Calgary Public Transit II - Page 235

DizzyEdge · #**4681** Posted **Mar 7, 2012, 9:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by fusili

Has this been posted yet:

Calgary Transit's Long Range Strategic Plan

http://www.routeahead.ca/

Hmmm I've seen that circle before..

http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2012/03/06/the-gross-decline-of-bizarre-graphics/

MMMBeer · #**4682** Posted **Mar 7, 2012, 10:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5seconds

Calgary Transit are handing out a notice on the 305. The 305 is being cut way back, and will only be operating at peak times. The number 1 is having it's frequency increased in the off-peak times to make up for it.

Part of their budget cuts.

On a related note, 302 is also moving to community shuttle in off-peak.

Wooster · #**4683** Posted **Mar 8, 2012, 1:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by fusili

Has this been posted yet:

Calgary Transit's Long Range Strategic Plan

http://www.routeahead.ca/

RouteAhead is a big deal. It basically touches every element of Calgary Transit - capital, network planning, service delivery, governance and structure of the organization, fiscal strategy, customer service. I'll be present at steering committee meetings and working closely with the project team so feel free to use this thread as a conduit for ideas. There of course will be many ways to provide input into the process as it ramps up.

Something that the Mayor promised during the election, so we're very happy it's moving ahead.

RyLucky · #**4684** Posted **Mar 8, 2012, 3:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mersar

Huh?

The 20 still goes to the Foothills

It still does... for now, but I don't see it on the 2013 plan. Did I miss something?

http://www.calgarytransit.com/pdf/West%20LRT%20Bus%20Network_March-2013.pdf

frinkprof · #**4685** Posted **Mar 8, 2012, 3:34 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyLucky

It still does... for now, but I don't see it on the 2013 plan. Did I miss something?

http://www.calgarytransit.com/pdf/West%20LRT%20Bus%20Network_March-2013.pdf

The route 20 will still exist after West LRT is operational, it just wasn't part of the feeder bus network because it doesn't stop at any West LRT stations.

RyLucky · #**4686** Posted **Mar 8, 2012, 8:50 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by frinkprof

The route 20 will still exist after West LRT is operational, it just wasn't part of the feeder bus network because it doesn't stop at any West LRT stations.

gotcha! Thanks!

RicoLance21 · #**4687** Posted **Mar 11, 2012, 3:01 AM**

Looks like Route 17 is going to supplement more of Route 3 when West LRT opens. Awesome for Mission and Beltline. Route 3 is absolutely packed during peak hours from Mission to Stephen Avenue. Sincere comment from a daily Route 3 rider.

Does that mean Ramsay will have a second full-size bus route for the peak hours?

You Need A Thneed · #**4688** Posted **Mar 12, 2012, 9:32 PM**

The addition to OBMF (for additional LRV storage capacity) is out for tender.

The new storage bay are 12m longer then the existing bays - an extra 1m per LRV that they will store.

I'm pretty sure that means that Calgary Transit will not be purchasing the next batch of 50 LRVs from Siemens.

You Need A Thneed · #**4689** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 3:07 PM**

According to the agenda of the Transportation and Transit Committee, the sity wants to initiate a report on moving the NC LRT line to Centre Street or Edmonton Trail and out of Nose Creek.

MalcolmTucker · #**4690** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 4:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by You Need A Thneed

According to the agenda of the Transportation and Transit Committee, the sity wants to initiate a report on moving the NC LRT line to Centre Street or Edmonton Trail and out of Nose Creek.

The wheels of government move slowly! Big win for team progress!

DizzyEdge · #**4691** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 5:32 PM**

This may be a tired subject, but is there any real arguments for streetcars anymore? I understand the 'permanence' argument and the rail bias, but would the negatives such as the inability to detour plus track and catenary cost basically blow those out of the water? Full disclosure, I'd love a streetcar on Centre, just not sure if the cons outweigh the pros.

Offtopic, the auto spellcheck of Chrome is terrible, it thinks catenary isn't a word.

DizzyEdge · #**4692** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 5:33 PM**

On another topic, is it just Route 411 or do all of the community shuttle buses have a ride quality of driving using suspension made of granite? No exaggeration I feel like I'm going to chip a tooth riding on that route, just going over the smallest of bumps in the road.

MalcolmTucker · #**4693** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 6:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

This may be a tired subject, but is there any real arguments for streetcars anymore? I understand the 'permanence' argument and the rail bias, but would the negatives such as the inability to detour plus track and catenary cost basically blow those out of the water? Full disclosure, I'd love a streetcar on Centre, just not sure if the cons outweigh the pros.

Offtopic, the auto spellcheck of Chrome is terrible, it thinks catenary isn't a word.

Potential for a lower number of drivers per passngers. Other than the real estate concentration argument, that is it.

fusili · #**4694** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 7:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker

Potential for a lower number of drivers per passngers. Other than the real estate concentration argument, that is it.

I like streetcars, but they really only have an real cost advantage if they are using larger consists (2-3 cars), which probably means they need their own right-of-way. IMO, a streetcar should really be operating in what is essentially a 7th avenue environment, otherwise, it is a waste of capital.

AgentGibb · #**4695** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 7:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

On another topic, is it just Route 411 or do all of the community shuttle buses have a ride quality of driving using suspension made of granite? No exaggeration I feel like I'm going to chip a tooth riding on that route, just going over the smallest of bumps in the road.

I haven't had the misfortune of riding in one of those in years, but your description matches pretty closely with my recollection. I also remember the driver on the route that I used to ride appeared to derive some sick satisfaction out of driving as quickly as possible in order to make the bumps even more extreme.

I eventually figured out that it was mostly the rear "suspension" that was super hard, so you can mitigate the effect by sitting as close to the front of the bus as possible.

DizzyEdge · #**4696** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 7:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker

Potential for a lower number of drivers per passngers. Other than the real estate concentration argument, that is it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fusili

I like streetcars, but they really only have an real cost advantage if they are using larger consists (2-3 cars), which probably means they need their own right-of-way. IMO, a streetcar should really be operating in what is essentially a 7th avenue environment, otherwise, it is a waste of capital.

I'm wondering if a compromise could be the smoothest riding buses available on a calgary-style BRT route, with more train-like station infrastructure, including heat. Then you have some of that permanence, with a bit of train-like perks, and bus flexibility. Does anyone know if there are buses with CVT (continuously variable transmission) which might provide smooth electric-like acceleration (although not much you can do about stopping I suppose, or maybe?)

So buses with CVT, nicest suspension available (this would also reduced the cheapening rattle you get in buses), heated "stations", LED signs, etc. Maybe extending the HOV lanes further north as well.

Of course I'm referring to the 301/Centre Street. Another thing which could be done to make it seem 'rail-like' is to have one station downtown where the 301 pulls into a covered area so that one can transfer from bus to train without being in the elements.

MalcolmTucker · #**4697** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 9:23 PM**

Can always just only provide motive force using electric motors, like the new Routemaster (New bus for London).

DizzyEdge · #**4698** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 9:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker

Can always just only provide motive force using electric motors, like the new Routemaster (New bus for London).

Good call, why mimic electic operation with a CVT when you can have actual electric operation (well I'm guessing it also has a CVT)

sim · #**4699** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 10:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker

Potential for a lower number of drivers per passngers. Other than the real estate concentration argument, that is it.

Lower traction power necessary, less local emissions (if not electric or hydrogen), less PM production, and if built correctly, lower noise. If built with green track, even lower noise emissions, and a measurable (as trivial as it might sound) heat island effect reduction due to increased vegatation evapotranspiration, as well as increased aesthetic.

If looking at it systemically, the "rail bias" which can be significant, also then reduces SOV trips thereby contributing to overall decreases to congestion, as well as the corresponding local emissions, noise, accident costs and parking spaces necessary.

I would be of the opinion that trams are generally undervalued, due to the fact that on a travel time savings metric, they don't generate much for perceived benefits.

DizzyEdge · #**4700** Posted **Mar 19, 2012, 11:16 PM**

I suppose the "can't detour" con can't be properly evaluated without some metrics about how often buses on Centre have had to follow a detour or detour around vehicles/obstructions/etc in the outside lane. If it happens a couple of times a year, it's not such a big deal. If it happens every week, then it likely is.