November 2008 Sightings

[Tristan]

Out of all the buses to borrow from FMR, why a REX bus?

I guess if they need a bus, if there's an extra REX bus (there's probably a couple more painted up than are actually used on peak) sitting around, they'd send that (since they can't use it on other routes from that garage, in theory) rather than sending a standard bus.

[C40LF_2464]

it was 26 something maybe it was b4 it got the REX paint scheme but i waz sure it was an Orion VII my mouth waa wide open lol

[wmata employee]

there has been a lot of bus movements threw out the system due to shortages.

EDIT by Tristan: Inflammatory remark removed to prevent flame war & general aggravation.  I have already requested that ChristopherF identify his sources; until then, please refrain from commenting on situation.

[Tristan]

it was 26 something maybe it was b4 it got the REX paint scheme but i waz sure it was an Orion VII my mouth waa wide open lol

The REX-designated Orion VIIs did not operate before they were painted; how long ago was this?

[C40LF_2464]

aboiut 5-6 months ago it was just one time maybe it was not in service

[WMATAGMOAGH]

About an hour ago, I saw WMATA Orion V 2200 on outbound River Road near Goldsboro doing what appeared to be some sort of training exercise.  The signs all said NOT IN SERVICE, and the bus pulled over into the shoulder, and then pulled back out into the travel lanes both at Ogden Road and on the nearside at Goldsboro (although the stop is at the farside).  The driver was wearing a orange safety vest and there seemed to be someone sitting in the first passenger seat on the right side because the driver kept turning back to look in that direction, but I couldn't see if there was in fact anyone there from where I was in my car.  The bus had a Western block.

[OrionFlyer]

NORTHERN
9746-9768
9771-9785

LANDOVER HAS 9769-9770
9705-9736,9744

MONTGOMERY
9701-9704,9737-9743,9745
9801-9835

Doesn't Bladensburg have some 9700s? There have been numerous sightings of them being on Bladensburg only routes by other members of this forum recently.

And also I saw one on the D8 a couple of weeks ago.

[Tritransit Area]

I saw Alsthom car 6000 today on the Yellow Line!  Interesting thing to note on that car is the big fleet number above the window line on the side of the car - by the vents.  It's partner, 6001, doesn't have this fleet number unfortunately.

After riding 9744 on the F4, and making that lovely walk up the hill to the "Ride On section", I stumbled upon baby Gillig 5003, who was coming in and going out of service...maybe from the 18?  I couldn't help but notice the bright orange seatbelt...it sure reminded me of a certain person!

For the sake of entertainment/memories, I threw myself onto a '95 Gillig, 5376, for the journey home.  I just have to say...wow...no wonder I love to hate them so much!

BTW, PG THE BUS's Gillig Phantoms are nothing short of awesome, especially with a lead footed driver!

[WMATAGMOAGH]

At least one and possibly two 40 foot Orion Vs on the N6 today (Saturday 11/29).

[WES]

Right now there are about 3, maybe 4 DE42LFAs, sitting at Carmen E Turner.  Saw 3 this morning and there might have been a fourth one right behind the other 3.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

I also saw 5311 today (11/29) on M Street near the Arena Stage.  I forget the exact cross street and didn't get the best view of the bus since I was driving, but I'm still not a fan of the new scheme.

[CENTRALSMT]

At least one and possibly two 40 foot Orion Vs on the N6 today (Saturday 11/29).

I used to live on the N routes, its not uncommon for full size vehicles to operate the N6 at weekends.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

At least one and possibly two 40 foot Orion Vs on the N6 today (Saturday 11/29).

I used to live on the N routes, its not uncommon for full size vehicles to operate the N6 at weekends.

I've been living close to the N routes for over 15 years and in my experience, it is unusual, though it has become more common as of late since fewer Orion IIs are available.

[WES]

Right now there are about 3, maybe 4 DE42LFAs, sitting at Carmen E Turner.  Saw 3 this morning and there might have been a fourth one right behind the other 3.

Cleaing one's glasses would help, it was just 6301 and two NABI BRTs sitting next to each other.  The way they were parked it looked like 3 Flyers but again one Flyer 2 NABIs.  There are still about 4 NABIs that looks like it hasn't seen service yet, and of course your Metro Bs, Orion IIs, 4307 and a few other buses.

Oh well.

[Tristan]

I saw Alsthom car 6000 today on the Yellow Line!  Interesting thing to note on that car is the big fleet number above the window line on the side of the car - by the vents.  It's partner, 6001, doesn't have this fleet number unfortunately.

Some 4000s and other 6000s (I think I saw some Rohrs too) are getting the same treatment.  I guess they don't need 6001 because they are in married pairs, and the odd number is higher - so if you see 6000, you know (or those who need to know, that is) that the other car is 6001, and the number is only at the B-end of each car, so you know that the car next to the number is still in the pair.