Disney Transportation Update [11-25-04]

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just wanted to share some tidbit updates here at Disney Transport.

A week or two ago, I posted about an upcoming test bus route from WL to MK. This test has been postponed until further notice.


The new Gillig low-floor buses have arrived, and are slowly entering service. Within the next two years, we should be recieving about 44 of these low-floor buses, the first half should be in full service by the end of this year.

Some new changes to the new Gillig low floors, as opposed to the Nova low-floors, and the RTS standard floor bus:

• The Gillig features a low floor front and rear entry, with a stepped rear deck.
• New design seats are now padded.
• The Gillig can accomodate two wheelchairs, just like the others.
• The Gillig will feature a rear ramp that folds out, instead of extending out. This system ensures maximum reliability, as the ramp can easily be operated manually in the case of mechanical failure.
• Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices can board in either forward or reverse on the Gillig low-floor ONLY. (The Nova ramps still require guests to back on)
• Internal lighting has been improved. When driving, the driver can turn off the curbside lights, and leave the roadside lights on, keeping the inside of the bus illuminated, while not creating glare on the windshield.
• For those techies, the Gillig is powered by a Cummins ISL mated to a Voith transmission.

There were a few other things, but it's 3am, and I've forgotten. I'll post more as I remember them.

 

[zurgswife]

Thanks Tyler

 

[Mark P.]

Thanks for the update

 

[soccercruiser87]

thanks for the update tyler!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks!!

 

[monarchsfan16]

Do you have any idea whether the bus from WL to the TTC will still be running in April? We were really looking forward to being able to take the monorail to Epcot

 

[sue Z]

tyler when you get an opportunity guess who would like a photo of one of the gilligs!
you can post it here if you want

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by sue Z
tyler when you get an opportunity guess who would like a photo of one of the gilligs!
you can post it here if you want

I will see what I can do. It's hard for me to get a picture, because they're hard to track down. Once they enter full service, it'll be easier.



I rememebered the other update...

For all those who love Krissa, and her top 7 things to do... guess what! She's replaced the Zipadee doo dah channel at the MK bus stops now.

 

[clkelley]

Tyler,

Does that mean the TTC, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness route is back in action??

Thanks,

Carol

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by clkelley
Tyler,

Does that mean the TTC, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness route is back in action??

Thanks,

Carol

For the time being.

 

[BCV23]

Bumping for Geyer Gazer!

 

[Magic2000]

Thanks for the update Tyler!!!

We were lucky enough to meet you this past July, when we stayed at Pop Century! Hope to see you on one of the buses next week!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

 

[JudithM]

Tyler, thank you for the updates on the new busses. My husband liked your techie info! I liked the part about ECVs going forward or backwards!

 

[Geyser Gazer]

BCV23,

Thanks for thinking of me. Tyler, thanks for your updates.
-Ron.

 

[Tigger24U]

We were lucky enough to ride on one of the new buses last week. I believe we rode it from DTD to POP on Friday night. Very nice but still had an overpowering new bus smell. I am happy to answer any questions about the ride!

TTFN

 

[PatsMom]

We rode one of the new buses from Epcot to Ft Wilderness on Saturday night (the 4th). Still smelled like it was new - they hadn't even put the advertising up yet. The best part is the padded seat - there isn't a whole lot of padding but after a long day at the parks, anything is better than the hard plastic seats!

 

[DC7800]

For all those who love Krissa, and her top 7 things to do... guess what! She's replaced the Zipadee doo dah channel at the MK bus stops now.

Whoever is responsible for the WDW "informational" programming, this top 7 program with Krissa is by far the best such production in a long, long time. A circa-1981 version with "Susan" (I think) is the classic by which I judge all the others, and the top-7 show is a worthy successor.

 

[d-r]

it gets kind of repetitive after one showing though. I wish they'd change it up a little.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

it gets kind of repetitive after one showing though. I wish they'd change it up a little.

They have... albeit slightly. Stitch's Great Escape is now on there as number two I think. (You would think with all the times I've had to watch it the past week, I'd know for sure)

 

[clkelley]

I'm sorry, but I HATE the Krissa show. I really LOVED the ZippadeeDooDah Channel!!!!

Carol