Metro Transit

[Orion6025]

On 11/18/2018 at 10:38 PM, hp2ena said:

Would someone be able to update the fleet manifests on the wiki, by chance?

well what buses need to marked as scrapped

[hp2ena]

23 hours ago, Orion6025 said:

well what buses need to marked as scrapped

I don't think any need to be marked as scrapped yet, they just need to be marked as retired. Thanks!

Some updates from the Met Council (the agency that runs Metro Transit) at their next meeting:

• Agreeing with MVTA to have them run the Red Line https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/November-26,-2018/1126_2018_308.aspx
• Branding the aBRT (A-Line, etc) lines as part of the METRO system: https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/November-26,-2018/1126_2018_270-presentation.aspx
• Modifying the TPP to include West 7th Streetcar https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/November-26,-2018/1126_2018_325-SW.aspx
• Update on bus shelters https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/November-26,-2018/Info-1.aspx
• Ridership is down. Again. https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/November-26,-2018/Info-2-_-Ridership.aspx

Also, Met Council is seeking people to serve on the, well, council. There are 17 vacancies, 2 in Minneapolis and 2 in St. Paul. By serving, you have the ability to make decisions that impact Metro Transit service, as an example. Applications are being reviewed starting next Monday: https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/CouncilMembers/Apply-for-a-Seat-on-the-Metropolitan-Council/Position-Description-Council-Member,-Metropolitan.aspx

By the way, if you use FB, Metro Transit has a caption contest. The caption with the most reacts wins a $50 Go-To card. 

 

[MVTArider]

I rode 1200 on the 84 today (first day of contracted route operation) and spotted one other unknown LF/BRT unit on the line as well. Looked like they basically stripped all exterior advertisements off 1200, cleaned up the interior a bit, and sent it over to MTN. I was wondering if they might've assigned the 2013 60036-44 40' LF/BRT units back over to MTS for contracting but then I saw 60044 on the 54 (Metro Transit route) yesterday. Now I'll have to spot some more on the 16 and 84 to see if they assigned a series (ie. 1200-1209) or just some buses at random.

[Border City Transit]

14 hours ago, MVTArider said:

I rode 1200 on the 84 today (first day of contracted route operation) and spotted one other unknown LF/BRT unit on the line as well. Looked like they basically stripped all exterior advertisements off 1200, cleaned up the interior a bit, and sent it over to MTN. I was wondering if they might've assigned the 2013 60036-44 40' LF/BRT units back over to MTS for contracting but then I saw 60044 on the 54 (Metro Transit route) yesterday. Now I'll have to spot some more on the 16 and 84 to see if they assigned a series (ie. 1200-1209) or just some buses at random.

Good intel -- thanks.

Wow -- 60044 on a Metro Transit route? I'm not super-familiar with the contract fleet... but that comes as a surprise to me. I thought the "five-digit fleet" was reserved exclusively for contractors and/or suburban systems...

Is there a comprehensive roster of the contract fleet anywhere? Especially the full-size buses?

 

 

[hp2ena]

4 hours ago, Border City Transit said:

Good intel -- thanks.

Wow -- 60044 on a Metro Transit route? I'm not super-familiar with the contract fleet... but that comes as a surprise to me. I thought the "five-digit fleet" was reserved exclusively for contractors and/or suburban systems...

Is there a comprehensive roster of the contract fleet anywhere? Especially the full-size buses?

 

 

There isn't one that's publicly available, aside from what's on the wiki. 

60036-60044 are out of East, but they still have Met Council logos on them. 1200-1209 were originally from East. 

I also went by the lot by Heywood today. Most of the Phantoms that were listed for auction last month are gone. 5 Phantoms and 1 D60 remain at the lot, as well as 1613. 

[hp2ena]

Southwest Transit is auctioning 12 of their 400-series Phantoms. Listings close as early as 10:30am 12/13 

https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/26361

[MVTArider]

On 12/2/2018 at 5:27 PM, Border City Transit said:

Good intel -- thanks.

Wow -- 60044 on a Metro Transit route? I'm not super-familiar with the contract fleet... but that comes as a surprise to me. I thought the "five-digit fleet" was reserved exclusively for contractors and/or suburban systems...

Is there a comprehensive roster of the contract fleet anywhere? Especially the full-size buses?

Those 600xx units when ordered were for the contracted fleet, and assigned to Lorenz for operation on the 62 line branches that they operated. (It was an odd setup with Lorenz operating some trips, and Metro Transit operating others) However with the major route restructures that happened with the Green Line opening in 2014, the 62 service was changed and also moved entirely to Metro Transit operation. At that point those buses were then re-assigned to the Metro Transit fleet. They are now part of the general 40' fleet out of East, they carry ads, and can be found on various routes from that garage. (54, 62, 68, 74, etc.) The buses have some subtle interior differences but are basically the same as the rest of the 40' ones so no point in keeping them separate.

Bus numbering in the Twin Cities breaks down like this: (source)

• Metro Transit: 0000-3999, 7100-9999
• MVTA: 4000-4999
• Southwest Transit: 5000-5999 (but they have yet to use the 5)
• Metro Mobility: 6100-6599, 61000-63199, 64100-64199
• Scott County: 64000-64099
• Opt-Outs and Contracted:
  • Big Buses: 6000-6099 or 60000-60999
  • Small Buses: 6600-6699 or 64200-66999

When buses get transferred between operators though they typically don't bother to change numbers. The 43xx Gilligs that went from MVTA to First to replace the 2003 D40LF kept their numbers, or the 6xx and 23xx Phantoms that went to Maple Grove Transit and Plymouth Metrolink respectively also kept their numbers.

5 hours ago, hp2ena said:

Southwest Transit is auctioning 12 of their 400-series Phantoms. Listings close as early as 10:30am 12/13 

https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/26361

I saw one at the State Fair earlier this year, amazing they've kept them this long after grousing about having to run 12 year old MCI coaches previously. I see the MVTA 2006 D40LF are also up. I'm surprised the 2003 Low Floors aren't on there though, or maybe they auctioned them earlier. I'm sure a few of those buses will pop up in the Lorenz fleet.

---

A couple pics from today, 7109 has been sitting in the reserve line outside South but it was working the A Line this afternoon. And also a snap of 1201 on the 84. I have seen 1200-1204 on the 84 so far.

Orange Line BRT funding has finally been approved by the FTA, scheduled to open 2021: https://metrocouncil.org/News-Events/Transportation/News-Articles/FTA-Announces-Full-Federal-Funding-of-Orange-Line.aspx

 

[hp2ena]

Summary of next Monday's Met Council Transportation Committee meeting, 4pm at Heywood Garage:

AGENDA: https://metrocouncil.org/getdoc/e0da2fe5-c2d0-47a1-9f81-54e0dff6fa4f/Agenda.aspx

There will be a tour of the new MTP HQ (next to Heywood) at 3:30pm

Of note, the committee will be deciding on the following:

• Awarding a contract to an engineering firm to design and build the D-Line https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/December-10,-2018/1210_2018_324-SW.aspx
• Purchase up to 450 operator barriers from Bentech (the dutch door design, used in SF, LA, and NY) https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/December-10,-2018/1210_2018_326-SW.aspx
• Purchase 213 Go-To card readers https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/December-10,-2018/1210_2018_335-SW.aspx

Also of note, the committee will receive updates on:

• Orange Line: https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/December-10,-2018/Info-2-_-Orange-Line.aspx
• Transitioning the fleet to electric buses (they plan to issue an RFP for 19 40' e-buses + 46 options, 30 60' e-buses + 22 options, 62 diesel 60' buses + 22 options) https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/December-10,-2018/Info-3-_-Fleet-Plan.aspx
• Updating the fare policy to require agencies recover anywhere between 23% to 30% of operating expenses through fares https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2018/December-10,-2018/Info-4-_-Fare-Policy.aspx

[MAX BRT]

Metro Transit plans to shift bus fleet to all-electric

Council taking tentative steps spurred by opening of new C Line rapid bus service in 2019. (The C Line will have eight New Flyer electric artics built in St. Cloud)

http://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-plans-to-shift-bus-fleet-to-all-electric/502414551/

[hp2ena]

1 hour ago, MAX BRT said:

Metro Transit plans to shift bus fleet to all-electric

Council taking tentative steps spurred by opening of new C Line rapid bus service in 2019. (With eight 60 foot New Flyer electric artics built in St. Cloud)

http://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-plans-to-shift-bus-fleet-to-all-electric/502414551/

They have one unit at the New Flyer plant in St. Cloud. Is anyone able to head over there to check it out? They'll be taking deliveries starting in January. One in January, then 2 per month until all 8 arrive. 

Metro Transit will also be taking delivery of 20 new LFs (3 for the A-Line) sometime next year. Not sure if they're built yet. 

Some operators are concerned that the bus may fail in the snow if it gets stranded. I hope the agency figures out how they will handle this. 

[Big CJ]

I added information on buses that were retired and auctioned off by MTC in 1985 and 1988. Yeah I do have sources to support what I posted via Google links (for the 1985 auction) and a magazine that I have which has an ad for buses going up for auction on February 3, 1988. I also added the renumbered buses that were rebuilt by Midwest Bus (which I found out the rebuilder was originally suppose to be Dickenson Lines and it was for 175 buses; 82 GMCs and 93 Flxible New Looks). Several AMGs and 1974 Flxibles were painted in the new paint scheme in the 80s, but were not rebuilt. Just painted to look good and same story for the 1966 TDH-5303s, which were not part of the rebuild, just 82 1963-1965 TDH-5303s and 58 1971 Flxibles (15 D6-1s and 43 D5-1s). Red colored buses were still running into the early 90s, with the remaining red buses being mostly AMGs, 1974 Flxibles, and some 1971-72 Flxibles that weren't replaced between 1985-1989. Also found out the 1971 Flxibles that had 6v71s used VH-9s. The rebuilt buses had power steering, what I assume are Vultron destination signs, body work done on them, overhauled or new power packs, and working AC (for the Flxibles only). All of these buses retired between 1994-1995 by the Gillig Phantoms, but I have a feeling some were still running as late as 1996 wearing RTB logos on them for contract services. Also the 1994 New Flyer D60s replaced all 20 1978 AMG/MAN artics.

[MVTArider]

Plastic seats are being trialed on the LRVs:

• https://www.metrotransit.org/plastic-seats-being-tested-on-some-light-rail-vehicles
• Long term I wouldn't be surprised to see them switch the buses back to solid seating as well.

The next Transportation Committee agenda is posted, notable IMO:

• First is being recommended for the next small bus operating contract running from 6/1/19-5/31/23. I think most or all of this is routes operated with cutaways.
• Presentation on speed and reliability improvements (fixed route bus)
• Presentation on public art upkeep (art installations at LRT stations and transit centers)

An update on contractor MTN, they appear to have buses 1200-1205, 1444-1446 from what I've seen on the 84.

Mall of America Transit Center reconstruction is well under way. MSP Airport T1/Lindbergh transit center is still a ways from completion of course, but the ramp being built over it is slowly coming together.

 

[hp2ena]

Brian Lamb, GM of Metro Transit, was ousted last Friday. Wes Kooistra, long the Met Council regional admin, took his place. He has no transit experience:

https://www.twincities.com/2019/01/14/metro-transit-head-brian-lamb-out-after-15-years/?fbclid=IwAR2gegGKBg-TnkJP4bkq--LhiuSI4kbGo6LPfv5lPbGeIi0fgSbYbhXtn2M

https://streets.mn/2019/01/16/brian-lamb-and-metro-transit-deserved-better/?fbclid=IwAR25JLmAgKKFV6WN33WrXwyO5qD5j6WVAN0WS6aDFA7qSv3SmhJywUZgZPE

Also, they've begun testing on the C-Line. Saw 8102 this morning

[MVTArider]

^ I guess we'll have to wait and see how a new manager with no transit experience does Part of good managing is simply making sure you have people who know the subject and how to do their jobs though, so if there's a good focus on that it may work out.

XE60 8700 was the subject of testing at NFI according to a recent post:

https://www.metrotransit.org/electric-bus-put-to-the-test-in-st-cloud

Sounds like it'll be hitting the streets simulating C Line runs in the near future as well!

EDIT: forgot to mention, last I saw there are still some 31xx D60 at South, likely on standby status since they are/were parked outside. They appeared to still have the fare equipment.

[UpDownAcross38]

Hello all! I figured i'll post some of my Metro Transit Photos. I went to the Twin Cities last summer.

7208 working on the 59

1616 on route 61

U of M shuttle #3817

8006 on the A line

3401 at Union Depot

1561 at Union Depot

3241 on the 94. This was the first Metro Transit bus I rode. It was nice!

Ya'll are like "will dis mofo shut up" lol. Here is the last photo. 1645 on the 852 

[hp2ena]

On 2/1/2019 at 6:56 AM, MVTArider said:

^ I guess we'll have to wait and see how a new manager with no transit experience does Part of good managing is simply making sure you have people who know the subject and how to do their jobs though, so if there's a good focus on that it may work out.

XE60 8700 was the subject of testing at NFI according to a recent post:

https://www.metrotransit.org/electric-bus-put-to-the-test-in-st-cloud

Sounds like it'll be hitting the streets simulating C Line runs in the near future as well!

EDIT: forgot to mention, last I saw there are still some 31xx D60 at South, likely on standby status since they are/were parked outside. They appeared to still have the fare equipment.

Odd that they're going with an 8700 series number. Figured they would have been fine with an 8200 series. But of course, we'll see if electric bus technology works out for the cities. 

 

On 2/6/2019 at 9:17 PM, UpDownAcross38 said:

Hello all! I figured i'll post some of my Metro Transit Photos. I went to the Twin Cities last summer.

7208 working on the 59

1616 on route 61

U of M shuttle #3817

8006 on the A line

3401 at Union Depot

1561 at Union Depot

3241 on the 94. This was the first Metro Transit bus I rode. It was nice!

Ya'll are like "will dis mofo shut up" lol. Here is the last photo. 1645 on the 852 

1645 could easily serve as an AC Transit pickle

[UpDownAcross38]

26 minutes ago, hp2ena said:

Odd that they're going with an 8700 series number. Figured they would have been fine with an 8200 series. But of course, we'll see if electric bus technology works out for the cities. 

 

1645 could easily serve as an AC Transit pickle

XDDDDD

[hp2ena]

They'll be talking about eliminating the 614 (Ridgedale to Minnetonka Heights), transit signal priority, and the Final Four Service Plan next Monday https://metrocouncil.org/getdoc/9d8ac3f4-6378-427b-9e37-d14a5921cbf1/Agenda.aspx

[hp2ena]

Ride the 294 out to Stillwater before they severely cut it back March 9: https://www.metrotransit.org/these-routes-will-change-on-march-9

[MVTArider]

^ IIRC Stillwater used to have semi regular bus service 10-15 years ago. Transit service death spiral in action

Some recent pics from DT SP:

           

I finally had a chance to get a decent ride on one of the XD60 a couple weeks ago. Not sure how I've managed to avoid them for the past 4 years and get either a LF or D60 or D60LFR instead every time I've even tried to ride one. (granted I didn't make a huge point of riding one) Overall a pretty decent bus. I prefer the D60LFR though for quality, those seem like they have a better interior finish and sound more solid. Inside the XD60 just look a little shoddy around the edges with bulging or cracked paneling, exposed edge filler, etc.

Maybe those who ride them more often have a better opinion but the LRVs just seem disgusting lately. For example I got on one yesterday and it reeked of cigarette smoke. There have been a lot of delays with the service as well lately from accidents, incidents, etc. I hope they can get some of the reliability and rider comfort stuff figured out when the Southwest and Bottineau extensions go through.

[hp2ena]

The C-Line will open on 6/8 http://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-rolls-out-its-first-electric-bus/506185212/

[MVTArider]

I noticed they've put info slips on C Line bus testing in the info. racks on the buses. If they are going to that extent to get the word out they must be planning on running a lot of test runs.

Exercising options for 8 XD60 for the D Line, also it notes that contract expires in March. I wonder if they'll do another RFP for artics soon? The 3200 D60 would be replaced in or after 2020 under the 14 year timeframe. With an 18 month lead time from contract award to delivery it would make sense.

[hp2ena]

On 2/25/2019 at 6:40 AM, MVTArider said:

I noticed they've put info slips on C Line bus testing in the info. racks on the buses. If they are going to that extent to get the word out they must be planning on running a lot of test runs.

Exercising options for 8 XD60 for the D Line, also it notes that contract expires in March. I wonder if they'll do another RFP for artics soon? The 3200 D60 would be replaced in or after 2020 under the 14 year timeframe. With an 18 month lead time from contract award to delivery it would make sense.

Don't forget, they're working on two separate RFPs for future procurements: one on diesel, the other on electric. 

[MAX BRT]

Article and video regarding the new XE60 and the C-line here.

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/metro-transit-welcomes-first-all-electric-bus/89-bdf42102-68c6-4eda-b4d7-4105d4e543cb

The Metro Transit commitment to be fully electric by 2040 is mentioned too! Nice to see Metro partnering with the electric utility (Xcel), which has a lot to gain from the transition to electric vehicles.

 

[hp2ena]

On 2/28/2019 at 9:15 AM, MAX BRT said:

Article and video regarding the new XE60 and the C-line here.

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/metro-transit-welcomes-first-all-electric-bus/89-bdf42102-68c6-4eda-b4d7-4105d4e543cb

The Metro Transit commitment to be fully electric by 2040 is mentioned too! Nice to see Metro partnering with the electric utility (Xcel), which has a lot to gain from the transition to electric vehicles.

 

V proud of being part of an organization that was part of a coalition to muscle for that. FYI, some of the operators are concerned about the limited range causing them to be stranded in the snow.