"The Connector's website — http://www.jaxconnector.com (http://www.jaxconnector.com) — says the group wants to raise $100,000 by Nov. 30 in order to buy two 25- to 40-passenger buses to initially run the express route between the Jacksonville Beach pier parking lot and the area outside the Underbelly nightclub on East Bay Street for at least six months. If the money is raised, the service theoretically could begin in January and would run from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights at a cost of a $5 per ticket for a one-way ride and $8 for a round trip."
http://jax-cdn.com/news/metro/2013-11-07/story/campaign-underway-private-bus-line-running-downtown-jacksonville-beaches (http://jax-cdn.com/news/metro/2013-11-07/story/campaign-underway-private-bus-line-running-downtown-jacksonville-beaches)
I'm wondering if this can work with the limited number of stops along the route! What does the city say about bus regulations in Duval County?
If they're already collecting donations I figured they have looked at the relevant codes. Granted, the city has a proud history of screwing with entrepreneurs in downtown and giving little more than FYTW as an answer.
Very happy to see this!
Quote"I think that would be more of a function with the Beaches governments," Gulliford said. "If we did it, it would put us in competition with JTA. I think it would be a conflict that we're funding public transit and then fund this alternative service. It would be difficult to justify and if they can't make it on their own, why should we subsidize it?"
Can someone let him know about the BRT's plans to compete with the skyway? And in that last sentence he could just as easily be referring to the entire JTA bus system, right? Makes no sense ???
Do they really need $100k to get this running? It states they want to try it for 6 months and buy the buses with the starter funds. Since sounds more like a trial why not lease buses and get it off the ground for much less. If proves successful then go ahead and purchase a couple of buses.
new buses cost far more than $100,000...for example, JTA buses are in the $400-$600k range these days...so I would assume they are either buying two used buses or maybe leasing some....plus keep in mind they need to pay the drivers.
Quotenew buses cost far more than $100,000...for example, JTA buses are in the $400-$600k range these days...so I would assume they are either buying two used buses or maybe leasing some....plus keep in mind they need to pay the drivers.
As Entrepreneurs, I presume they, the ones with the idea will be the drivers for now. No need to hire people to drive when you don't know if this will even work.
They can find 15 passenger vans with the AC designed to operate at all levels, to run on a gas engine would be less maintenance and cost than a diesel bus, and easier to find someone to work on it when needed. Would be better to lease, for sure.
I was thinking about contracting the service out to some of these motor coach companies around here on the weekends during the six months! Maybe, they can get an idea of how much this service can help! I know it's a stretch, but it might work!
Give complementary rides to the patrons of the businesses at first to get them used to the idea of the express service!
Like the sound of one hand clapping...
This is that rare sound of someone committing financial suicide.
A decent bus, even a 30 passenger or a 'PCT' runs in the $600,000 range today.
Add the cost of two drivers, plus a relief guy or two and a mechanic... Easily another $150k a year.
Add the DOT inspections, and various other state and federal license and safety requirements... CHA CHING!
Put these buses head to head with JTA and the Skyway at $1.00 a ride... HA! HA! HA! HA! TOO FUNNY!!!
This isn't a bad idea, this is an idea born of apparent ignorance of the industry in general. How can I be nice and still call this one STUPID?
There is a way to run a private bus line, even a scheduled route or two, but this idea sure as hell isn't it!
It's one thing to listen to the Libertarian speak, it's another to cheer the Libertarian platform, and another to drink the Cool Aid. In this case it isn't Cool Aid, it's straight CYANIDE!
I knew that you would chime in, Ock! I thought about some of the things that you said! How do you make a private bus line effective? I have seen some mid size buses from $150K on up in prices! Used buses come down a bit from there!
I would have to see who the creators are, and how much are they willing to invest! The wild side of me would love to see something besides JTA running!
Some cities contract their services out to private contractors, but they have the resources to make some of their lines work!
Midi Bus
Maybe, if they had some of these, the costs would come down! (JTA might want to hop on this one! Lol!)
(http://www.hfcletter.com/newspics/jan06MidiBus.jpg)
Hydrogenics Sets Mideast Links, Starts "Midi Bus" Marketing, Wins Big Military Order
http://www.hfcletter.com/issues/XXI_1/stories/547-1.html
Here is Tempe Transit's (AZ) Midi Bus
(http://i.azcentral.com/i/8/d/7/L169_CIFRb67f0b22ee423a6192a8129ff09c97d8.jpg)
Tempe testing larger circulator bus
http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/20130809tempe-orbit-gets-bigger-temporarily.html (http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/20130809tempe-orbit-gets-bigger-temporarily.html)
I know that these buses still cost serious money, but it is something to consider!
Not sure what type of prices you're all looking at, I know JTA spends $300-400M on their buses but they have all the nice seats and electronics ... My church just purchased a brand new fully loaded school bus from Thomas Bus Co with every available option, total sale price $137,530. River City Bus Sales up on I-10 has used buses for sale under $50k (ESP school buses bc any school bus over 10 years old may not be used for regular student transportation by federal MCC code).
I'm just happy it is causing to think outside the box instead of saying well this is how we do it in Jacksonville.
The folks starting this service envision luxury coach buses between the beach and downtown. Given that folks will have been drinking, a bathroom is all but a necessity. Also keep in mind they plan to charge $5 one-way or $8 round trip.
Now, for all those who are criticizing the plan....feel free not to donate....feel free not to use it.....but come on, give the folks at Void Magazing and The Elbow credit for trying to do something!
True they could go JTA, but JTA does not have a non-stop to the beaches and back. From my understanding, this only makes two stops. Once at the beach and once downtown. I would pay $5 or $8 for a 30-45 minute ride as opposed to a JTA bus that requires multiple transfers and takes from 2-4 hours for the same trip.
Back in the city planning documents in 1974, you will see that the Jax Beach city council passed a vote to improve City to Beach transportation. In fact they asked COJ to consider a full time recirculator. They really wanted to see a Disney like monorail built.
When it was all said and done we ended up with the Skyway.
About the most entrepreneurial activities in Jacksonville transportation is when an airline startup wants a gate at JIA.
If they had some of these beasts, then I would definitely ride!
C3045 45' Suburban VanHool Bus
(http://m.publicsurplus.com/sms/docviewer/aucdoc?from=view&auc=914219&docid=7278918)
http://m.publicsurplus.com/sms/actransit,ca/auction/view?auc=914219 (http://m.publicsurplus.com/sms/actransit,ca/auction/view?auc=914219)
The only thing is: They don't have bathrooms!
^ I agree, VanHool has some quality buses on the market that are comfortable and enjoyable to ride. I am especially find of their double decker model (I believe only one in USA) that MegaBus uses in the northeast.
As for bathrooms ... Neither does a taxi, personal vehicle, or or most other types of mass transit/jitney services. Actually, on a bus full of slightly to fully intoxicated 20 and 30 yo's, I am not sure I would WANT to use a bathroom! That's if you could even get into it (is there a name for the mile high club when it's in the back of a greyhound tooling down the hwy?? 8) ::) )
I personally would use this everytime I visit the beach. And I would not need a bathroom.
I wouldn't need the bathroom! I was thinking that The Connector was going for a motor coach style of bus!
(https://www.prevostcar.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/newsreleasethumb/greyhound_x3-45_city_web_3.jpg)
https://www.prevostcar.com/news/prevost-signs-agreement-greyhound-90-x3-45-motorcoaches (https://www.prevostcar.com/news/prevost-signs-agreement-greyhound-90-x3-45-motorcoaches)
Man, if The Connector had that C3045 Van Hool beast... I can dream!
What buses are used for the shuttles from various parts of the city during jags gameday?
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on November 12, 2013, 02:00:23 AM
What buses are used for the shuttles from various parts of the city during jags gameday?
The same buses that are used in regular service are used in Stadium Shuttle service!
Even if The Connector had something like this, I would check it out a few times!
1991 40 Passenger Suburban Bus with factory wheelchair lift
(http://www.busesonline.com/media/photos/4/47/474/full/474-5712-04U205T_1.jpg)
(http://www.busesonline.com/media/photos/4/47/474/full/474-5713-04U205T_2.jpg)
(http://www.busesonline.com/media/photos/4/47/474/full/474-5714-04U205T_3.jpg)
http://www.busesonline.com/view-listing.cfm?listing_id=1259# (http://www.busesonline.com/view-listing.cfm?listing_id=1259#)
I know it's an ancient bus, but if they could hook something like this up, then The Connector would be something of interest!
Maybe, The JTA could use some of these!
Quote from: SightseerLounge on November 12, 2013, 02:12:00 AM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on November 12, 2013, 02:00:23 AM
What buses are used for the shuttles from various parts of the city during jags gameday?
The same buses that are used in regular service are used in Stadium Shuttle service!
And school buses, when I park at convention center and get JTA shuttle 9 out of 10 times it's a contracted school bus.
With 9 days left it doesn't look like they'll recieve the remaining 93% of funding they need. Really hope they, or someone else inspired, goes back to drawing board for more realistic plan. It is definitely a niche that can be filled in Jax.
Super Uber.