Topic: Light Rail / Streetcar News Outside of Ohio

[OCtoCincy]

Once we've stayed in Libya for 10 days, we will have spent more than the $8 billion proposed for HSR from the stimulus package, and more than the federal government has ever dolled out for light rail/streetcar lines.

[KJP]

You might find this interesting. Despite being a pretty conservative and suburban city, Calgary is making
great strides with public transit.

This month service was improved on a number of routes, including on some routes to start the new PRIMARY TRANSIT ROUTES which will guarantee a bus every 10 minutes or less on major corridors. Under federal law, Canadian cities are required to have transit service level standards that require bus, trolley or train frequencies and hours of service based on local demographics. Most trunk lines must have service every 10 minutes during daylight hours and every 30 minutes overnight. And, get this, they have to provide this more extensive service while also improving their farebox recovery ratios to certain standards.

Anyway check this video out. Calgary has about a million people...

Behind the scenes at Calgary Transit

[The_Cincinnati_Kid]

a little news from here in the Portland area.......

College professor tells West Linn Council streetcar key to sustainable community
Published: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 7:30 AM     Updated: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 10:45 AM
By Everton Bailey Jr., The Oregonian The Oregonian

One of the keys to a sustainable community is a streetcar, according to a University of British Columbia professor.

During a presentation to the West Linn City Council on Monday night, professor Patrick Condon lauded the transportation option and said cities that have them usually have easy transit access, a diversity of housing types and other benefits.


http://www.oregonlive.com/west-linn/index.ssf/2011/03/college_professor_identifies_streetcar_to_west_linn_city_council_as_key_to_sustainable_communities.html

[noozer]

FTA OKs TriMet’s latest LRT project     
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 

Portland, Ore.’s TriMet said Tuesday the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved its planned 7.3-mile MAX light rail transit extension to suburban Milwaukie. The approval moves the project into final design phase, which will last about a year.

“This approval means that the region's top transit priority stays on schedule as it moves closer to construction,” TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane said in a statement.
 
Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/fta-oks-trimet-s-latest-lrt-project-2964.html

[KJP]

Rail transit projects on the coasts move forward....

MBTA awards Green Line Extension contract
Tuesday, April 05, 2011

....Scheduled for completion in 2015, the project will extend the Green Line,the nation’s oldest light rail line, from the existing Lechmere Station toMedford, Mass. The addition is considered significant by LRT observers, who have long questioned MBTA's overall reluctance to expand its LRT system even when public support has been vociferous.

HDR/Gilbane’s role is preliminary design, design management, constructionmanagement and overall program management. The total program estimate isjust over $950 million, and the extension is anticipated to be complete in2015.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/mbta-awards-green-line-extension-contract-2987.html



Skanksa wins $383M LACMTA contract
Monday, April 04, 2011

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has awarded Skanska, an international development and construction company based in Sweden, a contract to extend the light rail in Los Angeles County, Calif. Skanska's share of the contract is worth $382.9 million.

....According to the contract, the joint venture will construct a seven-mile light rail extension from Culver City to Santa Monica in Los Angeles County. Construction will begin in spring 2011 with anticipated completion in mid-2015. The scope of work includes 14 miles of track as well as five at-grade stations and two aerial stations. Additionally, the project includes one mile of elevated transit.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/skanksa-wins-383m-lacmta-contract-3838.html

[KJP]

Oklahoma City OKs streetcar route   
Wednesday, April 06, 2011

The Oklahoma City Council Tuesday approved a proposed route for its MAPS 3 streetcar line, with provisions for adjusting the route as conditions warrant. The proposed route runs in a four-mile loop, connecting the city’s midtown with Bricktown.

"This represents about four miles of the five to six mile route as part of the MAPS 3 budget," MAPS program manager Eric Wenger said.

According to a report given to the city council, the recommended streetcar route should assist in the design and construction of Project 180, a $141 million makeover of downtown streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. The recommended route and Project 180 renovations would take place on the some of the same streets.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/oklahoma-city-oks-streetcar-route-2990.html

[KJP]

$4-a-gallon gas fuels mass transit dialogue
Apr 14, 2011
Written by
Kevin Morgan

Since the introduction of the IndyConnect mass-transit proposal more than a year ago, the debate over its prospects usually has included a "what if."

What if gasoline hits $4 a gallon again?

The last time that happened, in summer 2008, mass transit -- even Central Indiana's limited version -- seemed to be catching on. The commuter express routes running between Hamilton County and Downtown Indianapolis often had buses filled to capacity, and some riders were left waiting at the curb.

Then gasoline prices dropped. Buses had fewer riders -- and a new commuter route south of Indianapolis came and went without much participation.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110414/LOCAL27/104140318/?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|IndyStar.com|p

[KJP]

11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011
Metro Atlanta requests a transit future
By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Metro Atlantans want wider, safer roads. They want better sidewalks and more bike paths. But most of all, they want mass transit.

At least, their local leaders think so, if dollars are any guide. Local governments have asked for a massive, expensive mass transit expansion from a regional sales tax that voters will consider next year.

For the first time, there’s a wish list that reflects metro Atlanta thinking as a region when it comes to transportation. Local governments had until March 30 to submit their wish lists. The Atlanta Regional Commission put them together in one batch of 436 projects, and handed the list over to the state transportation planning director for his review. In summer, a regional group will choose the final projects.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/metro-atlanta-requests-a-912815.html

[noozer]

4/21/2011 10:30:00 AM    Light Rail

Minnesota, FTA to ink grant agreement for Twin Cities' light-rail project
On April 26, Federal Transit Administration and Minnesota state officials plan to sign a full-funding grant agreement that will commit millions of federal dollars to the Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit project, which will connect the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The agreement will require the federal government to reimburse the project’s funding partners for half the cost to build the $957 million line, which will link the two cities along Washington and University avenues via the state Capitol and University of Minnesota.

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=26402

[noozer]

Portland Streetcar expansion proceeds     
Thursday, April 21, 2011 

Portland, Ore.’s City Council, in a 4-1 vote Wednesday, approved plans to expand the city’s growing streetcar line from the city’s South Waterfront to suburban enclave Lake Oswego, south of Portland.

The favorable vote, generally expected, followed a closer 4-3 approval Tuesday of the $458 million extension by the Lake Oswego City Council, following heated debate among community leaders over the streetcar’s economic worth, potential ridership, and perceived negative impact on the community’s quality of life.
 
Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/despite-resistance-portland-streetcar-expansion-proceeds-3064.html

[UncleRando]

Atlanta will start building a 2.6-mile modern streetcar line this fall. The line will conect Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown, Georgia State and the Martin Luther King Historic District.

There are also serious discussions about new light rail lines that would eventually link into existing MARTA rail service.

[evanf811]

Here in Charlotte, NC city council approved funding to start the expansion of the Lynx.  The expansion will be 11 stations, spanning 15 miles north of the city and ending at the UNC-Charlotte campus.  This will be great for students as the school is finishing up a 13 story Uptown building right near the proposed light rail expansion.  I heard that city council had approved the funding on the news, however couldn't find a link to the story but here is the story which ran on Monday before the vote.

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/top-stories/New-Lynx-Extension-Could-Make-Your-Commute-Easier-120581269.html

[Nexis4Jersey]

2 Philly Videos i took yesterday...

Market-Frankford Departing 8th Street for Frankford

Inbound / Westbound PATCO Train Departing 8 & Market

[noozer]

DOT urges U.S. steel production for streetcars   
Monday, June 06, 2011 

Led by Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari, the Department of Transportation on Monday hosted a roundtable discussion in Washington with transportation, manufacturing, and steel industry leaders to discuss a plan for producing steel streetcar rails in the U.S.

“The Obama Administration is committed to putting Americans back to work making the products our nation needs to compete,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement. “We want U.S. manufacturers to supply the rails for U.S. streetcars and today’s meeting was a first step toward making this a reality.”

Porcari said he hopes that the meeting will help determine the potential market size for steel rails and the level of interest among manufacturers, as well as identify obstacles that need to be addressed.
 
Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/dot-urges-u.s.-steel-production-for-streetcars-3203.html

[Jeffery]

Louisvilles Broken Sidewalk blog has a great infographic  comparing light rail vs BRT and highways.   

They arent seriously pushing for rail transit in Louisville, but this is a nice way of illustrating different modes (to light-rails benefit).

[noozer]

Little engine that saves money
Article by: PAT DOYLE , Star Tribune Updated: June 13, 2011 - 7:19 AM

Its route and lower labor costs help keep expenses for the Hiawatha light rail at about two-thirds that of buses.

Once derided as a "train to nowhere," the Hiawatha light-rail line is more popular than predicted. It carries enough riders over 12 miles that it is cheaper to run than metro buses.

The cost of operating the Hiawatha between Bloomington and downtown Minneapolis is about half that of Metro Transit buses in the Twin Cities, according to comparisons by the federal government. The Hiawatha also is less expensive to operate than most other light-rail lines in the nation.

The Hiawatha is less costly per passenger mile because its short route reaches places very much on the map for Twin Cities residents and visitors.

Read more at: http://www.startribune.com/local/west/123722719.html

[noozer]

University City Loop trolley moves forward
By Margaret Gillerman • mgillerman@post-dispatch.com > 314-725-6758 | Posted: Sunday, June 12, 2011 1:00 pm

Building by building, block by block, Joe Edwards has extended his vision for a Delmar Loop renaissance ever eastward.

Now he's looking toward Delmar Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue and property he hopes will be used for a vehicle maintenance facility for Loop trolleys.

Edwards has purchased the vacant, century-old Delmar School building, perhaps better known as Roberts Chevrolet and then Milner's Chevrolet. It started life in 1910 as Pope-Hartford Motor Car Co., an early manufacturer of electric and other vehicles that resembled buggies on wheels. For most of the next 100 years, the property at 5875-5893 Delmar was used by transportation businesses.

The potential future trolley barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to the automotive industry and architecture. Edwards, a booster of trolleys, says it's a perfect fit for the return of trolleys to the Loop.

Read more at: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_0e9d76bc-5d26-5e78-bcc5-25ea2dd4063a.html

[KJP]

Phoenix offers lessons for Purple Line
By Katherine Shaver, Published: July 9

PHOENIX — Residents and light rail train passengers here have a message for the Maryland suburbs: If a Purple Line is ever built, expect the trains to be popular, but first brace for years of construction that can be brutal for motorists and potentially crippling for businesess along the route.

Washington area drivers also would have to learn to share streets with Purple Line trains — the nearly three-year-old Phoenix-area system averaged one collision a week during its first year — and a new “ding ding” sound would fill the air. Light rail trains are quieter than Metrorail — the trains’ low hum is often drowned out by passing traffic — but the frequent bells of trains approaching intersections and stations can be heard a block or two away.

... AND THESE QUOTES .....

....Even the Phoenix system’s biggest boosters say they are surprised by its success. Ridership in 2010 — the line’s second full year of operation — averaged 39,000 on weekdays and exceeded projections by 51 percent, according to Valley Metro, the transit agency.

....“Light rail has made a huge difference in the way of life around here,” Thymes said as he walked to the ASU campus, three blocks from a station. “Before people didn’t leave campus much, or they only left to go home or to [nightlife on] Mill Avenue. Now they explore the city a lot more.”

....Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman (R) said he initially objected to taxpayer subsidies for light rail. But he said he changed his mind after seeing the transformation of a dilapidated stretch between downtown Phoenix and Tempe. The city of Tempe had spent “tens of millions of dollars” over three decades trying to attract the kind of investment that the light rail line drew in just a few years, he said.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/phoenix-offers-lessons-for-purple-line/2011/06/01/gIQAsG7w5H_story.html

[BuckeyeB]

University City Loop trolley moves forward
By Margaret Gillerman • mgillerman@post-dispatch.com > 314-725-6758 | Posted: Sunday, June 12, 2011 1:00 pm

Building by building, block by block, Joe Edwards has extended his vision for a Delmar Loop renaissance ever eastward.

Now he's looking toward Delmar Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue and property he hopes will be used for a vehicle maintenance facility for Loop trolleys.

Edwards has purchased the vacant, century-old Delmar School building, perhaps better known as Roberts Chevrolet and then Milner's Chevrolet. It started life in 1910 as Pope-Hartford Motor Car Co., an early manufacturer of electric and other vehicles that resembled buggies on wheels. For most of the next 100 years, the property at 5875-5893 Delmar was used by transportation businesses.

The potential future trolley barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to the automotive industry and architecture. Edwards, a booster of trolleys, says it's a perfect fit for the return of trolleys to the Loop.

Read more at: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_0e9d76bc-5d26-5e78-bcc5-25ea2dd4063a.html

I am very familiar with thisarea and the streetcar would be a great addition to the neighborhood. I hope that if built and a success, the line would be extended east tyo downtown. Lots of redevelopment going on along Delmar.

[noozer]

Milwaukee streetcar plan on track for passage
Committee endorses project despite several fiscal warningsBy Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel
July 14, 2011

Milwaukee Common Council leaders Thursday endorsed building a $64.6 million modern streetcar line downtown, a move that brings the city closer than ever before to resolving a public transit debate that has raged for nearly 20 years.

With Thursday's vote, a majority of aldermen have now declared their support for building the 2.1-mile line pushed by Mayor Tom Barrett, indicating it's likely to win council approval July 26 if all aldermen are present and none switch their votes.

The council's Steering & Rules Committee acted despite warnings by city Comptroller W. Martin "Wally" Morics, who urged aldermen to slow down the process, and despite two utilities' fears that the planned route would add tens of millions of dollars in costs and delay the project.

Read more at: http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/125612528.html

[noozer]

Providence, R.I., next to ponder streetcar’s return    
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 

Officials and planners in Providence, R.I., will seek $50 million in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funding for an urban circulator, with streetcar the leading option at present.

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Planning Manager Amy Pettine sees the TRIGER funding as "a huge federal funding opportunity, but acknowledges that other federal support “is looking a little dim." RIPTA anticipates that federal funds would cover 50% of the estimated $100 million cost of the project.

 
Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/providence-r.i.-next-to-ponder-streetcar-s-return-3332.html

[noozer]

Study examines extending Woodward light rail from Detroit
to suburbs like Ferndale, Birmingham
BY MATT HELMS
DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
12:51 AM, Aug. 8, 2011|

 Detroit's momentum in bringing light rail to
Woodward Avenue may finally do what
years of talks, political promises and
symbolic gestures have failed to do: lead to
real regional cooperation.

Leaders in six southern Oakland County
cities are taking a big step to literally
bridge the 8 Mile divide by extending the
rail service into the suburbs.

"We recognize the opportunity here to
really help move the region forward," said
Berkley City Councilman Steve Baker, a
member of a task force of leaders from
Oakland County cities.

Read more at: http://www.freep.com/article/20110808/NEWS05/108080326/Study-examines-extending-Woodward-light-rail-from-Detroit-suburbs-like-Fe

[noozer]

Streetcar builders see potential in North American market
By Julie Sneider, Assistant Editor

Energy efficient. Low-floor accessibility. No overhead wires. A sleek, modern style resembling a light-rail train.

In a nutshell, those are some of the modern streetcar design characteristics that transit agency officials in many North American cities are interested in, streetcar builders say.

Although the North American streetcar market currently is relatively small, interest in exploring streetcar systems is growing, and builders are monitoring that interest. According to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Streetcar Subcommittee website, business and community leaders in at least 80 U.S. and Canadian cities are exploring or planning systems.

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/article/Streetcar-builders-see-potential-in-North-American-market--27561

[noozer]

The Tide rolls in

The Virginian-Pilot
© August 18, 2011
Op-Ed By Philip Shucet

The Tide opens its doors to riders tomorrow at 6 a.m. When the first person steps aboard, the build-it saga ends and Norfolk becomes the smallest city in the nation and the first city in Virginia to have light rail.

It took guts and courage for city leaders to invite light rail to Norfolk. A bold vision for a bright future trumped the comfort of the status quo.

Read more at http://hamptonroads.com/2011/08/tide-rolls

[noozer]

"The Tide" rolls in Norfolk, Virginia and ridership is well-beyond what was expected....

http://www.wvec.com/home/The-Tide-free-ride-continues-128175868.html

http://www.wtkr.com/videobeta/?watchId=ade71f7b-f02c-46fd-b41c-1289281e7051

http://www.wtkr.com/videobeta/?watchId=ade71f7b-f02c-46fd-b41c-1289281e7051

[noozer]

More than 75,000 rode The Tide on debut weekend
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 23, 2011
NORFOLK

Riders flooded The Tide light-rail trains over the entire three-day opening weekend, with more than 75,000 trips taken – for dining, shopping, work and, mostly, just for the fun of it.

“It was a near-perfect launch, with the crowds exceeding every expectation,” Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said.

The free preview has been extended through next weekend. Fares of $1.50 will be collected starting Monday, Aug. 29.

“There were people getting off the trains at Newtown Road with shopping bags,” Fraim said. “One of the ways that the success of light rail can be measured is by the increased economic activity.”

Jim Wofford, MacArthur Center general manager, said the mall’s food court and restaurants were swamped

Read more at: http://www.gohrt.com/more-than-75000-rode-the-tide-on-debut-weekend/

[KJP]

I hope it doesn't get damaged by Hurricane Irene! The Navy is moving ships out of Norfolk today.....

[FakeCinEnquirer]

Looks like Salt Lake City stopped their streetcar project

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/cfa9e5fb70ca4db49d0554d4b76449e6/UT--Ogden-Streetcar/

[OCtoCincy]

^ Ogden UT is a city of 80,000 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City.  Salt Lake City has nothing to do with the Ogden Streetcar.

[FakeCinEnquirer]

^ Ogden UT is a city of 80,000 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City.  Salt Lake City has nothing to do with the Ogden Streetcar.

Oh ok.  Thanks for the clarification. 

I of all people should know better than to take a COAST tweet as fact

[noozer]

KJP.... the Hamton Roads Transit Authority has actually developed a pretty sophisticated system of responses to "what if" situations and flooding from severe storms is among them.  If any part of the system is under water that is deemed to high for the light rail vehicles to operate safely, the LRV's will stop at that point and passengers will be bused between station stops.  Downtown Norlfok also has a pretty sophisticated system of flood control gates that can block floodwaters and at least limit flooding of that portion of the light rail system that runs in the downtown streets.

[KJP]

Cool!

About 20 years ago I was taking the Shaker Rapid home from school in downtown Cleveland during a heavy rainstorm. We pulled into the East 93rd/Woodhill station, in the low area beneath the East 93rd underpass, which was covered with about two feet of water. Until then, I've never been on a train before that produced a wake. It was awesome....

[OCtoCincy]

^ Ogden UT is a city of 80,000 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City.  Salt Lake City has nothing to do with the Ogden Streetcar.

Oh ok.  Thanks for the clarification. 

I of all people should know better than to take a COAST tweet as fact

Understood, now if you were the REAL Cincinnati Enquirer, you certainly would take a COAST tweet as fact.

[KJP]

And this won't leave Ogden without any passenger rail service. It has half-hourly passenger trains (during peak travel hours, with hourly service off-peak) on the 44-mile route to Salt Lake City. It will be extended another 44 miles, this time to the south to Provo....

http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=UTA-Home-FrontRunner
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FrontRunner

Oh, and check out how fast their trains go (the horns are a bit ear-splitting though) .........

UTA's Front Runner Commuter Train Ogden to Salt Lake

[ManorBorn]

Actually, the Ogden streetcar project is moving forward again with the exit in a few months of the current mayor.  It had been planned since about the time I moved out here (late 90's) to link the Frontrunner station (in KJP's post) with Weber State U and the neighboring hospital center.  The mayor has been sabotaging it for years in favor of an urban gondola for his developer friends.

Latest news:

http://www.standard.net/stories/2011/08/20/wsu-tells-ogden-streetcar-system-desired


Norm Tarbox Jr., WSU vice president of administrative services:
"Back in the early 1990s, the University of Utah could not build parking lots fast enough to accommodate its influx of students, he said. Twenty years later, the university is converting its lots now that a third of day trips to the campus are accomplished by mass transit, he said."