Transitfan.com Charters: Difference between revisions

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Transitfan.com Charters was founded in June 2011 with the planning stages starting in March 2011. The first charter began its planning stage in March 2011 and resulting us searching for a name. The name Transitfan.com Charters cam to life in May 2011. The name was chosen to represent the website, where the charter group was founded.
Transitfan.com Charters was founded in June 2011 with the planning stages starting in March 2011. The first charter began its planning stage in March 2011 and resulting us searching for a name. The name Transitfan.com Charters cam to life in May 2011. The name was chosen to represent the website, where the charter group was founded.


Our first and primary goal was to provide Transit fans, mainly the members of Transitfan.com<small>[http://www.transitfan.com/forum]</small> and Metrodemontreal.com<small>[http://www.metrodemontreal.com/forum]</small> with organized events to get together and most of all, '''HAVE FUN'''.
Our goal was to provide Transit enthusiasts, mainly from in and around Quebec and Ontario, with low cost bus charters with buses that everyone enjoys riding and photographing.


To date, we have concentrated on chartering one specific model, though this model was not our first intention it started a series of charters featuring 1994 NovaBus Classics. We have also charter a 1982 GM New Look.
To date, we have concentrated on chartering one specific model, NovaBus Classic's, with the exception of a mini-charter with a privately owned 1982 GMC New-Look.


== Organizers ==
== Organizers ==


Transitfan.com Charters has various members of Transitfan.com <small>[http://www.transitfan.com/forum]</small> as valuable charter organizers. Some charter incentives were proposed but never came to life, because of various reasons.
Transitfan.com Charters has variety of different charter organizers from various regions.


=== Pierre Mayer (Mystic) ===
=== Pierre Mayer (Mystic) ===
Pierre was one of the primary people that helped bring Transitfan.com Charters to life. Pierre is the owner an administrator of Transitfan.com, which regrouped all of the organizers together, in order to see the birth of Transitfan.com Charters. He is a valuable resource while planning because of the various events he has attented.
Pierre was one of the primary people that helped bring Transitfan.com Charters to life. Pierre is the owner, and administrator of Transitfan.com, which hosts the transit forums in which we discuss and plan our charters. He is a valuable resource to the transit community with a vast knowledge of transit vehicles.


=== [[User:Montreal66|Joseph McArdle (Montreal66)]] ===
=== [[User:Montreal66|Joseph McArdle (Montreal66)]] ===
Joseph was one of primary people that helped bring Transitfan.com Charters to life. He was the main planner of the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] #6405 Charter featuring a 1994 NovaBus Classic.  
Joseph was the main planner of the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] #6405 Charter featuring a 1994 NovaBus Classic from Laval, Quebec.
He was also a consultant and help for 3 other events held by Transitfan.com Charters.


Joseph was also consulted on the 3 other events held by Transitfan.com Charters.
=== [[User:MrTransitfan|Justin DiGenova (MrTransitFan)]] ===
 
Justin was the main photo and route planner, as well as a helper for the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] #6405 Charter.
Joseph is also the main person of contact between the organizers and the participants of the charter in question. Joseph maintains the TransitFanNetwork Facebook Fan Page <small>[http://www.facebook.com/TransitFanNetwork]</small>. He is also the person to explain the various stops and announcements during the charter.
 
=== [[User:MrTransitfan|Justin Di Genova (MrTransitFan)]] ===
Justin was another one of the members that saw the birth of Transitfan.com Charters. He has the main resource when it came to planning the first event of Transitfan.com Charters.


=== [[User:ProchaineStation|Anthony D'Amico (ProchaineStation)]] ===
=== [[User:ProchaineStation|Anthony D'Amico (ProchaineStation)]] ===
Anthony D'Amico was the third member that saw the birth of Transitfan.com Charters. He was one assitants in the planning of the Transitfan.com [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] 1994 NovaBus Classic Charter.
Anthony is in charge of photographing and recording what goes on the charters such as raffle winners, TransitFanNetwork videos, and group photos.  
He was a route and photo-stop planner, and helper on the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] 1994 NovaBus Classic Charter.


=== Simon Bégin (Artic2009) ===
=== Simon Bégin (Artic2009) ===
Simon is one of the busiest Transitfan.com Charter organizers. He was the brains behind the last 3 charters held in the regions of Trois-Rivères and Quebec City. Because of his vast knowledge of both cities, the second event featuring [[Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières|STTR]] #9403 was his first attempt of holding such an event which resulted in being more successful then the first event. His second attempt at planning an event, which was the most successful charter of the 2 previous was with the RTC L9419. His vast knowledge of the city made it possible to find the best photo stops in between departures. His internal sources within the [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] made it possible to get the last remaining classic currently in service at the [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] in the old STCUQ livery.
Simon is one of the busiest Transitfan.com Charter organizers. He was the brains behind the last 3 charters held in the Quebec regions of Mauricie and Capitale Nationale. He organized the [[Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières|STTR]] (Troi-Rivieres, Quebec) #9403 Charter, and [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] (Quebec City) L9419. His internal sources within the [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] made it possible to get the last remaining Classic bus model currently in service in the company's old livery.


He was also essential in organizing a follow-up event after the [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]]L9419 charter featuring Ex-STO 8202, which is owned by a private collector.
He was also essential in organizing a follow-up event after the [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]]L9419 charter featuring Ex-STO [Gatineau, Quebec) 1982 GMC New-Look #8202, which is a privately owned bus kept in Trois-Rivieres.


=== Kyle Harlow (Cogeno) ===
=== Kyle Harlow (Cogeno) ===
Kyle is a Transitfan.com Charters organizer that wanted to have an event featuring an STO Vehicle. Though his incentives were well planned, the interest in charter was not there, therefore the event never took place. A Future event in the STO area is still in the planning stages.
Kyle is currently in the planning stages of a charter featuring an STO vehicle.


=== Ryan Grant (TransitStop) ===
=== Ryan Grant (TransitStop) ===
Ryan is a Transitfan.com Charters organizer that wanted to hold an event featuring an OC Transpo Vehicle. Though his incentives were wll planned, the interest and other events led to the event being put on hold.
Ryan is currently in the planning stages for an OC Transpo (Ottawa, Ontario) charter.


== 2011 Events ==
== 2011 Events ==


His is a list of events held by Transitfan.com Charters in order they happened.
Here is a list of events held by Transitfan.com Charters in the order they took place.
 
=== [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] #6405. ===
=== [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] #6405 ===
Held in Laval, Quebec on June 12th, 2011. This event was supposed to feature a 1992 MCI Classic from the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] but because of dispatch issues we were given a 1994 Novabus Classic.
This was the first event which resulted in the birth of Transitfan.com Charters. Held in Laval Quebec, on June 12th, 2011. This event was first to be an event featuring a 1992 MCI Classic from the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] but because of dispatch issues we were given a vehicle from 1994.


This event saw various photo stops, some of which were unusual. Our Pick-up location was at Cartier Metro where we met up with the participants. We had a secondary pick-up location to accommodate other participants at Henri-Bourassa Metro at the [[Société de Transport de Laval|STLaval]] Terminus, which also doubled as a photo stop. We then moved our group to the other various photo stops which included;
Our Pick-up location was at [[Cartier (Montreal Metro)|Cartier Metro station]] where we met up with the participants. We had a secondary pick-up location to accommodate other participants at [[Henri-Bourassa (Montreal Metro)|Henri-Bourassa Metro]] at the AMT owned North terminal, which also doubled as a photo stop. We then moved our group to the other various photo stops which included;


*Gare St-Rose
*AMT Gare St-Rose
*Terminus Auteuil
*STL Terminus Auteuil
*Parc Lausanne
*Parc Lausanne
*Gare Ste-Dorthee
*AMT Gare Ste-Dorthee
*Terminus Le Carrefour
*AMT Terminus Le Carrefour
*STL Storage - Provigo Lot
*STL rented parking lot for unused buses at Provigo's distribution center.
*AMT Terminus Montmorency


We did our photo stop in the parking lot of the Parc Lausanne. Despite the rain, we did have some moments with some sun and received all positive feedback from the participants.
We did our group-photo at Parc-Lausanne.


Here is the group photo from the charter:<br>
Here is the group photo from the charter:<br>
Line 62: Line 60:


=== [[Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières|STTR]] #9403 ===
=== [[Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières|STTR]] #9403 ===
In July 2011, Transitfan.com charters decided to hold its second charter of the year. Held in Trois-Rivères Quebec on July 31st, 2011. This charter was planned by our organizer from Trois-Rivères, Simon and was backed-up by Joseph.
Held in Trois-Rivères, Quebec on July 31st, 2011.


This event saw various unique photo stops of which some were planned and some were not. Most of the photo stops held in the various terminis of the [[Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières|STTR]] and some of which were planned at the same time as other buses were to arrive to give an opportunity for participants to take pictures of the other buses from Trois-Rivières. Our pick-up location and first photo stop was at Terminus Centre-Ville, also the location of the Voyageur Bus Terminal. We then moved our group along the way to our other various Photo Stops, which included;
This event saw photo stops of which some were planned and some were not. Most of the photo stops were held in the various [[Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières|STTR]] terminals. Our pick-up location and first photo stop was at Terminus Centre-Ville, also the location of the Voyageur Bus Terminal. We then moved our group along the way to our other various Photo Stops, which included;


*CEGEP Trois-Rivières
*CEGEP Trois-Rivières
*Carrefour Trois-Rivières Ouest
*Carrefour Trois-Rivières Ouest
*Terminus Marel-Poulin - Route #4
*Terminus Marel-Poulin
*Aeroport de Trois-Rivières
*Aeroport de Trois-Rivières
*Bridge View (Unscheduled Stop)
*Pont Laviolette
*Termius Galeries Des Caps
*Termius Galeries Des Caps
*École Secondaire ???
*Terminus Fusey
*Terminus Fusey
*STTR Garage
*STTR Garage


Paricipants were also treated to a tour of the garage on the outside, and as a special surprise, we were able to pass through the Bus Wash and have an interior guided tour by our Driver Félix.
Participants were also treated to a tour of the garage on the outside, and as a special surprise, we were able to pass through the bus wash and have an interior guided tour by our driver.


Here is the Group Photo:<br>
Here is the Group Photo taken at the Airport:<br>
http://i.imgur.com/KFeZU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/KFeZU.jpg


=== [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] #L9419 ===
=== [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] #L9419 ===
In November 2011, Transitfan.com charters held its third charter of the year. Held in Quebec, Quebec on November 6th, 2011. This charter was planned by Simon Bégin, and was backed up by Joseph McArdle.
Held in Quebec, Quebec on November 6th, 2011.


This event was the most successful so far, we did not have many stops but we had access to an exclusive bus; The only bus of the active fleet that still remains in the STCUQ (Former RTC, pre 2001) Livery. We did not have many photo stops, because we decided that with little photo stops, it gave more time for the participants to take pictures and we accented it with various spurts of Highway for people to get videos.
We had access to an exclusive bus; The only bus of the active fleet that still remains in the STCUQ (Former RTC, pre 2001) Livery. We did not have many photo stops, because it was decided that with little photo stops, it gave more time for the participants to photo-shoot the bus at the stops we did have.


The various Photo stops included;
The various Photo stops included;


*Roland-Beaudin (Gare Autocar Ste-Foy)
*Roland-Beaudin (Gare D'Autocar Ste-Foy)
*Colline Parlementaire
*Colline Parlementaire
*Wilfrid-Caron/Racine
*Wilfrid-Caron/Racine
Line 95: Line 92:
*Terminus Galeries de la Capitale
*Terminus Galeries de la Capitale


The group were treated to an unplanned drive thru of the garage and a visit of the grounds. We took the opportunity to take our group picture at the garage, with the old bus, in front of the new logo.
The group was treated to an unplanned drive through of the garage and a visit of the grounds.


Here is the Group Photo:<br>
Here is the Group Photo taken at the garage:<br>
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381834_310931318933067_169322286427305_1311510_1664187614_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381834_310931318933067_169322286427305_1311510_1664187614_n.jpg


=== Private Charter: Ex-[[Société de Transport de l'Outaouais|STO]] 8202/Ex-[[Société de Transport de Sherbrooke|CMTS]] 32105 ===
=== Privately owned Ex-[[Société de Transport de l'Outaouais|STO]] 8202/Ex-[[Société de Transport de Sherbrooke|CMTS]] 32105 ===
After our [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] #L9419 Charter, one of the owners of Ex-[[Société de Transport de l'Outaouais|STO]] 8202/Ex-[[Société de Transport de Sherbrooke|CMTS]] 32105, Félix invited all the participants if they wish, come and ride the bus. Félix is part owner of the bus along with Jean-Sebastien Marcotte and Martin Caron. The bus was beautifully restored since the purchase.
After our [[Réseau de Transport de la Capitale|RTC]] #L9419 Charter, the participants were invited to a mini-charter with a 1982 GMC New-Look. Félix Parent, Jean-Sebastien Marcotte, and Martin Caron own the bus.


There were no planned photo stops, we stopped in 2 locations. Terminus Galeries Des Caps, where we picked up and dropped off, and an unplanned one at the Université de Quebec a Trois-Rivières, where we used the lighting in order to take our group photo.
We stopped in 2 locations. Terminus Galeries Des Caps, where we picked up and dropped off, and an one at the Université-de-Quebec in Trois-Rivières, where we used the lighting in order to take our group photo.


Here is the Group Photo: <br>
Here is the Group Photo taken at the University: <br>
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388304_310595935633272_169322286427305_1309834_1191133033_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388304_310595935633272_169322286427305_1309834_1191133033_n.jpg


Transitfan.com Charters ended their charter season with this charter.
Transitfan.com Charters ended their 2011 charter season with this charter.
 
== Futur Events ==


These events have not been officialized yet, as talks with the various transit aencies is still ongoing, as well as determining the Charter Route.
== Planned events ==


* Société De Transport de L'Outaouais GM New Look or GM Classic Charter
* Société De Transport de L'Outaouais GM New Look or GM Classic Charter
* Reaseau de Transport de Longueuil 1989 or 1990 MCI Classic Charter
* Reaseau de Transport de Longueuil 1989 or 1990 MCI Classic Charter
* Société de Transport de Laval 1992 MCI Classic Charter
* Société de Transport de Laval 1st generation NovaBus LFS Charter
* Société de Transport de Lévis GM or MCI Classic Charter
* Société de Transport de Lévis GM or MCI Classic Charter
* Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières 1996 NovaBus Classic Charter
* Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières 1996 NovaBus Classic Charter

Revision as of 20:27, 18 December 2011

Transitfan.com Charters is a non-profit Charter Group providing transit fans with various bus fan charters in different regions of Quebec, mainly in the Montreal Metropolitan Area.

History

Transitfan.com Charters was founded in June 2011 with the planning stages starting in March 2011. The first charter began its planning stage in March 2011 and resulting us searching for a name. The name Transitfan.com Charters cam to life in May 2011. The name was chosen to represent the website, where the charter group was founded.

Our goal was to provide Transit enthusiasts, mainly from in and around Quebec and Ontario, with low cost bus charters with buses that everyone enjoys riding and photographing.

To date, we have concentrated on chartering one specific model, NovaBus Classic's, with the exception of a mini-charter with a privately owned 1982 GMC New-Look.

Organizers

Transitfan.com Charters has variety of different charter organizers from various regions.

Pierre Mayer (Mystic)

Pierre was one of the primary people that helped bring Transitfan.com Charters to life. Pierre is the owner, and administrator of Transitfan.com, which hosts the transit forums in which we discuss and plan our charters. He is a valuable resource to the transit community with a vast knowledge of transit vehicles.

Joseph McArdle (Montreal66)

Joseph was the main planner of the STLaval #6405 Charter featuring a 1994 NovaBus Classic from Laval, Quebec. He was also a consultant and help for 3 other events held by Transitfan.com Charters.

Justin DiGenova (MrTransitFan)

Justin was the main photo and route planner, as well as a helper for the STLaval #6405 Charter.

Anthony D'Amico (ProchaineStation)

Anthony is in charge of photographing and recording what goes on the charters such as raffle winners, TransitFanNetwork videos, and group photos. He was a route and photo-stop planner, and helper on the STLaval 1994 NovaBus Classic Charter.

Simon Bégin (Artic2009)

Simon is one of the busiest Transitfan.com Charter organizers. He was the brains behind the last 3 charters held in the Quebec regions of Mauricie and Capitale Nationale. He organized the STTR (Troi-Rivieres, Quebec) #9403 Charter, and RTC (Quebec City) L9419. His internal sources within the RTC made it possible to get the last remaining Classic bus model currently in service in the company's old livery.

He was also essential in organizing a follow-up event after the RTCL9419 charter featuring Ex-STO [Gatineau, Quebec) 1982 GMC New-Look #8202, which is a privately owned bus kept in Trois-Rivieres.

Kyle Harlow (Cogeno)

Kyle is currently in the planning stages of a charter featuring an STO vehicle.

Ryan Grant (TransitStop)

Ryan is currently in the planning stages for an OC Transpo (Ottawa, Ontario) charter.

2011 Events

Here is a list of events held by Transitfan.com Charters in the order they took place.

STLaval #6405.

Held in Laval, Quebec on June 12th, 2011. This event was supposed to feature a 1992 MCI Classic from the STLaval but because of dispatch issues we were given a 1994 Novabus Classic.

Our Pick-up location was at Cartier Metro station where we met up with the participants. We had a secondary pick-up location to accommodate other participants at Henri-Bourassa Metro at the AMT owned North terminal, which also doubled as a photo stop. We then moved our group to the other various photo stops which included;

  • AMT Gare St-Rose
  • STL Terminus Auteuil
  • Parc Lausanne
  • AMT Gare Ste-Dorthee
  • AMT Terminus Le Carrefour
  • STL rented parking lot for unused buses at Provigo's distribution center.
  • AMT Terminus Montmorency

We did our group-photo at Parc-Lausanne.

Here is the group photo from the charter:
http://transitfan.com/gallery/var/albums/M66TG/charters/stl6405/CHARTER-6405-12062011-17.jpg

STTR #9403

Held in Trois-Rivères, Quebec on July 31st, 2011.

This event saw photo stops of which some were planned and some were not. Most of the photo stops were held in the various STTR terminals. Our pick-up location and first photo stop was at Terminus Centre-Ville, also the location of the Voyageur Bus Terminal. We then moved our group along the way to our other various Photo Stops, which included;

  • CEGEP Trois-Rivières
  • Carrefour Trois-Rivières Ouest
  • Terminus Marel-Poulin
  • Aeroport de Trois-Rivières
  • Pont Laviolette
  • Termius Galeries Des Caps
  • Terminus Fusey
  • STTR Garage

Participants were also treated to a tour of the garage on the outside, and as a special surprise, we were able to pass through the bus wash and have an interior guided tour by our driver.

Here is the Group Photo taken at the Airport:
http://i.imgur.com/KFeZU.jpg

RTC #L9419

Held in Quebec, Quebec on November 6th, 2011.

We had access to an exclusive bus; The only bus of the active fleet that still remains in the STCUQ (Former RTC, pre 2001) Livery. We did not have many photo stops, because it was decided that with little photo stops, it gave more time for the participants to photo-shoot the bus at the stops we did have.

The various Photo stops included;

  • Roland-Beaudin (Gare D'Autocar Ste-Foy)
  • Colline Parlementaire
  • Wilfrid-Caron/Racine
  • Terminus Les Saules
  • RTC Garage
  • Terminus Galeries de la Capitale

The group was treated to an unplanned drive through of the garage and a visit of the grounds.

Here is the Group Photo taken at the garage:
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381834_310931318933067_169322286427305_1311510_1664187614_n.jpg

Privately owned Ex-STO 8202/Ex-CMTS 32105

After our RTC #L9419 Charter, the participants were invited to a mini-charter with a 1982 GMC New-Look. Félix Parent, Jean-Sebastien Marcotte, and Martin Caron own the bus.

We stopped in 2 locations. Terminus Galeries Des Caps, where we picked up and dropped off, and an one at the Université-de-Quebec in Trois-Rivières, where we used the lighting in order to take our group photo.

Here is the Group Photo taken at the University:
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388304_310595935633272_169322286427305_1309834_1191133033_n.jpg

Transitfan.com Charters ended their 2011 charter season with this charter.

Planned events

  • Société De Transport de L'Outaouais GM New Look or GM Classic Charter
  • Reaseau de Transport de Longueuil 1989 or 1990 MCI Classic Charter
  • Société de Transport de Laval 1st generation NovaBus LFS Charter
  • Société de Transport de Lévis GM or MCI Classic Charter
  • Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières 1996 NovaBus Classic Charter
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