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News


January 2007

 



    Thursday, December 28th, 2006


    • The 5600s Are Beginning VOH-5617 (Midvale) is the first 2003 New Flyer D40LF to enter the overhaul process.  5617 went into VOH on the 18th of December and will be in for 60 days.  The overhaul of the 5500 series New Flyers and the light overhaul of some of the American Ikarus fleet is progessing as well.  Over half of the 5500 series New Flyers have been overhauled as of today.
      ( Septa3371CSX1)


    • Corrosion at Comly?-Several New Flyers based out of Comly are currenty out of service for corrosion problems.  The buses are 5471, 5481, 5489, 5542, 5543, and 5545.  It is unknown as to where the corrosion came from but these buses were out of service as of yesterday and today.  More to follow as information becomes available.
      ( Septa3371CSX1)


    Saturday, January 6th, 2007


    • Water Water Everywhere-A large water main break at 3rd Street and Girard Avenues in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia has disrupted trolley service on Route 15.  This is the second time in several months this particular 30" diameter water main has broken in this area (last time was at 4th and Girard).  Water was everywhere flooding several blocks in the area.  Until repairs are made, Route 15 will be running bus service.  Whether the bus service is full route or trolleys are running as far as Girard College with buses east of there is unknown (more than likely full route).  At least three PCC II trolleys were reported to be stranded east of the water main break.  According to Chuck Green, these operators were being driven back to Callowhill by a supervisor.  It is unknown what will happen to these trolleys as to whether they will stay at Madison Loop until the line is restored or if they will be trucked back to Callowhill.  Stay tuned for updates.
      ( Septa3371CSX1)


    Thursday, January 18th, 2007


    • Route 15 Bussed-Route 15 is running buses indefinately.  The problem this time arose on Friday when a disabled PCC II was towed to 2336.  The torque arm on 2336 came lose and derailed the car.  SEPTA has pulled all PCC IIs out of service and at least all but two are now at Elmwood for inspections on the torque arms.  It appears as though SEPTA does not want this to happen again.  Route 15 is primarily running with Ikaruses on loan to Callowhill from other depots such as 5069 (Comly) and 5130 (Comly). This substitution will continue until repairs are completed on the PCC II fleet.
      ( Septa3371CSX1)


    • NABIs for NJT-

      The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors is expected to award a contract for 1,145 transit and suburban buses to North American Bus Industries (NABI).  Transit fans were first tipped off when NABI posted a call for New Jersey suppliers to help in a bus contract on NABI's website.  As Creighton Rabs reports the expected awarding of the procurement, it is now official.  The buses will be delivered at approximately 200 per year.  They will replace the Flxible Metro Ds from the mid-1990s and both 40 foot Nova fleets from 1995-96 and 1998-2000.  It is not known whether a portion of the contract will be smaller buses to replace the "Baby" Novas (2501-2580).  The order will be for standard floor buses (NABI 416).  For more info, click here .

       

      NJT is currently receiving (or soon to be) buses from Millenium RTS to replace the older 1989-1991 Flxible fleets.  NJT is having various problems with the two demos.  This appears to be why NABI has won the contract for the next batch of buses.  Stay tuned for more information on both the Millenium delivery progress and the NABI contract.


      ( Septa3371CSX1)