Comments on: The State of Sound Transit http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/ Transit in the Greater Seattle Area Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:21:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: mundi http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-28015 mundi Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:40:36 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-28015 Who exactly is responsible for implementing the ORCA smart card? If it is not Sound Transit, then what will happen when Link starts operating and the system is not ready.
Who exactly is responsible for implementing the ORCA smart card? If it is not Sound Transit, then what will happen when Link starts operating and the system is not ready.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-28013 Chris Stefan Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:32:09 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-28013 The Washington State Secretary of Transportation is an appointed not elected position.
The Washington State Secretary of Transportation is an appointed not elected position.

]]> By: EeePC http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-28012 EeePC Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:26:53 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-28012 Yeah, I've seen that, and I find it pretty ridiculous. Oh no, some enterprising 'hacker' will see what time I go to work every morning...
Yeah, I’ve seen that, and I find it pretty ridiculous.

Oh no, some enterprising ‘hacker’ will see what time I go to work every morning…

]]> By: Martin H. Duke http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-28006 Martin H. Duke Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:39:10 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-28006 EeePC, Try this link: <a href="http://seattletransitblog.com/2008/01/31/more-orca/" rel="nofollow">More ORCA</a>
EeePC,

Try this link:
More ORCA

]]> By: EeePC http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27976 EeePC Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:56:32 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27976 Can someone please explain to me what privacy concerns are linked with the ORCA card? Are people really that paranoid?
Can someone please explain to me what privacy concerns are linked with the ORCA card? Are people really that paranoid?

]]> By: Bernie http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27973 Bernie Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:42:41 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27973 I stand corrected. While the board for ST is not directly elected to that position it is by charter elected positions which form the board. The way the COP is chosen and confirmed looks good. Now that I know at least one of the things the state secretary of transportation is tasked to do I'll pay more attention to that election. I do have to question the county exec being required to serve on the board. King Co. pays the most...biggest county, lots to do, it should pay more. I thing the county exec already has enough dished up to worry about governing ST.
I stand corrected. While the board for ST is not directly elected to that position it is by charter elected positions which form the board. The way the COP is chosen and confirmed looks good.

Now that I know at least one of the things the state secretary of transportation is tasked to do I’ll pay more attention to that election. I do have to question the county exec being required to serve on the board. King Co. pays the most…biggest county, lots to do, it should pay more. I thing the county exec already has enough dished up to worry about governing ST.

]]> By: Zach http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27962 Zach Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:08:43 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27962 Can you verify that this is true? "Privatization advocates led Obama transportation review effort." http://openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=11293
Can you verify that this is true?

“Privatization advocates led Obama transportation review effort.”

http://openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=11293

]]> By: Tim Whittome http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27953 Tim Whittome Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:19:44 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27953 The 174 runs every 30 mins or so throughout the day and later into the night than the 194 which shuts up around 10pm from both ends of the line. The 594 goes to Tacoma/Lakewood and doesn't run via SeaTac Airport. ( don't have the schedules in front of me, but the 174 runs for about 21-22 hours out of every 24 Having said this, by the end of the year, we might not be seeing any more of the 194 as I believe there are plans to scrap the Seattle end of it, but there will still be something running from Federal Way to the airport I think.
The 174 runs every 30 mins or so throughout the day and later into the night than the 194 which shuts up around 10pm from both ends of the line. The 594 goes to Tacoma/Lakewood and doesn’t run via SeaTac Airport. ( don’t have the schedules in front of me, but the 174 runs for about 21-22 hours out of every 24

Having said this, by the end of the year, we might not be seeing any more of the 194 as I believe there are plans to scrap the Seattle end of it, but there will still be something running from Federal Way to the airport I think.

]]> By: Tim Whittome http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27952 Tim Whittome Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:16:09 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27952 Yeah, December 31st just about gets it in in time for drunken revelry at the end of the year and allow ST to claim it as a milestone for 2009! Having recently taken the Lunch Bus tour, there does seem to still be a lot of work out there to complete at both ends of the tunnel and at Beacon Hill. I am not trying to play Mike Lindblom's game from the Seattle Times because I almost 100% detest and deplore with every fibre of my being his articles on public transit in Seattle, nor do I want to dampen expectations, but I do think that the final push to complete the initial segment needs to look more obvious at this point in time on the tunnel and Beacon Hill segments.
Yeah, December 31st just about gets it in in time for drunken revelry at the end of the year and allow ST to claim it as a milestone for 2009!

Having recently taken the Lunch Bus tour, there does seem to still be a lot of work out there to complete at both ends of the tunnel and at Beacon Hill. I am not trying to play Mike Lindblom’s game from the Seattle Times because I almost 100% detest and deplore with every fibre of my being his articles on public transit in Seattle, nor do I want to dampen expectations, but I do think that the final push to complete the initial segment needs to look more obvious at this point in time on the tunnel and Beacon Hill segments.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27949 Chris Stefan Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:35:28 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27949 I don't think Sound Transit wants to get in the business of operating its transit services directly. For one there is a lot of infrastructure they'd have to duplicate in a rather big hurry (at least on the bus side). For another such actions would likely lead to antagonistic relations both with the transit unions and with area transit agencies. I wouldn't say Sims "capitulated" to the unions. To a large extent you get what you pay for. Do we really want to turn Metro and the services they operate into the Wal-Mart of transit? I don't have hard data in front of me but I'd be really surprised if pay and benefits at Metro are all that out of line compared to similarly sized transit agencies.
I don’t think Sound Transit wants to get in the business of operating its transit services directly. For one there is a lot of infrastructure they’d have to duplicate in a rather big hurry (at least on the bus side). For another such actions would likely lead to antagonistic relations both with the transit unions and with area transit agencies.

I wouldn’t say Sims “capitulated” to the unions. To a large extent you get what you pay for. Do we really want to turn Metro and the services they operate into the Wal-Mart of transit?

I don’t have hard data in front of me but I’d be really surprised if pay and benefits at Metro are all that out of line compared to similarly sized transit agencies.

]]> By: Andrew http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27923 Andrew Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:47:28 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27923 I should also point out that the Sound Transit board isn't made up of only people who like Sound Transit. Ron Sims is on the board, and he wasn't a fan of the last proposal. And for a long time Rob McKenna, who hates transit of all shapes and sizes, was on the board.
I should also point out that the Sound Transit board isn’t made up of only people who like Sound Transit. Ron Sims is on the board, and he wasn’t a fan of the last proposal.

And for a long time Rob McKenna, who hates transit of all shapes and sizes, was on the board.

]]> By: Andrew http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27922 Andrew Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:41:57 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27922 The COP is appointed by elected officials. The board of ST is comprised of 17 elected officials plus the state DOT head, who is appointed by the governor. The board appoints the COP.
The COP is appointed by elected officials. The board of ST is comprised of 17 elected officials plus the state DOT head, who is appointed by the governor. The board appoints the COP.

]]> By: Bernie http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27909 Bernie Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:05:04 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27909 How do you compare operating costs? The numbers I've seen claiming ST costs are higher are always based on per passenger trip. ST operates on average much longer routes so this metric is meaningless. ST also runs way nicer buses. There's the issue of ST to a great extent only operating during peak periods which means less trips during the day to help amortize costs. I suppose the buses sitting idle is capitol costs not operating cost but more dead head trips might account for higher fuel and salary costs.
How do you compare operating costs? The numbers I’ve seen claiming ST costs are higher are always based on per passenger trip. ST operates on average much longer routes so this metric is meaningless. ST also runs way nicer buses.

There’s the issue of ST to a great extent only operating during peak periods which means less trips during the day to help amortize costs. I suppose the buses sitting idle is capitol costs not operating cost but more dead head trips might account for higher fuel and salary costs.

]]> By: Bernie http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27907 Bernie Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:52:50 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27907 The Port of Seattle has an Elected Board of Commissioners (the appointed, and very well paid Executive director actually runs the Port). The COP is a good thing but it would be better if it were elected or at least appointed by elected officials (that would assure sub area representation). Having ST appoint the COP is a bit like having the fox watch the hen house. FWIW, there has been plenty of questionable activity by the Port over the years. For a long time nobody seemed to give a damn about the election of Port Commissioners. That's changed and the campaigns result in a healthy forum to educate the public about the decisions the Port is making.
The Port of Seattle has an Elected Board of Commissioners (the appointed, and very well paid Executive director actually runs the Port). The COP is a good thing but it would be better if it were elected or at least appointed by elected officials (that would assure sub area representation). Having ST appoint the COP is a bit like having the fox watch the hen house.

FWIW, there has been plenty of questionable activity by the Port over the years. For a long time nobody seemed to give a damn about the election of Port Commissioners. That’s changed and the campaigns result in a healthy forum to educate the public about the decisions the Port is making.

]]> By: Jessica http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27892 Jessica Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:25:31 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27892 So, for example, have Sound directly operate their buses instead of Metro, for example operating the 550? If it's cheaper (then again, I'm sure the ATU will complain loudly)
So, for example, have Sound directly operate their buses instead of Metro, for example operating the 550?

If it’s cheaper (then again, I’m sure the ATU will complain loudly)

]]> By: Gabe http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27882 Gabe Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:52:55 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27882 And kudos to Martin for delving into these issues. One big question for ST in the coming years: to stem the increase in operating costs, would it be prudent to cast themselves free from contracts negotiated by the local transit agencies? Ron Sims is probably on his way out the door. But his legacy has been one of capitulating to the unions. I wonder if a tougher negotiating position could save a lot of money over the long term. Afterall, the high costs associated with running a public transit system are directly related to operations and maintenance. The Oversight Committee is concerned with ST's escalating operations budget. But, from what I can tell, ST doesn't have much control over the variables which affect that budget. This should probably change.
And kudos to Martin for delving into these issues. One big question for ST in the coming years: to stem the increase in operating costs, would it be prudent to cast themselves free from contracts negotiated by the local transit agencies? Ron Sims is probably on his way out the door. But his legacy has been one of capitulating to the unions. I wonder if a tougher negotiating position could save a lot of money over the long term. Afterall, the high costs associated with running a public transit system are directly related to operations and maintenance.

The Oversight Committee is concerned with ST’s escalating operations budget. But, from what I can tell, ST doesn’t have much control over the variables which affect that budget. This should probably change.

]]> By: Gabe http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27879 Gabe Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:31:07 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27879 Kudos to Sound Transit for even having an oversight committee. If Metro or the Port of Seattle had a similar accountability mechanism, there's a very good chance the problems each agency is experiencing now could have been averted.
Kudos to Sound Transit for even having an oversight committee. If Metro or the Port of Seattle had a similar accountability mechanism, there’s a very good chance the problems each agency is experiencing now could have been averted.

]]> By: Nathan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27871 Nathan Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:14:36 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27871 it might be interesting to see if ST could possibly lean on the contractors a little bit and see an opening a little bit earlier to catch some of the holiday crush. Question: What are the 174, 194, and the 594 like around that time?
it might be interesting to see if ST could possibly lean on the contractors a little bit and see an opening a little bit earlier to catch some of the holiday crush.

Question: What are the 174, 194, and the 594 like around that time?

]]> By: Andrew http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27863 Andrew Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:59:07 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27863 Yeah It'll be almost done, just staring in the face of all the travelers, but will be going through the finishing touches
Yeah It’ll be almost done, just staring in the face of all the travelers, but will be going through the finishing touches

]]> By: justin http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/31/the-state-of-sound-transit/#comment-27858 justin Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:59:29 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=2533#comment-27858 It's a shame the airport portion won't be ready in time for the holiday crush...
It’s a shame the airport portion won’t be ready in time for the holiday crush…

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