Port Authority has had the Orion coach since the early 90's. These are in my opinion, some of the nicest riding buses that we have ever had. However, as they have gone in overhauls, new government EPA regulations, have caused some sporadic problems with performance. We had the Orion in two flavors, 35 and 40 foot models. The Orions were phased out as the Gilligs began to arrive. what a shame. They are missed.

Fleet numbers are from 2000-2124, in the first batch, with the second order in 92 and 93, being numbered from 2200-2299

Some of the Orions are special. 2120-2124 are Natural Gas buses (CNG), and 2290-229 are equipped with DD50 engines with various different transmissions. Most of the rest of the Orions are equipped with the Detroit Diesel 6V92 engine and 4 speed Allison. Look at the roster page for more information on the numbering as well as a few interesting facts.

 

 

Time for the pictures!

Orion Drivers area.

 

Passenger area. This was re-done to the same style that the Novas and later Flxibles had for seats.

 

35' 1675 parked at Ross.

 

1676 workin hard on the 54C, found at South Hills Junction.

Nice cold day as 2001 (and driver) relax after a heavy trip on the 16B Brighton.

 

2011 sitting off to the side, off road from a 16A Aliquippa.

 

Here is a CNG bus, check the natural gas tank on the roof. This bus was shot at Market Square, downtown.

 

2247 complete with the Twin Vision headsign, laying over at Pittsburgh International Airport, Route 28X.

 

1677 on lunch at West View Plaza, before leaving on the 500.

 

1666 turning from Wood St to 6th Ave while running on the 41E Mt. Washington.

 

1679 sitting at the old Foodland on Sweetbriar St, on the 41E.

 

2007 parked on Ross Park Mall Drive on the 12A.

 

2119 loading on 5th Ave. in Pittsburgh, Rt 71C.

 

2256 on Wood Street before the turn to 6th Ave.

 

2263 at Phillips Power Plant, on the 21A Route.

 

2282 on the 77B at 6th and Liberty, Downtown.

 

2210, the litterbug bus...I saw this bus once going down the road and something fell out the window...so much for litterbugs...lol. The picture was shot on Liberty Ave, Downtown.

 

1686 at North Hills Village, on Layover.

 

2272 in the parking lot at Camp Horne Giant Eagle, Recovery location for the 16/17B routes.

 

Bus 2010 with the gold triangle scheme.

 

DD50 powered 2211 at West View Plaza.

 

2105
Orion 2105 waiting at a traffic light in town.

 

orionunk
Freshly painted Orion, number 2069 completely bare of anything, sitting just outside of the paint booth at the Manchester main shop.

 

More to Come!