MVTArider Posted October 14, 2021 Report Share Posted October 14, 2021 On 10/3/2021 at 10:36 PM, MNbusdriver said: There are some operators who still enjoy driving the high floors like myself, but as more and more time goes by that we haven’t used them, there are a lot of new drivers that weren’t trained on them and don’t want them. Ironically, these buses were already on the way out the door when I started but I just love them. They drive so much better than anything they build today. Of the artics we do still use regularly, I prefer the 3300s, they are a lot smoother driving buses than the Xcelsiors. I don’t really care for the 3400s, they look very nice and classy, but they are jerky and when you stop the retarder kicks in real strong when you hit the brakes, and I’m always worried I’m going to launch someone through the windshield if I have to stop quick. another side note — Metro Transit is trying to gradually lay off using the artics so heavy, as they can’t keep up with the brake jobs and maintenance on them. They’re used to using them as highway buses and we’ve been running them so hard for the past year they are getting to the point where a lot of the buses need work done. They have taken most of the 3200s out of service now as well. I've noticed the 3200 and 3300 series artics seem much better in quality from my perspective as a rider too. A bit smoother and more solid feeling when riding. I've been on a few of the 3400s with pieces of the interior panels hanging down or a light fixture cover sitting on a seat, and wow those things rattle bad sometimes. That makes sense they need to pull them out for maintenance and brakes. Routes like the 5 and 54 are especially hard on them I imagine. IIRC there's not exactly a surplus of maintenance and mechanic staff at MT either. On 10/12/2021 at 8:46 PM, hp2ena said: - Expect service cuts next pick because of operator shortage. I wonder if we'll see a few more routes transferred to MTS eventually if this continues. If some of the peak period express runs can be covered with a 40', it would probably make sense to just kick some more 16xx over to First if it means core routes like 5, 6, 21, 54, etc. have more reliable coverage. Well, at least they got plenty of extra operators to run the RED line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Border City Transit Posted October 14, 2021 Report Share Posted October 14, 2021 8 hours ago, MVTArider said: I've noticed the 3200 and 3300 series artics seem much better in quality from my perspective as a rider too. A bit smoother and more solid feeling when riding. I've been on a few of the 3400s with pieces of the interior panels hanging down or a light fixture cover sitting on a seat, and wow those things rattle bad sometimes. Do you happen to know which New Flyer plant built the 3400s? NFI had serious quality control problems at the Anniston plant (former NABI) around the time the 3400s were in production. It's since improved -- but it cost New Flyer the confidence of many large, longtime customers (most notably, King County Metro in Seattle)... Regardless of plant, pre-Xcelsior New Flyers were, in many ways, more solid products. I am moderately favorable on the Xcelsior... but I see an awful lot of Gillig influence, unfortunately. New Flyer really lowered the standards on parts and assembly, plus a few key design features. I'd still take any New Flyer over any Gillig LF any day of the week. But New Flyer would do well to tighten up. 8 hours ago, MVTArider said: I wonder if we'll see a few more routes transferred to MTS eventually if this continues. If some of the peak period express runs can be covered with a 40', it would probably make sense to just kick some more 16xx over to First if it means core routes like 5, 6, 21, 54, etc. have more reliable coverage. What suggests that First Transit is any less stretched for staff? First Transit pays less and runs its people ragged -- how are they better positioned to attract operators than Metro Transit? I hesitate to believe First Transit would turn in a better performance on major, frequent, high-ridership routes. There's way too many corners they'd jump to cut. It's all about the $$$$$ with those guys. They can more-or-less handle "easy" routes with one or two buses apiece. Longer, less predictable routes requiring more resources? Forget it. It's certainly discouraging to see service cuts as a result of staffing shortages. At least Metro Transit is honest about the situation -- and there is evidence that they're working to fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted October 14, 2021 Report Share Posted October 14, 2021 First Transit is also stretched for staff, as made evident by the Plymouth Metrolink service cuts that happened earlier this week. https://www.plymouthmn.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7407/246 I've noticed that a lot of TAs around the country have cut service due to manpower shortages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted October 15, 2021 Report Share Posted October 15, 2021 XDE40 7291 is on the 61 right now. Don’t know if it’s rare or anything but I almost never see anything but Gillig LF’s on it considering I live along arcade. makes me wish I wasn’t in school so I could ride it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcmetro Posted October 15, 2021 Report Share Posted October 15, 2021 When I lived in the Twin Cities, I remember some 61 trips through the industrial park would get a D60. EDIT: https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Committee-of-the-Whole/2021/10-20-21/Info-Item-Zero-Emmissions-Bus-Program.aspx Electric bus plan being developed,we could have up to 285 more electrics in the coming years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted October 15, 2021 Report Share Posted October 15, 2021 10 minutes ago, Tcmetro said: When I lived in the Twin Cities, I remember some 61 trips through the industrial park would get a D60. I remember seeing one a month ago on the 61, there were two Artics on it that day, the D60 and the one I was on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted October 15, 2021 Report Share Posted October 15, 2021 On 10/14/2021 at 6:56 AM, Border City Transit said: Do you happen to know which New Flyer plant built the 3400s? All of the Xcelsiors came from the St. Cloud plant 1 hour ago, Spirits Transport said: XDE40 7291 is on the 61 right now. Don’t know if it’s rare or anything but I almost never see anything but Gillig LF’s on it considering I live along arcade. makes me wish I wasn’t in school so I could ride it. If you have the Pantograph app, you can pull up its block schedule and see how long it will be on the route. Looks like it'll be on the 61 until 7:40pm 25 minutes ago, Tcmetro said: EDIT: https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Committee-of-the-Whole/2021/10-20-21/Info-Item-Zero-Emmissions-Bus-Program.aspx Electric bus plan being developed,we could have up to 285 more electrics in the coming years. Dang, beat me to it! They'll be presenting that at the meeting next Wednesday, and looks like there'll be a space for folks to chime in on 11/3 and 11/4. That plan is due to the legislature 2/15/22. Meanwhile, the 8700s will be returning to service in the coming days because the chargers appear to have been fixed. BTW, I'll be at I-35W/Lake at 5am next Monday if anyone wants to join me. The first northbound revenue bus to go through the new station will be a northbound 535, arriving around 5:30am. The first southbound revenue bus and the first Southwest Transit bus will go through the new station at around 5:50am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 17, 2021 Report Share Posted October 17, 2021 On 10/14/2021 at 6:56 AM, Border City Transit said: What suggests that First Transit is any less stretched for staff? First Transit pays less and runs its people ragged -- how are they better positioned to attract operators You're right. It was a stupid thought. On 10/15/2021 at 12:46 PM, Spirits Transport said: XDE40 7291 is on the 61 right now. Don’t know if it’s rare or anything but I almost never see anything but Gillig LF’s on it considering I live along arcade. makes me wish I wasn’t in school so I could ride it. The XDE40 were originally bought to test out the new (at the time) 'super hybrid' system and be operated on various routes around the system. Even though they're 9 years old they still seem to get around quite a bit showing up on all sorts of routes. Definitely rare to find one on the 61, but also not surprising since they show up on such random runs. They do seem to show up on the 10 and 25 semi-regularly when they are running. On 10/15/2021 at 2:28 PM, hp2ena said: BTW, I'll be at I-35W/Lake at 5am next Monday if anyone wants to join me. The first northbound revenue bus to go through the new station will be a northbound 535, arriving around 5:30am. The first southbound revenue bus and the first Southwest Transit bus will go through the new station at around 5:50am. 5:30 is a bit early for me, I'm usually just getting home from work at 1am Hopefully they'll still be able to open... EDIT: looks like it'll be delayed unfortunately https://kstp.com/traffic/2-dead-in-fiery-car-crash-bus-station-i-35w-lake-street-minneapolis/6271983/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted October 18, 2021 Report Share Posted October 18, 2021 So tomorrow is canceled because of the crash. The routes that are to serve the station won't begin serving it. Also, Pantograph now has a browser app, for those who aren't on iPhones https://beta.pantographapp.com/minneapolis/map Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted October 20, 2021 Report Share Posted October 20, 2021 XD60 8105 is on the 5. Don’t know if C line buses on local routes is that rare but it’s there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted October 20, 2021 Report Share Posted October 20, 2021 2 hours ago, Spirits Transport said: XD60 8105 is on the 5. Don’t know if C line buses on local routes is that rare but it’s there First time to my understanding. Can confirm. It’s out until 12:30am. Also, 35W/Lake is opening tomorrow at 5am. Again, open invitation Also, attaching a spreadsheet of all Metro Transit Phantoms that made it over to CyRide. OPEN RECORDS REQUEST 10.20.21.xlsx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 25, 2021 Report Share Posted October 25, 2021 Blue and Green Line service adjustments due to the ongoing operator shortage. https://www.metrotransit.org/lrt-schedules-will-change-oct-23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 On 10/13/2021 at 9:49 PM, MVTArider said: Well, at least they got plenty of extra operators to run the RED line. Noticed this little gem in the Sep. MVTA board minutes: Quote Wynder noted that with recent cancellations of Metro Transit service that MVTA is available to assist the region with providing service. Barber said she appreciated the comment and would share that information with Metro Transit staff. She noted it has been a challenging environment to hire operators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted October 29, 2021 Report Share Posted October 29, 2021 8020 and 8023 entered service today. 8020 is pulling in right now, while 8023 will be out for a bit longer. 8004 is on the 515, and 8012 will join it at around 8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted October 29, 2021 Report Share Posted October 29, 2021 All of Metro Transit's procurement for this year is on property. Does anyone want to ask Metro Transit for their fleet roster through the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act? PM me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted November 2, 2021 Report Share Posted November 2, 2021 December 4th service changes are posted: https://www.metrotransit.org/quarterly-service-changes-begin-saturday-dec-4 Orange schedule is available, RED will switch to every 30 minutes, A to every 12, C stays at every 10-15, but 19 will be suspended. We already saw reductions in service on Blue and Green earlier. 12, 16, 19, 84, 134, 223, 351, 355 suspended. More routes in the 500-700 range also suspended. 87 will reduce to every 30 minutes throughout the day vs. current peak period 20 minute service. However 87B service will operate down to 7th/Maynard-Sibley Plaza replacing the suspended 84 service along St. Paul Ave. 94 will begin stopping at Snelling Ave. (About dang time!) Some new routes will be added with others suspended in relation to the new Orange line service. No changes to routes 54 or 68. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted November 3, 2021 Report Share Posted November 3, 2021 7 hours ago, MVTArider said: December 4th service changes are posted: https://www.metrotransit.org/quarterly-service-changes-begin-saturday-dec-4 Orange schedule is available, RED will switch to every 30 minutes, A to every 12, C stays at every 10-15, but 19 will be suspended. We already saw reductions in service on Blue and Green earlier. 12, 16, 19, 84, 134, 223, 351, 355 suspended. More routes in the 500-700 range also suspended. 87 will reduce to every 30 minutes throughout the day vs. current peak period 20 minute service. However 87B service will operate down to 7th/Maynard-Sibley Plaza replacing the suspended 84 service along St. Paul Ave. 94 will begin stopping at Snelling Ave. (About dang time!) Some new routes will be added with others suspended in relation to the new Orange line service. No changes to routes 54 or 68. The amount of nostalgia I have from seeing the 94 will stop on Snelling again 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted November 3, 2021 Report Share Posted November 3, 2021 10 more 2003 D60s listed on Minnbid. Someone high up at Metro Transit told me it is highly likely they'll be off the property by the end of the year 3117 - Lot 39588 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40045 3118 - Lot 39589 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40046 3119 - Lot 39590 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40047 3124 - Lot 39591 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40048 3126 - Lot 39592 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40049 3130 - Lot 39593 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40050 3135 - Lot 39594 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40051 3136 - Lot 39595 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40052 3143 - Lot 39596 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40053 3147 - Lot 39597 https://minnbid.org/Mobile/AuctionLot/40054 604 will also be suspended, according to the website. Rode it this morning; neither driver nor dispatcher knew about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted November 5, 2021 Report Share Posted November 5, 2021 All the good stuff happens when I’m at school… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted November 9, 2021 Report Share Posted November 9, 2021 Rode 8013 on the 54/M today. Would of took some videos and photos but ofc didn't have my phone 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted November 9, 2021 Report Share Posted November 9, 2021 3 new baby Gilligs will be ordered off a State of Washington contract for MTS, technically expansion units for the new 323 service but I'm sure they'll be appearing on any of the Schmitty contracted routes once in service. https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2021/November-8,-2021/1108_2021_283.aspx Also Q3 ridership is up, and a presentation on December 4th service changes/reductions: https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2021/November-8,-2021/Info-1-2021-Third-Quarter-Ridership-Report-with-20.aspx https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2021/November-8,-2021/Info-2-_-Service-Changes.aspx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirits Transport Posted November 9, 2021 Report Share Posted November 9, 2021 Again, stuck at school while the good things happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted November 9, 2021 Report Share Posted November 9, 2021 ^ I know the feeling. Hopefully it pans out you can find something cool to ride when you're off. I have seen 6046/6047/2608 run on the weekend occasionally. 8012 and 8013 are currently on RED along with 1756. A Line has the usual 80xx plus 1751. C Line still seems to be a consistent jumble of D60LFR, original 81xx, a new 81xx or two and assorted 34xx whenever I check the trackers. Hope the XE60 can get back into action soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hp2ena Posted November 11, 2021 Report Share Posted November 11, 2021 Metro Transit has released details of Orange Line opening celebrations on December 4: Opening ceremony at 1pm at I-35W at Lake St Station south lobby, with food vendors at the north lobby from 2pm to 4pm. Another celebration at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville from 2pm to 4pm. Orange Line rides on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will be free. https://metrotransit.org/orangeline The first bus to operate on the Orange Line will depart Marquette/3rd at 5:58am. If anyone wants to meet, I'm planning on being there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVTArider Posted November 15, 2021 Report Share Posted November 15, 2021 1228, 1319, 1402, 1703 along with BRT units 8001, 8002, 8004, 8009, 8014, 8015 on the A Line currently, while RED has 1656, 1669, 1704. Meanwhile BRT buses; 8000 on route 7, 8003 on the 5, 8005 on the 6, 8007 on 535, 8008 on 14, 8010 on the 515, 8013 on the 22. I'm no expert, but seems to me it would make more sense to put the 7 buses with fareboxes on the regular routes and the 7 BRT spec buses on the ABRT and BRT route... Must be some serious shortages going on at South with service/maintenance or available operators though if this is how buses are being assigned. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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