LIB MTA Numbering

[MCI D4000 81994]

Since MTA bus is making the buses number scheme fit into the range of the NYCT buses, how come LIB doesn't follow the same? If it is supposed to, this is worse than the few misfit Green RTSs in that the Orions at LIB have the same numbers as the 1993 -1995 Orions at NYCT/MTA Bus.

[AMoreira81]

Since MTA bus is making the buses number scheme fit into the range of the NYCT buses, how come LIB doesn't follow the same? If it is supposed to, this is worse than the few misfit Green RTSs in that the Orions at LIB have the same numbers as the 1993 -1995 Orions at NYCT/MTA Bus.

The MSBA is a separate entity of the MTA entirely. In addition, while the MTA buys the buses, the purchases are also funded by Nassau County (for NYC Transit Authority/MaBSTOA/MTA Bus, there is no city funding of bus purchases), hence why there are differences in specs (i.e., Nassau County spec's the buses out.)

In the past, the MTA did own buses at MSBA. However, all of the buses now at LIB have been funded by the county, who then has the MTA operate and maintain the buses. (Nassau County also owns the routes, NOT the MTA.) In addition, that is also why buses are replaced strictly every 12-13 years at LI Bus (whereas buses in NYC last longer).

Now, if RBA were to ever come to fruition, then numbers would change.

[FutureKBArticOP]

What buses did the TA own at LI Bus? My guess is the 1000 series Flxible Metro's but I really wonder.

[QtrainLI]

I hope the RBA happens, and soon too. The maintanance is getting worse and they aren't improving service to keep up with demand. Many of the buses are packed. I believe LIB has a very high farebox recovery rate compared to other systems.
While Suffolk has much worse service, most of their routes dont see the kind of crush loads LIB does.
Despite many calls and letters from myself and groups like ACORN, Nassau refuses to treat it's bus system other than transportation for the poor. The truth is alot more people are commuting on LIB now, and we're seeing almost Queens like ridership levels on routes like the N15,N20/21,N22,N27,N70/71/72 and of course the N6.
Nassau county does not know how to run a bus system. They only order 40ft Orion V CNGs. Many routes could easily use artics. Their design of HTC should have included artic bus compatability.
Hopefully when and if the MTA takes over the routes, service will improve and the bus system integrated better (with a 3rd LIB depot). Some CNG's from NYCT can come on over here. I'd like to see open door service in Queens too, but having the buses run as limiteds. Many routes are too long and need to be split up, such as the N22, N20/21,etc. Shorter routes would mean better on time performance.
Hopefully one of the first things with RBA will be getting some artics.

[AMoreira81]

What buses did the TA own at LI Bus? My guess is the 1000 series Flxible Metro's but I really wonder.

Buses owned by the MTA at LIB were the RTSs and New Looks that were transferred from NYCTA at the end of their lives. The Flxibles (actually Grumman 870s, 700s and 900s) were bought by the county.

[FutureKBArticOP]

See man I hope you're not older then me if you are it's a shame back in the 90's I remember LIB had Flxibles and they were numbered like this..."PA1021" as well as NYCTA I remember QV having RTS "PA1471" this was a LONG time ago though like 96 or 97 when these buses were at the end of their lives.

[ExGreenBusDriver]

are the drivers mta drivers or do they work for the county?

[ExGreenBusDriver]

i am sure someone will correct me but when they had pa in front of there numbers those buses were purchased by the port auth of ny/nj and leased to the city or county

[Pipe]

i am sure someone will correct me but when they had pa in front of there numbers those buses were purchased by the port auth of ny/nj and leased to the city or county

I think your right. Pipe

[PC2871]

I believe the drivers at LI Bus are MTA employees.

[Andrew Kirschner]

I believe the drivers at LI Bus are MTA employees.

Technically, Metroplotian Suburban Bus Authority employees, an agency under the MTA Umbrella.