Riding a CTA Optima Opus 30' bus on Route 85A

~Yes, I know there is an error in the video title screen- this bus is built by Optima, (now NABI) not TMC~

On-board one of the Chicago Transit Authority's 30-foot Optima Opus buses (now that the Flxibles are finally in storage, all in-service CTA buses are accessible and low-floor). These are the first 30-foot buses in CTA's history, and are used exclusively on routes in the Far Northwest side of Chicago (routes 54A, 64, 68, 69, 81W, 85A, 88, and 90N); in Hyde Park and the University of Chicago (routes
170, 171, 172 and formerly 173 to Lakeview, and 192); and in Evanston (the 201-Ridge and 206 Evanston Circulator.) All 45 of these buses are based out of the 103rd, 77th, and Forest Glen Garages, the latter being where this particular bus is based.

Here I am riding the 30-footer on route 85A-North Central (Avenue, that is), along where the avenue bends to follow the North Branch of the Chicago River and the large forest preserve straddling it, in the Edgebrook and Wildwood neighborhoods of Chicago, on its (extremely) far Northwest Side. Along with Edison Park, this is the northwesternmost extent of the CTA's service network, and one of the farthest-flung neighborhoods in the City of Chicago proper. It also has a Metra stop on the MD-N Line. This bus route eventually comes out on Touhy Ave, on Chicago's very northernmost boundary, with Niles, IL. On Touhy Ave, the world HQ of Shure, Inc, and the Leaning Tower of Niles can be seen- a local landmark.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• CTA
• bus
• transit
• Optima
• Opus
• 30-foot
• route 85A North Central
• Edgebrook
• Chicago
• Niles
• IL

[MJofLakeland1]

MTA Maryland use to have 3 of these for the Mondawmin Shuttle before they were retired in 2009 due to reliability issues. Do the CTA experience these issues?

[andymaniaca]

HOW CUTE!

[briyabrand136]

CTA!!!

[htownman24]

@danewusher No, this is really a 30' bus. The 35' version has three windows in between the two passenger doors while the 30' version only has two windows in between the doors.

[danewusher]

Its actually a 35 foot bus, it has 2 doors, that's the main difference between the 30 foot Optima Opus, and the 35 Foot Optima Opus.

[flxiblemetro9150]

I take you don't like Flxible Metros?

[Slain25]

From what I see, the interior almost looks like a Community Transit bus