161 New York

Much better last week on the s62. I had about two customers per day tap with their phone or contactless cards, with a majority who prefer the phone. Some of them are concerned about the transfer and are hesistent to "trust" that they will have one and are requesting paper transfers. Another issue is that the tone it makes for a successful tap is not intuitive, at least for me, that payment was successfully made or there was an error.

SILive did a write up on the "11 screens of MTA's OMNY system: What do they all mean?" See the 11 images there (I have only seen 3).

15 hours ago, 161 New York said:

This is not apart of the pre-trip inspection (PTI) process at NYCT. There is absolutely no room in the SI Division depots, for examples, to cycle a wheelchair lift for a coach bus. We do not check off on working items. Items that are discovered as defective during a PTI  are brought to the attention of the yard dispatcher and written up for repairs. Defects discovered on the road or post trip are either called in as a road call depending on severity as dictated by procedures or are simply written up for repair upon pull in. We have 8-10 minutes to pull a bus out of the depot.
 

Original post added for clarification.

2 hours ago, DetSMART45 said:

Just.....wow. Ladies and gentlemen, classic illustration of how laws are made, compliance is forced on (mainly) private businesses, and government entities "exempt" themselves. But thanks for giving anyone proceeding with an ADA lawsuit against the MTA a nice advantage.

Totally unbelievable how deficient the largest TA in the country's PTI process is. So instead of finding and documenting any problems discovered at the depot -- where repairs can be made -- it's "cheaper/more efficient" to get out on the route and do some kind of road call, and inconvenience customers, then be told the "Oh well, keep going" or "We'll send the mechanics out" or "Wait for a tow" by supervision.

8-10 minutes to do a pull-out, eh? And just when are you expected to punch-in? Certainly can't be right before you're to go to the bus lanes and begin your miniscule PTI. (And I'm sure you don't just return to the depot, park the bus for the porters and run to the timeclock to punch-out, either.)

Yes, New York -------- This is your MTA.

Where in my reply did I state this? During PTI, if defects are found they are brought it to the attention of the yard dispatcher (so the bus is not given out) and it is written up for repairs (so they can... ummm... be repaired), defective buses I find are not put into service.

14 hours ago, DetSMART45 said:

That is a possibility, BUT --

Lifts are supposed to be cycled as part of the pre-trip checklist. Operators are supposed to sign-off that "Yes, the lift is operational" along with all the other safety points.

 

This is not apart of the pre-trip inspection (PTI) process at NYCT. There is absolutely no room in the SI Division depots, for examples, to cycle a wheelchair lift for a coach bus. We do not check off on working items. Items that are discovered as defective during a PTI  are brought to the attention of the yard dispatcher and written up for repairs. Defects discovered on the road or post trip are either called in as a road call depending on severity as dictated by procedures or are simply written up for repair upon pull in. We have 8-10 minutes to pull a bus out of the depot.
 

So far the s62 passengers have not had the best of luck with the roll-out:

On Friday, I suggested an out-of-towner try a contactless card on the OMNY reader, which he had. It did not work as the reader was still in test mode. He whipped out a pocketful of coins.

Yesterday, Saturday, a lady boards with no balance on a standard PPR Metrocard. She sees that the OMNY reader is active and tries paying with her phone. It did not work at first, maybe because she was still on a call with someone. She ended her call and tapped her phone, but it did not seem to work.

And earlier in the week one eagle-eyed customer noticed that a base for the OMNY reader was near the rear door. I think it was 8268 or 8286.

On 5/30/2019 at 4:23 PM, Lawrence St said:

Does anyone know how many Orion NG's from SI to Manhattan got transferred with the readers? I'm curious to see wether theyll become active.

I am a B/O out of Yukon, whenever I was assigned a 4xxx series bus, very few had them installed.

On 5/29/2019 at 12:03 PM, BreeddekalbL said:

Wonder what will happen with Path since they use Metrocards too

I hope the PATH contactless-card readers can be retrofitted to read them.

Most of my travels in New Jersey are around Hudson & southern Bergen Counties. Buses I use/d somewhat (aside from the 161):

6, 10/119, 62, 81X, 83, 87, 89, 111, 116, 123, 125 (because I had a pass), 126, 127, 161,  166, 167Q, 167T, 190, 703, 772.

My favorites are: 81X (usually a quick ride), 83 (you go from urban to suburban - nice contrast), 161 (obviously), 166 (views from Blvd. East) 772 (ahh suburbia).

My least favorite: 10/119 (punishment during peak times from JC to Bayonne).

On 1/31/2019 at 7:22 PM, Nyctransitorhotels said:

I get the being at the job on time and even when snow storms occur however they as well as every job should value my time and everyone else's. You don't get time back. 

 

From a TA bus perspective: Barring extinction-level asteroid strike, nuclear holocaust, alien invasion or something to that effect. You are still required to report to your work location - on time. At TA Buses, the only thing they ask is that you a) report on time and you b) pull out your bus on time. They do not want to hear any excuses and there are very few exceptions for excused absence or lateness. In the event of a snowstorm or other extreme weather event, then, in previous cases you report to the work location closest to your assigned work location. Being late on probation subjects you to a violation, receiving a violation along with other factors may cause probation to be extended or may result in termination. If you expect any understanding or sympathy from supervision/management - this may not be the job for you.
 

On 1/31/2019 at 7:22 PM, Nyctransitorhotels said:

Curious how many sick days do you get and if they run out and you take some is that a problem?? Lateness has to be strictly enforced too?

Can't remember how many you get, but you get a few. Going out "sick" on probation is a no-no. You don't do it unless it is that bad and have doctor's notes, etc.,. For very serious matters, you may be able to resign and come back if you are on probation.  You don't have to worry about running out - because you won't have a job at that point if you are on probation. Lateness (see above).

On 1/31/2019 at 7:22 PM, Nyctransitorhotels said:

Lastly is your union strong?? Thanks for all your responses and everyone here who helps.

I wish all of you nothing but the best of luck. 

I am represented by ATU726 on Staten Island as a bus operator there. So I offer no opinion on the fine folks of TWU100. Nevertheless, when you are on probation, your "rights" are somewhat limited.

6 hours ago, Lil 57 said:

Probably since SIM33C can't fit LOL.

Yep LOL..

It reads exactly that! "SIM33 COMBINATION", with combination written very small. In the rear, it reads, SIM, then 33c. The side destination sign truncates the word.

7 hours ago, aemoreira81 said:

 

I believe that there may be an effort to bring all MTA bus operators under one union (or under a subsidiary of TWU 100; Spring Creek.....

 

I replied to your comments in the Staten Island Bus Proposal Thread 2012-2013 (post 1376) as the discussion (appears to) digress away from VG8's original purpose.

7 hours ago, aemoreira81 said:

 

I believe that there may be an effort to bring all MTA bus operators under one union (or under a subsidiary of TWU 100; Spring Creek workers, after firing ATU 1181/1061, joined TWU 100 as TWU 100A. That said, I can't see a serious issue being raised if some buses are permanently assigned to MJQ. This may require legislation though, which unions would oppose, to require that all in a job title for an employer must be represented by a single bargaining agent (which would actually bring the state in line with federal law on interstate carriers - which is why ATU 1700 represents all Greyhound drivers).

---REPLY ENDS HERE---

Separately from this, I would also argue that the MTA should also operate some express bus routes into New Jersey to better serve Staten Islanders who work in NJ, as well as to serve Newark Airport full-time. I would propose:

SIM40: Eltingville Transit Center - Newark Liberty International Airport (weekdays) - weekdays, hourly service

SIM41: Eltingville Transit Center - 34 Street (HBLR), replacing the S89 with faster buses, weekdays

SIM40C:  Eltingville Transit Center - 34 Street (HBLR) - Newark Airport (weekends) - every 2 hours

* NOTE: if the Bayonne Bridge is closed, Newark Airport gets serviced first, then 34 Street HBLR

SIM42: Eltingville Transit Center to The Mills at Jersey Gardens 

SIM50: Castleton Depot to Metropark (to NJ AM, from NJ PM)

SIM51: Castleton Depot to Raritan Center (to NJ AM, from NJ PM)

For the latter two, a mini-bus would be sent to pick up drivers to bring them back to Staten Island.

 

TA/OA and MTA Bus Company (Spring Creek) are two completely and totally different business entities under MTA .  The Michael J. Quill depot, its buses and bus operators, surface line dispatchers and maintenance teams have absolutely nothing to do MTA Bus Company.

Personally, I disagree that MTA New York City Transit should operate interstate service. The economic benefits are for New Jersey, not New York. New Jersey should run it, subsidize it (DOT grants, corporate subsidies etc) if it so desires to or bless it (a la any necessary permits -if any etc). As we know, there was only one (or two) private carrier, Red & Tan (a Coach USA "entity" (as I am unclear of their affiliation) in the last 20 years that ran scheduled interstate coach service between Staten Island and Hoboken/Jersey City, which ultimately led to the creation of the s89.
 

As I have said previously. The s89 serves a dual purpose, a somewhat faster ride, being limited service along Richmond Ave with additional capacity for school kids in the AM as well as the commuter purpose. For the most part, except for the long-standing detour onto the Dr. MLK Expressway, the s89 works as intended.
 

As we have seen with the Staten Island Express Bus Realignment - Nobody seems to like or want to transfer. So selling a three system transfer (to Manhattan as many people do) does not appear likely.

Getting back to interstate service and NYCT, with respect to the s89, there are only 8, high seniority runs. The runs are straight, they do not interline with anything else meaning, a guy/gal won't do 5 round trips on the s44 and do a round trip on the s89. The folks you see driving only operate the s89. This is because of federal rules, DOT FMCSA (Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) which strictly dictates the hours of service (actual driving and "on duty" time) for that individual - (this also entails a separate medical exam as well). Having only eight folks do these runs keeps things manageable. However "issues" arise when you have operator availability issues such as a B/O having an accident, going out sick or simply going AWOL. Now when these operator availability issues arise, the crew dispatcher than has to utilize a resource, such as an "Extra List" operator, lets say YU XL 64,  who was previously not subject to federal DOT regulations, but instead of the somewhat more generous (with respect to hours of service) NYS 19-A laws which all NYCTA/OA/BC operators are subject to (regardless of state of residency) to make service. Given the various complexities of federal law, this will now limit YU XL 64's activities for the rest of the week and this is monitored by the Department of Buses. Further complicating this , while many Yukon B/O's maintain the federal certifications (NJ/PA residents, by default) many NYS residents may not.

Living on Staten Island for 30+ years, i don't see these SIM4x and SIM5x proposals gaining any traction, especially for Middlesex service. Maybe an entrepreneur can start something near the hotels along the West Shore Expressway and have both a long-term parking/kiss and ride for EWR service. Workers can use the street/service roads. As I addressed previously:

- The 10 (Operated by Academy/22 Hillside), certain trips can be extended over the Bayonne Bridge to either Forest & Richmond Avenues or a "Bridge Plaza" stop and turnaround for connection from Staten Island to Journal Square.

- The new Goethals Bridge now has a pedestrian walkway, which will open sometime in the next year or so, while very undesirable given it's proximity to a sewage treatment plant and whatever is being cooked up along the aptly named Chemical Coast, people do have an option. Perhaps Coach USA which has dominance in Union & Essex County could look at starting a service with a sole SI stop being at Forest & Richmond. This could also solve or at least provide help to a long-standing problem for Bayonne and Jersey City residents who rely on public transportation need to travel between Hudson & Union Counties without a trek to Union City if the above is implemented.

- I strongly feel that there should be something over the Outerbridge Crossing. Ideally, something that goes to Woodbridge Mall area to the ETC would be good. Again Academy Express which has dominance in Middlesex County as the NJT's contract carrier for the 8xx routes would be best suited for this.

Even outside of NJT and the big name PBL's. As I have said previously, nothing, absolutely nothing outside of the requisite federal requirements (unless NYS based (then see NYS Article 19A requirements) prevents anyone with a minibus, coach bus or a van from starting a interstate service. Paterson/Passaic, Hudson Counties still deal with the "jitneys" that traverse their roadways and front run NJT's scheduled service essentially "poaching" fares. For 2018, they appear to have been on their best behaviour as I am not aware of any high profile incidents or accidents that they have been involved in. Every now and then the Port Authority, Fort Lee PD and certain specially trained NYPD units (near the Lincoln Tunnel) will do spot checks on vehicles for the usual safety and license checks - separate from the actual service they provide.

9 hours ago, Mtatransit said:

It is also apparent that the scheduling dept schedules the buses without any regards to driver lunch breaks. 

Many of the soon-to-be former x17 "straight" schedules, that is these folks just do the x17, on weekends gave B/O's 40 minute "breaks" between their first round trip and their second round trip. If they encounter delay and get back and pull in 20 minutes late, they theoretically have 20 minutes for lunch, but in actuality, they have really 12 minutes because they have to pre-trip (TA gives up 8-10 minutes) and pull out on time (if not, they risk getting disciplined). Same thing for many of the soon-to-be-former x1 trips.

This happened to me on the x1 on Sunday with the Dominican Day Parade. I had 20 minutes, but it was more like 13 minutes. I drove 11 hours that day with a 13 minute lunch break. Shout out to Dunkin Donuts 's for making the day bearable.

There are many other examples I could give.

1 hour ago, Lil 57 said:

Let me tell you a little story about what happened on my commute to work this morning (8/16/2018).

Last day of my summer internship in Manhattan, I'm waiting at Post/Port Richmond for the 7:08 AM S57 bus to take me to Forest Ave so I can transfer to the X30. At 7:08 AM I see the bus. Instead of making the left on Post, the B/O goes straight down on Port Richmond like he's an S59 or something. Me and this other guy are like, "WTF is he doing?" There was no detour on the route and the bus wasn't running late so the B/O just decided to leave us, plus the people on Decker stranded. I had to walk all the way to the X30. I reported that B/O in an instant. 

Now, this is one of the reasons why bus ridership is declining. 

Probably a new guy/gal, there are 23 or so of them (nearly all of them don't live on SI and want out),bouncing between the four depots since the beginning of the month. This is not recent, but I saw one B/O apparently doing the s57 towards New Dorp go down Trantor Pl. towards Morningstar, like an s44.

14 hours ago, Lil 57 said:

What's with the X17c's having "Via New Jersey" on the destination sign?

It's been like this for years.. Quite frankly, it is embarrassing.

No-one really can say for sure what is going on with the x23 and x24, whose operations are completely and totally separate from the MTA (aside from total or catastrophic farebox issues). Right now the NYC DOT dictates their routes and is their overall management of those lines, funding is provided by the NYC Economic Development Corp with additional subsidies from NYS. 

Looking at the language in the Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses  report (p.19):

Quote

Finally, the X23 and X24 express bus routes are funded by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and operated by Academy Bus. Given the comprehensive nature of this study, they are considered in the redesign plan. Changes to the X23 and X24 routes are expected to be cost-neutral or cost-saving to the operator. 

Pay attention to the word "considered" and the that "Operated by Academy Bus" are included in both the report and proposed SIM23 and SIM24 diagrams.

Again, no-one really knows what is going on, I suspect the ATU SI Bus Operator's labor union would ideally desire to absorb the routes as additional work for their membership, but one has to really question if the MTA were to absorb these routes - why in the most recent release of the route maps would they include that these proposed routes would be operated by Academy?

There has been no formal Board paperwork that I have seen mentioning any of the express bus changes, right now everything seems to be preliminary and proposed. Right now, the MTA is using the term "open house" to solicit public feedback for the plans. Again, pay attention to the wording, an "open house" is very different from the legal/agency-imposed/etc mandates of a public meeting where the MTA would have to provide legal, financial and other information to implement the new service. Then and only then will we see everything, hours of service, headways, etc. (which then in turn would likely be provided to the public in something that is easily digestable = readable).

Presumably, the SIM23 and SIM24 would represent and require a substantial revision/rewriting or a simply a brand new contract. This again, brings important questions, as the NYC EDC is the administrator of the contract with the NYC DOT delegated to oversee Academy's operations. With such major and material changes, would such a contract be subject to open-competitive bidding? (Since the routes are being shortened, I would imagine NYC would like to save money). Since the MTA is driving these changes, would the MTA be party to the contract process?

Right now everything is behind the scenes. The only way we can see information is either through leaks, official MTA documentation from the Board or making public record requests, requesting:

- Correspondence between NYC EDC/DOT and Academy regarding its relationship since the takeover from Atlantic Express. (Dec 13 - Jan 14)

- Correspondence between NYC EDC/DOT and Academy regarding the ending of the contract and whatever expectations concerning continuity of service (Sep 16? - Sept '17)

- Correspondence between NYC/EDC DOT and Academy regarding the proposed changes.

- Correspondence between MTA and Academy regarding the possible implementation of the SIM23 and SIM24.

Let's see official documentation everything else is simply speculation.

55 minutes ago, dissa2000 said:

Finally finished probation. The longest year I ever had. Congratulations to 3/20/17 class who completed probation...

Congratulations! Welcome to the party, definitely the longest year ever.

14 hours ago, BreeddekalbL said:

Did you ever do any express runs like the x1 and have you ever done the s79 and how are those runs work wise etc?

And what are the runs that the senior drivers scoop up 

As for your first year at Yukon, you will be on the extra list for some period of time and will at some point get scheduled for express runs. Our runs are either straight runs meaning you will only do express runs, for example 1 on the x1 or a miscellaneous run which has different runs (to keep it simple), you can start the morning doing 4 rounds on the s62 and doing a round trip on the x1.

Everybody starting out at Yukon sees express their first year, unless they are able to pick a run without it the moment line training has completed.

Back to the MISC runs, so, you can see express and s79. I did.

Straight express runs, runs that have Sunday/Saturday off and runs that are high paying naturally get picked by those with seniority. The s79-SBS (straight runs) is now a high seniority line with the exception of some of the later PM runs.

23 hours ago, Mr Marta said:

Hey guys I’m in the pre employment process this will be my second time going back to 180 Livingston street (my first time I was put on hold because I needed to transfer my GA CDL CLASS B TO A NYS CDL CLASS B) my question is will I have to come back here a third time because of a “E” restriction? (E restriction= can’t operate manual CMV) on my class b CDL license? I know the form say “No restrictions” but I figured that shouldn’t be a problem since no MTA buses are stick shift I don’t even know how I have “E” restriction since I had my CDL since 2012 and took my road test before the the whole rule change

As for the E restriction, that is no problem. A minimum, Class B with air brakes and P, passenger endorsement is fine. You can even get an A3 restriction (which I have and for NY only), which exempts you from needing a DOT medical card.

17 hours ago, SevenEleven said:

Top pay is after completion of 5 calendar years. For example, I started on 9/6/2016 @ 22.70. (70% of 32.42, End of Year 0, Day 1-365)

9/6/17 (End of Year 1, Day 366-730) : 24.32 (75%)

9/6/18: (EOY 2, Day 731-1096): 25.94 (80%)

9/6/19: (EOY 3, Day 1097-1460: 27.56 (85%)

9/6/20: (EOY 4, Day 1461-1825): 29.18 (90%)

9/6/21: (EOY 5, Day 2190-2555): 32.42 (100%)

In September, I will make $25.94 and have 2 years in. This is also using the old pay scale.

I'm not sure how night diff works for conductors. For bus ops, you get the night diff rate for any time worked M-F 6pm-559am (next day). From Fri 6pm til Sunday (Monday AM), 559am, it is paid all day.

For holidays, you get paid straight time. You can elect to give up your AVA accural of the holiday to be paid an extra 8 hours. (Straight)

You simply cannot beat this information OR find this information ANYWHERE ELSE folks! Extremely well written and explained. Thanks @SevenEleven

The current status of the s53 and s79-SBS .

On 2/22/2018 at 12:28 PM, noekozz said:

The fact that you took 2 different drug tests and they never called you back on either for the medical portion only tells me that you came back dirty.   No reason to be upset with the MTA over that if that’s the case.  I can’t think of any other reason they would do that to you. 

The list expired on a certain date. Perhaps the TA had enough candidates from the last and final pool of candidates to fill the open vacancies - thus declining to work with those who have not cleared pre-employment. Being called is different from being appointed, that is hired from a civil service list..

18 hours ago, Mspunkybrewster said:

It may have been pass or fail but how can a official list be created without EVERYONE taking it. What if i had 100 and failed the opa? Does that mean someone that got a 85 that didnt even take it has a better chance than me? I just feel opa isnt accounted for because EVERYONE didnt take it

Again, for the umpteenth time, the Oral Proficiency Assessment (OPA) is similar to the Bus Operator Selection Survey (BOSS) that bus operator candidates take after the initial written civil service (TA only) exam, which I speak from experience.  Direct from the MTA regarding "BOSS will not prevent you from receiving your official test results once the list is established." Since the OPA is new, this is the only component we can compare it to. 

So the likely answers to your questions are:

a) If you got 100 and failed the OPA - You likely won't be hired because you failed the OPA.

b) The person who scored an 85 and did not take the OPA will likely take the OPA at a future date, should they reach that list number.

c) Having everyone or 20,000+ eligibles  take the OPA is not realistic, especially if the lowest scorers, who realistically have zero chance of being hired have their time and money wasted by coming in.

I am 15X, however, I am already a permanent TA Bus Operator based in Staten Island.

Therefore, I am highly unlikely to accept the position if called.

Good Luck to Everyone!!

23 minutes ago, mtabx911 said:

I have a hard question, Im on 4600 test, list number 107X, and was called last year, but put on hold for points, also on test 4105 mabstoa, list number 210X...

I was told to come back in December when I'm eligible for both, which one should I process for???

4600 nyc transit , or 4105 mabstoa??? I know the questions been asked of whats the difference, but which one would you choose and why??? pros and cons???

Thank you

The real difference is work location, OA operators may only work in OA depots, while TA operators can work in TA and OA depots, none can work in MTA Bus Company depots. If you are OK with working in OA depots for your career, then you can select OA, if you want flexibility to work in different TA/OA depots, Staten Island or specific Queens division depots, then select TA. The pay is the same and the pensions appear to be somewhat similar.

Read this thread for more information on OA vs TA, as said trife86, "This topic has been beaten to death on this site":

34 minutes ago, ozpM said:

Hey guys, i was wondering what number their at, i scored 92.5% on the test and i am number 331X on the list, is it possible that i will get a call or am i fresh out of luck?

Thank you for your time.

M.

You likely should have been called already.

On Staten Island, the last person in my depot came off this exam and their list number is 430X.  (You should shorten your list number to be semi-anonymous).

On Monday, you should call MTA HR at 1 347-643-8229/30/31 for further instructions. 

Before that, you should call DCAS 1 212-699-1357 Option 2 and see what the automated line says about your status.

Good Luck

2 minutes ago, MTAhopefullMatt said:

@161 New York, thanks for your explanation. 

That seems to make sense. The list could be established at any time from now until the summer (or even potentially later in the year). Those who haven't yet taken the OPA would simply take it as a preliminary pass/fail screening, before their drug test, which comes before the medical portion.  So the order would be: OPA, then  urine drug test and preliminary paperwork completed/spot-checked on that visit to Transit; then  comprehensive medical screening which, if/when you're cleared, they'll briefly go over your paperwork, employment/criminal history, and possibly swear you in on that date if there's an upcoming class to assign you to.

You're welcome. Yes, that is what likely will happen and is similar to what I went through being hired as a bus operator..

Deleted. Too much "thinking out loud". LOL. 

On 1/18/2018 at 12:43 AM, mrem37 said:

To answer an earlier question: only NYCT gives the multiple choice test & the BOSS. 

NYC MTA Bus and MABSTOA gives only the BOSS and they hire much quicker. 

NJ Transit is hiring as well. From the day you mail in your application, you can get hired within two months.. 

Good Luck All! 

Please note the correction above.