1403

Trolley Base, this bus has plenty of problems: no radio, broken back door, working interlock (which, when you're running late, slows you down), sometimes stalls.

To whoever isn't allowing Trolley Base to use Hybrids: The trolleys are so bad, it's time to put Hybrids on the mainline trolley routes (25, 26, 27, 29, and 33*) which, due to the nature of the Hybrid drive system, makes much more sense than on say Route 30.

* Trolley Base takes over Route 33 from 18th Street effective June 27th in exchange, 18th Street gets Route 85.

Disney College Program

My decision is made: Disney is a no-go. I am staying home.

Introuducing Labels

I am starting to use Blogger's Labeling system to tag my blog entries for easier comparison. I have gone back and tagged some older entries (and I'll continue to do so from time to time) as well.

To Victoria Blvd (or Michael Townes?)

This message is to whoever isn't letting us ride Hybrids:

So I'm told that Virginia Beach Base requested usage of the Hybrids they're housing but you say no. The trolleys make your 500s look brand new. We would like to be able to use the Hybrids right now because there is no more excuse for using the trolleys any more. I understand you want to do have a roll out ceremony, so let's do that right now. Let's have that ceremony right now and let's get these Hybrids rolling on the main lines (yes, the main lines) right now.

It's Time to Turn the A/C On

I know A/C doesn't usually start until May, but considering how hot it is today, it's time NOW.

Trolley Base: Since they're ready, let's start using the Hybrids so the riding public on the year-round Trolley routes can check them out. We don't need bike racks on the 30, 31, or 32. Besides: the hybrid system won't be as effective on the stop-and-go of Atlantic Ave.

Route 300 - A Review

I got to ride Route 300, the new Portsmouth Loop, and what a joy it was. The bus is amazing (see my Hybrid Bus post for more about the buses) and the route is wonderful. Portsmouth, you got something nice going (too bad it doesn't run on Sundays).

My thoughts:

• If it turns out that there isn't enough ridership to warrant the Loop every 15 minutes at the Naval Hospital, why not alternate between Naval Hospital and Crawford Pkwy.
• It's a wonderful idea going between County & Court and the Ferry Landing. Too bad you have to do the whole Loop to get from the Ferry Landing to County & Court.
• $0.50 fare? That's reasonable. The bus will take ALL fare media (10 Rides, 30 Day, Transfers, etc). Too bad it doesn't give transfers. The operator around lunch time on Bus 4000 had an idea: Why not encode the transfer so that it'll tell the other fareboxes the passenger owes $1.00? Then again, since HRT will be dumping transfers come September (maybe the 300 not giving transfers is a good thing)

Route 300 has its own distinctive bus stop sign (sorry about the "bent look", it's my camera)

City of Portsmouth logo on the bus

This is the Downtown Loop

I can proudly say, it's environmentally friendly. This distinctive hump is the hybrid system

Another Loop logo

Effingham Street going Inbound from the Naval Hospital. The driver left her "300 NAVAL HOSPITAL" sign on. Going inbound, it'll say "300 COUNTY ST".

The destination sign. Yep, I'm being reflected in the image

There is room for two wheelchairs
The bus interior, looking back. All seats wrap around the sides. The only forward facing seats are in the very back.
Last but not least: those darned Odyssey Fareboxes; the same kind that are nit-picky about $1.00 bills

Disney College Transit

Have a look-see at the bus that serves the College Student apartments for the Disney College Program: Link 304. Assuming I take Disney's offer, I'd be staying near SR 535 & Medowcreek Dr. Twice a day (two round trips) 7 days a week.

Maybe I need to shut up about VB bus service. At least it runs all day


(to be fair, once you get into Orlando proper, buses run all day on average every 30 minutes similar to Norfolk routes 5 AM to Midnight or 1 AM 7 days a week)

2502 to Virginia Beach Base: 10-24

This morning, there was a 10-24 on Run 2502. The 10-2 was Princess Anne near Providence heading Outbound at around 10:35-10:40 AM. VB Base: Why didn't you send disinfectants and a mop & bucket? A replacement BUS (read: not a trolley) would've been nice. The hybrids, according to a trolley base operator, are ready to go (in that they have bike racks, fare boxes, and destination codes plugged in), so why not take one for a spin if there were no buses? This would be a great way for us passengers to gauge if we like them or not (though I've heard nothing but good things about them).

In case you're wondering: 10-24 means a passenger hurled on the bus (lost their lunch, er breakfast in this case)

Norfolk's Theme Song

Thanks Avenging Archangel for the greatest giggle in a while, Cedar Grove

Have a read?

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to me. 23 years old.

Disney College Program

It's possible that I might be leaving for Walt Disney World. I must decide by April 21st as they have a job offer for me @ $7.13 an hour. As I write this blog entry, I'm leaning on STAYING HOME but I will not make my final decision until the 21st. I have (attempted, but with no replies) to contact Tamara of HRT. I'm very torn if I want to go or not considering I was just recently appointed to the UCAC.

Assuming I do take the offer: I would be in Florida from May 19th to January 2nd.

Learn more about what Disney offered me?

Jerry the Supervisor

I was at Cedar Grove today and got my first 310 ride. I spoke to Jerry (a Supervisor, not sure his last name) and suggested portos for everyone. HRT: hint...hint...(separate for HRT personnel and passengers). He didn't seem too thrilled when a bunch of passengers crowded around him wanting to know what time buses came.

The Pembroke Detour

At last, the Pembroke detour is done. The road is bumpy, but at least now you can get in and out. All routes are to take Constitution in and out.

The only question is how long before K-Mart starts screaming again?

Norfolk Social Security Office

The sticking point for the new Social Security office was a traffic light. HRT would divert the 15 to the new office on Lake Herbert Dr if a traffic signal was built.

The good news: I was on the 15 this morning going from Wards Corner to Military Circle and such traffic light is being installed as I speak. HRT: As soon as the light is going, when will the 15 be rerouted?

Virginia Beach Night Owl

Starting today, buses in Virginia Beach will run at night until 10:45 or so. Also, Night Owl service will begin from Charlotte Street leaving Downtown at 1 AM and 2 AM.