BusTalk Forum Index BusTalk
A Community Discussing Buses and Bus Operations Worldwide!
 
 BusTalk MainBusTalk Main FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups BusTalk GalleriesBusTalk Galleries   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

"Closed Door" express service
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    BusTalk Forum Index -> New York City Buses
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
traildriver




Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2452
Location: South Florida

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 8:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote:
traildriver wrote:
How about all those MTA express buses from Staten Island to Manhattan, going strictly 'closed doors' across New Jersey...

The only local stops in New Jersey is that one MTA bus from St. George to the light rail station in Bayonne...probably can't carry wholly within Bayonne...


traildriver;

As always, greatly appreciate your input....always something new to learn! ."

On a somewhat related note, recall, too, GREYHOUND's new "TURNPIKE EXPRESS" service, which started up in the late 1950's (using SCENICRUISERS)

The buses in this route stopped only three times to switch drivers and allowed passengers four rest stops (including a supper break) between New York and Chicago.

This run was scheduled to take 17 hours and 55 minutes, and never left the toll roads en route.

This was, interestingly, one of the very first express services offered by GREYHOUND......

"NYO"


I well recall the New York/Chicago non-stop express...
It started in 1957, when the last link in the toll roads linking those two cities was completed. It even had an article in 'Popular Science' of all places where a reporter describes his experience riding it.
It operated via the Lincoln Tunnel, the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio Turnpikes, the Indiana Toll Road, and the Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge, and via the Lower Wacker Drive into the underground terminal at Clark and Randolph.
They changed drivers twice, and made four rest stops. The relief drivers got to and from the change points with Company cars.
I rode it aboard MC-6X Supercruiser 4599 in 1967. At that time, the schedule only took 16 hours, including all stops....matching the "Twentieth Century Limited". When I-80 was finished, they only had one driver change, cutting even more time, but later, added Cleveland as a stop.

Actually, express schedules started well before 1957...GL ran over the newly completed Pennsylvania Turnpike between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh in 1940...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

traildriver:

As always, great trivia and historical info! Very Happy

Back in the heyday of tin litho GREYHOUND buses from Japan (late 1950's/1960's) it was virtually a given that the majority of destination signs on these toy buses would read "EXPRESS" (a few read "RESERVED"; one or two read "NEW YORK", and a few have changeable signs, showing several cities; I have a number of these in my collection!) Wink

The same held true for the tin TRAILWAYS buses of that era!

I always thought that "express" bus operation was interesting unto itself; here again, what constitutes a "true" express?

Perhaps the bus makes several stops before running the majority of the way to its final destination with no stops at all, or, simply run between "A" and "B" with no stops in between (this would seem like a NYC-AC service, especially in the casino era).........

"NYO"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A classic shot from 1978 of an AM GENERAL (STEINWAY), running express (North Shore Towers).........

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?406

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

3rd Avenue & 34th St., 1981.........

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?418

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 8:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lexington & 34th, 1981........

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?397

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 10:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jamaica garage, 1992.......

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?675

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
frankie



Age: 77
Joined: 01 Feb 2011
Posts: 745
Location: St. Peters, Mo.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 10:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I do remember back in the '50's and '60's, all Nassau County buses (Schenck and Bee Line) entering into Queens became closed door buses but were allowed to drop off passengers inside the city limits. Only NYCTA buses could pick up fares on routes shared with the Nassau buses. All outbound buses heading East did have stops in Queens to pick up fares destined into Nassau County.

I would think that this practice still goes on today with NICE buses heading to Jamaica and Woodside.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

3rd Avenue & 34th, 1981...........

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?414

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

frankie wrote:
I do remember back in the '50's and '60's, all Nassau County buses (Schenck and Bee Line) entering into Queens became closed door buses but were allowed to drop off passengers inside the city limits. Only NYCTA buses could pick up fares on routes shared with the Nassau buses. All outbound buses heading East did have stops in Queens to pick up fares destined into Nassau County.

I would think that this practice still goes on today with NICE buses heading to Jamaica and Woodside.


frankie:

Thanks for your input! Very Happy

The long, long-ago "closed door" River Road Expresses of the defunct ORANGE & BLACK/MAPLEWOOD EQUIPMENT CO. were the ones I knew the best.

After the last stop (inbound to PABT) on Gorge Road (Cliffside Park) the buses ran "closed door" all the way into New York; these were true "expresses", leaving Boulevard East passengers to TNJ and MANHATTAN LINES.

At that time, there was no need for the buses to make any stops along River Road, as, back then, it was mostly a few small factories, used car lots, abandoned piers, etc.

Today's NJT successor (the "#159R") is more a "limited stop" run than a true express; the formerly "dead" areas along River Road are now crowded with condos, townhouses, and offices.

Via new access roads, the #159R no longer uses Boulevard East, and, instead, travels through the Port Imperitor ferry complex, as well as Lincoln Harbor (none of this existed back in the days of the O&B's "RIVER ROAD EXPRESS")

I well remember when the old "RIVER ROAD EXPRESS" made its last (outbound) run for the evening around 7pm each weekday; today's #159R runs several hours later, with passenger volume/demand much heavier than it was 40 years ago......

"NYO"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
traildriver




Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2452
Location: South Florida

PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 12:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

frankie wrote:
I do remember back in the '50's and '60's, all Nassau County buses (Schenck and Bee Line) entering into Queens became closed door buses but were allowed to drop off passengers inside the city limits. Only NYCTA buses could pick up fares on routes shared with the Nassau buses. All outbound buses heading East did have stops in Queens to pick up fares destined into Nassau County.

I would think that this practice still goes on today with NICE buses heading to Jamaica and Woodside.


Yes it does. I think you meant Flushing, instead of Woodside.
One thing you don't see...none of the NICE routes run express thru Queens into Manhattan...the LIRR takes care of most of that market, however, if NICE had a park and ride lot near the closest Nassau exits to Queens on the Long Island Expressway, they might do well running express into Manhattan...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 1:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

On the subject of express buses/express services.......

I recall reading, quite awhile ago, that express bus service from the outer boroughs into Manhattan suddenly became quite popular (1970's?) as the subways (sadly) were becoming more and more dangerous, and crimes underground were steadily rising.

This, of course, would not only have made sense, but also, would certainly have boosted ridership on these express bus routes......

"NYO"


Last edited by NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 on Fri Sep 20, 2019 1:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 1:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

An interesting page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_express_bus_routes_in_New_York_City
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
traildriver




Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2452
Location: South Florida

PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 3:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Subway crime was certainly an issue driving business to the new express bus routes, but the 'one seat ride' from former 'two fare zones', was also a factor.
Later, the free Metrocard transfer negated that advantage, but it mostly put the 'dollar cabs' out of business. The superior comfort of the seating on the express buses was also a factor...very few standees, also...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 4:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

traildriver wrote:
Subway crime was certainly an issue driving business to the new express bus routes, but the 'one seat ride' from former 'two fare zones', was also a factor.
Later, the free Metrocard transfer negated that advantage, but it mostly put the 'dollar cabs' out of business. The superior comfort of the seating on the express buses was also a factor...very few standees, also...


traildriver:

Good points, all.

In my area, there is no truly "quick" way to get into Manhattan, outside of when the #159R operates during weekday rush hours.

NJT saw fit to cut back the #22 (formerly an ACADEMY route) to Nungessers about 15 years ago, eliminating both Fairview and Cliffside Park.

The #181 (ex-PS/TNJ #21) which ran between Fort Lee and Hoboken, now only runs to the HBLR station at 48th St., in Union City; where once my area had two direct buses to the Hoboken PATH tubes, now there are none.

Though I have not been into the city since I retired in early 2003, I know the quickest way now to get into the city (off-peak) would be to grab a #159 on Anderson Avenue (whenever one decides to FINALLY show up, that is!) and then ride to Nungessers, then grab either a #165 or #166 into New York (back in the day, you could also easily grab a MANHATTAN LINES bus at Nungessers as well, heading into the PABT)

Those infernal, broken-down dollar vans far, far outnumber NJT buses in my area; waits are lengthy, and, in the time it takes to wait for an NJT bus, you'd have counted well over 40 (at least) dollar vans.

For the life of me, I cannot understand how NJT puts up with the vans, for I have seen far too many people, who otherwise would have been NJT customers, hop aboard the vans instead.

Lost revenue, for sure!

Not only that, too many of the van drivers are far too reckless, and seldom heed traffic rules (of course, this does nor pertain to all van drivers); too, many are uninsured, and have glove boxes full of summonses.

Personally, I'd like to go back some 40-odd years, when only BUSES served the riding public in my area.

Oh, well..........

"NYO"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22282
Location: NEW JOISEY

PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 4:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Remember PSNJ's/TNJ's "#200 PARK RIDE"?

I still remember when the Fishbowls to be assigned to this new line were painted in a new (and sharp!) paint scheme..

I first recall seeing several of these freshly-repainted buses at the old Union City garage (aka "the carbarns") about the time I was nearing my teens (ANCIENT history!)......... Rolling Eyes

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?2314

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    BusTalk Forum Index -> New York City Buses All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
Page 2 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group