Political group endorses more rail

Independent candidates say trains may reduce traffic in Virginia and U.S. dependency on oil.

By Michael Sluss

  (804) 697-1585

 

RICHMOND -- A group of independent candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives argued Monday that a greater public commitment to high-speed rail can ease Virginia's traffic woes and reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.

 

But they may have a tough time getting their message out in races dominated by major-party candidates with ample campaign treasuries.

 

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/V/VA_SENATE_INDEPENDENTS_VAOL-?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-07-17-19-07-56

 

 

On Track for Commuter Rail in Central Florida

 

July 18th, 2006 11:47 AM EDT

 

The Orlando Sentinel via NewsEdge

 

How would you like to walk a few minutes to a train station and zip to work in an air-conditioned rail car -- and then return the same way? Once back in the neighborhood, you could walk to grocery stores, restaurants and businesses to run errands.

 

Sound too good to be true?

 

It could happen in Central Florida, where plans for a 61-mile commuter-rail system are moving toward reality. If transportation officials can cement a deal to have cities along the route help pay for the system and CSX Railroad agrees to sell the tracks to the state, then the region's first attempt at speedy mass transit could affect the way we grow.  The project, which could cost as much as $500 million, could come together this summer.

 

If planners take the right steps -- and so far they are off to a slow start -- the rail system could help spur self-contained, walkable neighborhoods around stations from DeBary to Orlando to Poinciana. Replete with grocery stores, drugstores, parks and restaurants, they'd be the kind of small communities that grew up around town squares in the era before interstate highways.  In turn, the new approach to development could help reduce sprawl by anchoring more growth in a central transportation corridor running through the region.  So-called smart growth that is focused around mass transit -- transit-oriented development, in planner lingo -- has happened in other communities around the nation.  Portland, Ore.; Los Angeles; Salt Lake City; and Charlotte, N.C., already have, or are planning to build, neighborhoods mixed with offices and shops around transit stations that link to their downtowns.

 

"It's the quality of city life without the responsibility of suburban life," said Bruce Stephenson, a Rollins College professor of environmental studies who specializes in growth issues.  Developers love the idea of building more condos and town houses per acre near offices and retail shops. And from a planning standpoint, it makes sense to consolidate growth and get commuters off jammed roads and onto rail cars.

 

But as rail plans move forward in Central Florida -- the first line would open in 2009 -- plans for transit-oriented development are off to a slow start. In a few places, communities have zoned their land to allow that type of growth, and in some select areas, developers have expressed interest in transit-friendly projects. Maitland's City Council recently voted to ask for a stop along the line.

 

But for the most part, Central Florida has adopted a wait-and-see attitude in part because the region has a history of several failed rail proposals. Some also think little action may be required because they'd prefer that market forces dictate what kind of development would go along the rail.

 

It's a different story in other places around the country, which have taken direct action to ensure development follows a logical pattern. That includes Charlotte, which won federal money for its rail system when the Orange County Commission turned down the funds in 1999. The first part of Charlotte's transit line, light rail, is scheduled to open in fall 2007. The commuter-rail line is supposed to begin running in 2010.

 

Just like Central Florida, the Charlotte line is planned to operate on existing freight tracks and carry passengers from suburban towns and cities to downtown. In both Central Florida and Charlotte, the lines run parallel to major interstates -- Interstate 4 in Central Florida, Interstate 77 in Charlotte. And many of the stops are planned for historic downtowns that have deteriorated as growth has sprawled out from the interstates.  But beyond that, the two regions differ in how they have been planning their commuter-rail systems.

 

"Here [Central Florida], they are designing it to build the best transit system; in Charlotte, they are designing it to build the best community," said Troy Russ, a transportation planner with the Orlando firm Glatting Jackson. Russ has spent six years working on Charlotte's public-transportation system.

 

In the Charlotte area, the local governments have focused not only on planning the stations but also taking the lead in planning the area around the stations. To do this, local governments have bought land around the station and then sold it to handpicked developers who agreed to create the walkable communities Charlotte envisioned. The governments also created new zoning categories to more easily allow denser development, and they offered financial incentives to developers who build transit-friendly projects.

 

As a result, nearly 10,000 homes are planned or under construction at eight of the 12 commuter-rail stops and, just like in the pre-automobile days, the downtown cores of towns and cities are becoming a hotbed of activity.  That approach gives the rail line a better chance to succeed by building ridership from those who live within walking distance of stations. And it directs growth to areas that already have infrastructure such as roads, schools, water, sewer and public safety.

 

"It's fair to say the commuter rail has given local policymakers one additional rationale or justification for focusing the intensity and density [of development] along the central core of the rail line as opposed to allowing more of a suburban-sprawl pattern to continue to develop," said Jonathan Wells, Charlotte's land-use project manager for the commuter-rail line.

 

Transit-oriented development can turn suburban towns into more than bedroom communities. In the Charlotte suburbs, towns are planning farmers markets, interactive museums, corporate headquarters and libraries around their rail stops.  In Central Florida, leaders in cities up and down the proposed rail line say they are interested in transit-oriented development and are waiting for the project's final approval, which could come this summer.

 

But Linda White, president and CEO of the West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, said governments must take the lead.  "In reality, we haven't embraced the next generation of development," she said. "We are still very dependent on vehicles. Anything that we can do as a community to lessen our use of the automobile is probably good for us in the long run."

 

Copyright: The Orlando Sentinel -- 7/18/06

http://www.sltrib.com/utahpolitics/ci_4064557

 

TRAX is on track to arrive on ballot

Vote expected today: Major hurdles remain, but it appears the county will let voters have a say

By Derek P. Jensen

The Salt Lake Tribune

 

 

Want to take TRAX to Draper or West Valley City? How about jumping aboard from the Jordans, perhaps for work? Or hitching a rail ride to the airport?

  It's up to you.

  Government leaders are expected to vote today to place the proposed $895 million TRAX expansion on November's ballot, according to a straw poll of the Salt Lake County Council.

  "It's the right thing to do," Councilwoman Jenny Wilson said Monday.

 

Second N.J.-N.Y train link advancesA federal agency's green light lets NJ Transit seek funding for the proposed two-track tunnel.[/b]

By Beth DeFalco

Associated Press

 

TRENTON - The Federal Transit Administration has advanced a project to build a second two-track train tunnel under the Hudson River, which would double rail capacity between New Jersey and New York, Gov. Corzine announced yesterday.

 

"For those of us who have believed in this project from the beginning, today is a very special day," Corzine said in statement, adding that the new tunnel "is critical to the region's economic growth and mobility."

 

More at:

 

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/15079408.htm

 

Money will aid Oregon's non-road arteries

 

Rail link between Woodburn and Stayton gets boost

 

PETER WONG

Statesman Journal

 

 

July 20, 2006

 

Almost $100 million approved Wednesday by the Oregon Transportation Commission will be used to improve the state's connections by air, rail, water and public transit.

 

Of the 100 projects submitted to the commission this round, 43 were funded. Among them are improved rail links between Stayton and Woodburn, as well as between Polk and Yamhill counties that will accommodate heavier freight loads from lumber production.

 

The rail link from Stayton to Woodburn will handle heavier shipments from the Trus Joist MacMillan plant in Stayton.

 

More at:

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/STATE/607200338

 

 

Washington D.C. the next stop on Chicago area's STAR Line express

Suburban rail line well-received at community forums

 

By Jake Griffin

Daily Herald Staff Writer

Posted Friday, July 21, 2006

 

The next stop for the proposed $1.1 billion suburb-to-suburb STAR Line commuter rail project is the Federal Transit Administration office.

 

The project wrapped up its third and final mandated alternatives forum Thursday in Naperville. The forums are designed to give the public an opportunity to see what other transportation options are available that rival the STAR Line.

 

More at:

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=209648&cc=d&tc=&t=

Ridership and noise are high for New Mexico train

 

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

July 20, 2006

 

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - After four days, the passenger load on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express has exceeded expectations, officials said.

 

The 5,029 passengers Tuesday was an increase over the 4,122 carried on the first day of service last Friday, officials said.

 

"Every day when the numbers come in, I continue to be surprised," said Lawrence Rael, executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. "It's been really gratifying to see the trains filled to capacity."

 

 

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/46737.html#

From Illinois.....

______________________

 

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR  NEWS

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH - GOVERNOR

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:

July 21, 2006 Abby Ottenhoff 312/814.3158

Rebecca Rausch 217/782.7355

Gerardo Cardenas 312/814.3158

Matt Vanover 217/558.0517(IDOT)

Marc Magliari 312/880.5390(Amtrak)

 

Governor Blagojevich announces nearly

1 million passengers take state-sponsored

trains during record setting FY 2006

 

Partnership with Amtrak increases ridership by 11 percent;

All routes post gains as gasoline prices climb

 

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that a record

number of passengers took Amtrak trains under contract with the Illinois

Department of Transportation in Fiscal Year 2006. In total, 955,529

passengers rode state-sponsored trains, up more than 11 percent from last

year and for a second year in a row all state-sponsored routes set ridership

records.

 

"Amtrak is an important part of our transportation system, providing an

affordable travel option to Illinois families, seniors on fixed incomes, students

and members of our armed forces," said Gov. Blagojevich. "The people of

Illinois want and use passenger rail service, that's why we fought in

Washington to maintain Amtrak's federal funding, and that's why we doubled

Illinois' commitment to ensuring we have regular passenger rail service."

 

In Fiscal Year 2006, IDOT paid $12.1 million to Amtrak to ensure regular rail

service in Illinois, which included one round trip daily on both the Chicago-

Carbondale, Chicago-Quincy and Chicago-St. Louis lines, as well as 7 round

trips between Chicago and Milwaukee, which Illinois and Wisconsin provide

in partnership.

 

"Here in Illinois we continue to see growth in passenger rail as gas prices

hover near the $3 dollar mark. In many communities it's the only public

transportation available, and for families and really anyone, it makes financial

sense to ride the rails and not have to worry about gas and parking," IDOT

Secretary Timothy W. Martin said. "This is further proof that passenger rail is a

vital part of our transportation system, and one of the reasons Governor

Blagojevich and lawmakers voted to increase Amtrak service, starting later

this year."

 

Governor Blagojevich and lawmakers provided $24 million under the Fiscal

Year 2007 budget to increase frequencies and to pay a greater share of the

Milwaukee to Chicago trains. The State's goal is to have one additional train

on the Quincy and Carbondale lines and two additional trains on the Chicago

to St. Louis line, pending contract negotiations with Amtrak. The new service

is expected to begin this fall and schedules will be announced within the next

several weeks.

 

"We feel that these record setting passenger numbers give us momentum as

we plan for the new service starting this fall," said Don Saunders, Amtrak

Central Division General Superintendent. "We believe these ridership gains

demonstrate we are providing quality customer service with comfortable,

reliable and affordable trains."

 

All state-sponsored trains posted record levels of ridership. The Chicago-

Carbondale train (Illini) posted a 9.8 percent increase to 134,531, Chicago-St.

Louis (State House) was up by 9.2 to 133,036 and Chicago-Quincy (Illinois

Zephyr) rose 4.6 percent to 118,502 passengers in figures calculated by IDOT

for the period of July 2005 through June 2006. Figures only include the IDOT-

supported trains on those routes.

 

The Chicago-Milwaukee service, or the Hiawathas, had an increase to total

569,460 passengers, up by 13.2 percent from last year's 494,075. The

Hiawathas, run by Amtrak, are sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of

Transportation and IDOT.

 

IDOT and Amtrak jointly sponsor regular meetings with community coalitions

that work to market and otherwise support the downstate services. For more

information about the Illini, State House, Illinois Zephyr, the Hiawatha Service

or other Amtrak services, call 800-USA-RAIL or visit the www.amtrak.com

website.

 

 

--30--

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-strirail19jul19,0,3432405.story?coll=sfla-news-broward

 

Hollywood board OKs 'village' near Tri-Rail with 1,600 homes and hotel

 

By Ihosvani Rodriguez

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

 

July 19, 2006

 

Hollywood· A controversial plan to build a "village" in one of the city's busiest areas received a preliminary, yet critical, boost this week by the city's Planning and Zoning Board.

 

Board officials on Monday night unanimously agreed to recommend that 40 acres by the Sheridan Street Tri-Rail station be designated a transit-oriented development -- a new type of zoning aimed to incorporate public transportation with residential communities. It allows developers to build more housing units per acre.

 

The zoning change, requested by a group of Miami-based developers, now must be approved by city commissioners and then the county. The process could take up to a year.

 

More at link above:

State Announces Kawasaki Will Be Contractor To Build New Rail Fleet

 

Hartford — The state has selected Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., for a $522 million contract to build 210 new rail cars, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Saturday. Kawasaki will design, build, test and deliver the new fleet with an option to build 170 more for the state. The contract also includes options to buy spare parts, special tools and test equipment to run and maintain the cars. Rell called the selection of a contractor important progress for commuters. “We will work to ensure that the manufacturing of these rail cars is completed in a timely manner and in the shortest time frame possible,” Rell said in a statement. The selection was made by a special procurement committee that includes members from the state Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad. The selection needs final approval from both Connecticut and New York. The governor said she will put the matter on the agenda for the Aug. 11 Bond Commission meeting. The project will be funded by the state of Connecticut and MTA/Metro-North Railroad with 65 percent of the funds provided by Connecticut and 35 percent provided by New York, based on ridership and track miles. 

 

http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=c3c42bd4-64a1-42a8-9740-5080b814270c

Metro Puts Ads at Gas Stations

 

Mike Rupert, The Examiner

Jul 22, 2006 5:00 AM

 

WASHINGTON - Not satisfied with record-level ridership, Metro is going after SUV-driving commuters in a new ad campaign rolling out this week.

 

Drivers pulling up to gas pumps at 75 stations around the region will receive a “reminder” that Metro is an environmentally friendly alternative to filling their tanks and emptying their wallets, said Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel.

 

“The system is crowded during rush hours and everybody knows that,” Taubenkibel said. “But you don’t necessarily need to ride every morning and every evening to save some money. If you just want to go shopping on the weekend or grab dinner, Metro is ready.”

 

Metro has been swarmed with new customers as gas prices continue to hoverat more than $3 a gallon. The rail system has set seven of its top 10 ridership days this year — many on days without any special events in the region.

 

The new “Go Green on Metro” advertisements were installed on top of gas pumps in the District, Virginia and Maryland this week. This is the first time Metro is advertising at gas stations.

 

[email protected]

 

 

That's a terrific idea. Anyone at RTA marketing read that article??

SAN FRANCSICO CHRONICLE

Calls raised for free transit all of the time

Ridership surges on Spare the Air days

- Rachel Gordon, Chronicle Staff Writer

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

 

 

Ridership on the Bay Area's public transit systems spiked during the six Spare the Air days when passengers were offered free rides in exchange for parking their polluting cars, prompting some local officials to call for making mass transit free all the time.

 

The higher numbers generated complaints from some regular commuters who were unhappy with the crowded trains, buses and boats, and the associated delays in service. Reported crime also was up on BART, possibly because paying customers are less likely to vandalize vehicles or torment passengers, said several transit officials.

 

 

URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/07/26/BAGCTK5I041.DTL

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

©2006 San Francisco Chronicle

 

From the NARP hotline

 

As gas prices continue to rise, more citizens are turning to rail in order to save money.  Several states that operate on a July-to-June fiscal year reported ridership figures this week.  Nearly 955,530 people rode state-supported Amtrak trains in Illinois during fiscal year 2006, an increase of 11%, setting a new record.  This is the second straight year for an increase in ridership on these routes.  Individually, ridership was up 13% on the Hiawathas, 10% on the Illini, 9% on the State House, and 4.6% on the Illinois Zephyr.  The increases in ridership are very encouraging, especially as the state of Illinois plans to double its fiscal 2007 support to the tune of $24 million. 

 

The Downeaster, which provides service from Portland to Boston, finished its fiscal year with 329,265 passengers, an increase of 31 percent over the previous year.  This increase in ridership occurred before the recent problems with Boston’s Big Dig.  According to an Amtrak spokesperson, “the passenger growth was the biggest on a percentage basis anywhere in the Amtrak system during the period.” The second highest increase in percentage based ridership was experienced by the Piedmont train in North Carolina.  The Piedmont train, which runs between Charlotte and Raleigh, experienced a 22 percent gain in ridership. 

 

Talk of commuter rail in South Carolina is heating up again. The state’s Department of Transportation has been considering operating commuter trains in the state for some time now, but as of recently the plans have been receiving more attention.  The increase in attention can be attributed to the instability of the Middle East and an increase in national gas prices.  The South Carolina DOT recently held a meeting with railroad representatives, transportation planners, city officials, and state lawmakers to discuss the issues surrounding the addition of commuter rail to the state’s transportation system. The group discussed the possibility of commuter rail systems from Camden to Columbia, Batesburg-Leesville to Columbia, and from Newberry to Columbia.  The city of Charleston is also studying the feasibility of a line from Summerville to Charleston.  Not to be left out, the city of Anderson is exploring the idea of rail service from Anderson into Seneca and Clemson.  According to a transportation planner who took part in the meeting, “it’s going to take local, state and federal money, along with a lot more planning.”

http://www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/hotline/more/hotline_460/

Conn. looks into building rail line from Springfield to New Haven

By Stephanie Reitz, Associated Press Writer  |  July 30, 2006

 

HARTFORD, Conn. --With no commuter rail service in central Connecticut, Dan Haim takes Amtrak to work most days.

 

He leaves his car in Hartford and takes a 46-minute train ride to the New Haven station, just a quick walk from his job at the city's education department.

 

Connecticut is counting on dedicated rail riders like Haim as plans progress to offer weekday commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, Mass., for the first time in more than 35 years.

 

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/07/30/conn_looks_into_building_rail_line_from_springfield_to_new_haven/

The General Assembly included $146 million for the project in a recent $2.3 billion transportation package, a move seen by rail enthusiasts as a good first step.

 

I get tired of that reference "enthusiasts." It marginalizes the project and its backers. The next time anyone sees an article referring to advocates of a highway or airport project as "enthusiasts" would you please let me know? Of course, if I also asked you avoid contact with me until you do see it, I would conclude my request with "it was nice knowing ya."

Okay.... is this the same Gov. Bush and Cong. Mica that have done nothing but (Bush)create obstructions for passenger rail projects in Florida and (Mica) constantly criticize and try to block proper funding for Amtrak?  Don't get me wrong.  This is good news, but when people like this are "spun" as long-time rail advocates, one has to wonder if they've been snatched by aliens.

 

Florida plans to invest $491 million toward billion-dollar commuter rail line

Railwayage.com

 

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush today announced an agreement in principle under which the state will invest $491 million “to improve infrastructure and expand capacity on two existing rail lines, one of which will be used to establish commuter rail service through a multi-county stretch in the region.” The statement's commitment is part a plan to create a commuter rail system serving the Orlando area that sources say will cost nearly $1 billion. In addition to infrastructure acquisition and improvement, the commuter system will require engineering, station construction, and railcar purchases that will cost an estimated $473.5 million. Republican Congressman John L. Mica, a long-time rail advocate, pledged to work with the Federal Transit Administration for federal funding of half that amount. State and local governments will also contribute.

 

More at:

 

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml

Quote of the week:

 

From a column by Tony Hartzel of the Dallas Morning News, on a recent trip to Europe- and a newfound appreciation for the high-speed train linking the UK and France, the Eurostar.

 

"Europe has had a better rail network because 'over there, passenger rail is a priority, and freight rail is secondary,' said Peter LeCody, president of Texas Rail Advocates, pointing out that most European rail lines originally were owned by the governments. 'We're so far behind here, it hurts.'"

North Carolina to buy part of line

Railway section to be used for train service

By Jim Sparks

JOURNAL REPORTER

Friday, August 4, 2006

 

 

State transportation officials approved buying a rail corridor through downtown Winston-Salem yesterday to preserve the space necessary for future freight- and commuter-rail use.

 

The N.C. Board of Transportation approved spending nearly $2.3 million to buy the R-line Rail Corridor from the Norfolk Southern Railroad Co.

 

 

This story can be found at: http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ/MGArticle/WSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149189797242

 

 

$2.3 million sounds like a bargain basement price, considering the cost of building a new line and getting all of the rights-of-way secured.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20060805/tc_cmp/191800654

 

NYC Transit Authority Embraces Podcasts

 

New York City is taking advantage of the popularity of iPods among its 130 million transit riders by introducing podcasts that provide information and tips about public transportation.

 

The Metropolitan Transit Authority, which runs New York City's subways, commuter trains and buses, has introduced TransitTrax. The podcasts are presented in six sections: customer safety, building for the future, promotions, security, advisories and news. Some feature new technologies authorities are testing in subways and on buses.

 

 

Working on the railroad

It’s the last mile that’s the sticking point for Ann Arbor proposal

 

By Bill Shea

6:00 am, August 7, 2006

Crain's Detroit Business

 

A $27 million proposal to establish a commuter railroad service designed to alleviate traffic congestion on U.S. 23 north of Ann Arbor faces a snag of its own because the rail company leasing some of the track involved isn’t interested in being a part of it.

 

The project, the brainchild of Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, initially would ferry commuters on a line between Ann Arbor and a large park-and-ride lot on Eight Mile Road near Whitmore Lake in Livingston County’s Northfield Township while U.S. 23 is torn up for construction next year. Owosso-based Great Lakes Central Railroad would provide converted railcars and much of the track involved.

 

more at:

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060807/SUB/60804009/-1/toc

^^^ OH snap, the guy who wrote that article used to be my old boss!

Amtrak urges Vermont to try smaller rail cars

Boston Globe

August 8, 2006

 

WATERBURY, Vt. --Smaller and more fuel efficient passenger rail cars might be tested on Amtrak's Vermonter route if state officials approve buying the equipment.

 

Besides saving $4.25 million over three years, proponents of the plan say, the new equipment might help to boost ridership on the line that runs between New York City and St. Albans.

 

More at:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2006/08/08/amtrak_urges_vermont_to_try_smaller_rail_cars/

Last week, the Pennsylvania Transportation Commission approved a 12-year plan that calls for providing about $40 billion to improve freight-rail, public transit, highway and aviation infrastructure.

 

During the next four fiscal years (from Oct. 1, 2006, to Sept. 30, 2010), the commission will provide about $9 billion for highway and bridge projects, $5.4 billion for public transit improvements, $614 million for aviation projects and $174 million for freight-rail improvements.

 

The commission comprises 10 appointees, several private citizens, and the majority and minority chairmen of the state House and Senate transportation committees. Under state law, the commission must review and update the 12-year plan every two years.  Access Ohio is supposed to be our statewide transportation plan.  How often is updated and when will it be taken seriously?

 

Do you think Cleveland/Northeast Ohio can secede from Ohio and become a part of Pennsylvania?

Unfortunately, Access Ohio (unlike the Ohio Hub Plan) is an overall transportation plan from an agency (ODOT) that is not at all committed to carrying it out.  They have no incentive to do so, because their source of revenue (state gasoline tax revenues) dictates that those dollars can only be spent on highways.  Whatever else they do in the way of "intermodal" projects is funded from severely limited state GRF (General Revenue Funds) dollars or a small portion of the federal transportation dollars they get each year.

 

These plans have to be updated (I believe) every five years by law, but it is done more to placate the folks at USDOT than anything else. 

 

Secession?  I think you better run that by some Browns fans before you consider becoming Pennsylvanians.  But you have to admit, Pennsylvania clearly has much more of a commitment to transportation in the global sense of the word than Ohio ever has.  More's the pity.

8/9/2006    Ridership

Houston METRO’s light-rail system hits 25-million mark

 

Last week, the 25 millionth passenger boarded the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas’ (METRO) METRORail system since the 7.5-mile light-rail line opened in January 2004.

 

The line has exceeded Houston METRO officials’ expectations, serving about 40,000 passengers daily — a number the agency didn’t expect to reach until 2020.

 

METRO ridership has been on the rise system-wide during the past year. Through fiscal-year 2006’s first three quarters, the agency set the second-highest nine-month ridership growth rate in its history, carrying more than 8 million METRORail passengers.

 

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=9300

 

 

 

NEWS LISTINGSSITE HOME

 

 

8/9/2006    Funding

Study: Voter-approved transportation measures on the rise since 2000

 

Voters have approved transportation-related ballot measures at more than double the rate of other measures, according to a report recently released by the Center for Transportation Excellence.

 

Entitled “Transportation Finance at the Ballot Box: Voter Support Increased Investment,” the report analyzes more than 200 state and local transportation-related ballot measures proposed since 2000.

 

Voters in 33 states have approved 70 percent of proposed measures, generating more than $70 billion in project funding. More than 80 percent of the measures have specifically authorized financing ranging from sales taxes to property taxes to bonds to dedicated fees. 

 

 

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=9302

Group wants western Wisconsin onboard for high-speed rail plan

By Brady Bautch, RiverTown Staff Writer

 

Surging gas prices and an aging freeway system in need of expansion are two reasons why the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition believes the time is now to plan for high speed passenger rail service.

 

The group is made up of business leaders from the Chippewa Valley area and they will in Hudson on August 16 at 7:30 a.m. in the Hudson City Hall.

 

 

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2006/08/03/local/iq_4152259.txt

August 1, 2006

Caltrain high-speed Wi-Fi test a success

 

California commuter rail system, Caltrain, became the first to successfully test high-speed wireless Internet access in a railcar traveling at speeds up to 79 mph.

 

The testing (proof of concept), held in conjunction with Intel Solution Services and Nomad Digital Ltd., was conducted along 16 miles track between the Millbrae and Palo Alto stations.

 

 

http://www.metro-magazine.com/t_newspick.cfm?id=9063907

St. Louis gets ready to start service on it's latest light-rail route, the Cross-County Line. Check out the route's website at http://www.crosscountymetro.org/ 

 

Here is a press release about the new LRT line...

____________________

 

 

 

 

http://www.metrostlouis.org/

 

Dianne Williams

Director of Communications

314.982.1440 (office)

314.565.7048 (pager)

2006-051A UPDATED

For Immediate Release August 7, 2006

Metro Announces August 26th Grand Opening Date

for Cross County MetroLink Extension

 

Today, Metro officials announced that regular passenger service on the new Cross County MetroLink Extension begins on Monday, August 28, 2006. Prior to opening day, Metro will celebrate the grand opening with a Welcome Aboard Weekend on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 2006. Citizens are invited to enjoy special ceremonies, a community festival, and two days of free rides on the new extension.

 

The grand opening celebration will kick off at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with a progressive ribbon cutting. A MetroLink light rail vehicle will cut through a ribbon at each station to officially open the station. A train with elected officials, community leaders, members of Metro’s Board of Commissioners and other Metro officials will arrive at each station for a brief five-minute ribbon cutting ceremony. The public is invited to attend any of the ceremonies (see attached schedule for exact times).

 

Citizens attending the grand opening ceremonies will have free access on MetroLink from the Forest Park-DeBaliviere to Shrewsbury Stations. Passengers will be required to pay the regular fare between Airport Main and Shiloh-Scott Stations. Metro staff will be on the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station platform selling tickets for passengers who wish to continue beyond the Cross County Extension.

 

“The opening of Cross County connects seven municipalities from the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station to Shrewsbury, and will provide more access to jobs, schools, medical facilities, shopping and entertainment destinations throughout the region,” said Larry Salci, president and CEO of Metro.

 

Construction of the Cross County MetroLink Extension began in the spring of 2003 and was funded 100% locally from the Proposition M sales tax passed in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County in August of 1994. The Cross County Extension will add 8 miles to the existing rail system, which currently spans 38 miles from Shiloh, Illinois (at Scott Air Force Base) to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

 

For MetroLink and MetroBus schedules and route maps, call Metro’s Transit information in Missouri at (314) 231-2345 or TTY (314) 982-1555, or from Illinois call (618) 271-2345 or TTY (618) 875-1200, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Customers can also visit Metro’s web site at www.metrostlouis.org

APA [the American Planning Association] will welcome Rail~Volution 2006 to Chicago this November 5-6. Among the special events planned is a workshop with Todd Litman, author of Parking Management Best Practices, followed by a reception in APA's Chicago office in a historic downtown building designed by Daniel Burnham. "Building Livable Communities with Transit," Rail~Volution's 12th annual conference, will feature speakers from the U.S. and abroad, a TOD marketplace, sessions on corridor planning, bus rapid transit, freight, and more. The early registration deadline is October 9.

Wisconsin DOT chief chimes in on California's, nation's rail development future....

________________

 

Building California's passenger rail future

 

- Frank Busalacchi

Friday, August 11, 2006

Travelers across America and throughout California are voting in

record numbers for expanded passenger-rail service in the United States.

 

These "votes" are coming in the form of record passenger-rail

ridership. Amtrak ridership increased in fiscal year 2005 to 25,374,998,

marking the third straight year of passenger gains for the national

intercity passenger railroad, despite service disruptions that included

major hurricanes in the South and repair work that impacted Acela

Express service in the Northeast. Gains in passenger rail travel are

occurring in all parts of the country.

California is one of those states seeing impressive gains in

ridership. A total of 4.9 million passengers boarded Amtrak trains in

California in 2005, compared with 4.6 million in 2004 -- a 5 percent

increase in one year. California has the second largest number of rail

passengers in America, closely behind New York, where 5.1 million

passengers traveled by rail last year. California is home to the

nation's second, third and fifth busiest rail corridors in the nation.

Only the Northeast corridor is busier.

Ridership in California is growing at an even faster clip in

2006.

Total passengers riding Amtrak trains in the January to March quarter of

2006 rose by 10 percent over the same period in 2005. Although the

overall picture is improving, it is not free of challenges. Chronic

lateness on the Coast Starlight is a continuing problem. Ironically, it

is the simultaneous increase in both passenger and freight traffic that

is causing this chronic lateness. The demand for rail service is rising,

and there is a solution:

Increased investment in our rail infrastructure by the federal

government and the state.

What do these ridership numbers mean?

Americans are struggling with worsening highway and airline

congestion, even as fuel prices rise. In the post-Sept. 11 environment,

travelers are wary of a system that depends so heavily on airline

travel.

Thursday's thwarted terrorist attack by British authorities once again

stresses the importance of passenger rail service. If the airlines have

to be grounded -- even for a day -- because of terrorist attacks, the

trains suddenly become a vitally important alternate form of

transportation. That was the case on Sept. 11, 2001, when hundreds of

thousands of travelers had to shift their travel from air to rail.

Everyone from business travelers to older citizens are looking

for options that won't cost them more time or money. In short, Americans

want transportation alternatives, with rail playing a significant role.

The States for Passenger Rail Coalition, which I chair, was

founded in 2000 just as we started to see passenger demands for expanded

rail service increasing. Today, there are 27 states represented from all

parts of the country and we will continue to make the case for strong

state-federal partnerships to expand our nation's passenger rail

network. California is one of the newest members of the coalition, and

we are very pleased to count California in our growing list of member

states. California has invested heavily in its passenger rail system --

$1.8 billion in investments since 1976. Much of that investment also

benefits the freight railroads, and helps alleviate congestion on our

highways.

I believe we owe the traveling public the transportation choices

they demand, as evidenced by their increasing use of rail. But improved

passenger rail service will not come without a strong commitment by the

federal government to fund passenger rail.

For too many years, passenger rail service in America has been

hamstrung by the year-to-year funding decisions of Congress. This

unpredictable funding process has varied with the shifting political

winds.

This is no way to run a railroad! It makes future planning extremely

difficult.

The States for Passenger Rail Coalition is calling on Congress

to provide a dedicated source of capital funding for passenger rail,

just as Congress does for highways and aviation. We support federal

legislation that gives passenger rail the same 80/20 federal-state

funding split that the highways enjoy. It is time to level the playing

field for all forms of passenger transportation.

I recently traveled to Spain to tour their passenger-rail

system. It is fast and reliable -- trains will travel between Madrid and

Barcelona at

217 miles per hour. This is happening in a country with a gross domestic

product similar to Korea's and Mexico's. The key in Spain, as in most

European nations, is that passenger-rail development receives strong

government funding support.

Many Americans return from Europe every year and ask this

question:

"Why can't an advanced nation like the United States have first-class,

high-speed rail travel such as what the Europeans enjoy?"

The answer is simple. If Washington policy-makers would cease

bickering over Amtrak and follow their own advice to provide a dedicated

source of capital funding, we could have the same level of service

Europeans enjoy. Prudent oversight and accountability are essential for

any undertaking of this scale but it is crucial to our economic security

and to future generations that we make progress now.

Over the coming year, the States for Passenger Rail Coalition

will work hard to support a dedicated source of capital funding for

American's passenger-rail system. We can no longer allow passenger rail

to lurch along on unpredictable annual appropriations. We can provide

Americans with the level of service they seek and for which they vote as

they step aboard passenger trains in record numbers.

Frank Busalacchi chairs the States for Passenger Rail Coalition

(www.s4prc.org <http://www.s4prc.org>), and is secretary of the

Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Frank's a great advocate. He's been getting this op-ed published in a number of newspapers around the country.  He's a former labor union official, so he understands that developing better rail systems has an immediate and positive impact on economic development and jobs.

 

Cut and paste his op-ed and send it to your Member of Congress.

per some blog mta is getting some spiffy new subway cars. they tested one out today.

 

 

 

 

August 17, 2006

N Line Gets a Little Bit Cleaner

Ooh - the MTA has sent out the new R160 trains on the N line start for a one month trial. The R160 has the FIND system - a lighted, dynamic display of upcoming stops, versus the printed maps with lights that the R142 (the newer cars on the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 lines) and R143 (the L's train) - so, for example, the display would be different on weekends with limited sevice. Reader MrMet388 spied the R160 without passengers at Union Square, but by the time it was at West 57th, it seems like passengers could board as reader Josh, who took the photo below, was able to hop on.

 

The Post points out that if anything goes wrong during the 30 day trial, the trial starts again; once the trial is complete and all goes well, the MTA will ask Kawasaki and Alstom to manufacture 660 cars. Well, if the N line gets R160'd up, we'd imagine it will no longer be the worst line in the system!

 

 

more pics here of the (N) First R-160 in Service:

http://www.jaridmaged.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=733

 

That "Next Stop" sign is a great idea!

 

The New York State Senate’s Task Force on High Speed Rail is moving along with its plans to consolidate control of the rail corridor between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie.

 

The task force is in the process of seeking bids for a study on the most practical way for the state to acquire the facilities and right-of-way between the two cities from CSX.  In January when the task force released its’ recommendation on how to speed up passenger rail between Albany and New York City, unifying the operations along the Empire Corridor was chosen as the best option.  Currently, CSX owns the track that Amtrak operates its’ passenger trains on between Poughkeepsie and Schenectady.  The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Metro North commuter rail service owns the track from Poughkeepsie south to the Bronx.  Finally, Amtrak owns the track from the Bronx south to Penn Station in Manhattan.  Officials believe that both passenger and freight rail will be better off under the control of one entity.  According to the task force, the cost of the study is expected to range between $350,000 and $650,000.  Even though the task force is moving ahead with the study, CSX has said it is not interested in selling its facilities or right-of-way.

 

Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor continues its impressive growth.

 

On August 28, new frequencies will be inaugurated and several trains will be extended to San Jose.  The full schedule is available on the Capitol Corridor website.  In addition, a new Thruway bus service will be inaugurated between San Jose and Monterey, operated by Monterey-Salinas Transit.  Three buses will operate, timed to meet Capitol Corridor and CalTrains service.  The buses will also stop at Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Prunedale, Seaside, and Monterey.  A schedule is available on MTS’s website.  Finally, the ACE commuter train service is adding another frequency between San Jose and Stockton; it will also serve the purpose of replacing a San Joaquin thruway bus.

 

http://www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/hotline/more/hotline_463/

Rail is right

Detroit Metro Times

Detroit-to-Ann Arbor line gets boost in transit study from SEMCOG

 

The yellow-and-blue rail cars of the new Ann Arbor to Detroit commuter line slip into the transfer platform at the New Center station. On the other side are the sleek cars of the Woodward Avenue light rail line, with stops every mile or so, taking thousands of passengers to jobs, lofts and entertainment in downtown Detroit.

 

Last month, without fanfare, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments quietly posted an analysis of this regional rapid transit option, and nine other ways to move people back and forth between Detroit and Ann Arbor, with stops in the city and at Metro Airport, Ypsilanti, Dearborn and several more suburbs.

 

More at:

 

http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=9543

Where the car is not king

BBC News

By Sayeeda Warsi

Vice Chair, Conservative Party 

 

If you thought political cross-dressing was a recent British phenomenon, you obviously haven't been to Portland.

 

In Oregon they were 'cross dressing' as far back as the 1970's when the Republican Governor, Tom McCall, took radical steps to prioritise public transport over roads, using the freeways levy to invest in the foundations of what is undoubtedly one of the most integrated and dynamic public transport provisions anywhere in the world.

 

 

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/4777801.stm

 

 

That article should be required reading for everyone here at Urban Ohio, and for everyone who wants to make cities better places to live.

yes that bbc portland info is an eye-opener. it's portland who is impressing even europe, can you imagine? not just rail, but mostly in it's whole approach to transit.

 

meanwhile, some bickering about the scope of the new penn station aka moynihan station in manhattan:

 

 

Moynihan Train Station Project Could Face Delays

 

August 18, 2006

 

Plans for revamping the Farley Post Office on Eighth Avenue into a new transit hub seemed to be moving forward earlier this week, but now there's word that the project could be put on hold.

 

The state's Public Authorities Control Board, which can approve the Moynihan Station project, had been set to take it up at its meeting today in Albany. But published reports Friday say Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has a representative on the board, has too many questions about the project for it to be approved.

 

the link has a news video:

http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=5&aid=61911

 

 

Meanwhile.... the Bush Administration-controlled FTA discourages another rail project.... just like they did with COTA in Columbus.  Read on...

 

August 21, 2006

Raleigh-Durham puts regional rail on hold

railwayage.com

 

After spending $140 million on a planned 28-mile regional rail line serving North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham area, and contracting for another $15-20 million, the Triangle Transit Authority is ready to call at least a temporary halt to the project. Acting on a staff recommendation from General Manager John Claflin, the authority’s board is asking the Federal Transit Administration to remove the project from FTA’s New Starts process, due to recent changes in the federal “cost-effectiveness” formula.

The project, estimated to cost more than $630 million, has experienced other reverses. “Inflation was a factor, increasing the project’s cost about $1 million a month during 2005,” said TTA. “Higher costs for concrete and steel following Hurricane Katrina also drove up costs.”

 

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml

Good thing we're probably not going after federal construction funds for Greater Cleveland's West Shore Corridor. And I think the lesson for North Carolina is to avoid the federal trough if at all possible. It seems there's little or no reason to take a whiff of the trough anyway.

That's what happens when you get an Administration that artificially raises the bar to keep more $$$ from being spent on transit & rail at a time when the demand is clearly there for more.  Amost any project that is either in the planning or early engineering phase is doomed, because even critieria like "riders new to transit" cannot be factored in to the FTA's equations.

 

You can now take a train downtown for a Tigers game!

As the Free Press reported today, the Detroit Tigers are offering

special  ticket packages that include taking the Amtrak and a DDOT

"trolley" bus  from Oakland County to the game.

 

This demonstrates the huge support that exists for convenient, quality

transit.

This announcement shows once again that regional business leaders want

quality transit in Greater Detroit.  An even bigger showing of support -

the tickets are sold out!  An estimated 400 tickets sold in under five

hours!!  Given the huge response, packages will be available for more

games soon.

 

Learn more about it - read the official press release at:

 

http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060728&content_id=1579436&vkey=pr_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det

 

or the Free Press article at:

 

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060728/BUSINESS06/607280436/1122

 

Excited about this idea?

  - One way to demonstrate your support is to get on the waiting list

for  tickets - call 313-983-6565.

  - You could also write a letter to the editor of the Detroit Free

Press  voicing your enthusiastic support - to [email protected].

  - Ask other sports, cultural, and entertainment venues to do the same

thing - using existing public transit.

  - Donate to and/or get involved with TRU to help us make this

available  for every game, concert, and special event downtown, plus for

regular  commuters!

 

Excerpts from the Free Press article:

 

 

This is about taking a real train and a trolley bus downtown to a

Tigers  game in Detroit, the City That Mass Transit Forgot, and then

back to the  Oakland County suburbs. No sitting in traffic and burning

$3-per-gallon  gasoline. No $20 parking lot fees. . . .

 

 

If response to the Foxtown Tigers Train is strong, Ilitch said, he'd

like  to turn the concept into a year-round Foxtown Party Train,

bringing groups  from the suburbs into the city via Amtrak and DDOT for

Red Wings games, or  events at the Fox Theatre or Detroit Opera House. .

. .

 

 

The Foxtown Tigers Train was inspired in part by the overwhelming

response  to mass transit during Super Bowl week in February, when even

360 DDOT  buses and 25 suburban SMART buses weren't enough to meet the

demand from  suburbanites eager to participate in the festivities. . . .

 

 

"Maybe mass transit will get so popular here the trains will run on the

hour like they do in other cities," Ilitch said.

 

 

This message was sent by Transportation Riders United (TRU).  TRU's

mission is to improve transportation access and mobility in Greater

Detroit by improving public transit.

Visit www.detroittransit.org for more information about TRU and

upcoming  events.

While I am happy about the great likelyhood of streetcars soon gracing our streets, on a grander scale (internationally and even nationally) it's rather quaint. I already mentioned Sevilla earlier which has a government site at sevilla.org and I found a promotional video on all big developments going on http://www.sevilla.org/html/portal/com/bin/contenidos/destacados/adjuntos/campana_comunicacion/1152708430923_largo_4_3lg001112k_stream001.wmv  (start at the 10 min mark to see the metro u/c and the bike lanes they have, I like the bit about freeing the streets and people from the tyranny of cars, it's only in Spanish though) a pdf of the city government magazine with the same info, but lots of pics http://www.sevilla.org/html/portal/com/bin/contenidos/banners/sevilla_linea_1/1152522060458_sevillalxnea1.num08_blanco_uli.pdf (See the cover page, now that's density!). There's a site for the public to have a voice http://www.presupuestosparticipativosdesevilla.org/ on the top left it says "You have an appointment with your city, you can't miss it!" and a site for biking in the city http://www.sevillaenbici.org/ with a map of the routes http://www.sevillaenbici.org/pdf/Redcarril/ViasCiclistasSevillaPlanoGral.pdf . Even their website kicks our lame site's ass. *Sigh* It's tempting at times to just go someplace where most people care about their city and I could very well move their with my linguistic skills ("their?" Damn you internets!), but at the same time I want to try and make a difference. That and all my friends and family are here. Oh, here's a link to google translation http://www.google.com/translate_t .

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/709469BFABBC6CA1862571D6001730C8?OpenDocument

 

Tunnel is gem of MetroLink project

By Matthew Hathaway

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

08/25/2006

 

 

MetroLink operator Tara Jackson approaches the Uinversity City/ Big Bend underground station Thursday afternoon on the new extension of the MetroLink line.

(J.B. Forbes |/P-D)

 

"For people (in construction), this is the kind of project that you're going to tell your children and grandchildren about."

Jon Jacobsmeyer

 

 

When Jon Jacobsmeyer attends today's grand opening of the new MetroLink extension, he'll be interested in riders' reaction to the one-mile tunnel between Big Bend and Forsyth boulevards.

 

But any "oohs" and "ahhs" from passengers probably won't be as special as the reaction from Jacobsmeyer's two young daughters last week. They toured the barrel-vaulted tunnel and underground stations that their dad helped build during a party last week for contractors and their families. The girls insisted on taking three round-trips.

 

"It was a little much," joked Jacobsmeyer, "but they got a kick out of it, and they got to see what their dad has been doing on all those nights and weekends."

 

Jacobsmeyer is a project manager for general contractor McCarthy Building Cos., which was in charge of building one of the most difficult stretches of the new MetroLink extension: a 1.3-mile length of tracks from Kingsland Avenue in University City to Ritz-Carlton Drive in Clayton that included the extension's new Forsyth and University City-Big Bend stations.

 

Jacobsmeyer, 42, of Chesterfield, lived and breathed the MetroLink tunnel from late 2002, when McCarthy was first bidding on the project, to when most major construction of the tunnel wrapped up in June 2005. And he put in a fair share of the 489,000 man-hours that McCarthy employees and subcontractors worked on the project. At peak construction time, he supervised more than 300 workers at the site.

 

"Each one of them wanted to be involved in this project, and everyone put in their all," Jacobsmeyer said. "For people (in construction), this is the kind of project that you're going to tell your children and grandchildren about."

 

At the insistence of politicians and nearby residents who feared that ground-level trains would increase noise and decrease property values, officials agreed to build about one mile of the extension underground, as deep as 45 feet under Forest Park Parkway. At about $95 million, it is the most expensive part of the $678 million extension, said Chris Poehler, Metro's project director for the extension.

 

Jacobsmeyer said McCarthy's underground mile probably was the most complicated part of the project, too.

 

Instead of burrowing underground like miners, crews ripped open Forest Park Parkway and dug a trench that in some places is 45 feet deep. Reinforced concrete shored up the tunnel walls, and massive precast concrete tops - some weighing up to 30 tons - covered the tunnel.

 

If the tunnel was being built on open land, it would be a pretty straightforward project. Instead, the tunnel is sandwiched between homes, businesses and Washington University. Traffic remained open on some streets crossing over the parkway, and construction workers had little elbow room to move around.

 

And there was plenty to move. To build the tunnel, Jacobsmeyer's crews had to dig up about 400,000 cubic yards of dirt, rock, old utility lines and - in a few places - untapped coal veins. It was enough dirt and debris to fill more than 20 dump trucks every hour for 12 hours each day, for about six months.

 

As the dirt was departing, Jacobsmeyer said, the concrete was arriving - 66,000 cubic yards of it. That's equal to the contents of 7,300 concrete-mixing trucks. And then there were the massive 596 concrete tops that formed the tunnel's roof. Each had to be carried individually by flat-bed truck from a manufacturer in Illinois.

 

Jacobsmeyer's work on the extension has been over for more than a year, and now the University of Missouri at Rolla graduate is supervising construction of an even bigger project: Pinnacle Entertainment's $480 million hotel and casino on Laclede's Landing.

 

MetroLink grand opening events

 

Today

 

11 a.m.: A progressive grand opening begins at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere station. A MetroLink train carrying area officials will leave that station at 11:12 a.m. and proceed to all the stations on the new line for grand opening ceremonies, arriving at the Shrewsbury station at 12:30 p.m. The first train open to the public will depart the Forest Park-DeBaliviere station at 12:15 p.m. (Only a safe number of people will be allowed on each platform. Metro recommends the public wait until later in the day to avoid the two-hour waits experienced in 1993, when the first line opened.)

 

1 p.m.: Grand opening at the Shrewsbury station.

 

2-8 p.m.: Community celebration across from the Shrewsbury station, including activities for children, music and fireworks at the end.

 

MetroLink is offering free rides from 12:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on the new Shrewsbury line. Regular fares will be charged for destinations beyond the Forest Park-DeBaliviere station. Regular service begins Monday.

 

More information: www.metrostlouis.org

In addition to the story above, here's some pictures of opening-day events from the Urban St. Louis website (plus some video links at the end!)....

 

 

The new leg of the MetroLink system is the green-only portion at the lower left:

 

 

 

LinkFest and the activities at the Shrewsbury station:

 

 

 

 

Some of the communities along the route set up shop at LinkFest. This was across Lansdowne on the closed River des Peres Blvd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

handing out little Metro coolers:

 

 

 

 

The spaces in the entrance driveway were full. People were stopping in the driveway hoping to find someone pulling out...but there were plenty of spaces just up and around the corner:

 

 

 

 

 

Now, about that subway tunnel -- two stations are in the subway, Skinker and U City/Big Bend...

 

 

 

 

 

Below Skinker Boulevard:

 

 

And above the Skinker station, some pedestrian-friendly, transit-supportive development is already starting to happen...

 

 

 

 

Here's a couple of videos.....

 

U City/Big Bend (trying to get the light sculpture):

 

Skinker:

Gubernatorial candidate Green utterly in the dark about rail

 

By Dave Zweifel, Aug. 28, 2006

The Capital Times (Wisconsin)

August 28, 2006

 

If you're among the growing legions who see the need to bring viable passenger rail service to this part of the country, you're not going to want to vote for Mark Green for governor.

Green has obviously spent too much time with the Washington faction that doesn't mind throwing countless billions to the highway cabal, but is "horrified" whenever Amtrak comes looking for a small handout that might make riding in a train just a tad more convenient.

 

In fact, according to a story on Wisconsin Public Radio earlier this week, Green claimed to have never heard of the years-long initiative to get high-speed rail into the Midwest, particularly in the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison-Minneapolis corridor.

 

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/index.php?ntid=96557&ntpid=0

Last thing, I found a map which shows the current route u/c with future routes also shown.

 

 

The line is underground from Blas Infante to Cocheras since this is the city and is densely populated (almost 4x more than Columbus).

not expansion related, but relating to operations and cleanliness in toronto:

 

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1156592170984&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home

 

Howard Hughes would be so proud

TRANSIT | New products to shield germaphobes from bugs on a (subway) train. By Andrew Chung

 

 

Aug. 27, 2006. 01:00 AM

ANDREW CHUNG

 

 

Oh, woe is Emily Wang when she boards the subway. All those gleaming steel bars, beckoning her to caress them, hold them, lest she be thrown around as the train lurches ahead.

 

But no, she will not. The possibilities are endless: traces of blood, urine, excrement, nasal spray, saliva, parasites, bacteria, viruses ... well, she'll do anything to avoid the bars. "They're just gross," says the 18-year-old high school student. "I don't think they clean them at all."