Long Day's Journey Into Plight: Stephen Dare & JTA 2

[TheProfessor]

The BRT North Corridor project is not currently extended to the Airport as current demand along the North Corridor route to the Airport is not high. Thus, it is not cost-effective to expand the project to the Airport at this time.  It easily could be expanded to the Airport in the future as the travel demand grows.

To me, that screams "Skyway" all over again.  We can expand it later should demand rise.  Well, if you build it half-a$$ to start with, no one will use it and thus demand will never increase.

Same stuff, different decade.  Shameful.

That is my problem with talking to JTA they think so shortsightedly.  If the BRT could be built correctly now then it would encourage future growth.  If they just put it going where current demand is then they don't foster future growth.  The goal should be dependable routes to valid designations, then lots of marketing and easy to interpret signage/maps.  That is the only way to change the car minded culture of Jacksonville.  It sounds easy enough, but it takes smart leadership to implement this correctly.

[CrysG]

What I think is interesting on the part of JTA is that they never want to look at comparable in terms of what could/should be.

Like in ATL, London's Heathrow has both a train and subway(among others like taxis) that can deliver you to the heart of London, often cheaper and faster than taking a car. I have friends who have live in Manchester and have traveled the distance from their home to Heathrow (181 miles difference) without ever using a car.

[Ocklawaha]

Getting fare collection OFF the buses and out of the hands of the drivers would work wonders in attitudes. Drivers need much more training then simply driving, they need a people skills/charm school. This is not to say all drivers are bad or angry, simply put, they need to understand they are the face of JTA to 10,000,000+ passengers a year. Small cash, and gift incentives for compliments received would also go a long way to making a much friendlier transit agency.

Those who vend or sell JTA day passes (IE: NO fare collection on the buses) would also receive 25 cents for every pass sold.

OCKLAWAHA

[untarded]

You know, Ock.  I think you really have a point there.

Also, Im serious that none of the administration should be allowed to drive cars anywhere until they have used their own system for a year.

I think youd see public transit get real sensible, real quick.

This may be the best proposal ever suggested on these boards!  Take this challenge to them and shame them in the media if they won't accept.

[Tripoli1711]

I agree.  This is a fantastic idea.  Ideas are typically better when they include shaming in the media.  I love it.

On a related note, there are 2 deer standing in the yard across the street right now.  My own personal alert level is now Orange.. or something like that.

[JaxNative68]

AYE

[Lunican]

Well, we might get a new bus stop at the end of Mike Miller's driveway.

[CrysG]

JTA is looking for people for a citizen advisory panel.

http://www.jtafla.com/AboutJTA/showPage.aspx?Sel=210


Regional Transportation Studies

At the direction of the Florida Legislature, JTA is undertaking a study regarding the framework for the creation of a regional transportation agency.  The full text of the Legislature's action, contained in HB 1213, is available by clicking on this link: HB1213 Section 20.  To carry out the Legislature's mandate, JTA is seeking applicants from among the citizens in the counties of Nassau, Baker, St. Johns, Duval, Clay, Putnam and Flagler to serve on an advisory panel for the study.   If you are interested (or know someone who is interested in serving), please complete the questionnaire below and press submit. Selected members will be notified by mail as to future meeting dates, times and locations.  Thank you for your interest.

[urbanlibertarian]

Don't forget to carry something to frighten away the deer. 

[stjr]

It looks like im going to be camping out at the Skyway in response to the flood of outrage flowing about the decrease in service on other threads.

Take a picture of a human being.  You may not see any again for a while.    One thing is for sure, your sleep will be uninterrupted as it's likely the loneliest spot in Jax.  The Maytag repair man may have competition.

[Timkin]

Stephen...

This is an amazing adventure.  I do not know that I would have had the patience you did to endure that...particularly the Bus Driver bringing you back to your destination downtown. Or the deer.. Or the morons throwing drinks at you. What the hell?

  Seems to me JTA is in obvious need of total overhaul.   Great story.

 

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

True to form, I read the article and was mildly amused.  Very visual and entertaining.  What has become of the series, though?  One bus trip to the extents of the system and you gave up?