^ Love it when COAST resorts to saying we need light rail for the streetcar to succeed. Wonder if these guys ever think their comments through.

Enquirer is getting more and more desperate

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130819/NEWS01/308190065

 

"Don't want a streetcar?  What about a trackless trolley?"

^That's Cranley's invention, a reprise of the Winburn Plan, which itself was dropped on the media twice.  If you read their website, you can tell Cranley himself wrote it, just like he's quite obviously written a few LTE's and remarks someone gave before council at the last emergency streetcar meeting.

Why all of a sudden would they run this article when the hop on proposal has been out there for how long? 

 

And the southbank shuttle should not be motivation to start something similar to that here... NKY riverfront isnt exactly awesome.

Enquirer is getting more and more desperate

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130819/NEWS01/308190065

 

"Don't want a streetcar?  What about a trackless trolley?"

 

^ The Comments on this article were so uniformly negative that the Enquirer took them down already.

And the southbank shuttle should not be motivation to start something similar to that here... NKY riverfront isnt exactly awesome.

 

There are a lot of worthwhile destinations in Newport, Covington, and Bellevue, and there is some really high quality historic housing stock as well.  That has nothing to do with the Southbank Shuttle, but the potshots at NKY are not necessary or accurate.

While the southbank shuttle may not be as good as a streetcar, its still a very handy transit route (I kind of wish they ran it later on weekends to allow for people to circulate between downtown, newport and mainstrasse for drinking), I use it all the time when I'm with family who live near the river in Covington.

 

Also wish it ran to Bellevue as that area is up and coming, in the shadow of downtown, and yet lacks a transit route that runs less than an hourly to get there O_o

And the southbank shuttle should not be motivation to start something similar to that here... NKY riverfront isnt exactly awesome.

 

There are a lot of worthwhile destinations in Newport, Covington, and Bellevue, and there is some really high quality historic housing stock as well.  That has nothing to do with the Southbank Shuttle, but the potshots at NKY are not necessary or accurate.

 

sorry I wasnt clear enough in my original post.  definitely NKY has some great spots i have nothing against it.  i was making the connection with transit and development tied to the southbank shuttle. 

 

anyway didnt mean to come off in a negative light.  the more the region succeeds the better it is for everyone.

^No problem.  I've just always felt that the "us versus them" mentality that exists on both sides of the river doesn't help us move forward as a region.  I totally agree with you that none of that development is attributable to the southbank shuttle, which basically exists to connect the stuff that was already present when it was introduced (Reds, Bengals, Fountain Square, Mainstrasse, NOTL, etc.).

 

Also wish it ran to Bellevue as that area is up and coming, in the shadow of downtown, and yet lacks a transit route that runs less than an hourly to get there O_o

 

Definitely.  I'm not quite sure why it doesn't.  Instead it runs to a Holiday Inn on the Bellevue/Newport border.  It would be much nicer if it went up and down Fairfield Avenue, servicing all of those little shops and restaurants in Bellevue.

 

Bringing us back to the streetcar, the NKY river cities officially supported the plan a few years back.  Let's just hope that the Southbank Shuttle will be augmented/replaced by something that actually does drive development and ties the neighboring cities together better.

My girlfriends neighborhood just got a Smitherman campaign letter blitz the other day.

 

"As you know, this is an election year and your participation is VERY important. Elections have consequences! The other side is hoping you do not participate in this election. Or, they hope that you haven't been paying attention and that you will use their sample ballot to vote for their candidates.

 

On election day, you must come to the poll informed! Please remember that just because you hear commentary on the radio, see something on the television, or read an article in the newspaper, does not mean that the information is true. Vote your interests. KNOW which candidates support your interests. If you don't support the recent parking deal; if you don't support the streetcar; If you don't like the atrium project;  if you don't support under funding the cincinnati pension; and if you don't support laying off police officers and firefighters; then why would you cast a vote for any candidate(s) who supports what you do NOT support.

 

These are the issues that the majority of city council members have spent the last year and a half of their term spending money on instead of issues like basic services such as street repairs. For example, when we are driving down the street, we are still dodging pot holes. The potholes remain because my city council colleagues are distracted by the $150 million, 3.5 mile streetcar downtown.

 

There are many candidates running for city council. I am NOT a democrat; I am NOT a republican; I am an INDEPENDENT. I am requesting your support for my re-election

 

Also there is a September 10, 2013 primary election for mayor. I ENDORSE CANDIDATE JOHN CRANLEY FOR MAYOR OF CINCINNATI."

 

 

 

Smitherman: "Please remember that just because you hear commentary on the radio, see something on the television, or read an article in the newspaper, does not mean that the information is true."

 

Ironic.

The Southbank Shuttle does technically go to Bellevue as it stops at both the Bellevue Medical Arts Building on Landmark Drive and Joe's Crab Shack which is on the very edge of the city. We were pushing to have the shuttle go into the historic district further down but TANK does not have the funding to extend the route.

 

The shuttle has seen high ridership recently but that was after they converted to the tourist trolly buses to allow the bus to cross the suspension bridge. I am not aware of any single development that has located along the shuttle route because of the shuttle. Its pretty obvious that these gimmicky trolleys do not generate any economic development revenue along their routes, much like any other typical bus.

 

And the ride is another thing. I used the shuttle on Friday to get back to work from Fountain Square and the handicap off-loading took over five minutes as the driver has to get off and operate the rear door to lower the handicap lift to the sidewalk. After departing I could feel every single bump as if it was amplified a million times. The wooden seats do not help. The ride was one of the most uncomfortable rides on public transportation I can remember. I disclosed to one of my friends who is familiar with bus technology. Turns out these types of shuttles are built on truck chassis, which allow them to be light-weight. The trade-off of course is the comfort of the ride.

 

I'm sure the typical person would much rather prefer the smoothness of a streetcar ride over the bumpy grind of one of these boondoogles.

And the ride is another thing. I used the shuttle on Friday to get back to work from Fountain Square and the handicap off-loading took over five minutes as the driver has to get off and operate the rear door to lower the handicap lift to the sidewalk. After departing I could feel every single bump as if it was amplified a million times. The wooden seats do not help. The ride was one of the most uncomfortable rides on public transportation I can remember. I disclosed to one of my friends who is familiar with bus technology. Turns out these types of shuttles are built on truck chassis, which allow them to be light-weight. The trade-off of course is the comfort of the ride.

 

I'll agree that the ride is not the best.  Luckily, when I use it I don't have to ride it for very long, generally 10 mins.  A streetcar would be ideal, but given the political realities (and also would a streetcar be able to cross at the suspension bridge, or would it have to take a more indirect route given bridge weight restrictions?) its one of the better transit routes in the city in terms of being useful and reliable.

And the southbank shuttle should not be motivation to start something similar to that here... NKY riverfront isnt exactly awesome.

 

There are a lot of worthwhile destinations in Newport, Covington, and Bellevue, and there is some really high quality historic housing stock as well.  That has nothing to do with the Southbank Shuttle, but the potshots at NKY are not necessary or accurate.

 

Thank you.  NoKY is a great complement to Cincy.  If you have a problem with it then we can transplant East St. Louis or Clarksville, Indiana.

 

EDIT:  I posted before I read your clarifying post.  We are on the same page.

 

Good question about streetcar on Roebling.  Would that be an option?  I seem to remember CWB as being the preferred crossing.

Why are Streetcar supporters freaking out about the Hop On Trolley?  I see the comments on the Enquirer filled with these angry trollish arguments by streetcar supporters that are incredibly angry and negative towards this idea.

 

Look.  If we have a streetcar going from the Banks to UC and a trolley bus that goes from Duke Energy Center to the Casino to Mt. Adams, why is that a bad thing? In fact, it might be a good asset.  The people at Hop On Cincinnati used to try to say, do this instead.  They have pretty clearly changed their tune as they realize there is not INSTEAD as the streetcar is happening.  But these insane comments from Streetcar supporters disparaging the idea of a cheap little trolley bus driving around is pretty embarrassing.

 

If they ask the City to pay for it it won't happen.  If they try to say do this instead of the streetcar it wont happen.  If they want to try to get federal funds to do something that could potentially co-exist with the streetcar.  SURE! go right ahead. 

 

 

 

Good question about streetcar on Roebling.  Would that be an option?  I seem to remember CWB as being the preferred crossing.

 

It is not an option. Streetcar would have to take Clay Wade Bailey or Taylor Southgate.  there is a SMALL chance that it could take Purple People bridge... but highly unlikely. Either way, a Kentucky connection is a decade away at soonest.

Why are Streetcar supporters freaking out about the Hop On Trolley?  I see the comments on the Enquirer filled with these angry trollish arguments by streetcar supporters that are incredibly angry and negative towards this idea.

 

Look.  If we have a streetcar going from the Banks to UC and a trolley bus that goes from Duke Energy Center to the Casino to Mt. Adams, why is that a bad thing? In fact, it might be a good asset.  The people at Hop On Cincinnati used to try to say, do this instead.  They have pretty clearly changed their tune as they realize there is not INSTEAD as the streetcar is happening.  But these insane comments from Streetcar supporters disparaging the idea of a cheap little trolley bus driving around is pretty embarrassing.

 

If they ask the City to pay for it it won't happen.  If they try to say do this instead of the streetcar it wont happen.  If they want to try to get federal funds to do something that could potentially co-exist with the streetcar.  SURE! go right ahead.

 

It's the same group, sponsored by John Cranley/Christopher Smitherman/Charlie Winburn, that spoke up at meeting after meeting trying to kill the streetcar.  Their ultimate goal is to take funding from the streetcar to their project

 

 

Why are Streetcar supporters freaking out about the Hop On Trolley?  I see the comments on the Enquirer filled with these angry trollish arguments by streetcar supporters that are incredibly angry and negative towards this idea.

 

Look.  If we have a streetcar going from the Banks to UC and a trolley bus that goes from Duke Energy Center to the Casino to Mt. Adams, why is that a bad thing? In fact, it might be a good asset.  The people at Hop On Cincinnati used to try to say, do this instead.  They have pretty clearly changed their tune as they realize there is not INSTEAD as the streetcar is happening.  But these insane comments from Streetcar supporters disparaging the idea of a cheap little trolley bus driving around is pretty embarrassing.

 

If they ask the City to pay for it it won't happen.  If they try to say do this instead of the streetcar it wont happen.  If they want to try to get federal funds to do something that could potentially co-exist with the streetcar.  SURE! go right ahead.

 

It's the same group, sponsored by John Cranley/Christopher Smitherman/Charlie Winburn, that spoke up at meeting after meeting trying to kill the streetcar.  Their ultimate goal is to take funding from the streetcar to their project

 

I know Greg Fusaro (loosely) through some business associates.  He is not "sponsored by John Cranley/Smitherman/Winburn".  Cranley "hopped on" the hop on band wagon totally separately for political purposes and was never part of the creation of Hop On's proposal.  Yes, originally some of the people in this wanted to do this INSTEAD of the streetcar.  Several of them, including Greg now publicly say, "we are no longer expressing any opinion of the Streetcar and wish it well, we still want to do this because we really think it could be good".  I've talked to him, stated I am a strong streetcar supporter and he said that's fine, if it gets all the way done great (which i said, it will), and he said, don't think of this as an either or related to the streetcar, think of it as complimentary.

 

Whoever Craig Hoeschlkend (i don't remember the spelling) and a few other supporters of the streetcar who post on the Enquirer all the time are making us look bad with these incredibly mean spirited, angry attacks..  These insane attacks over this idea are totally uncalled for.  All we need to do is sit back and say:

 

Ok, decent idea, I wish them luck proposing it, studying it, finding funding and selling it to the public.  (HINT: They will never find $4.5 million a year to fund it or the $12 million for capital costs)  Their goal could very likely be to make streetcar supporters freak out and then say:  See, they are against all ideas except the streetcar! they are extremists and roxanne is one of them!  But if that's the intent (which I don't think it is) then why are we fueling the fire?  Just say- Ok, it serves a different purpose than the streetcar.  There is a reason we have both busses and rail.  Rail gives permanence leading to investment.  This Hop on thing would be a nice little movable option thing that people could also use sometimes if they want.

 

I wish them luck.  If they find a funding source in federal dollars awesome! If the County funds it great, good for them.  Lord knows SORTA doesn't have the money and the current council isn't going to fund it over the streetcar.  That being said, It's more likely we could end up with our own Southbank shuttle in 10 years than it is that the Oasis line opens, but no one is freaking out over that idea.  Heck- If this group gets a federal grant to buy little trolley busses and partners with SORTA to remove the One for Fun (complete failure) and replace it with one little Hop on Cincinnati route, GREAT! who cares! doesn't hurt me. Definitely doesn't affect the streetcar.

 

Hell, if we REALLY want to kill this idea, all streetcar supporters should start calling it the streetcar compliment that is meant to exist in the shadow of the streetcar as something streetcar users can also take for other reasons.  Then anti-streetcar people will start hating this as a big waste of money meant to support the streetcar :P

 

Let's all relax a little and not let little things freak us out.  If there is a streetcar in 5 years and a trolley bus that goes on a different route, that's fine with me.

Why are Streetcar supporters freaking out about the Hop On Trolley?  I see the comments on the Enquirer filled with these angry trollish arguments by streetcar supporters that are incredibly angry and negative towards this idea.

 

Look.  If we have a streetcar going from the Banks to UC and a trolley bus that goes from Duke Energy Center to the Casino to Mt. Adams, why is that a bad thing? In fact, it might be a good asset.  The people at Hop On Cincinnati used to try to say, do this instead.  They have pretty clearly changed their tune as they realize there is not INSTEAD as the streetcar is happening.  But these insane comments from Streetcar supporters disparaging the idea of a cheap little trolley bus driving around is pretty embarrassing.

 

If they ask the City to pay for it it won't happen.  If they try to say do this instead of the streetcar it wont happen.  If they want to try to get federal funds to do something that could potentially co-exist with the streetcar.  SURE! go right ahead.

 

It's the same group, sponsored by John Cranley/Christopher Smitherman/Charlie Winburn, that spoke up at meeting after meeting trying to kill the streetcar.  Their ultimate goal is to take funding from the streetcar to their project

 

I know Greg Fusaro (loosely) through some business associates.  He is not "sponsored by John Cranley/Smitherman/Winburn".  Cranley "hopped on" the hop on band wagon totally separately for political purposes and was never part of the creation of Hop On's proposal.  Yes, originally some of the people in this wanted to do this INSTEAD of the streetcar.  Several of them, including Greg now publicly say, "we are no longer expressing any opinion of the Streetcar and wish it well, we still want to do this because we really think it could be good".  I've talked to him, stated I am a strong streetcar supporter and he said that's fine, if it gets all the way done great (which i said, it will), and he said, don't think of this as an either or related to the streetcar, think of it as complimentary.

 

Whoever Craig Hoeschlkend (i don't remember the spelling) and a few other supporters of the streetcar who post on the Enquirer all the time are making us look bad with these incredibly mean spirited, angry attacks..  These insane attacks over this idea are totally uncalled for.  All we need to do is sit back and say:

 

Ok, decent idea, I wish them luck proposing it, studying it, finding funding and selling it to the public.  (HINT: They will never find $4.5 million a year to fund it or the $12 million for capital costs)  Their goal could very likely be to make streetcar supporters freak out and then say:  See, they are against all ideas except the streetcar! they are extremists and roxanne is one of them!  But if that's the intent (which I don't think it is) then why are we fueling the fire?  Just say- Ok, it serves a different purpose than the streetcar.  There is a reason we have both busses and rail.  Rail gives permanence leading to investment.  This Hop on thing would be a nice little movable option thing that people could also use sometimes if they want.

 

I wish them luck.  If they find a funding source in federal dollars awesome! If the County funds it great, good for them.  Lord knows SORTA doesn't have the money and the current council isn't going to fund it over the streetcar.  That being said, It's more likely we could end up with our own Southbank shuttle in 10 years than it is that the Oasis line opens, but no one is freaking out over that idea.  Heck- If this group gets a federal grant to buy little trolley busses and partners with SORTA to remove the One for Fun (complete failure) and replace it with one little Hop on Cincinnati route, GREAT! who cares! doesn't hurt me. Definitely doesn't affect the streetcar.

 

Hell, if we REALLY want to kill this idea, all streetcar supporters should start calling it the streetcar compliment that is meant to exist in the shadow of the streetcar as something streetcar users can also take for other reasons.  Then anti-streetcar people will start hating this as a big waste of money meant to support the streetcar :P

 

Let's all relax a little and not let little things freak us out.  If there is a streetcar in 5 years and a trolley bus that goes on a different route, that's fine with me.

 

I hear you.  You are probably right.  With so many delay tactics, 180's, and misinformation by opponents, its tough to really trust anyone's word regarding this project.  Personally speaking, I just have a hard time believing that they are ok with the streetcar all of the sudden after battling it for so many years.  But at the end of the day, your post makes a lot more logical sense than my assumptions.

 

To me, It'd be like if Christopher Smitherman all the sudden started saying he wishes the streetcar well.  I'd be constantly thinking "He's up to something".   

 

 

Even if they are some huge crazy idea to trick people to opposing the streetcar: why post your operating costs as HIGHER than the streetcars (3.5 million vs 4.5 million).  If your goal is to trick people to hating the streetcar just say "oh it's only 1.5 million!!" no one in Cincinnati's media is gonna check!

 

Additionally, as they do real research like they will have to people will say "who funds it" "4.5 million is a lot!", etc.  They will start seeing a lot of the same criticism we see. 

 

Finally, let them keep working. It doesn't stop the streetcar.  Let them do the hard work of applying for federal funds. Invest hundreds and hundreds of hours.  If they win something I'll be shocked, but impressed. 

 

Let's not freak out over this. It's beneath us.  Let's keep focussing on the good work happening on the streetcar project. 

 

 

The Enquirer framed it as an alternative to the streetcar, which evoked a visceral reaction, which surely was their intent. Y'all got played.

Where is his study that shows all the development that might happen?

Let's all relax a little and not let little things freak us out.  If there is a streetcar in 5 years and a trolley bus that goes on a different route, that's fine with me.

 

Thanks for providing some background to the proposal. I can see where the commenters were coming from though and I still remain suspicious of the "HOP ON" plan. Mainly because of things like this:

 

I'm curious as to why the "HOP ON" group doesn't just advocate for better bus transit service, because when it comes down to it - that's all this really is. Even in that Enquirer article, Fusaro still points out that he believes his proposal does "more." quote:

 

“In the event the streetcar does not move forward, it would be a standalone alternative that would accommodate what the streetcar would have done – and more.”

 

Even before a good chunk of this thread was lost, we've gone over and over why "trackless trollies" are a distraction and not a viable substitute. I find it strangely convenient that this Hop On plan is being brought up so close to election time. I really see it as nothing more than a political tool. Why advocate for an entire new bus system? Why not just work towards more federal dollars for expanded, late night bus service or marketing/creating better METRO/TANK destination routes.

 

Why? Because no serious people in Cincinnati transit planning take this or Winburn's power point seriously, because they're simply political tools. I see this as nothing more than a tool for certain candidates to say "Hey look we found a way for the streetcar to be cheaper and still have something cool." Meaning they're just targeting on the fence supporters and appealing to the COAST ilk base. In the end when they win and this never happens, their supporters won't care.

 

The only thing they're trying to get people to "hop on" to are the Cranley/Murray/Smitherman campaigns.

 

"Hop-on" has changed their proposed route.  The route was originally...the streetcar route.  Now that the streetcar is happening, they have changed their proposal to an east-west route. 

"Hop-on" has changed their proposed route.  The route was originally...the streetcar route.  Now that the streetcar is happening, they have changed their proposal to an east-west route. 

 

Again, convenient for the election and making a big deal out of highlighting that their "trollies" reach Mt. Adams.

The Enquirer is insane. Did anyone else see the cover today?  Streetcar construction...who will solve this problem?

The Enquirer is insane. Did anyone else see the cover today?  Streetcar construction...who will solve this problem?

 

They have become the ultimate troll.

You know as much mud gets slinged around about alternatives and killing the "trolley folley to nowhere" sometimes people loose sight of what could be good ideas as a defense mechanism to protect their own goals which are constantly under siege.

 

I actually think that as long as the streetcar is still a part of the plan having a reliable transit option to get to Mt Adams from downtown would be wonderful.  The 1 currently has too long a headways (especially on weekends - it should be the same as weekdays, as a lot of people would travel to Cincy as a weekend getaway not as a major weeklong destination), and maybe something that can get those headways down would be super nice - Mt Adams is ridiculously close to downtown, yet has surprisingly poor transit connections (one would think that having better bus service would be something easily sellable to Mt. Adams).  I also feel that short of building very expensive things like a replacement incline or an aerial tram (which would be sadly a hard sell to cincy) this is probably the best option as I think the hill might be too steep for a streetcar (though I could be wrong).

>convenient for the election

 

Also, Cranley and Monzel have declared that Union Terminal is deteriorating because of the streetcar.  The terminal is city-owned but supported by the county.  What they are trying to do is to shove the burden of repairing union terminal onto the city, which will limit its ability to do other things under a presumed Qualls mayoral term.  The county commissioners have the power to keep a union terminal bond issue off the county ballot, and in fact they have done so for several years, worsening the deterioration of the building and the severity of the problem. 

 

Also, an increasing number of politicians and talk radio people are calling for Union Terminal to be demolished.  Last year we heard the same characters saying the same about Music Hall.  You know who else tried to eradicate culture?  Mao and Stalin. 

Also, an increasing number of politicians and talk radio people are calling for Union Terminal to be demolished.  Last year we heard the same characters saying the same about Music Hall.  You know who else tried to eradicate culture?  Mao and Stalin.

 

Don't forget Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, Andrew Johnson, FDR, etc..  Christ, our ENTIRE country was stolen from other peoples and their cultures were effectively purged from local history and the landscape.

 

Also, hyperventilating and comparing opponents to Stalin and Mao isn't going to win over many people.  It's just shameless rhetoric masquerading as an argument. 

^this. At least you didn't say Hitler or Nazis

Trackless trolley would complement Cincinnati streetcar, backers say

 

A group pushing the idea of a trackless, rubber-wheel trolley to complement Cincinnati’s planned streetcar system wants Hamilton County’s backing so it can apply for federal transportation funds, according to WVXU.

 

The Hop on Cincinnati group believes the cost of its idea is $10 million to $15 million with annual operating expenses of $4.4 million.

 

The group had initially pushed the idea as an alternative to the streetcar but now says the trolleys can complement it. Streetcar supporters have dismissed the idea, saying a trolley will not generate the kind of economic impact that a streetcar running on permanent rail lines can.

 

Cont

Guys-

 

We may hate the Enquirer right now, but trust me, they will be getting a lot worse as construction happens.

 

They will find one or two businesses downtown (who are likely already struggling) and then try to pin their problems on the streetcars construction.

 

It's happening in Tuscon and it will definitely happen here.

http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2012/08/streetcar-construction-slows-downtown-tucsons-nightlife

 

 

When that nightclub at 600 Main Street shuts down during streetcar construction they will blame the streetcar. I've never seen more than a dozen people in there when I walk by. Igby's takes all of their business.

So this Hop on thing will cost 2x more to operate than the streetcar????

Also, an increasing number of politicians and talk radio people are calling for Union Terminal to be demolished.  Last year we heard the same characters saying the same about Music Hall.  You know who else tried to eradicate culture?  Mao and Stalin. 

When I was growing up I was always told that the socialists & commies & the pinko Democrats would create a bland & soulless environment whereas the good conservative traditionalist Republicans would build a grand and beautiful environment. Ayn Rand seemed to think so. Nowadays it's the neoconservative convenient libertarian Republicans pushing for the drab spartan environment proposed previously by the commies.

It is interesting.

I haven't seen their business plan for it (if they have one) or any studies done, but I imagine it is because buses need to be replaced much faster than streetcars, more maintenance is required, and gas is more expensive than the electricity powering the streetcar. There may be more vehicles as well.

Also, an increasing number of politicians and talk radio people are calling for Union Terminal to be demolished.  Last year we heard the same characters saying the same about Music Hall.  You know who else tried to eradicate culture?  Mao and Stalin. 

When I was growing up I was always told that the socialists & commies & the pinko Democrats would create a bland & soulless environment whereas the good conservative traditionalist Republicans would build a grand and beautiful environment. Ayn Rand seemed to think so. Nowadays it's the neoconservative convenient libertarian Republicans pushing for the drab spartan environment proposed previously by the commies.

It is interesting.

 

Whatever it is, if it doesn't have tires they don't want anything to do with it. But for something with tires the budget is unlimited. I'm not just talking about transit.

>A group pushing the idea of a trackless, rubber-wheel trolley to complement Cincinnati’s planned streetcar system wants Hamilton County’s backing so it can apply for federal transportation funds, according to WVXU.

 

Yeah, they're going to try to steal funds that could be used for expansion of the streetcar system for this dumb Southbank Shuttle proposal.

 

 

>Whatever it is, if it doesn't have tires they don't want anything to do with it. But for something with tires the budget is unlimited. I'm not just talking about transit.

 

I've long wondered if there is someone at Goodyear who books the blimps, and if his coworkers call him the blimp pimp.

>A group pushing the idea of a trackless, rubber-wheel trolley to complement Cincinnati’s planned streetcar system wants Hamilton County’s backing so it can apply for federal transportation funds, according to WVXU.

 

Yeah, they're going to try to steal funds that could be used for expansion of the streetcar system for this dumb Southbank Shuttle proposal.

 

Yep. And this is why streetcar supporters should be outraged.

This "Hop-On" Cincinnati thing...Eh, its not going anywhere.  No one will show any interest in yet another bus decorated like a trolley and as a result, no one will ride it so the whole thing will fall apart on its own in no time.  Meanwhile the streetcar will keep on growing and exceeding expectations, etc, etc.  I'm not worried about it.

>A group pushing the idea of a trackless, rubber-wheel trolley to complement Cincinnati’s planned streetcar system wants Hamilton County’s backing so it can apply for federal transportation funds, according to WVXU.

 

Yeah, they're going to try to steal funds that could be used for expansion of the streetcar system for this dumb Southbank Shuttle proposal.

 

Can they even do that? They're asking the county to find it. The Streetcar is a City project. They've already stated that they will not approach Metro to operate it, so there's really no money connecting the two.

^The only way is if the federal or state government gives a grant to Hop On Cincinnati instead of the Streetcar if they are both competing for the same grant and the Streetcar is the next project that would have been awarded. That is the only way Hop On could take money from the streetcar.

The only way this happens is if they submit a NEPA-compliant application to the USDOT and if there's a new president in the White House who replaces administrators at the USDOT and at the FTA. The existing administration has made two investments in Cincinnati's streetcar project and would defer to the city before awarding a grant to another project that could potentially compete with it. Thus it has zero chance of getting federal funds until at least January 2017.

The only way this happens is if they submit a NEPA-compliant application to the USDOT and if there's a new president in the White House who replaces administrators at the USDOT and at the FTA. The existing administration has made two investments in Cincinnati's streetcar project and would defer to the city before awarding a grant to another project that could potentially compete with it. Thus it has zero chance of getting federal funds until at least January 2017.

 

Correct.  All the more reason for us not to freak out about it.  Ohhmmmm.  Let it go.  Out with the bad...

Construction projects in EVERY city across the country cause disruptions to business. This is nothing new.

The Enquirer is insane. Did anyone else see the cover today?  Streetcar construction...who will solve this problem?

Was this just the print edition? I didn't see it online.

It never ends

 

"Streetcar funding in jeopardy"

 

 

http://m.fox19.com/autojuice?targetUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fox19.com%2fstory%2f23199860%2ffox19-investigates-streetcar-project-funding-in-jeopardy

^Issues like that are why New York City avoided the federal government entirely on the #7 extension.  The feds giveth but they taketh away in terms of time and opportunities for obstructionists to worm their way in. 

Having Deatrick there to talk to journalists seems like a good deal.