http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature6-9-05

 

September 4, 2008

 

Planned San Diego-area high-speed trains being re-routed

 

Two months before Californians vote on a $9.95-billion bond measure for trains, state rail officials are going back to the drawing board to map out a new route for 20 miles of high-speed railroad tracks in North County. Peter Gertler, project manager for the system's Los Angeles-to-San Diego corridor, said Wednesday that construction of express lanes on Interstate 15 between Escondido and Miramar will preclude laying down tracks next to the freeway.

 

More at link above:

This is pretty cool on the tech side of things:

 

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/french-public-rail-trials-rfid-usb-combo-ticket-system/

 

^ thanks for posting that.

 

it's a fantastic idea. i would love it for commuting ease.....as long as it's hacker proof.

 

***

 

the mta's 'select bus service,' a bus rapid transit (brt) experiment in the bronx appears to be off to a good start. there is news video on the link below:

 

 

 

09/05/2008 02:31 PM

 

New Bronx Bus Service Speeds Travel Time

 

By: NY1 News

 

A plan to cut travel time on a Bronx bus line appears to be working.

 

Transit officials say the new select bus service on the BX12 route has cut travel time by 20 percent.

 

A trip from end to end that once took close to an hour is now about 12 minutes shorter.

 

The program implemented at the end of June allows buses to drive in red painted lanes along Fordham Road and Pelham Parkway that are off limits to other vehicles.

 

Buses are equipped with sensors that enable traffic signals to stay green and riders buy tickets at curbside machines to speed up the boarding process.

There are plans to bring Select Bus Service to First and Second Avenues in Manhattan in 2010, and Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn in 2012.

 

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/85524/new-bronx-bus-service-speeds-travel-time/Default.aspx

 

 

http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature2-9-08

 

September 5, 2008

 

 

Caltrain electrification welcomed, price tag not

 

Caltrain's plan to replace its aging diesel locomotives with an all-electric system has been well-received by federal regulators. The design process is progressing nicely and staff members are pumped up about the project. Now all the rail agency needs is $1.5 billion to pay for it, local newspapers report.

 

 

http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature4-9-08

 

September 5, 2008

 

 

Washington County, Ore., Commuter Rail Project updates

 

On the night of Monday, September 8, crews will repave the asphalt on SW Hall Boulevard in Beaverton between SW Cascade Boulevard and SW Nimbus Avenue. Work will be completed through partial lane closures. Two-way traffic will remain open at all times.

 

 

California Intercity Passenger Rail ridership and revenue records continue to be "smashed" by these August statistics.

News Release from California Capital Corridors Joint Powers Authority

 

Major ridership growthcontinues all across California, with the Pacific Surfliners growing at+9.5%, the Capitol Corridor at +21.2% and the San Joaquins at +27.5%.

 

These three California intercity rail services carried 568,132 passengers

in August, and the Pacific Surfliner (313,570) route has carried more

passengers than Amtrak's premier Northeast Corridor "Acela Express"

(250,440) for the fourth consecutive month.

 

The Capitol Corridor was again rated by the riders across the country as

Amtrak's #1 route for customer satisfaction for the 7th consecutive month,

and Capitol Corridor sustained its "best on-time performance" (at 91.6%

on-time) of all but 2 intercity corridors offering multiple frequency

services.

 

Capitol Corridor (August 2008):

 

158,309 passengers  +21.2%  vs. 2007

this is a new August record, and second-highest month ever and the Capitol

Corridor is still the third busiest route in the country, by a wide margin

Passengers for 11 months YTD: 1,548,783  (11 months YTD: +16.1%)

(total riders for the latest 12 months: 1,664,871, +15.7% above prior 12

months)

 

$2,272,935 revenue  +27.9% vs. 2007  (11 months YTD: +21.6%)

 

The farebox recovery revenue-to-cost ratio for July is 62.5% , and

the year-to-date revenue-to-cost ratio holding at 54.3%.

 

On-time performance for July: 91.6% (a record high for service reliability)

The year-to-date on-time performance delivered to the customers after 11

months is 85.3%, among the best in the country.  Only the Keystone Corridor

and the Hiawatha Corridor have better on-time stats.  The premier Acela

Express service on the Northeast Corridor is 83.8% on-time for the same 11

month period, while Northeast Regional service is at 75.5%.

 

The Capitol Corridor August on-time reliability numbers are exceptionally

good, and most encouraging.  Again, like last month, not since we went from

6 trains each way to 9 trains each way (back in 2000-01) have we seen

ridership growth like we have seen in July and August.  Union Pacific

Railroad continues to deliver for us.  UPRR performance in August was again

95%, and UPRR performance year to date is between 94% and 95%, the best of

any Amtrak-operated intercity passenger rail service in the country,

whether Amtrak-dispatched or freight railroad dispatched.

__________________________________________________

 

 

Pacific Surfliners (August 2008):

 

313,570 passengers  +9.5% vs. 2007, still the second busiest route in the

nation, by a wide margin

Passengers for 11 months YTD: 2,683,362  (11 months YTD: +7.5%)

As noted above, the Pacific Surfliners carried more monthly passengers than

the Acela Express on the Northeast Corridor, for the 4th consecutive month

 

$6,173,776 revenue  +14.8% vs. 2007 (11 months YTD:  +9.8%)

 

On-time performance for August: 69.3%

YTD on-time:  75.9%

__________________________________________________

 

San Joaquins (August 2008):

 

96,253  passengers  +27.5% vs. 2007, keeping its slot as fifth busiest in

the nation for the second consecutive month (outpacing New York State's

Empire Corridor Service)

Passengers for 11 months YTD: 873,767  (11 months YTD: +18.2%)

 

$3,093,399  revenue  +31.1%  vs. 2007  (11 months YTD: +19.6%)

 

On-time performance for August:  66.4%

YTD on-time: 82.4%

__________________________________________________________

 

Total California Intercity Corridor Ridership for August 2008:  568,132

 

Total Northeast Corridor 'Spine' ridership for August 2008:    877,849

For August 2008, the California Corridors are 64.7% of Northeast Corridor

'Spine' Boston-Washington ridership

 

Total Northeast Corridor ridership for August 2008

with branches to Springfield, MA; Albany, NY and Harrisburg, PA:  1,104,113

For August 2008, the California Corridors are 51.5% of the total Northeast

Corridor ridership

 

Eugene K. Skoropowski

Managing Director

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

london calling.

 

the return of the double decker bus to ny?

 

and is it better than articulated busses? hmmm.

 

 

Updated 09/08/2008 07:21 PM

MTA Test Drives Double-Decker Buses

 

By: NY1 News

 

Top MTA officials went for a ride Monday on a double-decker bus, which is being rolled into service for a trial run.

 

Officials say the 13-foot buses are cheaper to maintain, carry more passengers, and are more efficient than the extra-long buses currently in use.

 

video:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/default.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

APTA reports transit ridership soars in second quarter

Railway Age

 

U.S. public transportation ridership rose 5.2% during the second quarter of 2008, spurred by higher gasoline prices, the American Public Transportation Association reported Tuesday.

 

More at:

 

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

http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/434923.html

Buffalo leads nation in increased light rail use

 

By Sharon Linstedt - News Business Reporter

Updated: 09/09/08 1:40 PM

 

Buffalo commuters are leading the nation when it comes to taking light rail to beat the high cost of driving.

 

Metro Rail ridership skyrocketed 45.9 percent in the second quarter of this year compared to 2008 passenger counts, according to a survey released by the American Public Transportation Association today. Ridership went from 1.2 million in the second quarter of 2007 to almost 1.8 million trips in the same period this year.

 

More at link above:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_587379.html

 

High gas prices, airefares push more people onto Amtrak

 

By Thomas Olson

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

 

Before Yankee Stadium gets torn down, the Gentile boys visited New York last weekend. Instead of flying, they chose to ride the rails.

 

"This is our first time taking the train," said Tony Gentile, 47, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, as he and his sons in Yankees caps boarded Amtrak at the Downtown station.

 

More at link above:

^^It's amazing those pig-headed Buffalo officials steadfastly refuse to extend the 1-line, Main Street "Metro Rail" LRT... Even in its shortness, it's an unqualified success; considerably more successful than Cleveland's much bigger Rapid system in terms of passenger miles.

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature6-9-11

 

September 10, 2008

Fort Lauderdale streetcar plan gets nudge of approval

 

Florida's Broward County Commission Tuesday approved a measure to own and operate a proposed 2.7-mile streetcar line for Fort Lauderdale. The vote "allows the county's transportation department staff to assume official role as project sponsor/operator/project manager," as well as apply to the Federal Transit Administration $75 million in funding.

 

 

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature3-9-15

 

September 12, 2008

New York governor sets goals for Moynihan Station

 

In a luncheon speech Friday, New York Gov. David Paterson said any state dollars devoted to New York City's planned Moynihan Station must include new train tracks and platforms, and be done in coordination with other projects, including a new Hudson River tunnel being driven in large measure by New Jersey Transit.

 

if only the dems and repubs in ohio agreed and talked like this!!  :whip:

 

 

Not enough rail in transit plan, candidates say

Orléans MP Galipeau, rival Godbout agree more buses aren't the answer

 

Patrick Dare, Ottawa Citizen

Published: Sunday, September 14, 2008

 

OTTAWA - The Conservative MP for Ottawa-Orléans and his Liberal challenger in the federal election say Ottawa's latest public transit plan doesn't go far enough with commuter rail.

 

 

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=526f1384-e8a0-49e2-91c2-8a5188a8bcef

 

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature5-9-19

 

September 18, 2008

Alternate plan for trans-Hudson tunnel gets new life

 

Last week, New York Gov. David Paterson urged regional transportation agencies and players to coordinate rail transit efforts, and specifically cited the need to tie New Jersey Transit's trans-Hudson tunnel plans to New York City's proposed Moynihan Station project, part of a long-stalled plan to expand rail capacity at New York's Penn Station.

 

 

Maglev trains: The future of high-speed travel?

Posted by Belinda Long on September 19, 2008 at 6:01 PM

 

http://blogs.trb.com/news/specials/newsillustrated/blog/2008/09/maglev_trains_the_future_of_hi.html

Maglev has been the future of rail travel for more than 50 years. It may be a lot faster MPH-wise than conventional rail, but there is a diminishing return in actual travel time savings the faster you go while the capital cost increases exponentially. That's why Maglev will probably remain the "future of rail travel" for at least another 50 years, at least in terms of intercity travel markets. Airport links and amusement parks -- different story.

If this were an Amtrak-sponsored project, UP couldn't say no to them per federal law....

________________

 

http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature2-9-22

 

September 19, 2008

 

Union Pacific says 'no thanks' to cash from California

 

In the same category as "man bites dog," a major corporation has told California that it can’t accept its offer of $43 million in public subsidies, according to a story on the Los Angeles Times Website. The chairman of Union Pacific dropped a line to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that his company has to turn down the state’s offer to cover half the cost of building extra tracks and improved tunnels for Union Pacific trains traveling over Donner Pass.

 

 

maglev always seems to be the far future of rail travel and i would hardly trust what the chinese say, but they do report their 20 mile line is revenue-producing. take that with a grain of salt.

 

i think it's kind of nice for a change to take advantage of their rapid modernization craze and to just let the chinese go all out on a limb with something like maglev. maybe we can reap the benefit of it someday.

 

***

 

some interesting mta experiments. i don't know why they didn't do this one before:

 

 

Updated 09/20/2008 10:33 AM

MTA Adds Video Ads To Side Of Buses

 

By: NY1 News

A new wave of advertising hits city streets via city buses.

 

Digital screens are now on the side of a M23 bus in Manhattan. The 12-foot screens feature a series of ads which rotate throughout the day.

 

It's part of the Metropolitan Transportation Association's latest initiative to increase revenue, and if successful, the concept could be expanded.

 

video:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/86063/mta-adds-video-ads-to-side-of-buses/Default.aspx

 

these are clever seat grates:

 

 

 

09/20/2008 12:57 PM

MTA Hopes Elevated Subway Grates Prevent Flooding

 

By: Bobby Cuza

 

 

One year after a sudden rainstorm crippled the subway system during the morning rush hour, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it's now better prepared for heavy storms. NY1 Transit reporter Bobby Cuza explains in the following report.

 

In an effort to prevent subway flooding, the MTA unveiled Friday an elevated sidewalk ventilation grate in Jamaica.

 

"This street has a certain height of water in a storm," said John O'Grady, of New York City Transit Capital Program Management. "And, by raising the vent grating high enough above the water level, essentially we're preventing water from coming into the subway system."

 

MTA officials gathered to unveil this new prototype and to tout the MTA's progress since last summer's storm that virtually shut down the system. Among other things, the MTA has created a new Emergency Response Center and installed Doppler radar at its operations centers.

 

"Essentially, we have an early-warning system that we did not have before," explained MTA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Elliot "Lee" Sandler.

 

On the communications front, the MTA is testing out video screens that could alert customers to service problems before they swipe their MetroCards. It's also upgraded its website, which was overloaded the day of the storm, and next month will begin sending out text message alerts when there are service disruptions.

 

The elevated subway grate unveiled in Jamaica is just the first of many. The MTA also plans to install them at five other flood-prone locations throughout the city in the coming months.

 

The locations include the areas near the 79th and 86th Street stations on the Number 1, 2, 3 lines, the Chambers Street station on the 1, 2, 3, and, in Queens, the areas between the 36th Street and Steinway Street stations on the V/R/G, and between the 46th Street and Northern Boulevard stations.

 

In Jamaica, the new prototype got mostly positive reviews.

 

"I like it," said one Queens resident. "I think it's both useful and sort of an asymmetrical work of art simultaneously. I dig it."

 

Some said that anything is better than the MTA's temporary solution: covering the grates with blue tarp held in place by buckets of cement.

 

"The temporary materials that they used was absurd, absolutely absurd," said another Queens resident. "Manpower-wise, and aesthetically, it was awful."

 

The grates in this area alone will cost several million dollars, which will come out of a pool of $30 million set aside for improvements after last year's flooding.

 

video:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/86074/mta-hopes-elevated-subway-grates-prevent-flooding/Default.aspx

 

nytimes:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/new-subway-grates-add-aesthetics-to-flood-protection/

 

 

 

ann arbor is thinking streetcars:

 

Study to look at feasibility of Ann Arbor streetcar system

 

 

Visions of streetcars rolling along Ann Arbor's main corridors remain hypothetical, but a new study will help sort out whether that or some other form of rapid transit should take shape in the city.

 

http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/09/visions_of_streetcars_rolling.html

 

Who says people won't leave their cars for good train service?

 

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=18052

 

Metro-North releases findings from origin/destination study

 

In an effort to better understand travel patterns and their customers, MTA Metro-North Railroad conducted an origin and destination study in spring and fall 2007.

 

 

 

these plain/glassy subway entrances recently emerged out of the new bank of america tower construction in midtown. they seem narrow to me:

 

 

 

indy moves forward on light rail...

 

 

Light rail line gets a heavy push

Top officials, agencies in area endorse idea, talk about considering regional transit tax

 

By Chris Sikich

Posted: September 27, 2008

 

Key elected leaders from across the region appear open to considering a regional tax to pay for a $160 million light rail line between Noblesville and Downtown Indianapolis.

 

The search to fund the project was set into motion in earnest Friday when the Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council unanimously endorsed the idea of using the old Nickel Plate line to start a service that would run every 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.

 

In all, 30 officials representing the cities, towns, counties and public agencies in the eight-county region voted in support of the Metropolitan Planning Organization's plan for the first of seven possible transit lines.

 

With that much political will, advocates now have the green light to push ahead on several fronts, including lobbying the General Assembly.

 

Despite that, just where and how the money is found will be tricky.

 

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard was among those Friday who voted in favor of moving ahead, but he stressed he'd prefer considering a tax only after other options are exhausted.

 

"There are other ways to do things," he said, pointing to the potential of federal support and private investment.

 

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard was among those who said they either would favor a regional tax or, at a minimum, be willing to consider it.

 

Finding the money will largely be the responsibility of the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, which would run the service. CIRTA Executive Director Ehren Bingaman said he will look at existing transportation funds now in various state and local budgets, at federal dollars and for private investors who might help build the train line's stations in exchange for development rights.

 

The authority's focus will be on pushing for a state law that would let local governments enact regional funding for light rail transit.

 

It also will look for regional funding to expand IndyGo bus service with suburban routes to Indianapolis and more routes within the city.

 

In exchange, communities could use some of the money raised for their own transportation needs -- which could be as simple as paving roads.

 

That's similar to the approach used in enacting the food and beverage taxes that are paying for Lucas Oil Stadium and the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center.

 

About half of that money stays with the counties that adopted the tax.

 

Bingaman said a transit tax could be statewide, generating funding for rapid transit here and in Northwest Indiana, while paving roads elsewhere.

 

He said the money could come in an increase in the sales tax or through a wheel, excise or income tax.

 

Besides Carmel's Brainard, Fishers Town Council President Scott Faultless, Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear and Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said they are open to a new tax.

 

"The wheels of commerce in Central Indiana are going to be dependent on mass transit on a regional basis," Faultless said. "Otherwise, with gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, the ability of people to get to and from work will become very difficult."

 

Lawrence Mayor Paul Ricketts said he also is interested in finding a dedicated revenue stream for the line, though he wants to make sure city, town and county councils have the right to either accept or reject any new tax.

 

"If it's just an appointed board that gets to create a tax, I would not be for it."

 

Leaders outside Hamilton and Marion countries also said they could support a transit tax.

 

Morgan County Commissioner Jeff Quyle said he would be interested in new funding to maintain roads, as well as express bus service from Mooresville and even distant Martinsville.

 

Although local officials are thinking about the tax, it will take state leaders to create it.

 

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels is keeping an open mind on the subject, said his spokeswoman, Jane Jankowski.

 

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson supports mass transit and, if elected, would work with local governments to find funding sources from the bottom up and look for federal dollars, said her spokesman, Jeff Harris.

 

State Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, has been working with CIRTA on the project and could be the sponsor on any related state legislation.

 

She said the idea of regional funding would depend on the transportation authority forming a consensus among lawmakers, community leaders and the public.

 

"There is a real interest among some members of the General Assembly in making sure we have a well-rounded and comprehensive transportation system," Austin said. "And so, to that end, I think the real challenge is to define a viable funding source and also to take advantage of any federal and/or private capital that might be available."

 

***

 

...and commuter rail:

 

Panel approves Indianapolis commuter rail plan

 

Posted: Sep 26, 2008 10:23 AM

 

Updated: Sep 26, 2008 06:09 PM

 

Mary Milz/Eyewitness News

 

Indianapolis - Central Indiana is another step closer to rapid transit.

 

The Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council voted unanimously Friday in favor of moving forward on a diesel light rail system along the increasingly congested northeast corridor. It would run along the tracks used by the state fair train from Noblesville to downtown Indianapolis.

 

While the vote is not a "final" decision, it does signal a serious commitment from the ITRC which is made up of representatives from the eight-county region.

 

All 43 members voiced support for getting the ball rolling on a the $160 million starter system.

 

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman, a staunch advocate said, "what I saw today was so heartening, everyone looking at central Indiana as a regional economy and looking at this project as a regional project."

 

Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear called it, "a big vote that's frankly been a long time coming."

 

Regional transit has been talked about and studied for more than 20 years.

 

"The demand is there, it's a great economic tool and the Hoosier Port Authority owns the right-of-way," Ditslear said.

 

Tom Klein, the Town Manager of Avon said while his community is years away from rapid transit, "you have to start somewhere. You have to get this first leg going."

 

"For a starting point, this is the logical place to begin," said Atlanta Town President Abe Evans.

 

The vote paves the way for an environmental impact study, needed to qualify for federal funding.

 

Ehren Bingaman with the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority said the study will look at "water, noise, traffic and household impacts."

 

He said it will take one year to 18 months and cost between two and two-and-a-half million dollars.

 

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, undecided in previous weeks voted in favor of moving forward, but with some reservations.

 

"I'm concerned about the ridership numbers and the funding so those things still need to be determined," Ballard said. "But we don't want to stall the process, because we will need the data no matter which way we go."

 

The starter system is estimated to cost at least $160 million, with transit officials still uncertain about where they'll find that money.

 

"Every mode of transportation is subsidized," Bingaman said.

 

He said they planned to ask state lawmakers and the federal government for help.

 

"There is the likelihood we're looking at a new tax," Bingaman acknowledged.

 

There are other challenges. The track runs out downtown. Transit officials would need to strike a deal with CSX to use their tracks or share their right-of-way to get to Union Station downtown.  Ballard, who toured Union Station earlier this week said, "1950's is what I thought and it needs to be seriously upgraded soon, within the next few years."

 

Transit officials say if all goes as planed, rapid transit could be up and running by late 2012.

 

 

For light/heavy rail projects, does this fall under the eminent domain clause for right-of-way purchases, similar to the interstate highway system?

Railroads were the first entities to exercise eminent domain. The law applies to their cousins in the rail transit industry.

I saw on Youtube, videos on the diesel Sprinter in the burbs of San Diego. They showed a two and three car train. Would that work in the Cleveland area? I am sure they would have to run on some kind of duel power to go into Tower City or maybe the old Shaker station area.

It might.

Indianapolis DLRT plan moves forward

 

The Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council has voted unanimously to endorse a $160 million diesel light rail transit (DLRT) line linking the state capital with Noblesville, roughly 29 miles to the north.

 

More at:

 

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

seattle light rail is coming on line -- some views:

 

 

A pedestrian uses a footbridge that passes over the light posts and rain canopy at the Stadium Station on the Sound Transit Link light rail line. Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

 

The light posts at the Stadium Station.

 

The light posts under the rain canopy at Rainier Beach station.

 

Claw-like poles that support power lines just south of the Rainier Beach station.

   

 

Elevated light rail track crosses over Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. at S. Ryan Way.

 

more pics of sound transit artwork and discussion:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ae/381055_architecture30.html

 

ewww

Crazy!  It didn't look anything like that when I was there back in July.  I like it!  Don't worry MTS, the big rail supports aren't detracting from the neighborhood.  Its pretty crappy suburban area by the airport.

all those years they complained and that it took to rid the subways of graffiti...but now this is a-ok?  :roll:  presenting mta's first advertisments on a subway car (meh. bring back the graffiti!!!):

 

 

 

 

 

"The MTA will realize over $125 million in 2008 in advertising revenues. If these new initiatives are implemented on a permanent base, the MTA expects these revenues to grow substantially."

 

more about it on the mta press release:

http://www.mta.info/mta/news/releases/?en=081002-HQ36

 

Its easier for advertisors and sponsor.

 

Think back about 9 years ago, when you would look at the ad board (the upper portion of the train) you would see various ads yet none related to each other.

 

You could "buy into" various packages.  When we would release records, we would never sure we would buy a package where our core customer was.

 

Then the MTA rolled out the plan where you could buy an entire train or cars to sell you product.  The 7 train was the first to use that treatment when the USTA and AMEX teamed up.

 

I like it.  You might our stuff on a train.  If only SATC was still on.  I would turn a whole set of trains pink!

Well, isn't MTA also the system that is a facing severe financial crunch?

Well, isn't MTA also the system that is a facing severe financial crunch?

Yep

Most of them are facing a huge financial crunch. But of course only Cleveland RTA's financial problems were the result of a big capital improvement project.

hey hey dee troit:

 

 

Allen pushing bill package to fund light rail system in Detroit

 

By Noah Fowle News-Review Staff Writer

Thursday, October 2, 2008 9:20 AM EDT

 

LANSING — Sen. Jason Allen is behind a bill package in the Senate that would help a privately funded project to bring a light rail system to Detroit.

 

With some of Detroit’s biggest names behind it, the light rail system along a 3.4 mile stretch of the Woodward corridor is estimated to cost about $100 million. Allen’s legislation, which has a mirror version in the House introduced by Rep. Bert Johnson D-Detroit, would update the private rail car act of 1873 as well as provide a bonding component to help pay for operating costs beginning around 2012.

 

While Allen said the exact dollar amount that would be paid for by the public is up for debate, his office estimated it would be between $6-10 million. But Allen said that amount of public money is warranted because there are more than just public transportation and environmental benefits associated with the development of a light rail system.

 

“Where other communities have put an investment in a rail corridor there has been an increased value along that corridor,” he said. “It creates an investment incentive.”

 

Allen said that all major cities are supported by public transportation system. He said that models in Portland and Denver were currently being examined.

 

“Detroit is one of a few major cities that has had a limited system,” he said. “It’s amazing to see what happened in Portland once they put that investment in.”

 

Allen added that the legislation will be written so that other communities would have the ground work for creating their own light rail system. He said that as transportation costs continue to rise, even smaller, more rural communities could see the need for a light rail system.

 

“Amtrak had the highest ridership in its history. Traditional modes of transportation are becoming more expensive,” he said. “This legislation will be there in case Petoskey or Traverse City wants to try this. They could all put this system in if they could make the numbers work.”

 

Noah Fowle439-9374 - [email protected]

 

I was on the Shuttle yesterday and when they say they "wrapped" the entire car, they mean it.  There is not one spot on that train - inside or out - that is not wrapped.

 

Sorry for the bad pics.

 

 

“Amtrak had the highest ridership in its history. Traditional modes of transportation are becoming more expensive,” he said. “This legislation will be there in case Petoskey or Traverse City wants to try this. They could all put this system in if they could make the numbers work.”

 

Amtrak?? I thought the article was about light rail in Detroit? Do these guys have any idea what they're talking about?? My guess is they don't if they're proposing a privately funded LRT, in Detroit of all places.

Which shuttle MTS? Be more specific :P

 

I kid, I kid..

thx for the pics mts.

 

the seats? the walls? the ceiling? wow that is 100% wrapped. i had no idea. wacky.

 

i'm not looking forward to seeing any more of that...but it's modernized advertising so i guess we will.

 

maybe mta will even start to advertise in the tunnels now too, like the path train and other systems have done.

 

thx for the pics mts.

 

the seats? the walls? the ceiling? wow that is 100% wrapped. i had no idea. wacky.

 

I'm not looking forward to seeing any more of that...but it's modernized advertising so i guess we will.

 

maybe mta will even start to advertise in the tunnels now too, like the path train and other systems have done.

 

 

Everything!  Except for the things that are directions, MTA, police, state, local, etc. postings or signage.

 

It done well.

McCain Pledge Sought For Dulles Rail Project

Vote on Metro Funding Upset Va. Leaders

By Michael Laris

Washington Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 7, 2008; A07

 

Virginia congressional leaders are lobbying Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to make a commitment, before next month's election, to support funding for extending Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, one of the Washington region's top transportation priorities.

 

More at:

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/06/AR2008100602682.html

The growth continues!

California Capitol Corridors Joint Powers Authority

 

California and the entire country continues "getting on board the train!"

While it is a bit surprising that none of our national candidates for

office seem to focus on passenger rail investments, and the mobility, jobs

and economic stimulus such investments bring, as more and more Americans

step on-board trains, maybe the message will get through that there is an

opportunity here for a major investment program that creates jobs HERE, and

provides a permanent transport service to our people that cannot be

'off-shored'.

 

In any case, the ridership and revenue results for the month of September

2008 (the last month of the Federal Fiscal Year) are remarkable in their

consistency, even at a time when gasoline prices actually came down.

Ridership numbers did NOT come down, but rather continued their increase.

Hopefully, political leaders will begin to recognize the popularity of

passenger trains with the American people, and their willingness to fund a

national passenger rail system.  OK, enough of the soap-boxing.  Here are

the results.

 

The Capitol Corridor sustained its "best-ever on-time performance" in

September (at 93.8% on-time, delivered to the riders) and was the best

on-time record in the nation of any Amtrak-operated service with more than

one-round trip per day, and even then, only the Auto Train and Vermonter

had a slightly better on-time record.  Union Pacific Railroad's performance

(the owner of the railroad over which the Capitol Corridor operates, and

dispatcher of our trains) is about 99% on-time for the Capitol Corridor,

again, better than any other Amtrak service, including Amtrak's own

Northeast Corridor services.

 

Capitol Corridor (September 2008):

 

144,747 passengers  +24.7%  vs. 2007

This is a new September record, and keeps the Capitol Corridor third

busiest route in the country, by a wide margin

Passengers for 12 months of FY 2007-08: 1,693,580, just 6,420 passengers

shy of 1.7 million riders. (12 months of FY 2007-08: +16.6%)

Just for comparison, 10 years ago, FY 1997-98, ridership was only 463,000

for the year!

 

$1,953,836  September revenue  +27.9% vs. 2007  (FY 2007-08: $23,634,341

for +22.0% growth)

 

The farebox recovery revenue-to-cost ratio for September is 56.7%, and

the revenue-to-cost ratio for FY 2007-08 is 54.4%, the best full year

recovery ratio in the history of the Capitol Corridor.

 

On-time performance for September was even better at: 93.8% (a Capitol

Corridor 'record high' for service reliability)

FY 2007-08 on-time performance delivered to the customers is 86.0%, among

the best in the country.  Only the Keystone Corridor

(NY-Philadephia-Harrisburg) and the Hiawatha Corridor (Chicago-Milwaukee)

have slightly better on-time stats.  For comparison, the premier Acela

Express service on the Northeast Corridor was 92.8% on-time for September

and 84.5% for the fiscal year.  Northeast Regional service operated at

78.7% on-time in September, and 75.8% for the fiscal year.

 

Again, not since we went from 6 trains each way to 9 trains each way (back

in 2000-01) have we seen ridership growth like we have seen since July.

Union Pacific Railroad continues to deliver for us.  UPRR performance in

September was a record 99%, and UPRR performance for the fiscal year is

averaging close to 96%, the best performance of any Amtrak-operated

intercity passenger rail service in the country, whether Amtrak-dispatched

or freight railroad dispatched.

__________________________________________________

 

Pacific Surfliners (September 2008):

 

215,497 passengers  +1.7% vs. September 2007, but still the second busiest

route in the nation, by a wide margin

Passengers for the 12 months of the FY 2007-08:  2,898,859  (12 months FY

2007-08: +7.1%)

 

$3,681,986 September revenue:  -0.5%% vs. 2007 (FY 2007-08: $51,010,624 for

+9.0% growth)

 

On-time performance for September: 78.7%

FY 2007-08 on-time performance:  76.1%

__________________________________________________

 

San Joaquins (September 2008):

 

75,844 passengers  +15.2% vs. September 2007

Passengers for 12 months of the FY 2007-08:  949,611  (12 months FY

2007-08: +18.0%)

 

$2,401,289  September revenue:  +50.8%  vs. 2007  (FY 2007-08:  $29,847,468

for +19.6% growth)

 

On-time performance for September:  85.0%

FY 2007-08 on-time performance: 82.6%

__________________________________________________________

 

Total California Intercity Corridor Ridership for September 2008:  436,138

 

Total Northeast Corridor 'Spine' ridership for September 2008:    885,577

For September 2008, the California Corridors are 49.3% of Northeast

Corridor 'Spine'

Boston-Washington ridership

 

Total Northeast Corridor ridership for September 2008

with branches to Springfield, MA; Albany, NY and Harrisburg, PA:  1,094,597

For September 2008, the California Corridors are 39.8% of the total

Northeast Corridor

ridership

 

Eugene K. Skoropowski

Managing Director

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

 

MORE Good News....

 

Study bolsters North Carolina commuter service idea

 

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) Thursday released results from an 11-month study concluding rush-hour commuter trains can operate on NCRR tracks, mixed with freight traffic, along with freight trains from Greensboro to Goldsboro.

 

More at:

 

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

More from California...

 

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature5-10-15

 

October 14, 2008

LA weighs options to unify LRT network

 

Los Angeles' Metropolitan Transportation Authority Thursday will hold the first of two meetings on the status of the "Regional Connector," a project that would tie together the area's light rail lines while passing through Downtown. Two options are included in the Alternatives Analysis: an above-ground rail route and a subway alternative.

 

 

And on the other side of the nation...

http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature4-10-15

 

October 14, 2008

 

Study: Rail investment would aid Massachusetts

 

A new report by the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group is urging the state to pursue investment in public transportation including a regional rail system that would connect Western Massachusetts with Worcester and Hartford, local newspapers report.

 

More at link above:

OK, this isn't exactly instructive for any part of Ohio, but this project is still incredibly important...

 

http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature2-10-17

 

October 16, 2008

 

 

NJ Transit OKs $124 million more for Hudson River rail tunnel

 

NJ Transit's Board of Directors voted October 15 to spend an additional $124 million to complete the preliminary design and begin the final design of a second Hudson River Tunnel, local newspapers report. The project's total cost is $7.6 billion.

 

More at link above:

New Way of Life Needed to Run High-Speed Rail

Posted: October 20th, 2008 08:06 AM EDT

Michael Cabanatuan

The San Francisco Chronicle

 

 

CALIFORNIA - Building a high-speed rail system would change the way Californians travel. But for high-speed rail to work - as it does in Europe and Asia - Californians will have to change the way they live, and the state will have to change the way it grows.

 

More at:

 

http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=7198&pageNum=2

 

OK, this isn't exactly instructive for any part of Ohio, but this project is still incredibly important...

 

http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature2-10-17

 

October 16, 2008

 

 

NJ Transit OKs $124 million more for Hudson River rail tunnel

 

...The tunnel project is expected to create 6,000 construction jobs and 44,000 permanent jobs...

 

 

how is it not instructive to ohio? at the very least ohioans need construction jobs. afterward, it will be like soldiers returning home from world war two raving about something called pizza.

 

***

 

ft lauderdale to ride the wave?

 

 

Trolley system a step closer for downtown Fort Lauderdale

 

by DON CRINKLAW

    October 18, 2008

 

Fort Lauderdale may soon have streetcars scooting about its downtown, and many neighborhood groups couldn't be happier.

 

The streetcar system, tentatively dubbed The Wave, is a step closer to implementation after Broward County commissioners agreed earlier this month to a financial plan and possible route. The project is expected to cost about $150 million, but it received enthusiastic support from many of Fort Lauderdale's neighborhood associations.

 

Ted Fling, vice president of the Victoria Park Civic Association, called the trolley system a great idea.

 

"The routing helps us as, come this November, we'll be losing the Broward County Transit route that currently runs through our community," he said.

 

Mike Vonder Meulen, president of the Poinsettia Heights Civic Association, said the projected trolley system "is a great, forward-thinking move, [and] a tremendous benefit to the downtown."

 

The Downtown Development Authority, which created the plan, has been working on a streetcar proposal for seven years. Planning and Design Manager Elizabeth Veliky said it will not be a light-rail system.

 

"These are streetcars," she said. "We'll probably begin with six of them. They're smaller and they maneuver better in the urban environment."

 

The Development Authority will look for federal aid to help with construction. Next March, the authority will begin applying for $75 million in federal grants. If funding is secured, The Wave could be rolling within five years.

 

Route plans now have the cars reaching six blocks north of Broward Boulevard and south to Southeast 17th Street. The range is about 2.7 miles. And that's just the beginning.

 

"We hope to feed into future streetcar systems and existing rubber-wheeled systems," Veliky said.

 

Tim Smith, president emeritus of the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association, described The Wave as "a streetcar named controversy," mostly because of the high cost. But he added that it would enhance Fort Lauderdale's distinctiveness.

 

"[it] makes for a city that stands out from others," Smith said.

 

"I don't think the routes are expansive enough," he continued. "If they'd brought the northern boundary up to Sunrise Boulevard they could connect with 25,000 more people."

 

Genia Duncan Ellis, president of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations, said she is aware of the arguments that a streetcar system is a way of rallying economic development, while setting off redevelopment of homes and offices. But Ellis prefers to think locally. Downtown residents, like those in Flagler Heights and Tarpon River, will be able to get on that trolley and go to Broward General Hospital and up to Sixth Street, she said.

 

"And the trolley will connect with existing commuter lines," she said. "You can take The Wave to Broward General, pick up the Sun Trolley and go down the 17th Street Causeway to the beach."

 

***

 

a rail-oriented "opportunity corridor" in phoenix:

 

 

Light rail may revive Washington Street corridor

 

77 comments by Chad Graham - Oct. 20, 2008 12:00 AM

The Arizona Republic

 

When it comes to Washington Street, think of Metro light rail as a ribbon that could tie together economic opportunities.

 

The roughly 8-mile stretch from downtown Phoenix to Tempe was neglected for decades, but it could become a dynamic corridor that better links Arizona State University's campuses, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and GateWay Community College, as well as biotech and green-energy companies.

 

It would put tourists in easier reach of the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

 

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon calls it the "opportunity corridor," and in 2005, he began calling for a revitalization of the area between the Salt River and Van Buren Street and from the Capitol complex east to the Tempe city line.

 

Progress has been slow, and the meltdown of the financial markets has dried up capital for some promised private-sector improvements. Existing businesses have suffered, too, with light-rail construction shutting down some mom-and-pop shops and crippling others.

 

But Gordon maintains the problems are not permanent.

 

Light rail will bring in new customers to shops; blighted areas are already disappearing; home prices in the area have increased, even against the slumping market.

 

"There are two corridors that have benefited the most from the light rail: the west Camelback area and the Washington-Jefferson corridor," he said.

 

The $1.4 billion train system is set to open Dec. 27. It will run 20 miles - from northwest Phoenix through downtown Phoenix and Tempe to west Mesa.

 

Years of change

 

When Phoenix was incorporated in 1881, Washington Street was the town's principal east-west thoroughfare. In 1887, it became the first route on the horse-drawn streetcar system.

 

In later decades, Van Buren Street, only a few blocks away, stole the glory as U.S. 60. Washington Street became known more for junkyards, car-repair shops, fast-food chains and vacant land.

 

In the racially segregated first half of the 20th century, Washington Street became a major thoroughfare for Black and Hispanic culture through schools, churches and commerce.

 

The three largest Black churches in the city are in the area, and "on any given Sunday, you're going to have somewhere close to 5,000 to 8,000 African-Americans going up and down that street," said Ron Busby, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce.

 

Washington Street has been a center for Black-owned business, and Busby believes light rail will have a mixed impact.

 

He said it could attract new companies and improve the tax base, but "unfortunately, some of those businesses that are going to leave are going to be the very traditional, second- and third-generation African-American-owned businesses," he said.

 

The owners of Jokake Construction have helped preserve Washington Street's fading history. In 2003, they bought 7 acres of land near 50th and Washington streets, including the historic Stockyards Restaurant and 1889 Saloon. They restored the eatery and reopened it in 2005.

 

The Stockyards, which originally opened in 1947, survived light-rail construction. Owner Gary Lasko now hopes for a spike in business. Although it is not near a station, riders will pass back and forth, giving the restaurant exposure.

 

Lasko agrees that parts of Washington Street were blighted for many years.

 

"But now it's beautiful," he said. "People don't even recognize it when they come down."

 

With light-rail construction finished, drivers have access to wider streets that feature new curbs, sidewalks and landscaping.

 

The street once again provides a main route to the airport and allows easy access to freeways.

 

Phoenix City Council member Michael Johnson, whose district includes part of the Washington Street corridor, believes that light rail will improve the downtown area, "and then you're going to have a step-down effect from Seventh Street" and beyond.

 

'A key link'

 

Plenty of vacant land remains.

 

"The light rail is a key link to all of that," said Don Keuth, president of the Phoenix Community Alliance, a group that advocates the revitalization of central Phoenix. "It is the ribbon that runs through it."

 

Eric Johnson, redevelopment-program manager for Phoenix, is equally upbeat.

 

"Parts of that corridor . . . have seen quite a bit of investment already," he said, "and we expect that to continue."

 

Milwaukee-based Irgens Development Partners LLC decided to place its faith in the promise of Washington Street two years ago: The company built an office near 50th Street.

 

Company officials are now trying to attract tenants to the building. There has been interest from service companies, engineering companies and others.

 

"I think (light rail) is going to be a huge impact," said Irgens Senior Vice President Michael O'Connor. "Every city needs rail, and I think it's going to be very well-received."

 

Light rail will also figure prominently into the future of GateWay Community College, said Susie Pulido, director of institutional advancement and entrepreneurial development at the school.

 

The campus at Washington and 40th streets is undergoing a master-planning process, and "we're looking to create public and private partnerships that will service the surrounding area and have workforce development that will benefit the college," she said.

 

That could include a heath clinic that allows students who are entering the medical field to get real-world experience.

 

The rail's initial impact will be felt by Valley residents who work and go to school along Washington Street.

 

Elizabeth Gomez, a single mother raising a 5-year-old son, is a student in GateWay's health-unit coordinating program. She hopes to eventually transfer to ASU.

 

Both campuses will be an easy commute on the light rail from her starting point near Central Avenue and Camelback Road.

 

"It's too much for gas," she said. "I'm just barely making it right now."

 

 

"We're close to being of a size where the cost of fuel and traffic congestion are making The Wave viable," she said.

 

For information, visit www.ddaftl.org.

 

 

 

 

The Conversation: Transportation salvation or fast train to nowhere?

Prop. 1A would authorize high-speed rail bonds

[email protected]

Published Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008

 

 

Like nothing else on this fall's ballot, Proposition 1A asks voters to confront California's past, present and future. The proposal to borrow $10 billion to start construction of a sleek, high-speed railroad connecting Northern and Southern California will be a test of how far we think the government should go in joining the risk-taking, entrepreneurial culture that has long defined the state's private sector.

 

More at:

 

http://www.sacbee.com/weintraub/story/1323631.html