July 2009 Observations

[WES]

This afternoon 5713 on the 70 broke down on I-270.  I heard about it on WTOP as I left work.  When I passed the area 5713 was on the left shoulder with the rescue bus, 5806 and supervisor vehicle.  State Trooper also blocked the HOV lane while passengers walked from 5713 to 5806.

Are these Ride On buses that you are referring to?  If so, wow...5713 breaking down already?  Well, at least we know the new hybrids are running now.

You are probably mistooken 5713 an Orion V with 5313 which could be an older Gillig hybrid.  The diesels Gilligs doesn't start till 5726.

[WayneNYC]

This afternoon 5713 on the 70 broke down on I-270.  I heard about it on WTOP as I left work.  When I passed the area 5713 was on the left shoulder with the rescue bus, 5806 and supervisor vehicle.  State Trooper also blocked the HOV lane while passengers walked from 5713 to 5806.

Are these Ride On buses that you are referring to?  If so, wow...5713 breaking down already?  Well, at least we know the new hybrids are running now.

You are probably mistooken 5713 an Orion V with 5313 which could be an older Gillig hybrid.  The diesels Gilligs doesn't start till 5726.

To add on to what Wes stated.... Those 5700 Orion Vs are '99 models.  Here's a photo of one.

[79MetroExtraMD]

I originally saw (or heard) this in April and forgot to post it.  A WMATA Orion VII now has door chimes like the 60BRTs, except it also says (sometimes) "Thank you for riding Metro" while the rear doors are open.  I think it was #2681.

[smg id=6 type=av] (plug: beta test for new media gallery :-)

The CLASS thing. IIRC means Contactless Acoustic Sensoring System, something like that. I've noticed alot of newer buses have this thing. Whats next, Randi Miller recordings on the bus? *ding ding* "Doors opening. Step back to allow customers to exit. When boarding, please move toward the rear of the bus."

[NewFlyer9736BCT]

Whats next, Randi Miller recordings on the bus? *ding ding* "Doors opening. Step back to allow customers to exit. When boarding, please move toward the rear of the bus."

oh God PLEASE no...