RideKC (Kansas City, MO)

[SilentSpades]

This is the brand new discussion forum for Kansas City Transit. This will include KCATA, Johnson County Transit, IndeBus.

Everyone is welcome.

[MVTArider]

On 7/9/2016 at 1:58 AM, SilentSpades said:

Fleet Update

 

RideKC KCMO Branch

• 2015 Gillig Low Floor CNG / 4500-4514
• 2016 Gillig Low Floor CNG/ 4600-4601 (Definitely more coming)
• 2016 Gillig BRT CNG / 3535-3536

 

• Most Of The Fleet has been painted to the RideKC paint.
• The 2002 Gillig Low Floors are being retired. 2202, 2203, 2207, 2213, 2215, 2222, 2225, 2227, 2228, 2230, 2231 still in service, with a couple additional units
• 2315 is also out of service, and in the boneyard. Unknown reasons

 

RideKC Johnson County Branch

• 2015 Gillig BRT CNG (29 ft)/ 240-242
• 2016 Gillig Low Floor (40 ft)/ 243-245
• 2016 Gillig Low Floor (29 ft)/ 246-248

All these buses have the new RideKC Scheme, along with buses 203, 204.

• 010, 012  two 40 Foot 1996 Gillig Phantoms are still in service, though running badly
• A few of JoCo's 29 Foot 1997 Gillig Phantoms are still in service, once again, running badly.
• JoCo's 35 Foot 1997 Gillig Phantoms are gone.

Sounds like when I finally get back down to the KCMO region at some point it'll be a different look than my last visit! Are the 2016 BRT CNG the BRTPlus styling or just regular BRT ends with standard CNG tank pod? Also how are the original MAX Gillig BRT units holding up? I believe the 2004 ones were the first ones built of that model.

[SilentSpades]

On 7/12/2016 at 12:12 AM, MVTArider said:

Sounds like when I finally get back down to the KCMO region at some point it'll be a different look than my last visit! Are the 2016 BRT CNG the BRTPlus styling or just regular BRT ends with standard CNG tank pod? Also how are the original MAX Gillig BRT units holding up? I believe the 2004 ones were the first ones built of that model.

3535, 3536 appear to be BRT Plus units. I have to update that on my YouTube channel, since I just found out which units they were.

 

The original units are holding up okay, though the wear on them is showing. I say around 2019 is when they will be replaced.

 

The Gillig BRT buses have a red/silver paint, versus the blue/silver painting of the Low Floors. Though all MAX units haven't been painted.

[neoartic7101]

They are BRT+ units, with the 864.5 Voith transmission. 

 

And 2315 is back in service,  Seen it this week on the 142 - North Oak.

[ctrabs74]

It looks as though they've replaced the two Van Hools in Johnson County with MCIs.

[neoartic7101]

On 12/6/2016 at 7:38 PM, ctrabs74 said:

It looks as though they've replaced the two Van Hools in Johnson County with MCIs.

Yes they did. 

 

Credit to the photographers whom are unknown, not my pictures. 

This one photo by the Jo, Bus 247

[SilentSpades]

So quick update to RideKC (KCATA, Johnson County Transit)

- ALL buses are rebranded to the RideKC brand, bus stops are now being rebranded as well.
- The original Low Floor fleet, of 34 2002 Gillig LF buses (2200-2233) is fully retired. The 2003 LFs (2300-2325) are due for retirement, likely happening in June.
- New buses to the fleet last year were 2017 LF CNG 40 footers (4700-4719). Expect the same this year as well/
- S127-S129 are now based in Johnson County, renumbered 304-306.

[neoartic7101]

On 3/14/2018 at 1:21 AM, SilentSpades said:

So quick update to RideKC (KCATA, Johnson County Transit)

 

- ALL buses are rebranded to the RideKC brand, bus stops are now being rebranded as well.

- The original Low Floor fleet, of 34 2002 Gillig LF buses (2200-2233) is fully retired. The 2003 LFs (2300-2325) are due for retirement, likely happening in June.

- New buses to the fleet last year were 2017 LF CNG 40 footers (4700-4719). Expect the same this year as well/

- S127-S129 are now based in Johnson County, renumbered 304-306.

I wasn't a big fan of the 2200's and the 2300's. Wonder what the total replacement number will be and whether there will be an option for about 1 to 3 more BRT+ in the KC MAX scheme. 

 

BTW, transit in KC is getting to be pretty exciting, I am working on a map of a fantasy regional transit map for RideKC

[neoartic7101]

I was out and about in town yesterday and the strangest thing I have seen the KCATA/RideKC do.... I saw 4403, a RideKC bus, A LOCAL bus a Gillig Low Floor, NOT A BRT or BRTPlus, on the Main Street MAX. Then later on, I saw 4713 ON THE TROOST MAX!!!

 

Now I know that the KCATA got the RideKC scheme inspiration from LACMTA, I just would not have thought they would put local buses on the MAX. Passsengers were VERY confused. Possibly a bus shortage. But still...... SMH

[RyanB_69]

On 3/14/2018 at 1:21 AM, SilentSpades said:

So quick update to RideKC (KCATA, Johnson County Transit)

 

- ALL buses are rebranded to the RideKC brand, bus stops are now being rebranded as well.

- The original Low Floor fleet, of 34 2002 Gillig LF buses (2200-2233) is fully retired. The 2003 LFs (2300-2325) are due for retirement, likely happening in June.

- New buses to the fleet last year were 2017 LF CNG 40 footers (4700-4719). Expect the same this year as well/

- S127-S129 are now based in Johnson County, renumbered 304-306.

I found some PDF files online from RideKC regarding authorizing the purchase of new vehicles. Also saw on instagram a picture of S224.

[RyanB_69]

On 5/25/2018 at 10:15 PM, RyanB_69 said:

I found some PDF files online from RideKC regarding authorizing the purchase of new vehicles. Also saw on instagram a picture of S224.

S211-S228 are in service, saw S212 on Route 31 this afternoon, but didn't get a picture in time. It had bonded windows like the BRT units but looked like you couldn't open them. I'll see if I can track another one down this upcoming week for some pictures or video.

[RyanB_69]

21 hours ago, RyanB_69 said:

S211-S228 are in service, saw S212 on Route 31 this afternoon, but didn't get a picture in time. It had bonded windows like the BRT units but looked like you couldn't open them. I'll see if I can track another one down this upcoming week for some pictures or video.

Interior of S214, definitely cannot open the windows. And interior of 1409.

[neoartic7101]

4800 is in service, been on the 229 KCI frequently as of late.

[SilentSpades]

So as many of you have seen, the new 2018 buses are here. 4800-4819 are the new 40 foot buses, and S211-S228 are the new 29 foot buses, and with JoCo getting 4 new small buses (249-252)
The new buses all have the bonded non-opening windows (same ones the JoCo fleet has has since 2013), and all have the new seat material and are blue. 

4800-4819 replaces the 2300 buses (2300-2325), which eliminates all buses that had the Cummins ISB engine from the fleet. S211-S228 have replaced S130-S136 and even some of the single door buses (S137-S159). I'm willing to bet next year another new fleet of small buses is added and they fully replace those buses, along with the 4900 series, to replace the 2400 series buses.

Another thing to note, with Prospect MAX likely beginning late next year, there will be new MAX buses, and potential for the original MAX fleet to be replaced along with that (3500-3512).

Fun times here in Kansas City for sure.

[neoartic7101]

On 9/7/2018 at 9:03 PM, SilentSpades said:

So as many of you have seen, the new 2018 buses are here. 4800-4819 are the new 40 foot buses, and S211-S228 are the new 29 foot buses, and with JoCo getting 4 new small buses (249-252)
The new buses all have the bonded non-opening windows (same ones the JoCo fleet has has since 2013), and all have the new seat material and are blue. 

4800-4819 replaces the 2300 buses (2300-2325), which eliminates all buses that had the Cummins ISB engine from the fleet. S211-S228 have replaced S130-S136 and even some of the single door buses (S137-S159). I'm willing to bet next year another new fleet of small buses is added and they fully replace those buses, along with the 4900 series, to replace the 2400 series buses.

Another thing to note, with Prospect MAX likely beginning late next year, there will be new MAX buses, and potential for the original MAX fleet to be replaced along with that (3500-3512).

Fun times here in Kansas City for sure.

So that was you I seen Friday at 11th and Grand when the 235 pulled up.

 

FYI, so S130-S136 were moved to Johnson County? I've seen more than 300-303 on the Johnson County side of things. They must've replaced the older Phantoms.

 

IMO, S137-S159 should have been transferred to Johnson County, makes more sense since they don't use rear doors, anyway.

[SilentSpades]

On 9/17/2018 at 4:20 PM, neoartic7101 said:

So that was you I seen Friday at 11th and Grand when the 235 pulled up.

 

FYI, so S130-S136 were moved to Johnson County? I've seen more than 300-303 on the Johnson County side of things. They must've replaced the older Phantoms.

 

IMO, S137-S159 should have been transferred to Johnson County, makes more sense since they don't use rear doors, anyway.

Doubt it man. I'm rarely downtown these days. Haven't made any videos either.

S132 is in a scrapyard. I know S127-S129 were taken to JoCo as 304-306, but I am not sure about the fate of the rest of that fleet.

And I agree, those should've been sent to Johnson County, not only for the lack of a rear door, but to even replace some of the older 40 foot buses, not many of the routes need a 40 foot bus. Makes more sense to me, but then again, who knows.

 

[SilentSpades]

Fleet update as of January 2019

Most if not all of the original MAX fleet is now retired. New 2019 Gillig BRTPlus CNG buses have taken over. (3510-3512 are still in service)

So far 3537-3547 are the buses that have replaced the original fleet, this isn't including what buses that will be put into service when the new Prospect MAX line begins.

Johnson County also has 8 new buses, they are small buses with back doors numbered 248-255. 

Edited February 6, 2019 by SilentSpades
Updated Fleet Information

[RyanB_69]

February 7th, 2008. S95 was traveling west on Admiral Blvd when it hit a slick patch of ice, and crashed into a couple of buildings. I remember watching the price is right when I heard a lot of sirens, so I headed out and walked a couple of blocks and found a Gillig Phantom inside of a building...

[SilentSpades]

There's still a news story up on YouTube about it somewhere. KMBC maybe.

 

On 2/7/2019 at 10:54 PM, RyanB_69 said:

February 7th, 2008. S95 was traveling west on Admiral Blvd when it hit a slick patch of ice, and crashed into a couple of buildings. I remember watching the price is right when I heard a lot of sirens, so I headed out and walked a couple of blocks and found a Gillig Phantom inside of a building...

 

[neoartic7101]

On 2/9/2019 at 1:17 AM, SilentSpades said:

There's still a news story up on YouTube about it somewhere. KMBC maybe.

 

 

I remember this. Happened on Admiral Blvd.

[neoartic7101]

A quick note:

I am now, as of today, in training to be a bus operator for the KCATA branch of RideKC Bus, six week training.

I will be able to contribute A LOT more than usual.

[MVTArider]

19 hours ago, neoartic7101 said:

A quick note:

I am now, as of today, in training to be a bus operator for the KCATA branch of RideKC Bus, six week training.

I will be able to contribute A LOT more than usual.

Congratulations!

Not to rain on your parade at all, but do be a little cautious with what or how much you share. Many TA's keep track of what is posted online. We don't want anyone getting in trouble just trying to share some interesting tidbits from work That said I'm sure posting a photo or two from a layover point of the bus you drive or what you like/don't like about a certain series or model, or general observations about such and such a route is probably fine. I always like hearing about stuff from the operator perspective myself.

[neoartic7101]

On 4/9/2019 at 6:35 AM, MVTArider said:

Congratulations!

Not to rain on your parade at all, but do be a little cautious with what or how much you share. Many TA's keep track of what is posted online. We don't want anyone getting in trouble just trying to share some interesting tidbits from work That said I'm sure posting a photo or two from a layover point of the bus you drive or what you like/don't like about a certain series or model, or general observations about such and such a route is probably fine. I always like hearing about stuff from the operator perspective myself.

Oh I will. Thank you for that.

 

Also wanted to share, the KCATA division of RideKC won't go all CNG.

 

Also while training, I also seen construction on the new Prospect MAX. This route will get leveled stops along most of the line with heated platforms for the winter. When at 32° or below,  if during a winter storm, the heated ingredients will keep snow/ice from forming for passengers. 

[Border City Transit]

On 4/8/2019 at 12:06 PM, neoartic7101 said:

A quick note:

I am now, as of today, in training to be a bus operator for the KCATA branch of RideKC Bus, six week training.

I will be able to contribute A LOT more than usual.

Congrats! Driving a bus is a very exciting, rewarding job. Just wish KCATA gave you better equipment than all Gilligs

Question: does all KCATA-operated service run out of the one garage? That's a vast service area. I know their (your) route network isn't super-dense -- especially outside of KCMO proper -- but I wonder if there are any satellite lots/garages simply to cut down on deadheads?

Keep us posted!

 

 

 

[neoartic7101]

7 hours ago, Border City Transit said:

Congrats! Driving a bus is a very exciting, rewarding job. Just wish KCATA gave you better equipment than all Gilligs

Question: does all KCATA-operated service run out of the one garage? That's a vast service area. I know their (your) route network isn't super-dense -- especially outside of KCMO proper -- but I wonder if there are any satellite lots/garages simply to cut down on deadheads?

Keep us posted!

 

 

 

Thank you, it's a blessing, being a bus operator is something ive always wanted. 

To answer your question, yes and no. 

The KCATA does have a central garage. 

But, under the RideKC umbrella, there's the Johnson County, KS division (or The JO), Wyandotte County, Kansas (Unified Gov't or Wyandotte County) and Independence, Missouri (IndeBus). The Jo has contracted drivers thru First Student and uses regular Gilligs while the other two entities under the RideKC umbrella are local/city gov't vehicles that use cutaway vans, and they have their own garage, but The Jo a lot of times store their buses at KCATA's facility.