I am kind of partial to these old buses, because when I was hired at the Port Authority, these were the bus. These buses were bought in the early 80's and even though there were some frame issues, these buses served us VERY well.

These buses were PATs 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900 and the old 1600 series buses. There were roughly 400 of these buses in the system.

The buses were delivered at the time after the RTS came to Pittsburgh, and the stories I hear are that drivers would turn in the RTS for the Pennliner. They did have a great ride, and drove nicely.

I would like to give special thanks to Dave Childs, Ken Laughlin, and Ed Burik for their help with some of the photos on this page.

Here are some pix...

This is the drivers area of a 3900 series bus. The radio is mounted to the bottom bracket of the transfer cutter. Basic bus at best, as compared to out new Gilligs, but functional and got the job done.

The Pennliners engine. It was a Detroit Diesel 6V92TA. These engines moved the bus along nicely. The buses were before DDEC, so they were equipped with Williams Air Throttles.

Ahhh, the timeless look of blue vinyl...rather spartan by todays buses.

Port Authority painted 3901 in this neat looking scheme. Bus is sitting at Castle Shannon on 46S. Neither the route or the bus exist today. This was a Ross Division bus lent to West Mifflin Division.

3806 sitting at Franklin and School St, in beautiful Aliquippa.

1601 coming down Liberty Ave on the 11E Fineview Rt. These 16XX series buses could always be found on this route. A 40 ft bus will not fit on some of the turns on this route.

1603 sitting at Chartiers and Amelia in the Boro of McKees Rocks, on the 21C.

Here is newly rebuilt 1600 turning from Blvd of the Allies onto Stanwix St. I understand from a friend that this bus was TOTALLY rebuilt from the ground up. Looks real nice! Unfortunately, her run was very short lived, and she was scrapped soon after.

1609 sitting on Broadway Ave, in Beechview.

3728 at South Hills Junction picking up a passenger or two.

Pat 1610 coming to town from the Smithfield St Bridge.

Pennliner 3534 on its delivery to Manchester Shops.

3542 at the Station Square private bus lane to Carson Street, coming from the transit tunnel.

3550 on Wood St, Turning onto Oliver Ave, Downtown Pittsburgh.

3615 on the 16B route, coming into Bellevue on the High Bridge.

3730 coming onto the Smithfield St. Bridge leaving town.

3756 on Smithfield St in town.

Pennliner 3530 arriving at a stop on Smithfield St, In Pittsburgh.

Neoplan 3730 laying over in Brookline.

3932 sitting on row 23 at Ross. It sat here for a LONG time doubling as a dust collector.

Shorty Neoplan 1603 parked at Kennedy Center on the 21C West Park.

Here is something that you don't see much anymore... Pennliner 3817 all dolled up in its Christmas attire. Shot at the South Hills Rail Center. (Wonder it the sleigh made it through the transit tunnel)

3909 awaiting its fate at the repair row at Collier garage. See the front cover down and tow hooks installed. Its the end of the line for her. Nimco awaits.