Metro Transit

[R. McConnell]

More D60LFRs are in service. 25 more will be delivered next year to replace the remaining 3000 series 1998 HFs and the 1999 D60LFs.

Any idea what's going to happen to the D60LFs? I could see someone else buying them if they're still somewhat usable...

[MVTArider]

Any idea what's going to happen to the D60LFs? I could see someone else buying them if they're still somewhat usable...

I assume they should go to auction, probably after the 2011 state fair. I haven't heard of any auctions lately but Metro Transit does sell their useable old buses instead of scrapping all of them. The D60LFs are still being used regularly for express and limited stop runs to the U of MN campus. I rode one briefly the other day and it was running nicely. It wasn't rattling like the new D60LFRs either. The D60LFs are all based at South garage which takes very good care of their units from what i've observed.

[septa105R5/seClip9]

I wonder where they might be end up to?

I'll be surprised if SEPTA squires them now for their high passenger number routes in the suburban area like the Route 112 and 104 routes since passenger numbers are high during weekdays with mainly students riding on that route almost completely filling up the whole buses. That's least likely going to happen as SEPTA is planning a new order of artic hybrids soon.

[MVTArider]

I wonder where they might be end up to?

I'll be surprised if SEPTA squires them now for their high passenger number routes in the suburban area like the Route 112 and 104 routes since passenger numbers are high during weekdays with mainly students riding on that route almost completely filling up the whole buses. That's least likely going to happen as SEPTA is planning a new order of artic hybrids soon.

Most likely they'll just be bought by a bus dealer and then resold assuming their actually in decent shape. I'm sure if SEPTA really needed some artics bad they could have bought some of the D60s that were just retired.

[MVTArider]

Had a bit of a blizzard in the Twin Cities today. All bus service was suspended at 4pm. Light-rail and commuter rail will continue to operate as scheduled.

[septa105R5/seClip9]

How many inches of snowfall were there in your area?

[MVTArider]

How many inches of snowfall were there in your area?

Right in my area about 18" (46cm). Bus service is back to normal now aside from some stops which aren't cleared yet. Here's a couple quick shots I got today:

[MVTArider]

According to the latest New Flyer press release Metro Transit is getting 25 60' hybrid electric buses. I find that hard to believe however. Comparing the price per bus of $682,384.89 to the price per bus of $622,000 on the previous MNdot options (which are D60LFRs) I doubt the hybrid drive systems are going for $60,000 each now. If they are hybrids though they got a heck of a deal!

Also Metro Transit will be getting two 40' hybrids with electrically powered cooling systems. These might be Orion VII 3G instead of GILLIGs. My reasoning is here:http://forum.chicagobus.org/topic/629...

[septa105R5/seClip9]

According to the latest New Flyer press release Metro Transit is getting 25 60' hybrid electric buses. I find that hard to believe however. Comparing the price per bus of $682,384.89 to the price per bus of $622,000 on the previous MNdot options (which are D60LFRs) I doubt the hybrid drive systems are going for $60,000 each now. If they are hybrids though they got a heck of a deal!

Also Metro Transit will be getting two 40' hybrids with electrically powered cooling systems. These might be Orion VII 3G instead of GILLIGs. My reasoning is here:http://forum.chicagobus.org/topic/629...

It's not a lot with a $60,000 more for purchasing a hybrid artic bus. I noticed that on New Flyer's website too. Based on the recent popluarity of the rooftop started with SEPTA's 2010 New Flyer DE40LFR, any chances that they might have them on their buses?

[MVTArider]

It's not a lot with a $60,000 more for purchasing a hybrid artic bus. I noticed that on New Flyer's website too. Based on the recent popluarity of the rooftop started with SEPTA's 2010 New Flyer DE40LFR, any chances that they might have them on their buses?

I'm not sure, we'll find out soon enough though. I'm guessing they'll start appearing at a Metro Transit facility in a few months. However, given that the D60LFRs they got in 2010 are EPA07 due to having the previous contract terms I wouldn't be surprised if the next 25 are about the same in styling and engine.

---

The Met Council has issued an IFB for BRT buses. The base order is 17 buses with options for up to 25 more. The base order will be divided with 10 going to MVTA for Cedar BRT and 7 going to Metro Transit for I-35W BRT. These will be standard 40' (or approximate) clean diesel buses with Voith D864.5 transmission or an approved equal.

Technical and price proposals are due March 17th. The project will be awarded no later than June 15th. Delivery of the 17 buses is to be completed by July of 2012.

Plan holders so far include New Flyer, Nova Bus, GILLIG, North American Bus Ind. Daimler Buses, and CommTrans.

IMO I doubt GILLIG will get the contract as Dakota County wants buses that appear different from the existing regular fleet, which includes GILLIG BRTs.

MVTA will be receiving two new GILLIGs (I assume BRT 40’) to replace the two 1998 GILLIG LF units from Metro Transit. I believe they are also receiving two other GILLIGs off a Met Council contract to use for expansion service. MVTA will also be replacing the 2006 Ford cutaways either later this year or next year with more cutaway units. The exact type to replace them with has yet to be determined.

It’s been a while so here are a few recent photos:

[MVTArider]

Did MVTA ever have RTS's?

see: http://imcdb.org/vehicle_328159.html

Alright, yes they did as a matter of fact. They were ex-DTA units from 1979.

Also the MVTA wiki page's retired fleet roster has now been updated. It's still not exhaustive, I didn't bother with all the various cutaways and vanpool units, but it should have most of the heavy-duty/medium-duty units operated in the past decade or so.

No updates yet on who is going to get the BRT bus contract for I-35W BRT and Cedar Ave./Red Line BRT. The initial IFB was amended multiple times and the date of award was changed. I'm rooting for NABI, there's enough New Flyers rattling around already.

I haven't seen them in person yet but new Metro Transit D60LFRs in the 3350 range are coming into service. This marks the end of DD Series 50 powered New Flyer artics in the Twin Cities area.

Also 26 more GILLIG BRT wannabes are on order for MT, to replace older Phantoms.

Currently, funding for transit operations in the Twin Cities is uncertain. There is a political deadlock between the GOP controlled legislature and the DFL Governor concerning how best to balance the budget. It is expected that the MN state government will shut down in July, if a budget is not passed. If that happens and transit service is not deemed an essential service, or covered by a budget bill beforehand, all Metro Transit operations may cease in or around September this year unless a budget bill is passed by that point. Metro Transit and opt-out providers in the Twin Cities may need to make major cuts to service regardless depending on the outcome of the state budget and the amount of funding given to transit operations.

[septa105R5/seClip9]

Like many major transits who relies on funding resources from local municipals and the state, they're feeling the uncertainty funding problems from external resources as the local and state government are trying to fill their budget holes. This could result in major cuts because of that. In respond to the potential actions on funding crisis, some and/or many local governments are starting to cut funding and restructing their budgets to save at an earlier pace to deal with it assuming that there's potential effect on it before knowing the actual results on it.

[MVTArider]

Some recent photos:

[MCI Classic]

I'm planning to visit St Paul/Minneapolis in late July. Does anyone know any good locations for taking pictures of Metro Transit or the suburban systems ?

[Tcmetro]

Sorry for the late reply....

The best place for photos are probably Downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota.

All the bus routes on Nicollet Mall use the Gillig Hybrids. The south end and north end of Nicollet Mall are not very busy, so it is probably easy to get photos there. The areas between 5th Street and 10th Street are busier, especially during peak hours.

For the Suburban Transit Agencies, all of their buses use the Marquette and 2nd Ave transit lanes. MVTA, SW Transit, Plymouth Metrolink, and BlueXpress go inbound on 2nd Av in the AM peak, and outbound on Marquette Av in the PM peak. Maple Grove Transit is the opposite (inbound on Marquette in the AM, outbound on 2nd in the PM).

The Metro Transit lines on Marquette and 2nd use a variety of equipment, typically D60's, D60LFR's, Phantoms, and some Gillig BRT's. Metro Transit's D4500CT's can be found on the 467 line. The contracted D4500CT's are on the 288 line. You might also see the contracted lines' D40LF's on the 664 and 670 lines.

Few buses use Marquette and 2nd during non-peak hours, so the best time to go is the peaks. Most of the buses that run along Marquette and 2nd are one-way commuter routes, so if you want to take any rides make sure to check the schedules. The Transit Store is located on Marquette Ave between 7th and 8th streets, and all schedules and maps are available there.

On 4th Street the busy 3, 16, and 50 lines can be found, where many D60LFR's and some D60's are used. These lines connect Downtown Minneapolis to the University of Minnesota, the Capitol, and Downtown St. Paul. If you are traveling between Downtown Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul you can take the 94 express from 6th Street in Minneapolis or Minnesota St. in St. Paul.

6th Street in Minneapolis has mainly peak-only routes which tend to use the D60LFR's, D60's, and MCI D4500CT's.

The rest of the streets in Minneapolis (Hennepin Ave, 7th St, 8th St, 9th St) tend to use the Phantoms and the Gillig BRT's.

At the University there is the University shuttles, which are open to the public and are free. They use Van Hool 40' and 60' buses, as well as 2 Gillig BRT Hybrids.

St. Paul has mainly Phantoms and Gillig BRT's running, however there are some contracted routes that use some older MCI's and D40LF's, as well as cutaways on the 364 and 417 lines.

If you want to take any bus rides, it is probably better to stick to the routes under 100, because most of them run all day.

As for the suburban terminals, Mall of America has a good variety of buses, however it is under a parking ramp, which can make photos not come out right. There is a security booth at the bus enterence, who may or may not cause problems. I would suggest going to the Rosedale Transit Center, which is easily accessed from Minneapolis on the 260/264 lines. Rosedale has some cutaways on the 223, 225, and 227 lines and 30' Gillig LF's on the 32, 87, and 801 lines. I would suggest avoiding the Brooklyn Center Transit Center (doesn't seem like the safest place for photos), and Columbia Heights Transit Center (not much going on, mainly Gillig Hybrids).

Let me know if you have anymore questions.

[MCI Classic]

Thank you, that helps me out very much for my visit to Metro Transit.

[MVTArider]

TC pretty much nailed it. I will add however that you may also be able to get some good shots of MVTA and BlueXpress units around Gateway ramp, located at 5th Ave. and 3rd St. in downtown Minneapolis. During the day it is basically a dead zone, but during rush hour, 4 to 5 or so, there is something pulling out every couple minutes. Also, last I saw, Southwest Transit buses lay over during the day at the Metrodome, off of 4th Street. I think they have someone watching them, at least half the fleet is usually there, but it might also make for a few interesting shots.

Hope you have a good time!

[Bus Driver Dude]

2011 Buses

[ilikebuses]

I will be arriving in Minneapolis Airport on the 14th and i have about 1.5-2 hours of time. What types of buses can I ride near that area? Where is a good spot to hunt for Phantoms? Where is a good place for photos? Please reply soon. Thanks!

[patfromigh]

I will be arriving in Minneapolis Airport on the 14th and i have about 1.5-2 hours of time. What types of buses can I ride near that area? Where is a good spot to hunt for Phantoms? Where is a good place for photos? Please reply soon. Thanks!

Which Terminal? The main terminal has a bus loop that is serviced by route 54. That route gets a lot of Phantoms. I suggest grabbing the 54 going to the Mall of America where you can see the mall station, and then take the light rail back to the airport. Be careful, service is spotty on Sunday.

I looked up the 54 Sunday schedule. It only runs every 1/2 hour on Sunday. The light rail runs every 10-15 minutes. So you might want to try taking the light rail to the mall and wait for the 54 to go back. If you like busses you won't mind waiting there.

[MVTArider]

I will be arriving in Minneapolis Airport on the 14th and i have about 1.5-2 hours of time. What types of buses can I ride near that area? Where is a good spot to hunt for Phantoms? Where is a good place for photos? Please reply soon. Thanks!

Oy, not a lot of time to work with there. Sunday is a very scaled back service day so there won't be much as compared to weekdays.

First to clarify there are actually two airports, basically next door to each other. Terminal 1/Lindbergh is probably the one you're arriving at. It is served by the 54 bus which you can ride to the Mall of America, or to downtown Saint Paul, if your main goal is to ride a bus. The light rail serves both airports (terminals) and the Mall of America and runs every 10-15 minutes.

Assuming you mean 1.5-2 hrs of time in addition to time needed to find a gate or go through security, here is what I would do. Feel free to check schedules and modify it of course. Take the 55 Light Rail (Terminal 1, Lindbergh or Terminal 2, Humphrey) to the Mall of America and hang out in the general area around 82nd Street and 24th Avenue. Buses move fast around there but you may be able to get a few nice photos. On 24th Avenue you'll see buses coming and going on the 5 (2/hr) and 515 (3/hr). On 82nd there's the 54 (2/hr). Any of those routes may or may not have Phantoms, it all depends on what's up first at the garages. Additionally on 82nd Street you may see an MVTA Gillig LF bus on the 444, (445m will probably have a cutaway), and a 29' Gillig LF or two on the BE Lines (538 and 539)

You may also be able to take a photo or two in the MOA transit terminal, however it is quite dim so photos may not come out well. I took this short video there a while back so that'll give you an idea of what it looks like.

Heading back I would then take the 54 from either Mall of America or 28th Street and 82nd (the bus shelter stop) to the airport bus loop.

I'm hesitant to recommend taking any photos at the Terminal 1/Lindbergh bus loop due to security concerns. I have taken 5-6 photos there over the years however and have never been asked about it. All you would see there anyways is the 54 buses and the Delta Gillig BRTs, and perhaps a motorcoach or two.

Hope you have a good trip and good luck in photographing/riding.

[MVTArider]

I've spotted 1285 for the highest number so far with the current delivery of 105 Gilligs for Metro Transit.

Also I can't find the thread, but I believe a while ago someone wanted to see an interior photo for one of the D40LF units:

Here are a few other sort of recent photos as well, some you have probably already seen if your on Flickr:

[MVTArider]

Metro Transit 1300 was on display at the MPTA expo, highest number I've seen so far.

Also some recent photos:

[Stalwart23]

In a recent topic about New Flyer buses and the 2006 D60HFs for Metro Transit; here are the v.i.n.'s for those buses.

3200 5FYD6YU0X6B029947

3201 5FYD6YU016B029948

3202 5FYD6YU036B029949

3203 5FYD6YU0X6B029950

3204 5FYD6YU016B029951

3205 5FYD6YU036B029952

3206 5FYD6YU056B029953

3207 5FYD6YU076B029954

3208 5FYD6YU096B029955

3209 5FYD6YU006B029956

3210 5FYD6YU026B029957

3211 5FYD6YU046B029958

3212 5FYD6YU066B029959

3213 5FYD6YU026B029960

3214 5FYD6YU046B029961

There will be more to come on Metro Transit's v.i.n.'s.

Stalwart23

[general682002]

In a recent topic about New Flyer buses and the 2006 D60HFs for Metro Transit; here are the v.i.n.'s for those buses.

3200 5FYD6YU0X6B029947

3201 5FYD6YU016B029948

3202 5FYD6YU036B029949

3203 5FYD6YU0X6B029950

3204 5FYD6YU016B029951

3205 5FYD6YU036B029952

3206 5FYD6YU056B029953

3207 5FYD6YU076B029954

3208 5FYD6YU096B029955

3209 5FYD6YU006B029956

3210 5FYD6YU026B029957

3211 5FYD6YU046B029958

3212 5FYD6YU066B029959

3213 5FYD6YU026B029960

3214 5FYD6YU046B029961

There will be more to come on Metro Transit's v.i.n.'s.

Stalwart23

Interesting, they have a Cummins ISL engine, don't know how true it is!