MTA operator not fond of hybrids
Sun photo/2006
The Maryland Transit Administration has had nothing but laudatory things to say about its new hybrid buses. It has publicly praised them for their fuel efficiency, relative quiet and superior maintenance record.
But not every bus operator is a fan. During a recent ride on one of the MTA's busiest routes (which I'll omit for the driver's protection), the operator told me the hybrids aren't all they're cracked up to be in a number of ways.
According to the driver, the rear doors of the bus are prone to closing automatically after three passengers have disembarked, even if it means they close on Passenger No. 4. He also said the front doors close too slowly, causing him to miss green lights.
His other gripes include the venicles' performance. He said the hybrids are too quick to accelerate and too slow to stop.
MTA spokeswoman Jawauna Greene said the operator's complaints contradict what she has heard from MTA drivers. She said the feedback the MTA has received has been strongly positive and that there have been no complaints from passengers about injuries from doors. And as a passenger, I thought the ride was smoother and quieter than on the conventional bus I'd taken minutes earlier.
So what's the real deal here? MTA operators and passengers are invited to weigh in -- not that it will change anything. The MTA has committed to eventually replace all of its conventional diesel buses with the hybrids, which are partially fueled by an electric battery.
Comments
I can attest to the issue about the rear doors closing too soon. On the bus I ride, it's almost every day that passengers stepping off have to open it a second time for the busier stops. I assumed that it was the operator closing it manually, so thanks for clarifying that it's automatic.
Posted by: Mike | March 17, 2010 12:46 PM
I've heard some talk that the hybrid busses are overweight on the rear axle because of the weight of the batteries, which would make them illegal.
Federal law allows 20,000 lbs. on a single axle.
Can anyone comment?
Posted by: Gary | March 18, 2010 1:45 AM
That make me happy since those are relatively small problems which can be fixed (except maybe the braking).
I prefer the hybrids. I ride the 3 for a short distance and I have no real problem with the door--but not too many people get off where I do. I think it could open more quickly like the old ones which require a push. But, none of it seemed like a big deal. They are nicer, smoother feeling, and cleaner (for now).
Posted by: Fritz | March 18, 2010 11:35 AM
I've learned to make the effort to re-touch the bar handle on the door when people exit the rear door in front of me. This keeps the door open without any risk of it trying to close up again. As a courtesy to others exiting behind me, I'll try to keep a couple fingers on the bar to ensure they'll exit fine as my bit of bus etiquette.
The style of exit door on these newest buses is different than we've had for decades. Most regular riders will figure out their quirks and adapt, since there's probably no real way to word clear concise signage to explain their optimal use.
Posted by: Adam | March 18, 2010 9:54 PM
Too quick to accelerate and too slow to stop? Sounds to me like someone doesn't like to adapt to new things in life. I suppose there will always be people like that.
The street near my house is a major bus route and on a hill, and I can attest that the hybrids are significantly quieter going up that hill, which is great for residents.
Posted by: chm3 | March 22, 2010 10:34 AM
I second the back door issue. I was on a packed 8 on St. Patrick's Day and the door was a bit of a nightmare for exactly the reasons the operator identified.
Posted by: Tyler | March 22, 2010 10:58 AM