UNOFFICIAL HRT Flickr Group

I created an UNOFFICIAL Flickr group to post your HRT pictures. It's open to anyone with pictures of HRT buses and (coming soon!) trains

It's available here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/hrt-nerds/

So Reid, no one will ride Light Rail?

Crowded
Originally uploaded by N-Sai

This is the Valley Metro Light Rail in Phoenix, Arizona. You say no one will ride? Then explain this standing load train!

Norfolk General is finally accessible

I'm going to need to hit up a #2 and check on this:

From the Busmeister:

The transfer point at Norfolk General Hospital finally gets a wheelchair ramp.

This is odd

View Flickr Page * View Larger Version

Specifically look at the word "MAX". Note how both are stylized. Coincidence? Can someone shed some light?

The METRO MAX is Phoenix's Valley Metro discount card to attract customer to Phoenix businesses that were impacted by the construction of the newly opened METRO Light Rail.

HRT MAX is our local Metro Area eXpress providing regional express bus service. Funny that this is also the same acronym (and meaning) as Portland, Oregon's MAX Light Rail.

Valley Metro Light Rail

Today marked the Grand Opening of Metro Light Rail in Phoenix, Arizona. They use the same make/model of trains as used on Charlotte's LYNX which will be the same trains seen on The Tide.

Congratulations Phoenix :)

Metro Light Rail Web Site

(In case you're wondering: Phoenix is where one of my cousins live)

What an Idiot (Extremely Foul Language)

WARNING: THERE IS EXTREMELY FOUL LANGUAGE

The road is closed, the guy is drunk, and all these witnesses see this. Guy calls all of them every name in the book

H/T Seattle Transit Blog

UPDATE DECEMBER 29: YOUTUBE REMOVED THE VIDEO FOR 'TERMS OF USE VIOLATIONS'

North Pole Bailout

Even Santa needs some help:

Flickr

I now have a Flickr Pro account, so check out my new toys:

• Photo albums are on Flickr instead of Facebook
• There's a Flickr badge across the top of this blog showing five random pictures. It changes every time you see it
  

Post 300

Wow I can't believe it. 300 posts already.

Merry Christmas

Well, now that it's past Midnight Eastern Time, Merry Christmas!

29 Pleasure Ho

Yes, you're reading this right. Uh, oops?

Bike Racks

Uh, George?? What were you thinking? Darline, why didn't you give George enough room (although you can't see it here, there's plenty of room in front of Darline's bus)

Summer Comes Early to Route 12

(as always, click each image for a larger size)

They were the Mall & Beach crowd (little English, not sure where from). Yes Henry, they're all legal (in both meanings). They got on at Indian River & Reon and I assumed they would transfer to the 29 to head to Lynnhaven, but nope. They got off at the Lynnhaven Home Depot (not Wal-Mart, but Home Depot - I saw them walking in that parking lot)

Vehicle Fire Impacted Route 13

Earlier today at the intersection of Battlefield Blvd & Great Bridge Blvd, there was a Vehicle Fire. HRT was not involved, but trips coming from TCC were late due to rubber-neckers. Trips heading to TCC were on detour as the police were requiring everyone to make a right onto Great Bridge Blvd.

**NO STOPS WERE ABLE TO BE SERVED BETWEEN GAINSBOROUGH/CHESAPEAKE REGIONAL AND BATTLEFIELD BLVD & CEDAR RD**

HRT Holiday Schedule

• Christmas Eve: WEEKDAY schedule
• Christmas Day: SUNDAY schedule (no service in Virginia Beach - except Routes 15, 20, and 960)
• New Year's Eve: WEEKDAY schedule
• New Year's Day: SUNDAY schedule (no service in Virginia Beach - except Routes 15, 20, and 960)

Christmas Day and New Year's Day: Routes 37 (Dam Neck-Oceana-Lynnhaven Mall) and 113 (Peninsula Town Center-Patrick Henry Mall-Ft. Eustis) will NOT operate

Poll Results

My poll closed and no surprise here: HRT should sell MAX passes on local buses and the Ferry.

For example, you're going from TCC Virginia Beach to Newport News. The fastest way is 36 --> 960 --> 961. That trip would be $3.50 for a local Day Pass + $1.50 for your 960 ride + $1.50 for your 961 ride. Just sell me the $5.50 Day Pass on the 36!

Route 41 Cradock: New Trip to Shipyard

Effective January 5, 2009

Dear HRT Passengers,

Please be advised starting Monday, January 5, 2009 Route 41 (7:00 am trip only) will make a route deviation from County St and Court St to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Gate 10) then back to County St and Court St for the scheduled 7:14 am departure.

This trip will operate express. No other stops will be made.

For more information please call customer service at (757) 222-6100.

Thank you for your patronage | Printable Version

Why you shouldn't drive in Snow

This is why you should stay home during snow:



H/T to Seattle Transit Blog

VBTA: So, no one rides the buses?

So VBTA, no one rides buses? Try telling that to the people sitting on this fully loaded #194. By the way: it's a 60-foot bus and ALL seats are taken with a couple of standees.

This picture was taken during an off-peak trip at Sea-Tac Airport after loading. After leaving the Airport, the bus proceeds non-stop to Downtown Seattle and runs every 15 minutes, yet it is still a fully-loaded bus.

I'm Back - Bus Pictures from the Puget Sound

I'm back!!!

Bus pictures from out west, sorted by agency:

• Pierce Transit
• Sound Transit
• King County Metro
• The South Lake Union Trolley (The SLUT, Metro Route 98)

Here's the best part of out there:

(Larger Version Here) - (Learn More about the Washington Clean Indoor Air Act)

HRT Service Changes starting January 5th, 2009

Effective January 5, 2009

Dear HRT Passengers,

Please be advised of the following service improvements starting January 5, 2009, to provide better service and on-time performance:

Route 26: Bow Creek Blvd-Routing Change
Route 26 will be extended thru Oceana West Industrial Park (weekday only) one trip in the morning and one trip in the early evening.

Route 47: High St-Schedule Change
Route 47 will serve Tidewater Community College (Suffolk campus) and Gateway on an hourly basis. Service to Village and Academy will remain at 30 minute frequency.

Route 58: South Norfolk/Bainbridge Blvd Routing Change
Route 58 will no longer serve Campostella Rd. between Military Hwy. and Battlefield Blvd. This section of Campostella Rd. will still be served in both directions by the Route 6.

Route 300 – Downtown Portsmouth Loop Shuttle Schedule Change
Route 300 frequency will be reduced from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

New schedules will be available for all affected routes.

For more information please call customer service at (757) 222-6100.

Thank you for your patronage | Printable Version

Out of Town: Meet Me in the Bus Tunnel

Saturday morning, I will be flying to Sea-Tac Airport (no folks, it's NOT in Seattle, it's actually in SeaTac, Washington). Norfolk, why do I need a ride? I will be exploring my old stomping grounds mainly on Tuesday and Wednesday I'm heading to Tulalip Casino. I'll be back on Thursday night.

I promise plenty of bus pictures, especially of the Tunnel*.

* link may not work after Dec 31 (see note)

The Tide comes to Downtown Norfolk

Starting next year, The Tide starts construction in Downtown Norfolk.

In case the Pilot doesn't approve my comment:

"I look forward to laughing at all the Naysayers (you regular posters know who you are) who are sitting on City Hall Ave in 2010 trying to exit Downtown while we whiz by you on the train. Next up on the list of extensions: EVMS to NOB via ODU and Oceanfront via existing line (yes, these were publicly announced). ORF Airport? Once we get them out of the pockets of the taxi companies, then we're good to go. (it's the airport authority that illegally prohibits (denial of access to a public facility) HRT from serving the airport). Remember folks, The Tide is a Starter Line that is designed to be extended. Please do your research before posting."

I fully expect the Regular Naysayers (you know who you are) to spew fire on the article comment board

Virginian-Pilot is Down

(click for a larger version)

This is the Virginian-Pilot website as of 1:01 AM Sunday, November 30th, 2008. Uh, oops?

UPDATE (November 30th, 12:15 PM): it's back up and running

POLL: Purchase your MAX pass on that connecting Local Bus?

I'm finally doing a new poll.

Say you get on the 36 and you're on your way to Hampton. You want to purchase a Day Pass and you know you're going to need The MAX. Do you think the Local Buses should sell you the MAX pass?

Trolley Base Humor

Yesterday, I was on the #33 leaving 19th & Pacific at 3:03 PM. We hit every single red light from 19th & Arctic up to (and including) Princess Anne & Dam Neck

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Happy Thanksgiving everyone :)

Bus schedules:

• Today: Sunday Service (no service in Va Beach except Routes 15, 20, and 960)
• Tomorrow (Black Friday): Saturday Service
• Over Weekend: Regular Weekend Schedule
• Monday: Normal schedule resumes
  

Bound to Go Your Way

This is how it works in Boulder, CO. H/T to Seattle Transit Blog (see their blog entry)

Bus Stop in the Downtown Tunnel

Click for a larger version

See a problem here? According to Google, you CAN catch a bus IN the Downtown Tunnel. Circled is County & Court, the main transfer point in Portsmouth. Note the missing Bus Stop icon

Photo Gallery

Introducing my Bus Pictures Photo Gallery. Here's all my HRT pictures in one spot

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=167787&l=0a4b7&id=1255682339

10-13 on the Cutback 25

Yesterday after dropping Amy off, I continued on the 25 to Military Circle and rode the Cutback trip to see what demand would look like during an off-peak trip. Wish I didn't. I bumped into my worst nightmare (my ex) who was riding to Koger

HRT User Citizen's Advisory Committee Meeting

Hampton Roads Transit's User Citizen's Advisory Committee is meeting tomorrow, November 19th at HRT Headquarters, 3400 Victoria Blvd, Hampton. The meeting starts at 6 PM.

Victoria is served by Route 103. To get there on time, I suggest you be on the 103 leaving Hampton Transit Center at 5:15 PM or Newport News Transit Center at 5 PM.

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

DRPT, here's an idea: these improvements that you want cost $7 million, right? How about you fork over the $7 million to pay for it! Plain and simple.

See Virginia-Pravda article

h/t Henry Ryto.

WVEC-TV 13: On the Record: The Jordan Bridge

Today's On the Record will feature the Jordan Bridge closing. HRT runs the #65 Jordan Bridge Limited bus to replace it. Read on for more:

• Ideas for Hampton Roads Transit: Introducing Route 65: The Jordan Bridge Limited
• Ideas for Hampton Roads Transit: Route 65: The Jordan Bridge Nightmare
• Ideas for Hampton Roads Transit: Route 65 was FREE*
• Avenging Archangel: Portsmouth Public Libraries: Land of the Pharos

Long story short, the 65 needs fixes.

If you miss it today at noon, the On the Record website will have the show available online tomorrow.

Kansas City: HRT Knows

(click for a larger version)

HRT knows that Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is aware of my blog. Hmm, anyone want to venture a guess as to what happened?
It has come to the blog author's attention that HRT did let go of one or more department heads, who shall remain unnamed. I wonder if there may or may not be a connection?

See my previous entry, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, for more information.

Route 65 was FREE*

Route 65, the Jordan Bridge Limited, was FREE all this week!!!!!*


* The only problem was that no one said anything until I boarded the bus yesterday. Regular HRT fare, including Day Passes, applies starting Monday.

I still stand by my review, The Jordan Bridge Nightmare.

Disturbing Thoughts from Unnamed Drivers

These drivers reporting this shall remain unnamed for their protection

It has come to my attention as of late that HRT is not treating its drivers well. For example, one transferred between bases and got to keep the seniority from the original base, thus pushing down drivers who were at the destination base.
Just the other week, Norfolk Dispatch yelled at Virginia Beach Dispatch as well as some Beach drivers for using the old radio instead of the new radio. The reason the drivers used the old radio? The new one wasn't working.
The whole agency is like this, and something needs to be done.

Unusual Sighting: 1800 series bus on MAX 960

(Click Image for larger version)

This is something you don't see every day: Bus 1810 was running MAX Route 960

Route 65: The Jordan Bridge Nightmare

Today, UCAC Chairman Henry Ryto and I took a ride on the #65 Jordan Bridge Limited (Bus 1235) and on paper, it's wonderful. In practice, the bus we rode sat at County & Court for a whole 30 minutes AFTER it was time to go. Also, the "Elizabeth River Park" Park & Ride is a gravel disaster. The bus had NO shipyard workers riding (the target riders for the route), and considering how the drivers didn't care that they left 30 minutes later, I don't blame them.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority

(click for larger version)

This is interesting to know. This is the log from my counter and it shows Kansas City's The Metro reading my blog. There were searching for ""hampton roads transit" service planning staff". Interesting.

This is a public log and is available for anyone to read. Simply click View My Stats, then head to Recent Visitor Activity.

Tide Maintenance Shop Contract Awarded

HRT awarded a contract yesterday to construct the maintenance and storage facility for The Tide. It is a $10.9 million contract and because of NSU paranoia, er concerns, is 11.7% over budget.

NSU: since you demanded - excuse me, requested - these changes, perhaps HRT should bill you for the 11.7% or $1.5 million?

Residents of Western Washington vote to increase their taxes to pay for Public Transit improvements

Voters in King County, Washington, Pierce County, Washington, and Snohomish County, Washington voted 60% to 40% to raise their taxes to pay for public transit improvements

This is the area where my Father lives, so I pay close attention to what happens.

Way to go Sound Transit :-)

Vote Today

Today's the day. Go vote. All buses are on a Weekday schedule.

New Look

I got bored of the old look, so Ideas for Hampton Roads Transit has a new look :)

I've also added an MSNBC widget to let you track the Presidential Election on Tuesday

Introducing Route 65: The Jordan Bridge Limited

Starting November 10th, HRT will provide Route 65 which will run most of the day Monday - Friday making stops at 20th & Seaboard, Elizabeth River Park (old site of Jordan Bridge Toll Plaza), Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Gates 10 & 15), and County & Court in Portsmouth.

See HRT Website for route & schedule: http://www.gohrt.com/routes/Route_65.pdf

This route does not run on Weekends or Holidays.

Green Run's feelings on Reba McClanan

Click each image for a larger one

Barack Obama Rally at Amphitheater may cause Service Delays

Due to a Barack Obama Rally today at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater, all buses at TCC may face service delays. This will especially affect Routes 25 and 33 since they both use Princess Anne & Concert.

According to HRT Staff, the last lineup will hold for everyone. I've emailed to inquire about the 5:45 lineup since that's the last 12, 25, 29 (going past Hilltop), 33 (going past 19th & Pacific), and 36 (continuing as the #1 Granby).

Why Facebook Ads Suck

(Larger Version)

This is why Facebook ads suck. It's clearly marked "Status: In a Relationship", yet I get an ad inviting me to some sl** site

(the "status" is more to get people to leave me alone, and yes Amy fully knows about it)

Survey

This morning on my outbound (towards TCC) trip on the #25, there were two people doing surveys for HRT wanting to know how people thought of the service. Biggest things:

• Number One: Run buses at night
• Number Two: Run buses on the Weekend (remember, the 25 is weekdays only)

After we arrived at TCC, they told me of a problem they had this morning on the first #12 out of Seaboard at 5:48 AM of how the driver was rude to them as well as passengers and compared to how polite Bill was to them on the #25.

Candidate Endorsements

I am now ready to release my endorsements for 2008. This is the first such entry for my blog.

• President: Barak Obama

In a nutshell, John McCain does not support fixed rail transit (light rail, The Tide being an example)

• Senator: Former Governor Mark Warner

There were some tough times when Warner was elected governor. Due to the mess Governor Jim Gilmore left us in, some major decisions had to be made.

• Virginia Beach Mayor: Scott Taylor

Watch the video blog he & I did together. Enough said.

Riding the HRT Buses

A portion of my book was submitted to TCC for entry into ChannelMarker

I submitted a portion of a book I'm working on to TCC ChannelMarker, the student literary magazine. I will know around March if they publish. April is when the next ChannelMarker is published.

I've specifically submitted Chapter 6 of Deep Freeze which comes from Rachel's Story 2. (that's the whole idea: to make you want to read more)

More info:

• ChannelMarker
• See my submission on my website RaggieSoft.com
  

Scott Taylor in Pilot

This morning's Hampton Roads section had a small article about Scott Taylor. It even has a small line about his HRT Video Blog, which I was the camera person for (for the curious, it was Route 15 heading inbound leaving Military Circle at 12:45 PM on a Saturday bound for Greenbrier Mall).

Route 25

on the 3:20 inbound trip, the driver refused to be corrected when he told a passenger the 20 comes into the Holiday Inn

30-Day Youth

Drivers, please be reminded that the old 30-Day Senior pass is also good for youth with proper ID

Simplify Your Ride, Starting Monday, October 6th

Go Pass from Hampton Roads Transit on Vimeo.

29 Holland Rd - What the?

Could someone explain the sign below the bus stop sign? How about getting it removed?

Me on the Sunday Buses

Yep: I actually rode buses today. Here's what happened:

• Bike Rack Full (we both boarded at VB Blvd & Witchduck – the other passenger is going to Military Circle)

• Inbound 20 had a 10-16 at VB Blvd & Newtown; we're down. 1:41 as we turned onto K-Ville

• Question: why do buses enter Leigh? What's wrong with the bus stops on Kempsville? Buses don't go into DePaul, for example.

• It's 1:45 as we turn onto the Blvd from Kempsville – should be at Military Circle now. Held up by 10-16 who wanted off at VB Blvd & JANAF, but then didn't want off. There goes lineup :( Passengers were hot headed, and knew who to blame (not the driver)
  

• Picked up another 10-16 at Military Circle. What a day.

• Oh what fun: the 2:18 #11 was shot at by some preschooler with a BB gun. Colonial & 29th. There was no damage and no injuries, but plenty of paperwork.
  

• Done with the concert at ODU. Time to head home.
  

• I boarded the 960. One bike in front, then I loaded. Two more bikes came up wanting to ride as well. The first biker didn't grasp that they could take the 20 with their MAX Day Pass. This is why when you see your bus, get in line. Perhaps HRT should look into SportWorks Trilogy racks (although that 4^th rider would still be SOL)?

• Passengers were running for the bus as it started taking off, but still inside Cedar Grove. I called forward to the driver but he ignored me. 5 PM #960 – bus #3001 – out of Cedar Grove.

• As always, why do I need to pay extra to ride The MAX? Why can't I have a 30-Day E&D MAX? It's a pain carrying around the extra change.

It's official: HRT reads my blog

It's official: someone from HRT reads my blog (the misspelling above isn't my fault). Click the picture for a larger version.

User Citizen's Advisory Committee Meeting Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the UCAC meeting at HRT's 15th Street facility. Meeting starts at 6 PM.

Transit Open House

Tonight from 7 PM to 9 PM will be the Transit Open House at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. I will be there.

Thanks for the van Frank

Trolley Base Frank: Thanks for sending Linda out with the van to pick up Route 25 passengers this morning at 7:45 AM at TCC.

When Drivers do Good

You don't hear this very often, but here goes:

Route 25 leaving TCC at 2:45 PM on Bus 4002: a pat on the back for keeping your cool when you had that rude/indecisive passenger on board today (Monday, September 15th, 2008)

New Fare Structure begins Monday, October 6th, 2008

Beginning Monday October 6th, one pass is all you need!

HRT will be getting rid of transfers, 10-Rides, 20-Rides (the U-18 Card), and Ferry passes. In its place is the GO card. Ferry fare is going to $1.50 / $0.75 Seniors & Persons with Disabilities.

For more information, call 222-6100 or visit goHRT.com.

He Thinks He's the General Lee

This guy thinks he's driving the General Lee. This tied up Chesapeake bus service for ages. Still, what an idiot!

Route 25: A Phantom!?

So, 18th Street, why does Trolley Base have a Phantom? Trolley Base: what's it doing on the 25?

Route Suggestion: TCC to Pembroke via Rosemont/Bonney

This was thrown at me by one of the Trolley Base drivers: TCC to Pembroke via Rosemont Road. The suggestion was:

Head on up Rosemont like present day 26.
LEFT onto Bonney
RIGHT onto Kentucky
LEFT onto VB Blvd
ENTER Pembroke East

This might be a nice little neighborhood bus. Thoughts?

Sound Transit Website Back Up

The Sound Transit website is back up. Still no press release as to what actually happened (I expect one by the workweek at least since they do owe an explanation). I think I might have been the only one covering this (could someone correct me).

I know what happened to the site, but there will be the average ID-TEN-T who doesn't get it I'm sure and will need an ST explanation.

Route 47 to 68th St is back

Virginia Beach's Route 47 is back. For more information:

• Original Post
• Second Post (with Picture)
• Third Post (with Picture)
  

Sound Transit Website Down

Sound Transit, one of the agencies where my father lives, seems to be having some problems with its website. (click image for larger version)

Video Blog: Scott Taylor Rides the 15

Labor Day riding the #15: Scott Taylor discuss issues facing bus riders in a video blog I recorded
Riding the HRT Buses

Scott Taylor's Bus Ride

Today, in an Ideas for HRT Exclusive, I had the honor of taking Scott Taylor, candidate for Mayor of Virginia Beach, on a ride around using HRT. His goal was to learn what the issues facing passengers were. Three things that kept on repeating:

• Run buses at night
• Run buses on Sundays
• Run buses more often than once an hour

Pictures from today (click the pictures for larger versions):




Later on tonight, look for Scott to vlog this trip from Route 15 (between Military Circle and College Park).

For more information, visit www.scotttaylor2008.com.

Tomorrow, look for a report from Henry Ryto on Scott's trip during the thick of evening rush hour.

Bus Ride with Mayoral Candidate Scott Taylor

As a reminder:

I will be taking Scott Taylor, one of the candidates for Mayor of Virginia Beach, on a bus ride tomorrow. Want to join? TCC by 9:30 AM. Bus stop is @ Buckner Blvd entrance. $3 for adults (one of your dollars must be in quarters), $2 for children under 18 with proper ID, $1.50 for seniors age 60 and above or people with disabilities. All HRT farecards accepted as this will be a ride on regularly scheduled transit service. As a reminder: HRT will be on a SATURDAY schedule tomorrow.

Labor Day Service

As a reminder, HRT service tomorrow will be a SATURDAY schedule.

The Tide Electrical Systems

H/T to Henry Ryto: The Tide's electrical systems contract is 5% BELOW budget.

Yes Reid, BELOW budget.

Bus Ride with Scott Taylor

In an Ideas for HRT exclusive, I will be riding the bus on Monday (Labor Day) with Virginia Beach mayoral candidate Scott Taylor. This will be your chance to ask questions and his chance to learn what needs to be done. We will be departing TCC at 9:45 AM and will figure out where to go from there. Anyone with ideas?

Remember: Monday is a Saturday Schedule. In Virginia Beach, this means:

• There is NO service on Route 25
• Route 20 is every 30 minutes between Cedar Grove and Pembroke. Points west are every hour
• Service between 19th & Pacific and 68th & Atlantic is every 30 minutes, alternating between the 20 and 33
• There is NO 967 MAX service
• There is NO 19 or 22 NOB Express
• Route 15 runs every 60 minutes, alternating every 120 minutes between Robert Hall and Greenbrier Mall
  

Public Transit Open House

Mark your calendar:

Tuesday, September 16th 7 - 9 PM at the VB Convention Center. Yes, I'm fully aware it's AFTER buses are done for the night

The Day Pass: Another Cedar Grove?

HRT needs to swing into action and start explaining the new pass structure. Passengers are aware that something's happening in October. They are aware there will be no more Transfers. They are having a hard time grasping the Day Pass concept and some are seriously looking at getting a car.

Even drivers are misinforming since they don't have all the details. I've been having to step in (drivers know me and will have passengers talk to me when they're unsure) and clarifying, but even I don't know everything.

What is the Go card? How does it work? What's the Go + MAX plan (for example, now: 30 Day + $1.50 = MAX fare)?

What's the plan for ODU students who want to ride The MAX? ODU Card + $1.50 isn't a good end-all-be-all. There should be an ODU MAX card.

Route 47 TCC

When will the updated Route 47 schedule come out? The service change was ages ago, let's update the schedule.

The MAX 30-Day E&D

I said it before, I'll say it again: when will we get our 30-Day E&D MAX cards? HRT: you've angered many veterans at Wards Corner (just ask Henry who was helping out there during the service launch)

10-10 at Cedar Grove

Thanks for pointing this out Russell. A 10-10 at Cedar Grove ties up everything. Includes plenty of pictures.

Have a read: HRT Drivers need to pay attention, follow directions

Gillig Phantom operated by Trolley Base?

Yep you're reading right: the 26/29 was a 1200 series Phantom the other day.

Reid: Bus Rider != Freeloader

(note how Mayor Bloomberg is standing)

Uh Reid? Newsflash: us bus riders pay to use the bus. Taxes + fares Meaning we're NOT freeloaders. Try saying that to Mayor Bloomberg who rides the subway to work (at regular fare) and even straphangs* when needed

* Forgot, VBTA has limited vocabulary: straphanging is the process of standing since there's no available seat. You're hanging your hand from the strap.

Image Source: NYC EMS Blog

Problems with Route 33 and Trolley Base

Frank: The reason I gave you a 10-5 yesterday was because the 33 pulled off right as the 36 was pulling in. All she had to do was stop her bus.

Please, all operators, dispatchers, and supervisors: do your jobs. The 5:45 lineup is the final TCC lineup for:

• Route 12

• Route 25

• Route 29 (going past Hilltop)

• Route 33 (going past 19th & Pacific)

• Route 36 (continuing as Route 1 from Pembroke)

Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to WAIT

Route 57 Detour

Starting in September, on Saturdays Route 57 will need to be detoured due to closure of the Gilberton Bridge on US13/460. The city is closing the bridge for repairs Fridays 8 PM - Mondays 5 AM starting September 12th and ending October 6th.

Source: "Pravda-Online" (http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/work-close-gilmerton-bridge-chesapeake-several-weekends)

Yesterday's Bus Ride notes

Tidbits from yesterday's bus ride

• The 44C VICTORY CROSSING via WALMART has almost quite literally 3 stops: High & FL, Wal-Mart (former Mid-City Shopping Center), and Victory Crossing. Why are there no other bus stops (Airline Blvd maybe?). Is there a reason this bus doesn't go to Norfolk General?
  
• This is MAX driver #2 to not honor my 30-Day at $1.50 (first afternoon 967, leaving Chesapeake Square at 3:20 PM)
• How about corrected 47 schedules? While we're at it, correct Route 47 destination signs
• Correct the system map: Route 33 is a "LOCAL" not "TOUR"
• What's the plans for the #7 (NOB tour), #34 (Oceana Tour), and #924 (Historic Villages Tour)? FTA says they fall under the new Charter regulations. Does this include the Amphitheater Shuttle?
• Route 12: please enter Indian River Park & Ride when the 967 is running (or relocate the #12 bus stop to be closer to Reon + City of VB add a crosswalk at Reon)
• I said it once, I'm saying it again: MAX 30-Day E&D cards are NEEDED (Henry can vouch for several Veterans passing through Wards Corner when service was first launched)
  

TDCHR Meeting, July 25th

Here's the news

THE MAX:

• This is from Michael Townes himself (not a direct quote, but you get the idea): "By law, I only have to offer discounts on the local buses". Henry, you say you have a plan?
• Route 967 needs to be bidirectional. See Commission Packet near the end. What used to be a 60 minute commute from Hampton to Chesapeake Square is now a mismash of buses: 961-->45-->44 (that takes forever too in comparison to the old 61)
  

HRT Bus Terminals Projects:

• Military Circle is Canceled due to lack of funding. Not sure who's in charge, but if that's the case, the sidewalk needs to be extended so that it can fit more than 2 buses
  
• Victory Crossing/TCC-Portsmouth Relocation Terminal will proceed as planned

Sorry it's been a while

Sorry it's been a while. Been up to other things

Happy 7/11: FREE SLURPEES!

Tomorrow is 7/11. That means FREE* Slurpees!!!




* 7.11 ounces FREE

Fare Restructure Idea

I know this is kind of late, but due to an incident on the Inbound 960 this morning at Silverleaf, this idea popped into my head:

HRT should adopt a Puget Pass like system where passes are sold in “denominations.” For example, I could purchase a pass worth $1.50 in transit fare (good on any service). In this example, I would be just fine on the local buses. For MAX service, simply show my E&D ID along with this $1.50 pass. In the case of HRT, passes available as follows (prices are how much bus fare they're worth):

• $0.50 - Good for Shuttles; E&D Ferry
  
• $0.75 - Good for E&D Local fare
• $1.00 - VB Wave; Youth Fare; Ferry
  
• $1.50 - E&D MAX, Regular Local
• $3.00 - MAX

All passes could be upgraded with cash at the Farebox. Transfers could be issued encoded with how much fare is paid (for example, a Shuttle Transfer would prompt a Local Bus to ask for $1.00).

Further Reading:

• Puget Pass FAQ (King County Metro)
• Puget Pass Costs (King County Metro) - first column is how much bus fare it's worth and the rest of the columns are how much the pass costs

As of right now, MAX bus fareboxes do NOT recognize that I'm using a 30-Day Pass worth $1.50 and that I'm E&D.

Happy 232nd Birthday, America

Today is America's 232nd birthday. I'm going to be working tonight 5:30 PM - Close. I don't expect a big crowd since everyone will be heading to the fireworks. I'm getting a Federally mandated $9.75 pay today (1.5x pay due to the Holiday) so no complaints here :)

I now have a real website*

I just got paid and I paid for a "real" website. Coming soon, RaggieSoft.con will be my home for almost everything. This blog will not move and will remain on Blogger (I'm too lazy to change it).

I'm using 3Essentials Hosting, the same service as BlogNetNews.


* I just paid for it, so it takes some time to get set up

Route 36

Today the 36 that was due at TCC at 1:45 failed to show up. Eventually the 2:45 bus showed up and will have a double load

What happened to the 1:45 bus?

The MAX: Now that we have to pay to ride

It's almost time for the free ride for The MAX to end. Problems:

• Where's the 30-Day Pass for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities?
• All buses at 19th & Pacific show up on the hour and half-hour (20, 33, and 960). Why doesn't the 960 wait for them!?
• The 960 and 961 are both due at Cedar Grove at roughly the same time. WAIT FOR EACH OTHER!
• Why not eliminate Evelyn Butts & J trips on the 961 (simply post rider alerts to tell passengers 'Head to Wards Corner') - I don't understand why the trips are there
• Does the 960 need to run that often? I'd run it less often off-peak and use that savings to run the 960 and 961 a bit later (maybe one or two more trips from either end)
  

TCC Poll Closed

The poll closed and here's the results:

Someone wants buses to cut out at 9:45 PM
Most of you (63%) want the last trips to be 10:45 PM
27% of you want the last trips to be 11:45 PM

My Service Booster plan includes the following last trips from TCC:

• Route 12: 5:45 PM (Chesapeake won't play along, or else I'd have 10:45 PM)
• Route 25: 10:53 PM
• Route 26: 6:45 PM (There's not enough demand - anyone want to fill me in?)
• Route 29: 10:45 PM
• Route 33: 10:45 PM (if there was one more inbound 20, I'd have an 11:45 PM departure)
• Route 36: 10:45 PM
  

MAX Silverleaf

I was able to go on my first ride on The MAX earlier. I took the 960 from Cedar Grove to Silverleaf. Couple of things:

• Buses should be able to detour via Brambleton to I-264 to get out of town: St. Paul's Blvd is a parking lot
• Route 36 should exit Silverleaf towards TCC as follows: RIGHT Independence; RIGHT Silverleaf Dr; RIGHT Holland - this cuts the line wanting to STAY on Independence
• Don't send MAX buses out to cover the 19. I'd rather see a 1200, 1700, 2000, or - heaven forbid - a rust bucket (900) until the 919 is officially launched. I don't want to go into discussion about the nightmare it caused this morning. Ditto for Route 22 (hopefully that didn't happen) since neither are MAX routes until September.
  
• Something needs to be done about the strange loop for the 36 Pembroke. It may be a pain to cross, but City of VB: Could we get a left turn lane from Holland Rd to Commuter Dr?
• Where is the MAX 30-Day E&D card that I was promised (then retracted)!? This caused an uproar at Wards Corner.

919 NAVAL STATION MAX

It's Here! The 919 NAVAL STATION MAX did run this morning and did cause confusion if it's free or not ($1.50 Route 19 fare requested). Passengers were already talking about the MAX when 960s came through ("this is what our bus will be in September") and got confused since they knew The MAX was free for the first two weeks. There were two Gillig Phantom (1800 series) Route 19s that came through, then the rest were 919 MAX buses. The decision to dispatch MAX buses was that of 18th Street Dispatch.

I arrived around 4:30 AM not knowing it would only take me 20 minutes to ride up Independence on a bike and helped until the 36 showed up at 6:30 (it was supposed to be there just before 6:18, the Holland & S. Plaza timepoint) so I could get to the dentist.

All 19s and 919s had difficulty with their signs. The only sign towards the base we (myself, a driver, and supervisor) could find was 19 STAFF COLLEGE/LAFAYETTE ANNEX so everyone else stayed with 19 SILVERLEAF STATION or 919 MAX SILVERLEAF

The MAX: Meet me at Silverleaf

HRT apparently needs helpers for the launch of The MAX. If I can get up, I'll be at Silverleaf in the mornings

The MAX Schedules are here

They're finally here: MAX Schedules are now available on goHRT.com

Look for a complete review Monday evening as, assuming I can get up, I will be at Cedar Grove around 5 AM. Couple of thoughts:

• Is there any way the 961 leaving Evelyn Butts &J at 5:35 AM wait just 10 minutes so passengers coming from the lineup at 5:45 ride it? at 5:15 AM, all you have are the inbound 3 and outbound 15 (the first inbound 8 starts this trip @ Evelyn)
• The 12 needs to serve Indian River Park & Ride like it does for the 22 during 967 hours
• The 960 needs to run a tad bit later. Maybe 9:30 PM from Cedar Grove and 9 PM from 19th & Pacific?
• The 961 should have one more trip from the Southside heading to Hampton & Newport News
  

The House of No

Time to clean House. Apparently they think things should be handed on a silver platter free of charge. No one likes tax increases, but something needs to be done and I support Governor Kaine's plan. I would tweak it to include transit funding for Hampton Roads (Northern Virginia is getting funding for Metro and VRE in the plan). Howell, time for you to go. I've personally had enough of your nonsense.

Something tells me you're going to go down as the person who doesn't give a crap about congestion anywhere in the Commonwealth. Try riding the #61 leaving Wards Corner at 4:38 PM or 5:38 PM any weekday and tell riders that you don't want to pay for these projects. Don't be surprised if there's several angry passengers

Goodbye Jessica Blaine

Jessica Blaine, someone who I hardly know, announced her goodbyes to everyone today. Apparently, she's moving with her brother to New England. Jessica, you will be missed.

Governor Kaine's Town Hall Meeting: VB Convention Center

I plan to be at the Town Hall meeting tonight to talk transportation. Couple of things:

A) The House of No: Get over your stinkin pride
B) I will be making a note that the meeting starts right as the last bus to TCC is leaving the Oceanfront
C) Reid: no one wants to hear your foolishness. I think Jessica Blaine put it perfectly: "want some cheese with that wine?"

To get home, I'm going to have to ride my bike from the Blvd & Rosemont. What fun.

You wonder why no one respects you: 10-13 on Route 36

Yesterday (Monday), coming home from the Strategic Plan unveiling at the Convention Center, I had loads of fun on Route 36.

First, the bus was 15 minutes late due to engine trouble. The driver told me this was the best of the three buses available. Once we got closer to TCC, a passenger was asking about the last 12 and the driver (not being too familiar with VB bus schedules) directed that passenger to me - explaining that I knew the schedules better than him. I explained, "Either that 12 has to wait or HRT has to come up with another way to get you home."

What looked like some 15 year old delinquent (in terms of how he was acting) sitting across, said, "Shut the F*** Up!" (censoring per Blogger rules here). Turned out that passenger wanted the 29 to the Mall. No one told him to get off at Holland & Lynnhaven due to his language and rudeness. Oh well, maybe now he won't tell bus drivers or passengers to "shut the F up". If it wasn't for his rudeness, the driver later told me he would've said at Holland & Lynnhaven, "If you want the 29 to the mall, get off here."

Some of these kids wonder why no one (except their fellow, well, you know...) respects them.

The sad truth is that many people assume that all forms of mass transit bring in people like these kids. Actually, in all my bus rides (I've been riding buses since 2003), these punks were the exception, not the norm, for transit passengers.

What time should the last bus trips from TCC be? (new poll)

New Poll up (finally). What time do you think the last trips from TCC should be at night? Please understand that I do not include Route 26 (since there's no demand) or Route 12 (since Chesapeake won't play along).

In my Service Booster plan I'm working on, it's 10:45 PM. If there was one more trip added to the 20, I'd have an 11:45 PM last departure for the 33.

My Service Booster plan includes daily service on Routes 25, 29, 33, and 36.

It's Official: The VBTA Doesn't Give a Rat's ***

I knew it for a while, but now it's in the open for everyone to see. The VBTA doesn't give a rat's *** about anyone without a car (be it they choose not to (my case) or they're unable to).

See for yourself (it's in the Comments section) - it's right from the so-called transportation chairman of the VBTA, Reid Greenmun

UPDATE: Thanks Peter Stinson for covering this as well. See Tidewater Musings blog entry.

The Sheetshaker Express: Farewell

I got to ride the Sheetshaker Express in reverse (afternoon to the Oceanfront) on one its last weeks of operation. So long, nice knowing you.

10-11 impacts Route 33

A nasty 10-11 (accident w/ injuries) impacted service today on Route 33 causing both buses to be 30-45 minutes behind schedule. Court House service was suspended due to Princess Anne Rd being blocked off by police - all traffic was detoured to Holland.

City of Norfolk Apology: Cedar Grove

(click image for larger version)

A while back, I blogged about there being an apology from the City of Norfolk concerning the relocation of bus service from Charlotte Street to Cedar Grove. Here is that letter.

Kirn/MacArthur Tide Station

Guess I haven't noticed my own poll. A slim majority says build some kind of public plaza.

Ride the bus Downtown, Get Cool Stuff! (of course there's a catch)

To celebrate The Tide, Festevents and HRT have teamed up to award Bike, Bus and Boat Bucks to attendees who come by bike & boat. For more information, visit the Festevents website.

The only strange thing is that I don't see any mention about riding the bus Downtown. I guess I'll see what happens if I show up with my bike and a Transfer (yes, meaning I would have to pay cash fare). Where's the "bus bucks" part of it?

Overall, not a bad idea. Too bad buses only run at night in Norfolk, in Portsmouth on Route 45 only, and in Virginia Beach along Route 20 only.

VB Wave Drivers, Honor my 30-Day Pass

(click for larger version)

According to data I've received from Hampton Roads Transit, VB Wave shuttles honor all regular bus passes, including the Seniors & Persons with Disabilities passes. This is ditto for the Ferry.

Any time a driver refuses to honor my pass, I will instruct them to contact (Trolley/18th St) Dispatch. I will have the Fare Study Structure - Validity Table ready to be presented (assuming my laptop is with me).

Any time a driver flips out, I will immediately contact the Dispatcher and inform them of the situation. I don't want to do this, but if I have to.

Go Figure

I'm not surprised that several posters are attacking HRT and Virginia Beach over the new Gillig Lowfloor Hybrids that are replacing the antique trolleys. The only bus riders who are complaining are the riders who, like myself, are stranded after 7 PM and on Sundays (and we're wanting evening / Sunday service).

I think it's time to clean The House of No before the damage gets worse. Yes folks, (even you VBTA) it does cost money to do things.

As far as transit in Virginia Beach into the evening and Sundays, we're working on that. HRT President & CEO Michael Townes charged Henry Ryto and myself to lobby for mass transit dollars for Virginia Beach.

In the long range, I support these projects:
TRANSIT:

• Expanded bus AND light rail service
• A better organized fare structure for HRT (in the works according to HRT)
  
• Transit to ORF (there's a plan in the works for the next General Assembly session)
• Commuter Rail to Richmond (bi directional, see Trinity Railway Express, which is all day bi-directional commuter rail between Dallas and Ft. Worth, for ideas)
  

ROADS:

• Tolling (I used to drive from Ocean View Station to Busch Gardens and I would've been more than happy to pay a toll to cross - this is also the reason I gladly paid $0.75 to use the Jordan since there wasn't much of a line even at rush hour)
• Expanded HRBT (4 lanes per direction at minimum in the long run from U.S. 460/Wards Corner to U.S. 258)
• The "4th" crossing, if there's demand for it
• U.S. 460 between Suffolk & Petersburg
• I-64 3 lanes from Newport News to Richmond
  

VB Wave Grand Opening

Well, they're here!!! Trolleys are (almost) History!!!!Mayor Meyera Oberndorf & VB City Councilman cut the ribbon

Route 30 Atlantic Ave

Podium

The new VB Wave logo, a surfer

About The Green Carpet

Since these are environmentally friendly buses, this is made-from-recycled carpet that is highly recyclable. Yes, green for environmentaly friendly.

Cussed out on Route 32

The 3 PM 33 broke down so I started making my way to 19th & Pacific to catch a 20. I noticed a 32 preparing to make a left onto US-58/Laskin so I made a mad dash to catch it.

I inserted my 30-Day Pass into the farebox and when the box complained ("reject"), the driver asked to see it. "We don't take those passes."

"This is an HRT bus and an HRT pass. Is there a problem?" I asked politely

"We don't take those God-damn passes!"

Be lucky I didn't 10-5 Trolley Base on the spot. Next time this occurs, I WILL 10-5 Trolley Base IMMEDIATELY and I will REFUSE to deboard the bus.

Poll Closed

My MacArthur/Kirn Tide Station poll closed. By a slim majority, yes, let's make a little public plaza around it.

Southside Dispatcher

Yes, I have dispatcher phone numbers for 18th Street, Trolley Base, and Hampton.

18th Street: You specifically tell drivers NOT to give your phone number to passengers (Michelle, I remember you specifically giving a radio transmission). Maybe you should tell HRT to not give out your phone number as well. The Southside Dispatcher phone number is located directly on the HRT website, under Traffix.

Hampton Cheesewagon Service: What should happen

What Hampton needs to do to its Cheesewagons: Orlando Speedway Figure-8 Cheesewagon Derby

Fareset 4: Lack of Service

As pointed out by Avenging Archangel, yes, I do live in a section of Virginia Beach where, as I write, it's impossible for me to get around. Some pointers:

• $750,000 out of a $1.8 BILLION budget is all that's needed to get around evenings and Sundays
• As it stands now, service is roughly 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM (or 6:45 PM, depending on the route) over here by TCC
• TCC Night Students have no way home
• TCC, for the longest time, has requested evening bus service. I assume it falls on deaf ears
• 10:45 PM is a reasonable last trip for all routes out of TCC 7 nights a week
• Yes Chesapeake, this includes the 12 heading to 20th & Seaboard
• Reid: as you can see, it does NOT cost Billions to fund. HRT's entire yearly budget for the whole region is just under $50 million per year.

Improvements to Beach routes that should help:

• Relative to Cedar Grove, Route 20 should be every 15 minutes all day weekdays 4:45 AM to 7:45 PM, every 30 minutes 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM, and every hour until 12:15 AM (yes, one more trip at night). Weekends, service should be every 30 minutes 4:45 AM to 8:15 PM then every hour until 12:15 AM. HRT has a plan for 15 minute service under the 2030 plan.
• Route 12 should get its old 2001 schedule back, but + Sundays. It used to be the last one left 20th & Seaboard at 9:45 PM, got to TCC at 10:45 PM, and finished at 20th & Seaboard at 11:45 PM. Yes Chesapeake, you need to start caring.
  
• Route 36 should run from Pleasure House to TCC every 30 minutes 5:45 AM to 7:45 PM, then every hour with the last trip on either end at 10:45 PM. Sundays same timeframe, but every hour (seen in the 2030 plan)
  
• Route 29: similar schedule to Route 36
• Route 33: Run until 12:45 AM (last trip either end 11:45 PM)
• Route 26: Today, all this route does is put the 29 back on schedule
• Route 32: ACCEPT OUR 30-DAY PASSES, and run every 30 minutes in the afternoon
  

Hampton's Strange Priorities

Above: Men's Bathroom stall with missing privacy door at Hampton Transit Center
Below: Hampton Cheesewagon, with a new paint job, being pressed into Route 110 service

I just got an email from Michael Townes, President & CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, replying to an email I sent about the oh-so-wonderful men's restroom at the Hampton Transit Center. City of Hampton, the ball is in your court. What are your transit funding priorities? My impression is that your funding priorities are Grey Area Cheesewagons.

This Gillig Phantom Cheesewagon is more important than a privacy door in the Men's room? As you can see, HRT is so willing to hang on to ancient museum artifacts that they can give them new paint jobs. Apparently, it's more important than a simple, cheap privacy door on a Men's Room stall.

The Sheetshaker Express

So I'm told that the nickname for Route 24 is the Sheetshaker Express.

Morning: all Hotel workers to the Oceanfront
Afternoon: all Hotel workers Home

So long Sheetshaker. Less than a month to go before you're reborn as the 960 MAX.

The MAX is Coming

There's now a page on the HRT site that is ready to accept details on The MAX! There's a map as well.

Best part? Today, HRT bought 15 new buses from Gillig. Half will go to The MAX (service expansion possibly?)

HRT System Map

It's here!! HRT has a work-in-progress System Map for both the Northside and Southside.

However, I consider both maps to be a work-in-progress (nearing completion). For example:
• Route 33 is a “Local”, not “Tour”
• There’s no Downtown Hampton insert map
• Route 25 is missing from the list of buses at TCC
• Route 121 (on the Newport News insert map) is shown heading towards the Monitor-Merrimack to Suffolk
• Route 61 is on the map (I assume it will be deleted when an update is posted)
• Service to Downtown Norfolk other than Routes 6, 8, 17, 45, 61, and 310 are shown (yes, I see the disclaimer)

There may be others; these are the ones I spotted on the first look.

NEW UCAC Chairman

Congratulations to Henry Ryto of Avenging Archangel who is our NEW HRT User Citizens Advisory Committee Chair.

Operator 9517

This message is to Southside Operator 9517:

Thanks for holding for me at the railroad tracks. I am the passenger who transferred off of the 36 on your 11:03 AM departure from Pembroke.

Signs of PENTRAN

This is the bus stop at HRT Headquarters, 3400 Victoria Blvd, Hampton.

Note the PENTRAN sign. The schedule is still pretty much accurate

PENTRAN logo up close

The Virginia Beach delegation to the User Citizen's Advisory Committee had a bus blow by us: Route 526. We were both standing in plain view of the bus.

Wonderful retaining wall. Both sides of the shelter feature a knocked over retaining wall.

Hampton Cheesewagon in New Paint Job

Would you believe this 500 with a new pain job is also a glorified Cheesewagon? It's also running as Route 110 (HTC/NET Center/TNCC)

HRT's Worst Embarrassment

These beauties are taken in the the men's bathroom at the Hampton Transit Center. Please, allow me to take you on a little tour. Like every blog entry, click on a picture for the larger version.

Note the missing partition between toilets

Handicap stall. Note missing privacy door

The other stall. Again, note missing privacy door.

Last, but not least, your hand washing station

HRT: Do SOMETHING. Even cheap basic stuff like privacy doors for the stalls. The sad truth is that the Newport News Transit Center is no better. They are both equally as bad.