MTA 1978 General Motors RTS-II

This video is a very special one. MTA Maryland has kept a 1978 GMC RTS-II as a storage unit for materials used for their annual roadeo. The last time this bus ran was in 2009 (I have video of it from that time) and recently it was moved to where buses that are retired sits.
Thankfully it is not slated for the scrap yard and due to the magic of old school Detroit Diesel technology, was able to start with a little help from compressed air.
In this video, once again its 8v71 engine roars to life.
Enjoy!
Powertrain: Detroit Diesel 8v71
Transmission: Allison V730

[@kalelc1996]

So good to see this rare gem still alive and running

[@busrailfan]

That air starter sounded like an old school Fire Truck Siren!

[@baul104]

Glad that they still have the 8V71N-powered RTS bus! It should NEVER be sold for scrap---EVER!

[@mauricecole1196]

Classic RTS-II series slant back with the retrofit a/c square back.

[@MagicMike-rd8mz]

Aww these Buses take me back to my childhood/ young Adult hood when I use to South Jamaica Queens .During the Queens private Bus lines Green Bus Line And Queens Transit Jamaica Bus line .

[@javierjavier7291]

God I love that sound

[@clsumjr]

What a class this is. I hope they fix this bus up, clean it real good, rehab and paint it, it's original MTA color

[@bryancooper2699]

Great video George. It really needs to be restored.

[@hnlthehorrorpurgebus106]

Actually we have a bus that’s living in Hawaii still. It’s the 1997 phantom gilligs which is about 24 years old. But I am impressed that there are 40 or higher buses that still live in the Mainland.

[@369Bandido]

I know someone down OCMD saved one of its Sisters fron the chipper as well. They had to have.

[@kl3ztyplays642]

Dude I agree. She's one hell of a beast. I'm crying with joy and excitement right now!

[@vthome78]

Great video my friend love this buses grew up with them. Lots of memories thanks

[@JaeDevs]

Show ur face its been 11 years

[@w210black]

Gm rts the only bus that comes as a sport back

[@c.i.m.1600]

Howdy, thanks for sharing. One of my favorite buses. Did the series after the slant back have a T-Drive setup, or did they stay with V-Drive? Much appreciated 👍 liked and subscribed

[@lesliemiros6743]

Yes they had a sloped back from 1977-1980 after 1980 they made rear end more upright to house a larger ac unit in the rear above the motor and some even had rear windows like the ones in Chicago had in 1991.

[@42luke93]

Only the RTS Ledgend from Millennium Transit Services had T-Drive. Less than 30 were ever made so they are rare. A College still operates them since bought new in 2007.

[@KevinMeno2008]

Slooooooooooowwwwwwwwwww air start. At least it works!

[@369Bandido]

Wow! No exhaust leaks, no knocks, it sounds just like it did in the 2009 Rodeo Video!

[@MrGentlefriend]

It shouldn’t go to scrap. I wonder how much they would sell it for?

[@landovercity8659]

Not for sale this girl is staying