Changing planes at JFK in April 2004 allowed sufficient time for a quick shot of a New York City bus. The only bus seen was this classic RTS a type familiar in the city for almost forty years. The model has featured in countless Hollywood block busters, usually as an extra, but sometimes with a starring role.
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Seen downtown on August 2005 is NovaBus RTS 5049, one of 105 delivered in 1998.
Picture courtesy of Rob Passaway
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Seen in the same month is this RTS, 8652, made by the Transportation Manufacturing Company (TMC) in 1994, one of 105 delivered that year, including one powered by CNG. The Rapid Transit Series (RTS) design was originated by General Motors, but in 1987 they pulled out of bus production passing the rights to the RTS to MCI who produced it at their TMC plant in Rothwell, New Mexico. In 1994 MCI sold the design and TMC plant on to NovaBus who built the RTS until 2003 when it was sold to Millennium Transit Services (MTS) who produced an insignificant number of RTS models, none of which was for MTA.
Picture courtesy of Rob Passaway
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Forward to July 2008 and NovaBus 8868 is one of a batch of 600 delivered between 1995 and 1997 seen on West 42nd approaching 5th Avenue.
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Also seen within minutes was sister vehicle 8863 making a good display of its hindquarters.
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