3we Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 My guess is that since the City of Tempe owns those buses, they prefer to assign their C40LFRs to routes that actually serve Tempe, which is why you see plenty of them on routes such as the 45 and 61 on weekdays, the latter often getting a DE60LFR at times. On weekends there are more of them available to use on other routes, which is probably why you see them more often on weekends on the 156 than you do on weekdays. I think it's happenstance. I normally see routes 72/81/108/156 on a regular basis. Outside of an artic on 72, the routes usually use 2008/9 C40LFR, with the occasional 2011 C40LFR on 81. Last week, I saw D40LFRs pass each other on Chandler Blvd. on 81 and 156. I never see anything from 6661 through 6668. 6738 on 108 today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted January 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 I think it's happenstance. I normally see routes 72/81/108/156 on a regular basis. Outside of an artic on 72, the routes usually use 2008/9 C40LFR, with the occasional 2011 C40LFR on 81. Last week, I saw D40LFRs pass each other on Chandler Blvd. on 81 and 156. I never see anything from 6661 through 6668. 6659-6668 are still at Mesa, and yes I have seen them on the 156. The 72 and 81 are entirely out of Tempe, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted January 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 FYI, I just heard with next week's schedule changes, in addition to some of the 96 and 104 runs being shifted to Mesa for a more even balance between the two facilities, the 77 (Baseline) will also have a few runs shifted to Mesa as well (the 77 is currently entirely out of Tempe). Also, at 48th Street and Chandler Blvd, some of the 108 runs will now leave as the 156 and vice-versa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general682002 Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 Here are a couple of photos of the front and back of a brand new New Flyer C40LFR bus for Valley Metro (First Transit Division). BTW, the fleet numbers for these buses are 5001-5120. Stalwart23 So it seems NFI is no longer using rear forced HVAC, as the HVAC manufacture did some changes too? How's the inside, any difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted January 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 FYI, I saw 6645 on the 184 (Power Rd) today at ASU Polytechnic. Probably a switchover from the 156. Still kind of strange that Tempe drivers would be placed on the 184, considering how far this route is from the Tempe garage. Perhaps it switches to a 45, 61, or 108 at Superstition Springs Center for its last several runs in the late evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t.1.1 Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 On several blocks, routes 108, 156, and 184 are interlined with one another - for example, a westbound 108 becomes an eastbound 156 at 48th St. & Chandler Blvd. which becomes a northbound 184 at ASU East. This happens throughout the day and makes for more efficient use of pay time and equipment. Also 104/112 are interlined at the south end, and Earth/Mars are interlined at Tempe Transportation Center. There are other random interlines that are used to craft more optimal workdays and to remove articulated buses from service after PM Peak. Here are the trip counts per garage for Tempe/Mesa: Weekday 30 Mesa 44 - Tempe 35 40 Mesa 63 - Tempe 4 45 Mesa 12 - Tempe 96 48 Mesa 0 - Tempe 78 56 Mesa 0 - Tempe 102 61 Mesa 41 - Tempe 69 62 Mesa 0 - Tempe 79 65 Mesa 0 - Tempe 68 66 Mesa 0 - Tempe 67 72 Mesa 0 - Tempe 105 77 Mesa 2 - Tempe 77 81 Mesa 1 - Tempe 101 96 Mesa 19 - Tempe 69 104 Mesa 56 - Tempe 6 108 Mesa 51 - Tempe 25 112 Mesa 58 - Tempe 7 120 Mesa 47 - Tempe 0 128 Mesa 52 - Tempe 0 136 Mesa 59 - Tempe 0 156 Mesa 43 - Tempe 23 184 Mesa 70 - Tempe 10 511 Mesa 0 - Tempe 8 514 Mesa 0 - Tempe 4 520 Mesa 0 - Tempe 4 521 Mesa 0 - Tempe 8 522 Mesa 0 - Tempe 8 531 Mesa 2 - Tempe 10 533 Mesa 12 - Tempe 0 535 Mesa 10 - Tempe 0 541 Mesa 0 - Tempe 8 542 Mesa 2 - Tempe 10 AzAv Link Mesa 60 - Tempe 0 Buzz Mesa 0 - Tempe 29 Earth Mesa 0 - Tempe 130 Flash Mesa 0 - Tempe 228 Jupiter Mesa 0 - Tempe 128 Main Link Mesa 90 - Tempe 0 Mars Mesa 0 - Tempe 129 Mercury Mesa 0 - Tempe 175 Venus Mesa 0 - Tempe 128 Total Mesa 794 - Tempe 2024 Saturday 30 Mesa 29 - Tempe 49 40 Mesa 26 - Tempe 38 45 Mesa 43 - Tempe 34 48 Mesa 0 - Tempe 78 56 Mesa 0 - Tempe 77 61 Mesa 21 - Tempe 56 62 Mesa 0 - Tempe 78 65 Mesa 0 - Tempe 40 66 Mesa 0 - Tempe 40 72 Mesa 0 - Tempe 78 77 Mesa 0 - Tempe 77 81 Mesa 5 - Tempe 35 96 Mesa 0 - Tempe 68 104 Mesa 0 - Tempe 32 108 Mesa 13 - Tempe 25 112 Mesa 15 - Tempe 16 120 Mesa 0 - Tempe 24 128 Mesa 28 - Tempe 0 136 Mesa 44 - Tempe 0 156 Mesa 38 - Tempe 18 184 Mesa 32 - Tempe 0 AzAv Link Mesa 31 - Tempe 0 Buzz Mesa 0 - Tempe 15 Earth Mesa 0 - Tempe 114 Jupiter Mesa 0 - Tempe 113 Mars Mesa 0 - Tempe 113 Mercury Mesa 0 - Tempe 112 Venus Mesa 0 - Tempe 112 Total Mesa 325 - Tempe 1442 Sunday 30 Mesa 0 - Tempe 34 40 Mesa 64 - Tempe 0 45 Mesa 0 - Tempe 66 48 Mesa 0 - Tempe 71 56 Mesa 0 - Tempe 68 61 Mesa 36 - Tempe 32 62 Mesa 0 - Tempe 69 65 Mesa 0 - Tempe 36 66 Mesa 0 - Tempe 36 72 Mesa 0 - Tempe 70 77 Mesa 0 - Tempe 69 81 Mesa 0 - Tempe 35 96 Mesa 0 - Tempe 68 108 Mesa 0 - Tempe 34 112 Mesa 0 - Tempe 28 156 Mesa 24 - Tempe 23 184 Mesa 32 - Tempe 0 AzAv Link Mesa 27 - Tempe 0 Earth Mesa 0 - Tempe 46 Jupiter Mesa 0 - Tempe 46 Mars Mesa 0 - Tempe 46 Mercury Mesa 0 - Tempe 46 Venus Mesa 0 - Tempe 46 Total Mesa 183 - Tempe 969 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted January 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Thanks for the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 So it seems NFI is no longer using rear forced HVAC, as the HVAC manufacture did some changes too? How's the inside, any difference? Starting with the 2006 buses, Valley Metro ordered an optional Thermo King unit which uses a screw compressor and R-407C. Worked fine for a couple of summers, then compressor seals began to fail. Both New Flyer and Thermo King tried several fixes that didn't work; Valley Metro came up with a solution to add an auxiliary condensor (seen on the roof) which reduced the compressor pressure. Interior temps are lowered by 35 degrees in 12 minutes in summer. All of the RPTA buses were retrofitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 FYI everyone, the joint RFP between the City of Phoenix and the RPTA has been posted at the City of Phoenix website: http://phoenix.gov/publictransit/business/procurement/busrfppt14005.html Unfortunately, you must register as a vendor to access the RFP document itself, however, the pricing schedule is available for download to the public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 I wonder why it is splitiing the order 50/50 CNG vs. diesel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 I wonder why it is splitiing the order 50/50 CNG vs. diesel? Not sure if that is actually the case; I think the numbers listed are totals per group, not fuel type. Group 1 is for 30-foot, Group 2 is standard 40-foot, Group 3 is standard 60-foot artic, and Group 4 is for BRT. The actual distribution of buses I believe will vary based on who gets the contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX BRT Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 FYI everyone, the joint RFP between the City of Phoenix and the RPTA has been posted at the City of Phoenix website: http://phoenix.gov/p...rfppt14005.html Unfortunately, you must register as a vendor to access the RFP document itself, however, the pricing schedule is available for download to the public. Thanks, nice find ABQ! Not too interested in 30 footers are they? But 202 40 footers (not counting options) and 51 artics over 5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Not sure if that is actually the case; I think the numbers listed are totals per group, not fuel type. Group 1 is for 30-foot, Group 2 is standard 40-foot, Group 3 is standard 60-foot artic, and Group 4 is for BRT. The actual distribution of buses I believe will vary based on who gets the contract. That's what I originally thought - but the 30-foot delivery years are different (could be an error already). But at the bottom of each sub-group the bidder fills in the total price for all units for each type of fuel, then at the bottom of the page the bidder adds CNG+diesel for "total base price" and "total option price". I would have to agree that 404 40-foot buses over five years is ridiculous; 200 is more like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Not too interested in 30 footers are they? But 202 40 footers (not counting options) and 51 artics over 5 years. I presume the 30 foot buses may simply be the replacement for the Phoenix-owned ElDorado EZ Rider IIs (4164-4172) used on the 19C. Does anyone know how many Phoenix ElDorado EZ Rider IIs are still active? Here is what I expect the orders and options will be used to replace: Group 1 - 30-foot All years - Replace Phoenix-owned 2001 ElDorado EZ Rider II fleet Group 2 - 40-foot standard  Years 1 and 2 - Replace remaining Phoenix-owned 1998 NABI 40-LFWs, all 1999 Phoenix-owned NABI 40-LFWs, and some 2002 Phoenix-owned NABI 40-LFWs. Year 3 - Replace remaining 2002 Phoenix-owned NABI 40-LFWs. Year 4 - Not sure about this one. Perhaps just for some service growth, or to replace the Tempe-owned NABI 45C-LFWs. Year 5 - Probably to replace the 2006 RPTA-owned New Flyer C40LFRs. Group 3 - 60-foot standard Years 1 and 2 - Not sure. Service growth, or to start replacement of the 2004 Phoenix-owned New Flyer D60LFs. Year 3 - Probably to replace most or all 2004 Phoenix-owned New Flyer D60LFs. Year 4 - Not sure again. Possibly for the Scottsdale/Rural Road LINK, although that could be what the BRT options are for. Year 5 - Partially to replace the 2004 RPTA-owned NABI 60-BRTs, not sure what the rest would be for. Maybe to replace some 2007 Phoenix-owned New Flyer D60LFs. Group 4 - 40/45/60-foot BRT (options only) All years - replacements for Phoenix-owned 2003-2004 NABI 45C-LFWs for RAPID service. Also may possibly be used for any new buses for the Scottsdale/Rural Road LINK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ztonyg Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I presume the 30 foot buses may simply be the replacement for the Phoenix-owned ElDorado EZ Rider IIs (4164-4172) used on the 19C. Does anyone know how many Phoenix ElDorado EZ Rider IIs are still active? Here is what I expect the orders and options will be used to replace: Group 1 - 30-foot All years - Replace Phoenix-owned 2001 ElDorado EZ Rider II fleet Group 2 - 40-foot standard Years 1 and 2 - Replace remaining Phoenix-owned 1998 NABI 40-LFWs, all 1999 Phoenix-owned NABI 40-LFWs, and some 2002 Phoenix-owned NABI 40-LFWs. Year 3 - Replace remaining 2002 Phoenix-owned NABI 40-LFWs. Year 4 - Not sure about this one. Perhaps just for some service growth, or to replace the Tempe-owned NABI 45C-LFWs. Year 5 - Probably to replace the 2006 RPTA-owned New Flyer C40LFRs. Group 3 - 60-foot standard Years 1 and 2 - Not sure. Service growth, or to start replacement of the 2004 Phoenix-owned New Flyer D60LFs. Year 3 - Probably to replace most or all Phoenix-owned New Flyer D60LFs. Year 4 - Not sure again. Possibly for the Scottsdale/Rural Road LINK, although that could be what the BRT options are for. Year 5 - Partially to replace the 2004 RPTA-owned NABI 60-BRTs, not sure what the rest would be for. Maybe to replace some 2007 Phoenix-owned New Flyer D60LFs. Group 4 - 40/45/60-foot BRT (options only) All years - replacements for Phoenix-owned 2003-2004 NABI 45C-LFWs for RAPID service. Also may possibly be used for any new buses for the Scottsdale/Rural Road LINK. I would venture to say that this order replaces all pre-2007 Phoenix and RPTA buses. I'm curious if Tempe is included here, or are they separate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I would venture to say that this order replaces all pre-2007 Phoenix and RPTA buses. I'm curious if Tempe is included here, or are they separate. The only remaining pre-2007 Tempe-owned buses will be the 2004 NABI 45C-LFWs. The 1998-1999 NABI 35-LFWs as well as the 2002 Tempe-owned NABI 40-LFWs are already being replaced by the most recent New Flyer C40LFR order and should be retired by mid-2014. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 The only remaining pre-2007 Tempe-owned buses will be the 2004 NABI 45C-LFWs. The 1998-1999 NABI 35-LFWs as well as the 2002 Tempe-owned NABI 40-LFWs are already being replaced by the most recent New Flyer C40LFR order and should be retired by mid-2014. And the Tempe 45C-LFWs are scheduled for replacement. From this order, I'm not sure what the plan for the Phoenix 45C-LFWs might be; Rapid was originally supposed to use articulateds (replacing the MANs), but at the time, Phoenix couldn't order diesel buses. On another note, Scottsdale has returned the CNG NABIs to RPTA, and they will be auctioned this weekend. I saw the Gillig trolley replica in the yard this weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 And the Tempe 45C-LFWs are scheduled for replacement. From this order, I'm not sure what the plan for the Phoenix 45C-LFWs might be; Rapid was originally supposed to use articulateds (replacing the MANs), but at the time, Phoenix couldn't order diesel buses. Note that the BRT options can include any mixture of 40-foot, 45-foot, or 60-foot buses, so perhaps the City of Phoenix may choose to order artics for the RAPID. As for the replacement of the Tempe NABI 45C-LFWs, that could be what the Year 4 orders for the 40-foot or 60-foot buses are for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 I looked at the bid - it did say that the 30/40/60-ft. buses could be CNG, diesel, or a mixture. And it did indicate that the total in the "base quantity" is indeed 4/202/51, respectively. But it also said that if the BRT options are exercised, only one size would be purchased. The Tempe 45C-LFWs are included in the Valley Metro life-cycle capital plan. Phoenix has its own process. I could see the the earlier D60LFs being replaced first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 FYI, the Avondale ZOOM got new ElDorado National Aero Elite buses late last month, replacing the smaller previous ElDorado National Aerotech buses (which were former East Valley Dial-A-Ride vehicles). The new Aero Elite buses are built on an IC/International chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted February 14, 2014 Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 Ajo Transportation got the Passport HD. Surprised that the specs were different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 Ajo Transportation got the Passport HD. Surprised that the specs were different. Those buses have been in service since 2010 as far as I know. That is unless more of them have been purchased since then. Ironically, they replaced a fleet of 2007 model year Aero Elite buses, which are now owned by Ajo Transportation and operate service from Ajo to Tucson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3we Posted February 14, 2014 Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 Those buses have been in service since 2010 as far as I know. That is unless more of them have been purchased since then. Ironically, they replaced a fleet of 2007 model year Aero Elite buses, which are now owned by Ajo Transportation and operate service from Ajo to Tucson. I remember seeing these buses rolling through Goodyear, maybe in 2012; I'm not sure before. It was supposed to be the "test bus" for the Tempe Orbit 30-foot experiment, until they tried the MiDi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Just to share something, several of my return trips home on the 156 have lately been operated using the Tempe-owned 2012 New Flyer C40LFRs. Before the schedule changes went into effect last month, I never had any trips on either a 2011 or 2012 Tempe-owned C40LFR on the 156, although I occasionally had some trips on a 2010 Tempe-owned L40LFR. Also, I think all 2009 RPTA-owned C40LFRs have been moved back to Mesa (the 2008s are still at Tempe). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQ RIDE Posted February 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2014 Another thing to share, it looks like the RPTA has repurposed one of its retired 2001 NABI 40-LFW CNG buses into the Fresh Express bus: http://www.valleymetro.org/pressreleases/detail/valley_metro_and_partners_repurpose_bus_as_mobile_market Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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