The more I think about it, the optimal solution would be to pave over the existing tracks and use buses instead of LRT cars on the right of ways.
1) no need to spend dollars to have raised platforms and overpasses;
2) breakdowns with any particular bus would not impede the buses behind it;
3) easier to add capacity or reduce capacity;
4) travel time basically the same;
5) no special training for drivers
The more I think about it, the optimal solution would be to pave over the existing tracks and use buses instead of LRT cars on the right of ways.
1) no need to spend dollars to have raised platforms and overpasses;
2) breakdowns with any particular bus would not impede the buses behind it;
3) easier to add capacity or reduce capacity;
4) travel time basically the same;
5) no special training for drivers
Green text?
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The station itself will be demolished, with the canopy structure remaining. The canopy will be reclad. The canopy recladding and the bus shelter will look similar. The comparable that comes to mind is the Shaganappi Point station, in form if not materials. The platform will of course be extended and there will be walk-on access only with heated shelters on the platform.
Huh, so they are taking down the building. I guess it doesn't have a huge purpose for this new setup, but I always kind of liked it because it felt like a subway station.
The more I think about it, the optimal solution would be to pave over the existing tracks and use buses instead of LRT cars on the right of ways.
1) no need to spend dollars to have raised platforms and overpasses;
2) breakdowns with any particular bus would not impede the buses behind it;
3) easier to add capacity or reduce capacity;
4) travel time basically the same;
5) no special training for drivers
Ignoring the cost of changing the system over for the time being:
The LRT will soon be running 4 car trains, each capable of holding 1000 people, and run at every five minutes during rush hour. A 60' articulated bus holds 100 people, so to achieve the same capacity, you would have to run a bus every 30 seconds. You would also need to pay 10 bus drivers instead of 1 LRT driver. Operating costs would skyrocket, paying for the maintenance and fuel on all those busses. 30 second headways would mean that you would have to grade separate the whole line, otherwise crossing arms for cross streets would never go up during rush hour.
Essentially, you would be spending billions of dollars to convert the system, a billion dollars every year EXTRA in operating costs, only to have a worse system.
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Ignoring the cost of changing the system over for the time being:
The LRT will soon be running 4 car trains, each capable of holding 1000 people, and run at every five minutes during rush hour. A 60' articulated bus holds 100 people, so to achieve the same capacity, you would have to run a bus every 30 seconds. You would also need to pay 10 bus drivers instead of 1 LRT driver. Operating costs would skyrocket, paying for the maintenance and fuel on all those busses. 30 second headways would mean that you would have to grade separate the whole line, otherwise crossing arms for cross streets would never go up during rush hour.
Essentially, you would be spending billions of dollars to convert the system, a billion dollars every year EXTRA in operating costs, only to have a worse system.
Soooo, there's a chance?
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The LRT will soon be running 4 car trains, each capable of holding 1000 people, and run at every five minutes during rush hour. A 60' articulated bus holds 100 people, so to achieve the same capacity, you would have to run a bus every 30 seconds. You would also need to pay 10 bus drivers instead of 1 LRT driver. Operating costs would skyrocket, paying for the maintenance and fuel on all those busses. 30 second headways would mean that you would have to grade separate the whole line, otherwise crossing arms for cross streets would never go up during rush hour.
Sounds like you just described my favorite transit method......the O-BAHN
The more I think about it, the optimal solution would be to pave over the existing tracks and use buses instead of LRT cars on the right of ways.
1) no need to spend dollars to have raised platforms and overpasses;
2) breakdowns with any particular bus would not impede the buses behind it;
3) easier to add capacity or reduce capacity;
4) travel time basically the same;
5) no special training for drivers
Ignoring the cost of changing the system over for the time being:
The LRT will soon be running 4 car trains, each capable of holding 1000 people, and run at every five minutes during rush hour. A 60' articulated bus holds 100 people, so to achieve the same capacity, you would have to run a bus every 30 seconds. You would also need to pay 10 bus drivers instead of 1 LRT driver. Operating costs would skyrocket, paying for the maintenance and fuel on all those busses. 30 second headways would mean that you would have to grade separate the whole line, otherwise crossing arms for cross streets would never go up during rush hour.
Essentially, you would be spending billions of dollars to convert the system, a billion dollars every year EXTRA in operating costs, only to have a worse system.
As silly as it is to feed a troll, that math is absolutely fascinating.
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Ignoring the cost of changing the system over for the time being:
The LRT will soon be running 4 car trains, each capable of holding 1000 people, and run at every five minutes during rush hour. A 60' articulated bus holds 100 people, so to achieve the same capacity, you would have to run a bus every 30 seconds. You would also need to pay 10 bus drivers instead of 1 LRT driver. Operating costs would skyrocket, paying for the maintenance and fuel on all those busses. 30 second headways would mean that you would have to grade separate the whole line, otherwise crossing arms for cross streets would never go up during rush hour.
Essentially, you would be spending billions of dollars to convert the system, a billion dollars every year EXTRA in operating costs, only to have a worse system.
So...I take it that you don't like my idea?
PS...a billion dollar extra every year is a bit of a stretch given that the entire 2013 and 2014 yearly budget for CT is ~ 180 million per year.
Saddletowne and Martindale stations open for service on August 27th. Traditionally there is an opening ceremony on the Saturday before the revenue opening of extensions. This would be on August 25th, although nothing official has been announced for that.
Here's a link with some information about the opening and some of the bus route changes that will come into effect with the new stations. There will be two new routes, Route 71 Taracove and Route 159 Saddlebrook.
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