Orion VII: The Next Generation

[AMoreira81]

Thanks. I am surprised that the MTA does not consider restricting the oldest buses in the fleets to rush-hour or weekday use only, if their breakdown rate is higher---especially if newer buses result in more road calls.

Additionally, articulated bus use should be restricted to Monday-Saturday use only (even if it means Sunday work gets moved to other depots).

[TMC RTS 06]

I'm just wondering what is wrong with the current O7?

[RailBus63]

I'm just wondering what is wrong with the current O7?

Nothing - Orion is simply listening to its customers, many of whom are expressing a preference for more attractive buses.  They are probably also concerned that they may lose some orders if customers specify a restyled bus and doesn't allow Orion to bid.

Jim

[TMC RTS 06]

Well, yes, I understand that Orion is doing it because everyone else is doing it, but I'm not sure how people can say that the new O7 is attractive (in my opinion).

The New Flyer restyle looks like an evolution of sorts - like it was the next step in the progression of the series.  The new O7 looks like Orion said "holy crap! We've gotta do something!" and just slapped a NF restyled front end on.

I hardly think it's an evolution at all, and frankly, IMO they could have done a lot better.

[RailBus63]

You’re certainly entitled to your opinion.  In my opinion, the O7’s new front end bears enough resemblance to the buses produced by sister company Mercedes-Benz to indicate that the design came from there rather than an attempt to copycat New Flyer’s look.

JD