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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
TriMet D40LF 2001 at Beaverton Transit Center
Who would have thought that this bus was delivered new to TriMet in 1998, and is now 13 years old?
That's right, this bus is eligible for FTA funding for replacement!!!
Well, it goes without saying for the pre-2000 buses, but now the first batch of 25 or so New Flyers are now part of the >12 year fleet, along with the 2100 series that were delivered at the same time.
And with absolutely NO plan to replace them, either. But there's plans for at least three or four light rail lines...
This bus is part of the first low floor bus order. I remember I signed Center Garage work just so I could drive these new buses. They arrived late (after sign-up started) and I was stuck driving 1400's most of the sign-up. What a nightmare that was. Anyway, these 2000 series buses have a detroit diesel series 50 engine equipped with a 5 speed allison transmission. I have never driven a trimet bus that operates more smoothly than this engine/tranny combination. What a dream they are to drive! And the engine sounds so awesome!! I learned that Trimet will keep the 1700/1800's running for three more years, so these 2000 series buses will be in the fleet for some time.
Well, that's what a maintenance person told me. I think he said TriMet found it's worthwhile to keep them that long, and that with the good climate vehicles last longer here.
FTA will provide funding at 12 years. Trimet, however, has a long history of running equipment to the 20+ year mark. The Crown/Ikarus artics went to 20; the GMC RTS went to 20; the current Gillig Phantoms are now plus 20. The only exceptions, since my 15 years at Trimet, were most of the 2400 series Worldtrans, the 1800 series Flxible LNG buses, and the newest 1800's (1844-1853)which were retired because the drivelines were problematic. I hope the 2000s are around for a looooong time.
This might also be the first time I've seen (or noticed) that the train number matches the vehicle number...
ReplyDeleteWell, it goes without saying for the pre-2000 buses, but now the first batch of 25 or so New Flyers are now part of the >12 year fleet, along with the 2100 series that were delivered at the same time.
ReplyDeleteAnd with absolutely NO plan to replace them, either. But there's plans for at least three or four light rail lines...
This bus is part of the first low floor bus order. I remember I signed Center Garage work just so I could drive these new buses. They arrived late (after sign-up started) and I was stuck driving 1400's most of the sign-up. What a nightmare that was. Anyway, these 2000 series buses have a detroit diesel series 50 engine equipped with a 5 speed allison transmission. I have never driven a trimet bus that operates more smoothly than this engine/tranny combination. What a dream they are to drive! And the engine sounds so awesome!! I learned that Trimet will keep the 1700/1800's running for three more years, so these 2000 series buses will be in the fleet for some time.
ReplyDeleteDitto on the 2000 series being nice to drive.
ReplyDeleteThey are not being maintained properly insofar as the interior of the bus is concerned.
"the train number matches the vehicle number..."
ReplyDeleteI've wondered if that ever happens.
But it's my understanding that buses are good for 15 years, not 12.
The FTA will fund a replacement bus after 12 years.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/WVU_FTA_LCC_Second_Report_11-03-2008.pdf
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/thirdpartyprocurement/faq/grants_financing_6080.html
http://www.fta.dot.gov/assistance/technology/research_8881.html
Well, that's what a maintenance person told me. I think he said TriMet found it's worthwhile to keep them that long, and that with the good climate vehicles last longer here.
ReplyDeleteFTA will provide funding at 12 years. Trimet, however, has a long history of running equipment to the 20+ year mark. The Crown/Ikarus artics went to 20; the GMC RTS went to 20; the current Gillig Phantoms are now plus 20. The only exceptions, since my 15 years at Trimet, were most of the 2400 series Worldtrans, the 1800 series Flxible LNG buses, and the newest 1800's (1844-1853)which were retired because the drivelines were problematic. I hope the 2000s are around for a looooong time.
ReplyDelete