East New York

I’m trying out some new things on the forums. I started with photo tagging major topic links as seen with these examples below.

The first page is fully updated. I removed quite a lot of text and, replaced with with images at the bottom of the post. Please take time to review the entire post as everything has been updated, including the fleet numbers for the XE60’s.

It is now a 12-9 on the at Grand Central. A passenger was wearing something that got caught on a train pulling out of the station, and he was pulled underneath. 😥

Over the next couple days, starting this evening, I’m going to incorporate current program and project information into the first page of each and ever major thread that is pinned. The original posts will remain, and the updates will be found underneath. This way, whenever we have major updates, they can always be found in a place accessible, and you will no longer have to sift through posts to see what you may have missed. For example, please refer to the first page and post in the R142/142A Upgrade thread for an overview of program details that will be updated regularly. The rest of the threads will follow.

Again, just you knowing nothing of which you speak. So for your information and anyone else that wants to know, what I do as a business owner is provide solutions to the industry in many capacities. I have consulted with every top transit agency in the United States, and 3 other countries. I have consulted and or done business with EVERY major component supplier across the board. I am a mechanic, transit systems engineer, transit consultant, and bus owner. Back in 2008 I submitted a post and report on what I would do to improve transit across all agencies if I were the CEO of the MTA. Did you know that MTA took 98% of my report and did just that over the last 11 years?? Improved transit. I don’t just sit around and let the MTA feed out BS, I have always, and will coontinue to hold them accountable, while simultaneously not jumping down their backs, or trashing them at every turn. I maintain a relationship where they know that what I have to say makes sense, and they not only take it into consideration, but have actually used, it, and employed it into every day operations. So let’s get into what I put in that report or others that MTA has implemented to date. 1.) Off-Board payment, with all door boarding. SBS was born. 2.) Create a validation program and extensively test buses and components for better in-service reliability. They BTE program was then created. 3.) Sit down with NFI, get over the D60 fiasco, and allow them to submit the C40LF because the LFR nor Xcelsior is validated under BTE guidelines. They have enough parts from the cancelled CTA order, and they can fabricate others. In addition, the system components like multiplex, lighting, and interior will be similar to LFR/X standard. The lower side panel protectors are the same as those found on the Xcelsior as well. They can resurrect the LF series from the dead, bid on the contract, split award with Orion and test both models sided by side. Result, MTA thought it was an excellent idea, awarded TA CNG’s to NFI for the C40LF (everyone said I was lying and the LF was dead, then said ok, maybe you are right but it will be LFR’s cause again the LF is dead as has been for a while), and the Bus Co award went to Orion. Now we have the only 4th gen NFI LF’s in existence along with the 4000th CNG ever made. MTA would subsequently order 4 sets of 90 test buses from 3 manufacturers. Something else everyone, even countless MTA employees and even some upper lever management (who was not in the know) told me it was not true because MTA doesn’t operate like that. I said they do now, and it’s a new day. This is what I recommended they do. That’s when I really got attacked and people said who do I think I am? I was making up things for for views on my posts and everything under the Sun. That’s when MTA brass validated my nick name of East New York and started calling me Surface Transit HQ in the flesh. Brass that I didn’t know then started asking who I was because they couldn’t believe i was spot-on. 4.) Have a sit down with MTA about launching the RTS low floor. As a gift to me, this meeting that I brokered between both companies was conducted on my birthday because of my long history with all the RTS manufacturers. I am also an RTS owner. Myself along with Trevor Logan, MTA, and the MTA drafted up the specs and top-secret design for the new line or RTS buses. MTA initially accepted the proposals for both the 42.5 foot high floor express, and the low floor 40 foot Extreme. The plans were for 90 buses each. MTA Ops planning then decided they only wanted to stick to 45 foot express buses as the RTS Express NG would be limited to only a few depots. The standard 40 foot program however moved forward, and the MTA then requested 8 pilot buses for 6 month testing, 22 Buses 6 months later for extensive 90 day testing, then the last 60 with final production specs after that. After MTS reviewed the terms, they decided they were unable to meet them unless the MTA guaranteed the purchase, or ordered all 90 at the same time as they did with the other manufactures. MTA would have rather offered the RTS Extreme Electric, but MTA was not interested in the technology at the time. MTS was unable and unwilling to open the line and have to lay employees off twice until MTA gave the full notice to proceed. The entire MTA management was the same team from the Nova, NFI, TMC, and GMC. They said MTA was notorious for rejecting buses, and found not risk a repeat of “8750.” They made the bus exactly like the 8600-8703, and MTA rejected it because they decided after the bus was delivered they didn’t like the decal placements, and wanted to change a couple other components for some of the buses. Then MTA decided they were changing the livery all together and had to redo the bus yet again. MTS final statement was we cannot proceed with the current level of funding we have. MTA final systems was, let us know as soon as you can and we will issue a notice to proceed. To this day, they invite MTS to every bid opportunity. 5.) Merge Operations of Bus Company OA and TA at East New York in an all new state-of-the-art command center. Now built and opening soon. 6.) Merge the branding, fareboxes, and destination signs. Finally, years later it is on the horizon for completion by summer pick 2021. 7.) Kill 3 birds with one stone. Start charging $1 for new MetroCards, make them refillable, and simultaneously rid the streets and stations of MetroCard litter which was out of control at the time. 8.) Submit a proposal to the FTA detailing how you need to move forward with SAS immediately and use an existing B-Division line to run up the first segment. Don’t wait until the entire line is finished to open it with the (T). Result, as a gift to me, living off Avenue H at the time, my train started going to 96th Street. Look where we are now! Thank The Lord. I could continue, but I think we get the point now. My overall point to you is that you have no idea who I am, and all you do is insinuate, pass judgement, criticize, and debate about things which you are clueless about. Instead of arguing and being combative, stand up for what you don’t like. That’s exactly what I did and now look where we are. You can say whatever you want about me because I’m a Capricorn, and what someone else “thinks” has never held weight in my life. Reality is all that matters, and when I started this I said my goal was to improve public transit for all. Not just bash the MTA and complain all the time, but actually do something about it. MTA definitely has a long way to go, and many practices they have I do not condone. That’s where diplomacy comes in. Do you know what that word means? Don’t talk about it, stand up for what you want changed and be about it. That’s just 1/10 of my transit track record above. What have you done other than run your mouth? If you are not going to help, contribute or criticize constructively, I would again like to remind you that there is another transit “chat” board for all that extra nonsense. NEXT BUS PLEASE

Now this I have to agree with this 100% I’m sure they will take MTA’s lead at some point in the future, however seeing as they are now privately operated by a company I don’t particularly care for, I have no interest in their operations. When Mangamo or whatever his name is announced that they wanted to break away from MTA, I knew it was a conservative plot for only one company to take them over. Everyone wanted to argue with me and say it was a conspiracy theory, and long before the bidding even began or they separated from MTA I said exactly who was going to take it over, but did not explain that it was about the money, and personal relationships and secret meetings that would be kept under wraps. Everyone say no, there will be a few companies to bid. I said I know, and no matter who bids, the winner is written on the wall because I know most all the executives, or their profiles in this entire industry. Rant over. Lol

1.) Just about 3 years ago exactly if I recall correctly off the top of my head. 2.) At this moment there are no plans to replace them. Just rotate and probably swap them out over the next couple years. They won’t begin to retire until about 2021 in mass. They usually have 44 on average for the Q64, 110, and 112. The next standard 40 foot base order for MTA Bus (25 buses) was delayed a bit seeing as they want to transition to all-electric via hybrid, as well as the fact that TA is sending 6500 and 6600 series buses to BC. NG’s will be bumped in the future as well. 3.) They don’t necessarily swap equipment. A couple runs are interlined. So you will see artics on the Q64, or 110. And here and there you will see a standard on a 111, 113 or 114. When the weather is bad you will see more standards on all the routes. The B35 for example is an articulated line, but it’s not 100% articulated. There are a few standard 40 foot runs.

New rule here at NYCTF: Do Not Feed The Animals. Now moving along to things of substance, the first page of Fleet & Depots will be slightly revised soon. However, as of now everything is accurate.

Clearly you have NO concept or clue as to how things really work within the MTA. CNG coaches were not our thing and it’s irrelevant anyway. It’s just plain stupid for an agency the size of MTA to order CNG express buses that essentially would never be able to be transferred anywhere other than CP or SC. Having family working for the MTA doesn’t mean squat either. I DONT work for the MTA and get almost all information before 98% of MTA employees even hear about it. Being a contractor looking from the outside it’s quite clear MTA has lots of room for improvement. And when WF opened they had 0 CNG buses thank you. So what got converted? Everything starting the day they opened! Duh!!! Then you say nothing is brand new! What??? Are you somewhere under a rock!!?? Like GTFOH with this combative bullshit. Get your facts together before you speak, or go to that other “Chat” board where anything goes. Next Bus Please

The TA express order is only for 50 buses, and UP doesn’t have the oldest ones. It’s likely they will get some, but they could go to SI as well. Why not? Fleet swaps are never fleet for fleet. It’s bus for bus. No maintenance issues of UP were to get MCI’s again. They had them and they will again have them in the future. It’s inevitable at this point. Mad far as the rejected CT’s go, I’m not sure what you mean my we would be in decent shape if we had got them. Nothing would have changed except the fact that the Prevost order would not have had as many buses. Fleet ops for express are covered. If we were in dire straights the new order would definitely not be for only 50 buses. Now as far as MCI and the line goes, they are phasing out the classic D next year. NJT is only taking delivery later due to the fact that the order was put on pause and in jeopardy of being cancelled. NFI is trying to get everyone to migrate over to the platform starting now. Similar to what the did when they phased out the LF/LFR for the X. Yes they are. Express buses also use the BBT every day.

Your overall point is correct, however I need to elaborate on a few of the actual detail of your post @MysteriousBtrain The 110 buses were ordered to shift operations towards the use of more CNG buses, and covert the Bx36, as well as boost artic ops on the Bx15 as well. In the original plan there would have been about 15 diesel artics remaining and thats all. They have 45 now because of the plan changes. The B35 was always considered, but not confirmed until finalization was made for the contract through fleet planning. Then they decided to upgrade Gleason for artic ops. C40’s were never planned for the Bx6+. The reason many of them have replaced Spectrum color signs is because MTA has a settlement with LUMINATOR on all signs that are not the new technology. If one of the Titan signs in a C40 malfunctions, LUMINATOR will replace it with a Spectrum. This makes the signs usable in more buses, and also have common parts. It also would have not been the first route to use all new buses on SBS service. That would be the Q52/53+ when it comes to new branding. Now as far as SBS goes as a whole, it ONLY started in The Bronx because MTA saw Pelham Parkway as the perfect platform to test the new service on. The B46 was the original reason for the inception of SBS. Bronx was first for Artics because of the same thing way back in 1995. If it worked there or failed there it would be low risk. They ended up going the route they did and plan certain routes based on logistics and in-service learning and analyzing of the viability. Q44 was planned years before some of the other routes. They still haven’t made it to the B46 just yet. West Farms actually never got the XD40’s they have because of the Train shuttle. They were scheduled to get 8 in the revised deployment plans for regular service. The only Depots confirmed for shuttle were in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. WF already had XN40’s and MTA just wanted new buses on the route. Now post Train, WF has seen an increase of XD40’s to cover service since there will be enough of them to go around now that the shuttle is off. The overall point for the above poster is “Foresight” doesn’t always matter when pattens change. Back then the B46 was the heaviest line in the city. 4 other routes have now taken that spot at one time or another. You are on point for the overall message though.

You don’t know this yet for sure. Until EN converts the B82, they shouldn’t be going anywhere. It was in the planning, then it did change to only being temporary (in black and white), then it was put on hold I definitely. Note I never said it was cancelled. Then the new plans are now for a full conversion of both routes which wasn’t in the original plans either. So this has changed now several times and yes according to the new I formation this is what we have on the table now.

They were assigned when I posted, however neither of them were actually there. I also still show that neither of them have arrived as of yet.

No, this thread is for discussion on anything related to the fleet, operations and depots. However, as @Cait Sith said, it’s clear you don’t have a full grasp of operations. As I said WF has more buses than ANY other Depot, and the operations of today were NOT planned. The Bx6 and Bx6 local were not confirmed when the CNG artic order went in. You also have u planned maintenance issues and accidents everyday that eat into the spare factor. WF will perpetually be late now and then because of the operations demand Yeah I don’t remember saying it was in the city. It’s at the vendor.

Neither the Bx6 or the Bx6+ were in the plans when they were ordered. There was also no option as this was the first time MTA was implementing artics other than diesel. You all should also take note that WF has more buses than the average depot that are around the same age. This means they have to be rotated out for regularly scheduled maintenance, and there are the unplanned maintenance issues that are encountered as well. Not only that, WF bus demand and requirements are higher than any other depot in the city and you all don’t realize that. They have nearly 330 buses on average at all times, and not one of them are express. The 36 has artics on it now, and the total increased.

BTE assignments as of right now are split GA/MQ. We are moving into the final phase of testing for award to remain on schedule by years end. 9500, 9503, 9505, 9507 GA 9501, 9502, 9508, 9509 MQ 9504, 9506 NFI/MTA audit. Check the first page of Fleet & Depots for updates and further details . 1016 back to NFI 1017 is still at the vendor 6600 JK to LG

They already have 22 of the 54 total due. There are no unassigned buses any longer. Everything has assignments, including the next hybrids and electric artics now. Check the first page of the Fleet & Depots thread. They are going to remove them to be used elsewhere as the M14+ was shelved.

The Destination keypad (ODK) and signs are made by Hanover. The same company that has signs in the 4800’s and the RTS retrofits. You just aren’t used to the layout yet lol. I can check. Last I saw 1016 it was in standard livery. However, the entire XN60 fleet has an SBS base, so it’s nothing for them to snatch off the local wrap on any of the buses. I don’t know of a single person that that dislikes them because they are quiet. Lol. This isn’t really about a popularity test tho. It’s about a performance test. The lower 7000’s perform the worse. They sure don’t take off like race cars, although there are a couple that have been retuned. Still don’t accelerate as fact as a 2011 or 2018/19. They have speed, but the takeoff is the worse. They are not favored among mechanics or operators. The shift scheduling on majority of them are not calibrated correctly for NYC duty cycles. The transmission’s can slip because of this at times as mentioned by @Flatbush SBS Duece. There are a few more things wrong with these, and a few practices that bus operator like to do that will cause a bus to break down faster than it should also. But that’s another discussion. Second off, as a mechanic I can tell you that you that I agree and said they (2018/19) were better myself lol. They pollute less by default. The newest buses have EPA 17 Cummins L9 engines which are slightly cleaner than the EPA 15 Cummins ISL9 that it replaces, which powers the 2015/16 batch. That combines with the flawless shift scheduling of those buses makes them more efficient as well. The most popular buses are a matter of opinion and maintenance for the most part. If we are talking about active fleet, the most popular for reliability is the RTS. The most popular for looks is the Xcelsior. To a greater extent the XN60’s and XDE40’s have shit to the top of that list with the new XD40 right behind it. The favored bus for longevity is the LFS/LFSA because it has the same build philosophy of the RTS, which essentially guarantees it can last almost forever with proper maintenance. 7018 is out of NYCT’s first batch of RTS’ ever and to this very moment of this day, it will run circles around any RTS in this city, and keep up anything else quite well.

Yeah the 2015 Transmissions are the absolute worse. Thank MTA for those dumb ass specs they tuned the LBSS with. Many of them are being tuned again and are starting the run better. The best XD40’ are the 4800’s and the new 2018/2019. The new ones are rockets, but 4830 and 38 have to be the fasted XD40’s in the city. I don’t what the hell EN did to those two buses but I almost lost my mind in the B15 a couple days ago. On the XN60 side 1073 seems to be faster. The take-off is absolutely insane!

Someone just sideswiped 780 right in front of me smh. 1 Road call

I inquired about it after the post. This is one of the test specs. It’s the only unit that has it. And shame on whoever gave you a thumbs down. I missed all of that. Wrong random thread lol. Don’t feel bad. Apparently a few people haven’t got the memo yet that L Shutdown is cancelled, and the RTS’ are out in the next 12 months. We are scheduled to be down only 25 by this time next year unless something changes or changed.

Speaking of the B35, yes they seem to be in much better hands in Brooklyn. Also noting that I don’t remember seeing alternate specs on the XN60’s. Has anyone been on 1073??? Check these seats out.

This is why Bronx irritates me..... people just love to trash things. In Brooklyn, the XN60’s look amazing, almost as if people are making at a point not to litter...... But not here in the Bronx. The upside to tonight’s Bx6 evaluates is I got the whole variety. Even a D60 was out here!! That was a sight!

Not to nit pick, but my report as of this very moment shows 1016 AND 1017 at the vendor. 1016 has yet to be registered at WF even if it is on property. It’s still NFI property as of this moment. Not to mention it’s a pilot.

Brand new or slightly used buses don’t matter. As long as service is covered is what’s important. 1700-1839 are NG’s 1840-1884 are 3G’s. Both with 20 year tanks just like all of our CNG buses from the C40LF 4G’s and newer iirc. Why would Gleason even need Orion VII’s? And they usually fuel diesel buses like the RTS MetroCard buses they have, at other depots. I don’t think you understand MTA’s consolidation practices. MTA wants buses grouped by commonality for ease of maintenance and logistics. You are pushed ideas for buses to places that they don’t need to be, and there is no reason for them to go there anyway. Gleason has a full fleet of New Flyer buses all with common parts inside and out as they are the only C40LF 4G’s in existence. That means they are very similar to the Xcelsiors. This is why Gleason got rid of the Orion VII’s they had quite a while ago, and now the last few remain at West Farms. JG was going to get 8 XD40’s for L Train which would be easy for Gleason to house and do light maintenance on because they already have the common parts. This another reason why Staten Island politicians need to just relax for a bit. The only Xcelsiors going to the Island anytime soon will be electric. We don’t need to be shipping parts out there just yet. Now what exactly is “true BRT” in terms of your definition. Another question for you. Which SBS routes have you ridden?