You better tell Clarence to step it up too!! Oh and no speeches from Brad please..... ;D
Quote from: Tristan on August 03, 2008, 05:11:27 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 03, 2008, 04:52:00 PM
1: I decided to fan the N22 and I noticed that all 5 of the buses I saw on the route had "NOT IN SERVICE" on the signs rather than "N22 - Navy Yard Station" or "N22 - Union Station". I can understand a bus here and there, but 5? Problems at FMR perhaps?
I doubt that's the case, if you're referring to headsigns at least. I've seen FMR buses (in fact, another member here has a picture of a 38B bus...) on the N22 with the proper signage and, as was mentioned before in another thread, or maybe on BTCo, all buses carry systemwide sign programming.
I meant the headsigns...as well as the side signs and the rear signs. All Not in Service. It seems a little suspicious thought it was a good ride and the Eastern Market area (which is new to me) looks right out of some Boston suburb.
They are coming in, slowly but surely. The NABI BRTs are heading in, saw about 4 or 5 of them parked at Bladensburg this evening.
And another thing, 9322 will probably be in the 3rd scheme pretty soon, so be on the lookout. It is at Bladensburg right now being prepped.
Quote from: rideonrulez on August 03, 2008, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Tristan on August 03, 2008, 03:26:36 PM
Anyone notice how, lately, DASH only wins roadeos when I'm present?
Maybe you should become a judge this year so you can give DASH the help they need!! You better tell Clarence to step it up too!! Oh and no speeches from Brad please.....
Hey you actually need to be nice to Brad now ;D
Quote from: WES on August 03, 2008, 08:33:50 PM
And another thing, 9322 will probably be in the 3rd scheme pretty soon, so be on the lookout. It is at Bladensburg right now being prepped.
More seasoned posters here know who I'm about to put on suicide watch ;D
So Christopher, I see you finally joined one of the DC forums.
Well here are my sightings:
I saw 2550 yesterday on the 10B (weekend FMR run), I didn't know about the interior but it has been blue crushed with the NGV wrap.
2071 and 2075 fresh and rehabbed...both seen on the Q2 (this was a couple of days ago)
-(2075 makes a nice whining noise as it accelerates, gotta love that noise)
9411 at Montgomery
9319, 9330, 9331, and 9334 at Arlington
9312, 9332, 9333, 9371 at Landover
9301, 9302, 9303, 9309, 9323, 9340, 9341, 9342, 9352-9358, 9377, 9395, 9400, and 9404 at Royal (maybe more that I missed, but it seems like they have the most B's so far)
Montgomery 9300s: 9346, 9351, 9370, 9387, 9409...I am not sure if they remain at Montgomery
And who can forget...with every single new delivery of Ride-On buses, at least one of them has the route 47 programmed with Parkside-Grosvenor as the destination. In this case, it's 5726, and I will not quit till I get a picture of that bus on that line (it's just funny...lol)
And Chris...I heard that 5718 has been out of service for a while...I swear I saw that bus not too long ago (maybe a couple of months ago). What I haven't seen in a while is 5717, 5720, and 5724.
Another question Chris, when the other new clean diesel Gilligs arrive, will they continue as 5731-5749 or will there be too many to fit within that range? I don't know it seems confusing at this point, on top of that there will be the 30-footers.
[/long post]
I should mention that the new seats on 2550...are pretty darn comfortable, and I think they're made in such a way that that will always be the case, versus the foam padding on the older softseaters that wears down over time and eventually leaves you sitting on springs and frames.
I'm posting this from my PM box on behalf of ChristopherF...I'm assuming it was an accident to send it to me instead of posting it on the board. Mr. F, I assume you'll correct me if I'm wrong.
My 8/3/08 bus sightings are as follows:
METROBUS:
2651 NOT IN SERVICE at Rosslyn
2816 on the X2 (Lafayette Square)
2630 on the X2 (Lafayette Square)
2054 on the 42 (Metro Center), remains unrehabbed
2081 on the C4 (Twinbrook Station), recently rehabbed
6038 on the K6 (Ft Totten)
2164 on the 70 (Archives), bus now has Luminator signs
2361 on the 80 (Ft Totten)
2369 on the R2 (Calverton)
NOTES:
I haven't heard if Ride On will be putting any more new clean diesel buses in service this year. But none of the 5 Gillig Advantage clean diesels (which are similar to the 2007 Gillig Advantage hybrids) have the automated announcer systems installed. 995705 doesn't have that, either. If I remember correctly, none of Ride On's 1996-98 Orion V "teenage buses" have the automated announcer systems installed.
Okay now that the post is there...I have to ask, do you just post every bus you see? Only one of these items is anything special and that's 2816 on the X2...
The point of the sightings thread is more to point out oddities in regular patterns. I guess you can post whatever you see here but it isn't really noteworthy unless it's different......maybe like a GEORGE bus on the 28B or something like that. I guess we never really explained the concept.
To expand on what Tristan said, the sightings by month shouldn't be for a sighting that is normal, but what isn't for example.....
2801 on the 79--usual, not noteworthy
2801 on the 80--that is noteworthy
2801 seen on the 79 with a TWIN VISION sign-- that is note worthy.
The sightings by month is supposed to highlight news worthy items such as, new bus sightings, bus sightings on strange routes, buses with experimental equipment (aka, destination signs, seats, new paint schemes, etc.), the latest wraps, bus malfunctions, recent rehabs and things such as that. Seeing 2401 on the X2 isn't that great, seeing 2401 on the 16B is.
One thing I will say though. Personally, when I see notes of ordinary sightings from 20-50 years ago, they're golden. It's easy to remember the "ordinary" as it pertains to last week or last month. As time goes on, however, the memory gets much more difficult.
I'd agree that this thread is definitely a more of a place to mention the out of the ordinary, but it's good to see someone taking the time to make note of the ordinary to have a future record of just what was SOP at this moment in time.
Quote from: WES on August 04, 2008, 03:07:14 PM
2801 seen on the 79 with a TWIN VISION sign-- that is note worthy.
2801 has a Luminator TITAN sign with a full color route number panel.
And what is on the back of 2801? It shows the route number then scrolls like a marquee with some kind of destination or something (didn't quite see it)
Quote from: George on August 05, 2008, 11:08:07 PM
And what is on the back of 2801? It shows the route number then scrolls like a marquee with some kind of destination or something (didn't quite see it)
Same sign. For some apparent reason, the stops aren't being displayed on the interior sign, but are scrolling on the rear route sign. The not so Clever Devices :).
Quote from: btconet on August 05, 2008, 02:21:21 PM
One thing I will say though. Personally, when I see notes of ordinary sightings from 20-50 years ago, they're golden. It's easy to remember the "ordinary" as it pertains to last week or last month. As time goes on, however, the memory gets much more difficult.
I'd agree that this thread is definitely a more of a place to mention the out of the ordinary, but it's good to see someone taking the time to make note of the ordinary to have a future record of just what was SOP at this moment in time.
You and your good points >:( >:(
Quote from: Tristan on August 06, 2008, 02:35:49 PM
Quote from: btconet on August 05, 2008, 02:21:21 PM
One thing I will say though. Personally, when I see notes of ordinary sightings from 20-50 years ago, they're golden. It's easy to remember the "ordinary" as it pertains to last week or last month. As time goes on, however, the memory gets much more difficult.
I'd agree that this thread is definitely a more of a place to mention the out of the ordinary, but it's good to see someone taking the time to make note of the ordinary to have a future record of just what was SOP at this moment in time.
You and your good points >:( >:(
Heck, I'm guiltier than anyone. I don't generally record observations, ordinary or otherwise, and I have a bad habit of not taking photos of ordinary equipment on its ordinary assignment. At least if you have the latter (and date it to some degree), you come away with a good visual record of what ran where.
My 8/6/08 bus sightings are as follows:
RIDE ON:
975409, with the -paint scheme that can never, ever, ever be changed at any time-, on the 16 (Silver Spring)
995709 remains @ Gaithersburg.
025609 on the 10 (Hillandale), 2 of the 3 chime cords inside that bus are broken
5531-A on the 56 (Rockville)
965566 on the 48 (Rockville), bus now has the Orbital announcer system installed
METROBUS:
4325 on the T2 (Friendship Heights) & is no longer wrapped in the Adobe LifeCycle ES ad
2076 on the Q2 (Silver Spring Station), remains unrehabbed
2078 on the Q2 (Shady Grove Station), remains unrehabbed
Quote from: ChristopherF on August 06, 2008, 09:20:21 PM
My 8/6/08 bus sightings are as follows:
RIDE ON:
995709 remains @ Gaithersburg.
I think Chris already mentioned that those 5700 series Orion Vs at Gaithersburg are there for the long haul.
We also already mentioned that the first two digits are not a part of the bus number and that this forum is not for day-to-day stuff, but...I think we're not getting the point across. Maybe he just isn't reading the posts and just posting and running?
Quote from: Tristan on August 06, 2008, 09:58:16 PM
We also already mentioned that the first two digits are not a part of the bus number and that this forum is not for day-to-day stuff, but...I think we're not getting the point across. Maybe he just isn't reading the posts and just posting and running?
Before joining the forums he kept emailing me with the same kind of stuff...and sometimes asking me where 4242, 4020, and 9610 were.
After responding to him about the buses, he still kept asking me about them...so there's your answer to whether he read your post or not.
Quote from: George on August 06, 2008, 11:32:07 PM
Quote from: Tristan on August 06, 2008, 09:58:16 PM
We also already mentioned that the first two digits are not a part of the bus number and that this forum is not for day-to-day stuff, but...I think we're not getting the point across. Maybe he just isn't reading the posts and just posting and running?
Before joining the forums he kept emailing me with the same kind of stuff...and sometimes asking me where 4242, 4020, and 9610 were.
After responding to him about the buses, he still kept asking me about them...so there's your answer to whether he read your post or not.
I got similar emails, too. I agree with Adam, it isn't the end of the world to create a record of the mundane, but it does add posts.
My observation of the day: 5834's side destination sign is doing something I don't think I've ever seen. The bottom half of the display had all its LEDs lit up, the top half was dark. The rear sign was not working either, but I don't know if it was a related issue or not. I saw the side sign while the bus was displaying 46 MEDICAL CENTER and 46 MONT COLL/ROCKVILLE, but only saw the rear as it was finishing the run to Medical Center.
I was actually going to mention about 055834's side destination sign until I saw Oren's post. I rode that particular bus on the 59 from Montgomery Village to Lakeforest yesterday. Also, 995715 has the far right displays on the front & side badly messed up.
And last, but not least, be on the lookout for Landover-based bus routes that have recently had their destination signs reprogrammed. I saw an Orion VI that had "NEW CARROLLTON STATION" -- displayed in two lines -- on the front destination sign a few weeks ago. That same bus had the rear route sign alternating between "CAUTION TESTING" and "F4." Again, please be on the lookout.
The double stacked destination programming has been going on for a while now. Most of the buses have been reprogrammming to double stack long destinations, who knows when they will finish up on that project.
I forgot to mention that, about the "CAUTION TESTING IN PROGRESS" displayed on the destination signs. Oddly enough I have only seen that just on Landover based buses and no other division. I think I was waiting to get a picture to demonstrate what was going on, but haven't gotten one yet.
Thanks Wes. I was the one who tipped everyone with the most recent reprogramming of destination signs on WMATA's Landover buses. I saw another example of this on 2031 on the F6 earlier this evening. The rear route sign on that bus rotated between "CAUTION TESTING" and "F6".
My short list of other notable sightings for 8/7/08:
THE BUS (PG CO.)
53016 is now in THE BUS scheme, spotted on Baltimore Ave near Cherry Hill Road in College Park
METROBUS:
4200 on the R2 (Calverton)
And so it 53012 (of course former MTA 3012), is also painted. The blower still 3013 without a 5 in front of it and some of the former shuttle bug wrapped SLFs in the 63130s.
Saw 9494 on the 18 and let's just say, this bus would have even been better at Northern, running the 70 all day and this bus would have been in better shape than what I saw today. The new Gilligs still look pretty decent---SHOCKING isn't it.
Today on the 26 heading towards Glenmont within 10 minutes of each other. One of Ride On's oldest buses (5501) and one of Ride On's newest buses (5828). 5828 has a seat cushion loose in the back, not good at all.
Also, heading past Connecticut on the J2 I saw a Western O5, Knight Riders and all, on the L7. Why would Western be doing a block on the Maryland L's nowadays?
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 07, 2008, 08:56:17 PM
Today on the 26 heading towards Glenmont within 10 minutes of each other. One of Ride On's oldest buses (5501) and one of Ride On's newest buses (5828). 5828 has a seat cushion loose in the back, not good at all.
Also, heading past Connecticut on the J2 I saw a Western O5, Knight Riders and all, on the L7. Why would Western be doing a block on the Maryland L's nowadays?
I think Western does the L7 now. I've seen a few of them when I was riding the 34 from Wheaton to Bethesda.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 07, 2008, 08:56:17 PM
Today on the 26 heading towards Glenmont within 10 minutes of each other. One of Ride On's oldest buses (5501) and one of Ride On's newest buses (5828). 5828 has a seat cushion loose in the back, not good at all.
Also, heading past Connecticut on the J2 I saw a Western O5, Knight Riders and all, on the L7. Why would Western be doing a block on the Maryland L's nowadays?
I think there have always been a few L7 and possibly L8 trips covered by Western. Also, as part of the route shifts when Southeastern closed, its possible all the L7 trips (and there aren't many) got shifted to Western to balance out assignments. Otherwise, there was some other disruption and the backup came from Western.
My bus obervations for 08/09/08:
RIDE ON:
995709 remains @ Gaithersburg.
995410, with the -paint scheme that can never, ever, ever be changed at any time-, on the 10 (Twinbrook)
995804 on the 55 (Germantown Transit Center), the only 40-footer I saw -- & rode -- on that route, the rest were 35-footers
085729 is the bus that is on display at the 60th annual Montgomery County Fair
METROBUS:
4351 on the 70 (Silver Spring Station) with an "N" block
4228 & 4230 remain @ Montgomery.
4263 remains @ Northern.
4227 & 4229 were @ Montgomery, but according to another poster, they were recently seen on Annex routes. Status unknown.
4351 at Northern??? Not too long ago I saw that bus in Royal turf (I think 10 line or 28 line)
And according to AnnexOperator, 4227-4230 have moved to Annex, but I have to agree with Christopher that 4228 remains at Montgomery, I knew I saw that bus not too long ago around here. I don't know about 4230 though.
Oh I forgot to mention this, about a month ago I was riding the Q2 when another Q2 bus passed ours. That bus was 9771, and the rear sign had a 2-line display of "Q2 Shady" *flip* "Grove Sta", both lines displaying that.
It was pretty funny, unfortunately 9771 beat our bus to Rockville and it left before I could get a picture of it
What was the bus at last year's fair? I was at the fair, but I never made it to the Ride On display.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 09, 2008, 11:18:37 PM
What was the bus at last year's fair? I was at the fair, but I never made it to the Ride On display.
I want to say it either 5947 or 5948, but it's a bit fuzzy a year later.
SPECIFIC METROBUS OBSERVATIONS (08/09/08):
4228, still with an "M" block, was deadheading (NOT IN SERVICE) on Piney Branch Rd in Silver Spring.
4230 on the Q2 (Shady Grove Station), still with an "M" block
2139 seen earlier this week on the 10A...unless a DC garage is chipping in on Royal's 10 trips, I have to guess this means that 2100s are back in VA, though I hope it's just a Southeastern displacement and not a permanent fixture. Looked rehabbed, FWIW.
Quote from: WayneNYC on August 09, 2008, 11:35:01 PM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 09, 2008, 11:18:37 PM
What was the bus at last year's fair? I was at the fair, but I never made it to the Ride On display.
I want to say it either 5947 or 5948, but it's a bit fuzzy a year later.
Good enough, thanks.
2080 at Friendship Heights, appeared to be rehabbed
THE BUS 62994 was broken down doing the 27, heading towards the Landover Station on Landover Road.
My bus observations for 8/11/08:
METROBUS:
2068 on the Z6 (Silver Spring Station), remains unrehabbed
4229 on the Z6 (Burtonsville) with an "M" block
A friend of mine who is a transit fan just sent me a message saying he saw an MCI on the 5A at L'Enfant Plaza during his lunch break. Said the bus had WMATA logos, no bike rack. Unit number was 9990.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 12, 2008, 12:50:29 PM
A friend of mine who is a transit fan just sent me a message saying he saw an MCI on the 5A at L'Enfant Plaza during his lunch break. Said the bus had WMATA logos, no bike rack. Unit number was 9990.
Hmm. Interesting. Sounds like a demo (I hope to heck they get MCIs).
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 12, 2008, 12:50:29 PM
A friend of mine who is a transit fan just sent me a message saying he saw an MCI on the 5A at L'Enfant Plaza during his lunch break. Said the bus had WMATA logos, no bike rack. Unit number was 9990.
I might have to scope out FMR tonight...
I gotta wonder though -- I don't think WMATA has ever done an in-service demonstration. How is fare being collected? If they're taking any money, they almost have to accept SmarTrips as well. Maybe they have a certain number of extra boxes to put on demo buses? Would an MCI demo even have farebox mounting brackets/drillouts? Or are certain lucky people saving $3/$3.10 a trip today?
Hmm, time to check out the I-66 webcams!!!
If anyone gets super bored, 66 @ Glebe is at a great angle:
http://www.trafficland.com/city/WAS/index.html?campid=0&ssns=14&
The few minutes or so that I was looking at it I saw several Loudoun Commuter buses, a couple of FFX Connector RTS's and one Orion VII which I think was the 5A. I think I just missed the DC-bound one so I'm not sure if the MCI is still floating around on there or was just a mid-day test.
Perry, I said if you get super bored. If you had that much free time, where are our P13 schedules? >:( ;D ;D
Haha, well I was taking a break at work. LOL
Oh gosh. I have nothing against MCIs, although I think the most recent restyling is kind of goofy looking. I really hope WMATA is not planning to purchase MCIs.
My 8/12 bus sightings are as follows:
METROBUS:
2012 on the F4 (Silver Spring Station), remains unrehabbed
2078 on the C4 (Twinbrook Station), remains unrehabbed
2096 on the C8 (College Park Station), remains unrehabbed
THE BUS:
An unidentified 2008 Gillig Advantage clean diesel was sighted on the 17 (Langley Park via Ikea). This was the 1st time I have ever seen a Gillig Advantage in THE BUS' colors. And yes, that particular 2008 Gillig Advantage has the exhaust pipe that is identical to the 5 buses that (Montgomery County) Ride On has.
Did it have bumps that might denote it was might be RIDE ON's. That no good chimp maybe up to no good.
If it is actually purchased the DUH BUS, then.............
WHAT THE HELL!!!!
Quote from: Tristan on August 12, 2008, 03:33:01 PM
If anyone gets super bored, 66 @ Glebe is at a great angle:
http://www.trafficland.com/city/WAS/index.html?campid=0&ssns=14&
O_o woah woah woah RIGHT WHEN I CLICKED THAT I saw one of the new artics traveling on the 66...just wow
Oh and 5947 was the Ride-On bus on display last year.
Plus, 4311 is now at Montgomery...saw it on the Q2 yesterday and it has a Mini wrap.
A combination from the last couple days:
9339(?) on the H4 at Georgia Ave
A 4200 on the P6 boarding at Rhode Island Ave
3919 with a Northern block on layover at Shaw-Howard University
9405 on the J5 in the morning rush today (which is rare since the morning runs almost are ALWAYS D40LFR suburbans)
Just saw 5141 on the 29 with an ad for the Diane Rehm Show and WAMU on the rear of the bus. First time I think I've seen an ad on a HellDorado.
METROBUS:
4360 is now wrapped in the MINI ad, just like 4311
4234 no longer has the Hersheypark rear-wrap
9409 remains @ Montgomery.
9817 on the Z8 (Greenncastle Park & Ride), note the double "N" on the front destination sign
2584, 2625, 2638 are now in the NGV wrap
Quote from: ChristopherF on August 14, 2008, 02:22:59 PM
9817 on the Z8 (Greenncastle Park & Ride), note the double "N" on the front destination sign
It's been like that since the signs were reprogrammed last year. I guess someone musta pressed the N one too many times. The stacked signs are better than putting them along one line
TWINBROOK STATION
FRIENDSHIPHEIGHTS
Last Sunday I saw 2026 deadheading northbound on Rockville Pike right near Grosvenor Station
Today I saw 9746 deadheading westbound on the I-370 near the I-270
I don't remember if I mentioned this earlier but Ride-On's 5502 seems to be in service at Gaithersburg division...I saw it on the 54 one day and the 100 another day.
Also, yesterday I saw 4229 on the T2. It doesn't look like 4227-4230 moved to Annex after all. If you ask me, it might have been 4220-4223 because I haven't seen those buses in a while.
My understanding is that they put 35-footers up at the training course because, after the last Is retire, there will be no more 30' buses, so why train with 30' buses?
I say they should put the Flxibles up there so they can train on 40s...might reduce the *cough*body damage*cough* on many of their 40' units.
Quote from: George on August 14, 2008, 10:58:30 PM
I don't remember if I mentioned this earlier but Ride-On's 5502 seems to be in service at Gaithersburg division...I saw it on the 54 one day and the 100 another day.
I could've swore I mentioned this awhile back on BTCO. Training traded the Orion I's 5500, 5501, 5502 & 5531 for 5400, 5401, 5578 & 5579.
Quote from: George on August 13, 2008, 12:07:12 PM
Quote from: Tristan on August 12, 2008, 03:33:01 PM
If anyone gets super bored, 66 @ Glebe is at a great angle:
http://www.trafficland.com/city/WAS/index.html?campid=0&ssns=14&
O_o woah woah woah RIGHT WHEN I CLICKED THAT I saw one of the new artics traveling on the 66...just wow
It was probably just a test. I don't think the new artics will be on that line.
They specifically mentioned the 5A as one of their possible routes, and it does need them -- I've never seen anything less than a full seated load, and that's the worst route in the WMATA system (B30 maybe) to have a standing load on because there would be luggage in the aisles and people standing for almost an hour.
The B30 could definitely use those. A few years ago, I took the B30 to BWI and it was crush loaded. I think another time the crew went up there and we were smashed in too.
Quote from: Tristan on August 16, 2008, 12:56:35 AM
They specifically mentioned the 5A as one of their possible routes, and it does need them -- I've never seen anything less than a full seated load, and that's the worst route in the WMATA system (B30 maybe) to have a standing load on because there would be luggage in the aisles and people standing for almost an hour.
So what you're saying is that Bladensburg is possibly going to do a Virginia line.
Either that or they'd assign some to Four Mile Run, which has CNG and artic capability.
I don't think they're going to do that. I read that all 22 CNG Artics are going to Bladensburg.
And I read probably in the same place as you did that the 5A was a route considered for artics, so ... that means, yes, either Bladensburg is operating a VA route (FMR operates a DC route so it wouldn't be unprecedented, plus the 5A starts downtown anyway) or FMR is getting some Bladensburg buses. If you don't believe in one theory, then go with the other.
Quote from: Tristan on August 16, 2008, 12:48:44 PM
And I read probably in the same place as you did that the 5A was a route considered for artics, so ... that means, yes, either Bladensburg is operating a VA route (FMR operates a DC route so it wouldn't be unprecedented, plus the 5A starts downtown anyway) or FMR is getting some Bladensburg buses. If you don't believe in one theory, then go with the other.
Eh. I kinda don't see it happening in my sense. IF I do see a 5400 on the 5A with a B block, then I'll be shocked. Doesn't FMR already have a crapload of Orion 7s. Anything different would seem odd. To me, the Virginia routes don't seem to have immense capacities like the DC lines have. It's just shifting one load to one place and picking up another load. It's not where you have a full load going the entire route.
79, leave it to people who live here. The 5A is overcrowded on virtually every trip. Ask operators and other passengers -- something needs to be done, if not increased headways (again), then bigger buses (less expensive to implement). That's why they thought about it in the first place.
Quote from: Tristan on August 16, 2008, 01:54:17 PM
79, leave it to people who live here. The 5A is overcrowded on virtually every trip. Ask operators and other passengers -- something needs to be done, if not increased headways (again), then bigger buses (less expensive to implement). That's why they thought about it in the first place.
What's the current headways for the 5A on weekdays?
http://www.wmata.com/timetables/dc/5a.pdf (http://www.wmata.com/timetables/dc/5a.pdf)
Are WMATA's 2008 NABI articulated buses (the first ones in the fleet with CNG) in service yet? There are 22 of these buses, but are they numbered 5400-5421 or 5401-5422?
Probably 5401-up, in keeping with WMATA orders since the Orion VIIs.
These buses don't yet seem to be in service -- but don't worry, you'll hear about it the day they hit the streets. Stay tuned to DCATZ :-)
Not sure when this happened or if it has been noted here, but the Georgetown Blue buses have been replaced by larger, white buses with small owned/operated by Veolia stickers on the rear. They also have LED signage.
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 18, 2008, 12:33:42 PM
Not sure when this happened or if it has been noted here, but the Georgetown Blue buses have been replaced by larger, white buses with small owned/operated by Veolia stickers on the rear. They also have LED signage.
I didn't know Veolia ran that as well. Why didn't they get Smartrip boxes is beyond me? Alot of people use the service to get to Rosslyn when the 38B is taking long.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on August 18, 2008, 01:25:12 PM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 18, 2008, 12:33:42 PM
Not sure when this happened or if it has been noted here, but the Georgetown Blue buses have been replaced by larger, white buses with small owned/operated by Veolia stickers on the rear. They also have LED signage.
I didn't know Veolia ran that as well. Why didn't they get Smartrip boxes is beyond me? Alot of people use the service to get to Rosslyn when the 38B is taking long.
The two routes only share a few stops in common on M Street, no more than 2 IIRC. I'm sure many people board whichever comes first. Seems to me it could just be absorbed by Circulator, the way Circulator absorbed their first route.
The buses also don't seem to be parked at the Key Bridge Marriott anymore.
9405 is now at Montgomery - seen on the Q2 this morning
9764 returns to Montgomery - seen at Silver Spring with an M block and finished Q2 service (as seen from the sign)
9764 and (I think it was) 9753 were missing their fleet numbers on the back. It looks like 9764 got its numbers on the back, I don't know about 9753.
4353 remains at Royal - seen on 10B
9351 remains at Montgomery
9756 remains at Northern
4261 is confirmed as an Arlington bus now...seen at Ballston on the 22A (as well as the Mini wrap)
4262 remains at Northern - seen on the 70
4332, 4336, and 4338 are back at Western. I heard that 4331-4338 and possibly 4330 moved back to Western but I didn't see this until today.
4227 remains at Montgomery - seen on J2
4329 remains at Montgomery, I don't know about 4330.
DASH bus 57 seen on the 8, then the 7. First time EVER seeing a DASH bus numbered 44-58 on a route other than the 3 or 4 (or 3-4)
Wow...that was more sightings than I thought...I had a REALLY long day today...12.5 total hours spent on today's trip (new record for me)
With the influx of all the new vehicles DASH has received over the years, that's true that you may see less Gilligs on other routes. However, when they were the mainstay they were all over the place. When my wife lived at Cameron Commons on Duke Street (gheetttoooooo) we would take a Gillig to King St. Metro every now and then. Luckily after we started dating, she only lived there for another month or so before I moved her to Ballston with me. :-)
Quote from: Perry on August 18, 2008, 11:43:25 PM
With the influx of all the new vehicles DASH has received over the years, that's true that you may see less Gilligs on other routes. However, when they were the mainstay they were all over the place. When my wife lived at Cameron Commons on Duke Street (gheetttoooooo) we would take a Gillig to King St. Metro every now and then. Luckily after we started dating, she only lived there for another month or so before I moved her to Ballston with me. :-)
Good move, Perry!
George, buses 45-58 are NextBus equipped, so they tend to stick to the 3, 4, 3/4, 6, and 7 -- our NextBus routes. Interlining might cause a run to stray away from those five routes, however...it's a regular occurrance because, while the 3, 4, and 3/4 are generally blocked alone (no interlining), the 6 and 7 mix around a bit with other routes at shared terminals.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on August 18, 2008, 01:25:12 PM
Quote from: WMATAGMOAGH on August 18, 2008, 12:33:42 PM
Not sure when this happened or if it has been noted here, but the Georgetown Blue buses have been replaced by larger, white buses with small owned/operated by Veolia stickers on the rear. They also have LED signage.
I didn't know Veolia ran that as well. Why didn't they get Smartrip boxes is beyond me? Alot of people use the service to get to Rosslyn when the 38B is taking long.
You can't just "get" SmarTrip boxes from Walmart, Georgetown Metro Connection is and never was part of the regional fare agreement. It's funded solely by fares and the Georgetown Business Improvement District, with the sole goal of bringing (more) customers into Georgetown, not providing public transportation. SmarTrip infrastructure is a huge investment for someone trying to actually make money (the members of the BID).
Quote from: Tristan on August 19, 2008, 11:17:28 AM
Quote from: Perry on August 18, 2008, 11:43:25 PM
With the influx of all the new vehicles DASH has received over the years, that's true that you may see less Gilligs on other routes. However, when they were the mainstay they were all over the place. When my wife lived at Cameron Commons on Duke Street (gheetttoooooo) we would take a Gillig to King St. Metro every now and then. Luckily after we started dating, she only lived there for another month or so before I moved her to Ballston with me. :-)
Good move, Perry!
George, buses 45-58 are NextBus equipped, so they tend to stick to the 3, 4, 3/4, 6, and 7 -- our NextBus routes. Interlining might cause a run to stray away from those five routes, however...it's a regular occurrance because, while the 3, 4, and 3/4 are generally blocked alone (no interlining), the 6 and 7 mix around a bit with other routes at shared terminals.
ah...good explanation...
btw imma post my trip from yesterday on my TWJ at btco
Quote from: Tristan on August 19, 2008, 11:17:28 AM
George, buses 45-58 are NextBus equipped, so they tend to stick to the 3, 4, 3/4, 6, and 7 -- our NextBus routes. Interlining might cause a run to stray away from those five routes, however...it's a regular occurrance because, while the 3, 4, and 3/4 are generally blocked alone (no interlining), the 6 and 7 mix around a bit with other routes at shared terminals.
It's on the 6 and the 7? I thought it was just on the 3, 3/4, and 4. Any chance all of the lines will come online let alone if there will be anymore buses equipped with the MDTs?
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on August 19, 2008, 12:36:06 PM
Quote from: Tristan on August 19, 2008, 11:17:28 AM
George, buses 45-58 are NextBus equipped, so they tend to stick to the 3, 4, 3/4, 6, and 7 -- our NextBus routes. Interlining might cause a run to stray away from those five routes, however...it's a regular occurrance because, while the 3, 4, and 3/4 are generally blocked alone (no interlining), the 6 and 7 mix around a bit with other routes at shared terminals.
It's on the 6 and the 7? I thought it was just on the 3, 3/4, and 4.
Yeah I was gonna say, I NEVER saw one on the 6 and until yesterday I never saw one on the 7. (of course, I'm talking about 45-58)
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on August 19, 2008, 12:36:06 PM
Quote from: Tristan on August 19, 2008, 11:17:28 AM
George, buses 45-58 are NextBus equipped, so they tend to stick to the 3, 4, 3/4, 6, and 7 -- our NextBus routes. Interlining might cause a run to stray away from those five routes, however...it's a regular occurrance because, while the 3, 4, and 3/4 are generally blocked alone (no interlining), the 6 and 7 mix around a bit with other routes at shared terminals.
It's on the 6 and the 7? I thought it was just on the 3, 3/4, and 4. Any chance all of the lines will come online let alone if there will be anymore buses equipped with the MDTs?
Trust me on this one.
Anyway, we have an RFP out now for real time bus information systems, so we'll see what happens.
METROBUS:
9302 on the B27, block unknown
9333 on the 84 (Rhode Island Avenue Station) with an "L" block
9361 remains @ Landover.
9362 on the R2 (Calverton) with a "B" block
9765 remains @ Montgomery.
9770 remains @ Montgomery.
4330 remains @ Montgomery.
2012 on the F4 (Silver Spring Station), remains unrehabbed
2092 on the C8 (College Park Station), remains unrehabbed
2602, still WITHOUT the 38B banner, on the 38B (Farragut Square)
2622 on the 38B (Ballston Station), remains @ FMR
2624 on the R2 (Calverton)
6147 is now rear-wrapped in the PGCC ad
Quote from: ChristopherF on August 21, 2008, 04:27:12 PM
METROBUS:
9302 on the B27, block unknown
9333 on the 84 (Rhode Island Avenue Station) with an "L" block
9361 remains @ Landover.
9362 on the R2 (Calverton) with a "B" block
9765 remains @ Montgomery.
9770 remains @ Montgomery.
4330 remains @ Montgomery.
2012 on the F4 (Silver Spring Station), remains unrehabbed
2092 on the C8 (College Park Station), remains unrehabbed
2602, still WITHOUT the 38B banner, on the 38B (Farragut Square)
2622 on the 38B (Ballston Station), remains @ FMR
2624 on the R2 (Calverton)
6147 is now rear-wrapped in the PGCC ad
The B27 is out of Landover.
Bladensburg does have a few 9300s, mostly being used during rush hour.
As for the 38B banners, alot of those buses get shuttled around on alot of different routes. There are some PikeRide buses that get shuttled around onto other routes. The REX buses primarily will stay on the REX route unless something drastic happens.
Saw a Metro-D on the L2 at Chevy Chase Circle this afternoon and also 9832 on the N3.
Also, I rode the Metro down to Dupont Circle to see a friend of mine on a 6 car Rohr set operated in manual mode that pulled to the front of each station. I think I saw one other train going the other way do similar that was not 8 cars long.
Quote9362 on the R2 (Calverton) with a "B" block
Bladensburg got some non-CNG buses as part of the last shifts, I think that fact has been established. I saw a 4200 on the "H" as its front sign said at Tenleytown this afternoon.
Quote from: 79MetroExtraMD on August 21, 2008, 04:48:40 PM
As for the 38B banners, alot of those buses get shuttled around on alot of different routes. There are some PikeRide buses that get shuttled around onto other routes. The REX buses primarily will stay on the REX route unless something drastic happens.
A lot of it has to do with interlining; REX blocks are isolated from the rest of the system (which means if you do REX, you're doing all REX and nothing but REX!) whereas 38Bs and 16s are not...so a bus could start out in the right place on the 16 (or 38B or even 9S, for that matter, though those are more isolated than others) and then end up on other routes throughout the day...this, in tandem with equipment problems and dispatch priority going to getting the block started (vs. marketing) leads to the apparent "mixups".
METROBUS:
2086 on the C2 (Greenbelt Center), freshly rehabbed
2093 on the C2 (Wheaton Station), remains unrehabbed
Quote from: Tristan on August 21, 2008, 08:05:23 PM
A lot of it has to do with interlining; REX blocks are isolated from the rest of the system (which means if you do REX, you're doing all REX and nothing but REX!) whereas 38Bs and 16s are not...so a bus could start out in the right place on the 16 (or 38B or even 9S, for that matter, though those are more isolated than others) and then end up on other routes throughout the day...this, in tandem with equipment problems and dispatch priority going to getting the block started (vs. marketing) leads to the apparent "mixups".
That's true. Makes for some interesting sightings as well as marketing elsewhere. Also, I would like for once to see a REX bus put on another line, just for kicks.
Before they received the Orion VII, I used to see them on the 16 and the 23.
My observations today (8/23/08):
2368 on route 80
23XX on route 80
2408 on route X2
2630 on route X2
6041 on route V12
6153 on route P12.
4231 is no longer wrapped in the Hersheypark ad.
6152 is now wrapped in the PGCC ad.
This is from a couple days back, but I saw a 601x on the J4 back on Friday. First time I've seen a hybrid (or any sort of New Flyer) on the route given how Flxible heavy (with a dash of Orion and artic) it is.
Quote from: Scrabbleship on August 24, 2008, 08:57:15 PM
This is from a couple days back, but I saw a 601x on the J4 back on Friday. First time I've seen a hybrid (or any sort of New Flyer) on the route given how Flxible heavy (with a dash of Orion and artic) it is.
I've rarely at times seen a D40LFR or a DE40LF on that line. The one time I got a D40LFR was on a run with a good former bus operator of mine when she was running late. We expressed from College Park to Langley Park. The only rare time something nice on the J4.
Since the J4 started it has almost always used mostly old stuff with occasional newer bus showing up there. I'd bet the fact that it's a rush hour route is a factor.
That's true. Then, there's the occasional tic sighting. I know exactly the guy who gets that run. He always wants a tic to run on that.
My list of bus sightings for 8/26/08 are as follows:
RIDE ON:
975409, with the -paint scheme that can never, ever, ever be changed at any time-, on the 20 (Silver Spring)
A few Orion V teenage buses from 2001-02 now have the Benjamin Franklin banner on top; this is seen on the buses' right side
METROBUS:
2016 on the F8 (Cheverly Station), freshly rehabbed
2078 on the K6 (Ft Totten), remains unrehabbed
2093 on the C8 (College Park Station), remains unrehabbed
9483 heading into DC at Key Bridge - M Street on the 38B. Before today, I hadn't seen the 35-footers on the 38B in several years
Irreplacable silver scheme? If I were a betting man, I wouldn't be surprised if 5409 and 5410 received normal colors again when the new exterior ad friendly paint scheme gets designed and if it is applied to older buses.
Two from this morning, though numberless:
Ride On: A high 5100 series cutaway, in the Van Go scheme, on the 2(!!). Why would Nicholson be doing a Silver Spring run?
WMATA: A 5200 on the Z6. I think that outside the Laurel Z's this is the one Z I hadn't seen an artic on before.
When you need service, you get buses from wherever you have. Probably not a good idea to miss a trip on a route that services a garage.
6149 and 6160 now has the PGCC ad.
Quote from: Perry on August 27, 2008, 10:30:55 AM
When you need service, you get buses from wherever you have. Probably not a good idea to miss a trip on a route that services a garage.
Especially when it is basically the "employee shuttle" for Silver Spring :D
RIDE ON:
995410, with the -paint scheme that can never, ever, ever be changed at any time-, on the 15 (Langley Park)
915520 (totaled in wreck) is gone
9155nn on the 20 (Hillandale - Holly Hall)
025593 on the 10 (Hillandale)
METROBUS:
6139 on the NH1
6107 on the NH1
6110 on the NH1
9371 remains @ Landover.
9408 remains @ Montgomery.
9770 remains @ Montgomery.
9772 remains @ Bladensburg.
9776-9785 remains @ Northern.
(UPDATE: 9778 is back @ Bladensburg with a "B" block)
4262 remains @ Northern.
4286 is now rear-wrapped in the PGCC ad
4343 on the 30s & is now wrapped in the MINI Cooper Clubman ad, just like 4311, 4360 & 2111
4349 on the 30s & later on the 66
2003 on the F4 (New Carrollton Station), freshly rehabbed
2005 on the F4 (Silver Spring Station), freshly rehabbed
2016 on the F8 (Cheverly Station), freshly rehabbed
2068 on the Z8 (Silver Spring Station), remains unrehabbed
2069 on the J2 (Montgomery Mall), remains unrehabbed
2071 on the Y8 (Montgomery General Hospital), freshly rehabbed
2078 on the Q2 (Shady Grove Station), remains unrehabbed
2092 on the C4 (Twinbrook Station), remains unrehabbed
2093 on the C2 (Wheaton Station), remains unrehabbed
2538 on the 23A (Crystal City) & is now in the NGV wrap
2619 on the 38B (Farragut Square)
270n on the 5A (L'Enfant Plaza Station) & is now in the NGV wrap
2822 on the R4 (Brookland Station)
2403 on the 80 (Kennedy Center)
IS 9610 STILL @ CET?
I went by CET on the train and saw a string of no-powers at the south end yard.
My observations
Metrobus
2801 79 B771 (TTT Archives)
*For some reason, the TTT can't seem to go away even though the Clever Devices shows 79
Ride On
728 and 730 on the 38 going toward Montgomery Mall on Rockville Pike
There are three Gaithersburg buses at a collision and body shop on Hanover St. in Baltimore. I saw one Orion 5 CNG and two O7s. I couldn't get the numbers because I was on the 64. There is also a Miami-Dade Optima Opus w/ customized front there as well.
What is TTT. I've seen it in a couple of WMATA photos like the one below.
(http://www.gpbusgallery.com/images/other/mb6148a.jpg)
From what I was told, its a "route" that stores alot of the P/R codes, special routes, and NOT IN SERVICE. I think it's set to where the vehicle can still be tracked in the system although it is out of service. I have no idea why they chose TTT. I've been asking around and alot of people don't know why that. Also, most of the time, the signs, if not set to change over to another trip, should automatically set to NOT IN SERVICE and clear out the route when the bus goes past a preset mark in the system. Once it goes past this mark, the signs should change over to NOT IN SERVICE. However, if any kind of deviations are made, the signs might still show your current destination, so TTT might solve that problem to where the signs will be set to NOT IN SERVICE if selected. Now, for some reason, TTT comes up on the sign even thought it's not supposed to. 2801 on the 79 shows TTT now whether going to Archives or Silver Spring. There might be some kind of communication problem between the sign controller (Luminator) and the Clever Devices IVN system.
Not sure if anyone is familiar with WMATA's destination sign setup, but unlike many transit systems, the route and destination are entered separately; on CDs, I think if you put in a route, it'll pull up all the destinations that route serves or you can override that with any destination code (I'm not 100% sure about the override ability).
So, they use TTT as a route, and when the operator enters that, all the stuff shows up. I would say 79ME's theory makes sense but I can't figure out the times it works vs. the times it doesn't; my best shot at an explanation is that WMATA's Clevers also have a separate PR menu (there is a P/R button on the screen) that operators could use if they knew how (or if they decided against whatever other motivation drove Metro to using this "TTT" setup in the first place).
"TTT" in and of itself doesn't mean anything, it's just that on a Clever controller, to select letters and numbers, you have to arrow through a grid of letters and numbers and select the characters you want, so they just picked a character and did it three times...why "T" I don't know, but on that token, why not?
So in the photo above the route/destination VOICE (Clever Devices) would say "Route TTT, Destination: Silver Spring Station"
Quote from: NGOrion on August 30, 2008, 10:26:36 AM
So in the photo above the route/destination VOICE (Clever Devices) would say "Route TTT, Destination: Silver Spring Station"
No. There aren't any voice annoucements programmed into the TTT route. Most likely that bus came off the F4 or F6. The operator probably was trying to set the sign to NOT IN SERVICE using TTT, but the sign probably accepted it as being route TTT but not using the sign code for NOT IN SERVICE. Just in case if things don't come out perfectly, they can always manually set the sign using the Luminator controller (hidden behind the panel). Also, one of my operators told me that there was something set up to where their work assignments/runs could be loaded onto their operator IDs and when logging into the farebox, they just tap their ID and everything should be set (sign, Clever Devices, AVL, farebox). He tried to show me the other day, but it didn't work for him. I guess they might be still toying around with trying to get it to work.
Cool.
Just to finalize the August sightings. Last week saw 4003.........on the X2..........on a midday run. I saw one other time an Annex bus did the X2, but it was during rush hour, a few years back.
I just remembered a funny story that happened this past Sunday. I was heading to my car about to leave work when I heard what sounded like a CNG hauling but past the Arlington garage. When I got a view of the bus, it was an Orion VII going about 2 miles per hour heading towards Glebe Road.