BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

(SEE PREVIOUS LINKS/COMMENTS)

The timeless Old Look and sleek ex-Dallas PCC seen here are both evocative of a long-ago era, when Boston still had much to offer the "tradional minded" transit enthusiast...........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?23471

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["HARVARD STA."]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

When this photo was taken, these "East Boston Tunnel Cars" were indeed MORE than in need of some TLC.

These rapid transit cars went into service in 1924, replacing streetcars in the East Boston Tunnel, which was upgraded to rapid transit status.

In the early 1950s, these cars were refurbished and transferred to the new Revere Beach line (today's "Blue" line)

The cars were upgraded with new door panels, new winshields, large headlights, and pantographs.

When these venerable cars were retired in the 1970s, they were the last prewar rolling stock still in service in Boston.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?37906

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["REVERE BEACH"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

MTA trolleybus $8514 was indeed distinctive, as it was the only Boston trolleybus to be fitted with illuminated "batwing" advertising.

The left-hand doors were required for loading in the Harvard Square tunnel.....

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?49680

See also:

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?127138

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["T"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

The first of these solid, rugged cars were introduced to Boston in 1912; these formidable "Cambridge" cars held down service for decades, the last not being retired until 1964.

The last of this type were built in 1927, little changed from the original 1912 design.

Interestingly, the famed "A-B" Standards (BRT/BMT) were inspired by the Boston cars..........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?18389

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["0709"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

This photo taken at Seashore dates to 2002........

Note the "silversides" strip running beneath the windows of the Old Look suburban; many suburban Old Looks operated by New Jersey carriers, back in the day, also carried these; I remember these buses well.........


https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?152951

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["NORWALK"]

[Cyberider]

I wonder how that bus looks today? Hopefully restored?

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

THIS is "PRESERVATION"?

Not in MY book................

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?53150

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?141216

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["AVOID THE FUSS-TAKE THE BUS!"]

[Cyberider]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Personally, the MBTA should have stuck with trolley buses..........

https://www.metro-magazine.com/10220931/bostons-mbta-orders-80-new-flyer-electric-buses

["T"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's an interesting article on Boston's now-defunct trolleybuses (photos/rosters/historical information, etc.)

Too bad the "T" couldn't leave well enough alone............

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolleybuses_in_Greater_Boston

["23 ASHMONT"]

[Cyberider]

It seems to me that their trolley buses were more "environmentally friendly" than the new battery buses. What am I missing?

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[Cyberider]

One has to wonder what drives the decisions that are made on how current day transit is powered? It doesn't appear to be the safety of passengers nor the economic feasibility to the taxpayers who pay for it, nor even the environment, as much as that is touted. The question is, who's benefiting?