December 2010 Observations

[79MetroExtraMD]

2705 W13 this morning
2464 X9 this morning
2823 is on the X9 right now

[WMATAGMOAGH]

2305 has the "warning: the bus is turning" announcement (was this the only bus to have it or do others have it too?)

2301-2310 are the pilot buses. I hope it goes no further then that....

Hear hear.  Feel free to call me insensitive, but a bus driver (or any driver for that matter) should be looking for pedestrians while turning, and pedestrians should be looking out for all types of vehicles when crossing the street without reminders if you ask me.

[WMAveteran]

December 23, 2010, 2:30 PM at Montgomery Mall (Bethesda MD): I saw MTA Commuter Bus V187C, a spanking brand-new MCI D4500 preparing to operate Route 991 service between Rock Spring Business Park and Hagerstown/Frederick.  The new paint was a shiny blinding umblemished white and the steel wheels were gleaming.  This coach was so pretty I was in the process of parking my car to jump on for a ride when I suddenly remembered there is no counter-flow service on 991 so I would have to pay for a very long and expensive taxi ride back to my car from Hagerstown(lmao).    I stayed in my car. 

[79MetroExtraMD]

December 23, 2010, 2:30 PM at Montgomery Mall (Bethesda MD): I saw MTA Commuter Bus V187C, a spanking brand-new MCI D4500 preparing to operate Route 991 service between Rock Spring Business Park and Hagerstown/Frederick.  The new paint was a shiny blinding umblemished white and the steel wheels were gleaming.  This coach was so pretty I was in the process of parking my car to jump on for a ride when I suddenly remembered there is no counter-flow service on 991 so I would have to pay for a very long and expensive taxi ride back to my car from Hagerstown(lmao).    I stayed in my car. 

If only the 75 were going to Urbana still, you coulda made it. But when the 201 starts up (also I found out who will be running both lines), they'll be using those. What the heck is with the V prefix?

[WMAveteran]

December 23, 2010, 2:30 PM at Montgomery Mall (Bethesda MD): I saw MTA Commuter Bus V187C, a spanking brand-new MCI D4500 preparing to operate Route 991 service between Rock Spring Business Park and Hagerstown/Frederick.  The new paint was a shiny blinding umblemished white and the steel wheels were gleaming.  This coach was so pretty I was in the process of parking my car to jump on for a ride when I suddenly remembered there is no counter-flow service on 991 so I would have to pay for a very long and expensive taxi ride back to my car from Hagerstown(lmao).    I stayed in my car. 

If only the 75 were going to Urbana still, you coulda made it. But when the 201 starts up (also I found out who will be running both lines), they'll be using those. What the heck is with the V prefix?

Yes, you are so right about the 75 (just like me - a day late and a dollar short!).  I plan to ride the 201 on opening day.  Who received the contract to run the ICC service?  I asked myself about the "V" prefix too but I have no idea where that came from.  Looking at the coach, the "V" appears to have been applied as an after thought (it wasn't exactly level with the other letters and numbers). 

[Tristan]

Operated by Veolia?

[79MetroExtraMD]

Operated by Veolia?

I doubt that. The 991 is operated by Eyre. I'm guessing MTA might be doing contracted symbols for Commuter bus now similar to Mobility, but still negates the whole C for contracted.

[btconet]

Eyre has the 202 and an operation called Atlantic Coast Charters or the like will operate the 201.

[79MetroExtraMD]

Eyre has the 202 and an operation called Atlantic Coast Charters or the like will operate the 201.

How in the world did this state find that contractor?

[WMAveteran]

Eyre has the 202 and an operation called Atlantic Coast Charters or the like will operate the 201.

Thank you for that information.

[79MetroExtraMD]

2823 is now in the express scheme. I'll post a pic later on when I have a chance.

[rideonrulez]

PG The Bus 63167 (Gillig) with the sign "training" on the dash board broke down on Mccormick Dr at Landover Rd today about 12:30pm.

[Tristan]

I guess that's a good learning experience working for The Bus.

[OrionFlyer]

Spotted 6301 on the C2 today.

[rideonrulez]

Saw 2806 "metroextra" on the X9 to Capitol Heights at about 5pm at H/7th St NW last night.