BusTalk

[traildriver]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

traildriver:

THANK YOU for, once again, providing some detailed and most interesting info!

Here in NJ, "Buffalsp" began to become commonplace in the later 1950s and early 1970s.

The "Joisey" suburban companies seemed to be enamored with them, using them on both the longer-haul commuter runs, as well as far charters.

Those I recall were rostered by:

PSNJ

ORANGE & BLACK

DE CAMP

MANHATTAN LINES

INTER-CITY

SHORTLINE

First I ever rode was waaaaay back in 1973, when my folks and I took a week-long trip to Canada (PARKER TOURS/CASSER TOURS)

I thought of this type of bus as being a "Scenicruiser Jr"

In the early/mid-1980s, I often rode them on the former O&B's "RIVER ROAD EXPRESS" (and always enjoyed the ride!)

Aaahh, the nostalgia!

"NYO"

['CASSER TOURS"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

In retrospect..........

That the "Buffalo"/"Bison" was operated by both GREYHOUND and TRAILWAYS (and affiliated companies) was indeed proof that these distinctive buses (the very last intercity buses that GM would build) were equally "at home" in intercity services, as they were on the longer commuter runs.

Hard to believe it is now close to forty years since I last rode aboard one of these classic coaches.........

'NYO"

["NEW YORK CITY"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

traildriver:

Here's one for you..........

Am curious to know if DOMENICO ever rostered any "Buffalos"?

I cannot ever recall seeing any, but, of course, that does not mean that the company did not operate the type.

I DO know that they operated at least one "SCENICRUISER" (#400)

As always, appreciate your input..........

[traildriver]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

traildriver:

THANK YOU for this fleet list; to be totally truthful, I had no idea that DOMENICO's fleet was, at one time, as diverse as it was....had NO IDEA that they once rostered 4104s and Flxibles!

I DO recall seeing their Fishbowls every so often, long, long ago; myself and a buddy from work booked DOMENICO tour packages (buses were MCIs) in 1990 (Gatlinburg), 1992 (New Orleans), and 1993 (Myrtle Beach/Charleston)

Had a GREAT TIME on each trip; great drivers, for sure.....always congenial amd friendly! (and great sense of humor!)

On the New Orleans trip, our driver was an amusing fellow named Bill Lipscombe, who originally came from "N'Awlins" (and still had family there) who was a huge fan of New Orleans jazz (he played great tapes for us en route; like myself, he was also a big Al Hirt and Pete Fountain fan!)

Last driver I traveled with was Mark Driver (he reminded me of Sidney Poitier!); he told us all: "If you forget my name, just remember that my last name is also what I do for a living!)

Sadly, a number of years ago, found out that he passed away, at too young an age....he was a great fellow, and a true PROFESSIONAL as a driver (and, also, an outstanding "sideline" tour guide!)

My folks and I took a Thanksgiving trip down to Florida (1978); the driver, Bill Kerne, after learning of my great interest in buses, later generously sent me an old b/w photo of the handsome 4103 he once drove, many years earlier!

Hard to believe that the company went under so suddenly, only a year after I'd taken my trip to Myrtle Beach and Charleston.

Sure glad I've got a lot of GREAT memories!

"NYO"

["MCI"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Nostalgic memories of DOMENICO's Fishbowls, back in the 70s......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155292 (note sedan door)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155295 (note old telephone exchange on "CHARTER BUSES" sign)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155293 ("The Port")

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155299 (note original NH catenary and catenary towers)

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["HYLAN BLVD"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

See also:

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155298 (talk about a "time warp"!)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155296 ("An All-American Classic"!)

(courtesy; nycsubway.org)

["NEW YORK"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"ON THE JOB"...........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155297

"A LONG WAY FROM BROOKLYN!"

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155291

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["STATEN ISLAND-BAYONNE"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Trinity & Rector, 1976 (note first-generation Fishbowl #505's "sightseeing panels" in the roof.........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155290

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["RICHMOND AVE."]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"LONE WOLF", 1978.................

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155294

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["GMC"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Interesting.............

In a book I have about the production of 1939's "THE WIZARD OF OZ", there is a 1939 photo of the "Tin Man" balloon being manhandled down Broadway, as part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

On an adjacent side street, there is a building festooned with huge advertisements (some electrically lit)

One interesting sign is partially obscured by the Tin Man balloon; I was, however, decipher the sign in its entirety"

ALL-AMERICAN BUS TERMINAL

300 BUSSES TO AMERICAN CITIES NATIONWIDE

(note that "buses" is here spelled with two "s", which was once commonplace)

Now, recall, the other "independent" Manhattan bus stations at the time, such as those where GREYHOUND and other through carriers "held court".

Indeed, it HAD to have been an EXCITING time for bus buffs, back in '39; just think of the vast variety of bus makes and the colorful liveries of the companies then ruling the roads...........

"NYO"

["BUSES TO ALL POINTS"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Speaking of the independent bus terminals in Manhattan so long ago, this one, hidden in the basement of a midtown hotel, even had its own turntable, to guide the buses into their respective "slots".

Of course, us "die-hard bus historians" have known about this intriguing "mystery station" for many a year, now!

VERY interesting pics! (historic and modern)...............

"NYO"

https://www.scoutingny.com/the-1930s-bus-station-hidden-in-a-times-square-hotel/

["THE SHORT LINE"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

See also:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Carter

(scroll down page to "BUS TERMINAL" heading)

"NYO"

["NEW YORK CITY"]

[Cyberider]

Thanks, NYO.

I actually had read about this before. Pretty unique!