hp2ena Posted July 16, 2019 Report Share Posted July 16, 2019 1 hour ago, MVTArider said: For future reference, as I'm not paying $15 to download the doc, some biodiesel and electric bus bid details from a quick skim: Proposals due September 10th, 2019 Last date to exercise options on contract - five years from execution date. Pilot electric bus due January 29th, 2021 Base order diesel buses, 15 due by August 1st, 2021, 5 due by December 31st, 2021, 2 (for MTS or opt-out) due by August 12th, 2022. Base order electric buses, 18 in addition to pilot due by August 1st, 2021. (Ref 19P122 pg. 5) No electric units for MTS are included in the base order. They appear to be staying with the same American Seating InSight seat with padding (Thank goodness, was wondering if they would switch to solid ones like other TAs) Optional equipment specs, presumably to be available to add on the 159 option units, it looks like MVTA and other opt-outs will be using some of the options: Voith Transmission (instead of ZF) American Seating Co. Vision, KC548, 2005, seat models Suburban type luggage racks with reading lamps BRT Styling options, definitely intended for use on future ABRT and BRT: Widest rear door available, slide-glide or plug Exterior exit door activation button Luggage rack on curbside front housing info screens, and next stop visual for rear facing wheelchair position. BRT exterior faring and styling package Metro Transit and MVTA graphics package Stop request touch strips (these are standard on the ABRT units and MVTA 40' buses) Plan holders (so far) are the usual suspects, Gillig, NFI, Proterra. Interestingly, Nova, and BYD are not listed. It's still early though so we will see if they jump in. I'm guessing anyone who is really serious about bidding though would have officially downloaded the request for proper review by now. If I had to bet I would put my money on Gillig winning, they should easily rank high on qualifications. That said, NFI should also have a great shot. We'll see in September or October when it's awarded. Nova actually had the last set of plans (and so did I). Their 25mi range is no match for what the RFP is asking for. Next Wednesday, the Committee of the Whole will hear a presentation about ongoing hiring troubles, State Fair service, and service changes. Details are still sketchy, but definitely Green Line, Route 3, 64, 68, and 118. 614 will be discontinued. 670 rerouted. https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Committee-of-the-Whole/2019/7-17-19/2019-operator-staffing_service-changes_state-f-(1).aspx I wonder how ridership on the 54M is doing? I noticed that buses going to Maplewood stop after Minnesota, not with all the other Eastside buses. Wonder if people unwilling to cross the street is a factor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted July 19, 2019 Report Share Posted July 19, 2019 Metro Transit has temporarily withdrawn the 8700s from service because the chargers aren't working. I think they have 3420-series Xcelsiors, some 8013-series coaches for the A Line, and some LFRs covering the C Line in the meantime (I saw 8014 today and 8015 yesterday). http://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-s-first-electric-buses-removed-from-service/512953662/ Speaking of the 8013s, they've some new features. The Stop Request buttons appear to be different and easier to push, the seat upholstery is different, and they have USB chargers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted July 25, 2019 Report Share Posted July 25, 2019 Metro Transit is looking for community orgs to facilitate a discussion about how transit service should look like in 2040: https://www.metrotransit.org/network-next Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 https://www.metrotransit.org/routes-will-change-aug-17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 17 hours ago, MVTArider said: https://www.metrotransit.org/routes-will-change-aug-17 They're getting rid of the midnight trip on the 645, and they're also increasing service on the 68. Also, Q: notice that there is a train that arrives Downtown Minneapolis at 2:02am. Does that train deadhead back to Union Depot, or Hiawatha OMF? If it deadheads back to Union Depot, how does it navigate all the maintenance that's being done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 Wiki-related: Now that 1200-1206ish and 1444-1449 are with MTN, shouldn't these buses be on a separate page, and shouldn't this fact be noted on their current respective pages? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 Was meaning to update that, edited From what I'm aware all 31xx D60 and 3207, 3209 are on reserve status now, so I'm guessing MN Surplus will have quite a few listings for them eventually in Sep/Oct or about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion6025 Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 1 hour ago, MVTArider said: From what I'm aware all 31xx D60 and 3207, 3209 are on reserve status now, So not all the 2006 d60s are in the reserve fleet now? Is there a chance any will even make it into the new year and beyond? I figured all woulda been gone by now LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 1 hour ago, Orion6025 said: So not all the 2006 d60s are in the reserve fleet now? Is there a chance any will even make it into the new year and beyond? I figured all woulda been gone by now LOL No, so far just those two from what I'm aware. I'm not sure if they plan to run them regularly for much longer. However if they fall under the new 14 year lifespan requirement then they should see service into 2020 barring any major mechanical or body corrosion issues. Actually here are some shots from back in the beginning of June I got while fanning with a fellow transitfan from out of town: 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion6025 Posted July 31, 2019 Report Share Posted July 31, 2019 20 hours ago, MVTArider said: No, so far just those two from what I'm aware. I'm not sure if they plan to run them regularly for much longer. However if they fall under the new 14 year lifespan requirement then they should see service into 2020 barring any major mechanical or body corrosion issues. Actually here are some shots from back in the beginning of June I got while fanning with a fellow transitfan from out of town: This is great news, thank you! So then are there any known artic orders on the table for 2020 or does that remain to be seen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 1, 2019 Report Share Posted August 1, 2019 6 hours ago, Orion6025 said: This is great news, thank you! So then are there any known artic orders on the table for 2020 or does that remain to be seen? Met Council's NFI contract expired earlier this year. The only artics on order are 8 XD60s for the D-Line. I believe they will be issuing an RFP soon for a 60' artic. On 7/30/2019 at 1:12 PM, MVTArider said: Was meaning to update that, edited From what I'm aware all 31xx D60 and 3207, 3209 are on reserve status now, so I'm guessing MN Surplus will have quite a few listings for them eventually in Sep/Oct or about. Thanks! Wait, how do you know that 3207 and 3209 are in reserve? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 1, 2019 Report Share Posted August 1, 2019 Streets.mn is organizing one final midnight ride from Wayzata on August 16. We're meeting at 7th and Nicollet at 9pm, then taking the 645 into Wayzata and back. https://streets.mn/2019/08/01/friday-august-16th-join-us-for-happy-hour-one-final-ride-on-the-midnight-bus-from-wayzata/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 I walked by Heywood today. 3113, 3118, and 3143 are sitting in the dirt lot, presumably awaiting sale. I also saw 3 Maple Grove units at the training facility (60127 and 60128, as well as one which number I didn't get). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted August 17, 2019 Report Share Posted August 17, 2019 I didn't catch the number, but there was a Phantom on the 54 yesterday during the PM peak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Auctions closing in a few days FWIW. The two D60 are scrap: 3140 3149 7105 7106 7107 7108 7109 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Thanks for the heads-up! Editing on the wiki Transit lanes now on Chicago Ave 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted August 23, 2019 Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 I had the day off so I took full advantage of the wonderful weather and went fanning, observations: Spotted Phantoms in service on the 3, 5, 960, and one other route. Those seem to be relegated to local peak blocks as I suspected. I did not spot any on express duty along MARQ2. DT Minneapolis MARQ2 2nd Ave S is the best bet for D60 action during the PM weekday rush. In addition to the usual 32xx on the 850F and other MJ Ruter operated runs, I saw a number of 31xx as well. There almost seemed to be more D60 than D60LFR/XD60 when I got to 2nd Ave at first. I also saw one D60 on Marquette, probably a South unit, and 3125 was on the Bloomington SF park & ride express. With the exception of 3125 most of the Metro Transit buses at the Fair TC were D60LFR and XD60, plus Gilligs on the 960. Note, I was there during the early afternoon and not during the 3pm-6pm period, so the mix may be slightly different then, on the weekend or in the early morning. The Metro Transit loop is definitely quieter than a few years ago with all the service cuts from the operator shortages. Lorenz is still running everything in house for the SF free shuttles. They had a decent amount of Phantoms going ranging from ex-Metro Transit '94-'02 units. They have also added more secondhand Low Floors from a couple different systems. Additionally they continue to run their fleet of ex-Houston METRO, ex-Johnson County, ex-MVTA/PML/MTS D40LF, and ex-SCMB/IU/CATS LF. A Line was horribly bunched as usual due to the SF traffic jams, but still a pretty quick way to get there. It was all the 8000-8012 Gilligs, and a couple of 17xx. I was hoping they might pop an 81xx or two on the A for more capacity but no. We were leaving folks at the stops Northbound after University. I spotted one 87xx XE60 on the C Line, so I guess those are either getting back in action, or they are at least throwing them on for short assignments between charges at the garage. Also saw 8013, 8015, and 8102 on the C. I was disappointed there was no 87xx on display at the Eco Experience I'll add a follow up post with some pics from today, once I get them posted to my Flickr as time permits. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 23, 2019 Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 15 hours ago, MVTArider said: I had the day off so I took full advantage of the wonderful weather and went fanning, observations: Spotted Phantoms in service on the 3, 5, 960, and one other route. Those seem to be relegated to local peak blocks as I suspected. I did not spot any on express duty along MARQ2. DT Minneapolis MARQ2 2nd Ave S is the best bet for D60 action during the PM weekday rush. In addition to the usual 32xx on the 850F and other MJ Ruter operated runs, I saw a number of 31xx as well. There almost seemed to be more D60 than D60LFR/XD60 when I got to 2nd Ave at first. I also saw one D60 on Marquette, probably a South unit, and 3125 was on the Bloomington SF park & ride express. With the exception of 3125 most of the Metro Transit buses at the Fair TC were D60LFR and XD60, plus Gilligs on the 960. Note, I was there during the early afternoon and not during the 3pm-6pm period, so the mix may be slightly different then, on the weekend or in the early morning. The Metro Transit loop is definitely quieter than a few years ago with all the service cuts from the operator shortages. Lorenz is still running everything in house for the SF free shuttles. They had a decent amount of Phantoms going ranging from ex-Metro Transit '94-'02 units. They have also added more secondhand Low Floors from a couple different systems. Additionally they continue to run their fleet of ex-Houston METRO, ex-Johnson County, ex-MVTA/PML/MTS D40LF, and ex-SCMB/IU/CATS LF. A Line was horribly bunched as usual due to the SF traffic jams, but still a pretty quick way to get there. It was all the 8000-8012 Gilligs, and a couple of 17xx. I was hoping they might pop an 81xx or two on the A for more capacity but no. We were leaving folks at the stops Northbound after University. I spotted one 87xx XE60 on the C Line, so I guess those are either getting back in action, or they are at least throwing them on for short assignments between charges at the garage. Also saw 8013, 8015, and 8102 on the C. I was disappointed there was no 87xx on display at the Eco Experience I'll add a follow up post with some pics from today, once I get them posted to my Flickr as time permits. I also saw one on the 21 yesterday. I'm hearing they were also operating on the 6 and 25. I think all the 3100s are out of South. Lorenz also acquired some ex-SWT Phantoms. Saw one running for the Vikings game on Sun. They should not have retired the 7105s so soon. Perfect for extra State Fair capacity. However, I believe they will be getting more 8100s next month (purchased for the D-Line) The 8700s are gradually getting back into service. They're leasing a charger from British Columbia, but those chargers can only do 4 at a time. These can last 9 hours on the road, so they're probably being assigned to straight-through runs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 25, 2019 Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 Updated the Wiki with two new pages documenting the C Line buses. Leads on VINs and names greatly appreciated. Thank you Detroit Diesel 6V92TA for your help with the VINs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 26, 2019 Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 I just realized that there are two pages for Metro Transit's 900-series Phantoms. Which is correct? https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_900-989 https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_900-988 I also noticed that there are two pages for the 990 series. Which is correct? https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_990-1047 https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_989-1047 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 31, 2019 Report Share Posted August 31, 2019 3208 and 3214 are running on the 5 today; they’re scheduled about 90mins apart Edit: 3213 is also on the 5 today. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Board Admin A. Wong Posted August 31, 2019 Board Admin Report Share Posted August 31, 2019 On 8/26/2019 at 4:11 PM, hp2ena said: I just realized that there are two pages for Metro Transit's 900-series Phantoms. Which is correct? https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_900-989 https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_900-988 I also noticed that there are two pages for the 990 series. Which is correct? https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_990-1047 https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_989-1047 Based on the most up to date page, the following are correct: https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_900-988 https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_989-1047 I've deleted the other ones as they were abandoned (no other pages linked to them). Thanks for pointing this out! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted August 31, 2019 Report Share Posted August 31, 2019 1 hour ago, A. Wong said: Based on the most up to date page, the following are correct: https://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_900-988 https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Metro_Transit_(Minnesota)_989-1047 I've deleted the other ones as they were abandoned (no other pages linked to them). Thanks for pointing this out! Np! The only reason I ask is that, I was compiling VINs for the 989 series, and noticed that the supposed VIN for 989 was assigned to a bus from a previous order. Additionally, VINs for coaches 1046 and 1047 may be for an order that took place afterward as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 3, 2019 Report Share Posted September 3, 2019 On 8/31/2019 at 4:03 PM, hp2ena said: Np! The only reason I ask is that, I was compiling VINs for the 989 series, and noticed that the supposed VIN for 989 was assigned to a bus from a previous order. Additionally, VINs for coaches 1046 and 1047 may be for an order that took place afterward as well. Both 988 and 989 are still with Metro Transit from what I'm aware, so keep a close eye on the auctions as I'm guessing they'll be listed in the next batch or two they dispose of. I would assume the VINs and years will be listed. ---- Alright, for those who are interested here's some D60 and Phantom pics from two fanning trips during the Fair: 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted September 8, 2019 Report Share Posted September 8, 2019 3129 was on the 54 this morning. Metro Transit 3129 Ride by J. Mc., on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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