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.