Multiple Options

Census continues III

2008-06-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

On to the 30's!

4230: spotted 7/2, 49 on Broadway by M*A*N
4231: spotted 7/18, 43 on 23rd by Smile43
4232: co-spotted 7/11, 43 on Thomas
4233:spotted 6/9, 49 route on Campus Pkwy by M*A*N
4234:spotted 6/10, 43 route on John St by Smile43
4235:spotted 6/10, 49 route on Broadway by M*A*N
4236: co-spotted 7/6, 49 on Broadway
4237:spotted 6/10, 49 route on Roanoke St by M*A*N
4238:
4239:

Census continues II

2008-05-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

It took over a month to spot the 4219 and we're not sure the 4220 even exists. But the census forges ahead with the next 10 4200 series coaches (in order)!

4220: rode 6/9, 49 northbound by M*A*N
4221: spotted 5/8, 49 on Broadway by Smile43
4222: co-spotted 5/8, 43 or 49 on 15th Ave NE
4223: spotted 5/12, 49 on Campus Pkwy by M*A*N
4224: spotted 5/12, 49 on Broadway by Smile 43 (palindrome coach)
4225: spotted 6/2, 49 on U Bridge by M*A*N
4226: spotted 5/13, 49 on Broadway by M*A*N
4227: spotted 5/20, 44 on 15th by M*A*N
4228: spotted 6/3, 43 on 23rd Ave by Smile 43
4229: spotted 5/7, 49 on Campus Pkwy by M*A*N

***********DONE!****************

Historic MAN spotted!

2008-03-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

While over on the Kitsap peninsula this weekend the Multiple O crew spotted a few retired MAN diesel coaches being stored in Bremerton. Not sure what they were doing there but several of these also made it Chicago where they worked for many years on CTA routes with only slight changes to the paint scheme (photo credit: ChicagoBus.org).

Census continues

2008-01-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

I took us most of 2007 but we spotted 4200 through 4209 in order.
The census continues with the next 10 4200 series coaches!

4210: spotted 1/14, 44 route on 15th Ave NE
4211: spotted 1/15, 43 snow route on 10th Ave E
4212: spotted 1/24, 49 route on NE 45th St
4213: spotted 2/1, 44 route on 15th Ave NE
4214: spotted 2/8, 49 route on 10th Ave E
4215: spotted 2/26, 43 route on Thomas St
4216: spotted 3/23, 49 route on Broadway
4217: spotted 3/25, 49 route on Broadway
4218: co-spotted, 3/26, 49 route on 10th
4219: spotted 5/6, 49 route on Pine Street

futuristic options

2007-12-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

The MO crew did some compare and contrast riding of novelty transit options this weekend. The monorail was notable for its impressive speed and interior layout. The SLUT was notable for its unimpressive slowness and insessant honking.
We concluded that Monorail and SLUT are primarily novelties and not of great intereast to the serious spotter.

More of interest: A Metro maintainance crew was observed working on a stranded 4200 series coach. A worker noted that it had the "old battery" and therefore lost power when the handi-ramp was lowered. hmmm...

Hot coach

2007-12-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

No this is not the usual complaint about excessive heating on Metro coaches.
"Hot coach" refers to a coach that has recieved a power surge from the trolley wires.
The coach is dangerous to touch from the outside so no one can get on or off, but people already inside are safe. After the surge the coach loses power and becomes stranded. A driver on the 49 route infromed me of this this morning as we passed a stranded 4200 series coach. I was also informed that the inbound 49 was rerouted to the "43 wire" due to floooding of the Campus Pkwy underpass at the University Bridge. The flooding was confirmed in person (a minivan appeared stranded).

Census Update

2007-11-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

It's Census time! Since no 4000-series coaches have been spotted recently, M*A*N and I have decided to conduct a census of all buses in the 4200-series. As of 10/2 we're going with real life spots only

The first ten:
4200: brick-and-mortar, Campus Parkway, 8/24 (off the wires)
4201; virtual spot, 7 route, 8/24 (later confirmed in person)
4202: spotted 10/3 49 route
4203: co-spotted 11/12, 49 route
4204: co-spotted 11/12, 49 route (companion coach)
4205: Spotted by M*A*N 11/13, 49 route
4206: co-rode 11/16, 43 route
4207: rode 12/3 by M*A*N, 43 route
4208: co-spotted 12/7, 44 route (companion coach) [ed 12/18/07]
4209: spotted 1/7 , 49 route on 15th Ave NE

Comfort Station spotted

2007-11-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

MAN and I spotted this window sticker somewhere between the Central District and Capitol Hill. According to Metro, a comfort station is a bathroom for use by Metro drivers. This is the first one I've seen, and was struck by the curious use of an old-fashioned trolley car.

Census 2007

2007-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

It's Census time! Since no 4000-series coaches have been spotted recently, M*A*N and I have decided to conduct a census of all buses in the 4200-series. To facilitate our count, we are accepting both bricks-and-mortar and virtual spots.[ED: as of 10/2 we're going with real life spots only]

The first ten:
4200: brick-and-mortar, Campus Parkway, 8/24 (off the wires)
4201; virtual spot, 7 route, 8/24
4202: spotted 10/3 49 route
4203: co-spotted 11/12, 49 route
4204: co-spotted 11/12, 49 route (companion coach)
4205
4206
4207
4208
4209

Bus Day! End-to-end riding + trolley breakdown!

2007-08-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

On KUOW (NPR) right now, a man is talking about his adventures in riding every Seattle Metro bus, end-to-end, in numerical order. He may be the most serious bus enthusiast in Western Washington and the interviewer is in awe. The rider just suggested that everyone ride the #60 in order to see the "United Nations on board." Perhaps I represented Denmark?

NEWS FLASH: Today I was riding the #49 to the U-District, and the entire bus was forced to leave the coach at the base of Capitol Hill at Harvard and Eastlake. As I walked across the University Bridge, I saw quite a sight -- all trolley coaches were stopped in their places! The trolley wires were dead! I asked a Metro driver what happened and was told that it was "time to take a martini break." TGIF!

Has the MAN retired?

2007-08-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today my companion and I remarked that neither of us have spotted a M*A*N coach is quite some time -- at least several weeks. Has Metro finally but the white articulated coaches to rest? Is a trip to Atlantic Base in the works?

Ideal summer evening

2007-05-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ride a back-to-base coach to Safeco field!

I did this for the first time this weekend catching a Gillig model (formerly on the 10 route) on Broadway headed to Atlantic base. I alighted at Royal Brougham , the last stop for passengers (unmarked). Walking past the base, many fines coaches were observed . There is a cue of active trolley coaches as well as a MAN coach graveyard! I was in a hurry to meet my companions so I was only able to spot coach 4000 in the graveyard. I hope to return soon.

Updated List 4/26

2007-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

A new spot has been made!
I feel there are more out there....

Updated Spotting Checklist(new spots in bold):
4200 spotted
4201 spotted
4202 spotted
4203 spotted
4204 spotted
4205 spotted
4206 spotted
4207 spotted
4208 spotted
4209 spotted
4210 spotted
4211 spotted
4212 spotted
4213 spotted
4214 spotted
4215 ?
4216 spotted 4/24
4217 spotted
4218 spotted
4219 spotted
4220 ?
4221 spotted
4222 spotted
4223 spotted
4224 spotted
4225 spotted
4226 ?
4227 ?
4228 spotted
4229 ?
4230 ?
4231 spotted
4232 ?
4233 spotted
4234 spotted 4/26
4235 spotted
4236 ???rumored??
4237 ?
4238 ?
4239 ?
4240 spotted
4241 ?
4242 ?
4243 spotted
4244 spotted
4245 spotted
4246 spotted
4247 spotted
4248 spotted
4249 spotted
4250 spotted
4251 ?
4252 ?
4253 spotted
4254 spotted
4255 spotted
4256 spotted
4257 spotted
4258 spotted
4259 ?

new spot

2007-03-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

may have been made. was it the 4236?

Future options on Broadway

2007-02-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

While browsing Sound Transit's expansion plans, I came across a plan for First Hill that would add either streetcar or enhanced trolley coaches to Broadway. The idea is to connect the eventual light rail station at Broadway and John with First Hill and ID and possibly provide Smile43(aka SJ Outcomes with another option for getting to work. Transit would get priority lanes and signals!

New iAdvert Spotted

2007-02-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I spotted the #4231 heading north on Broadway on the 49 wires sporting a new, full-coach, pink/yellow iPod advert! The design was similar to the older red design -- i.e., silhouettes of folks in a certain demographic dancing with their white wires. Perhaps M*A*N was on this very coach?!?

New Spots!

2007-01-18T14:06:00.000-08:00

I fear the multiple O crew has fallen behind on some new spots.
Seen today: 4250!
I think Smile43 saw 4216? (edit: no, 4218!)
Waht's missing??

Updated Spotting Checklist(new spots in bold):
4200 spotted
4201 spotted
4202 spotted
4203 spotted
4204 spotted
4205 spotted
4206 spotted
4207 spotted
4208 spotted
4209 spotted
4210 spotted
4211 spotted
4212 spotted
4213 spotted
4214 spotted
4215 ?
4216 ?
4217 spotted
4218 confirmed by Smile43
4219 spotted
4220 ?
4221 spotted
4222 spotted
4223 spotted
4224 spotted
4225 spotted
4226 ?
4227 ?
4228 spotted
4229 ?
4230 ?
4231 spotted
4232 ?
4233 Spotted 2/1, on 10th Ave E
4234 ?
4235 Spotted 2/1, on Broadway
4236 ?
4237 ?
4238 ?
4239 ?
4240 spotted
4241 ?
4242 ?
4243 spotted
4244 spotted
4245 spotted
4246 spotted
4247 spotted
4248 spotted
4249 spotted
4250 spotted
4251 ?
4252 ?
4253 spotted
4254 virtual confirmation 1/30
4255 spotted
4256 virtual confirmation 1/30
4257 spotted
4258 spotted
4259 ?

Ready for 2007

2007-01-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

The multpile options crew was in a bit of a lull in late 2006, but we are ready for 2007. We could have commented about ice and wind storm transit but I guess we decided to let Metro off easy on this one.

Also, who would have thought the 4000 series would be around in 2007? I think it is still going strong and the 4200 series is still not fully rolled-out. There may be a few new coaches but we want them all!

On another note , expect amazinig google earth maps of bus routes in 2007. I'm working on it...

rigorous virtual spotting !

2006-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Multiple O crew has rediscovered Busviews !! The key to unlocking the potential of this amazing site: "Options" (of course!) > "Show Vehicle Number". Spot the metro fleet from anywhere in the world! I just spotted 4225 way down Rainier Ave on the 7 route.

4200 Series: New spots and updated list!

2006-08-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

New coaches have been rolled out and spotted in the last few days! Individually and in collaboration, MAN and SMILE43 have spotted the 4219, 22, 25. The 4222 was a highly anticipated coach and did not disappoint.

Updated Spotting Checklist(new spots in bold):
4200 spotted
4201 spotted
4202 spotted
4203 spotted
4204 spotted
4205 spotted
4206 spotted
4207 spotted
4208 spotted
4209 spotted
4210 spotted
4211 spotted
4212 spotted
4213 spotted
4214 spotted
4215 ?
4216 ?
4217 spotted
4218 ?
4219 spotted
4220 ?
4221 spotted
4222 spotted
4223 ?
4224 spotted
4225 spotted
4226 ?
4227 ?
4228 spotted
4229 ?
4230 ?
4231 spotted
4232 ?
4233 ?
4234 ?
4235 ?
4236 ?
4237 ?
4238 ?
4239 ?
4240 spotted
4241 ?
4242 ?
4243 spotted
4244 ?
4245 spotted
4246 spotted
4247 spotted
4248 ?
4249 ?
4250 ?
4251 ?
4252 ?
4253 spotted
4254 ?
4255 spotted
4256 ?
4257 spotted
4258 spotted
4259 ?

Observations from north of the ship canal

2006-08-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Multiple O has been known to be skeptical of Seattle's north side. Interesting coaches generally reside south of the north-south divide (i.e. the ship canal), although this is not a hard-and-fast criterion. I'm currently located in a cafe much farther north than I ever venture and I've made a few observations during my stay thus far:

Wack models always. Trollies never.
Excessive parking.
Few pedestrians.
Palm trees (!)
Why is Wedgwood spelled without an 'e'?

There is one thing that has impressed me, however. The parking lot has pretty rad font directing cars out of the lot.

spotting opportunities on the horizon

2006-08-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Rumor: The multiple O Seattle team will soon be relocating to a new "central base" of residence. We will continue to be in proximity to routes 49, 43 - two crucial sources of vintage and trolley models. As far as spotting from the residence itself, I believe we will be restricted to "auditory spotting" (aka hearing) of coaches on Broadway. While the sound of the trolley coach will be sweet to the ears, I do not look foward to Metro's WMD's on weekends (see below)!

What is a WMD, for real?

2006-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

New definition: Wack Model Day.

I woke up super early today to work away my Saturday so I was dealing with the Metro from the get-go. I missed a wack model #49 by about 60 seconds, and then missed its companion coach (!) by 30 seconds. When my bus finally arrived it was a forgettable 2400 series articulated model. From my perch in Allegro, I have seen nothing but wack models all day. There have been a few Gilligs spotted (i.e., 4100 series) so there is evidence that the trolley cables are functioning. But sadly, no 4000s or 4200s on this WMD.

Metro Wi-Fi signal spotted!

2006-08-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today I was having some difficulty maintaining a constant wi-fi signal at a cafe. I had to keep hitting the little airport symbol to look for a working signal. At one point I noticed that "KingCountyMetro" was one of the multiple wi-fi options! I looked out the window to my right and saw a route 48 coach waiting one block over! I knew that some coaches had wi-fi potential but I had no idea that the signals would be so strong.

MAN spotted in Le Tour!

2006-07-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

In what may be the biggest news of the summer, the MO crew discovered that M*A*N (the transportation company, not the blogger) sponsors the CSC team in the Tour de France. (See butt of cyclist to the left.)

MAD Bus Spotted!

2006-07-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

MAD bus (#324) was spotted in Warren, VT on July 4, 2006! Other coaches were seen as well.

4th MADness

2006-06-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

In a few days, most of the MO crew will hold a summer reunion in Vermont. The highlight of our reunion will be the Warren 4th of July parade -- a must-see event, we've been told! I did a little research today and found this out. Folks can take public transit to the parade! I think M*A*N and his family (our hosts) live too close to the parade for us to take the Mad Bus, though. Hopefully I can get a Mad Pic for MO!

Dems love buses!

2006-06-17T16:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's buzz was all about GWB's visit to the Seattle 'burbs to show support for some lame Republican politician. His Democratic opponent, unfortunately named Darcy, had a rally downtown at the same time. Here's a picture (above).

OMG! Is that a 4200 series coach behind her?!? Any guesses about the coach number?

3 new spots on 1 ride!

2006-06-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

In a most eventful ride this morning, I boarded 4253 at SCCC northbound on the 49 route and spotted 4221 and 4231 en route to the U district. Smile43 has spotted 4221 earlier today!

Updated Spotting Checklist:
4200 spotted
4201 spotted
4202 spotted
4203 spotted
4204 spotted
4205 spotted
4206 spotted
4207 spotted
4208 spotted
4209 spotted
4210 spotted
4211 spotted
4212 spotted
4213 spotted
4214 spotted
4215 ?
4216 ?
4217 spotted
4218 ?
4219 ?
4220 ?
4221 spotted
4222 ?
4223 ?
4224 spotted
4225 ?
4226 ?
4227 ?
4228 spotted
4229 ?
4230 ?
4231 spotted
4232 ?
4233 ?
4234 ?
4235 ?
4236 ?
4237 ?
4238 ?
4239 ?
4240 spotted
4241 ?
4242 ?
4243 spotted
4244 ?
4245 spotted
4246 spotted
4247 spotted
4248 ?
4249 ?
4250 ?
4251 ?
4252 ?
4253 spotted
4254 ?
4255 spotted
4256 ?
4257 spotted
4258 spotted
4259 ?

panel modification alert

2006-06-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

coach 4243 now sports an off-color, grey panel on the rear-right. Spotted at the 44 route layover near Husky Stadium. Partial Rogue? Possibly involved in a accidedent and not yet touched-up?

iPod Diss

2006-06-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

About two hours ago I schlepped over to a fave restraurant to pick up some carry-out. As I was waiting to cross Broadway at Mercer, an iPod coach (#4201) passed by. As it did, I heard the woman next to me mutter, "So gawdy!" Diss!

Percent rode = .001%

2006-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a transit intensive trip to NYC with Smile43!. Although only 2 buses were rode, we got this nice pic of our crew on a articulated coach - the M103 on Madison Ave if memory serves me. . Also took the Q33 through Jackson Heights and spotted a nice base full of some old-looking tan coaches. Numerous subway lines, S.I. ferry and L.I. railroad were also utilized.

Training Coach spotted!

2006-05-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

I just spotted the mythical Metro "Training Coach" from my perch in the Health Sciences library! It was #4201 (iPod pink!), presumably on the 43 route toward campus. Multiple O was not in prime spotting form the last time a Training Coach was spotted.

iFleet

2006-05-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Seattle "iPod Fleet" continues to expand. The 4206 recently went iPod pink and has been spotted all over the 49 route. In fact, I rode it for the first time this morning. Is this blogger the French MO?

Also of note: Today I spotted the #4224 (palindrome coach!) going south on Broadway at Mercer around 9:30am.

full advert articulated trolley coach spotted

2006-05-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

A most interesting evening for spotting started out with a spot of the 4255 coach on the 43 route around 7:00 PM. Spots of the 4200 series on this route are still most unusual. It should be noted that Smile 43, one of my travel companions at the time, confirmed this spot. It should also be noted that the MAN coach we were riding on was closely followed by a companion MAN coach returning to base.

Later that evening, we were waiting on Broadway for a 49 coach to take our companion E.S. home and, much to our surprise 4240 showed up with a new full-advert paint job! This is the only full-advert articulated trolley coach I know of. It is a red iPod advert and surpisingly tasteful - sure to turn some heads about town!

Why-fi?

2006-04-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

When I was waiting for my bus to cross Broadway this afternoon, I noticed the sign on the side of the #9x that was crossing the street ahead of us. It read, "WI-FI ON THIS BUS!!!!!!!" Is this a new regular Metro feature?

White Nose Coach

2006-04-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I spotted 4013 sporting an interesting modification. The front grille panel on this teal coach has been replaced with a white panel, making for a most unusal look! More excitment from this much discussed coach.

rumors of a new spot

2006-04-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

A few days back, I heard rumors that Smile43 had made a new spot of a rehabbed-Breda trolley coach (aka 4200 series). To recap what has been spotted previously, I have 4200-4214, 4217, 4228, 4240, 4245, 4247, 4257, 4258...

Public display of transit enthusiam

2006-03-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last night M*A*N and I were enjoying some real and mock poultry dishes at Da Lat on Broadway. I looked over my shoulder and saw that the #4258 (! new, extreme global max !) was passing by -- causing me to emit a loud yelp of enthusiam. I apologize to M*A*N if I embarassed him, but this debut spot was so unexpected that I couldn't contain myself.

on campus spotting

2006-03-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Much to my surprise, I spotted a MAN coach right on the UW campus outside the hub. Turns out, it is a diesel MAN artic. formerly of the Metro fleet converted to a Mobile Operations Center (SEMOC).

Next, while crossing the sky-bridge over 15th Ave, I spotted 4246 on the 49 route! It was a rare aerial spot making use of the number on the top of the coach!

Joy ride

2006-03-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm babysitting M*A*N's fish this week since he is spending the week utilizing one of my favorite transportation systems. As I was walking out of the building, I spotted a bus (#3199) rounding the corner in front of M*A*N's building!! Now, many of you know that M*A*N lives close to transit utopia -- numerous coaches (esp. trolleys) can be spotted from his apt -- but NO BUS should be on the streets directly adjacent to it! Metro joy ride, perhaps??

New White Door(s)

2006-03-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I spotted coach 4032 on Broadway and noticed it was sporting white rear doors! It is a blue coach, like 4022, but it has both door panels in the rear colored white, like most 4000's.

local min summoned

2006-02-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

Smile43 and I were dining this evening at a fine eating and spotting establishment on Broadway, and we engaged in some predictive spotting. Upon Smile43 spotting the local min 4200 coach northbound, I suggested that local min 4000 was right around the corner. Sure enough, said coach appeared southbound a few minutes later! I've ridden 4000 quite a few times recenetly and feel a certain connection...I had also spotted it northbound about half an hour earlier.

Lady of the streets

2006-02-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

Given today's date (2/22) it's only fitting to celebrate the substantial number of Ms. White Door (#4022) spottings during the past week. In fact, there was a pair of cross-town spottings during one Saturday afternoon run! 151never was in town for the week and I had the pleasure of pointing out MWD as she passed us (white door facing away) downtown. MWD then looped around the block and passed us -- white door exposed! It was later confirmed that M*A*N (positioned several blocks up the hill) spotted the very same coach about 10 minutes prior to our crew's spot!

Spot-topia!

2006-02-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

I've had the fortune of making two incredible spots in the past 24 hours:

1) New global max! Today I spotted the #4247 (!) for the first time while it was going north on Broadway on route 49 at 3:45pm. Unexpected!

2) SMILE was driving a coach back to Atlantic base down Union yesterday. At first, I thought I had spotted the first frontal rogue, but then I realized it was a full-advert bus instead. Thankfully, the SMILE sign in the rear window made up for that.

Advert-bus never!

2006-02-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Bus of the Month have posted this month's pick. Poor choice! Full-bus ads are lame and creepy. Do you really choose your coffee creamer based on the 49 that goes by you every morning? No.

DCish bus routing

2006-02-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

As someone once said, "it's the same all over." Check out this discussion on bus routes in Washington DC. Note that they might auction off old coaches!

Party Bus

2006-02-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

The Multiple O crew had a strong showing last night. It was M*A*N's b-day! The #4214 was the Official Party Bus -- first taking the crew from the College Inn to the Bus Stop, then taking some MO affiliates home for the night. Metro had exhibited some weak moments earlier in the week, so all is well now.

(Faux reconstruction of Party Bus above!!)

Rigorous analysis: Key words CONFIRMED

2006-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

The official key words of 2005 were: rogue, fetid, and companion. I try to incorporate all that I learn and read about into my daily life and yesterday I spotted my first Fetid Rogue Companion (FRC)! The criteria for being an FRC are:
1) FETID: the coach must be fetid, this usually means hot, stinky, and littered.
2) ROGUE: the coach must sport the rear black panal, e.g. #4001, #4044.
3) COMPANION: the coach must be immediately following another coach -- hence, its "companion." Unlike in Chicago, this is actually a rare event. The coaches are general spaced apart in Seattle and don't bunch up 3-4 at a time like the #9 Ashland bus or #151 Sheridan.

However, last night at 5:50pm, goin west on Olive down Capitol Hill, the FRC was coach #4022 (also known as Ms. White Door!). This coach (one of the blue 4000 series rogues) was closely following my bus (#4201). While I cannot confirm whether or not it was actually fetid inside, it was raining really hard which has a 90% sensitivity for being fetid inside. (I'm not sure about the specificity -- it's probably not as high.)

The Answer

2006-01-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

Amid much speculation, the next 4200 series coach has been rolled out...
4245 (global max!) was spotted Sunday afternoon on Broadway headed back to Atlantic Base, aparrently after a morning tripper.

On another note, where is the 4200 series today? I've seen many 4000's. Why is it that some days the 4200's are out in force, but other days not at all? Is Metro preparing the final role-out that will replace the 4000's for good?

What is the meaning?

2006-01-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

New coach spotted! Last night I spotted the #4228 for the first time, northbound on route 49, just before 6:30pm at Broadway and Thomas. I later confirmed the spot while enjoying a cocktail on Pine. So now we've spotted #4200-4214, 4228, and 4240...is this some sort of "Lost"-esque numbers game? Are multiples of 14 important? Is there a Poisson regression model that can help us predict the next coach? Why does Metro mess with us like this?!

How many options can you spot?

2006-01-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

A morning in the life

2006-01-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a slow 2006 for Multiple O. No new coaches after the randomness of the #4240. No major mishaps. Therefore, I've decided to tell you about a typical morning for me.

I left my house after checking mybus.org thinking that I'd be right on time for the next 49 to campus. I got to Broadway Video and saw the 4001 Rogue go by me. (This is a typical problem with mybus.org...they are always TOO right. The Chicago-style bus rider in me still does not trust any bus to actually come on time.) As it is well-known, I do not run for the bus so I waited. The next 49 was #4214 which was pleasing to me since the 4200s are far less fetid than the 4000s. I pulled out the Local section of my Seattle Times and read about pedestrian deaths in Seattle. Did you know that ~2% of these deaths are due to running for the bus?! (Looks like my philosophy saves lives.) I got to school, perused the blogosphere and found out that the Kidd Valley Rest-rent on 15th is closing. This is a sad day for the seasoned drivers of the 43.

an historic coach

2006-01-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a spot of a former Red Rose Transit coach now in use in Brooklyn NYC! This model is from the series that MAN rode to high school in Lancaster PA circa 1995!!!

43 Never

2006-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

151Never, I just learned the wisdom behind your name: sometimes its best to narrow down multiple options with respect to routes you might take. With all respect due to Smile43, I must say I find the 43 route to be rarelly useful. One reason is the lack of variety in coaches. Why is the 4200 series not common on this route? I must say I'm disappointed in the lack of new coaches spotted in 2006. Maybe Metro should roll out 4215 - 4239 on the 43 route. Then I might change my mind.

Ugh, Houston

2006-01-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings Seattle bus spotters! My very dear friend, Smile43, has invited me as a special correspondent to Multiple Options. While I look forward to dutifully reporting the Chicago 36, 135, 146 buses and Red line trains, I'd first like to draw your attention to another city.

I don't know if the Seattle bus spotters have been following the Houston light rail fiasco of the past couple years, but I highly suggest looking into it.

Read the first paragraph of this article to get a taste. The Texans are so unaccustomed to public transportation that they frequently drive into the trains!

from http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/special/04/lightrail/3545791 :

No citation is issued because statements from witnesses conflict
By RAD SALLEE

Eight people were taken to hospitals Friday after a pickup and
MetroRail train collided in Midtown. It was the 121st accident since
light-rail operations began in late 2003 and the 54th in 2005.

White Door

2006-01-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

A totally new color scheme has emerged recently! Coach 4022, which is one of the rare blue and yellow M*A*N's has been spotted recently with half of its rear doors painted white. It looks like metro had to do some mix-n-match repair work!

welcome back / global max!

2005-12-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Arriving from the airport last night, I was weary and hoping for a coach to take me on the last leg of my journey - up Capitol Hill from downtown.
To my amazement I was greeted by 4240 (!!!) on the 49 route around 9:30 PM!
Does this mean a whole range of new coaches for the new year?????

utopian environs

2005-12-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Spotters take note: I was recently alerted to an alternate spelling of the beloved trolleybus: trollejbus

WITS spotted!

2005-12-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

I made my first WITS (Western Iowa Transit System) spot yesterday in Carroll, Iowa. A "coach" was heading west on 18th Street around 11am. I didn't have my camera with me, so later that afternoon I went back out on the streets and photographed my second spot! These "coaches" are more commonly referred to a "the short bus."

The Other Half

2005-12-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to a cocktail party with some friends who work for a large software company in the Seattle area. Somehow, the subject of buses came up and I was very excited. To my chagrin, the conversation started with the dreaded "I had to ride the bus the other day and..." and proceeded to be a discussion about how smelly and gross the buses and its patrons are. I was quite confused because the buses these folks ride are known to be luxurious. In fact, one person mentioned that this very same bus had wi-fi! It seems as if the philosophical nature of this group of people is only experienced when they are in their homeland. One did ask me, "Have you learned some bigger truth by riding the bus each day?" I proceeded to talk about how I have come to appreciate the physical bus itself, rather than the people inside. Then everyone started talking about the weather.

Winter Break Homework

2005-12-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when the Multiple O crew goes its separate ways, spreading out across the country and the world. Sadly, the Seattle Metro will be little seen or discussed during the next few weeks as a result. That said, I'm asking each of our spotters to report back with the transportation options available at each of their holiday destinations.

For example, I will providing an in-depth analysis of the WITS -- the Western Iowa Transit System. This promises to be quite a challenge given my lack of disability and/or age! What will each of you contribute?

a Vintage fleet to celebrate !

2005-12-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report that the MO crews trip to "Spot and Shop" in Vancouver was a sucess! We were wowed by the hard-working little vintage trolley coaches!
Being a no-camera spotter, I am happy to say I found a nice photo on the web that captures the experience well. In the words of the author (thanks!): "2772 leads two other fleet members through the Granville/W Hastings St Junction. Enthusiasts will never get bored at this intersection." Indeed

We rode the #4 route several times back and forth b/w Kitsalano and Downtown. The frequency of this route puts Seattle Metro to shame, and the coaches were surprisingly clean on the inside - even late saturday night.

Touch of Class

2005-12-03T22:05:00.000-08:00

Some good friends of mine, one of whom is an expert in transportation etiquette, have returned from a long sabbatical and I invite you to check out their forum.

With that in mind, today was truly a festive day. While putting up my Christmas tree and ornaments, M*A*N realized that the colors of the ornaments represent the three colors of Metro coaches -- blue, teal, and green! I bought them 4 years ago, so this clearly was fate.

Smile43 Namesake

2005-11-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

Today I was waiting for a 43 to take me home from school when my favorite bus (#4026) pulled up! I was so happy that I boarded with a huge smile on my face...

...which got me thinking about my namesake: Smile43.

The story is that there is a bus driver, often on the 43 and 49, who puts a sign in his front window with one word -- SMILE. It's very positive. Well, one night the spotting crew was eating cupcakes in Madrona when M*A*N spotted a Metro driver buying cupcakes wearing a button on her jacket that said "SMILE." He inquired about it and she said to check out www.smile-video.com. Be still my heart! I'm sure it's worth the $600.

So that's why my name is great.

cross border spotters

2005-11-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

I mentioned Vancouver in a recent comment and I am now really hoping to go there. Doing some archival research I came upon an exciting website dedicated to BC Trolley Buses!

Wait, check this out! photos of the new coaches in action. Not vintage but I like!

Weekend recap

2005-11-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

It was a quiet weekend for Multiple O. Given the long holiday weekend, the Metro ran every whack model it owns so nothing interesting was spotted. (I also hypothesize that construction on Broadway prevented the 49 from running any trolley models.) I do think that a Metro driver saw me slip through 3 feet of mud during a rainy run near Group Health on Thursday.

I was purusing some of the comments on previous posts and will do my best to satisfy MK's request for some teen idol or emo rocker drama on the bus. Given that Ben Gibbard no longer lives on Capitol Hill, our next best option may be some dude from the Lashes. But given that they all look the same, and the smoking ban is soon to take effect (thus driving the hipsters down to Portland), MK has put us up to quite a challenge!

Hard core diss

2005-11-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Stranger printed a hard core diss of Seattle buses today. The politics and logistics of Bus Rapid Transit, however, will live to see another day on Multiple Options since the Stranger redeemed itself by including a stunning picture of the #4211 to accompany its story. (This may be used a training archival spot for those of you still confused by the significance of the 4200 series.)

One last question: is this coach teal or green or blue?

BREAKING NEWS!

2005-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

#4214 had its debut spot this morning heading north onroute 49 on Broadway at 8:50am!! The newest 4200 series coaches have emerged!!!

4026 Re-emerges!

2005-11-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

I thought that the #4026 (my fave coach) was gone for good since I hadn't spotted it since the summertime. But I spotted it today cruising north on 15th on route 43 at 12:15pm. Now, I can't wait until the anxiously-awaited #4226 makes its debut!

rigorous analysis

2005-11-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Multiple Options team has made an important discovery on the worldwide web: Deep within Seattle Metro's web site is the secret code sought by spotters: Bus Model descriptions and Coach numbers!! I encourage you to browse the options and select a target for spotting: 4000 series, 4200 series, or explore!

Whats more, learn your history! The glorious story of Trolley Buses in Seattle!

Archival spotting

2005-11-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Q: What do you do when nothing exciting is going on in the world of Multiple Options?
A: Archival bus spotting!

This is an activity that involves looking at old photos for the presence of coaches. Someone suggested looking at the entire Seattle Times microfiche archive in an effort to spot every single Metro bus ever in print. While this sounds exciting, I must limit myself to spotting by happenstance. Today's spot is picture I found of coach #999. Seeing this makes me a little sad that I will probably never have a live-action 3-digit spot.

What does the future hold?

2005-11-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today I Googled the phrase "Seattle Metro 4200 series." Guess who is the #1 hit?! Yes, it is Multiple Options. I have been thinking a lot about what is in store for the Multiple O 4200 series spotting crew. To my delight, Google also led me to this posting from a Seattle P-I transportation forum:

"Posted by diehardTRANSITadvocate at 10/16/04 5:53 p.m. in reply to: #547167

Recenty on Route 7, I have been seeing and even rode once, a 4200 trackless trolley. They are the 5000 series Dual-Modes recently given their discharge from tunnel duty, the Diesel COmponents disabled or removed, and turned into Pure Trackless Trolleys, These will replace the 4000 series Articulated Trolleys, but their is a surprise. Metro only needed to replace 46 of those.They converted 60. Sounds like something is up."

Yes, this is from two years ago, but it is crutial information in our quest for options. We could someday be spotting #4259! And, by the way, does this spotter read our own forum?

the circle is unbroken

2005-11-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to say that Friday Morning I was able to spot the elusive 4210 coach on the 49 route towards the U district at 8:45. The Multiple Options team has now spotted 4200-4213! Lets roll out 4214+!

13 truly is a magic number at Metro right now. In fact, 4013 is my new favorite coach. I believe it has a completely unique color scheme. At a strategic seat at Red Line Cafe I was able to spot it several times over the course of Thursday afternoon on the 43 route. Watch out for it!

Options in the news

2005-11-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

Two references to options were in yesterday's news. Of note:

The Chicago Transit Authority purchased a handful of hybrid buses. (Please note the reference to the mighty Seattle Metro in the linked article!) In my humble opinion, however, hybrids just don't do it for me in the same way that the elegant, whistling trolleys do. Just imagine what the intersection of Ashland and Belmont would look like with a three-way intersection full of cables hanging overhead! (Or for our hipster readers, North and Damen!)

The Monorail died. My fellow Chicago spotter, Jason, and I used to follow Seattle Monorail politics despite living 2000 miles away from it.

Finally, I should add that today I discovered the option of Being Healthy Again. I apologize to the Seattle Metro riders that may have been infected with the Cold From Hell during my frequent sickly commutes to and from school.

Local maximum, global maximum?

2005-11-07T23:45:00.000-08:00

I propose two spotting goals:

1) What is the maximum numbered coach of the 4000 series? (Is it 4045?)

2) For how long will the 4213 remain the maximum numbered coach of the 4200 series? (And thus, the Metro global maximum!)

BK doesn't just stand for Burger King any more

2005-11-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

As of 8:30am this morning, BK stands for Bus Karma. And today I had plenty of it.

Today is my Free Day and I planned to spend it being a productive, paper-writing grad student in the library. I was in a good mood and left my house with plans to catch the 49 to campus. Somewhat to my dismay I saw the 49 whisk past me when I approached Broadway and Republican. See, the bus stop is actually two blocks up Broadway at Roy, so I assumed that I had just barely missed the bus. But whatever, I am not one to chase my bus -- I firmly believe that you're either there on-time or too bad so sad. Another bus is bound to come at some point, so if you can't be there on time, your punishment is that you must wait. Anyway, I kept walking toward my bus stop and the bus didn't move. Through some karma-riffic miracle the bus decided to "make up time" at my stop! Thus, I was able to get to campus without having to chase it down or wait an additional 15 minutes for the next one! Furthermore, if I had had to take the next bus, I would have been caught in a torrential downpour without an umbrella. Let's see how the ride home goes...

vintage meets grunge

2005-11-03T21:35:00.000-08:00

While its usually contrary to the spotters code of ethics to interfere with the natives, I couldn't resist posting this image for all the spotters around the world curious about the back window of the 4000 series. This the inside of the lovely 4001 "rouge" coach, along with a true "Seattle-style" rider.

What all the kids are talkin' about

2005-11-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight M*A*N and I had our quarterly State of the Options meeting where we talked about the current trends, fads, and eccentricities of the Seattle Metro bus system. The "talk of the town" at tonight's gathering was obvious: Bus #4013.

#4013 is usually seen on the 49 route, but also makes appearances on the 43 from time to time. So what is all the fuss about? Well, the #4013 appears to be a completely unique Metro coach! For example:

One of the few non-white 4000-series coaches
Yellow doors
(and most importantly) the black "rogue" rear panel, also popularized by the #4044 and more recently the #4001

Today M*A*N rode said coach in the morning -- I saw it stopped at Broadway and Republican during my afternoon run. It's a treat to spot.

Full Moon Scares

2005-10-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

With the recent full moon, things have been happening that don't make a lot of sense.

Case #1:
While riding a route 43 coach home from school today, I observed the #4040 (facing north on route 43 at the base of the 23rd Ave hill) pulled to the side of street, apparently broken down. The #4001 had pulled up to (presumably) take the stranded passengers to their destination. Remember, the #4001 is one of two "black-panelled" Rogue Buses whose motivation is questionable. They are frequently seen driving recklessly and with an aura of power.

Case #2:
Tonight I dined with two friends at a local eatery along a street with many bus routes. Though we were distracted by a dramatic near-death fiasco outside the restaurant, I did make an off-guard spot of an ARTICULATED route 60 coach! These buses are always single, 2-axle coaches, but here was a completely anomalous extra-long vehicle careening down Broadway.

Case #3:
Where are all the 4200s?

Dream Come True

2005-10-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

I spotted the #4209 today while riding the 60 route home from work. It pulled in front of my bus (p.s. which was being driven by the NICEST bus driver in all of Seattle) at Pine and Broadway around 4:35pm (p.p.s. I left work 30 minutes early...shhhhhhh) and remained in front of us for the duration of my ride. It's shininess glistened in the misty rain. Anything but basic. This means two new 4200 series spots in 3 days! My dream is coming true! If I see the #4210 tomorrow I will seriously freak.

more options!

2005-10-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

that's right, a new 4200 coach has been spotted. 4211 on the 49 route was observed by Smile43 and I late on a Friday evening. The exact time and place cannot be recalled...it was a night of riding and carousing about...

also, I witnessed a Metro driver espousing the "options" philsophy to a confused rider on a bus headed back to base. I quote, "you can transfer at Pine st. you'll have plenty of options there to get downtown." indeed.

Nostalgia

2005-10-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Chicago readers, today I've decided to post some pics (taken from a most impressive Chicago bus spotter site) of my favorite Chicago bus scenes. Of interest! Pics #2-4 are all from my old 'hood. And even more exciting (and MO relevent) Pics #3-4 are former King County Metro buses! Finally, note how Chicago buses never have functioning destination signs -- even when they use buses whose Seattle bus-siblings continue to always function.

Caught On Film!

2005-10-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

This film may be the most dramatic short-form piece I've ever seen. (Not a Seattle bus, but kind of similar.) Enjoy with a glass of wine!

Dream Spotting

2005-10-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

It seems like there has been a lull in busspotting over the past few weeks. No new coaches. No more mystery bus routes. No more elections. Last night, however, I had a dream that I spotted the #4223 on a 49 route!! (Note to MultipleO newbies: nothing above #4213 has been spotted, or even created as far as I know!) Is this a sign? Could be intelligent design?!

(Mental) Health Inspection?

2005-09-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, I ventured into the International District to have some Malay Satay Hut foods with M*A*N. (p.s. Do not look at the pictures if you have a weak stomach! Good, otherwise.) We hopped on a 49 route bus which, since it was late on a weekend night and morphed into the 7 route, took us all the way into the ID. It was SLOW GOIN' as our driver demonstrated typical Seattle-style passive non-maneuvers through traffic. Following dinner, I felt a little sick (due to the pictures referenced above) and much to my dismay, the SAME driver picked us up. He must have driven so slowly that he only made it to the end of the line and back during the entire time we were eating. The coach was 85+ degrees and fetid. Nevertheless, the driver's comments were the creepiest part of the evening. Remembering us, he commented "AH! All the way down here for some chow?! Better get a health inspection!" Ew, man! WTF?

New Rogue?

2005-09-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

M*A*N reported a few days ago that the #4001 had recently re-appeared in the fleet sporting a black back panel -- similar to the style of the infamous #4044 "Rogue Bus". I can confirm his attentiveness as I also spotted the newly repaneled #4001 yesterday while it finished its 43 route on Pine Street downtown. A new, hip Metro rehab style, perhaps??

Ring Spot

2005-09-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last night while watching "The Ring", M*A*N and I were pleased to find out that the movie was set in our very own city of Seattle. And we were doubly pleased to spot a Metro bus in the movie! It drove by too quickly to catch the route or coach number, but it was without-a-doubt a true Metro bus. Kudos to "The Ring" makers for not wussing out and using a generic sound stage friendly bus replacement.

Surreal Moment

2005-09-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

M*A*N and I were waiting to get our seats for a movie a few nights ago and were approached by a young man leaving the previous screening.

His question: "Do you know anything about Seattle buses?"

multiple O, minimal P

2005-09-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Took an exciting spotting-focused trip to Tacoma this weekend and had the opportunity to spot Peirce Transit buses as well as the new Sound Transit light rail. The redeveloped downtown offers a pleasant spotting environment as well as multiple options inculding express buses, local buses and light rail all on one street in front of the former train station and Washington history museum.
On Sunday, our crew of spotters outnumbered the passengers on most coaches we observed, hence, "minimal P". Another slight dissapointment was the lack of vintage models. The Light rail fleet also proved to be more of a "newbie" appropriate spotting project - with a very short line and small fleet we exhausted it pretty quickly.

MO Endorsement: Bob Ferguson!

2005-09-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Stranger recently printed some "bullshit" coming out of the King County Council races:

The claim: In his TV ad, Robert Rosencrantz says, "Dwight Pelz . . . [blah blah blah]. . . charged the county $12,000 for gas.

Bullshit: Blah blah blah . . . As for the $12,000 gas bill, Pelz uses his car less than any other council member except Bob Ferguson, who takes the bus.

Bob Ferguson is running against Carolyn Edmonds in the upcoming primary, and it is my honor to say that Multiple O "enthusiastically endorses" Mr. Ferguson in the election! Bonus points will be given to the first MultipleO-er to spot Bob (plus, of course, coach number, route, direction, date, time, and ideally a photograph) on a Metro bus! Remember to Vote on September 20!

buses out-of-place

2005-09-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

In the past two days, I've made two bizarre spots of Metro buses not serving any know route. These happenings surprised me so much that I failed to note any coach numbers (sorry!).

The first was around 4:3o PM Wed, a diesel articulted coach was turning left from northbound 12th ave onto westbound John st. No Metro service is available on that section of 12th Ave...

A 4000 articulated was spotted at about 9AM this morning on 15th Ave, out of sevice but on a section of route 10. I've never seen an articulated on this route

BotM

2005-09-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

The new September Bus of the Month has been posted! Yet again, it proves to be a rather generic-looking coach. Of interest, however, is the dual-sloped windshield that is also popularized on some of the Chicago Pace buses spotted last month.

Holiday Joy

2005-09-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

With today being a federal holiday, the Metro opts to run only the newest trolley buses -- i.e. the #4000 series (being the oldest in the fleet and requiring the most on-call mechanics) gets a three-day weekend like the rest of us. It is not quite so surprising, therefore, that another *missing link* in the #4200 series was spotted for the first time!

The lovely #4207 was spotted going southbound on Broadway on route #49 around 3:10pm!

~s43

first bus spotting. ever.

2005-09-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

while my skills are not yet as sharp as M-A-N and Smile43, I have spotted my first bus in seattle, the 4175. I am learning how to differentiate between modern and vintage, and this one seems of the modern variety.

Articulated Moves

2005-08-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Metro runs a large number of articulated (or "accordian-style") coaches. However, Chicago may have something even better. During my recent trip there, my friend Jason demonstrated the a Chicago-Style Articulated Spotting Move. While waiting at Broadway and Cornelia, Jason sensed a #36 coming from the north. In an effort to see if the bus really was coming, he performed a contortion act and twisted his body up-down-and-around -- much like the articulated bus moves -- in essence making a 270-degree turn in a beautiful snake-like fashion. The #36 was not in sight, but Jason's dance left me in awe.

New 4200 coach spotted!

2005-08-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

While on a rare trip by (gasp!) auto, Smile43 and I spotted 4213 Northbound on route 49 on 10th Ave East. What a nice "welcome back to Seattle" from Metro. Lets hope more 4200's role off the line in the near future!

lessons from chi-town

2005-08-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

on a recent trip, I had the oppportunity to make some cross-sytem comparisons as regards bus operations. While its common to disparage Seattle's bus system, I would have to say its got a few things going for it.

That said, one thing the CTA bus rider has going for him or her is the assurance that, once on the bus, the driver will do everything possible to reach the end of the line as quickly as possible. Smile43 and I rode the Belmont line in heavy traffic and found that the driver conceeded no ground to the surrounding autos and trucks. Metro drivers please take note

On the other hand, I have returned to Seattle with an appreciation for the way Metro maintians its signage and posts current schedules. I found it frustrating that the CTA actually pays completetly uninformed employees to sit at L stations. We were incorrecrlty told that out train would run until 2AM when in fact it stopped at 12:30. This resulted in trip by cab - always the last choice of a true bus-spotter!

Vintage Party Bus

2005-08-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from an extensive roadtrip with M*A*N. The focus of this trip was transportation.

The most exciting moments of the trip included several rare spots of vintage buses. One happened just outside of Spearfish, South Dakota, en route to Billings, Montana. A decrepid vintage coach was parked between two buildings just off highway 212.

I also engaged in a minor fleet spotting exercise in Billings, Montana. I believe we may have identified a significant portion of the Billings MET's #1800 series in about 10 minutes of active spotting.

The final spot was "on paper" in a free weekly and included the photo to the left. Apparently, the latest pre-football game craze in Missoula, Montana, is riding this man's M*A*N-style bus which has been converted into a party-mobile. Note the palindromic numbering (e.g. 2112).

Bus Karma

2005-08-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have not been having good bus karma this week. First, my bus didn't come on Tuesday after work. I kept thinking it would come so I waited, and eventually I had waited so long that I caught the next bus, 30 minutes later. (Usually I walk home in these situations but I was real tired -- I had worked an uncharacteristic 9 hour day!) So then yesterday they decided to close off a bunch of streets around Harborview so I went to where the new bus stop was supposed to be, but that bus didn't come either. Having learned my lesson, I walked home -- sure enough, the #60 passed me about 4 minutes into my walk. And now this morning my bus was 10 minutes late, which I don't really care about, but it's sketchy since I get on at the first stop.

HOwever, in all of my bus waiting, I have been making massive amounts of spots -- #4205 many times, #4212, #4204 twice, and many #4000 series. Sadly I haven't seen #4026 (my favorite bus!!!) in several weeks. Maybe that's the cause of my bad bus karma?