How Slow Manhattan Buses Move

I decided to take a trip on the M104 yesterday, with hopes of getting one of the newer ’05-06 model year Orions VII HEVs (which I did get), which have a slightly updated propulsion system, and hence a slightly different sound (for me to record, obviously). Let me tell you that had I completed the trip on the subway, I would have gotten where I was going a whole lot faster – almost an hour faster. I waited more than ten minutes for the bus, but the real fun was once I got on. From 72nd street to 98th street, the bus stopped at almost every stop and traffic light along Broadway. The total time (on the bus) was about 20 minutes. I might upload the rather long recording soon, but I don’t know if anyone really wants to listen to 20 minutes of very minor acceleration.

I realized that the way this trip came out really illustrates the usefulness of the hybrid-electric technology. The constant stop-and-go of the bus puts the regenerative properties of traction motor to good use, saving the MTA tons of money every year.