Minnesota Valley Transit Authority

[septa105R5/seClip9]

Happy Anniversary MVTA! The suburban bus service celebrates 25 years with a website update. Here is a link to a just recently posted historical gallery.

http://www.mvta.com/about/historical-gallery/

Congrats to MVTA. Great photo gallery from its past history, from their diverse variety fleet it uses to the facilities they have.

[MVTArider]

A couple current photos:

Also the replacements for the 2002 D35LF are in service, 4501-4508 I believe. They are the standard Gillig BRT 40' design again instead of the BRTPLUS version. They have rear doors, and the standard forward facing interior with ASC model KC548 seat. Interestingly however, they have mixed up the livery a bit, the series features varying roof colors, with orange, black, and the traditional green observed so far. I don't know if the D35LF are retired, of if they are being used as spares. Runs that used to usually have them now have either a 35' Gillig LF or one of the older 40' Gilligs instead. I know some of the drivers and many passengers disliked the D35LF units, due to how loud, bouncy and drafty they were. I heard they also didn't handle as well as the newer D40LF. So for the non-transitfan crowd the new Gilligs are probably a welcome change.

[MVTArider]

MVTA has a new MN Zoo wrap on one of their coaches, which was on display at the Eagan Streets Alive event at the outlet mall on Saturday:

Also new to the fleet are more ARBOC units to replace the old 2007 4723-4725 and possibly 2008 4826-4827 Glaval/GMC cutaways:

These were delivered in plain white and then wrapped into the MVTA livery, vs. being painted at the factory. I think the series is 4531-4535 based on sightings.

[MVTArider]

I'm note sure if the D35LF were returned to the Council for disposal, or if they were sold off by MVTA directly. Anyways, $7500 will get you 4126 from a dealer in Minnetonka apparently: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bfd/5240313600.html

[MVTArider]

A surprising spotting this afternoon, I saw 4501 (2015 Gillig BRT 40') working the RED Line The other three units on the line were the usual Nova units. They must really be having some problems with the LFX if they have 4 out of a fleet of 7 down. Good thing they got regular 40' buses with rear doors now Sad part is the driver seemed to have a pretty easy time docking 4501 at the Red Line platform compared to the driver on Nova 4255 which I was taking.

Also I spotted former MVTA 4338 working the 542B at the Mall of America. Yep, it looks like at least some of the 43xx Gilligs were reassigned to MTS. 4338 had a fresh paint lob and standard Metro Transit/Met Council livery. I assume they are planning to keep them in the MTS contractor fleet for at least a couple years. This was a recent move because I remember seeing 4338 running the 446 and a couple other routes just a month or two ago. Now the question is are they replacing some of the 2003/2004 MTS D40LF with the old MVTA 2003 Gilligs, or just adding to the fleet?

[MVTArider]

Spotted another non-METRO/Nova LFX unit on the RED yesterday, this time 4503:

Whenever I'm on an LFX though they seem to run great. Not sure what the deal is. With the fleet of 7 and only 4 needed to run 15 minute service they have 3 spares, so they should be able to cover all runs even with a couple units down for maintenance.

In other RED line news the construction of the new center median platform and connecting ped bridge at Cedar Grove is underway.

I think most if not all of the 2003 GILLIG LF units have now been transferred to the MTS division for First to replace the 2003-2004 D40LF with. They seem to appear on the 542 and the 80 based on spottings. I'm sure they run contracted express routes as well. I still have to track one down for a photo before they get replaced with new Gilligs. Meanwhile the MVTA's 2004 D40LF are still running regularly on the 444 and express runs.

MVTA is applying for funding to increase service, route 422 would connect to the Dakota County Technical College, with 3 minibuses added for that service.  And 444 would see increased frequency with the addition of 2 40' units to the fleet. Meanwhile route 495 will be starting service and connecting the Mall of America transit hub to some of the Shakopee area manufacturing facilities and perhaps the Amazon fulfillment center, as well as Marschall Rd Station. There is an expectation that some of these suburban manufacturers will provide a connecting shuttle to get workers between a stop and their facility. I know some places are already operating shuttle service to try to get more workers, so it'll be interesting to see if they'll get some type of coordination going.

[MVTArider]

Wow, been a while on the updates.  I spotted one of the new 47xx 2017 Gillig BRTs a couple weeks ago. There are also 47xx 2017 MCI being added. I assume these are replacing 2003 ones, which are now eligible at Met Council 14 year standard. Meanwhile I saw a 2003 Gillig last week still running on a regular assignment. Haven't seen any 2004 D40LF in a while, although those would be more likely confined to peak service being based at Eagan Garage.

Also: http://www.mvta.com/news/double-decker-will-be-on-display/

If they do go ahead with pursuing doubles it'll be interesting to see how they assign them. P&R express would be the obvious choice, however routes like 465, 475, 495 would probably be a great fit. (All day service blocks but largely express type service.) Of course I'm sure we all want Enviro500 in the MVTA fleet just because they would look wicked in the silver and emerald MVTA scheme!

[MVTArider]

A couple random updates:

• All D40LF are retired now, the large bus fleet is all Gillig and MCI, plus the Novas for the Red Line.
• MVTA is looking to integrate their new AVL system with the regional system, based on an item in the recent Transportation Committee agenda. I hope this means they'll be bringing back their real-time bus location maps. Those were very handy to check especially since most of the services is hourly.
• Apple Valley Transit station is getting a couple of floors added on the parking deck. Construction begins this summer I think. This will help alleviate current parking congestion there.
• EDIT: Nothing noteworthy, but here's a couple somewhat recent bus pics FWIW:    

[GojiMet86]

What's up with the numbering scheme? I know the 2nd digit is for the year, and the first digit has been 4 for a more than a decade now, but the last two don't seem to have a permanent logic.

[Tcmetro]

On 5/4/2019 at 10:10 AM, GojiMet86 said:

What's up with the numbering scheme? I know the 2nd digit is for the year, and the first digit has been 4 for a more than a decade now, but the last two don't seem to have a permanent logic.

The last two were in sequential order, but that started not to work well when the decade rolled over. 

[MVTArider]

2019 Gilligs are in, no idea how many. One notable difference from the 2018 order is they have gone back to front door only and an extra row of seats. Here's 4949 on the 484R:

I'm assuming this means the few remaining 2003 and 2005 Gilligs will be retired.

[hp2ena]

6 hours ago, MVTArider said:

2019 Gilligs are in, no idea how many. One notable difference from the 2018 order is they have gone back to front door only and an extra row of seats. Here's 4949 on the 484R:

I'm assuming this means the few remaining 2003 and 2005 Gilligs will be retired.

There's 3 in that order. Next year, there will be 11-12 from a Commonwealth of Virginia contract. 

[hp2ena]

MVTA to get 2 replacement MCIs next year https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2019/October-14,-2019/1014_2019_284.aspx

[MVTArider]

Nice, I can't recall if they already have replacements booked for rest of the 2006 units or not.

If there's only 3 2019 Gilligs then I guess those just replace the 2003 ones and maybe another 05. I saw an 05 on the 444 not long ago.

[hp2ena]

Does anyone know anything about the 2000 MCIs? Decided to browse Minnbid and found 4353 from 2015:

https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/15635 - 4353 - VIN 1M8PDMPA3YP053353 (archived link: http://archive.fo/zGGW0)

https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/15636 - 4354 - VIN unknown (archived link: http://archive.fo/QF0cs)

Description from 4353:

Category	Bus
QTY / UOM	1
Condition	Good
VIN	1M8PDMPA3YP053353
Odometer	368559
Equipment #	4353
Year	2000
Make	Motor Coach Industries
Model	102DL3
Description
2000 Motor Coach Industries 102DL3 Intercity MCI Series VIN: 1M8PDMPA3YP053353 Style / Body: Intercity Coach Intercity Tour Bus Engine: 12.7L L6 Diesel   Vehicle runs and drives.   This lot must be paid for at Surplus Services, 5420 Old Highway 8, Arden Hills, prior to being picked up in Burnsville.   This lot is being sold on behalf of the Metropolitan Council.   Inspection will be by appointment only. Please contact Glenn Boden at 952-746-5635 to schedule an appointment.
Shipping	No. Pickup only
Location	Minnesota Valley Transit Authority 11550 Rupp Dr. Burnsville MN 55337
Special Terms
All bidders should inspect all items before bidding. Inspection will be by appointment only. Please contact Glenn Boden at 652-746-5635 to schedule an appointment. All property is offered for sale "AS-IS, WHERE-IS" with no warranty or guarantee as to its fitness for any use or purpose offered or implied. Please note that ALL SALES ARE FINAL. The State does reserve the right to reject any bids that are not in the State's best interest.

 

 

[MVTArider]

IIRC there used to be a coach 0053 and 0054 with either Metro Transit or a MTS contractor. Those may have been x-fered to MVTA temporarily while they were waiting for new units?

Here is Zack W's photo of 0051, a 1998 or 1999 102-DL3:

1999 MCI D4500 by Zack W, on Flickr

[Tcmetro]

I think these could be ex-Southwest Transit units. The wiki has 2001 units listed with similar numbers. 

[MVTArider]

16 hours ago, Tcmetro said:

I think these could be ex-Southwest Transit units. The wiki has 2001 units listed with similar numbers. 

Duh, I should have thought of that

Yes I just checked and those have got to be ex-SWT 353, 354. Northstar Link had ex-SWT 351 YP053351 and 355 YP053355 in 2014. SWT meanwhile had no 2000 or 2001 MCI left in their fleet in 2014. It was around that time they were pushing against the 14 year minimum life cycle for the coaches so MC let them replace their 2000-2001 units at 12 years and then reassigned those to other operators.

[MVTArider]

Since I was in the area today I decided to check out what is going on with current MVTA operations. I drove by BBG on my way out towards Burnsville and that garage appeared to be mothballed. I'm assuming they are operating everything out of EBG and Lakeville/Shakopee currently. I didn't stop at BTS but did notice a cutaway wrapped for their connect service parked on standby in the loop. On my way back from Burnsville I pulled into to the Cedar Grove lot and got a few current pics of MVTA local buses in action.

                 

MVTA is having riders board and exit at the rear door on buses with them. From what I could tell it looked like clear plastic curtains or sheeting was added by the operator compartments on some buses as well to provide a protective barrier option.

The Red Line Novas are looking very well kept considering they are at 8 years in daily service service now. I'm wondering if MTS will just keep them assigned on the Red Line until they hit 14 years and get pulled, or if they'll spec a couple of 'METRO' Gillig BRT or Xcelsior units to add in to the fleet in the next couple years? Or might they pull them all in a year or two and transfer and rebrand them for regional route contracted operation? Operationally it seems like a bad idea to have only 12-14 year old buses dedicated to what is supposed to be a major regional transit line. I'm not saying they can't run well at that age, but mechanically once you get to 10+ years of daily service general wear and tear has got to start affecting reliability at some point.

[MVTArider]

I took a ride on the RED Line last week.

• Both Novas I rode were in great shape, aside from the doors. The doors on them are really slow and I noticed the rear doors on one were jamming. With the RED due to be transferred to Metro Transit operation in December (see Metro Transit thread) and new buses eventually replacing the Novas I was also looking at the interior layout. If they were to keep the Novas and re-assign them to regular route service all that really needs to be done on the interior is remove the bike racks and install 1-2 rows of seats. So considering they're at about 8 years of regular service now, they could likely pull another 3-4 years out of them easily with a few minor fixes and a repaint.
• Apple Valley Transit Station is closed to allow for social distancing and probably also to avoid vandalism and loitering with how quiet it is currently. All buses drop off and pick up at northbound Bay D currently.

In more general MVTA news, they have installed custom plexiglass barriers on all their buses to act as an air barrier between operator and passengers. Express service has returned on some routes, however a number of trips, route segments, or specific routes are still suspended due to the large drop in demand for daily commuting and low ridership.

Finally a few pics:

       

[MVTArider]

https://www.mvta.com/cms-files/october_28_board_packet.pdf

The October 28th board packet has minutes from the previous meeting regarding RED Line as well as some very detailed response and slideshow. Also MVTA's 3rd quarter ridership report.

Regarding the Novas, they are "problematic" according to officials. So my previous thoughts on them possibly being refurbed and assigned to regular contract route assignment are unlikely. They'll probably be popping up on MinnBid soon after Metro Transit takes over and a new fleet is assigned. At this point though my question is where are the new buses to replace them? Given that new buses here tend to take a couple weeks for PDI before they're pressed into service then either, 1- something better show up soon, or 2- RED is going to be served by the existing A line fleet.

[hp2ena]

11 hours ago, MVTArider said:

https://www.mvta.com/cms-files/october_28_board_packet.pdf

The October 28th board packet has minutes from the previous meeting regarding RED Line as well as some very detailed response and slideshow. Also MVTA's 3rd quarter ridership report.

Regarding the Novas, they are "problematic" according to officials. So my previous thoughts on them possibly being refurbed and assigned to regular contract route assignment are unlikely. They'll probably be popping up on MinnBid soon after Metro Transit takes over and a new fleet is assigned. At this point though my question is where are the new buses to replace them? Given that new buses here tend to take a couple weeks for PDI before they're pressed into service then either, 1- something better show up soon, or 2- RED is going to be served by the existing A line fleet.

Working on an article about this that will hopefully come out in November. They said parts have been hard to obtain and they've exceeded their 500,000mi lifespan. They'll be replaced by anything that is able to operate on the Red Line, so it won't necessarily be the A Line fleet. Replacement buses will come in 2021, as they're finalizing a 40' bus contract that should be ready any day now. 

[hp2ena]

Active MVTA Fleet Roster as of today, via public records requestMVTA Fleet list 11-12-2020.xlsx

[hp2ena]

How are folks feeling about a ride on the last Nova to ever operate on the Red Line on December 4? 

[Tcmetro]

Unfortunately I'm not in Minnesota anymore. I got to ride them on the first day, would be nice to ride them on the last day!

MVTA put out their statement on the Red Line, and I think they make a fair point about the transparency in costs. For some reason I feel that it's a cover story by the Met Council. I wonder if the reason Met Council wanted to change operations has to do with MVTA closing the Cedar Grove freeway stop as well as the 140th and 147th Street stations.

https://www.mvta.com/news/local-service-local-choice-sought-for-red-line-transit-service/