Miscellaneous TTC Discussion & Questions

[Orion V]

Does TTC #7003 have a MegaMax 2000 destination sign? It's greener than the other V's and more readable from further away (some of the destination signs on the V's have horrible backlight bleeding problems and are hard to read at night).

I've noticed some Vs with the greener signs also; there's one where the left portion of the sign is greener and more readable than the right side. Perhaps ttcmech can shed some light into this?

[Bus_Medic]

Does TTC #7003 have a MegaMax 2000 destination sign? It's greener than the other V's and more readable from further away (some of the destination signs on the V's have horrible backlight bleeding problems and are hard to read at night).

the variation in colour has to do with how old the individual sign board is. the exposure to u.v. in sunlight fades the brilliant flourescent green flipdots to a duller yellow over time.

the lighting on these signs is dependant on a mirror at the bottom of the sign mounted at 45 degrees to reflect the light the flourescent tubes produce. they aren't very effective unless they're kept spotless. over the last few years i've been removing the signs for a thorough cleaning. i've done about 90% of them. but i really haven't had a chance to continue in the last 8 months or so. (i've had more pressing things requiring my attention).

at some point i'll try to get back on top of them.

[Orion V]

the variation in colour has to do with how old the individual sign board is. the exposure to u.v. in sunlight fades the brilliant flourescent green flipdots to a duller yellow over time.

the lighting on these signs is dependant on a mirror at the bottom of the sign mounted at 45 degrees to reflect the light the flourescent tubes produce. they aren't very effective unless they're kept spotless. over the last few years i've been removing the signs for a thorough cleaning. i've done about 90% of them. but i really haven't had a chance to continue in the last 8 months or so. (i've had more pressing things requiring my attention).

at some point i'll try to get back on top of them.

Are there lots of MegaMaxes lying around? I'm wondering if one breaks down, can they replace it with a Horizon? That'll be wicked!

[Bus_Medic]

Are there lots of MegaMaxes lying around? I'm wondering if one breaks down, can they replace it with a Horizon? That'll be wicked!

i think a few were saved from the 92xxs.

[buschic]

the variation in colour has to do with how old the individual sign board is. the exposure to u.v. in sunlight fades the brilliant flourescent green flipdots to a duller yellow over time.

the lighting on these signs is dependant on a mirror at the bottom of the sign mounted at 45 degrees to reflect the light the flourescent tubes produce. they aren't very effective unless they're kept spotless. over the last few years i've been removing the signs for a thorough cleaning. i've done about 90% of them. but i really haven't had a chance to continue in the last 8 months or so. (i've had more pressing things requiring my attention).

at some point i'll try to get back on top of them.

Would the Orion V's ever be put to the Orange lit signs (sorry for not knowing the sign name.) Hopefully the Signs would work, better than the experiment with 7350.

[Bus_Medic]

Would the Orion V's ever be put to the Orange lit signs (sorry for not knowing the sign name.) Hopefully the Signs would work, better than the experiment with 7350.

if the parts supply issue ever becomes bad enough, possibly.

though i have heard no plans stating such.

[Shaun]

if the parts supply issue ever becomes bad enough, possibly.

though i have heard no plans stating such.

In terms of reliability isnt flip dot technology expensive to maintain? I'm sure led or LCD's are much less maintenance intensive, since there are no moving parts.

[Articulated]

Would the Orion V's ever be put to the Orange lit signs (sorry for not knowing the sign name.) Hopefully the Signs would work, better than the experiment with 7350.

Your 'Orange Lit' signs (a la 7350 and VIIs) is called Horizon, Luminator Horizon (sorry for James Bond ripoff). Usually they do function properly, but in 7350's case Queensway doesn't have experience programing those signs as 7350 is a unique case at their division, and they ended up just programing it as 4 rear signs. Since the sign was originally installed at Eglinton, it's possible the booklets for the sign were never forwarded to Queensway and kept by Eglinton staff for use on the 74xx's signs.

The reason why the 80xx are working is because they are coming from Wilson, who programed them there. IIRC, all Horizon signs are programmed for every route in the system, so if a bus swaps divisions overnight it can go into service without needing to be reprogrammed. Changes only need to happen if a route's terminus is changed or a new route is added, and since Toronto is mostly grown out it doesn't happen too often anymore. Since Queensway now has more than 1 Horizon sign

[TransitFan88]

Your 'Orange Lit' signs (a la 7350 and VIIs) is called Horizon, Luminator Horizon (sorry for James Bond ripoff). Usually they do function properly, but in 7350's case Queensway doesn't have experience programing those signs as 7350 is a unique case at their division, and they ended up just programing it as 4 rear signs. Since the sign was originally installed at Eglinton, it's possible the booklets for the sign were never forwarded to Queensway and kept by Eglinton staff for use on the 74xx's signs.

The reason why the 80xx are working is because they are coming from Wilson, who programed them there. IIRC, all Horizon signs are programmed for every route in the system, so if a bus swaps divisions overnight it can go into service without needing to be reprogrammed. Changes only need to happen if a route's terminus is changed or a new route is added, and since Toronto is mostly grown out it doesn't happen too often anymore. Since Queensway now has more than 1 Horizon sign

So you're saying that nothing was/is wrong with #7350's sign, only it was programmed incorrectly?

[Bus_Medic]

In terms of reliability isnt flip dot technology expensive to maintain? I'm sure led or LCD's are much less maintenance intensive, since there are no moving parts.

in the long run yes.

[buschic]

Your 'Orange Lit' signs (a la 7350 and VIIs) is called Horizon, Luminator Horizon (sorry for James Bond ripoff). Usually they do function properly, but in 7350's case Queensway doesn't have experience programing those signs as 7350 is a unique case at their division, and they ended up just programing it as 4 rear signs. Since the sign was originally installed at Eglinton, it's possible the booklets for the sign were never forwarded to Queensway and kept by Eglinton staff for use on the 74xx's signs.

The reason why the 80xx are working is because they are coming from Wilson, who programed them there. IIRC, all Horizon signs are programmed for every route in the system, so if a bus swaps divisions overnight it can go into service without needing to be reprogrammed. Changes only need to happen if a route's terminus is changed or a new route is added, and since Toronto is mostly grown out it doesn't happen too often anymore. Since Queensway now has more than 1 Horizon sign

Thanks VERY much, I had wondered what the heck they were called! lol

About a year and a half before I moved out of Hamilton HSR buses started getting them, So I'd wondered.... and then I'd met 7350! now that it's sign is totally busted except the side sign, I was curious for more info.

I love those Luminator Horizion signs, as I can actually see them! at night espicially, but if they stay bright during the day and its cloudy or just not sunny, I can see them then too.

[Orion V]

Ok this isn't a question but sort of a request.

I know alot of you ride the 8000s everyday (not me though and it's quite far from where I go everyday) so I would like to ask if anyone here who rides it next time to see if it has the "Emergency Regen Override" button located on that box on the right side of the dash board next to the fare box. It's the middle top bottom that is missing from all the other older VIIs.

[buschic]

Ok this isn't a question but sort of a request.

I know alot of you ride the 8000s everyday (not me though and it's quite far from where I go everyday) so I would like to ask if anyone here who rides it next time to see if it has the "Emergency Regen Override" button located on that box on the right side of the dash board next to the fare box. It's the middle top bottom that is missing from all the other older VIIs.

I'll ask my best friend, he gets them nearly every night.

[Bus_Medic]

I'll ask my best friend, he gets them nearly every night.

i think he means the "exhaust regen inhibit" button specifically.

[Orion V]

i think he means the "exhaust regen inhibit" button specifically.

I just copied it from the quote above.

Are there two of these buttons that got us confused? I remember there's something on the left side of the dash that is similar in the name as the one I'm referring to.

[Bus_Medic]

I just copied it from the quote above.

Are there two of these buttons that got us confused? I remember there's something on the left side of the dash that is similar in the name as the one I'm referring to.

there's also an engine emergency override switch, and a regenerative brake override switch(what that's actually labelled right now i can't remember).

both of these are on the main dash on the left side, and have red secondary latches on the buttons iirc.

[TransitFan88]

I'd like to get clarification on the whole "Extra Fare Required North of Steeles" thing.

I have taken the TTC north of Steeles only twice (before today), both times paying the extra fare going northbound - once on the 165D and once on the 160. That was perfectly fine. Now on the way back (both times), I simply showed my Adult TTC metropass to the driver and that was it. But today was a different story.

On my way to Vaughan Mills with a friend today on the 165D, I paid the fare going northbound as usual. On the southbound trip coming home however, the driver asked me for the extra fare. I stood there for a few moments and stated that I have been on the TTC north of Steeles twice before and was only asked for the extra fare on the way northbound. He mentioned that he isn't sure what happened back then, but the TTC metropass is only good within Toronto (by itself). I really didn't have much of a choice considering it was getting dark (around 8ish), pretty far from home, and with a friend. After spending 2 whole minutes looking for whatever change we had, the driver just said forget about it. However my friend decided to deposit the fare anyway - I followed.

Now just to get things straight, logically it does make sense to charge the extra fare both ways within York or whatever region outside the city of Toronto. However, considering I and others have been able to just use the metropass on the way back down without the extra fare, it seems confusing.

The 165D displays the "Extra Fare Required North of Steeles" message on the way northbound, but nothing about it going southbound. I know it may seem obvious to some, but it can be a problem for someone new to the area thinking that the extra fare is only required for the northbound trip.

It seems like the "Extra Fare Required" message is only shown on routes that exit the city of Toronto on the way out, but not back in, and on the downtown express routes (141-144).

Anyhow, it would be nice to get some clarification on this issue as I've heard it's happened to many people I know.

[JCL]

I'd like to get clarification on the whole "Extra Fare Required North of Steeles" thing.

I have taken the TTC north of Steeles only twice (before today), both times paying the extra fare going northbound - once on the 165D and once on the 160. That was perfectly fine. Now on the way back (both times), I simply showed my Adult TTC metropass to the driver and that was it. But today was a different story.

On my way to Vaughan Mills with a friend today on the 165D, I paid the fare going northbound as usual. On the southbound trip coming home however, the driver asked me for the extra fare. I stood there for a few moments and stated that I have been on the TTC north of Steeles twice before and was only asked for the extra fare on the way northbound. He mentioned that he isn't sure what happened back then, but the TTC metropass is only good within Toronto (by itself). I really didn't have much of a choice considering it was getting dark (around 8ish), pretty far from home, and with a friend. After spending 2 whole minutes looking for whatever change we had, the driver just said forget about it. However my friend decided to deposit the fare anyway - I followed.

Now just to get things straight, logically it does make sense to charge the extra fare both ways within York or whatever region outside the city of Toronto. However, considering I and others have been able to just use the metropass on the way back down without the extra fare, it seems confusing.

The 165D displays the "Extra Fare Required North of Steeles" message on the way northbound, but nothing about it going southbound. I know it may seem obvious to some, but it can be a problem for someone new to the area thinking that the extra fare is only required for the northbound trip.

It seems like the "Extra Fare Required" message is only shown on routes that exit the city of Toronto on the way out, but not back in, and on the downtown express routes (141-144).

Anyhow, it would be nice to get some clarification on this issue as I've heard it's happened to many people I know.

Last May when I was in Toronto, I took the 129 from Markham (McCowan/16th) to STC. In other words, I boarded the bus at a stop that is north of Steeles. From what I recall, I was required to pay the "extra fare" (YRT fare) first. Once we got to Steeles, the driver asked us to show our TTC fare.

I did try boarding the bus with the TTC Daypass and the operator told me that it's not valid until I'm in Toronto.

[smallspy]

If you board a TTC bus north of Steeles, you are technically on a YRT vehicle.

Do you think YRT only charges fares in one direction only?

Dan

[TransitFan88]

If you board a TTC bus north of Steeles, you are technically on a YRT vehicle.

Do you think YRT only charges fares in one direction only?

Dan

I already clarified that in my post.

[bmountdriver]

To quote from the Zone Fare card (usually in the holder on the farebox):

" Service in York Region is operated by the TTC for YRT. An additional fare is required when crossing the Toronto boundary in either direction."

York Region is considered to be "Zone 3" while Toronto is "Zone 1".

So to answer your question. Yes, you are required to pay an additional fare in both directions unless you shoa a GTA weekly pass. Metropasses and daypasses are only valid in Zone 1.

Trust me, I have had this discussion many, many times while operating on 17A, 68B, 24D, and 25D. I always carry a copy of the current YRT fare card in my pocket just in case the bus doesn't have one.

[Annex-Transit]

I've noticed that the vehicle allocations have changed a lot in my area. It was RARE to see a non-fishbowl on #26. Now it seems they're totally Orion-somethings.

Now on #6 I have seen (what i perceive to be new) buses; they indicate that they are electrically powered (though not exclusively, I think) the seating arrangement at the back is also "new" ... are these the 'new order buses?

What does everyone think of them (and please PLEASE someone post the names/ picture) of the buses i'm talking about ('cos i don't know their names)

The one that used to be on #6 Bay:

The one that used to be on #26 Dupont:

[shambala]

I'd like to get clarification on the whole "Extra Fare Required North of Steeles" thing.

I have taken the TTC north of Steeles only twice (before today), both times paying the extra fare going northbound - once on the 165D and once on the 160. That was perfectly fine. Now on the way back (both times), I simply showed my Adult TTC metropass to the driver and that was it. But today was a different story.

On my way to Vaughan Mills with a friend today on the 165D, I paid the fare going northbound as usual. On the southbound trip coming home however, the driver asked me for the extra fare. I stood there for a few moments and stated that I have been on the TTC north of Steeles twice before and was only asked for the extra fare on the way northbound. He mentioned that he isn't sure what happened back then, but the TTC metropass is only good within Toronto (by itself). I really didn't have much of a choice considering it was getting dark (around 8ish), pretty far from home, and with a friend. After spending 2 whole minutes looking for whatever change we had, the driver just said forget about it. However my friend decided to deposit the fare anyway - I followed.

Now just to get things straight, logically it does make sense to charge the extra fare both ways within York or whatever region outside the city of Toronto. However, considering I and others have been able to just use the metropass on the way back down without the extra fare, it seems confusing.

Yes, I can see how it can be confusing and that is solely because the previous other drivers did'nt bother or could care less about enforcing or informing passengers about the fare collection in Zone 3. Some usually do this to avoid fare disputes, save time, etc,. whatever. Consider yourself lucky on those trips where you did'nt pay.

[Mike]

I've noticed that the vehicle allocations have changed a lot in my area. It was RARE to see a non-fishbowl on #26. Now it seems they're totally Orion-somethings.

Now on #6 I have seen (what i perceive to be new) buses; they indicate that they are electrically powered (though not exclusively, I think) the seating arrangement at the back is also "new" ... are these the 'new order buses?

I haven't seen fishbowls on 26 in at least 8 years. Until this year when some Orion VII buses moved to Queeensway it was all Flyers all the time (first the D901, D40HF, now D40LF).

There are lots of fishbowls on the 6 Bay, so I am not sure what you are referring to.

[Bus_Medic]

I've noticed that the vehicle allocations have changed a lot in my area. It was RARE to see a non-fishbowl on #26. Now it seems they're totally Orion-somethings.

Now on #6 I have seen (what i perceive to be new) buses; they indicate that they are electrically powered (though not exclusively, I think) the seating arrangement at the back is also "new" ... are these the 'new order buses?

What does everyone think of them (and please PLEASE someone post the names/ picture) of the buses i'm talking about ('cos i don't know their names)

The one that used to be on #6 Bay:

The one that used to be on #26 Dupont:

the new ones are referrd to as orion 7 NG (next generation) HEV (hybrid electric vehicle)

if you have any other questions lemme know, I maintain and repair them on a daily basis.