Older University of Virginia Buses

TransitGuru1981X · March 16, 2009, 11:37:10 PM

Hi,

Exactly how long ago was the University Transit Service (UTS), which is the transportation agency serving the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, established?

I don't know whether or not their 1983 Orion I model 01.506s (#5139-5239, 5337; these all used the 6V-92TA Detroit Diesel engine, as did the following two fleets of Orion I's dating from 1988 and '91, numbered respectively, #8138-8338 and #1137-1437) were their oldest buses, all of which had been retired as of 2003 (at present, the '91s are the only Orions still in service at UTS).

They may have had some older buses than these three I mentioned, possibly some 35' GMC and/or Flxible New Looks powered by the 6V-71N Detroit Diesel engine.

Please shed some light on this subject.

Thank you in advance,

Ben

MetroLinerXLZ · March 22, 2009, 12:54:06 PM

The University Transit Service was established in 1972. The first buses that were put in service were Flxible New Looks numbered in the 2000's (2001, and from that on up I think to 2004). Then they turned to GMC and for their New Looks and RTS's. The GM New Looks were numbered in the 60's while the RTS's were numbered 4136-4636.

Notes:
The Flxible New Looks had the DD 6v71/Allison VH-9 powertrain.
The GMC New Looks had the DD 6v71/Allison V-730 powertrain.
The GMC RTS's had the DD 8v71/Allison V-730 powertrain. The Thomas TL960's that are currently in service replaced these buses in 1998.

metroman177 · April 11, 2009, 01:43:16 PM

I believe UVA had some old looks also. Had a photo of one but can't find it....if I do I'll post it.

metroman177 · April 11, 2009, 06:43:16 PM

I found a few of my UVA photos, now lets see if I can post them.

metroman177 · April 11, 2009, 06:45:18 PM

Some more.

metroman177 · April 11, 2009, 06:48:17 PM

some more

metroman177 · April 11, 2009, 06:57:04 PM

Let me see if I can re-post these better. my bag

TransitGuru1981X · April 16, 2009, 05:46:42 PM

According to OMOT.org, UVA did have GMC New Looks numbered #4137-4337 and were built in 1976.

The RTS IIs I believe are another story. If 8V-71/V-730, they would be model TH-7603s or T7H-603s.

~Ben

MetroLinerXLZ · April 17, 2009, 12:00:01 AM

Quote from: TransitGuru1981X on April 16, 2009, 05:46:42 PM
According to OMOT.org, UVA did have GMC New Looks numbered #4137-4337 and were built in 1976.

The RTS IIs I believe are another story. If 8V-71/V-730, they would be model TH-7603s or T7H-603s.

~Ben

And apparently, the old Tidewater Regional Transit (which ran in Norfolk) also recieved some TH-7603's in 1980 (according to the same source) Those buses were #501-520. Also, the T7J-604 was used by Charlottesville Transit Service (#819-829) from 1982-1998. Buses #815-816 were delivered in 1987 and ran until 2005. Bus #814 was a GM/TMC hybrid (manufacturing started by GMC, components installed and finished by TMC).

I don't think UVA had any New Looks #'d in that series. Look at the second picture in Metroman's third posting. The RTS beside #6337 is in fact #4336.

As for you, Metroman, I definately like that photo of #6237. I miss seeing that bus climbing and screaming up that hill on Preston Ave.

metroman177 · May 02, 2009, 05:35:19 PM

Here"s another photo I found of a ex-Roanoke bus painted and getting ready to go to UVA. I may find a photo as the same bus as it ran in Roanoke. Enjoy

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Older University of Virginia Buses