St Louis Metro

[cschnur15]

22 hours ago, Border City Transit said:

Here's some pics from a very quick visit to St Louis in 2014. My 90 minutes proved quite productive for transit photos! Even then, the Phantoms were rapidly dwindling -- though I didn't have to look too hard for 'em at 14th & Market. Surprised to hear that any are still around...

Can't leave the Lou without a pic like this:

Reference shot, where typical early 2000s Phantom body features are on display:

Here's 2056, looking toward Downtown as she prepares for an afternoon outbound trip:

Couldn't quite get two Phantoms in the same place; had to settle for dreary Gillig LFs competing with their better-looking older brothers for attention:

]

I never could determine the vehicle number ranges for the Phantoms -- they were kind of all over the place. Anyone have any roster info?

At the time, the OC Transp... uh, I mean used D60LF artics were just showing up. Then, as now, exclusively on 70 Grand route:

I always thought that was a cool paint scheme, but they went a little overboard with the black on the D60LFs (and on the Gillig LFs, for that matter). This scheme would have looked sharper with maybe a little more blue.

Oh well -- looking forward to seeing the roll-out of the new STL paint scheme.

Enjoy!

https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/St._Louis_Metro

[andrethebusman]

2200s vins check out to Classic Trolley in Medford OR. This is who did rebuild?

[Chris H]

STL Metro is getting 14 New Flyer Xcelsior Charge electric artics. These will replace the ex-OC Transpo New Flyer D60LFs currently in use on the 70 Grand route.

 

Thanks to James Roach for sending this link to me:

https://www.newflyer.com/2020/09/metro-transit-selects-new-flyer-with-an-award-of-zero-emission-buses-and-charging-infrastructure-in-greater-st-louis-the-first-deployed-into-regular-permanent-service/

 

[cschnur15]

As of now, they only have two as part of a pilot to decide if they want to change anything. And New Flyer was also awarded the contract to install chargers in the garages and rapid chargers I guess at Broadway-Taylor Transit Center, and Loughbrough Commons.   

[SyundaiHonata]

Hi. I'm new here. I have a source within Metro STL. They told me that they've taken delivery of about 6 buses so far. The first bus (2301) is currently at the Brentwood Facility, while the others are at Metro's Main Shop. They should go into service by early next year.

[Chris H]

Here are some pictures from Metro of their new XDE60s. These New Flyers will be used on the 70 Grand route. Metro also has four Gillig 40ft electric buses coming in early 2021 as well. Those will run on other routes in the system.

https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/new-electric-buses-will-support-sustainable-mobility-options-for-the-st-louis-region/?fbclid=IwAR07IVuJqjUseiJjVXABIqJcduJocEw9vQv0pzIlTtywOmKyV47OVk0_8-A

 

[cschnur15]

Hi,

Some of the last Phantoms just sold at auction (2001, 3101, 3104, 3159, 3206, 3211, 3227, 3232, 3410, and 3412) To Transit8 is the username, last time they picked up from the IL garage I think the truck said L E A logistics. (https://web.archive.org/web/20210219165003/https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/metrostlouis,mo/auction/view?auc=2723386, and the results to the auction:  https://archive.vn/BtaTU) The Illinois garage still has approximately 20 Phantoms left, and I think that's it in the system. 3116, 3118, 3124, 3127, 3128, 3206, 3209, 3401-3409, 3411, and 3413-3415, and maybe more.  I believe 3127 is still at the main shop in the ready line. 3221, and 3223 both IL 2002 Low Floors are still at Main shop for frame rail rebuilds.  3222 has been back for a while now.  Not sure about what Brentwood, or DeBalivere has. DeBalivere has had a few auctions even auctioned of a 2209 one of the D60LF's.  They donated 3265 to St. Louis Public Works to use as a Warming bus.         I believe they retired Phantoms from almost every garage due to the Electric 7400 series Gillig Low Floor Plus Electric models coming this Spring. 

[Chris H]

Is the Illinois side of Metro still running them Phantoms? I haven't seen Phantoms running here on the MO side for over a year.

[cschnur15]

The last time one ran on the Illinois side was July according to Transee. I rode one last January.  The one's left are mostly for training duty, and Redbird Express (If it returns this year).     According to a picture from a Delivery driver for Gillig, the Illinois garage is getting some new 2021 Gillig Low Floor 29' footer models the 7500 series, they will be the same design as the current 7351-7355. 

The last time one ran on the Illinois side was July according to Transee. I rode one last January.  The one's left are mostly for training duty, and Redbird Express (If it returns this year).     According to a picture from a Delivery driver for Gillig, the Illinois garage is getting some new 2021 Gillig Low Floor 29' footer models the 7500 series, they will be the same design as the current 7351-7355.  Pictured below is 7351 when I rode it in brand new on the #14 Memorial Hospital

[SilentSpades]

I'm jealous of your 60 footers there (KC fan here).

Whenever the pandemic gets less bad, I'll consider heading out there to fan. 

Hopefully can nab a phantom while out there. 

[cschnur15]

Well the 2201-2215 (The 2004 D60LF's from OC-Transpo) are pretty much retired now, 2301-2314 (2020 NFI XE60 Electric Articulated buses) The CEO of Metro says the 2300 series XE60's should enter service in the Spring, along with the New Gillig Low Floor EV's.    And good luck with getting a Phantom, the Missouri Garages (Brentwood and DeBalivere I believe don't have anymore Phantoms, most were transfered to the Illinois garage or the Main shop and very rarely come into service.