^They have it on draft as part of the normal line up as well

The ceremonial keg might have been mini but it was also on tap at both bars. As I find with most Moerlein beers, it is just average. Zero hint of the hops...

WVXU's Jay Hanselman has tweeted that the appeals court has upheld lower court ruling that city is responsible for costs of relocating Duke lines for streetcar project. Next stop Ohio Supreme Court.

 

What did the total cost of that relocation end up being?  I remember that Duke cited a ridiculous number at one point before construction began that was based on relocating the utilities more than twice as far than called for by the project.  I believe the cost was accounted for by the contingency fund, but I can't remember the details now.

I believe the city put $15 million in escrow at the beginning of the project. Not sure what the actual costs ended up being.

 

Hopefully the city continues to appeal. There's no reason that Duke should pay for utility relocation costs for highway projects but force the cost on the city for the streetcar... Other than an outdated Ohio law.

City is tweeting some great photos of today's streetcar testing in the central business district....

 

 

 

 

That's John Schneider[/member] and Maximillian[/member] in the 2nd photo

And a Red Bike. :)

During that last photo I was up in the skywalk above watching, and if it wasn't for the van 'boxing out' for the streetcar that S-bend seems like a tricky spot. Will it get signal priority there eventually or will it just have to yield to other traffic?

 

Overall when walking around on my lunch break I heard a ton of excited and positive comments, with only one guy saying, "I can't believe we spent 150 Million on this thing", all while taking a video of it on his phone. The group around the government square bus stop was very pumped for their first sighting of the streetcar and the little kids loved it when it honked its horn and rang its funny bell. This thing is awesome.

 

Streetcar's live power test delayed by child's helium balloons: https://t.co/JUYbvg8Hez via @wlwt

With it being symmetrical, you have to look closely at the pantograph and other thing, especially if there's no other vehicles in the shot, to know which way it's traveling. 

During that last photo I was up in the skywalk above watching, and if it wasn't for the van 'boxing out' for the streetcar that S-bend seems like a tricky spot. Will it get signal priority there eventually or will it just have to yield to other traffic?

 

Overall when walking around on my lunch break I heard a ton of excited and positive comments, with only one guy saying, "I can't believe we spent 150 Million on this thing", all while taking a video of it on his phone. The group around the government square bus stop was very pumped for their first sighting of the streetcar and the little kids loved it when it honked its horn and rang its funny bell. This thing is awesome.

 

 

It will have one of these signals

Hopefully the streetcar will also blow its GTFO horn when changing lanes at special intersections like that, just in case any careless drivers decide to run the red light.

Considering how terrible people are at stopping at the GIANT white line you're supposed to stop at, I'm concerned about people pulling forward and blocking the places where the streetcar has to turn across traffic or when it makes its turn onto 12th. I've seen on many occasions people pulled so far forward that it would be impossible for the train to make the turn even if it got its signal.

I've actually been surprised at how many people I've seen stopping at the correct place on 12th at Main. I'm thinking the city might want to add some "keep clear" markings to the road, though.

 

 

I also think that the markings need to be improved for the transit-only lanes. The streetcar symbol is a good start but they need to add colored stripes and text that reads "transit only":

 

 

They also need to add the double solid white line at every transit-only lane, the way they did at the Findlay Market stop on Race.

I think people are beginning to get the picture at 12th and Main. At Walnut and Central though I think people move forward since the line is so far back and just don't realize it.

 

It won't be a big issue other than during special circumstances, but the light at Race and 12th is definitely the worst in this regard The lanes being staggered stops people from realizing the west lane has to stop a good 20' further back. People just stop where the other lane stops and would block the streetcar from ever making that turn onto 12th. Thankfully this isn't a spot that will be in normal operation though.

Considering how terrible people are at stopping at the GIANT white line you're supposed to stop at, I'm concerned about people pulling forward and blocking the places where the streetcar has to turn across traffic or when it makes its turn onto 12th. I've seen on many occasions people pulled so far forward that it would be impossible for the train to make the turn even if it got its signal.

 

Or impossible for pedestrians to use the crosswalk. This happens all the time downtown even though most (should be all) intersections are No Turn On Red.

Yep. I can't count the number of times someone has gotten uncomfortably close to me with their bumper. I know this sounds high and mighty but I always make a point in those situations to let the person know they've crossed the line (lol) and are driving like a jerk.

I just saw the streetcar pass by on Elm and stop at Elm and Liberty. But then, the streetcar reversed and went backwards (south) down Elm. Weird!

I just saw the streetcar pass by on Elm and stop at Elm and Liberty. But then, the streetcar reversed and went backwards (south) down Elm. Weird!

 

It's performing braking and acceleration tests and Elm is the least traveled street with sufficient length to conduct the tests

What's this baby's 0-60-0 time?

What's this baby's 0-60-0 time?

 

It would be 32 seconds but it can't get to 60 due to the governor.

That was more of a joke since I didn't think it could even get that fast, but that's new information to me! Pretty cool.

What's this baby's 0-60-0 time?

 

It would be 32 seconds but it can't get to 60 due to the governor.

 

Just like Kasich to get in the way, again.

Real Time arrival signs being installed at the 12th and main stop.

What's this baby's 0-60-0 time?

 

It would be 32 seconds but it can't get to 60 due to the governor.

 

Just like Kasich to get in the way, again.

 

FTW. Nominated.

I noticed today that the streetcar construction staging area to the south of Ezzard Charles Drive is now completely vacated.

 

I really enjoy my drive to I-75 along Ezzard Charles in the morning. Neat to watch that neighborhood "waking up" with the kids walking to school etc. Seems like a pleasant walkable boulevard even though Ezzard Charles itself is a wide street. Should be interesting to see what development is proposed for the rather large construction staging area site and when.

 

Here is a concept I had for a streetcar spur down Ezzard Charles that would go right past the staging area: https://cincinnatiideas.wordpress.com/ezzard-charles-icon-line/

I noticed today that the streetcar construction staging area to the south of Ezzard Charles Drive is now completely vacated.

 

I really enjoy my drive to I-75 along Ezzard Charles in the morning. Neat to watch that neighborhood "waking up" with the kids walking to school etc. Seems like a pleasant walkable boulevard even though Ezzard Charles itself is a wide street. Should be interesting to see what development is proposed for the rather large construction staging area site and when.

 

Here is a concept I had for a streetcar spur down Ezzard Charles that would go right past the staging area: https://cincinnatiideas.wordpress.com/ezzard-charles-icon-line/

 

If you are going to the West End I'd rather turn right on Findlay, then figure out the best way to get to the heart of Brighton.

I don't know who took the photo on the right (hopefully they don't mind me stealing it), I took the one on the left.  I remember wanting to buy that house in the 90s when I first saw it, but it was in horrible condition then. 

 

 

jmecklenborg[/member] And I want to steal your side-by-side comparison for evil AAO purposes. :)

According to a memo from City Manager Harry Black that is sure to stir the Enquirer and surbananites that was released Friday:

 

"In closing, it is important to keep in mind that although we are nearing the conclusion of the construction of the current streetcar project, funding to support streetcar operations is structurally insufficient. This remains the case in spite of the efforts of the Mayor and Council to piece together various funding sources in an attempt to support streetcar operations. As a result of concerns that I have, I have asked our financial advisor to examine where we currently stand with regard to streetcar operations funding from a risk assessment perspective. The current and anticipated funding sources are not predictable, nor quantifiable in a manner that would adequately mitigate financial risk to the City’s general fund. I expect to provide you with the results of the assessment within the next two weeks."

 

http://city-egov.cincinnati-oh.gov/Webtop/ws/fyi/public/fyi_docs/Blob/3516.pdf?rpp=-10&m=1&w=doc_no%3D%272990%27

Now, after seeing it running on the streets of the CBD and OTR, we'll find out how much Cincinnatians value the streetcar.

According to a memo from John Deatrick that is sure to stir the Enquirer and surbananites that was released Friday:

 

"In closing, it is important to keep in mind that although we are nearing the conclusion of the construction of the current streetcar project, funding to support streetcar operations is structurally insufficient. This remains the case in spite of the efforts of the Mayor and Council to piece together various funding sources in an attempt to support streetcar operations. As a result of concerns that I have, I have asked our financial advisor to examine where we currently stand with regard to streetcar operations funding from a risk assessment perspective. The current and anticipated funding sources are not predictable, nor quantifiable in a manner that would adequately mitigate financial risk to the City’s general fund. I expect to provide you with the results of the assessment within the next two weeks."

 

http://city-egov.cincinnati-oh.gov/Webtop/ws/fyi/public/fyi_docs/Blob/3516.pdf?rpp=-10&m=1&w=doc_no%3D%272990%27

 

memo is from the City Manager, John Deatrick is just copied

memo is from the City Manager, John Deatrick is just copied

 

Right you are. Fixed. Thanks.

Wasn't a portion of taxes generated by the casino on the streetcar line earmarked to fund streetcar operations?

Wasn't a portion of taxes generated by the casino on the streetcar line earmarked to fund streetcar operations?

 

Yes it was, by the Mallory administration. Then Cranley was elected, diverted those funds elsewhere, and then claimed the streetcar had no operating funds and that Mallory/Dohoney were derelict in financially supporting the streetcar.

Now, after seeing it running on the streets of the CBD and OTR, we'll find out how much Cincinnatians value the streetcar.

 

This sounds ominous.

6 No, just the opposite. I'm optimistic that Cincinnatians like what they are seeing, and elected officials who make it difficult to offer service in the best way possible, with the best frequencies, will have a tougher time making the case that no General Fund money should go toward the streetcar.

Wasn't a portion of taxes generated by the casino on the streetcar line earmarked to fund streetcar operations?

 

Yes it was, by the Mallory administration. Then Cranley was elected, diverted those funds elsewhere, and then claimed the streetcar had no operating funds and that Mallory/Dohoney were derelict in financially supporting the streetcar.

 

 

Seemingly nobody remembers this, especially the red sweater guy. 

And when someone points it out to him he just responds, "well it wouldn't have been enough money because revenue is less blah blah blah." Then he repeats his statements later on that they hadn't ever located a source of funding and that the project was never fully thought through and was "over budget the minute bids opened" despite being told many times that an estimate and an actual construction budget are not one in the same and that years of delays and moving the project out of the cheapest period in decades to build was the cause of cost increases, not poor management.

 

I just don't bother interacting with him.

How late will the streetcar run each day?

 

City Hall could set operating hours for Cincinnati's streetcar this week – a decision to better accommodate people wanting to catch rides after a night out in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

 

A motion to establish the streetcar hours is expected to be put to a vote during City Council's transportation committee meeting Tuesday and then full council later this week. It calls for the streetcar to run until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

 

"It will be a lot more restaurant- and bar-friendly," Mayor John Cranley said Monday. "It just makes more sense."

 

Here's a look at the hours the streetcar could run when the system opens to paying passengers in mid-September:

 

• Monday through Wednesday: 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

 

• Thursday through Saturday: 7:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

 

• Sunday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

 

Cont

Looks good to me at first glance. Simplicity is nice. It can always be changed in the future if it is found out certain hours see very little usage or causes problems. Starting at 7 would be better on week days.

It's bizarre to me that city council is involved all the way down to the operating hours.  Talk about your micro-management!  It would feel more natural to me if details like this were left to the entity charged with operating the streetcar.

Looks good to me at first glance. Simplicity is nice. It can always be changed in the future if it is found out certain hours see very little usage or causes problems. Starting at 7 would be better on week days.

 

Without stating what the headways and peak hours are, it's impossible to evaluate whether or not this is a good operating schedule.

Why would anyone seek Cranley's input or advice on anything streetcar related? The man wants it to fail, even at the city's expense as we already know, so his opinion is not valid. It should be assumed that any suggestion he makes in regards to the streetcar would help lead to its ultimate demise.

The budget is fixed so late night hours will come at the expense of frequency. And we know that high frequency is needed during lunch times and after work based on evidence from other cities. This whole discussion is being driven by Cranley and is an overt attempt to set it up for low usage failure while at the same time appeasing his masters at 3cdc who want to support their bar business at all costs. How many times have we seen this routine from Cranley? Nothing is by accident with him. Please contact council and the sorta board and request low headways over late night operating hours.

The budget is fixed so late night hours will come at the expense of frequency. And we know that high frequency is needed during lunch times and after work based on evidence from other cities. This whole discussion is being driven by Cranley and is an overt attempt to set it up for low usage failure while at the same time appeasing his masters at 3cdc who want to support their bar business at all costs. How many times have we seen this routine from Cranley? Nothing is by accident with him. Please contact council and the sorta board and request low headways over late night operating hours.

 

done!

 

 

Here is the email I just sent. Feel free to copy and modify to suit your needs:

 

Before Cincinnati sets the operating hours for our streetcar system, we must look to other cities with successful streetcar systems and duplicate what has worked in those places.

 

One of the biggest benefits of streetcar systems over buses (and some other forms of transit) is their high frequency. When a streetcar travels on frequent headways, there is no need for riders to check a schedule. People wishing to ride the streetcar can simply walk to the nearest stop during operating hours and expect the next streetcar to come by within a few minutes.

 

While it would be nice for the streetcar to operate longer into the evening, this absolutely must not be done at the expense of short headways during daytime hours, when the system ridership will be highest.

 

The City of Cincinnati absolutely must not decide on hours of operation without also considering what the operating frequencies would be during those hours, given our current operating budget.

 

The longest-running modern streetcar in the U.S. is the Portland Streetcar. Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., each of Portland's streetcar lines operates on 15 minute headways. (However, since multiple routes use the same streetcar tracks in Downtown Portland, this means that passengers can expect a streetcar to come by about every 7 minutes.) Portland's streetcar ridership has grown from 4,000 per day in 2001 to 15,000 per day in 2016.

 

My recommended schedule for Cincinnati's streetcar system is as follows:

- Sunday 7AM-11PM

- Monday-Thursday 6AM-11PM

- Friday 6AM-1AM

- Saturday 7AM-1AM

- 12-minute frequency 10AM-7PM Mon-Fri

- 15-minute frequency other times

 

Thanks for your consideration,

 

Travis Estell

Over-the-Rhine

 

I sent this to the following addresses:

 

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected]

Why wouldn't we want the streetcar to run until 2 a.m. and how would that affect daily commuting schedules?

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/12/08/council-members-lean-toward-later-streetcar-hours.html?ana=e_cinci_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2015-12-09&u=eBB0XY5%2F1UAjjOKkVHe9mw0d49855a&t=1449669346

The budget is fixed so late night hours will come at the expense of frequency. And we know that high frequency is needed during lunch times and after work based on evidence from other cities. This whole discussion is being driven by Cranley and is an overt attempt to set it up for low usage failure while at the same time appeasing his masters at 3cdc who want to support their bar business at all costs. How many times have we seen this routine from Cranley? Nothing is by accident with him. Please contact council and the sorta board and request low headways over late night operating hours.

 

What are the proposed headways in the current plan? I see the merits of having late night service, but I agree that frequency is most important to the success of the system. 

Apparently the plan is still 12 minute headways during peak hours and 15 minutes off-peak. However the peak/off-peak hours are not defined in the alternatives put forward.

^Oh...this doesn't seem like a huge issue then. Is the concern that peak hours will be limited to traditional rush hours, while some feel they should cover the entire workday? Outside of the lunch hour, I don't see where there would be much demand for the streetcar during the day. How many people are trying to get from OTR to Fountain Square at 3 pm? I think I'd be fine with a more limited definition of peak hours if it meant later service. As long as we are maintaining minimums of 12-15 minute headways.