It was only supposed to be a weekend bustitution as the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) did some routine maintenance.  However, apparently the sewer collapsed, so the 36 will be bustituting for around six weeks!

More info on the SEPTA site: http://www.septa.org/inside/gm_message.html

This morning at Gulph Mills Station, 130 (ex 451) caught on fire.  Due to this fire, it may be out of service for a while.  More details coming soon in this thread in our forums: http://philadelphiatransitforums.cjb.net/topic/7101817/1/

According to Front5151 on the boards, #8222-8229 has been spotted in the Germantown depot Parking lot.   As also reported, 8231-8239 were spotted at a Detroit Diesel facility in Minneapolis getting work done. Photos of these buses are posted on the Chicagobus.org forums.

http://forum.chicagobus.org/index.php?showtopic=629&st=480&p=20635&#entry20635

Photo-Right: Taken by MVTArider on the Chicagoforums

While operating on the Frankford's Route 3, 5786 was involved in a major accident along Kensington Avenue and Hunting Park Avenue. The driver in the van traveling in front of the bus was talking on her cell phone and lost control of the vehicle and cut the bus off. Consequently, this caused the bus to crash into a MFL-El support pole on Kensington Avenue.  Overall, 18 people including the bus driver sustained injuries.  As far as 5786, the entire front partion of the bus has been destroyed.

10 New New Flyer Hybrids has arrived at Germantown depot this week. These buses are currently undergoing inspection and awaiting for tags. From there, these units are more then likely to be assigned Midvale.  It appears Midvale would be the first depot receive new buses in this order.  It also been rumored that Frankford, Comly, and Southern are set to receive buses as well.  So keep your eyes peeled. 

Also unlike the last order, each one of these buses will replace a NABI.  So get your last rides in…

On the evening of Monday, May 14th, the inbound platform of the Bryn Mawr Station of the rt 100 line caught fire.  The exact cause hasn't been announced, but the damage was pretty severe, since this is a station with a wooden platform and station.

You can see pictures of the fire in the Bryn Mawr Fire Department's photo album: http://brynmawrfirecompany.org/gallery/Fire-RT-100
Discuss the fire here: http://philadelphiatransitforums.cjb.net/topic/7106819/1/#new

During the past several days, Midvale has received 10 (8221-8230) hybrids which were previously resting at Germantown depot. These buses are being placed on a wide vareity of routes operating out of Midvale. It's unclear how many buses Midvale will receive, but it's clear these units will replace a good amount of NABIs operating out of midvale. According to Buswizard these units are nothing like their predecessor in terms of acceleration " The acceleration was quick and sudden, like the 5600s and it felt like it had no 2nd or 3rd gear shifts (in speed), therefore giving it the feel of a trackless trolley.". We'll shall see....

Well now is time to get your last rides on the NABIS!!!

The PATCO board just approved a 3 year, $317,420 contract with Acadaca to set up a web ticket system for FREEDOM card users.  These users would be able to register their cards, check their balances, and replenish their cards online!  This system should roll out in the fall.

Source here: http://www.ridepatco.org/content.asp?page=News&param=2&publication=19&pubnumber=831

PATCO announced that they plan to upgrade the six subway stations along the Lindenwold High Speed Line.  These stations include City Hall and Broadway in Camden, as well as all 4 active Philadelphia stations.  This entire project will cost $9.6 million dollars.

More info in this article: http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20090520/NEWS01/905200351&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL