Just because NJT purchases the units in bulk discount they still lease some of the units out at fair market wholesale rates. It’s a Lakeland bus because they are paying for it and can actually keep it after the lease contract period under certain conditions.
In fact it's not market rate, it's $1 per unit per year, from what I was told. I don't know the end-of-lease terms though. There's some mention on this article related to DeCamp's commuter demise: www.northjersey.com/story/news/transportation/2023/09/28/struggling-nj-private-bus-lines-are-dropping-commuter-service-nj-transit-decamp-coach-ac/70930621007/
@@yitznewton that is blessed great and what I should’ve said was “at least fair market rates or better”. The reason is because I read some articles a few months ago about the added federal subsidy and or matching grants NJT receives to pass along or enable a substantial discount to Academy, DeCamp, Lakeland and Coach USA. Yet I still could be wrong about some of the carriers.
I believe we are supposed to have 55. They are all the "17" prefix buses from model year 2017. Roughly half the fleet is out of service post-COVID due to reduced ridership.
I think if you caught a DOT inspection it would be a (minor) violation. It might attract DOT's attention but I don't think police would be pulling you over just to write a ticket. In practical terms I see buses on the road all the time with a clearance light out. Indicator lights out would be a much bigger deal to me
@@yitznewton Your channel just appeared randomly in my feed and I've been watching since. A tip of the hat to you and every other bus driver that maneuver those buses through Manhattan traffic with ease! Subscribed!
Turn signals are operated with the left foot: there are big push-switches on the floor, to the left of the steering column, for left and right. The high beam switch is forward of those
Great question! I don't know if I have a preference. Each has unique equipment that keeps it interesting - student lights, destination sign, fare box... The coaches ride much nicer, but the inputs are not as responsive, especially the accelerator. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to drive both on the regular. I love variety and I love big machines.
I would like to have a bit more for hills. Can't quite make it up I-80 W in the Parsippany and Rockaway areas, and especially I-280, without dropping some speed, even empty. But at the end of the day it is a huge 50k+ pound vehicle and the public is probably better served with hopefully saving a bit on fuel consumption, multiplied across the fleet.
@@yitznewton they should've went with the 565/525hp Cummins X15s, I have a 565 X15 in a 2020 Pete 567 and she'll do triple digits (does about 85-90 mph) if I had a transmission with more gears currently its riding on the Allison 4500RDS. As for the interlock your foot has to be on the brake while you select the gear or else it with flash 6N or NN.
It seems like the parking brake also has to be released? With foot on brake, I hit D, I get the flash, then I release the PB and press D again, and THEN I get first gear.
Love hearing the two way radio that’s my favorite part of the bus
Hm. I didn’t know it started up via a switch. How cool! :)
Love the view with the door beside you
the fast idle was very impressing.
I hate how the turn signal click speed isn’t constant it gets faster and slower and faster like the newer bluebird visions. Nice bus though
due you should have more subscribers ❤ (nice work btw!)
Same display it’s a NJT Bus only with different logos. These are my favorite D model MCIS
Just because NJT purchases the units in bulk discount they still lease some of the units out at fair market wholesale rates. It’s a Lakeland bus because they are paying for it and can actually keep it after the lease contract period under certain conditions.
In fact it's not market rate, it's $1 per unit per year, from what I was told. I don't know the end-of-lease terms though. There's some mention on this article related to DeCamp's commuter demise: www.northjersey.com/story/news/transportation/2023/09/28/struggling-nj-private-bus-lines-are-dropping-commuter-service-nj-transit-decamp-coach-ac/70930621007/
@@yitznewton that is blessed great and what I should’ve said was “at least fair market rates or better”. The reason is because I read some articles a few months ago about the added federal subsidy and or matching grants NJT receives to pass along or enable a substantial discount to Academy, DeCamp, Lakeland and Coach USA. Yet I still could be wrong about some of the carriers.
Wow awesome you do it all lol
Do you know How many MCI’s you guys have total from the state?
I believe we are supposed to have 55. They are all the "17" prefix buses from model year 2017. Roughly half the fleet is out of service post-COVID due to reduced ridership.
Any chance you can do a head cam like you did with the school buses?
Stay tuned...
When you found the burnt out marker light in the rear, can you get ticketed for that or is it just a minor item for maintenance to deal with?
I think if you caught a DOT inspection it would be a (minor) violation. It might attract DOT's attention but I don't think police would be pulling you over just to write a ticket. In practical terms I see buses on the road all the time with a clearance light out. Indicator lights out would be a much bigger deal to me
@@yitznewton Your channel just appeared randomly in my feed and I've been watching since. A tip of the hat to you and every other bus driver that maneuver those buses through Manhattan traffic with ease! Subscribed!
So Im guessing you don't drive school buses anymore? Like gone and done with the yellow buses?
I'm still driving school buses
@@yitznewton Good to know
miss the manuals
I got a question where is the switch for the turn signals
Turn signals are operated with the left foot: there are big push-switches on the floor, to the left of the steering column, for left and right. The high beam switch is forward of those
@@yitznewton oh OK thanks
Does this bus have an automatic transmission? I don’t see him shifting gears…hands always on the steering wheel
Yes, it's a 6-speed Allison automatic
Thanks! 👍🏾
do you prefer to drive these or school buses.?
Great question! I don't know if I have a preference. Each has unique equipment that keeps it interesting - student lights, destination sign, fare box... The coaches ride much nicer, but the inputs are not as responsive, especially the accelerator. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to drive both on the regular. I love variety and I love big machines.
@@yitznewton that's awesome.! I'm from New York and am looking into obtaining my CDL to drive a bus
You still a school bus driver?
Yes!
@@yitznewton good
Do you feel as if the x12s are underpowered?
I would like to have a bit more for hills. Can't quite make it up I-80 W in the Parsippany and Rockaway areas, and especially I-280, without dropping some speed, even empty. But at the end of the day it is a huge 50k+ pound vehicle and the public is probably better served with hopefully saving a bit on fuel consumption, multiplied across the fleet.
@@yitznewton they should've went with the 565/525hp Cummins X15s, I have a 565 X15 in a 2020 Pete 567 and she'll do triple digits (does about 85-90 mph) if I had a transmission with more gears currently its riding on the Allison 4500RDS. As for the interlock your foot has to be on the brake while you select the gear or else it with flash 6N or NN.
It seems like the parking brake also has to be released? With foot on brake, I hit D, I get the flash, then I release the PB and press D again, and THEN I get first gear.
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