Springfield Trolley - going forward

fsu813 · April 17, 2009, 11:04:39 AM

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet.........

Yesterday some Springfielders (residents and developers) & city people a had a meet about the Trolley, which included a ride in the Trolley on the proposed routes.

It's going forward and is set to start just after Main Street is finished apparently.

The 3 hubs, it appears, will be The Landing, the new 3rd & Main Apartments, and the Shands / Proton facility.

I think their will be a small charge as to discourage homeless to ride all day. 7am-7pm I think.

Should be nice !

fsujax · April 17, 2009, 11:26:39 AM

As far as I know this is a work in progress. Specific route, stops and times of operation have not been finalized. I believe JTA will be holding public meetings, sending out surveys and asking the residents and business owners/Shands of Springfield what type of service they would like to see. Look for more details soon.

Deuce · April 17, 2009, 11:52:14 AM

Based on the initial information this appears to be mainly for the proton beam patients who will be staying at third and main, but it's a great start!

fsujax · April 17, 2009, 12:09:54 PM

No, its a lot more than that. They are not the only players involved, but its a big part.

zoo · April 17, 2009, 04:22:33 PM

I wonder if any of the smaller businesses on Main and 8th will get behind it to make it happen. Any SAMBA members out there who would support it?

fsu813 · April 17, 2009, 05:28:20 PM

Pretty sure it's going to happen . . . . . 250k a year to operate i think.

fsujax · April 28, 2009, 09:33:42 AM

The trolley needs all the support it can get.

thelakelander · April 28, 2009, 09:41:08 AM

Are there any plans to feed it with riders from regular bus routes in the area?

Ocklawaha · April 28, 2009, 11:24:32 AM

This is NOT a shuttle bus!

I still can't believe that people really think a "Potato Chip Truck" slapped together as a cheap amusement park shuttle bus and painted to supposedly represent a real "TROLLEY" will be a magic pill that is going to create economic prosperity. These things are an insult to the intelligence of every citizen they pass, and an embarrassment to those of us who hear fellow citizens bragging that "WE HAVE TROLLEYS". NO WE DON'T! This rolling pile of smoke and mirrors along with BRT are the ultimate Flim Flam's produced by a troubled fossil fueled transit manufacturing industry.

My wife served breakfast today with white plates painted to look like eggs and bacon were on them... VERY FILLING STUFF. I think I'll go back for seconds... NOT! Is the peasantry REALLY this stupid? No wonder the wife wants to move to St. Augustine, or alternately BACK TO COLOMBIA! At least they know a train from a bag of hammers!

About JTA?

JTA is playing build the ridership and frankly has pulled out all the stops with the limited budget this city and state has allotted to transit. It has to suck to be in this beg, borrow, or steal position. Frankly the money would have probably gone farther with a low floor, electric shuttle bus with induction charging. Something that looks like a... Well like a... BUS. But a bus with a purpose, a distinct, clean, brandable, comfortable and instantly recognizable magic carpet. After all even JTA is calling these goofy "trolleys" the "PCT TROLLEY FLEET". (uh, yes, THEY have adopted my nickname for them "POTATO CHIP TRUCK TROLLEYS!")

THIS is a shuttle bus!

SPRINGFIELD? Poor deluded Springfield wants to be the tail that wags the dog... This will only seal your transit fate to a lifetime of Hocus Pocus. The arse end of Transit.

Judge Doom the Highway Villian kills rail transit, note the wall map of the Pacific Electric Interurban RY. in the background.

OCKLAWAHA

cline · April 28, 2009, 11:28:43 AM

QuoteThese things are an insult to the intelligence of every citizen they pass, and an embarrassment to those of us who hear fellow citizens bragging that "WE HAVE TROLLEYS". NO WE DON'T!

Evidently the people who ride what you call a "PCT" from downtown to the Beaches don't seem to mind. Same for the Beaches.

fsujax · April 28, 2009, 11:32:13 AM

Ock, when did JTA say that the PCT was going to bring economic prosperity? I dont remember them saying that. Also, I do not believe JTA is selling this PCT as a "test" for streetcar. We all want streetcars, but for crying out loud.....we can't go out and build them tomorrow. Something is better than nothing. The day we actually have "real" streetcars along Main St will be a great one!

Ocklawaha · April 28, 2009, 11:50:15 AM

Potato Chip Truck.

Potato Chip Truck - with different body and paint.

Vintage Trolley.

Any questions?

Quote from: fsujax on April 28, 2009, 11:32:13 AM
Ock, when did JTA say that the PCT was going to bring economic prosperity? I dont remember them saying that. Also, I do not believe JTA is selling this PCT as a "test" for streetcar. We all want streetcars, but for crying out loud.....we can't go out and build them tomorrow. Something is better than nothing. The day we actually have "real" streetcars along Main St will be a great one!

They didn't, and I didn't say JTA claimed those things. In fact I KNOW that THEY KNOW better. They have read the same material as I have that proved PCT's do NOTHING to "show the way for rail". The ones who are all gah gah over these toy trucks are the folks from SPAR and SAMBA. I want to make sure my big mouth is on record to point out the flaws in their arguments. I really hope it doesn't come to an "I told you so," moment, but I rather think it will. My post was in no way against JTA's effort.

OCKLAWAHA

thelakelander · April 28, 2009, 11:52:30 AM

Regarding the streetcar, where do those plans now stand? Are we waiting for federal funding to pay for additional studies? Now would be a great time to make an effort to lobby council to modify the BJP funds to be used for transit improvements other than ROW purchasing. If no effort is made, soon its going to come down to a use it or lose it situation with that money being switched to help fund something else.

Back to the Springfield PCT, the Beaches Trolley was deemed a success with an average of 3,300 riders per weekend. What number is JTA shooting for with the Springfield Trolley and has there been any consideration to feed the PCT through coordinated connections with regular bus routes.

thelakelander · April 28, 2009, 12:06:35 PM

Quote from: Ocklawaha on April 28, 2009, 11:50:15 AM
They didn't, and I didn't say JTA claimed those things. In fact I KNOW that THEY KNOW better. They have read the same material as I have that proved PCT's do NOTHING to "show the way for rail". The ones who are all gah gah over these toy trucks are the folks from SPAR and SAMBA. I want to make sure my big mouth is on record to point out the flaws in their arguments. I really hope it doesn't come to an "I told you so," moment, but I rather think it will. My post was in no way against JTA's effort.

Ock, I'm on the SAMBA board and I can assure you that no one with SAMBA has attempted to compare the two in my presence. However, there has been some confusion within the community, in regards to what the PCT will ultimately bring to the table. I try to squash the inaccurate talk whenever I come across it.

It may be a byproduct of Jax being behind the times and most being limited in their understanding of mass transit. Heck, our paper still confuses light and commuter rail. Plus we still have people in this forum who attempt to compare heavy rail with the skyway and streetcars despite the site constantly running articles on rail.

Ocklawaha · April 28, 2009, 12:20:56 PM

Good to hear you've poured some ice water on the argument at SAMBA, I heard several talking about it the day we were there (3 layers) and I couldn't believe it.

Maybe it's time for another PHOTO feature on WHAT IS WHAT. The EAST COAST CORRIDOR web site from SE Florida has a decent page on this, but a look at the National Transit Database, USDOT or FTA, shows that their bus speeds are pure fiction. Another BRT sale??

OCKLAWAHA