Hitchin’ a ride on the newest, smoothest bus in town

Guy Henderson

Seems like hardly anybody notices the hundreds of buses that pull in and out of the MTA depot at Washington Boulevard and Bush Street in Southwest Baltimore every day. That changed dramatically this past Wednesday when the sleek new 2011 Xcelsior bus pulled out of the lot on the way to a photo shoot across the street in Carroll Park. Everybody’s eyes followed us like a dog hypnotized by a juicy bone. And no wonder. This is one gorgeous vehicle.

Presently, it’s still undergoing inspection before being released into service. But it wasn’t hard to see that the new Xcelsior has plenty of obvious aesthetic advantages over its older cousins.

It’s 2,500 pounds lighter than prior models, for starters. The limousine-like frameless windows offer an uninterrupted view that gives passengers inside a new feeling of spaciousness and connection with the outside environment. The seats reserved for elderly and disabled passengers are clearly marked that way on the fabric of the seat itself. And the bright yellow step up to the rear of the bus is so big and clearly indicated that it’s bound to help passengers maintain their footing better than ever.

The ride? So smooth and quiet, it’s sure to please those who prefer keeping their conversations understated, and for passengers who make good use of their riding time enjoying power naps. And of course, as a diesel hybrid, it’s built to do its job as efficiently and environmentally sensitively as possible.

There’s also an interesting feature on the front of the bus that makes MTA’s newest pride and joy unique in the nation – a three-light set of amber indicators above the destination sign that flash continuously in sequence. According to our “insider” scoop from the guys in the shop, this is an innovation that was fought for by our own Administrator Ralign Wells (himself a former MTA Bus Operator) in Annapolis. Turns out that a state driving law had to be changed to make it legal for a non-rescue vehicle to use continuously flashing yellow lights. It’s a safety feature that’s expected to be particularly welcome because it allows riders to see their bus arriving from a distance of several blocks – instead of having to stand way out in the street to see whether it’s a bus or a delivery truck coming their way.

The new bright white destination signs themselves also help the Xcelsior announce its arrival with authority.

Our thanks to Troy Briggs (above, wearing glasses) and John Howard (below, beaming) for volunteering to be our “Model Drivers” for MTA’s new “dream vehicle.” Their smiles alone probably tell you everything you need to know about this beauty. Watch this space for your opportunity to catch your first ride on it when the new Xcelsior glides onto the streets for full-time service.

Stocking up on a little bit of heaven at Waverly Market

Guy Henderson

In a city that’s blessed with more than its fair share of city markets and farmer’s markets, there’s a special character to the Waverly Market that earns it a place among the best. The Baltimore Sun has called it “the Charles Village Social Event of the Week.”

Open all year long – but only Saturdays from 7 am until noon – the market, also known as the “32^nd Street Farmers Market,” (at E. 32^nd and Barclay streets) features a colorful menu of vegetables that were probably harvested just days ago by the couple you’re buying them from. The bread likely came out of the oven just hours before you got there. And the crazy-good portobello mushrooms and ready-to-barbecue meats will remind you of what it must have been like before food started to become processed for appearance rather than flavor.

The produce is generally organic and strictly locally grown (at least from the second week of June through Thanksgiving). Just about every visitor and vendor is locally grown too, and happy to share their joy experiencing shopping and eating “the way it used to be.” It all makes for an atmosphere that’s more social gathering than food expedition, giving new meaning to the term “comfort food.”

Best of all – or maybe not best of all, since there’s so much to like about the Waverly Market – the emphasis on “local” means that the money spent there goes right back into the community in more ways than one. In fact, the 32^nd Street Farmers Market makes grants each year with any money left over after expenses to local organizations that work to strengthen their neighborhood. They’ve helped to fund new playgrounds, contributed to schools, supported their local boys’ choir and offered help to worthy groups that puts this good neighbor in a category of its own.

Treat yourself this Saturday and you’re likely to find yourself back there a few more times before Thanksgiving.  MTA’s Local Bus #3, #8 or #22 will take you where you want to be.

Feeling all alone on a dark and stormy night

Guy Henderson

It gets dark early on Bowleys Quarters Road in Baltimore County. For one of our riders on the Route 24 bus, the darkness matched her mood when she stepped off the bus and into the pouring rain. She must have made a lonely looking sight as she made her way home on that forbidding stretch of road a couple of Wednesday evenings ago. Here’s a (lightly edited) look at what she wrote to us recently.

“As I got out of the bus 24 and walked my way home in the rain, I thought I was so unlucky because of all the depression in life making me feel really down, when something happened. (Just so you know, the road's completely dark since we have no lights and no sidewalk.) A No.24 Bus towards Moravia was passing by. It stopped by me, and the bus driver honked at me and asked if I needed help. I wanted to tell him I'm good and my house was right over there. Most of all, I truly want to thank him for his kindness, but I couldn't coz I was having a fever and couldn't raise my voice.

It's just a very tiny thing. I wonder if the bus driver still remembers? However I felt much better thanks to that. I thought there are still people who care for me even though I'm just a stranger. It reminded me that I feel there's still love in this life, there are still wonderful bus drivers and I'm grateful to be alive. I was extremely moved.

The reason I decided to write these lines is to thank that bus driver, truly from the bottom of my heart. Like I said, I was depressed. Maybe the bus driver didn't know how he saved my day.

I want to say to him, "Mister, I really appreciate, coz what you did wasn't just simply helping a bus rider in rain. It was also helping a wandering person find her way back to life. Thank you. And thanks MTA for having great service. I wish you all the best in this world…”

Thanks for sharing with us the power of that simple act of kindness, and most of all, for reminding us that no matter what the challenges our MTA Bus Drivers face every day, they’re simply the best.

Yeehaa! The MTA Roadeo Competition offers vintage family fun.

Guy Henderson

We’ve spoken in this space before about the remarkable dedication it takes to be a bus driver. The every-second of every-minute vigilance that’s needed to look out for passenger safety. The patience of dealing with a harried and hurried public. The skills required to weave through traffic accident-free and yes, on time. There’s no wonder it’s considered one of the toughest jobs in America.

So once a year we celebrate those skills and qualities that MTA Bus Operators hone so diligently on a daily basis, with the MTA Bus & Maintenance Roadeo Competition. It’s an opportunity for our friends and neighbors to see just how good our drivers really are. We invite you to join us to see them test their maneuvering skills on a closed course set up to challenge even our most accomplished professionals. Will your favorite driver win?

You’ll also have an opportunity to explore some of our vintage buses, and we hear there will also be a cool collection of antique cars on hand as well. Come grab a burger and stroll around the grounds as the Ravens Mascot Poe and select Ravens Cheerleaders join in the fun and carnival games, all accompanied by can’t-sit-down music supplied by Magic 95.9.

It’s a perfect event for the entire family, and all designed to bring back memories for the more seasoned among us. And if it invites some snickers from the kids too? Well, that’s just all part of the fun.

Hope to see you there!

2011 MTA Bus & Maintenance Roadeo Competition

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Reisterstown Plaza Metro Subway Station

Parking Lot D

(Bleacher seating available)