⁴ᴷ Retirement Ceremony for the RTS Bus

On May 6th, there was an elaborate retirement ceremony for the RTS (Rapid Transit Series) bus. These buses are an NYC icon, and started operating in the 1980s. The last of these buses were built in 1999. The ceremony included the last operating regular RTS #5241, preserved museum RTS #5249 (The last MTA NYCT RTS ever built), and their replacement, XE40 #0013. Enjoy!
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Taken in April 2019.

[@eduardososa843]

It’s the end of an era for the RTS RIP 1981-2019 😢

[@ibrahimore1934]

These buses are old but they still look modern

[@kalelc1996]

So as for the iconic RTSs, they're gone but DEFINITELY won't be forgotten

[@gameplayandmusic1973]

I agree!

[@some.transit_buff4518]

Without a doubt

[@julesjurgensen2743]

It’s funny how that old saying that goes like this “You never know what you have until it’s gone!” I remember during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta,The NYC MTA sent down some brand new RTS buses to help out with the shuttle service at the Olympics and I was kind of pissed off to see buses from NYC in Atlanta because, you see them all the time. I just wanted to forget about NYC While down in Atlanta.23 years later,they’re gone!

[@kalelc1996]

@@sethmtanyct Oh yeah

[@TransportSimulatorNationTSN]

Yep.

[@pelosuelto70]

Damn, I grew up in Brooklyn taking these buses everywhere as a kid. You will be missed.

[@LouieB615]

For real, those buses became my second set of legs for 15 years

[@antoniogoode4407]

Me too im from Flatbush Brooklyn and I us to take this rts buses all the time going home now it is all gone and im going to miss those rts buses on the b41 and b44 and b82 route in Brooklyn

[@TheRailLeaguer]

Antonio Goode As do I, as I have lived through many years seeing these in my neighborhood of Flatlands since I was 3.

[@timelessparad0x_]

Yea, good times as a little kid, now it’s time to move on. You will be missed RTS busses (even tho my parents kinda disliked it). It’s been a good few years serving us, now it’s time for you to retire :c

[@aaronsamuel2823]

@@timelessparad0x_ it's way too early for them to retire 2026 would be good for them to retire

[@BusDriverLife]

I love RTS buses!

[@cliffpadilla6382]

I honestly didn't know that yesterday was the last day for them. I'm sad to see them go. I rode them throughout most of my lifetime.

[@TheFoodieCutie]

Loved sitting in that single seat next to the back door! Best seat in the house!

[@DJBigNicky]

I miss the RTS busses. I grew up riding them

[@FernandoIfillRuiz]

I never thought that on Friday February 15th,2019 was the last time I would see them before they retire for good.

[@Sean8888TTP]

The Greatest Bus of all time.

[@AJsBusVideos]

A icon of most major cities, it broke my heart to here these beauties are now retired!

[@tommynunez1495]

Not goona lie, I actually shed a tear for these buses. These were great buses and took a beating. So many childhood memories riding these buses in NYC. I always wanted to be a bus driver and drive these things.

[@FordEscape12345678]

It's very depressing that they're finally retiring. If you ever wanted to own one however, they have lots for sale.

[@skrakaayyyyy_itzyostep]

Whelp, thats a wrap. RIP. RTS 06 Passenger Service from 1999-2019 Nice 20 years of operating... Now its time to go 😭

[@Johnnybegood627]

I've seen that RTS since the 80's and they served long enough to MTA. Hybrid might last for a decade and they started to phasing it out. The new blue buses is not reliable in my opinion.

[@skrakaayyyyy_itzyostep]

@Ali Muhammad ;-;

[@thexboxgamer9128]

Hey look at the bright side these will never be forgotten but these buses paved the way for newer high tech buses today. Not only that but in the subway the classical R32s are still running standing at 54 years old LONGEST RUNNING R-TYPE CAR 1964

[@bklynrich3304]

Damn, the mileage on those buses. Some of them ran better than these new craps they making now....

[@SomeRamdomAhole]

Well those new craps don't break down as often as these did sooo

[@sonicboy678]

@stylus850 Maybe you shouldn't try to use buses that are begging for maintenance...

[@Johnnybegood627]

If you ask a veteran bus operator which bus he wants to drive between RTS and those new buses, he will prefer the old one. I know the reason and that's a secret.

[@Johnnybegood627]

stylus850, that's one of the reasons.

[@cruzechevy3485]

@Ali Muhammad They sure do, I agree. Glad they didn't get the Westchester county buses.

[@Rebelnightwolfe]

If only MTA Maryland did something like this with the Flxibles. The only survivor is a lone Metro E and along with a converted Metro A and it's only shown during a private company event. And it is branded as a historic vehicle with no public appearances. You'll have to know an MTA mechanic AND be an employee to even get a glimpse of it. This video is quite nice. I can't believe MTA had them for so long!

[@j.t.5178]

Man, these buses will be missed! They were real workhorses! I know they were phased out since the early 2000s, but I would see them on routes every once in a while. I mean, they were on the M66/72 routes until a few years ago because these were the only buses that could fit under the low arches on the 66th street transverse. Thank you for your years of service!

[@uwaniharbison6689]

I'm going miss the RTS buses, it's was so exciting & an honor to have rode them ,they were some of the finest bus 🚍 models ever created and they'll never be forgotten!

[@coneyislandav2918]

These were my absolute favorite buses... #RIPRTS 1981-2019

[@sladetechnics3545]

38 years of service. Salute, it will be sorely missed.

[@kiddkiddstoy9867]

My men and I took great pride painting bus 5249 back to it's original paint scheme.

[@DJHammersTrains]

I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for taking pride in the history and heritage of our transit system!

[@kiddkiddstoy9867]

@@DJHammersTrains Thank you

[@W.L.Customs]

Man, things won’t feel the same without the RTSes, but honestly, I’d accept the fact that we should move on, even if we are to take our past along with us.

[@edwardcalvert]

I recall these buses well and it was sometime in early 1981 when it was on the news that Southern California Rapid Transit District had gotten them and they would be going into service. Those buses were way cool and I enjoyed riding them.

[@nyctenthusiast3507]

These were my favorite RTS and what the MTA did that day was amazing

[@NorthAtlanticRails]

I can't believe they have been gone for almost 3 years. I remember seeing these on the upper west side all the time when I was not even 5 years old.

[@lloydthomas11]

This hurt my heart. I grew up riding these buses. RIP.

[@davidhuang215]

I remember when I was young that the RTS's used to be very common on the Q58 bus service.

[@AEMoreira81]

For 5241, it was a long death march. It was sent to the breakers 2 weeks later. 5249 was retained for the MTA museum fleet while 4901 and (RTS 5227; the MTA already has a 5227 in its museum fleet, a third-gen New Look) were donated to museums in Kingston, NY and Lakewood, NJ respectively.

[@iicrxtical4241]

worst day of my life. I had so much memories on the rts riding them home on b41 they were the best!! I miss them

[@tyrek78]

This is the oldest bus mta has still running it’s so sad to see them go they still look fine tho!!!

[@bluer68]

Hope they preserve 1 with the other historic fleet 1980 Grumman Flxible 870 236 1981 GMC New look

[@adamdion7574]

Irvington81 apparently 5249 is preserved

[@nyctenthusiast3507]

5249 and 1201 are both preserverd

[@thefarsidefanthefarsidefan7374]

Hello, in 1981 it was the RTS bus the GMC New look was way before the 1981.

[@jeremynaraine]

I grew up riding these buses. So many memories.

[@acsupersport7981]

My favorite bus, goodbye old friend

[@elijrivera522]

We all grew up with the RTS in NYC for SURE

[@lgaalt6380]

RTS won't be forgotten

[@luiszeferino1999]

Great Video, The RTS’s Are The Greatest Buses Of All Time & I Will Never Forget The RTS’s

[@NativeNYker73]

Wow! There goes another piece of my NYC childhood lost to time. I remember when those buses were first brought online by MTA. There were considered fancy because they could 'kneel', ran so much faster than their predecessor, and had power-steering. I remember a driver on the B68 line (in Brooklyn) raving about the power-steering and how much better it was to drive those buses. So long RTS!!! Although I've been out of NYC since August of 1999, you'll always be a part of my childhood memories as will all things NYC and MTA.

[@moyai1713]

Remember when these bad boys ran on the Q54 bus route

[@qsman01]

I remember the Grumman cracked steering fiasco and IIRC these buses were bought at the replacement. I rode these to and from school in the 80s. They always looked huge, heavy and ponderous to me as a kid. Were all of these lift equipped? I also recall seeing signage that if you wanted a wheelchair bus you had to call a day ahead to request it.

[@metromannyc6033]

yes, the nyc bus fleet became the first 100% accessible fleet when the rts's were in full force

[@raysmith1583]

Be grateful, I havent seen an RTS in person since 1994 and that was also my last time being on one! I was still a kid! When D40s hit the scene in 93 or 94 it replaced the oldest bus fleet at the time which was...

[@thebronybusfan4740]

So New York finally removes the main bus that always represented New York after all these years. It just shows how well they were able to last and how reliable they are. Especially when you take great care of them. I don't know where MTA get their parts from unless they made them themselves. I'm glad to have made it to NY for the first time to see one in person. I just wish I took the opportunity to ride one... MTA, I would definitely consider keeping one as a historical figure for NY. It would be very beneficial for the history of NY. Rest peacefully you reliable piece of metal screaming Detroit's of joy and pride. You will never be forgotten.

[@ZonesYT]

Sorry for the 4 year reply, but 5249 and I think 1 or 2 other RTS-06's has been preserved

[@Cureforall4695]

They were great buses

[@Flash_Warn1ng]

These busses were my childhood

[@cats0182]

The RTS buses were initially built by GMC. When it got out of the bus building business, an entrepreneur took over and produced the final ones. They were American designed and American built. Unfortunately, can't say the same for the new buses.

[@Novaflyer7000]

Cats01 Canadian operators weren’t happy with the RTS so GM came up with a modern version of the Classic which was popular with American systems too!

[@isaacsorden]

I was in that video and thanks for posting this video. I love it and it was a pleasure to meet you guy's and the boss as well.

[@SomeRamdomAhole]

May these boys rust in peace

[@KeithOtisEdwards]

They can’t rust. The RTS was made of stainless steel. The side windows were bullet-proof Lexan®. It was the finest city coach ever made, but GMC Truck & Coach was sold off.

[@biga87718]

Actually they are made of aluminum. I own 3 of them I purchased at auction. Made by Nova Bus Roswell New Mexico and ran in Roswell for 7 years. Retired because of union contract that requires retirement after 7 years. None of the buses have 100,000 miles on them and all were made to run on methane or diesel but mainly run on methane. I also purchased an RTS bus run in California that isn't in near as good of shape and its actually newer but clearly was abused and over a million miles. Only purchased it because it was cheap 500.00 and drove it back to its birth place to be parts if I ever need them.

[@GrowlingMotors]

But why No D60HF Ceremony? Does The MTA Not Know How Special Those Were? They Were The First Articulated Bus For NYC

[@R32-DreamyNYC]

MTA Bus Faner! That sucks the Orion 7 CNG were my favorite buses too

[@iwillstareintoyoursoul9762]

@New York Bus Guy!, they still have one pending preservation.

[@DaDroolMonkeYT]

I remember riding these back in 2013-15 where a lot of busses in Queens like the Q56 and Q24 used to have the wheelchair people get on the back and everyone had to go up the stairs in the front of the bus instead of a ramp the Noises from it was classic though 🥇🏆

[@BJMediaTransit8516]

The last RTS units from 1999 were last operating at Ulmer Park Depot (Brooklyn Division), Flatbush Depot (Brooklyn Division), and Michael J. Quill Depot (Manhattan Division). There also were plenty of them at Jamaica Depot (Queens Division).

[@qolspony]

I remember when they first got started. New York City were experimenting with different bus models at the time. And this one was the most successful.

[@javierjavier7291]

These buses still look better than today’s…… I love them enough to own and occasionally drive my 1982 GMC 35’96” and working on fixing up my 1990 TMC also 35’96”

[@FinanceDreaming]

I used to ride this bus all the time on the Q39 and Q58 back when I was a kid, my mom would take me to work with her, ahh those were the simple times.

[@rivera5b]

I missed it too but like the late Rodney Dangerfield, the RTS finally got respect. Another thing, a retirement party is just what this bus model needed.

[@gtavstepfordcounty1733]

Poor bus ,shame to seee it being retired, hope Mta puts it in their heritage museum

[@FordEscape12345678]

Same I hope so too.

[@KBlade1]

I'm watching this whole video, to honor the bus I used to take, these buses are classic, I always call them the "old buses" whenever they came, wow, time flies

[@kitsunefaye1661]

😭😭😭😭😭😭 I CAN'T DO A MOMENT OF SILENCE!!!!!

[@johnquincyaddinmachine]

Man.... this was the M102 for me growing up.

[@TransitNerd]

THIS is where real, true men cried. 😭😭😭😭😭

[@TRUMPmyOSHI]

This is a part of my childhood. 😢💔

[@ibrahimore1934]

These buses might be old but they still look modern today

[@c.alvarado503]

I Remember rinding these RTS buses back in my homestate CA marin county i was born in 93 these buses where around for a while until there where retired in 2014 or 2015 or so i have to say i enjoy riding these buses i well definitely well miss these buses for sure and grate memory as well.

[@RDnAC]

Haha @ 0:28 someone says "shut the hell up"

[@mtattrain2]

Bus buffing is no joke to hardcore bus fans!

[@kalelc1996]

Sounds like Jordan

[@gamerairborne101]

0:27

[@courtneymetzgar5426]

Oh no my favorite buses are retired so 😔 very sad gonna really miss them

[@beepbeep3000]

Milwaukee County Transit System had 150 GMC RTS buses built in 1980. Still miss them to this day.

[@brooklynelite5428]

I will sure miss those as well as I did the grumman buses. Those buses had more room and built well compared to these new ones which seems smaller inside with less seating.

[@DANNYN224]

These nova rts buses sound great while in front sitting you can hear the engine and the Orion v as well

[@Jaytherailfan]

Good old days, I remember when I was a kid and would take the Q50 at whitestone and when I saw a Q25 or Q34 I would tell my mom that I didn't want to take that was I wanted to take a RTS because I thought that they looked really cool.

[@EthanF175]

these were part of my childhood, along with the orion 7s

[@slade747]

Gonna miss the RTS bus :(

[@FernandoIfillRuiz]

I used to ride the RTS bus those were my childhood to adulthood days and I’ll forever miss those buses.

[@QuarioQuario54321]

RIP RTS 1981-2019

[@rousedg]

Damn...this is going back for me. I remember when they were still running the 53102 Flxibles.

[@bouncin.with.boolay]

This is so sad because these were the best buses, Which is the RTS. Its quite sad to see them go away, but they wouldn't be forgotten and at least the MTA preserved them, unlike the redbirds that they dumped in the ocean, Lol.

[@cruzechevy3485]

For the redbirds in the ocean, that's stupid what they did.

[@AviTheWolf]

I was always creeped out by the rts rear door but they were cool anyways #Riprts

[@trainluvr]

Nice video, but nobody seems to have recorded anything resembling a ceremony. Just a display. I waited 55 minutes and left before a 59 minute late bus. At least I have a clear memory of an unplanned ride on RTS demonstrator 200 on the Q17.

[@R32-DreamyNYC]

I'm going to miss those Barrel Buses alot

[@yuuycockdemnations69420]

I spent 14 long years riding these buses. Man I'll miss them.

[@JROLL84]

I’m so happy I had the pleasure of driving this bus two years straight..loved it and I’m tall..but it moved in and out of traffic

[@professional.commentator]

Wait these buses are gone for good now?!?! 😱😱😱 I swear I didn't know this until just now. I'm so sad now. 😭 They had the best view from those window seats. And that uniquely interesting seat by the rear door was my favorite.

[@leonjohnson1824]

I work out of Quill i saw when they were moving them out. I will miss them because those things are TANKS. I even remember the RTS express buses out of Ulmer Park.

[@WooBino.]

I drove these for MaBSTOA and NYCTA between 1986-to around 2010.

[@villavine10]

All my childhood memories... GONE! 😭😭😭😭

[@villavine10]

I swear if they remove the r32 subway cars ima start a riot

[@hartplaysftw1300]

These were the busses of my childhood, and my favorite too 😪

[@lesliemiros6743]

Mine too

[@whackamolechamp]

I think I heard the beautiful sound of a Detroit Diesel 2 stroke in there!

[@DarkSlayer9291]

Memories of my younger years returned. Sad to see them go.

[@nycsubwayfollower3059]

Wait.. What about the B44 Line I still see them running in summer 2019

[@nicholassealy251]

Wow the amount of memories taking that particular bus. ✊🏾 #rts

[@killajakez]

Are you freaking serious? They are gone? All of them?

[@qolspony]

Grumman was actually the pioneer of modern buses for the 1980s. But they had there problems and RTS saved the day!

[@BJMediaTransit8516]

I remember a bunch of the RTS units when I rode them on the M66 from 2005 to 2007 when I went to Preschool.

[@MrBxbreezy]

I had no idea they legit did this, and ive seen a rare few still making their way around bowling green.

[@quiet776]

Im gonna miss Rts r.i.p we will always remmeber you

[@qolspony]

The buses before them, you could stick your hand and head out the window. And these buses made tint popular.

[@tubblescousine257]

Nice and damm unfortunately couldn't make it cuz of school but that's unfortunately life lol

[@lcampos223m]

The RTS they were assigned to the B41 as well I remember them there too

[@JamaicaZ160R1793010A]

Yeah. Flatbush was one of the last depots to have them.

[@matthewosman412]

DJ hammer you should make a video where they are getting scraped

[@matthewosman412]

Josiah Oliver It’s not dark it’s fucking awesome seeing old cars getting scrapped is awesome

[@FordEscape12345678]

It's really not. That's very depressing for us fans to watch. May they R.I.P

[@matthewosman412]

Ford Escape its what it is

[@FordEscape12345678]

@@matthewosman412 Absolutely not. No one wants a stupid video of them getting scrapped. As a bus/train fan, I wouldn't want to watch that. I also really wish MTA could've kept these buses a little longer. R.I.P rts buses you will be missed.

[@matthewosman412]

Ford Escape Yeah that’s a good point

[@marleychronic8530]

Is it me or did these buses hold more passengers than the newer ones

[@robleeg]

Always wanted to drive one of these as a city bus operator. Never got a chance too. I drove New Flyer 40ft regular bus & 60ft articulated bus. I drove the gilligs too

[@litephaze]

Like @MTA Bus Faner says! I grew up with those buses! I can't believe there gone! I hope/am glad that NYCT is saving one or two?

[@TheMrOct]

I’m finding this out now , these models are gone?? Omg those started when i was 6 years old, now way

[@professional.commentator]

Same and it's crazy how fast time flies by when I was a kid these were like the only buses on the street. Now they are no more.

[@thefarsidefanthefarsidefan7374]

I'm going to miss the RTS buses, my favorites are the very old GMC new look bus also nicknamed the fishbowl because of the large round windshield.

[@rodracer4567]

Glad I was able to ride them one last time

[@TheRailLeaguer]

RodriguezRacer 456 As was I. My last one was shortly before the last bus was taken out of service for the last time. Bus 5126 on the B41.

[@reinnegroni8462]

At one time when I got on the 5000 type buses & the bus on the RTS and catches fire on the Q24 bus in Queens. I dialed 911 & the FDNY responded within 3 minutes to take out the smoke. Thank goodness everyone got out alive including me. But I missed them already.