MTA New York City Transit (Bus):

Orion VII Next Generation HEV Demonstrator

The 2007 Orion VII Next Generation hybrid-electric demonstrator (numbered #1292A) first arrived in New York City in April 2007 for exhibition at the "Earth Day at Grand Central" event. It was later returned to the Orion plant in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

The bus arrived in New York City again in June 2007 for evaluation by NYCT. It was then housed in Manhattanville Depot and spent its time undergoing testing along the M60 bus route.

1292A was later renumbered 1292, repainted in the MTA Bus paint scheme, and was moved to MTA Bus Baisley Park Depot where it can currently be witnessed on routes Q110, Q111, Q112 and Q113. The bus has since had its front bike rack removed.

NB: All images below were taken on 2007.06.14.
image view The Orion VII Next Generation is seen approaching the intersection of Broadway and West 112th Street in Manhattan, following the eastbound M60 route.
image view Front and door side view of the bus, showing the frameless windows and completely redesigned front.
image view Rear view of the bus, showing the new Orion nameplate as well as the redesigned taillight fascias and rear ventilation grille. Note the "CAUTION: Engineering Test In Progress" sign.
image view Rear and door side view. The "Earth Day at Grand Central" wrap was used for an earlier exhibition of this same bus at the Grand Central Earth Day festival.
image view Stopped at a traffic light.