Calgary Public Transit - Discussion

[Sainters7]

Why is it that whenever you're already running behind a bit, the train is always delayed? Only caught a later train than normal 3 times so far, all 3 times also experienced a delay, including this morning which surprised me, given how dead it is this week comparitively. Whenever I catch it early, its smooth as silk and I'm at work 30-45min early.

EDIT: Didn't see your post frinkprof, I was on one last week. Considering I catch it at Heritage in the morning and 1st St in the evening, I never get a seat anyway, so purely from a standing rider's perspective, I much preferred it. So much more standing room than the older models. Felt a lot smoother too, as expected of a new train vs an old one.

[NuclearPizzaMan]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

Why is it that whenever you're already running behind a bit, the train is always delayed? Only caught a later train than normal 3 times so far, all 3 times also experienced a delay, including this morning which surprised me, given how dead it is this week comparitively. Whenever I catch it early, its smooth as silk and I'm at work 30-45min early.

it's because the train is constantly suffering delays now. You running a bit behind already is incidental.

[Table 5]

Welcome to the big leagues, Calgary. Smooth bench seating is the only way to go if you want to emphasize efficiency. You have as much space to stretch out as you want when it's empty, but you can really pack 'em in during rush hour.

[GirlySports]

will less people be sitting since the seats are not defined and in general strangers don't like sitting close to each other?

[TurnedTheCorner]

The defined seats are never full unless it's rush hour, since strangers don't like sitting close to each other. Doubt it will make much of a difference.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

The defined seats are never full unless it's rush hour, since strangers don't like sitting close to each other. Doubt it will make much of a difference.

But an open seat someone will take it since it's a defined seat in rush hour.

An open 'space' that's not quite big enough no one will sit in unless it's a slim girl or you tell the two people to slide a bit to make a bigger space. Everyone is in their own world on the train and not paying attention.

[Table 5]

Having places for people to sit is not a priority during rush hour. However, in my experience in NY, way more people fit in as people will squeeze together...whether they like it or not.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

But an open seat someone will take it since it's a defined seat in rush hour.

An open 'space' that's not quite big enough no one will sit in unless it's a slim girl or you tell the two people to slide a bit to make a bigger space. Everyone is in their own world on the train and not paying attention.

Nah, in rush hour people will cram in.

[Ahuch]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

will less people be sitting since the seats are not defined and in general strangers don't like sitting close to each other?

There's not really any sense of personal space in rush hour anyways. I can't imagine this will change much, people will be crammed in like sardines as much as ever.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Nah, in rush hour people will cram in.

And it will potentially be less packed for the people who have to stand, as the bench seating should allow a lot more aisle room.

I don't mind the bench seats, and probably the whole change over will make cleaning the trains out a lot more efficient at the end of the shift.
Can't really see what the negatives from this could be.

[SebC]

Are you guys comparing this bench to the grooved bench, or to the rows? IMHO... the optimal train configuration has a flat, but padded, bench.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by SebC

Are you guys comparing this bench to the grooved bench, or to the rows? IMHO... the optimal train configuration has a flat, but padded, bench.

This. The flat benches are perfect. But using the blue padded seats that some of the trains have for a flat bench would be ideal. It improves comfort for those sitting, but still gives all the advantages of bench seating with respect to standing room.

[worth]

I think one of the main reasons CT would go for benches without padding is for ease of cleanup. People throw up, spill drinks and are in general huge pigs. Having a nice smooth flat surface makes it much easier to clean up every night.

Maybe the ease of cleaning can be achieved with padding as well, not sure.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by worth

I think one of the main reasons CT would go for benches without padding is for ease of cleanup. People throw up, spill drinks and are in general huge pigs. Having a nice smooth flat surface makes it much easier to clean up every night.

Maybe the ease of cleaning can be achieved with padding as well, not sure.

Laminate the padded seats like they're grandma's couch.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Ahuch

There's not really any sense of personal space in rush hour anyways. I can't imagine this will change much, people will be crammed in like sardines as much as ever.

sure there is personal space. each person gets one seat. I'm little so that seat fits me fine.

now that space is undefined. I'm a going to get squished.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

sure there is personal space. each person gets one seat. I'm little so that seat fits me fine.

now that space is undefined. I'm a going to get squished.

Consider yourself lucky if you get a seat. Trains during rush hour are there to be efficient and squeeze on as many people as possible. Your personal space will be compromised, but the upside is that there will be less waiting for trains at peak hours because more people will be able to get on. A little loss of personal space sure beats waiting in -30c.

[frinkprof]

I've done a little investigation with CT contacts regarding a couple of issues recently discussed here. Here's the responses I got.

Regarding the issue with escalators seemingly being in some state of inoperation, maintenance or disrepair so often, I got this response:

[...] Our escalators are somewhat unique (as compared to a shopping centre):

- Grime and debris is significant. In malls the escalators are generally far from the doors; we do not have that luxury so salt and sand get into the steps more readily.

- Wear and tear. Our escalators are in use almost 24-7.

- Vandalism like taking a knife to the handrails or kicking the safety stop.

- Misuse like hanging onto the handrail or jumping off onto the plate at the bottom (both will trip the safety switch). We could fix the problem remotely if the escalators were clear, but people continue to use them despite announcements. Then we have to send someone to clear the stairs and manually reset the switch.

This is the reality of our business though and we are trying to respond better. The most significant is that we are renewing the escalator contracts with better maintenance practices including night-time maintenance, continuous repairs when the escalator is broken, and better cleaning. We are also looking at best practice from the TCRP - Transit Cooperative Research Program. It is work in progress.

Regarding the rash of private vehicle vs. LRT collisions and the associated costs of damages and alternative service, this response is (originally, got it second-hand) from someone who works in corporate claims with the City:

[...]We are extremely successful in recouping 100% of costs associated with collisions when the automobile is insured. This includes more than just repair of the LRV e.g. it includes the cost of putting shuttles into place. When someone does not have insurance we still pursue costs, but we have to be reasonable. If someone had a head injury as result of the collision and couldn't work... that would very likely be a situation where we didn't recover 100%. At that point, it is case-by-case [...]

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

I've done a little investigation with CT contacts regarding a couple of issues recently discussed here. Here's the responses I got.

Regarding the issue with escalators seemingly being in some state of inoperation, maintenance or disrepair so often, I got this response:



Regarding the rash of private vehicle vs. LRT collisions and the associated costs of damages and alternative service, this response is (originally, got it second-hand) from someone who works in corporate claims with the City:

Were there alot of uninsured accidents? Wouldnt the person driving without insurance face jail time also as a result of the crash if driving without insurance?

I guess its not a stretch to say the idiots who drive without insurance likely dont know how to drive in the first place which is why they are getting into accidents.

Hopefully their licenses are taken away as a result.

[NuclearPizzaMan]

down powerline and crowfoot station, it'll probably be a few hours to fix. I hope no one here needs to go that far NW. I like that it happened only a few minutes after the south line outage was resolved.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by NuclearPizzaMan

down powerline and crowfoot station, it'll probably be a few hours to fix. I hope no one here needs to go that far NW. I like that it happened only a few minutes after the south line outage was resolved.

Is that all it is? A lane blocked off in both directions on crowchild (1 per side) as well as about a dozen cop cars and ambulances and 3 fire trucks @ the train station as I passed about 15 minutes ago.. pretty excessive I'm thinking.