what is wrong with Dart operations..

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what is wrong with Dart operations..
Topic Started: Nov 27 2006, 09:08 AM (999 Views)
Van2006ko	Nov 27 2006, 09:08 AM Post #1
Foamer Posts: 2,480 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 16, 2005	The last several times that I was on a Dart bus i've noticed several things. The NABI's which they are running has the worst back door system ever, it makes the SEPTA version of them seemed whether superior. The first time that I was on a DART NABI LFW, the back door can only opened 1/4th of the way. Which is barely enough to try and get though. Then the next 3 times I've ridden on the NABI's SFW (416) I've notice that you have to push, yes push the back door at times to open it due to the lack of air pressure. Foremast, the most worst thing was when I was on the route 5, and the driver reported the card reader wasn't working so what did the dispatch said? go to the depot while in operation and try to fix it making the bus extremely late to depart at its last stop. My self personally I don't think thats professional if theres something wrong with the bus, and its a issue that can be fixed in minutes tell the drivers to proceed to the last stop instead of making their passengers late. I swear DART never cease to amaze me as they make SEPTA seemed like a bunch of geniuses. No wonder why not too many people ride their buses!!



Nabi60SFW9620	Nov 27 2006, 10:03 AM Post #2
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	Baltimore MTA used to have back door problems all the time. Mainly the only issue they have had was when the back door was not unlockable. But MTA has all buses except for the Optimas where you have to push the rear door to exit. The first time I noticed it was when the 0000 416s were the new buses. 0022 had that issue once. Then 0025 did after 0022s door was fixed. Then it happened a few times with older NABIs. Then once with a 92 Flxible. Then a couple times with the Neos and once with a New Flyer. And those times everyone had to exit the front door.



Van2006ko	Nov 27 2006, 11:43 AM Post #3
Foamer Posts: 2,480 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 16, 2005	I think its more of a maintenance issue then it is a manufactures fault. Of course NABI doesn't have the best back door systems but its still the TA's responsibility to try and perform a diagnostic on their buses before sending them out. Another thing which I forgot to mention was that several drivers were talking on their cell phones while driving the bus -that's extremely unprofessional.



Nabi60SFW9620	Nov 27 2006, 03:27 PM Post #4
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	Alot of TAs have operators talking on their cell phones while driving. Rabbit Transit only had 1 operator do that. And I rode on a CAT bus. I think that operator was talking on his cell phone. Baltimore MTA alot of operators talk on their cell phones. Both with and without a earpiece. Mostly with a earpiece because they think the supervisors will not find out they are talking on the phone. I havent seen many of them with one hand on the wheel and one on the ear. I dont like when people talk on the phone while driving. As long as its a brief call its okay but most people are spending half of their driving time on the phone and that effects the way you drive.



Tritransit Area	Nov 28 2006, 12:48 AM Post #5
Transit Enthusiast Posts: 2,172 Group: Admin Member #4 Joined: February 17, 2005	Van2006ko Nov 27 2006, 11:43 AM I think its more of a maintenance issue then it is a manufactures fault. Of course NABI doesn't have the best back door systems but its still the TA's responsibility to try and perform a diagnostic on their buses before sending them out. Another thing which I forgot to mention was that several drivers were talking on their cell phones while driving the bus -that's extremely unprofessional. LOL, I thought you rode SEPTA? That cell phone thing is fairly common on our system as well. I thought I told people their maintenance wasn't all that great. It's too bad some of the back doors aren't that stellar - probably not enough air pressure going through. Also, it's not just the maintenance people to blame. It's also one of the driver's responsibilities to check out the bus themselves, as well as mark down any problems with the vehicle. That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! Also, not too many people take the bus because the service isn't that wonderful, i suppose. Ah well, hopefully it will improve even more. After all, it didn't receive the American Transit Association 2003 Highest Achievement Award for nothing.



Van2006ko	Nov 28 2006, 09:15 AM Post #6
Foamer Posts: 2,480 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: February 16, 2005	Tritransit Area Nov 28 2006, 01:48 AM Van2006ko Nov 27 2006, 11:43 AM I think its more of a maintenance issue then it is a manufactures fault. Of course NABI doesn't have the best back door systems but its still the TA's responsibility to try and perform a diagnostic on their buses before sending them out. Another thing which I forgot to mention was that several drivers were talking on their cell phones while driving the bus -that's extremely unprofessional. LOL, I thought you rode SEPTA? That cell phone thing is fairly common on our system as well. I thought I told people their maintenance wasn't all that great. It's too bad some of the back doors aren't that stellar - probably not enough air pressure going through. Also, it's not just the maintenance people to blame. It's also one of the driver's responsibilities to check out the bus themselves, as well as mark down any problems with the vehicle. That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! Also, not too many people take the bus because the service isn't that wonderful, i suppose. Ah well, hopefully it will improve even more. After all, it didn't receive the American Transit Association 2003 Highest Achievement Award for nothing. For SEPTA, 9/10 when I see a driver on their cell phone, its usually at the end of the route. Even when the bus is in session they put their cell phones away during the first 30 seconds though 90 seconds while the bus is on route. I only ridden dart several times and out of that several times I've seen a few drivings talking on their cell phones. Maybe the ODDs are about the same with DART but from what I've ridden on in the system it seems to be a very common thing. Quote: That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! The last stop was only like 5 blocks away, and the guy that was going to try and repair the farebox had a truck as well. I just don't understand how they handle things, then most of them are skeptical when it comes to SEPTA's fare instruments. Half of the DART drivers accept SEPTA day passes, while the other half doesn't seem to know what they are. I'm not to sure whether or not its written to accept them or not but that should at least be cleared up.



Nabi60SFW9620	Nov 28 2006, 10:53 AM Post #7
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	Most TAs the supervisors do not like operators talking on their cell phones. Not even with a earpiece. But at the end of the line they are allowed to. I know some operators in Baltimore who turn their phones off and check to see if they have any voicemails when they are on layover and call everyone back who called if they have time.



Tritransit Area	Jan 4 2007, 09:07 PM Post #8
Transit Enthusiast Posts: 2,172 Group: Admin Member #4 Joined: February 17, 2005	Van2006ko Nov 28 2006, 09:15 AM Tritransit Area Nov 28 2006, 01:48 AM Van2006ko Nov 27 2006, 11:43 AM I think its more of a maintenance issue then it is a manufactures fault. Of course NABI doesn't have the best back door systems but its still the TA's responsibility to try and perform a diagnostic on their buses before sending them out. Another thing which I forgot to mention was that several drivers were talking on their cell phones while driving the bus -that's extremely unprofessional. LOL, I thought you rode SEPTA? That cell phone thing is fairly common on our system as well. I thought I told people their maintenance wasn't all that great. It's too bad some of the back doors aren't that stellar - probably not enough air pressure going through. Also, it's not just the maintenance people to blame. It's also one of the driver's responsibilities to check out the bus themselves, as well as mark down any problems with the vehicle. That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! Also, not too many people take the bus because the service isn't that wonderful, i suppose. Ah well, hopefully it will improve even more. After all, it didn't receive the American Transit Association 2003 Highest Achievement Award for nothing. For SEPTA, 9/10 when I see a driver on their cell phone, its usually at the end of the route. Even when the bus is in session they put their cell phones away during the first 30 seconds though 90 seconds while the bus is on route. I only ridden dart several times and out of that several times I've seen a few drivings talking on their cell phones. Maybe the ODDs are about the same with DART but from what I've ridden on in the system it seems to be a very common thing. Quote: That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! The last stop was only like 5 blocks away, and the guy that was going to try and repair the farebox had a truck as well. I just don't understand how they handle things, then most of them are skeptical when it comes to SEPTA's fare instruments. Half of the DART drivers accept SEPTA day passes, while the other half doesn't seem to know what they are. I'm not to sure whether or not its written to accept them or not but that should at least be cleared up. You use Daypasses on DART? That explains a lot, as daypasses don't really make it down to Delaware, and they are basically familiar with the trailpass. About the rear doors - are you sure the people pushed the strips to open the door? If I remember correctly, those are passenger operated...



Nabi60SFW9620	Jan 4 2007, 09:09 PM Post #9
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	So DARTs NABIs also have a passenger operated center door? So Baltimore is not the only city still using the passenger operatred center door.



Nabi60SFW9620	Jan 6 2008, 09:02 PM Post #10
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	When I was in Wilmington Saturday 2 drivers were talking on their cell phones while driving. One of those 2 drivers was first listening to headphones while driving 105. And then he had a call come in on his cell he answered. He also was speeding at times. 503 the driver forgot to push the day pass button so he issued an emergency day pass I could use for the day. That was the other driver talking on a cell phone. The driver on the Gillig Phantom I rode was dress looking nothing like a transit operator. I didnt know that was the driver of the Gillig Phantom parked on the side of Orange St driverless until he got on the bus. He had on navy blue pants with a navy blue coat and a knit cap. So he looked like someone roaming the streets at first until he got on the bus and put if stuff he bought from Dunkin Donuts behind the dash. Then I boarded the bus. Then the third NABI I boarded. The driver was away from the bus for like 10 or 15 minutes. So they also have a really long layover. Bmore MTA has no more then 10 minutes for a layover. So some things with DARTs operation reminds me of MTA of Baltimores operation. Inlcuding the Gillig Phantom with the malfunctioned WCL that would not go back under the steps. Do Dover DART operators behave the same way as Wilmington DART operators. I do at some point intend on applying for a job as a transit operator. With whats going on in Baltimore theres a possibility MTA will not be one of them. Either CAT of Harrisburg. DART in Wilmington. Or maybe NJT.



Nabi60SFW9620	Jan 16 2008, 11:47 AM Post #11
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	Tritransit Area Jan 5 2007, 02:07 AM Van2006ko Nov 28 2006, 09:15 AM Tritransit Area Nov 28 2006, 01:48 AM Van2006ko Nov 27 2006, 11:43 AM I think its more of a maintenance issue then it is a manufactures fault. Of course NABI doesn't have the best back door systems but its still the TA's responsibility to try and perform a diagnostic on their buses before sending them out. Another thing which I forgot to mention was that several drivers were talking on their cell phones while driving the bus -that's extremely unprofessional. LOL, I thought you rode SEPTA? That cell phone thing is fairly common on our system as well. I thought I told people their maintenance wasn't all that great. It's too bad some of the back doors aren't that stellar - probably not enough air pressure going through. Also, it's not just the maintenance people to blame. It's also one of the driver's responsibilities to check out the bus themselves, as well as mark down any problems with the vehicle. That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! Also, not too many people take the bus because the service isn't that wonderful, i suppose. Ah well, hopefully it will improve even more. After all, it didn't receive the American Transit Association 2003 Highest Achievement Award for nothing. For SEPTA, 9/10 when I see a driver on their cell phone, its usually at the end of the route. Even when the bus is in session they put their cell phones away during the first 30 seconds though 90 seconds while the bus is on route. I only ridden dart several times and out of that several times I've seen a few drivings talking on their cell phones. Maybe the ODDs are about the same with DART but from what I've ridden on in the system it seems to be a very common thing. Quote: That taking the bus to the depot thing is amusing - they could've just traded a bus or something like that so that people could keep on going - that wasn't very efficient, but I guess they need to be able to keep taking the fares - no more free rides! The last stop was only like 5 blocks away, and the guy that was going to try and repair the farebox had a truck as well. I just don't understand how they handle things, then most of them are skeptical when it comes to SEPTA's fare instruments. Half of the DART drivers accept SEPTA day passes, while the other half doesn't seem to know what they are. I'm not to sure whether or not its written to accept them or not but that should at least be cleared up. You use Daypasses on DART? That explains a lot, as daypasses don't really make it down to Delaware, and they are basically familiar with the trailpass. About the rear doors - are you sure the people pushed the strips to open the door? If I remember correctly, those are passenger operated... I might have seen a couple passengers push the strip to open the rear door but I pushed the door to exit on 2 of the NABI 416s and Gillig Phantom I rode. 135 the door is automatic. And 105 I exited the front door. The LFWs have automatic rear doors. 2 of the NABIs I exited the front door. The thing I would have done different with the rear door on the push doors is the handle would be built on the sides of the door going from top to bottom and everyone exiting would have to push the handle to exit the rear door. The NABI Low Floors and newer Gilligs would have the automatic back door.



Nabi60SFW9620	Feb 1 2008, 10:46 AM Post #12
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	Has anyone here ridden DART in either Dover or Rehobeth? If so do their operators do some of the same things while driving as Wilmingtons drivers?



Nabi60SFW9620	Feb 12 2008, 02:24 PM Post #13
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	When I was in Wilmington last month. I rode 1 bus where the driver was talking on his cell phone. As well as one bus where the driver was listening to headphones and then talking on his cell phone. As well as 2 where the layover was at least 15-20 minutes. And even some that were almost packed.



ctrabs74	Feb 17 2008, 08:59 PM Post #14
Advanced Transit Fan Posts: 686 Group: Members Member #7 Joined: February 20, 2005	Tritransit Area Jan 4 2007, 10:07 PM You use Daypasses on DART? That explains a lot, as daypasses don't really make it down to Delaware, and they are basically familiar with the trailpass. I know DART has it's own Day Pass, but I didn't think they'd honor SEPTA (in)Convenience Pass...



Nabi60SFW9620	Feb 18 2008, 08:49 PM Post #15
Foamer Posts: 2,086 Group: Members Member #10 Joined: February 21, 2005	If I ran DART or ANY TA in the US the fare boxes on ALL buses would be the Gen Fare Odyssey. The Gen Fare Odyssey is easier then the current fare system DART has. Passes normally have to be swiped in the card reader rather then placed into the card slot where the day passes are printed from. Plus with DARTs current fare system it looks to be optional if you want to have the card scanned or if you just want to show the driver your pass. Most TAs who have the Gen Fare Odyssey require all operators to have all passengers swipe their card. Even if DART had them and that was the requirement some drivers would let people show their pass. Bmore MTA is that way all the time. Some drivers have all passengers swipe their pass. Some only have passengers swipe their pass if no one infront of them is paying. And some have all passengers show their pass. As for the driver seats. They would have orange seatbelts since my last trip there majority of operators I saw were not buckled up.



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