Vancouver Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 So I took a trip up to Whitehorse about 2 weeks ago and had an excellent tour of the transit system. I had met someone at the CUTA Youth Summit last summer that worked as a bus driver in Whitehorse and he had provided a detailed description of Whitehorse Transit and the city. He was facinated with all of the members of this board with interest in buses (since no one in Whitehorse ever goes and stalks buses up there) and might be joining this forum shortly. System Overview: There are 6 Routes in Total and usually each day requires a total of 7 buses out during the AM/PM Peak and 3 buses out during the PM peak. Usually, there's 1 or 2 High Floors out during the peak hours. Each bus runs on a 35 Minute Schedule and terminates Downtown on Ogilvie Street. Some routes actually have pretty good ridership (there was 60 passengers on the Riverdale bus that I took running through Downtown to the Riverdale suburb). The longest route is 22km in length (and is allocated a running time of only 30 Minutes ) Fleet News: Here is the current fleet allocation with pictures from each category. 18 - 1982 Orion 1 (Ex-Calgary 247) There is 1 last Orion 1 that sees regular service in the summer. My friend takes it out every day instead of the Novas since it feels like it's a better bus to drive. This was former Calgary #247 and arrived in Whitehorse in 1988. 24 and 25 - 1997 Nova RTS There are 2 of these in running condition, and usually 1 of them sees daily service due to driver preference (or 2 if there is a Nova LFS that isn't working). These were built to MTA (New York) specs. 29 - 2002 Thomas Transliner (This was the first day the bus went out since September of last year!!! ) This bus doesn't see much service unless there is some major problems in the fleet. Ever since the LFS's arrived, the drivers love those buses and this bus doesn't get used as a result since it isn't as nice to drive. 32, 33, 34, 35 - 2006 NovaBus LFS These are standard 2nd Generation 40' NovaBus LFS, with the new light arrangements similar to BC Transit and Translink. 36 and 37 - 2008 NovaBus LFS (Delivered November 2008) These arrived in November of 2008 and are the same as the 08's except they have the new floors. And for Chris, two Shuttles for the Handy Bus Service, 28, a Ford Shuttle (I really don't know the manufacturer) and 31, a 2007 International Shuttle. So all the other Orions are Retired and all except 19 are removed off the property. Nova RTS (26 and 27) have engine issues and aren't running. Thomas Transliner (30) has some issues and is currently stored on property. And here are some pictures of the former buses in Whitehorse, including the Flureys and the first Orion 1 I still have tons of other pictures, but think this post is long enough. PM me if you want anything else. And stay tuned for pictures of my next destination, Yellowknife, where I will be heading this Saturday 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stm_5307N Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 This is great! There's virtually no info about these transit systems up in northern Canada and you just provided great pictures w/ info! BTW, do you have a exterior shot of Orion I #18? Can't wait to read about your Yellowknife trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general682002 Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 Would like to see a rear shot of the RTS and LFS if you can. They've went to Nova bus because of the stainless steel and both buses goes through extreme low temperature. Nice long journey to deliver the buses too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancouver Posted April 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 This is great! There's virtually no info about these transit systems up in northern Canada and you just provided great pictures w/ info! BTW, do you have a exterior shot of Orion I #18? Can't wait to read about your Yellowknife trip. I can't seem to find a picture of 18 that I took (I'll try to look further) but here is one that was sent to me by its driver. Would like to see a rear shot of the RTS and LFS if you can.They've went to Nova bus because of the stainless steel and both buses goes through extreme low temperature. Nice long journey to deliver the buses too Here's a picture of the back of bus 26, Nova RTS sitting in the yard with issues, and 37, the newest Nova LFS. And builder's plate off 25. I tried to get the builder's plate of 18 bus couldn't find it anywhere on the bus. Actually, the main reason for the Novas wasn't the stainless steel frames. They needed buses in a hurry in 97 and that was why the RTS's were accquired. They went to Novas for LFS's because the 97's weren't too bad and they thought they might hold up better D40LF's. Rust isn't a problem up in Whitehorse since salt isn't used (they use sand and gravel instead). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stm_5307N Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 Sweet. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
323 Surrey Ctrl Stn Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 Great shots of the fleet! Got anymore of those shuttles? Chris Cassidy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCI Classic Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 There is 1 last Orion 1 that sees regular service in the summer. My friend takes it out every day instead of the Novas since it feels like it's a better bus to drive. Any idea which routes it goes on during the summer ? I might visiting Whitehorse in July and I'd love to see that bus running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rottenronnie Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 if anyone is looking for pictures of the yellowknife transit buses the bus yard that i drive out of in calgary has 2 thomas built buses for yellowknife transit we just finished them and they look sweet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCT-3122-D800-10240 Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 if anyone is looking for pictures of the yellowknife transit buses the bus yard that i drive out of in calgary has 2 thomas built buses for yellowknife transit we just finished them and they look sweet Definately looking for those Photos! Please share if you would like to. I used to drive out of that same yard. I actually spotted one of those new buses for Yellowknife Transit inside your shops a couple of weeks ago and I kept forgetting to post about it on this board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyer_e901 Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 Thanks for posting all these photos on Whitehorse Transit. I had a quick look at them before I ventured up there a couple weeks ago. Quite amazed how some of those routes had a fair number of riders, especially for a transit system that's serving an area with a population under 25,000. Here are a few pics I took: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyer_901/3714894943 http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyer_901/3715705182 http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyer_901/3714894599 http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyer_901/3715705588 Cheers, Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seashore_518203 Posted April 29, 2010 Report Share Posted April 29, 2010 I spent yesterday and today in Whitehorse and will upload some photos when I return. The ex-Calgary Orion 1 (#18) is still in service although it does not go out much. The peak vehicle requirement is for 7 vehicles which for the past two days was all six Novas (#32-37) and one RTS (# 24). The active fleet is at 10 vehicles as the two Thomas TL960 buses (# 28,29) rarely go out. According to the contact that gave me the garage tour, Regina has expressed interest in 24 and 25 (both RTSs). Whitehorse has 4 3rd gen Novas on order for July delivery and at that time, the active fleet will be 10 Novas. All of the highfloors are expected to go. The Thomas buses will be kept as spares but will likely never go out. Off to Yellowknife tomorrow and will report what I find. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seashore_518203 Posted May 13, 2010 Report Share Posted May 13, 2010 I finally finished downloading all my photos and renaming the files during my recent western and northern trip. Here are some shots from Whitehorse: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCT-3122-D800-10240 Posted May 13, 2010 Report Share Posted May 13, 2010 I finally finished downloading all my photos and renaming the files during my recent western and northern trip. Here are some shots from Whitehorse: Very nice photos! Neat to see an old Calgary Transit Orion I still alive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilikebuses Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 Thread Revival! Since i'm headed to Whitehorse soon, does anybody know if the highfloors still go out? Also does anybody know the location of the depot? Thanks! Ernest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seashore_518203 Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 Since i'm headed to Whitehorse soon, does anybody know if the highfloors still go out? Also does anybody know the location of the depot? Thanks! Sorry for the cheap commercial plug, but as shown in the 2011 edition of "The Street Side Guide", Whitehorse Transit in now an all low floor fleet. The delivery of 4 3rd gen Novas last year (# 38-41) resulted in the retirement of the Orion 1, RTS and Thomas TL960. The transfer point is on Ogilvie Street. The garage is on 139 Tlingit Street. The 2011 SSG can be ordered from the following link: http://transitheritage.ca/Forms/CTHF_SSG_2011_Order_Form.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilikebuses Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Thanks for letting me know Sadly, i'm not willing to spend $$ on the book... Anyways, do you know if they still have highfloors on the property? Ernest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general682002 Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Thanks for letting me know Sadly, i'm not willing to spend $$ on the book... Anyways, do you know if they still have highfloors on the property? The book is a part of current fleet and history, so it does help as a resources in the future and giving the guys a hard work for putting it altogether! I would get it myself to support the society but not right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I am spending nine days in Whitehorse in a couple weeks. Need to take transit one day as I will be without a car; looking at the website it seems they started evening service Monday - Thursday in September 2013. Previously only Friday had service after 7pm. When I'm there will try and verify the current fleet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G.A Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 I am spending nine days in Whitehorse in a couple weeks. Need to take transit one day as I will be without a car; looking at the website it seems they started evening service Monday - Thursday in September 2013. Previously only Friday had service after 7pm. When I'm there will try and verify the current fleet. Get photos! Its rare to see whitehorse transit buses there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted February 27, 2014 Report Share Posted February 27, 2014 No changes to the fleet I could observe. 18, the Orion is still on property but clearly not immediately road worthy. There's another Orion just South of the mid-point of the Whitehorse Airport used for firefighter training, it appears. No way to tell the fleet number as my plane was taking off! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cimon8000 Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 No changes to the fleet I could observe. 18, the Orion is still on property but clearly not immediately road worthy. There's another Orion just South of the mid-point of the Whitehorse Airport used for firefighter training, it appears. No way to tell the fleet number as my plane was taking off! any Nova RTS still on property? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seashore_518203 Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 There's another Orion just South of the mid-point of the Whitehorse Airport used for firefighter training, it appears. No way to tell the fleet number as my plane was taking off!Here is a shot of the Orion 1 bus at the Whitehorse Airport, taken by Ian MacDonald. Obviously with the plane windows, they use it for training purposes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCT-3122-D800-10240 Posted March 9, 2014 Report Share Posted March 9, 2014 Here is a shot of the Orion 1 bus at the Whitehorse Airport, taken by Ian MacDonald. Obviously with the plane windows, they use it for training purposes. What in da Heck!?> Wow! LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted February 19, 2015 Report Share Posted February 19, 2015 Nothing too exciting to report. No changes to the conventional fleet. There's at least one new GMC shuttle. Haven't caught the fleet number yet. All the retired coaches have been moved. They're still at the transit / maintenance yard but are now clearly viewable from public property. A have dozen Orion I's and RTS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98 Willowdale-Senlac Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 According to this site http://utahrails.net/ajkristopans/NOVABUSLFS.php whitehore transit has novabus 43 serial D3001057. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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