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Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 16 14:29:02 2015

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Sheepsheadbites Blog

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Feb 17 14:23:41 2015, in response to Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 16 14:29:02 2015.

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We need Utica Av subway!

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by N6 Limited on Wed Feb 18 13:31:41 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Feb 17 14:23:41 2015.

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Should it branch off of Eastern Parkway, Fulton St, or Houston St?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Dan on Wed Feb 18 15:26:47 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by N6 Limited on Wed Feb 18 13:31:41 2015.

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MTA proposed that back in 1971 -

http://www.railfanwindow.com/gallery2/v/NYC-photos/mapsandguides01/1969_1971_new_routes/12_NYT71_MTA_Bklyn_Qns.jpg.html




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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by randyo on Wed Feb 18 17:41:30 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Dan on Wed Feb 18 15:26:47 2015.

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However, unlike the IND Utica subway which was intended to pass through S 4 St and Stuyvesant Ave enroute from the Houston St and proposed Worth St subways the 1971 plan was a branch off the IRT E/Pky Line which was actually the original.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Wed Feb 18 20:11:03 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by N6 Limited on Wed Feb 18 13:31:41 2015.

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My vote is for Houston extension. The question then though is how to fit it into 6th av

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by N6 Limited on Wed Feb 18 20:29:39 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by NIMBYkiller on Wed Feb 18 20:11:03 2015.

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Good question. What if they build an elevated branch off the Brooklyn Broadway Line "north" of Myrtle?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Terrapin Station on Thu Feb 19 09:12:14 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Dan on Wed Feb 18 15:26:47 2015.

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Take Pride,
Terrapin Station




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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Sat Feb 21 03:28:24 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by N6 Limited on Wed Feb 18 20:29:39 2015.

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??? The problem is once the train reaches Manhattan, how does it get squeezed onto the 6th Av trunk.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by MR RT on Sat Feb 21 18:26:20 2015, in response to Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 16 14:29:02 2015.

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Good article, those suits at the MTA that read it are going to be afraid that someone will ask them questions about the facts you present.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by TerrapiN StatioN on Sat Feb 21 19:15:00 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by MR RT on Sat Feb 21 18:26:20 2015.

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I doubt that. Why do you encourage him?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Sat Feb 21 19:41:29 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by MR RT on Sat Feb 21 18:26:20 2015.

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Stay tuned for Part 2 on Monday.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by N6 Limited on Sun Feb 22 15:15:44 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by NIMBYkiller on Sat Feb 21 03:28:24 2015.

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Send it to Broad St/Chambers

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by MR RT on Sun Feb 22 18:02:11 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by TerrapiN StatioN on Sat Feb 21 19:15:00 2015.

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Well, wrong again ... I happen to know that high level suits D-O read his articles every week !

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 23 17:09:13 2015, in response to Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 16 14:29:02 2015.

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Part 2


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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 17:36:38 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 23 17:09:13 2015.

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Anyone who is familiar with Main Street in Flushing knows that traffic in the area is a nightmare. That is because 23 bus routes pass through or terminate in that area, which accounts for 26,000 daily passenger transfers, according to the MTA. The solution to reducing traffic congestion is obvious: Build an off-street bus terminal. A lawyer with the Amalgamated Transit Union suggested it at the February 10, 2015 hearing. I have been advocating this for years.



The Flushing Bus Terminal on Roosevelt Ave.

An offstreet bus terminal is not a solution for Downtown Flushing traffic. The problem with such a terminal would be where buses will enter and leave this terminal.

Pedestrian traffic is too great to permit buses (or any vehicles) to cross the sidewalk in an expeditious manner. Anybody doubting this should position himself on the east side of Main St where 40th Rd intersects in a T.

View Larger Map
Pedestrian traffic is so great that two guards are stationed at the parking lot entrance at all times. Their function is to try to stop pedestrians from crossing and thereby preventing cars from entering or exiting. The number of private car arrivals/departures is far less than the number buses stopping at Main St.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Mon Feb 23 21:55:02 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by N6 Limited on Sun Feb 22 15:15:44 2015.

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How? It's running into Houston St

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 23 22:20:34 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 17:36:38 2015.

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And why is the pedestrian traffic so great? It is because of the large number of people exiting the subway to board buses on the street.

Why coudn't buses descend to subway level and terminate underground on the same level as the subway in the area where the parking lot s currently? That woud greatly reduce sidewalk congestion. Only the merchants want all the congestion because they believe it brings them extra business.

Buses not laying over on the street will also reduce traffic congestion as well as passenger congestion.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Mon Feb 23 22:57:25 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 17:36:38 2015.

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Build it at the municipal lot on the south side of the LIRR. Build an underpass under the LIRR tracks, turn Prince St into a two way street south of Roosevelt, cut the tip off the triangle at Kissena/Main St to allow access to Kissena Blvd from 41st Av (BUSES ONLY), make 41st Av two way between the bus terminal and Main St/Kissena Blvd. Split the routes to enter/exit via 40th Rd (exit only), Prince St, and 41st Av. Possibly allow buses to make a right off Northern onto Prince St as well.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 23:51:03 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 23 22:20:34 2015.

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And why is the pedestrian traffic so great? It is because of the large number of people exiting the subway to board buses on the street.

Should you care to look at the position of this parking lot in relation to the bus stops, you will notice that the pedestrians are those who are within walking distance. All except 1 bus stop is north of this location as are the subway entrances. The single exception (Q58) is on the west side of Main St; its passengers don't cross Main St to reach the subway.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 23:53:09 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by NIMBYkiller on Mon Feb 23 22:57:25 2015.

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Build it at the municipal lot on the south side of the LIRR.

That parking lot has already been sold to developers.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by TERRApin StaTion on Tue Feb 24 08:50:52 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 23 22:20:34 2015.

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And why is the pedestrian traffic so great? It is because of the large number of people exiting the subway to board buses on the street.
AH HA HAHAAHAHAH AHAHAHAH HAHAHA HA HAAH AHAHAH HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAH AHAH AHAH AH HAHAHA HAHA HA HAHAH AHA HAHAAHAH HAHAHAHAHAH HA HAHAHAH HA H H HAHAHAHAHA H HA HAHAHAHAHA HAAH HA HAHAH AHAH HA HAHAHAH AHAH HA AHA HA HAH AHA HA HAHAHA H HAH AHAHAHAHAH HAH H H HAAHAHAH H AHAHAHAH HA HA HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And you claim that you used to be a transportation planner?!?!!?!?!?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by TERRApin StaTion on Tue Feb 24 08:51:12 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 23:53:09 2015.

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zing

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Feb 24 09:14:54 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 23:53:09 2015.

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The one on 41st av at the LIRR station, or the lot that's already been torn up for conatruction? I remember seeing a proposal for the one alongside the LIRR station on 41st Av, but I didn't know it had gotten approved

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Tue Feb 24 11:18:38 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 23:53:09 2015.

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Because the city has no interest in reducing congestion. It only thinks of the tax revenue it will receive. And if that means more congestion and accidents, so be it.

They ignore the real problems, then blame cars for speeding as the reason for accidents. Take away lanes, cause more congestion, then make you pay more for the privilege of driving, while doing nothing to improve bus or subway service while wanting you to believe SBS is the answer to all your transportation problems. And the people fall for this.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Tue Feb 24 11:23:19 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Feb 23 23:51:03 2015.

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I don't understand what you are saying. The pedestrians are within walking distance of what? The parking lot? Of course they are. What does that prove?

You stated that a bus terminal will not reduce pedestrian congestion. It certainly will if you can get directly from the subway to where the buses are without having to walk on Main Street which is what a bus terminal would do if it is properly designed to separate pedestrian traffic from the cars.

The crowds of people waiting to board buses on the street also causes sidewalk congestion.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Tue Feb 24 13:13:35 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Feb 24 09:14:54 2015.

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I'm talking about the one on 41st Ave.

I'm sorry I cannot provide a link to prove it. Either way, its days are numbered. The LIRR station is going to be rebuilt. I think they will hold off construction on that lot until the station renovation is complete.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Feb 24 13:17:58 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Tue Feb 24 13:13:35 2015.

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Well, there goes my only solution to the problem! Less brain space for me to waste. Thanks bud!

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by N6 Limited on Tue Feb 24 14:17:28 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by NIMBYkiller on Mon Feb 23 21:55:02 2015.

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I was talking about my other suggestion of running it off the Broadway Brooklyn Line

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Tue Feb 24 16:17:22 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Tue Feb 24 11:23:19 2015.

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I don't understand what you are saying.

Let me go over this again.

I stated that pedestrian volume was so great in front of the parking lot driveway that guards were required to stop the pedestrians and allow cars to enter/exit. You countered that the pedestrians were there because they were walking between the bus stop and the subway entrance.

Your assertion would be true only if the parking lot driveway were between the subway and the bus stop. The parking lot driveway does not lie between the bus stop and subway entrance; it lies south of the bus stops and the subway entrances. Therefore the people walking past the parking lot driveway are not bus riders; they are local residents.

The bus terminal bottleneck will be moving the buses in and out of the terminal. There are approximately 4000 different buses stopping in Flushing on a given weekday. That comes to 167 per hour and 2.8 per minute. That allows each bus only 21.6 seconds to move in or out of the terminal. Otherwise, there will be a bus backup in the terminal or a traffic backup on the street.

The timing is actually much worse because I assumed uniform scheduling throughout a 24 hour day. The allotted time will be 5 to 10 seconds during rush hours. This just isn't practical in the real world.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Tue Feb 24 19:46:22 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Tue Feb 24 16:17:22 2015.

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And who decided that there will be a single entrance and a single exit? There could e multiple entrances and exits on different streets if that is what would be necessary for it to function effectively.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Henry R32 #3730 on Tue Feb 24 20:28:57 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 23 22:20:34 2015.

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While your statement about the high pedestrian traffic is not entirely true, descending to subway level would certainly help. It would be like Harvard Square station in Boston (I don't think the trackless wires are used anymore):

Harvard Square MBTA bus station - IMG 8415.JPG
"Harvard Square MBTA bus station - IMG 8415" by Daderot - Own work. Licensed under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.



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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Tue Feb 24 20:32:48 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Tue Feb 24 19:46:22 2015.

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There could e multiple entrances and exits on different streets if that is what would be necessary for it to function effectively.

What's the budget for building this bus terminal palace and where do you propose to locate it?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Wed Feb 25 11:14:15 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Tue Feb 24 20:32:48 2015.

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The budget is never a problem when the politicians want something. They always manage to find the money. Look how Cuomo's LGA link came out of thin air with even a decided upon route.

The budget and further studies are only excuses when someone does not want something built like you are doing right now. Evidence -- your use of the word "palace". If you were for it, you would have called it a necessity, not a palace.

As far as location, preferably it would be underground below the existing parking lot that will be developed. Or else it could be on the second level to permit retail on the first floor.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by fdtutf on Wed Feb 25 12:43:30 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Wed Feb 25 11:14:15 2015.

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That doesn't answer Stephen's question. He's not asking you to opine about how projects are handled; he's asking you if you have any idea how much this terminal will cost.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Wed Feb 25 12:56:32 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Wed Feb 25 11:14:15 2015.

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The budget is never a problem when the politicians want something.

Nor certain Bus Talk contributors.

Evidence -- your use of the word "palace".

Downtown Flushing handles 4000 NYCT and MTA buses each weekday. The Port Authority Bus Terminal handles 8000. That should give you a sense of the project's magnitude.

As far as location,...

What are the geographic coordinates for the location? Latitude and longitude are more important than altitude. While you are at it, where will the multiple bus ramps be located?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Wed Feb 25 17:13:39 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Wed Feb 25 12:56:32 2015.

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So now you want me to design the thing?

The fact that it would handle half as much traffic as the PA bus terminal just highlights how badly such a terminnal is needed.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 15:42:16 2015, in response to Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 16 14:29:02 2015.

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Part 3

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Joe V on Mon Mar 2 17:09:05 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 15:42:16 2015.

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OK, SBS should be abolished until we are universal RFID.
This is worse than all the Ventra bullshit in Chicago.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 17:44:37 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Joe V on Mon Mar 2 17:09:05 2015.

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What are you saying?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Joe V on Mon Mar 2 18:36:28 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 17:44:37 2015.

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Just what I said - get rid of SBS.
Once we got RFID cards, random inspectors can carry scanners like they do on AMT commuter trains.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 19:12:12 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Joe V on Mon Mar 2 18:36:28 2015.

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I'm sorry but I still don't see the connection. While I have many problems with how SBS is being implemented, I don't see why RFID cards would make SBS unnecessary.

All RFID cards will do is make the enforcement fairer so that you still will be able to board with an unlimited pass if the machines are out of order. SBS permits faster boarding through all the doors. As long as you have that, you still have SBS. If everyone as to board through the front door, you don't save that much time, so why spend money on inspectors?

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Mar 2 20:19:25 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 19:12:12 2015.

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All RFID cards will do is make the enforcement fairer so that you still will be able to board with an unlimited pass if the machines are out of order. SBS permits faster boarding through all the doors. As long as you have that, you still have SBS. If everyone as to board through the front door, you don't save that much time, so why spend money on inspectors?

Let me try to educate you.

The current fare collection occupies the single most reducible time waster for buses that's totally within the MTA's control. The bus metrocard readers certainly take much more time than the old coin boxes when fares were a nickel or a dime. Off bus fare collection tries to counter this. There's a problem. It's expensive to make bullet proof, unattended machines that contain/collect money. Consequently, SBS has to limit the number of stations because the fare collection machines are expensive. This limit's SBS' attractiveness because walking the extra distance to an SBS stop takes more time than any SBS savings.

Enter the touch card. The bus has 2 or 3 doors. There are touch sensors at each door. The customer uses his new metrocard card to touch the fare box. The box beeps it's ok and records the transaction internally and on the card. Transaction time is about the same as it used to take to toss a nickel into the fare box. If there's a problem with accepting the metrocard there's buzz with the message to see the driver. There's also a conventional fare box up front with the driver. Those without a metrocard enter the front door and pay a cash fare. They are issued a receipt.

The extra touch card readers are fairly inexpensive. They are not outdoors. They don't handle currency. They don't print tickets. Maintenance is minimal.

Come the fare police. They have a handheld card reader. They go to the onboard fare boxes and upload the information of the metrocards that were recorded. They then go passenger to passenger to touch their metrocard or inspect the paper receipt.

The off bus ticket dispensers are removed. All fare collection is on the bus. This means the bus can make all stops and still save time on the run. There's no need to separate routes to limited and local service. Passengers don't have to spend extra time walking to a limited stop.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by New Flyer #857 on Mon Mar 2 22:01:30 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Mar 2 20:19:25 2015.

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And you can use this method on any route at all. . .even buses that stop every two blocks.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 22:23:52 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Mar 2 20:19:25 2015.

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Thanks for the explanation.

However, there are still problems with this system. The MTA stated that the enforcement agents were the most expensive part of SBS. How could they afford inspectors on every route or most routes?

Will the Feds pay or any of this? The MTA has always been reluctant to ake improvements they have to pay for themselves. That's why we waited 50 years for free bus transfers. The TA always cited te extra cost as too much.

I also disagree with your contention that fare collection was quicker when the fare was a nickel. I do nt remember a nickel, but I do remember 15 cents and higher. Fare collection took three times longer before MetroCard. That was because before 1969, there was no exact fare and half the passengers needed change which took time which you seem to forget. When exact fare was instituted, fare collection was speeded up but I remember it still requiring up to 30 seconds per passenger as the many coins were dropped in and for a long time has to be counted, until counting was discontinued. The counting cycle alone took between ten and twenty seconds depending on the number of coins deposited which could have numbered 10 or 15 coins if a lot of nickels and dimes were used. Things were speeded up again when the fare machines started accepting tokens which wasn't until the 1970s I believe.

MetroCards greatly speeded up the boarding process. It certainly didn't slow it down.



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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by brightonr68 on Mon Mar 2 23:02:15 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Stephen Bauman on Mon Mar 2 20:19:25 2015.

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Just got back from Dubai where I rode their brand new light rail system (they refer to it as the tram). It is a pay per distance system. You tap your card on a reader in the station and they have agents that randomly roam the card with a reader that reads your fare card to see if you paid.

We can use the same system for sbs. No need for paper records except if you paid cash. Swipe card at existing reader, no need for paper record, unlimited card just board, rfid card/phone tap and go. I've been on many sbs buses where the inspectors ask you to hold up your paper record and don't look at the date, how many people just hold up yesterdays. I bet many.

Such a reader could simply be an iphone with a case that allows magnetic old school metrocards and new rfid cards(jet blue is rolling out such a system for in flight services.

This can be done on local buses as well Simply jettison the old school fare box at the entrance and just board from all doors with a tap to enter system on the bus or in the entry way into the bus. Have inspectors scan cards and have fine very high at $200. Now that everyone can get a NYC id, if you don't have an id and don't pay down to the station.

Now that apple pay is here and both google and samsung are all in on mobile pay, metrocard can be retired, mta can reduce the cost associated with MVM's(although still needed, will be used less) useless station agents and other metrocard related costs. Take the money saved from the other positions being phased out and shift it into fare enforcement that can speed up bus commutes


Most riders have smartphones with rfid today. The mta is currently charging a fee for a new metrocard so charging for a smartcard will not be a stretch if you don't have a metrocard. Sell refill ups at local stored

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by RIPTA42HopeTunnel on Tue Mar 3 06:07:15 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 22:23:52 2015.

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I also disagree with your contention that fare collection was quicker when the fare was a nickel...Things were speeded up again when the fare machines started accepting tokens which wasn't until the 1970s I believe.

I wasn't around for nickel fares, but it was probably faster because bus riders simply carried nickels, which acted as de facto tokens. When the fare increased and required multiple coins, change, etc., the boarding process began to take longer.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by Terrapin Station on Tue Mar 3 07:24:25 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Mar 2 15:42:16 2015.

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Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that they really aren't out to get you. So be careful, Allan.

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Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes

Posted by BrooklynBus on Tue Mar 3 09:53:23 2015, in response to Re: Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by Terrapin Station on Tue Mar 3 07:24:25 2015.

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Who said anything about anyone being out to get me?

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Re: Why We Need a Motorman on Future SBS Routes

Posted by italianstallion on Tue Mar 3 11:04:15 2015, in response to Why We Need a Moratorium on Future SBS Routes, posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Feb 16 14:29:02 2015.

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Because they should be subways.

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