Tramlines 2016-3 Fall

to Burnaby, albeit after a delay due to a
slight error in communication. This CUB
would act as a shuttle with one service
person driving to take the rest of us
around the system as needed. After our
return to BTC, we took another four buses
to HTC. Repeat the cycle once more, then
a small break at HTC. At this point 12
buses had now got to their new home.
Then it was back to BTC where we
moved a 2015-model artic and 3 Nova
buses to Vancouver Transit Centre. We
returned with four buses to HTC. Next, it
was back to Richmond where we delivered
2014 model Articulated buses to
VTC. Return to RTC for another round of
artics to VTC. We then took four Vancouver
Nova buses to HTC. By now, it was
time for lunch.
After our meal, we departed for Surrey,
and from there took buses to HTC. Next
we returned for another round of buses
from STC. Upon arrival at HTC we returned
to BTC to bring one more round of
buses back to HTC and at that point we
called it a day. The CUB returned us to
BTC. I clocked out and drove home after
12.5 hours working. Because it was important
that all moves be completed as
planned, we worked until they were. So
all in all, our crew moved 44 buses during
that shift, if I've counted right.
Previous to my shift, other crews moved
CNG buses from PCT, and a number of
CUBS moved to HTC from Oakridge.
More buses were moved that evening
when the night shift came for their OT.
The next day another two shifts completed
the rest of the moves. Because of this,
HTC was able to open for business with
not a single hitch. All buses scheduled to
be moved around had been moved
around, save for a handful that were BO
(Bad Order). These were moved over the
next few days after opening.
Just which vehicles would be assigned to
HTC was planned well in advance. A
master list was given to the crews and a
simple "check off" system used. Buses
that were BO were noted, and we even
had a few "no starts" in VTC, and STC.
But since we were making multiple trips,
these issues were rectified and the buses
were usually fired up and ready to go
upon our return. An important detail was
that most buses would require to “pretripped”
as required by law before departing
the yard. This inspection, necessary
if the vehicle had not been in service that
day, added to the time taken for each
move.
A variety of buses was moved, and although
the work involved a lot of driving
on different equipment, it went smoothly,
efficiently, and was actually fun. HTC
opened up with a full compliment of
CNG, Diesel and CUB vehicles, thanks to
your friendly neighbourhood Bus Services
Department. Now, all that remained
for us to do was change the depot code to
'H'.