BusTalk

[Q65A]

From the latest issue of Metro Magazine:
"The Saint John (New Brunswick) Transit Commission has taken delivery of the new Orion VII Next Generation transit bus, the first production bus of this redesigned DaimlerChrysler model and the first of 11 Orion VII Next Generation buses purchased by Saint John Transit.

Saint John Mayor Norm McFarlane reported that this is the first of many new buses that are being purchased to launch the city’s new Comex Community Express this fall.

Introduced to the transit market earlier in 2007, the Orion VII Next Generation uses the same platform of the Orion VII with a new, redefined exterior design and an improved ergonomic driver’s area.

The Orion VII Next Generation, powered by a more efficient diesel engine, will provide an 80% improvement in particulate matter and a 50% improvement in NOx emissions in comparison to its 2002 predecessor.

Saint John Transit currently has a fleet of 47 buses, 11 of which are various models of Orion transit buses. The order of 11 Orion VII Next Generation transit buses will bring the agency’s total fleet of Orions to 22."

[RTS_04]

I'm a bit confused - does this mean that the new OVII won't be coming to the States? I've not seen anything that indicates such as of yet...but it wouldn't be the first time such an odd move was made (coughNOVAcough).

[RailBus63]

No, this will be a North American bus. St. Johns was long rumored to be receiving the first production buses. I've heard rumors that Sacramento has an order on the books - I don't know if those will be the first U.S. deliveries of the Orion VII NG.

[RTS_04]

Must have been my confusion.

From what I've seen of the 'new-look' VII, I think it's more stomachable than the original VII - but it's still nothing really attractive.

IMO, I like the "BRT-style" buses coming out of Gillig and particuarly New Flyer much better.