The HSR had two versions of the Orion V. The 8900’s ran on diesel, while the 9100’s and 9200’s ran on Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG. The CNG version was easily recognizable, as it had a large bulge on its roof while the diesel version had no bulge. As well, the 9200's were the first HSR buses to have digital route signs installed.
The 8900s entered service in 1989, the 9100s in 1991, and the 9200s in 1992. The last CNG Orion V, HSR 9113, was retired on March 8, 2007, while the last diesel Orion V, HSR 8915, was retired on Apr 24, 2007
(All photos © Tom Luton, except where noted)
HSR 8902 at McMaster University, April 16, 2004
HSR #8904 at the MacNab Terminal, May 5 1990. (Photo by Paul A. Bateson, used with permission)
HSR #8905 at King & Hughson, May 5 1990. (Photo by Paul A. Bateson, used with permission)
HSR 8905 next to the McMaster University Engineering Building, Oct 23, 2001
HSR #8908 at King & Hughson, May 5 1990. (Photo by Paul A. Bateson, used with permission)
HSR #8909 at King & Hughson, May 5 1990. (Photo by Paul A. Bateson, used with permission)
HSR 8909 at McMaster University, Oct 24, 2001
Close up of HSR 8909 at McMaster University, Oct 23, 2001
HSR #8913 at Lamareaux & Strathcona, May 5 1990. (Photo by Paul A. Bateson, used with permission)
HSR 8915 at Gore Park, in August 2000 (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton Public Library, Local History & Archives)
Another shot of HSR 8915 at Stirling St at McMaster, Oct 25, 2001
HSR 8915 at McMaster University, March 25, 2004
HSR 9105 at James & Main, Dec 28 1992. Note the bulge on the roof, signifying a CNG vehicle. (Photo by Ted Wickson, used with permission)
HSR 9114 on the Beeline, Oct 23, 2001.
HSR 9115 at McMaster University, Oct 25, 2001
HSR 9205 trails GO Transit 2127 at McMaster University, April 16, 2004
HSR 9206 at McMaster University, Oct 24, 2001
HSR 9206 at McMaster, Oct 23, 2001
HSR 9208 and 9209, at McMaster University, Jan 15, 2002. Both buses are signed for the 10 Beeline
Look for YouTube videos on HSR Orion Vs here (External Link).
