BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

You and I are indeed a cut of the same cloth, for certain!

For example, I had THOUGHT I was pretty well knowledgeable on PSNJ's unique ASVs, BUT, when I got a (then recently published) hardcover on the ASVs a couple of years back, WOW!!!!

I STILL had a LOT to learn!!'

And, today, I am far more knowledgeable than I was, thanks to this exhaustive book!

"NYO"

["21 WEST NEW YORK"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

FORDS.................

To say that FORD transits were "unorthodox" in the vast YELLOW/GM-dominated PSNJ fleet is indeed an understatement.

PSNJ rostered a large number of these small buses, beginning in the early 1940s; AFAIK, they were being retired en masse by late 1954/early 1955.

Most were scrapped, but some were sold to small local "indy" companies, where they ran until the early 1960s.

The little FORDS were mostly used on the more lightly-traveled "feeder" lines, but, during rush hours, you could also often find them on the busier routes.

These buses were not at all popular with most PS drivers; their heating could be difficult to "get up" on cold mornings, and they were quite rough-riding.

FEDERAL scrapyard in Newark scrapped the FORDS that operated for PS in northern NJ; I recall a few old FORDS into the early 1960s running on a few of the "indy" companies.

I often wondered how many of these buses were ex-PSNJ, or had been purchased new by an independent operator.....

"NYO"

["ARLINGTON"]

[Cyberider]

I never had any experience with the Ford buses. They didn't look like they were in the same league with the real GM Old Looks. I wonder if the Fords had the straight six or the flat head V-8? They shouldn't have had problems making heat if they had the flathead which were notorious for overheating.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

See also........

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

(note that PSNJ rostered the largest fleet of FORD buses; over 586 in all!)

["13 BROAD"]

[Cyberider]

Thanks for the info, NYO. I now more about the Ford buses than I did.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

You are quite welcome!

Here in North Jedrsey, eons ago, the little "FORDS" were pretty well scattered among a number of "indy" fleets; indeed, they were far, far removed from being the majority in ANY fleet.

As with many of their buses, PS men gave a nickname to the "FORDS"; they refered to them as "Jitterbugs" and "Whiz Bangers"!

Gas/diesel buses, in general, were called "Gas Buggies".

The ASV's were called "Juice Buggies""

Late 1920s's gas-electric YELLOWS (w/ front engines) rebuilt into ASVs, which were later modernized, were known as "China Clippers".........

"NYO"

["CENTRAL AVENUE"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

CSL/CTA...........

The CSL (later CTA) rostered a good number of "FORDS", the last being delivered in 1947.

A number of CSL affiliates also operated "FORDS", starting circa-1937.

CTA continued to run them into the 1950s.............

"NYO"

["42 HALSTED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Detroit's "DSR", through the 1940s, rostered a sizeable number of "FORDS"...............

https://www.detroittransithistory.info/PhotoGalley/Photos1940sA.html

["2790"]

[Cyberider]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

Again, you are always quite welcome!

"NYO"

["BUS STOP"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Those quirky little (PSNJ) Chevrolets were indeed "unorthodox"............(!!)

Perhaps the quirkiest little oddballs in the vast PSNJ fleet were the Chevy transits which were used on the more lightly traveled lines, into the 1940s.

These small buses were not at all liked by either the drivers or the passengers.

Inside, there were two seats on one side of the aisle, and one seat on the other.

The drivers had to collect fares by reaching in back of them; ditto shifting gears.

A long lever opened and shut the doors, again requiring the driver to reach behind him.

These buses rattled so much that many drivers had perpetual headaches!

Not surprisingly, when WW 2 ended, these unpopular small buses were among the first to be scrapped............

"NYO"

["40 CLARK"]

[Cyberider]

Sounds like a pain for all involved. Any photos/info?

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[Cyberider]

NYO,

Thanks anyway. I don't suppose it was much to look at!