BIG MTA Bus Orion VII HEV news

[NYCT Orion 05.501]

So I would assume as these Hybrids come in, the 1990 TMC RTS-06 repowers would be dropping like flies, huh? Is there a possibility that some of the repowers could go to LaGuardia or JFK/Rockaway?


Ray

[TransitGuy]

So I would assume as these Hybrids come in, the 1990 TMC RTS-06 repowers would be dropping like flies, huh? Is there a possibility that some of the repowers could go to LaGuardia or JFK/Rockaway?


Ray

Honestly anything is possible and I think some repowers will be transferred to JFK/LGA.

[AMoreira81]

IMO, the repowers should stay in service to allow for all unrepainted former PBL TMCs to be rehabbed and repainted. Then, as the repainted buses return, scrap the 1991 TMCs.

[T J Trainman]

Ok then so send the 1100s out of JFK and  send some repowrers to LGA. and JFK.

[TransitGuy]

IMO, the repowers should stay in service to allow for all unrepainted former PBL TMCs to be rehabbed and repainted. Then, as the repainted buses return, scrap the 1991 TMCs.

I agree with that. I hear the repowers won't go to NIMCO immediately but they will be transferred to other depots and from there then we would have to see.

[Green_713]

Don't forget that some of those Orion VII's are slated for JFK and LGA.  Of course, whether or not they'll receive some units within in the next month or so is up in the air (LGA is now training on the Orion VII last heard and nothing at JFK yet).

So, perhaps some of the Carlton units will be shuffled around to LGA or JFK for a month or so, then slowly phased out, if at all.  From seeing how the MTA works, they might want to retain the Carlton TMCs as "holds" even after the Orion VII's are completed.  Hmph.

[Dre Day]

On the side profile of the Orion VII HEV I notice that signs are a little bigger. I saw in a recent picture. Do you remember the sign on the side of the LF bus 911 when it was changed to Orange LED or Orion V bus 244?

[AMoreira81]

Don't forget that some of those Orion VII's are slated for JFK and LGA.  Of course, whether or not they'll receive some units within in the next month or so is up in the air (LGA is now training on the Orion VII last heard and nothing at JFK yet).

So, perhaps some of the Carlton units will be shuffled around to LGA or JFK for a month or so, then slowly phased out, if at all.  From seeing how the MTA works, they might want to retain the Carlton TMCs as "holds" even after the Orion VII's are completed.  Hmph.

Can Kennedy fit a bus that is 11'0" high with what is in the garage?

[Driver@BTN]

I saw 3508 today, it was sitting outside of BPD.

3508 is in service today on the Q110.

[RailBus63]

One week in service and still no pics? 

C'mon, guys - the Baisley Park local routes all start in the same place!

[TransitGuy]

One week in service and still no pics? 

C'mon, guys - the Baisley Park local routes all start in the same place!

I will go today, I saw it a while ago but well I came from a haircut so I didn't feel like taking out my phone.

[Bennie1138]

I was on the LIRR coming into Jamaica at 11:50am when I saw 3503 running as the Q111. It was at Parsons/Archer and I was stuck on a LIRR M7 that couldn't move because of signal problems.

[Nabinut]

I'll have my try on Wednesday afternoon when i'll be at Jamaica/Parsons and 165th St Terminal

[Bushwick22]

One week in service and still no pics? 

C'mon, guys - the Baisley Park local routes all start in the same place!

Have you all forgotten about the 179th Street Q110 runs?  Granted it's unlikely they'd all be there but standing by Parsons/Jamaica is no guarantee that you will see one...

[Petabread]

3507 was laying over at Parsons and 88th ave this afternoon.

[RJM]

On the side profile of the Orion VII HEV I notice that signs are a little bigger. I saw in a recent picture. Do you remember the sign on the side of the LF bus 911 when it was changed to Orange LED or Orion V bus 244?

#911 never had an orange sidesign (or rear sign for that matter, either.) Only the headsign was changed, but numerous problems led it to be replaced with a standard green one.

#244 has room to display two lines of text, but I don't think that the sign is programmed to take advantage of that.

#915, however, has a two-line Aesys side sign.

[TransitGuy]

One week in service and still no pics? 

C'mon, guys - the Baisley Park local routes all start in the same place!

Just got some pics of 3500 and will upload in a minute. Sorry for the poor quality at least one is a keeper, something happened. Interesting i hear the A/c didn't work too well in this one but also the sign was messed up. Enjoy! Check out my gallery for other photos (of other buses).

[Bushwick22]

Wow it looks like now they're actually taking advantage of the full width of the sign.  That "Q112" is huge!  Thanks for the photos.

[TransitGuy]

Wow it looks like now they're actually taking advantage of the full width of the sign.  That "Q112" is huge!  Thanks for the photos.

Yea I agree but something appears wrong with the sign. Thanks

[Green_713]

Nice pics, a bit blurry, but probably because of camera shake.  You might have a image stabilizer function on it perhaps.

Yeah, I see half the front sign is dim and the other half lit, perhaps a software glitch?  Also notice that the rear destination sign doesn't work either.

And was that Orion VII Out of Service making a U-Turn from Liberty Ave. onto Rockaway Blvd.?  Was it the same bus or no?  And were these pics taking in chronological order?  If so, then the first pic, the bus pulled up in service alighting then went OOS then U-Turned back onto Rockaway Blvd.?

[TransitGuy]

Nice pics, a bit blurry, but probably because of camera shake.  You might have a image stabilizer function on it perhaps.

Yeah, I see half the front sign is dim and the other half lit, perhaps a software glitch?  Also notice that the rear destination sign doesn't work either.

And was that Orion VII Out of Service making a U-Turn from Liberty Ave. onto Rockaway Blvd.?  Was it the same bus or no?  And were these pics taking in chronological order?  If so, then the first pic, the bus pulled up in service alighting then went OOS then U-Turned back onto Rockaway Blvd.?

Yea its the same bus, I saw the bus so quick but I forgot the image stabilizer (I think). The rear route sign might work, I don't recall. I think it is not in chronological order 3500 view 2 has to be second, the third should be the rear view (turning) followed by the other pic.. The bus I believe just unloaded passengers from the Q 112 and I think it just made a turn to go to the 112 again.

[Green_713]

Also, I noticed that the MTA Bus logos ("MTA Bus") are located underneath the driver's window and not further down the bus underneath the rear windows as on NYCT buses.

[Mr. Brian]

Nice pics, a bit blurry, but probably because of camera shake.  You might have a image stabilizer function on it perhaps.

Yeah, I see half the front sign is dim and the other half lit, perhaps a software glitch?  Also notice that the rear destination sign doesn't work either.

And was that Orion VII Out of Service making a U-Turn from Liberty Ave. onto Rockaway Blvd.?  Was it the same bus or no?  And were these pics taking in chronological order?  If so, then the first pic, the bus pulled up in service alighting then went OOS then U-Turned back onto Rockaway Blvd.?

To answer concerns about the sign, yes it is likely a glitch.

The Titan and Horizon are designed to automatically change their levels of brightness based on the amount of light present.  That's why you may sometimes see buses with dimmer readings or brighter readings, or see them go between levels of brightness in service.  Sometimes this doesn't work, resulting in parts of the sign being brighter than the other.

Or at least I think that's how it goes.

[Mr. Brian]

Also, I noticed that the MTA Bus logos ("MTA Bus") are located underneath the driver's window and not further down the bus underneath the rear windows as on NYCT buses.

Fewer words in "MTA Bus" allow the logo to be more centered.

[AMoreira81]

Some images from today. All are in downtown Jamaica.

[Green_713]

Fewer words in "MTA Bus" allow the logo to be more centered.

I figured that also.  Just that the rear looks "empty" now...

Also, aren't these signs on the Orion VII's the same that are installed on the MCI Cruisers also?  I know that the cruisers use a 16x200 dimension for display, but not sure about the type.  If they are, how come they don't utilize the full size as they do on the Q112? 

(The side sign is even bigger on the Orion VII!  It's unbelievable!  Blows any other bus outta the water sight wise)

[Mr. Brian]

Fewer words in "MTA Bus" allow the logo to be more centered.

I figured that also.  Just that the rear looks "empty" now...

Also, aren't these signs on the Orion VII's the same that are installed on the MCI Cruisers also?  I know that the cruisers use a 16x200 dimension for display, but not sure about the type.  If they are, how come they don't utilize the full size as they do on the Q112? 

(The side sign is even bigger on the Orion VII!  It's unbelievable!  Blows any other bus outta the water sight wise)

MCIs have 16x160 (Horizon).  These new Titans are 24x200 I think.

[Bushwick22]

Nice pics, a bit blurry, but probably because of camera shake.  You might have a image stabilizer function on it perhaps.

Yeah, I see half the front sign is dim and the other half lit, perhaps a software glitch?  Also notice that the rear destination sign doesn't work either.

And was that Orion VII Out of Service making a U-Turn from Liberty Ave. onto Rockaway Blvd.?  Was it the same bus or no?  And were these pics taking in chronological order?  If so, then the first pic, the bus pulled up in service alighting then went OOS then U-Turned back onto Rockaway Blvd.?

To answer concerns about the sign, yes it is likely a glitch.

The Titan and Horizon are designed to automatically change their levels of brightness based on the amount of light present.  That's why you may sometimes see buses with dimmer readings or brighter readings, or see them go between levels of brightness in service.  Sometimes this doesn't work, resulting in parts of the sign being brighter than the other.

Or at least I think that's how it goes.

Cool thanks, that explains a lot.

[Green_713]

MCIs have 16x160 (Horizon).  These new Titans are 24x200 I think.

And the brand name Titan suits it well, too!

[RailBus63]

I love those big destination sign readings.  It annoys me to see agencies like MTA NYCT and Boston's MBTA still use the same often-unreadable abbreviations from dot signs bunched together on an LED sign surrounded by empty space.

Jim

[TransitGuy]

How come BP removed the Quality Control stickers? The sign is nice and clear, is there any word from the other depots about the hybrids?

Fewer words in "MTA Bus" allow the logo to be more centered.

I figured that also.  Just that the rear looks "empty" now...

Do you think they can stick a small ad in that area now (I saw that they did it with older buses)?

[Mr. Brian]

How come BP removed the Quality Control stickers?

Probably because it was erroneously placed...I guess it's possible since NYCT and MTA Bus are both getting these new Orion VIIs simultaneously.

Ads will probably be put there in due time.  Usually the new buses don't get ads for a short period of time.

I think Green was referring to the emptiness in the top part of the O7, where the bus number is.

[Bill D]

I love those big destination sign readings.  It annoys me to see agencies like MTA NYCT and Boston's MBTA still use the same often-unreadable abbreviations from dot signs bunched together on an LED sign surrounded by empty space.

Jim

These larger agencies are probably trying to avoid the time and expense of rewriting the destinations for the LED signs (especially if the work is outsourced - i.e. to Luminator). I feel that it would be worth the effort though, as the LED signs are a significant improvement in technology over the flip dot signs and should be utilized to the fullest extent possible.

Bill

[TransitGuy]

In a topic from buschat copy and pasted into BTN, Spring Creek is slated to receive 43 hybrids (getting rid of all of the CNG RTS's). I am not sure if this is true so this is just a heads up.

http://forum.bustalk.net/index.php/topic,2369.0.html

[Transit_Teen]

In a topic from buschat copy and pasted into BTN, Spring Creek is slated to receive 43 hybrids (getting rid of all of the CNG RTS's). I am not sure if this is true so this is just a heads up.

http://forum.bustalk.net/index.php/topic,2369.0.html

 I don't believe it,because I've heard they going to get 20 then it was 23 then it was 25 and now it's 40...Spring Creek only have two local route,That too many.

[Bennie1138]

There's also the possibility of a major increase in B100 and B103 service if Spring creek receives that many hybrids. There are already calls for weekend service on the B103, and Spring Creek is the only depot that has most of its drivers off on Sundays, those are a few reasons to consider.

[Jamaica608]

For those keeping track Baisley Park has 3500-3510.  3502 was sent to Spring Creek for training purposes.

[AMoreira81]

In a topic from buschat copy and pasted into BTN, Spring Creek is slated to receive 43 hybrids (getting rid of all of the CNG RTS's). I am not sure if this is true so this is just a heads up.

http://forum.bustalk.net/index.php/topic,2369.0.html

That seems fishy for a big reason. Of those, 20 are express buses, unless MTA Bus is intending to utilize O7s on express routes or transfer more O5s in from College Point (with CP receiving some hybrids) to fill the gap.

[Transit_Teen]

In a topic from buschat copy and pasted into BTN, Spring Creek is slated to receive 43 hybrids (getting rid of all of the CNG RTS's). I am not sure if this is true so this is just a heads up.

http://forum.bustalk.net/index.php/topic,2369.0.html

That seems fishy for a big reason. Of those, 20 are express buses, unless MTA Bus is intending to utilize O7s on express routes or transfer more O5s in from College Point (with CP receiving some hybrids) to fill the gap.

 Why they want to put the 07s on the express runs?when you have the brand new cruisers.

[RJM]

Getting back to the original topic, lots of Baisley hybrids were out and about today. I spent a few hours in central Jamaica and saw plenty of them; photos were taken, which will appear on this forum shortly (if I can motivate myself...)

The destination signs are the best on any bus I've ever seen.

[Flatbush41]

The new Titan signs are definitely good, the Horizons are durable too but the destination sign programs should be updated in my view. Well we better get used to the new Hybrids in the Jamaica area, now there are new photo ops for the picture takers.

[Orion0407]

Have there been any new arrivals of 07's for MTA Bus or NYCTA buses?

[TransitGuy]

Have there been any new arrivals of 07's for MTA Bus or NYCTA buses?

Yea, Baisley Park depot (MTA Bus) has received 3500-3510 I believe one of which is in Spring Creek for training, NYCTA has received numerous (don't remember all of the numbers).

[T J Trainman]

I got a report that 3511 was seen on the Q-110 yesterday. How do you like them apples? lol.

[Green_713]

I rode Orion VII #3508 today on the Q111 on my way to BPD and a ride on the QM21.  Got a few good shots of it, check them out below.



They are a few things different on these MTAB units than those of NYCT.  First off, as mentioned, two "Stop Request" signs, the original placed one, and one just above the inside bus numbers (I presume for the B/O to easily see now).  It seems now that whenever the doors open, the overhead lamps turn on, no matter if its day.  And finally, from what I saw, the rear door emergency level is now located on the *left* side of the doors, and not on the right side above the seats as on NYCT models.

There is a rear door green light that is hidden behind the rear door mirror.  It's useless when it turns on because whoever is in the rear door way cannot see it on (or off) due it being blocked by the mirror.

Just a few things noticed.

[Driver@BTN]

You didn't mention the bright red imprinted notice along the seats reverved for the disabled, the second stepwell heating vent located behind the farebox and (something you wouldn't know) - the difference between our driver's climate control panel and theirs which have a variation of the original color scheme.

Great pictures!

[Green_713]

You didn't mention the bright red imprinted notice along the seats reverved for the disabled, the second stepwell heating vent located behind the farebox and (something you wouldn't know) - the difference between our driver's climate control panel and theirs which have a variation of the original color scheme.

Great pictures!

Demmit!  I *knew* I forgot something!  And that was the biggest thing that popped out when I got on.  They really make their point for those seats, looks good too, red on black.

I did notice when I got on heat flowing from the B/O area, but then it got cooler as I moved further into the bus.  Guess that would be the second heating vent.  Is that vent a replacement for the B/O electric heater that had been installed (and then later removed) behind the B/O on NYCT Orion VII's?

[Driver@BTN]

Here's a sample:

[Bushwick22]

My bad, I was supposed to post these days ago.  I dunno why I thought I did...

[Jamaica608]

We already had a road call for bus #3504.  The bus keeps stalling.   We now have 3500-3511 and 3513.