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Post by Guest on Jan 21, 2011 17:38:25 GMT -8
EX Victoria #8062 at the Downtown Nanaimo Exchange on Jan 20, 2011 Just prior to having my first ride on it.  Notice the Wheelchair Ramp down. Attachments:
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Jan 25, 2011 20:18:13 GMT -8
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Post by Guest on Jan 25, 2011 21:53:17 GMT -8
I don't mean to take any glory away from Ferrydude's recent post, but here are some pictures of Victoria's double-decker buses:   The upper level. Notice the personal reading lights and air-blowers for each seat. Luxurious! Looking down at the ground from the bus.  A blurry shot showing how low down everything else feels from up there.  This panel contains the stop-request sign and a little camera so the driver can spy on riders from the comfort of his seat. -Posted as I listen to the Guess Who's 'Bus Rider', just by coincidence.  |
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Jan 25, 2011 22:02:55 GMT -8
I don't mean to take any glory away from Ferrydude's recent post, but here are some pictures of Victoria's double-decker buses: The upper level. Notice the personal reading lights and air-blowers for each seat. Luxurious!Looking down at the ground from the bus. A blurry shot showing how low down everything else feels from up there. This panel contains the stop-request sign and a little camera so the driver can spy on riders from the comfort of his seat. -Posted as I listen to the Guess Who's 'Bus Rider', just by coincidence. Great photos Luke! I just have a few questions regarding your pics: Picture 1: - What route was that bus on, because it just seems to say "DOWNTOWN" on it. Perhaps from Swartz Bay? Picture 2: - Was that little tv screen to the right (above the stairs)on during the trip? Picture 3: - What is that little gray thing just above the "stop request" and 9505 area (to the right) ?? And also, regarding the Vs and Ls, how many buses had a V or L prefix in front of the bus numbers? Last time I was there, only a handful of buses had those. |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Jan 26, 2011 7:49:57 GMT -8
Those are the same Scottish buses being used here for some heavily traveled routes by GOTransit. I have been saying for a while that I have wanted to sample the service in the upper front seat, but haven't got around to it. Yesterday I was downtown for an early morning meeting. I was early and sat with my Starbucks on a bench in the underground network of malls that connect all the buildings. I was in the Royal Bank building right near Union Station where surface VIA and GO Trains, intermodal with a GO Bus Terminal and the TTC Subway. A GO Train (same equipment as the Coastal in Vancouver - 10 or 12 cars) arrives from one of the 6 routes every 70 seconds in peak rush hours. Added to that is the people coming out of the subway. The flood of continuous people was mind boggling. And then clop clop clop of womens high heel and mens dress shoes on the granite floors reminded me of a parade of horses or huge herd of cows  . It goes on for about an hour and a half and is bookended by an hour or two of waves of people. Above ground on the street are similar crowds with smokers, the noise sensitive and people going to more minor buildings not connected to the underground grid. The city would grind to a halt without transit. |
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Post by hullnumbers on Jan 26, 2011 12:08:13 GMT -8
Picture 1:
- What route was that bus on, because it just seems to say "DOWNTOWN" on it. Perhaps from Swartz Bay?
Answer
The route the bus was on was probably the Swartz Bay/ Victoria run. It stops beside the legislative then turns around to head to Swartz Bay. The 70,71,72 and 73 take this route. There are other double deckers with different (such as the 4 and 50) numbers. There only used for busy areas in Victoria.
Picture 2:
- Was that little tv screen to the right (above the stairs)on during the trip?
Answer
On my trips down to Victoria, I have never seen them turned on the TV during the trip. So for now No.
Picture 3:
- What is that little gray thing just above the "stop request" and 9505 area (to the right) ??
Answer
I believe that is a speaker where the driver can talk in case of emergancies or other stuff. One time a driver actually used it pretending to be a tour guide. It was very funny
Thats all I know and guess.
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Post by Guest on Jan 26, 2011 21:53:33 GMT -8
Great photos Luke! I just have a few questions regarding your pics: Picture 1: - What route was that bus on, because it just seems to say "DOWNTOWN" on it. Perhaps from Swartz Bay? Picture 2: - Was that little tv screen to the right (above the stairs)on during the trip? Picture 3: - What is that little gray thing just above the "stop request" and 9505 area (to the right) ?? And also, regarding the Vs and Ls, how many buses had a V or L prefix in front of the bus numbers? Last time I was there, only a handful of buses had those. 1: It was the route 70 express from Swartz Bay to 'Downtown', with Downtown meaning Government Street at Superior Street. All the interior photos were taken on the return trip, heading back to Swartz Bay that evening. 2: I never even noticed a TV... 3: It is a camera. I saw in the drivers cab, there was a little screen that linked to it. On the left, there is what looks like an array of LED lights. Not sure what they are used for.  It is not a speaker. The speakers are located in the ceiling of the bus, visible in the second photo of my last post, as a little dark grey circle. |
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Post by Guest on Feb 20, 2011 12:31:08 GMT -8
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Post by Guest on Apr 22, 2011 12:36:37 GMT -8
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Apr 25, 2011 6:56:03 GMT -8
In Cuba, public transit is much more of a dependence to the people than it is here. Whenever you see a transit bus, no matter how far out of town it is, it's full to the brim with people. They don't seem to follow one standard paint scheme on their buses either. Did you happen to see any of the Camels? They were supposed to be phased out, but I would be suprised if they weren't still in use in some capacity. |
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Post by Guest on Apr 25, 2011 7:24:59 GMT -8
In Cuba, public transit is much more of a dependence to the people than it is here. Whenever you see a transit bus, no matter how far out of town it is, it's full to the brim with people. They don't seem to follow one standard paint scheme on their buses either. Did you happen to see any of the Camels? They were supposed to be phased out, but I would be suprised if they weren't still in use in some capacity. This is not one of my photos, but yes I did see a few camels. I believe this was the model I saw: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Camel_bus_in_Havana.jpg/800px-Camel_bus_in_Havana.jpg |
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Post by Kahloke on Apr 25, 2011 21:04:58 GMT -8
For all you light rail fans, I grabbed a couple of photos of Sacramento's Light Rail system last week. It's a pretty extensive network - reminds me of Portland's light rail.   |
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Post by stvfishy on May 17, 2011 1:00:22 GMT -8
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Post by Guest on May 17, 2011 14:49:35 GMT -8
It wouldn't be the first time it was undertaken, there's already a transit-tram in place in Portland, Oregon, to get up the mountain to a university campus: www.portlandtram.org/ |
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Post by Kahloke on May 25, 2011 8:12:33 GMT -8
To all you bus fans out there, Metro is starting to update their fleet: Metro debuts new cleaner, greener busesSubmitted by Michael Harthorne, KOMO Communities ReporterTuesday, May 24th, 08:49am
King County Metro is continuing its mission to convert its fleet to clean power with the first of 170 new Orion hybrid-electric buses debuting this week.“These shorter, 40-foot hybrid coaches are a first for Metro, and the fuel efficiency they bring arrives at a good time,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a Metro press release. “When combined with our electric trolleys and 60-foot articulated hybrids, more than half of our entire fleet will be either hybrid-electric or fully electric.”
The new buses cost approximately $500,000 each, paid for in part through a $35.8 million federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. But, Constantine said the new fleet will save money in the long run through full economy. They are predicted to save more than $4.6 million by the end of the year, he said.
In addition, the buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, keeping 18,000 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the environment, according to Metro.
The new buses feature a lower floor to make boarding faster and easier and are more spacious and quiet than their older counterparts, according to Metro.
The new buses will start showing up in south King County first before expanding to the rest of the Metro service area.Link to article and photo: sammamish.komonews.com/news/transportation/metro-debuts-new-cleaner-greener-buses/643088?utm_base=storylink |
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Post by hullnumbers on May 27, 2011 17:03:43 GMT -8
Heres a GE work I did, took a lot of time and feel its time to show it. I challenge anyone who wishes to travel without driving if they want too. This was a goal since I have no driver license and challenged myself. Attachments:filename (402.92 KB)
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Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 22, 2011 17:28:12 GMT -8
Can you get off the 620 from Tsawwassen anywhere along Bridgeport on the way to Bridgeport Station??? Could we get off like in front of Costco??? I know on the schedules they give certain stops but other than those I guess we just ring the bell? But I dont know if that one would stop anywhere along Bridgeport??
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Jun 22, 2011 20:25:22 GMT -8
There is one stop the 620 makes before Bridgeport Station. The stop is on WB Bridgeport at No. 4 Road (when the bus gets off Hwy 99, next to the Tim Hortons and Michaels (shares stop with the 407 and 430). There is no stop for the 620 by the Costco, there's only a stop for the 407 and 430.
Make sure you don't get the 620 EXPRESS bus, because it doesn't make any stops between the ferry terminal and Bridgeport Station, you have to get a bus that goes via Ladner Exchange, which makes local stops along the way to Bridgeport Station.
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Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 22, 2011 21:13:09 GMT -8
We will be using transit in September as we are flying out of YVR but the bus goes right near our hotel on Bridgeport and we just thought if we could get off near there that would be better instead of going to Bridgeport Station and either cabbing it back to the hotel or walking or going to the airport and taking the Shuttle that goes to our hotel. Tim Hortons is too far away to get off, lol! We could walk it but with all our luggage might be too far.
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Post by Guest on Jun 23, 2011 6:28:07 GMT -8
We will be using transit in September as we are flying out of YVR but the bus goes right near our hotel on Bridgeport and we just thought if we could get off near there that would be better instead of going to Bridgeport Station and either cabbing it back to the hotel or walking or going to the airport and taking the Shuttle that goes to our hotel. Tim Hortons is too far away to get off, lol! We could walk it but with all our luggage might be too far. Hotel?? That's what airport lounges are for! And free too.... |
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Post by hullnumbers on Jun 23, 2011 13:14:18 GMT -8
To all who do not know and are planning trips on the Peninsulia by transit.
Starting on June 27 till sept 5 Victoria transit schedule will change.
Here are some changes that will happen
- From Swartz Bay to Victoria, 71 and 73 are eliminated
- Service from Sidney to the Victoria international Airport will have bus 88 which will be added.
- Bus 81 is every two hours from Butcharts to swartz Bay.
This is all I know.
The rest you will need to look at the transit site for more.
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Post by Nickfro on Jun 23, 2011 14:22:50 GMT -8
Was out on a bike ride up the Seymour Greenway Trail a couple days ago, and on my way past Cap U I saw what looked like a brand new bus. I think it is THIS ONE. Its destination read Dundarave, so I'm thinking it's part of the West Vancouver fleet. It stood out because it was all blue (no yellow, white or grey like on the others) and had some bold lettering decals on the side, similar to those on pics in the above link I posted. I can leave the rest to our informative expert transit panel to clarify my observation. ;D |
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Jun 23, 2011 16:01:47 GMT -8
Victoria Transit changes effective June 27, 2011: *70 Express Swartz Bay/Downtown - new stops in the Royal Oak Transit Exchange area, limited stops between there and Downtown *75 Saanichton/Downtown - less stops between Royal Oak and Downtown *71 Sidney and 73 Swartz Bay/Downtown have been eliminated, replaced by the 72 Downtown/Sidney/Swartz Bay, which has increased frequency, and provides service around Lochside, East Saanich, Royal Oak, Sidney, Swartz Bay and Downtown *82 Sidney/Saanichton has been discontinued, 81 will continue to service those areas from the Buchart Gardens and Swartz Bay *NEW ROUTES: 86 Deep Cove (service between McTavish Park and Ride and the Deep Cove area - West Saanich) 88 Sidney/Airport (service between the Victoria International Airport, McTavish Park and Ride, West Sidney and Sidney) *77 North Saanich renumbered as 85 North Saanich *80 UVic/Swartz Bay renumbered as 76X UVic/Swartz Bay Full link to these improvements: bctransit.com/regions/vic/schedules/pdf/vic-alert-2817.pdf #70 stopping procedures (must see if you are taking transit to/from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and Downtown) bctransit.com/regions/vic/customeralert.cfm?alertid=2829 #75 stopping procedures (must see if you are taking transit to/from Downtown, Royal Oak and the Brentwood area) bctransit.com/regions/vic/customeralert.cfm?alertid=2830----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nickfro: The bus you saw (the Xcelsior) is a demo bus for both Coast Mountain Bus Company and West Vancouver Blue Bus. I believe you saw it on the 255 Dundarave/Capilano University via Lynn Valley. Since it is a demo bus, it hasn't been painted in Translink or WVBB colours yet, until Translink officially wants to keep this bus, and order more buses to add to their fleet. The decals pretty much tell everyone what type of bus it is. |
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Post by Kahloke on Jul 2, 2011 6:47:01 GMT -8
Here's a couple of Sound Transit LINK photos I took when last in Seattle: The LINK Light Rail maintenance/switching yard, along with the old Rainier Brewery on the left side of the photo, now sporting its colourful facade:  LINK's Sea-Tac Airport Station  |
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Post by Koastal Karl on Aug 10, 2011 16:39:19 GMT -8
Can you request stops on the bus from Tsawwassen to Bridgeport Station??? Like could we get off by Costco instead of going to Bridgeport Station??? cause we will be using it in September and our hotel is right across the intersection from Costco so that would be easier to get off there then having to go to YVR and take the shuttle to the hotel. We are going to Mexico for a week so we are using transit to get to our hotel by YVR.
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