NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SERVICE INC.
|
| Fleet Nos. | Model Number | Length & Width | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-68 | TDH-5301 | 40 ft x 102 in | 1960 |
| 69-142 | TDH-5301 | 40 ft x 102 in | 1961 |
| 143-153 | TDH-4517 | 35 ft x 96 in | 1962 |
| 154-167 | TDH-5303 | 40 ft x 102 in | 1963 |
| 196-253 | TDH-5303 | 40 ft x 102 in | 1964 |
| 254-313 | TDH-5303 | 40 ft x 102 in | 1965 |
All GMC New Look buses were air conditioned. They replaced White 788s and GMC 5105s. Busorama ad wings were installed on most two- and three-digit bus numbers circa 1965. Some of the 5301s were still operating in 1978. Although the nominal capacity of these buses was 53 passengers, Public Service ordered them with 51 seats. This allowed a little more space for each rider.
The stop request cord sounded a buzzer like the streetcars did. Before 1971, operators collected fares by hand and rang them on two registers located on the center dash. In that year, buses received Grant fareboxes for exact fare collection, and the operator pressed a pedal that rang a bell when a transfer was presented by a boarding passenger. All buses came with express lamps. The 4517s delivered in 1962 were 45 passenger buses to be used on feeder lines such as Metairie, Palmer Park, and Marconi, but could be found on expresses as well.
Forty-three of the 196-313 series buses were rebuilt by Blitz Body Co. in 1978. These buses wore a B in the fleet number. Acquisition of advanced design buses from General Motors and Grumman Flxible in 1979-81 allowed NOPSI to begin retiring the fleet. A few GMCs made it to the RTA era and were replaced by M-A-N Americanas in 1985-86.
Some of these pictures may have been taken by John McKane, John Pappas, or Gerald Squier.
Scott Richards and Richard Silagi have shared photos from the Squier collection. Other images come from slides and prints purchased
on eBay from Thomas Helliwell, Bruce Korusek, and others. Press photos are some of the most recent purchases.
Photo credits are similarly acknowledged as above. Grateful appreciation to everyone.
GMC 1:
First of the series GMC 1 lined up for a Canal Street parade to introduce the new 1-68 series buses in a press photo dated November 7, 1960.
Note the Express flags. Photo from my collection added 05/26/19.
GMC 1 on Express 71 (Nashville via Earhart) at Baronne and Union Sts. on July 28, 1965. Visible in the
pavement are the former
St. Charles and Tulane Belts streetcar tracks, unused except for possible reroutes from
Carondelet and St. Charles Sts. during Carnival parades. These tracks were "gone" by the early 1970s in that
they were merely tarred over. I saw much evidence of trackage on Baronne in 1981 because the asphalt wore
down from traffic. Overhead is a dual wire for the Jackson
trolley coach line and a single streetcar wire over the other lane. Jackson was converted to diesel buses
in 1967. At left is a bus stop sign for Jackson, a typical white one seen in the Central Business
District, the French Quarter, and at route terminals. In the distance beyond Common St. is the Roosevelt Hotel.
On the uptown side of Gravier St. is seen First Homestead. At left is Bennett's Camera Store, where one
might take slide film such as the one this was shot on for 24 hour processing by Kodak. The detail of the slide is fabulous. We see the original
pale green window area and the olive green lower front endcap, belt stripe, and lower panel. The express lamps do not seem to be illuminated; it's
possible they were flashing and happened to be off at the time of the photo. While I call them GMCs on this page,
the maker's emblem typical of early New Looks says GM. The curbside advertising card is for Taaka Vodka, which
appeared on many of NOPSI's streetcars and buses in that era. Scan comes from a slide in my collection.
Photo originally added 10/28/11 and replaced 07/24/14.
GMC 2:
GMC 2 on Express 71 at Canal and Baronne Sts. in a nighttime shot from an unknown year.
Photo courtesy Aaron Handy III added 11/21/18.
GMC 3:
GMC 3 at the terminal of South Claiborne-Carrollton via Poydras in an uncredited slide stamped April 1973.
One photo added 11/22/18.
Former NOPSI GMC 3 is now Pioneer Bus Corp. 1449 on the Shea Stadium line at Flatbush and Nostrand Aves. on June 18, 1976.
Scan of an Alan E. Bromberger slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 7:
GMC 7 on Express 71 (Nashville via Earhart) on Nashville Ave. in a States press photo
stamped November 7, 1960. The photo was published to announce the introduction of the new 1-68 series coaches.
One image added 03/03/19.
GMC 15:
GMC 15 on the Freret line upbound at St. Charles Ave. and Julia St. in April 1973. One photo added 07/27/16.
GMC 15 is now owned by a bus operator in New York, seen at their Liberty Yard on November 27, 1975. Another former NOPSI GM
is visible at the right. Scan of a slide by Donald Weiss added 04/10/20.
GMC 19:
GMC 19 on the Freret line downbound at Carondelet and Common Sts. in full image and cropped versions of a slide in my collection.
Two photos added 09/27/14.
GMC 21:
GMC 21 on the Freret line upbound at Baronne St. and Howard Ave. in April 1973. Scan of an uncredited slide from my
collection added 10/09/17.
GMC 22:
GMC 22 on the Freret line downbound on Carondelet St. past St. Joseph St. in an uncredited
slide stamped April 1973. One image added 03/03/19.
GMC 26:
GMC 26 signed for South Claiborne-Carrollton via Poydras at Broadway and St. Charles Ave. in an uncredited slide marked April 25, 1973.
The bus is apparently deadheading from Arabella Station via Magazine and Broadway. One photo added 11/22/18.
GMC 30 AND 285:
GMC buses 30 and 285 lay over at the South Claiborne (Napoleon via Melpomene) terminal on
October 21, 1973. The yellow decal under the curbside headlights says "Exact Fare 15¢".
Over bus 30 are two billboards; the right one is a political ad to elect Frank Minyard coroner and
the left one advertises the "lagniappe" larger loaf of Sunbeam bread. Most NOPSI terminals
had white bus stop signs as seen at left. Left side ad wing on 285 advertises Delta Airlines and
Protect-O-Lite from the Public Service. Left side ad wing on 30 advertises WRNO-FM.
The photo shows a good comparison of the marker light above the driver's side window. GM 5301s
had a rectangular light; 5303s had a bullet type like earlier 5105s. Napoleon via Melpomene operated locally
during the limited stop hours of Carrollton via Poydras, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily except Sunday.
Scan from a slide in my collection. One photo added 06/19/11.
GMC 31:
GMC 31 on the Freret line at St. Charles Ave. and Canal St. on an April 1973 evening. Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 35:
Former NOPSI GMC 35 is now Pioneer Bus Corp. 1445 at the Liberty Yard on February 20, 1976.
Scan of a slide by Alan Bromberger added 03/11/24.
Former NOPSI GMC 35 is now Pioneer Bus Corp. 1445 on the B100 line at Kings Hwy. and East 16th St. on June 26, 1976.
Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 36:
GMC 36 and 154 on the Freret line at Howard Ave. and Carondelet St. on April 18, 1964.
Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 40:
GMC 40 on the Napoleon line outbound at Napoleon and So. Claiborne Aves. on April 25, 1973.
Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 02/04/18.
GMC 40 on the Broadway line outbound at St. Charles Ave. on April 25, 1973. GMC 26 marked for the Poydras branch of S. Claiborne is
deadheading behind it. It's odd that the same bus is on two disconnected lines on the same date, since NOPSI is not known for
combining or through routing coaches, but April 25, 1973 is written on each slide mount.
Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 02/04/18.
GMC 41:
GMC 41 in front of a 1700 series White (side banner says Workhorse of the Transit Fleet, Gasoline Powered,
Gradually Being Retired), GMC old look 1967 (banner generally unreadable but mentions the air conditioning
unit mounted on this coach), and other new 5301s (One of 68 Air-Conditioned Transit Liners, something New Orleans)
at City Hall to announce the introduction of the 1-68 series New Looks, which are flying Express pennants.
This is a press photo November 7, 1960. One image added 03/03/19.
GMC 42:
GMC 42 on South Claiborne (Carrollton via Poydras) passes the tearing down of the St. Charles Hotel (another landmark lost to time)
on St. Charles and Common Sts. about June 1974 in a photo by Earl Hampton, Jr. The curbside express lamp is lighted, but the streetside one
does not seem to be on. The lamps were displayed when this branch of South Claiborne was in operation, daily except
Sunday, about 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On the Busorama is advertisement for Newscene 8, broadcast on WVUE-TV, then
the New Orleans ABC affiliate. The news team is listed on the rear ad panel: Alec Gifford, Nash Roberts, and
Buddy Diliberto. One photo added 03/13/11.
GMC 48:
GMC 48 signed for South Claiborne on Jeanette St. heading for Carrollton Station in April 1973. Note the
caved in driver's corner and curbside shifted bumper. Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 10/09/17.
GMC 50:
Earl Hampton, Jr. shot of GMC 50 on the Freret line at Canal and St. Charles Sts. in March 1971. Car 914 is turning from the Canal neutral ground
into St. Charles. One photo added 04/13/11.
GMC 56:
Former NOPSI GMC 56 at the Pioneer Bus Corp. yard on February 27, 1976.
Scan of an Edward T. Gibbs slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 59:
GMC 59 on Express 91 at Decatur and Dumaine Sts. on April 28, 1964.
Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 60:
GMC 60 on South Claiborne (Carrollton via Poydras) at St. Charles Ave. and Canal St. in an uncredited
slide stamped April 1973. There's a Chevrolet pickup truck with hood up to the right, next to Rubenstein
Bros. clothing. One image added 03/03/19.
GMC 61:
GMC 61 on the Lake Vista line inbound at Canal and St. Charles/Royal Sts. on an April 1973 evening.
Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 04/21/18.
GMC 62:
GMC 62 on the Franklin bus line in a States-Item press photo credited to Tony Vidacovich stamped March 15, 1973. A caption pasted
on the back side of the print says, "French Quarter dilemma: Big buses on Bourbon and Royal Streets." This refers to
the growing concern that buses travelling within narrow Quarter streets were too large for them and perhaps causing
damage to vintage buildings from vehicle vibrations. There would also be the problem of buses not being able to
adhere to schedules because of traffic jams. The solution was to move all routes to perimeter streets and introduce
the new Vieux Carre line, operated with Flxette trolley bodied buses, on January 1, 1974. This photo is on Bourbon
between Iberville (back entrance of Woolworth) and Bienville ahead of the bus. Two of the adult entertainment
establishments are seen: Club Hotsy Totsy and Sho-bar. The one time my family rode Franklin down Bourbon,
our mom made us duck down so we wouldn't see such places (lol). One image added 03/03/19.
GMC 72:
GMC 72 on a St. Charles bus substitution at St. Charles and Jackson Aves. on September 14, 1965.
Scan of a Times-Picayune photo added 11/21/18.
GMC 76:
GMC 76 on the Canal Lake Vista line outbound at Canal, Bourbon, and Carondelet Sts. in 1968. Scan of a slide marked Traction Photographs in my collection.
One photo added 09/27/14.
GMC 76 on the Jackson line in 1978. My photo.
GMC 83:
GMC 83 on the Desire line at Royal and Canal Sts. on an evening in April 1973. Scan of an uncredited slide from my
collection added 10/09/17.
GMC 99:
GMC 99 on Canal Cemeteries outbound approaching Canal and Bourbon Sts. in April 1973.
Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 07/13/20.
GMC 99 at Canal and Chartres Sts. about January 1974 in a photo by Earl Hampton, Jr. Canal street lines (Cemeteries, Lake Vista, Lakeshore, Express 80,
and Express 81) used the neutral ground (median) busway from 1964 to 1997. In the background at the corner of Exchange Place
is a Royal Castle Hamburger restaurant, famous for their square little burgers served with chopped onions and mustard.
Burger King later occupied that location, and Popeyes Chicken now operates there. To the right, not visible, is the
site of the Marriott Hotel. The rear bumper of 99 looks pretty beat up.
One photo added 04/13/11.
GMC 110:
GMC 110 on the Freret bus line at St. Charles and Common Sts. Behind it is GMC 300 and a Perley Thomas streetcar on the
St. Charles line. From the Gerald Squier collection courtesy Scott Richards. One photo added 01/15/14.
GMC 110 on the Jackson line at the terminal of Jackson Ave. and Tchoupitoulas St. on May 30, 1978. Scan of an uncredited slide from my
collection added 10/09/17.
GMC 114:
GMC 114 at Carrollton station on February 27, 1976. Also visible are Perley Thomas car 965, GMC old look 1928, and GMC new look 119.
Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 116 AND 126:
GMC 116 and 126 are two of the buses seen inside Carrollton Station. The 126 is over one of the service
pits, which I assume is sealed against underground water prevalent in New Orleans. Oh yes, there's car 921.
Slide taken in April 1973 added 07/27/16.
GMC 116 on jack stands at Carrollton station on February 27, 1976.
Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 122:
GMC 122 on the Tulane line at the Palmer Park layover (S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Aves.) on March 30, 1970. St. Charles streetcar no. 930
is at the neutral ground layover of that line. Slide by Charles B. Porter from the collection of H. George Friedman.
One photo added 09/15/12.
Carrollton Station scene from April 1971 shows car 971 on the left with some GMC buses, old look 1927 and new looks 122 and 110. Scan
from a slide in my collection. One photo added 01/07/12.
GMC 122 on the Tulane line at S. Liberty St. in January 1979. Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 124:
GMC 124 signed for Tulane rests at Carrollton Station in the early 1980s.
GMC 126:
GMC 126 off the Tulane line on Jeannette St. approaching Carrollton Station in April 1973. One photo added 07/27/16.
GMC 126 and 124 at Carrollton Station in April 1973.
Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 04/21/18.
GMC 131:
From the 1974 NOPSI Transit Guide (600 DPI scan), here is GMC 131 on the Lake bus line. The photo illustrates
how easy it is for children to use transit to attend school.
Beginning September 1975, Orleans Parish, with funds paid by the state, bought student tickets from NOPSI to distribute
to those who lived at least one mile from the nearest school.
GMC 143:
GMC 143 and AM General 435 at Carrollton Station in September 1978. A neon NOPSI sign is prominent
in the foreground. Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 10/09/17.
GMC 144:
From the Scott Richards collection comes GMC 144 on the Express 92 (Franklin via Leon C. Simon) line at Canal and
Exchange Place. Date is likely after January 1, 1974, when the routes that used to travel on Royal, Bourbon, Dauphine,
and Burgundy were rerouted to streets on the perimeter of the French Quarter. Two photos added 03/03/19.
GMC 145:
GMC 145 on the Metairie bus line at the Cemeteries terminal, Canal Blvd. and City Park Ave. Photo (possibly taken by Jerry Sires) from the Gerald Squier
collection courtesy Scott Richards. One photo added 01/15/14.
GMC 145 signed for Marconi at Canal Station in October 1975. Scan of an uncredited slide added 04/10/20.
GMC 151:
GMC 151 on the Metairie line outbound at Pontchartrain Expwy. (Interstate 10) in a slide dated October 1975.
The nose of a NOPSI service vehicle is visible at left. Metairie charged an extra fare (the express surcharge) for crossing into Jefferson Parish.
Louisiana line patrons could jaywalk across Metairie Rd. to transfer here.
One photo added 07/08/13.
GMC 153:
GMC 153 signed for the Louisa line (but with a Metairie side sign) at Canal Station in a slide dated September 1976.
The Busorama ad wings just barely fit the sides; it appears to be cut away at the rear.
One photo added 07/08/13.
GMC 163:
GMC 163 on the Canal Lake Vista line outbound on December 6, 1973.
States-Item press photo by Robert T. Steiner added 12/16/19.
GMC 199:
A rear shot by Roy Gabriel of GMC 199 inbound at Canal and St. Charles on September 1, 1964. The Canal streetcar line had just been converted to buses
on May 31. At left is St. Charles streetcar 948 entering the neutral ground. Coming toward the camera is GMC 29 on the Canal Cemeteries line.
Interesting note: the headsign is patterned after the end-to-end destinations on the Broad (Lowerline-Wright Rd., Washington-Cerise,
Lowerline-Michoud, etc.) and the Galvez (Poydras-Delery) routes. However, this sign says Canal (Cemeteries-blank). I do not know if
NOPSI intended to put in an inner destination of Wells, River, or something else. Most signs were centered up to say Canal on top
and Cemeteries on bottom. The D.H. Holmes store at right is getting a facelift. Two photos added 04/21/12.
GMC 202 and 213:
GMCs 202 (Express 81, with lamps illuminated) and 213 (Canal-Lake Vista) inbound at Canal and Camp Sts.
in a States-Item press photo stamped August 14, 1964. Construction of the new Canal busway replacing the old
streetcar right-of-way was almost completed, and the Canal bus family currently using curbside stops
would soon occupy it. Of course, every business seen in this image is gone. The Cigali Building at extreme left
became the Giani Bldg. (apartments). Two images added 03/03/19.
GMC 203:
From the 1974 NOPSI Transit Guide (600 DPI scan), here's GMC 203 demonstrating that the Public Service bus fleet
is available for charter within the City of New Orleans. Notice that there is an "Express 20˘ Fare"
sign hanging at lower curb side of front. This sign covered the "Exact Fare 15˘" sign usually
displayed as shown in the picture of 131 above.
GMC 204:
GMC 204 on Canal Lakeshore at the outer terminal at Canal Blvd. and Amethyst St. on August 14, 1976.
Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 07/13/20.
GMC 208:
GMC 208 on Canal Cemeteries outbound at Canal and Dauphine Sts. in May 1968. The livery shows a bright lime green
around the windows, an olive green stripe above the belt, and no paint along the skirts. Later repaints would bring
a pale green around the windows and olive green lower panels. Note Godchaux's store on the
right. Number 208 was the first bus on the Canal line when streetcars were discontinued in 1964.
Two photos added 10/24/11.
GMC 226:
GMC 226 on the Canal Lake Vista line outbound at Bourbon St. in April 1973. Scan of an uncredited slide from my
collection added 10/09/17.
GMC 233:
GMC 233 signed for Leonidas at Canal Station in August 1975.
Scan of an uncredited slide added 12/16/19.
GMC 238:
GMC 238 marked Bus Garage leads a three bus "train" inbound at Canal St. and St. Charles Ave. in an uncredited slide
added 03/03/19.
GMC 238 on the Desire line outbound at Canal and Bourbon Sts. on February 11, 1976. Scan of D.N. Hess collection slide
added 10/09/17.
GMC 248:
GMC 248 on the Desire line at Royal and Conti Sts. on March 15, 1973. This Times-Picayune press photo by A.P. Vidacovich
was intended to show that heavy traffic in the French Quarter was slowing down transit service. NOPSI's solution was to reroute all transit lines
to perimeter streets and introduce the new Vieux Carré line at the beginning of 1974. Scan added 12/16/19.
GMC 249B:
GMC 249B (Blitz rebuild) on the Desire line at Canal and Bourbon Sts. F.W. Woolworth is behind the bus.
GMC 251:
GMC 251B (Blitz rebuild) on the Read Blvd. line at Chef Menteur and Read.
GMC 255 (and friends):
GMC coaches 255, 267, 258, 289, 278, and 286 at Canal Station on March 31, 1966. They represent the latest series of 5303 coaches, purchased
in 1965. For many years, the streets through the station complex were open to the public. NOPSI later fenced off these streets.
Scan of a States-Item press photo added 12/16/19; replaced with improved edit (to remove proofing marks) 04/11/20.
GMC 256:
GMC 256 was painted in bicentennial colors for 1976. Seen on North Peters Street. Earl W. Hampton, Jr. photo.
See bus no. 276 below for another shot of 256.
GMC 266B:
GMC 266B (Blitz rebuild) and Flxette 1005 are among the buses at rest in Canal Station.
One photo added 03/16/11.
GMC 266B (Blitz rebuild) on the Desire line on Canal Street in the early 1980s.
GMC 271:
From the 1974 NOPSI Transit Guide (600 DPI scan), here's GMC 271 signed for Canal-Cemeteries in front of D.H. Holmes (Canal and Dauphine).
GMC 274B:
GMC 274B on the Canal-Cemeteries line at Canal and Bourbon Sts. Dated March 20, 1983, the
Times-Picayune press photo by G. Andrew Boyd illustrates an article about the effects of losing
transit if a sales tax is not voted upon favorably in the Saturday election. Scan from my collection added 04/10/19.
GMC 276:
GMC 276 and 256 in Bicentennial livery at Carrollton Station on March 22, 1976. 256 has its express lamps turned on.
Scan of a Times-Picayune photo added 11/21/18.
GMC 278:
GMC 278 from the 1974 NOPSI Transit Guide (600 DPI scan) is signed for Express 80, and the
express lamps are turned on.
GMC No. 305B:
GMC 305B is signed for the rarely seen South Claiborne to Nashville branch. Four uptown bound morning peak trips terminated
at Nashville Ave. The express lamps are still turned on for its just completed downtown bound trip on Carrollton via Poydras.
Behind 305B is GMC 232 on the Freret line, and car 947 is about to turn uptown onto St. Charles Ave.
All vehicles have the original RTA logo on the sides.
This slide was taken on May 2, 1985 and is copyrighted 2015 by Peter Ehrlich, used with permission.
Two photos added 01/14/15.
GMC 307B:
GMC 307B (Blitz rebuild) on the South Claiborne-Carrollton via Poydras route at Carondelet and Common Sts.
in late 1981 or early 1982. The Busorama ad wing asks for the election of Mayor Morial "for a greater New Orleans".
Note the express lamps are lighted for this limited stop service. One photo added 05/11/11.
GMC 308:
GMC 308 on Express 70 at the outer terminal of S. Carrollton and St. Charles Aves. in April 1973. One photo added 07/27/16.
GMC 310:
GMC 310 with AM Generals 430 and 423 at Arabella Station on December 18, 1974. Scan of a Times-Picayune press photo by Philip Ames added 04/11/20.
GMC 312:
GMC 312 on the Magazine line at Canal and Magazine Sts in a Times-Picayune photo by Philip
Ames stamped May 3, 1974. Scan from my collection added 04/10/19.
GMC 313B:
GMC 313B (Blitz rebuild) on the South Claiborne-Napoleon via M.L. King route at Loyola and Tulane Aves.
in late 1981 or early 1982. This bus also has an ad on the wings for reelection of Mayor Morial.
VARIOUS GMC NEW LOOK BUSES:
Two people are blocking the fleet number of this GMC 5301 coach turning from Royal to Orleans Sts. on July 19, 1971.
The gentleman appears to be a NOPSI employee, suggested by the hat, and the woman is a peace officer. This detour
suggests the reroute to close off the upper portion of Royal for pedestrian traffic prevalent in the early 1970s.
Times-Picayune press photo by M. Bates added 12/16/19.
Visible from the Jeanette St. side of Carrollton Station in April 1973 is a number of GMC buses, including
117 and 126. Scan of an uncredited slide from my collection added 10/09/17.
A 5301 series GMC bus with two digits is marked Desire Florida and turns from Burgundy St. to Esplanade Ave.
This was part of the midday detour around Royal and Bourbon Sts. when they were made pedestrian malls. In peak
hours the barriers were removed and traffic continued as usual. Earl W. Hampton, Jr., circa January 1974.
One photo added 03/13/11.
Two 5301s (note square marker lamps on foreground bus) lay over at S. Claiborne and S. Carrollton
about 1978. Neither bus has ad wings. Two photos added 03/16/11.