Mines are the C40LF's C40LFR's D40LFRs and the DE42LFA's
That's essentially every type of New Flyer WMATA operates, sans the DE40LF/Rs
Mine are the D40LFRs - that rear window is killer and I love the roar of the ISM/Voith powertrain.
Mines are the C40flrs, D40flrs, and DE40lfrs.
WMATA is the only transit agency I've seen with D40lfrs that have caps and rear windows. Is there specific name for these type of D40lfrs?
Nope, they are just D40LFR's with a rear window. There is no specific model number associated with a modification that an agency is asking for. It's like buying a car with or without a spoiler.
Quote from: OrionFlyer on September 13, 2009, 05:58:10 PM
WMATA is the only transit agency I've seen with D40lfrs that have caps and rear windows. Is there specific name for these type of D40lfrs?
Nope they are regular D40LFR's and CMBC up in Canada got them
http://billlmf-yvr.fotopic.net/p35513389.html (http://billlmf-yvr.fotopic.net/p35513389.html)
but anyways my favorite New Flyers are the D40LFR's because when they are on a highway it makes me scream like a lil girl and i like the C40LFR's because they have the best idling sound and when they drive off i love that scream just like the 9700's
I like the C40LFRs and DE42LFAs. I HATE the D40LFRs
I like the DE41LFR's and the C40FLR's the best.
Quote from: aznboy4305 on September 13, 2009, 07:40:36 PM
I like the C40LFRs and DE42LFAs. I HATE the D40LFRs
No you can't hate the D40LFR's. Why?
Quote from: Tritransit Area on September 13, 2009, 04:54:19 PM
That's essentially every type of New Flyer WMATA operates, sans the DE40LF/Rs
Mine are the D40LFRs - that rear window is killer and I love the roar of the ISM/Voith powertrain.
Me too I love rear window it makes the bus look vicious in a good way
The C40LF and the DE40LF are two of my favorites. I don't mind the D40LFR or the DE40LFR they're ok. Not really a fan of the LFA though, it was a waste of money to bring those humpbacks here.
Quote from: WES on September 13, 2009, 08:42:32 PM
The C40LF and the DE40LF are two of my favorites. I don't mind the D40LFR or the DE40LFR they're ok. Not really a fan of the LFA though, it was a waste of money to bring those humpbacks here.
LOL Humpbacks well we might see a C42LFA or GE42LFA in the future so we might be stuck with the Humpbacks LOL!!!
I'm with Wes on this one. For me it's all about the classic style. C40LF and DE40LF all day. I can tolerate the LFRs, but I'm no fan of the LFA styling.
I really dig the old LF design like Wayne it just gives me the feeling off a standard modern looking bus and the LFA design looks nice up close but i kinda hate ridng those buses i might even change my screen name.I never really was a big LFR fan but seeing them consistently pass my house i just started liking them but i like the NABI designs better.
C40LFs are my favs. I like all of them though. Better not say the LFAs are a waste of money. They could possibly retire the Flxs. Actually the LFA styling is better than the LFRs. At least they still have the standard doors like the LFs.
The LFA's made me like BRT style 40 footers. They're Flexibles replacement so they're following good steps
The LFA's are just an abomination of a bus. I don't like that styling at all and it just looks way too heavy for a normal transit bus. I would like to see the New Flyer Excelsior in action, that looks like a combo of a D40LFR and an Orion VII New Generation.
Yup - The extra materials which I'm sure costs more has no functional use. Yes, I'm sure it's more aerodynamic, but this is a city bus, not an over-the-road coach that would be cruising the highways at high speeds for hours at a time.
I love how WMATA can put so many different spins on what pretty much is the same type of bus. It's hard to pick a favorite, but each has their pluses.
C40LF: The fact that they're, well, average in a fleet which looks more and more like New Flyer's showroom-in-action and that the buses were an order where WMATA's specs were in transition (first buses with LED signs, first "normal" low floor buses, their seat specs are unique to the fleet) which makes them stand out. That and get a driver on the H2 flooring it down Porter with the windows down.
DE40LF: The blue front cap looks better than the white cap deal on the C40LF's.
D40LFR: The rear window and the fact that the doors might up and break someone's hand. I always thought that those doors would have worked better as plug doors, problem is I head it'd be impossible to do anything besides slide glide on an XXLF body.
DE40LFR/C40LFR: The overall rareness of both fleets and the really comfy seats. The Metro Extra C40LFR's (and the Express converts) and their multicolor signs also are a big plus though the Mountain Dew'd signs sometimes seem, well, off.
LFA's: They seem a lot more open than their predecessors and the styling is okay though a little redundant. The too-low-to-be-a-headrests and the lite brite "Stop Requested" sign are weird touches that are growing on me. Can't wait to see them in artic form!!
Quote from: annex4421 on September 13, 2009, 08:17:47 PM
Quote from: aznboy4305 on September 13, 2009, 07:40:36 PM
I like the C40LFRs and DE42LFAs. I HATE the D40LFRs
No you can't hate the D40LFR's. Why?
I like consistency in styling in that the bus looks and flows right from front to back. The D40LFR is two modern and streamline 21st century front and end caps slapped onto a 1980s boxy body. Without the aid of frameless windows, it just doesnt flow, thus it doesn't look right to me. That is why I like the C40LFs and C40LFRs, they are consistent and flow from bumper to bumper. The same goes for systems with WTF Gilligs (Charlotte's and RGRTA for example), you need to have all or nothing.
From the driver's seat, New Flyer LF series are Cadillacs to drive.
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 14, 2009, 01:01:26 AM
Yup - The extra materials which I'm sure costs more has no functional use. Yes, I'm sure it's more aerodynamic, but this is a city bus, not an over-the-road coach that would be cruising the highways at high speeds for hours at a time.
I agree, it has no functional use. Its pretty much all about public relations and appealing to the choice-users. Its for advertising the agency and snatching riders. They're expensive to spec, and expensive to maintain. If anything they actually lose a bit of operational practicality, such as Gillig BRTs where you have to maintain not only your front windshield but also your side windshields cause you have to look through them to see your mirrors. Thus needing 4 wipers, thus messing up the already ergonomic conventional Advantage dashboard layout.
I don't like any WMATA New Flyer in terms of leg room, but besides that factor, my favorites are pretty much all of them (C40LFs, DE40LFs, DE40LFRs, D40LFRs, DE42LFAs, and the artics (DE60LFAs?). I don't like the C40LFRs (the 2800s) because they're too damn slow, and I personally don't like the MetroExtra theme (and those horrific signs).
If I had to choose one out of all those buses, what would it be? hmm...probably the C40LFs because they are completely diesel-free CNGs and they're pretty fast as well, I love them. A close second would be the DE42LFAs.
Quote from: Perry on September 14, 2009, 12:11:38 AM
The LFA's are just an abomination of a bus. I don't like that styling at all and it just looks way too heavy for a normal transit bus. I would like to see the New Flyer Excelsior in action, that looks like a combo of a D40LFR and an Orion VII New Generation.
yeah I've always wanted to see an Excelsior in WMATA's fleet, that would be pretty interesting.
Quote from: NewFlyer97BCT on September 14, 2009, 12:07:25 PM
I don't like any WMATA New Flyer in terms of leg room, but besides that factor, my favorites are pretty much all of them (C40LFs, DE40LFs, DE40LFRs, D40LFRs, DE42LFAs, and the artics (DE60LFAs?). I don't like the C40LFRs (the 2800s) because they're too damn slow, and I personally don't like the MetroExtra theme (and those horrific signs).
If I had to choose one out of all those buses, what would it be? hmm...probably the C40LFs because they are completely diesel-free CNGs and they're pretty fast as well, I love them. A close second would be the DE42LFAs.
That Voith transmission is what causes the problem for the C40LFRs to be slow. They're called DE62LFAs by the way.
What is this "white" or "blue" cap that you guys speak of? Are you talking about the paint on the destination sign area?
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 14, 2009, 10:57:45 AM
LFA's: They seem a lot more open than their predecessors and the styling is okay though a little redundant. The too-low-to-be-a-headrests and the lite brite "Stop Requested" sign are weird touches that are growing on me. Can't wait to see them in artic form!!
Are you serious? Those buses have headrests on those seats? Geez, y'all have money to just throw wherever!
Yup!
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/WMATA/DSC06586.jpg)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/WMATA/DSC00274.jpg)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/WMATA/DSC07093.jpg)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/WayneJay/WMATA/DSC09284.jpg)
Quote from: Tritransit Area on September 14, 2009, 01:16:01 PM
What is this "white" or "blue" cap that you guys speak of? Are you talking about the paint on the destination sign area?
Quote from: Tritransit Area on September 14, 2009, 01:18:13 PM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 14, 2009, 10:57:45 AM
LFA's: They seem a lot more open than their predecessors and the styling is okay though a little redundant. The too-low-to-be-a-headrests and the lite brite "Stop Requested" sign are weird touches that are growing on me. Can't wait to see them in artic form!!
Are you serious? Those buses have headrests on those seats? Geez, y'all have money to just throw wherever!
They're not really headrests , they're a padded add-on to the seat that goes up to the handle of the seat which seems to be an option as one of the 5400's were retrofitted with it.
I like the Cadilac comparison to the New Flyer LF's.And I like the C40LF's becasue for some reason they used to remind me of the WMATA Gilligs because of the break from the DDS50 Engines Plus without them WMATA would have nerver fell in love with New Flyer in the 1st place. Look out for Favorite WMATA Orion's and Flexible's topic in two weeks.
Quote from: WES on September 13, 2009, 08:42:32 PM
The C40LF and the DE40LF are two of my favorites. I don't mind the D40LFR or the DE40LFR they're ok. Not really a fan of the LFA though, it was a waste of money to bring those humpbacks here.
HAHA liar! For someone who doesn't like the LFAs, you sure were talking about the orders a lot. I would think that someone who isn't a big fan of them wouldn't be so concerned about the orders. Not a fan? HA that's funny.
I don't really see a problem with them though. Smoothest riding bus in the entire fleet, comfortable seats, not to mention their sexiness. I only know 2 people who don't like 'em. other than that, they are some pretty kickass buses.
Quick question is WMATA suppose to get a order of New Flyer Hybird tics and if so what happen to them ??? ??? ??? ?
Quote from: BladensburgB2 on September 14, 2009, 08:39:41 PM
Quick question is WMATA suppose to get a order of New Flyer Hybird tics and if so what happen to them ??? ??? ??? ?
The DE62LFAs? They are absolutly NOWHERE to be found. They're probably back in Minnesota. Maybe 5431 was just a demonstration bus.
Thanks Brandon I wish they hurry with them. The ones in Baltimore are nice as hell.
Quote from: BladensburgB2 on September 14, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
Thanks Brandon I wish they hurry with them. The ones in Baltimore are nice as hell.
I know. Someone has a video of them. Oh man I would kill to ride in those any day.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 15, 2009, 07:38:51 AM
Quote from: BladensburgB2 on September 14, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
Thanks Brandon I wish they hurry with them. The ones in Baltimore are nice as hell.
I know. Someone has a video of them. Oh man I would kill to ride in those any day.
Well like I told Brandon the 62LFA's will show up unexpected. Just don't focus on them I bet they show up. Anyways the C40LFR's are not slow one passed us on South Capitol Street (I was riding with my cousin) really fast it knocked my glasses off LOL!!! I still love them and the LFA's are NOT a waste of money. So listen to Brandon!! LOL!!
Quote from: annex4421 on September 15, 2009, 09:23:54 AM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 15, 2009, 07:38:51 AM
Quote from: BladensburgB2 on September 14, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
Thanks Brandon I wish they hurry with them. The ones in Baltimore are nice as hell.
I know. Someone has a video of them. Oh man I would kill to ride in those any day.
Well like I told Brandon the 62LFA's will show up unexpected. Just don't focus on them I bet they show up. Anyways the C40LFR's are not slow one passed us on South Capitol Street (I was riding with my cousin) really fast it knocked my glasses off LOL!!! I still love them and the LFA's are NOT a waste of money. So listen to Brandon!! LOL!!
Im my opinion, these were definitly NOT a waste of money. It's good to see something new around here and it's good to see WMATA going BRT. These are the sexiest New Flyers ever. I wouldn't mind seeing some Xcelsiors here myself but I still think the LFAs are sexier! Btw whoever said they are going to have high maintenece costs don't you take the time to think that if it was a big deal WMATA wouldn't have bought them to begin with? Plus WMATA has a lot of money so it really isn't a problem.
All New Flyer models are hot. The reason the Xcelsiors wont be out till 2010
I'm not really feeling the aerodynamic look of the LFAs, but I do like the D40LF, and even the CNG counterparts. Seems like Philly will be the new Flyer country, but surely Baltimore, DC and other TAs will surely have an abundnt supply of them.
No, if you really want to see New Flyer country, ggo to Milwaukee, their entire fleet are D40LFs
On the topic. I like the 61/6200s because they are simliar to Baltimore's 40/5000s.
Quote from: BladensburgB2 on September 15, 2009, 10:08:48 AM
All New Flyer models are hot. The reason the Xcelsiors wont be out till 2010
Xcelsiors are Hybrids?
Quote from: Nabinut on September 15, 2009, 06:18:53 PM
No, if you really want to see New Flyer country, ggo to Milwaukee, their entire fleet are D40LFs
On the topic. I like the 61/6200s because they are simliar to Baltimore's 40/5000s.
No its not, they have some D30LFs.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 14, 2009, 08:35:21 PM
Quote from: WES on September 13, 2009, 08:42:32 PM
The C40LF and the DE40LF are two of my favorites. I don't mind the D40LFR or the DE40LFR they're ok. Not really a fan of the LFA though, it was a waste of money to bring those humpbacks here.
HAHA liar! For someone who doesn't like the LFAs, you sure were talking about the orders a lot. I would think that someone who isn't a big fan of them wouldn't be so concerned about the orders. Not a fan? HA that's funny.
I don't really see a problem with them though. Smoothest riding bus in the entire fleet, comfortable seats, not to mention their sexiness. I only know 2 people who don't like 'em. other than that, they are some pretty kickass buses.
Hey genius are you talking about my observations and if you are...........what are the LFAs, er a bus and what do my observations entail...er buses... and if one shows up on the A12 am I going to stand by the side and not report.......er no. I may not like them (I don't like the way WMATA wasted money on these things). Is there proof that these things are going to bring more passengers to the system, probably not. WMATA could have bought more LFRs, put them in the same scheme, same result. Why waste money you don't have on something that isn't proven to deliver more passengers to your service. When WMATA dropped the fare zones, bus ridership increased, if WMATA introduces more routes like the S9 and 79, guess what ridership will increase, it doesn't make a difference what they put out there, a 2100, a LFA, an LFR a Neoplan artic, people see more service, they will most likely take the increase in service.
I hate the 2100s with a passion but if they start showing up in newest paint scheme guess what skippy.........I'll report it because it's a bus, that's what I do as a bus fan, I don't have to like a bus because you do.
Or maybe I just report on Flxes and LFRs becaue I likes them. Just remember if I didn't say anything about them, YOU wouldn't be so eager to race over to CET just to see them.
Well said Wes. To you guys who seem to think the LFAs is money well spent. I think it's a waste vs. buying a perfectly good LF/LFR. The extra 2 feet on the LFAs is simply unused (wasted space). So you have this bus with 2 extra feet of mass and it can't accomodate any extra passengers over a standard LF/LFR. It's more mass, which cost more money with zero benefit. I can't tell you guys what to think, but I'm very interested in hearing why you think this bus is not a waste of money. Remember... They got these buses because Catoe doesn't like square buses. This is all about styling and not functionality. I'd say it's very much a waste of money and unnecessary use of materials.
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 15, 2009, 11:49:06 PM
Well said Wes. To you guys who seem to think the LFAs is money well spent. I think it's a waste vs. buying a perfectly good LF/LFR. The extra 2 feet on the LFAs is simply unused (wasted space). So you have this bus with 2 extra feet of mass and it can't accomodate any extra passengers over a standard LF/LFR. It's more mass, which cost more money with zero benefit. I can't tell you guys what to think, but I'm very interested in hearing why you think this bus is not a waste of money. Remember... They got these buses because Catoe doesn't like square buses. This is all about styling and not functionality. I'd say it's very much a waste of money and unnecessary use of materials.
Why keep buying LFRs and LFs? It's stupid. It's like Ride Ons repeated Gillig order. Noone wants to keep seeing the same bus over, and over, and over again. It's good to see something new here jeez you guys take this busfanning stuff way too seriously.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 12:02:09 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 15, 2009, 11:49:06 PM
Well said Wes. To you guys who seem to think the LFAs is money well spent. I think it's a waste vs. buying a perfectly good LF/LFR. The extra 2 feet on the LFAs is simply unused (wasted space). So you have this bus with 2 extra feet of mass and it can't accomodate any extra passengers over a standard LF/LFR. It's more mass, which cost more money with zero benefit. I can't tell you guys what to think, but I'm very interested in hearing why you think this bus is not a waste of money. Remember... They got these buses because Catoe doesn't like square buses. This is all about styling and not functionality. I'd say it's very much a waste of money and unnecessary use of materials.
Why keep buying LFRs and LFs? It's stupid. It's like Ride Ons repeated Gillig order. Noone wants to keep seeing the same bus over, and over, and over again. It's good to see something new here jeez you guys take this busfanning stuff way too seriously.
You just don't get it. As much as I would like to see a variety of buses, it makes fiscal sense to purchase the same bus. It saves money in terms of parts, drivers and mechanics get used to driving and repairing the same type of bus, so future problems can be fixed easier and buses can stay on the road longer and out of the repair shop less.
T/As don't buy a bus because we want them to buy it, they buy it because it makes so many things in their operations easier and the passengers don't give a rat's patute about what's coming as long as it comes to their stop on time, gets them to where they want to go and gets them to where they want to go on time.
Add me to the list of people who think the LFA is a waste. If they could make a design like the Xcelsior that doesn't waste space and carry around extra weight for no reason, I'd be okay with it...I'm not big on the look of the LFA but it's more the technical aspect of 2 extra feet for nothing that really kills it for me.
Most of the manufacturers now want to add some aesthetics and appeal to their models. The whole Euro-style thing. I mean I like the LFA from a photographic point of view. The buses ride fine but I have to sort of agree on the whole 2 feet of dead space thing. I can understand if the rear needs to be extended because of powertrain configuration but that extra ~2 feet in the front creates an overhang. The Xcelsior looks more appealing since it has an overall reduction in vehicle weight, has improved safety features, and overall reduction in fuel consumption whilst being aesthetically appealing.
Quote from: WES on September 16, 2009, 12:49:58 AM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 12:02:09 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 15, 2009, 11:49:06 PM
Well said Wes. To you guys who seem to think the LFAs is money well spent. I think it's a waste vs. buying a perfectly good LF/LFR. The extra 2 feet on the LFAs is simply unused (wasted space). So you have this bus with 2 extra feet of mass and it can't accomodate any extra passengers over a standard LF/LFR. It's more mass, which cost more money with zero benefit. I can't tell you guys what to think, but I'm very interested in hearing why you think this bus is not a waste of money. Remember... They got these buses because Catoe doesn't like square buses. This is all about styling and not functionality. I'd say it's very much a waste of money and unnecessary use of materials.
Why keep buying LFRs and LFs? It's stupid. It's like Ride Ons repeated Gillig order. Noone wants to keep seeing the same bus over, and over, and over again. It's good to see something new here jeez you guys take this busfanning stuff way too seriously.
You just don't get it. As much as I would like to see a variety of buses, it makes fiscal sense to purchase the same bus. It saves money in terms of parts, drivers and mechanics get used to driving and repairing the same type of bus, so future problems can be fixed easier and buses can stay on the road longer and out of the repair shop less.
T/As don't buy a bus because we want them to buy it, they buy it because it makes so many things in their operations easier and the passengers don't give a rat's patute about what's coming as long as it comes to their stop on time, gets them to where they want to go and gets them to where they want to go on time.
And they would also like to buy a bus that saves gas and money each year. And the LFAs being hybrids, that saves money and gas. About some billlion gallons each year maybe? If a bus looks good and saves money and gas, then WMATA (along with other transit companies) are going to buy no matter how much people like or don't like them. Believe me I understand where you, Tristan, and Wayne are coming from but it's WMATA's choice not ours.
Alright but an LFR hybrid would save MORE fuel and cost LESS...so that doesn't make it a good idea.
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 16, 2009, 09:38:41 AM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 12:02:09 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 15, 2009, 11:49:06 PM
Well said Wes. To you guys who seem to think the LFAs is money well spent. I think it's a waste vs. buying a perfectly good LF/LFR. The extra 2 feet on the LFAs is simply unused (wasted space). So you have this bus with 2 extra feet of mass and it can't accomodate any extra passengers over a standard LF/LFR. It's more mass, which cost more money with zero benefit. I can't tell you guys what to think, but I'm very interested in hearing why you think this bus is not a waste of money. Remember... They got these buses because Catoe doesn't like square buses. This is all about styling and not functionality. I'd say it's very much a waste of money and unnecessary use of materials.
Why keep buying LFRs and LFs? It's stupid. It's like Ride Ons repeated Gillig order. Noone wants to keep seeing the same bus over, and over, and over again. It's good to see something new here jeez you guys take this busfanning stuff way too seriously.
You last sentence is very interesting. It's more like you're take it too seriously. We all like to see diverse fleets and so on but, that's purely from a bus fan's perspective. We know that realistically it's better for an agency to find a workable formula and stick with it. I can't prove it but, I'd bet that very little attention/consideration is given to styling and/or diversity just for the sake of having a diverse fleet. In regards to WMATA (or any transit agency), you have to remember their mission. Not to mention while we have our favorites and so on, the average Joe and Jane has no care about the styling of the bus and if the fleet is diverse or not.
Yeah I guess. But like I said before it's WMATA money to waste or whatever. Not our choice. If they want to buy LFAs, Xcelsiors or whatever, let it be. We have no control or sayso of how and why WMATA does their business.
Is it really wasted space? I know that the 40LFR's are actually closer to 41' because of the engine size and all. If the LFA's are using the same engine as the LFR's, is it really that wasted of space?
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 16, 2009, 10:25:19 AM
Is it really wasted space? I know that the 40LFR's are actually closer to 41' because of the engine size and all. If the LFA's are using the same engine as the LFR's, is it really that wasted of space?
It's pretty much that extra space in the front of the bus. The reason we call it wasted space is because it's not at all funtional. It simply increases the bus' overall footprint.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 09:45:31 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 16, 2009, 09:38:41 AM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 12:02:09 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 15, 2009, 11:49:06 PM
Well said Wes. To you guys who seem to think the LFAs is money well spent. I think it's a waste vs. buying a perfectly good LF/LFR. The extra 2 feet on the LFAs is simply unused (wasted space). So you have this bus with 2 extra feet of mass and it can't accomodate any extra passengers over a standard LF/LFR. It's more mass, which cost more money with zero benefit. I can't tell you guys what to think, but I'm very interested in hearing why you think this bus is not a waste of money. Remember... They got these buses because Catoe doesn't like square buses. This is all about styling and not functionality. I'd say it's very much a waste of money and unnecessary use of materials.
Why keep buying LFRs and LFs? It's stupid. It's like Ride Ons repeated Gillig order. Noone wants to keep seeing the same bus over, and over, and over again. It's good to see something new here jeez you guys take this busfanning stuff way too seriously.
You last sentence is very interesting. It's more like you're take it too seriously. We all like to see diverse fleets and so on but, that's purely from a bus fan's perspective. We know that realistically it's better for an agency to find a workable formula and stick with it. I can't prove it but, I'd bet that very little attention/consideration is given to styling and/or diversity just for the sake of having a diverse fleet. In regards to WMATA (or any transit agency), you have to remember their mission. Not to mention while we have our favorites and so on, the average Joe and Jane has no care about the styling of the bus and if the fleet is diverse or not.
Yeah I guess. But like I said before it's WMATA money to waste or whatever. Not our choice. If they want to buy LFAs, Xcelsiors or whatever, let it be. We have no control or sayso of how and why WMATA does their business.
I never said nor did I imply that we had any control over this. My statement has been that (1) The LFA design's increased mass is non-functional space, (2) It's a waste of money and resources that's here only because the top guy likes "buses with curves" and (3) the average transit rider does not care if all of the buses are the same or not.
I agree with WES on terms of WMATA ordering the same model bus because it would save money on repairs
BUT. I have to go with Brandon on terms WMATA wanting different style of buses and the DE42LFA along with NABI 5400s. Are kicking off a new era the BRT era. Yes They could be problems. Yes WMATA should've kept the LF/LFR thing going but who knows. WMATA gets what they like and no matter what Bus Company (New Flyer, Orion, etc.) If it performs good they'll get it. Example ALL of WMATA Flexibles from the New Look to the Metro E's Look how long that era took though they did take a break with the MANs, Gillig's and the RTS. Trust me not only will the LFA era eventually come to an end the New Flyer era as well because who knows what tomorrow will bring? This is probably a fad that'll die in a year or 2.
The point on whether ordering different types buses has two valid points. First off the best reason to have a non-diverse fleet is what I have stated above, parts and repairs saving money and keeping buses on the road instead of off.
The only reason to have a diverse fleet is one word.........Flxible. When they went out of business, T/As who were mainly Flixble customers had to scramble to find other suppliers, including WMATA, MDMTA and others. Dealing with at least two to three manufacturers is probably best, probably best to keep one manufacturer to a few garages, to keep parts from floating around everywhere. I thought that was what WMATA was doing when the Orion VII CNGs/DE40LFs/DE41LFRs/D41LFRs came in. It looked like the Ds were going to be split between Landover and Montgomery, the Metro Es between Annex and Arlington, the Orion VIs between Landover, Montgomery and Western and the 2100s between Northern, Southeastern and Western. Granted other events have happened, the closing of Southeastern, the opening of West Ox, but WMATA could have worked this out to where that situation could have still worked out and the constant bus garage switching wouldn't have happened.
To end this point, I didn't say I hated them, I don't feel the LFA design, it's wasted, if that bus had LFR features it still would ride the same. I will ride them, I will take pictures of them, I just don't like the design. I still feel that the DE40LF are the fastest accelerating buses out there.
Quote from: WES on September 16, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
I still feel that the DE40LF are the fastest accelerating buses out there.
Aren't the Orion VIs faster? I don't know. I don't like how the top of the LFA messes up the back a little. Other than that, pretty amazing buses.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 05:44:47 PM
Quote from: WES on September 16, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
I still feel that the DE40LF are the fastest accelerating buses out there.
Aren't the Orion VIs faster? I don't know. I don't like how the top of the LFA messes up the back a little. Other than that, pretty amazing buses.
The Orion VIs are indeed quick as heck but, I'm sure the DE40LF/Rs are now the quickest accelerating bus in WMATA's fleet. That's one of the reason I like WMATA's Orion VI as they can really haul *ss. That said, I remember when the DE40LFs first arrived. I was totally in awe at their incredible acceleration.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 09:45:31 AM
Yeah I guess. But like I said before it's WMATA money to waste or whatever. Not our choice. If they want to buy LFAs, Xcelsiors or whatever, let it be. We have no control or sayso of how and why WMATA does their business.
Do you realize that the ONLY money Metro has that didn't come from YOUR POCKET is ad revenue??? And that indirectly came from you financing the stations that carry the ads. Sidenote really.
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 16, 2009, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 05:44:47 PM
Quote from: WES on September 16, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
I still feel that the DE40LF are the fastest accelerating buses out there.
Aren't the Orion VIs faster? I don't know. I don't like how the top of the LFA messes up the back a little. Other than that, pretty amazing buses.
The Orion VIs are indeed quick as heck but, I'm sure the DE40LF/Rs are now the quickest accelerating bus in WMATA's fleet. That's one of the reason I like WMATA's Orion VI as they can really haul *ss. That said, I remember when the DE40LFs first arrived. I was totally in awe at their incredible acceleration.
Agreed. it's like that with all hybrids. The LFAs can go pretty fast for their weight.
Quote from: Tristan on September 16, 2009, 09:28:51 AM
Alright but an LFR hybrid would save MORE fuel and cost LESS...so that doesn't make it a good idea.
It is a good idea but WMATA is in the BRT bus fad now.
Quote from: Tristan on September 17, 2009, 01:11:44 AM
Do you realize that the ONLY money Metro has that didn't come from YOUR POCKET is ad revenue??? And that indirectly came from you financing the stations that carry the ads. Sidenote really.
Like the government doesn't rip hardworking people out of their money anyway. It's an everyday thing. As long as I get to where I need to go safe and sound, hey I ain't got no problems with it.
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 17, 2009, 07:33:48 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 16, 2009, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 05:44:47 PM
Quote from: WES on September 16, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
I still feel that the DE40LF are the fastest accelerating buses out there.
Aren't the Orion VIs faster? I don't know. I don't like how the top of the LFA messes up the back a little. Other than that, pretty amazing buses.
The Orion VIs are indeed quick as heck but, I'm sure the DE40LF/Rs are now the quickest accelerating bus in WMATA's fleet. That's one of the reason I like WMATA's Orion VI as they can really haul *ss. That said, I remember when the DE40LFs first arrived. I was totally in awe at their incredible acceleration.
Agreed. it's like that with all hybrids. The LFAs can go pretty fast for their weight.
Not necessarily. SEPTA's newest hybrids were slower than their diesel counterparts (some still are). Thankfully they are being upgraded so that they are tolerably comparable in speed.
I always thought the Orion Vs were wicked fast as well. They do a good job on the K6, the route with killer hills.
Quote from: Tritransit Area on September 17, 2009, 10:10:12 AM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 17, 2009, 07:33:48 AM
Quote from: WayneNYC on September 16, 2009, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: LandoverDivision on September 16, 2009, 05:44:47 PM
Quote from: WES on September 16, 2009, 03:46:36 PM
I still feel that the DE40LF are the fastest accelerating buses out there.
Aren't the Orion VIs faster? I don't know. I don't like how the top of the LFA messes up the back a little. Other than that, pretty amazing buses.
The Orion VIs are indeed quick as heck but, I'm sure the DE40LF/Rs are now the quickest accelerating bus in WMATA's fleet. That's one of the reason I like WMATA's Orion VI as they can really haul *ss. That said, I remember when the DE40LFs first arrived. I was totally in awe at their incredible acceleration.
Agreed. it's like that with all hybrids. The LFAs can go pretty fast for their weight.
Not necessarily. SEPTA's newest hybrids were slower than their diesel counterparts (some still are). Thankfully they are being upgraded so that they are tolerably comparable in speed.
I always thought the Orion Vs were wicked fast as well. They do a good job on the K6, the route with killer hills.
Well it's like that with WMATA's hybrids. Maybe it's that kickbutt Allison? I don't know. I never rode the K6. Since they have hills, possess it with fast buses.