Grand River Transit

[general682002]

TBT buses have rear signs (Although it has nothing to do with GRT)

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http://olddean-newdean.fotopic.net

Yes, since the first LFS in 1997.

[Aztek985]

When they got the two ex-Demo LFS, they got rid of side and rear sign. They will probably install it back during rebuild in 10 years.

Huh? Rebuild? Well, when 9052 gets back its possible it may have a side sign, since Nova is doing the rebuild and inspection.

[PrevostH3-45]

In other news, Grand River Transit has outfitted bus 2416 with GPS. The battery was disconnected when I took a look at it, so I wasn't really able to screw around with it. I imagine it will be fully operational in the next few weeks.

Transit control has also received the monitors and computer system that will monitor the buses movements.

Pic 1 - The touch screen.

Pic 2 - The computer onboard the coach.

Pic 3 - The display. (Just under the "stop requested/ arret demander") sign.

[Orion VIII]

I like the look of your transfers!

[M. Parsons]

I like the look of your transfers!

I was going to comment on the exact same thing! Those have to be some of the nicest I have seen!

I might have to try to make it out that way on my next holidays to try to get some!

[general682002]

I like the look of your transfers!

They've redesigned last year, replacing the many colour as well of the letters.

In other news, Grand River Transit has outfitted bus 2416 with GPS. The battery was disconnected when I took a look at it, so I wasn't really able to screw around with it. I imagine it will be fully operational in the next few weeks.

Transit control has also received the monitors and computer system that will monitor the buses movements.

Pic 1 - The touch screen.

Pic 2 - The computer onboard the coach.

Pic 3 - The display. (Just under the "stop requested/ arret demander") sign.

Interesting. Is this for the iXpress route?

[over2u]

They've redesigned last year, replacing the many colour as well of the letters.

Interesting. Is this for the iXpress route?

The iexpress with the first to have the GPS installed. This will likely take place sometime this spring. In the future all GRT buses will be equipped with GPS.

[translink]

The iexpress with the first to have the GPS installed. This will likely take place sometime this spring. In the future all GRT buses will be equipped with GPS.

Thats good, when i took the i-express, it usualy was late by 5-10 minutes anyone know why? Also, I was there just last summer, and i was wondering why was there construction around the downtown terminal?

[PrevostH3-45]

They've redesigned last year, replacing the many colour as well of the letters.

Interesting. Is this for the iXpress route?

Yes indeed. The transfers were changed to reduce fraud and although I'm not sure of exact figures, I do know that revenue from the farebox has increased significantly.

And yes, you're right. Bus 2416 is an iXpress unit. It was also the testbed for the new touchscreen control panel, and is now the first with a functional unit onboard. Sister ship 2417 was put on an early run last night, so I suspect it will be the second equipped with the system. Within a few weeks, I imagine testing will begin as to my knowledge, all computer equipment has arrived.

Thats good, when i took the i-express, it usualy was late by 5-10 minutes anyone know why? Also, I was there just last summer, and i was wondering why was there construction around the downtown terminal?

Was this on just one day, or over a span of days? In the beginning, operators were having a hard time keeping the schedule. The kinks have since been worked out and for the most part, the service runs on time. When the weather is bad and the 401 and HWY 8 are backlogged, the iXpress follows a different route, but even still it can be delayed. Its difficult when the layout of the city is poor.

The construction was being done by the City of Kitchener to remove the coal tar in the ground under the Postal building. With the removal we can also expect to see a new entrance into Victoria Park and some other cosmetic changes to the Gaukel side of the terminal.

[translink]

Was this on just one day, or over a span of days? In the beginning, operators were having a hard time keeping the schedule. The kinks have since been worked out and for the most part, the service runs on time. When the weather is bad and the 401 and HWY 8 are backlogged, the iXpress follows a different route, but even still it can be delayed. Its difficult when the layout of the city is poor.

The construction was being done by the City of Kitchener to remove the coal tar in the ground under the Postal building. With the removal we can also expect to see a new entrance into Victoria Park and some other cosmetic changes to the Gaukel side of the terminal.

I was there from june to august. and for i think a couple weeks in june the iXpress was usualy late.

[crantila]

I was there from june to august. and for i think a couple weeks in june the iXpress was usualy late.

From my experience, every GRT bus is precisely three minutes late, give or take three minutes. As long as I know that the bus will be reliably that close to the schedule, it doesn't really bother me.

On the odd occasion that I do take iXpress, it does tend to have a wider margin of error. This is to be expected, however, since its timing is subject more to the traffic flow than a normal bus route (which subjects the traffic to flow problems). This is because of the number of stops.

[PrevostH3-45]

From my experience, every GRT bus is precisely three minutes late, give or take three minutes. As long as I know that the bus will be reliably that close to the schedule, it doesn't really bother me.

On the odd occasion that I do take iXpress, it does tend to have a wider margin of error. This is to be expected, however, since its timing is subject more to the traffic flow than a normal bus route (which subjects the traffic to flow problems). This is because of the number of stops.

You contradicted yourself in your first statement. Three minutes is a precise figure. Three minutes, plus or minus three minutes is not precise, its a span of time.

Operators at GRT are advised to run one minute behind schedule. There are a million excuses for being late, but there is no reason for running early. So better late than early, this way no one misses their bus, unless they are late themselves.

To say the bus causes flow problems in traffic is inaccurate. The law states that vehicles must yield to the bus, not stop behind them and wait. Should there not be room to pass, then one must wait and try in another location.

[kitchenerlrt]

In other news, GRT's new web-based planner is set to debute in Spring 2007!

this is my first post

[kitchenerlrt]

I don't know why do small system really needs rear sign. It's not like anyone who chase the bus or more than one bus that combines the routes meeting in one place. GRT I would say they need it and it's about time.

When they got the two ex-Demo LFS, they got rid of side and rear sign. They will probably install it back during rebuild in 10 years.

So wait, are they getting rear signs? :angry:

[Orion VIII]

Forgot to mention earlier that GRT 9412 is STILL at Tokmakjian in Vaughan.

[kitchenerlrt]

What does the future hold for GRT? Rear signs? 60ft's? new routes? more frequencies? I was just wondering because things seem pretty dull here besides the arrival of Nova's sometime this year.

Thanks

[Greater Golden Horseshoe Transit]

What does the future hold for GRT? Rear signs? 60ft's? new routes? more frequencies? I was just wondering because things seem pretty dull here besides the arrival of Nova's sometime this year.

Thanks

From what's been posted recently, aparently rear signs are in the works for new buses. I doubt 60 footers will ever be used (although demand on a few routes warrants them) because of the size of the bus bays at the transit terminals.

In terms of sevices, theres lots in the works for the next few years.

- All Waterloo Routes will be restructured this year and next, look for major changes. Every other area since the formation of GRT has been redone except Waterloo (since 2000 we saw major changes in Preston, Hespeler, Galt, East Kitchener, West Kitchener, South Kitchener and the introduction of iXpress). There will probably be a few public open houses before then, so keep an eye open for dates and times. The major deficiences in Waterloo are the lack of east-west routes in East Waterloo and north-south routes in West Waterloo, as well as few efficient transfer nodes. While the timing is up in the air ,a new terminal will be built at the University of Waterloo (probably as part of rapid transit implementation), and there's been a long-standing plan for one around Bridge/University, as well as rumor/some public support for one in the vicinity of Erb/Ira Needles, and push for a better transfer node in Uptown Waterloo (again, timing, scope and what all gets built in the end is open to debat).

- In the next few years GRT will be looking at a "rural service strategy". I haven't quite figured out what that means, but I'm currently asuming we could see bus routes out to New Hamburg, Elmira, Ayr and such. GRT has been quoted as saying that the first step would be to make the Route 21 St. Jacobs a permanent route in the system.

[kitchenerlrt]

From what's been posted recently, aparently rear signs are in the works for new buses. I doubt 60 footers will ever be used (although demand on a few routes warrants them) because of the size of the bus bays at the transit terminals.

In terms of sevices, theres lots in the works for the next few years.

- All Waterloo Routes will be restructured this year and next, look for major changes. Every other area since the formation of GRT has been redone except Waterloo (since 2000 we saw major changes in Preston, Hespeler, Galt, East Kitchener, West Kitchener, South Kitchener and the introduction of iXpress). There will probably be a few public open houses before then, so keep an eye open for dates and times. The major deficiences in Waterloo are the lack of east-west routes in East Waterloo and north-south routes in West Waterloo, as well as few efficient transfer nodes. While the timing is up in the air ,a new terminal will be built at the University of Waterloo (probably as part of rapid transit implementation), and there's been a long-standing plan for one around Bridge/University, as well as rumor/some public support for one in the vicinity of Erb/Ira Needles, and push for a better transfer node in Uptown Waterloo (again, timing, scope and what all gets built in the end is open to debat).

- In the next few years GRT will be looking at a "rural service strategy". I haven't quite figured out what that means, but I'm currently asuming we could see bus routes out to New Hamburg, Elmira, Ayr and such. GRT has been quoted as saying that the first step would be to make the Route 21 St. Jacobs a permanent route in the system.

Yea, GRT have started the "open house, suggestion" stage for the restructuring of Waterloo routes (see www.grt.ca). Good to see rear signs in the works, and with all those rumors on cameras on the buses, I hope they'll happen. So it looks like GRT is finally organizing a system . What are the odds of a route to Guelph, or the airport? They said that the Guelph one probably won't happen, but I hope it does. There's quite a bit of traffic between Kitchener and Guelph.

[Greater Golden Horseshoe Transit]

Yea, GRT have started the "open house, suggestion" stage for the restructuring of Waterloo routes (see www.grt.ca). Good to see rear signs in the works, and with all those rumors on cameras on the buses, I hope they'll happen. So it looks like GRT is finally organizing a system . What are the odds of a route to Guelph, or the airport? They said that the Guelph one probably won't happen, but I hope it does. There's quite a bit of traffic between Kitchener and Guelph.

Airport service has been, and is being talked about. A route to Guelph likely won't happen, the Region cannot operate buses outside it's boundaries without a whole bunch of paperwork, this is more the realm of a carrier like GO, although limited VIA Rail service, and greyhound service is available.

[kitchenerlrt]

Airport service has been, and is being talked about. A route to Guelph likely won't happen, the Region cannot operate buses outside it's boundaries without a whole bunch of paperwork, this is more the realm of a carrier like GO, although limited VIA Rail service, and greyhound service is available.

That stuff about the Guelph route is true. Although I find it really hard to imagine travelling between Kitchener and Guelph on Via Rail. If Go came in, I could see people using the systems inbetween the two cities. Although if GRT started a route to Guelph, and offered the same fare, it would probably be a successful route.

[Greater Golden Horseshoe Transit]

That stuff about the Guelph route is true. Although I find it really hard to imagine travelling between Kitchener and Guelph on Via Rail. If Go came in, I could see people using the systems inbetween the two cities. Although if GRT started a route to Guelph, and offered the same fare, it would probably be a successful route.

My opinion only, but I think Guelph Transit and Grand River Transit should partner to link the two systems together. GRT would operate a link via Highway 7 between the Charles Street Terminal and Downtown Guelph, and Guelph Transit would operate a link between Downtown Guelph and the Hespeler Terminal (or both routes could be shared by both systems, whatever)

[PrevostH3-45]

In terms of sevices, theres lots in the works for the next few years.

There is a lot of hype right now about operating around the clock. This would surely be limited to higher density routes to begin such as 7's, 8's and 12's for obvious reasons.

I've already started to notice small changes in preparation for this.

As far as increased frequencies, there is only so much that can be done. The buses are used to the maximum and many times service is cut short, or there is just barely enough buses to get by. The only increased frequencies that I would think would be possible to increase would be off-peak hours, such as mid-day, evenings and weekends. There's been a lot of talk about 25 buses arriving, not the 20 that was mentioned earlier. They will begin arriving in late August/ early September. Seven high floors will be retired, although I'm not sure of the numbers and from which base. More than likely, Kitchener.

[kitchenerlrt]

My opinion only, but I think Guelph Transit and Grand River Transit should partner to link the two systems together. GRT would operate a link via Highway 7 between the Charles Street Terminal and Downtown Guelph, and Guelph Transit would operate a link between Downtown Guelph and the Hespeler Terminal (or both routes could be shared by both systems, whatever)

This is what should be done. It would ease traffic on highway 7, which in turn would possible create less pollution. The question now is will it be done, and when.

[crantila]

You contradicted yourself in your first statement. Three minutes is a precise figure. Three minutes, plus or minus three minutes is not precise, its a span of time. ... To say the bus causes flow problems in traffic is inaccurate. The law states that vehicles must yield to the bus, not stop behind them and wait. Should there not be room to pass, then one must wait and try in another location.

Sorry that I confused you with my odd grammar. What I meant to say is that it seems that GRT busses come three minutes late, but only in general. To me, this seems less interesting, and so I created a more amusing (though admittedly more confusing) sentence.

Although public transit likely solves more traffic flow problems than it creates, I would challenge anybody who seriously wants to argue that city busses do not create any traffic problems of any magnitude. I think that we both have the same understanding, and it is simply my wording that gives a different impression.

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It will be nice to see GRT's reformed Waterloo service. In particular, I look forward to greater off-peak service frequencies on routes 12 and 7C. Getting to Conestoga Mall in the evenings and on weekends (when there is no iXpress service whatsoever) is not always the most enjoyable activity.

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The system is quite obviously very stretched for busses. When I go out in rush hour, for instance, I usually see a GM Classic operating route 9, in addition to the many Orion Vs that stop by on routes 7 and 12. As a further marker, last Friday at approximately 2:30PM, I spotted an iXpress bus running route 7C (although this may simply be a smart way to get an iXpress bus to the start of the route; certainly it brings more revenue than deadheading). I have also seen iXpress vehicles on route 12 several times (three I think - at least two) in the early evening, and I wonder why this is happening. Is there a bus shortage, or is that simply a nice thing to do from time to time in order to save us from Orion Vs?

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I have noticed two new things appearing on "old" busses. The first is Nova-style hand-wavy rear doors on some 1992 D40LFs and 1996 C40LFs. The second is television screens on some C40LFs. Why is this happening? Is GRT replacing broken rear-door systems with wavy-hand ones? Are they planning to have us watch television (ads!) on the bus? I have a feeling somehow that the telvision monitors are an old idea that never caught on (but there is the GPS noted earlier in this thread, which may be related to the screens?)

Also, as a matter of interest, seemingly because people have difficulty opening the hand-wavy doors, some of the 2004 Novas have the yellow "touch here to open door" stickers like on the "retrofitted" 1992/6 busses. If they are used to help people know how to operate the door, then I would say that they are effective - when you touch the door, the laser beam is broken, and I have not seen anybody fail to open a yellow-striped-hand-wavy door.

[Greater Golden Horseshoe Transit]

I have noticed two new things appearing on "old" busses. The first is Nova-style hand-wavy rear doors on some 1992 D40LFs and 1996 C40LFs. The second is television screens on some C40LFs. Why is this happening? Is GRT replacing broken rear-door systems with wavy-hand ones? Are they planning to have us watch television (ads!) on the bus? I have a feeling somehow that the telvision monitors are an old idea that never caught on (but there is the GPS noted earlier in this thread, which may be related to the screens?)

Actually, the TV screens on the C40LFs are left-overs from Kitchener Transit's brief experiment with IT TV (In-Transit Television) which also operated (and may still, I don't know) on Brampton Transit buses.

It wasn't very successful, the same information was displayed weeks on end (including the weather forcasts), most of the time the video was the same one being shown in Brampton, with Brampton related ads etc., then to add insult to injury some people were actually stealing the TV's out of the buses parked outside at night. So a combination of factors likely led to the program being cancelled, but some TV's still remain on the buses.