BusTalk

Q65A · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:23 am Post subject: CNG's by MCI

From the latest edition of FYI by MCI:
http://www.mcicoach.com/fyiFromMci/story/0911.htm

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:45 pm Post subject:

Bob,

After reading the specs on MCI's latest, you wonder what else they could ever possibly do to make them even better - I don't think there's much else.

If there's anything that can replace GM at the top of the heap it's MCI!

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

I love the idea of US energy independece of foreign oil....
The bulletin doesn't state, but anyone know if the fuel tanks take up all of the baggage bays? I was wondering if there would be room left for using CNG on long-haul routes.

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:43 pm Post subject:

traildriver,

If the tanks are the size of what we see atop transit buses, it's unlikely that there would be a great deal of space left for baggage.

I think that question though becomes of little meaning in commuter operations.

I often wonder why these very expensive buses are used (especially for New York City) when regular transits fitted with comfortable suburban seating would do the job just as well.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

I guess you're right....the roof top tank equivalent would fill those bays...
As for why highway buses....perhaps because there aren't any 45 foot transit buses? Although they could adapt artics for commuter seating I suppose....

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 11:45 pm Post subject:

traildriver,

We have the 45C NABI's out here in L.A. (pictured below), but I'm unsure as to whether a straight 45 footer (the doesn't bend in the middle) would be permitted in New York.

What gets me is the fact that from midtown Manhattan to the farthest reaches of eastern Queens, the top of the Bronx and out to the boondocks of Staten Island the miles involved just don't justify million dollar buses for commuters.

Photo taken by yours truly.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

Thanks for that photo...didn't know there were transit 45 footers....
As for NYC, the MTA MCI 102DL3 and later D4500's, as well as the Prevost X3-45's used on the express runs are all 45 footers.
As for cost, the MTA probably pays less than half a 'mil' for each. I wouldn't be surprised of the hybrid Orion's cost about the same...