X9 to debut in September

[Annex4421]

This is for anybody who doesn't know yet but I read a brochure that I found on the X2 the other day stating that the X9 will debut in september. Plans are it will run from Capitol Heights to I think Franklin Square. The 1st phase will be to run the X9 every 10 mins during peak hours, and the 2nd phase will be to run every 15 mins during non-peak hours, nights, and weekends. I'll look to provide more info. My money is that Blade will paint all the C40LFRs in the Express scheme, or some of the new DE40LFAs will be put on the X9.

[Tristan]

Brochure...but thanks for the news.

[Scrabbleship]

The 1st phase will be to run the X9 every 10 mins during peak hours, and the 2nd phase will be to run every 15 mins during non-peak hours, nights, and weekends.

What would put the X9 at the front of the line for night/weekend service before the 79, 37/39, and S9? I think that if they go to Phase 2 on there first that the other Express/MetroExtra/On The Move routes should at least get their crack at it first.

I'll look to provide more info. My money is that Blade will paint all the C40LFRs in the Express scheme, or some of the new DE40LFAs will be put on the X9.

Sounds about reasonable, though at the same time I could see the Express scheme Orion VII's at FMR being moved to Bladensburg as well.

[Tristan]

What, FMR doesn't have Express routes?

[Scrabbleship]

What, FMR doesn't have Express routes?

Come to think of it, you're right. However, the number of buses FMR would need for express routes might be less than that Bladensburg would need for the 79 and X9.

I still think an order of suburban seated artics with luggage racks should be procured for the 5A. That'd free up the 2700's for FMR's true express routes.

[79MetroExtraMD]

The 1st phase will be to run the X9 every 10 mins during peak hours, and the 2nd phase will be to run every 15 mins during non-peak hours, nights, and weekends.

What would put the X9 at the front of the line for night/weekend service before the 79, 37/39, and S9? I think that if they go to Phase 2 on there first that the other Express/MetroExtra/On The Move routes should at least get their crack at it first.

I'll look to provide more info. My money is that Blade will paint all the C40LFRs in the Express scheme, or some of the new DE40LFAs will be put on the X9.

Sounds about reasonable, though at the same time I could see the Express scheme Orion VII's at FMR being moved to Bladensburg as well.

The X Line gets alot of passengers during the week and on weekends. It's basically a mirror image of the 8 line in Baltimore (hence why the 48 runs on Saturdays as well). As for the bus assignments, I would guess some of the C40LFRs could be on them and I wouldn't be surprised if they did some interlining with the 79 as well.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

And where do you all think the money for the off peak X9 is coming from?  The X9 money/resources are coming from the X3, which is on the cutting block.  Also, did the brochure actually say the X9's "off peak" service is going to include anything outside the midday period?

What would put the X9 at the front of the line for night/weekend  service before the 79, 37/39, and S9? I think that if they go to Phase  2 on there first that the other Express/MetroExtra/On The Move routes  should at least get their crack at it first.

I can't speak for the 39, but in the case of the 37, a limited bus bypassing Georgetown outside of peak hours doesn't do many people much good.

[uncle_shawn]

The 1st phase will be to run the X9 every 10 mins during peak hours, and the 2nd phase will be to run every 15 mins during non-peak hours, nights, and weekends.

What would put the X9 at the front of the line for night/weekend service before the 79, 37/39, and S9? I think that if they go to Phase 2 on there first that the other Express/MetroExtra/On The Move routes should at least get their crack at it first.

I'll look to provide more info. My money is that Blade will paint all the C40LFRs in the Express scheme, or some of the new DE40LFAs will be put on the X9.

Sounds about reasonable, though at the same time I could see the Express scheme Orion VII's at FMR being moved to Bladensburg as well.

I haven't been to DC in quite a while, but besides 2665, are there any other Orion Viis with the latest paint scheme?

[SchuminWeb]

From what I can tell, no, there are no Orion buses of any kind sporting the new paint scheme.  The only ones I've seen with the new paint scheme are the recent acquisitions of New Flyer and NABI buses, the older New Flyer buses that recently got overhauled, and I saw a Neoplan artic with the new paint scheme on Georgia Avenue in DC about a month or so ago.

It's worth noting that the high-floor buses look strange with the new paint scheme, which is really designed with low-floor buses in mind...

[Tristan]

The Neo tic you saw was 5311, for the record -- this bus once sported a demo version of the paint that used white instead of silver.  Also, 2665 indeed does wear the Express scheme.

Welcome aboard Ben!