Got air conditioning? This afternoon's meeting of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) didn't, which probably helped hold the public portion of the meeting in Hampton to about 55 minutes.
You obviously want the light rail news. As you probably already know, service begins on August 19, with fares first charged on August 22. HRT President Phillip Shucet rode a test train himself last night, and noted that all safety systems were working correctly. He thanked the City of Norfolk traffic engineering, who had a big role in getting things done this quickly. The $10 million unallocated contingency fund will be unneeded. (Norfolk has wanted to put it towards their local share.)
You'll love this: there was an issue with a contractor's work. The contractor said correcting it would require an $80k study and $500k-$2 million in construction. HRT staff bought the materials and fixed it themselves for $30k.
Pat Woodberry of Newport News was elected TDCHR Chairperson for FY 2012, with Rick West of Chesapeake Vice Chairman. They assume office on July 1.
11 months through FY 2011, HRT is $1.48 million under Budget.
HRT will move into the new administration building in Norfolk in February, 2012. (Please, get us out of the old Cadillac dump!)
Three contracts were awarded today:
1. A new Patrick Henry Transfer Center will be built in Newport News on Roger Brown Drive, adjacent to the Mall. It will put the TC on City of Newport News (rather than Mall) property, and give bus riders improved restroom access.
2. A Federal grant will be utilized to put shelters at an additional 200 bus stops, doubling the number of stops with them. In addition, some cities are putting together their own shelter programs.
3. A new contract for external auditor. The second lowest bidder was chosen, as recommended by staff, the Operations & Oversight Committee, and the Budget & Audit Committee. The lowest bidder had no experience at such, their proposed team was too small and inexperienced, and their bid was based on far too few hours to get the job done right. Therefore, the judgement was that the low bidder didn't grasp the scope of the project. After a lengthy discussion, the contract was approved.
No, it's not utopia at HRT. During the final nine days of May, the number of customer complaints was 251 above that for the same period in 2010. That was primarily due to a service board change on May 22 (board changes normally produce complaint spikes), and the operational impact from the move from the Ford plant back to 18th Street.
The TDCHR then went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.
Showing posts with label Newport News City Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newport News City Council. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
HRPTA Light Rail Forum
On Wednesday morning there was a light rail forum at the MacArthur Memorial Auditorium in downtown Norfolk. The event was presented by the Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA). Randy Wright is the current HRPTA President. Speaking were Councilperson Pat Woodbury of Newport News, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) President Phillip Shucet, and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim.
Also there were Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth and Jeanne Evans. While Evans was there as representative of Senator Jim Webb's office, later in the week she was named Executive Director of Virginia Beach's Central Business District Association (CBDA).
In addition, five came from the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA): Robert Dean, Reid Greenmun, Ben Krause, and two Kool-Aid chuggers I couldn't identify. Always self-important, they sat in the front row by the speaker's podium. The best part: Reid Greenmun bought a Light Rail Now t-shirt. Next time LRT opponents whine about who is financing LRN, simply point out Greenmun is, too.
Shucet covered two central themes. First, what is going on with construction of The Tide. Second, to be a mass transit advocate means advocating for much more than light rail.
Fraim stated that the two primary lessons from Starter Line construction were the need to better monitor spending, and better coordination with state and Federal governments.
Since Ben Krause has already tried to misconstrue Fraim's comments on Norfolk's rationale for light rail, I'll devote more time to them than I originally planned. Norfolk has an economy of $13.9 billion, even larger than Virginia Beach's $10.4 billion. 91k commute to jobs in Norfolk from elsewhere in the region, 82% by Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV). 60k of those commuters are from Virginia Beach. (30k from Norfolk commute to work elsewhere in the region.) Especially with Norfolk a relatively small land mass, moving those workers is a major concern for Norfolk economically. Some of those jobs could go elsewhere if the transportation issues aren't tackled. That's why light rail is paramount, and the Virginia Beach extension (given the number of workers) is huge.
The jaw-dropper of the morning: Reid Greenmun has joined the Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA)! Greenmun joining the HRPTA is one of the most shamelessly brazen things I've heard of in my life! What part of "Public Transportation" doesn't he understand? He's on record repeatedly calling for it's abolition.
(Memo to the Virginia Beach City Council: you actually want to put light rail to referendum and give people like that center stage for such antics? You can't be serious!)
HRT Staff taped the forum, planning to later put it on their YouTube channel. (Two hours ago it still hadn't been posted.)
Also there were Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth and Jeanne Evans. While Evans was there as representative of Senator Jim Webb's office, later in the week she was named Executive Director of Virginia Beach's Central Business District Association (CBDA).
In addition, five came from the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA): Robert Dean, Reid Greenmun, Ben Krause, and two Kool-Aid chuggers I couldn't identify. Always self-important, they sat in the front row by the speaker's podium. The best part: Reid Greenmun bought a Light Rail Now t-shirt. Next time LRT opponents whine about who is financing LRN, simply point out Greenmun is, too.
Shucet covered two central themes. First, what is going on with construction of The Tide. Second, to be a mass transit advocate means advocating for much more than light rail.
Fraim stated that the two primary lessons from Starter Line construction were the need to better monitor spending, and better coordination with state and Federal governments.
Since Ben Krause has already tried to misconstrue Fraim's comments on Norfolk's rationale for light rail, I'll devote more time to them than I originally planned. Norfolk has an economy of $13.9 billion, even larger than Virginia Beach's $10.4 billion. 91k commute to jobs in Norfolk from elsewhere in the region, 82% by Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV). 60k of those commuters are from Virginia Beach. (30k from Norfolk commute to work elsewhere in the region.) Especially with Norfolk a relatively small land mass, moving those workers is a major concern for Norfolk economically. Some of those jobs could go elsewhere if the transportation issues aren't tackled. That's why light rail is paramount, and the Virginia Beach extension (given the number of workers) is huge.
The jaw-dropper of the morning: Reid Greenmun has joined the Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA)! Greenmun joining the HRPTA is one of the most shamelessly brazen things I've heard of in my life! What part of "Public Transportation" doesn't he understand? He's on record repeatedly calling for it's abolition.
(Memo to the Virginia Beach City Council: you actually want to put light rail to referendum and give people like that center stage for such antics? You can't be serious!)
HRT Staff taped the forum, planning to later put it on their YouTube channel. (Two hours ago it still hadn't been posted.)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TPO June 16, 2010
Today the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Hampton Roads' Federally-mandated transportation planning board, met. A number of substantial things.
First, the TPO adopted it's FY 2011 Budget. It's not totally separated from the HRPDC Budget, but Staff promised two entirely separate budgets in FY 2012.
The astounding thing: departing Newport News Mayor Joe Frank wanted to reduce the public participation funds. That's right: the public participation funds. He compared the draft Budget to what northern Virginia is spending, and declared it too much. First, the amount is high in FY 2011 given that a couple large plans are in the pipes. Second, only a retiring politician would publicly suggest cutting the public participation funds.
The economic vitality scoring mechanism for transportation project prioritization was approved. The full prioritization tool will be sent to the TPO in July for approval.
Speaking of July, the same month will see the final consultant's report on High Speed Rail. Get this, Flat Earthers: it sees Step 3 (110 mph) and Step 4 (150 mph) as privately-operated, privately-built, unsubsidized, profitable services.
The TPO voted to send all 5 TIGER II grant applications from the region to Washington unprioritized. That was after a long debate which noted the region getting shutout in TIGER I. The state legislators present castigated the TPO for failure to prioritize.
First, the TPO adopted it's FY 2011 Budget. It's not totally separated from the HRPDC Budget, but Staff promised two entirely separate budgets in FY 2012.
The astounding thing: departing Newport News Mayor Joe Frank wanted to reduce the public participation funds. That's right: the public participation funds. He compared the draft Budget to what northern Virginia is spending, and declared it too much. First, the amount is high in FY 2011 given that a couple large plans are in the pipes. Second, only a retiring politician would publicly suggest cutting the public participation funds.
The economic vitality scoring mechanism for transportation project prioritization was approved. The full prioritization tool will be sent to the TPO in July for approval.
Speaking of July, the same month will see the final consultant's report on High Speed Rail. Get this, Flat Earthers: it sees Step 3 (110 mph) and Step 4 (150 mph) as privately-operated, privately-built, unsubsidized, profitable services.
The TPO voted to send all 5 TIGER II grant applications from the region to Washington unprioritized. That was after a long debate which noted the region getting shutout in TIGER I. The state legislators present castigated the TPO for failure to prioritize.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Newport News Will Be Okay
55% think Newport News will be better off with McKinley Price as Mayor, 44% think things will stay the same. No one thinks things will be worse. However, the low response rate suggests I shouldn't ask another Newport News question for awhile.
Personally, I think some of Price's ideas have quite a common touch to them. However, Price will have nowhere near the clout at the regional level that outgoing Mayor Joe Frank has accumulated.
The new question was inspired by this morning's newspaper: should Mount Trashmore be renamed? It comes up periodically....
Personally, I think some of Price's ideas have quite a common touch to them. However, Price will have nowhere near the clout at the regional level that outgoing Mayor Joe Frank has accumulated.
The new question was inspired by this morning's newspaper: should Mount Trashmore be renamed? It comes up periodically....
Friday, May 28, 2010
87% Think Holley Is Gone
87% voted that Mayor Holley of Portsmouth will be recalled, with 12% thinking the effort will fall short.
The big question: who will be the new Mayoral candidate? The only rationale I can come up with for Holley's actions is that he doesn't think the opposition can field a credible candidate, and the people of Portsmouth will keep him on as the lesser of evils.
The new question: how will Newport News do under Mayor-elect McKinley Price?
The big question: who will be the new Mayoral candidate? The only rationale I can come up with for Holley's actions is that he doesn't think the opposition can field a credible candidate, and the people of Portsmouth will keep him on as the lesser of evils.
The new question: how will Newport News do under Mayor-elect McKinley Price?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Regional Futures Conference
This afternoon there was a Regional Futures Conference at the Crowne Plaza Marina Hotel In Hampton. The event was sponsored by Future of Hampton Roads (FHR).
The keynote speaker was Robert Puentes of The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program, and an ODU alumnus. Puentes stated that the U.S. has twice the carbon emissions of other industrial nations, and that Hampton Roads was 60th (out of 366) among metropolitan areas in the U.S. for emissions. 65% of our country's population lives in the Top 100 metro areas. Even here in Virginia, 86% of our population and 93% of our GDP are in metro areas. Puentes said Hampton Roads' unique structure (i.e. a number of similar sized cities) was a double-edged sword that we should look at the pluses from. Our structure means no single city having problems can take the region down, and no one really bad city (read: Detroit) can sink the region. In fact, no one at Brookings could think of a similar region in the country.
FHR President Ray Taylor spoke on transportation policy. MPOs were established by the Federal government in response to localities complaining about interstate highway planning in Washington not taking into account local sensitivities. In fact, Federal law mandates that all transportation planning be done on a regional basis. Taylor noted that Puentes had written that you need to reform the previous part of the process before moving to the next. Governor McDonnell ordering of audits of transportation planning and programming will allow us to reform with best practices. In turn, we can then take on funding.
Finally, Newport News Mayor Joe Frank stated the challenge of regional governance was putting mechanisms in place to tackle needs while still keeping government close to the people. If he was Mayor of Hampton Roads (rather than Newport News), he couldn't read to all the elementary school classes and go to all the Rotary meetings that he does. An off-the-cuff comment by Frank during the final segment might produce the biggest long term effect of the conference. His statement on the need to legally reform local and regional governance generated a call for a state commission to take on that subject. It has been long noted the problems with Virginia's archaic tax system; the commission would also look at legal reforms to governance structure and powers.
The keynote speaker was Robert Puentes of The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program, and an ODU alumnus. Puentes stated that the U.S. has twice the carbon emissions of other industrial nations, and that Hampton Roads was 60th (out of 366) among metropolitan areas in the U.S. for emissions. 65% of our country's population lives in the Top 100 metro areas. Even here in Virginia, 86% of our population and 93% of our GDP are in metro areas. Puentes said Hampton Roads' unique structure (i.e. a number of similar sized cities) was a double-edged sword that we should look at the pluses from. Our structure means no single city having problems can take the region down, and no one really bad city (read: Detroit) can sink the region. In fact, no one at Brookings could think of a similar region in the country.
FHR President Ray Taylor spoke on transportation policy. MPOs were established by the Federal government in response to localities complaining about interstate highway planning in Washington not taking into account local sensitivities. In fact, Federal law mandates that all transportation planning be done on a regional basis. Taylor noted that Puentes had written that you need to reform the previous part of the process before moving to the next. Governor McDonnell ordering of audits of transportation planning and programming will allow us to reform with best practices. In turn, we can then take on funding.
Finally, Newport News Mayor Joe Frank stated the challenge of regional governance was putting mechanisms in place to tackle needs while still keeping government close to the people. If he was Mayor of Hampton Roads (rather than Newport News), he couldn't read to all the elementary school classes and go to all the Rotary meetings that he does. An off-the-cuff comment by Frank during the final segment might produce the biggest long term effect of the conference. His statement on the need to legally reform local and regional governance generated a call for a state commission to take on that subject. It has been long noted the problems with Virginia's archaic tax system; the commission would also look at legal reforms to governance structure and powers.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Divorce Court?
71% of poll voters wanted to rescind the 1999 merger of Tidewater Regional Transit (TRT) and Pentran to form Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), while 28% support keeping the consolidated agency. The only sense such lopsided numbers make is that people are very angry over recent events at HRT and think decoupling the agency could solve them.
The new poll is on the Norfolk Mayor's race.
The new poll is on the Norfolk Mayor's race.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
64% Believe In The Revised Budget Figure
64% of poll voters believe in the revised construction budget figure of no more than $338 million for Norfolk light rail. 8% have some faith in it, while 27% have none.
The new poll question: should the 1999 merger of TRT and Pentran to form HRT be undone? It's become an issue in the May elections for the Hampton and Newport News City Councils, with some on the Peninsula wanting to go their own way.
I don't like to ask back to back mass transit questions. I thought I was going to get a question out of the RAC strategic planning meeting, but it was pretty dry. I had a phone conversation on the new poll question's issue with an elected official earlier this week, so I thought I'd ask.
The new poll question: should the 1999 merger of TRT and Pentran to form HRT be undone? It's become an issue in the May elections for the Hampton and Newport News City Councils, with some on the Peninsula wanting to go their own way.
I don't like to ask back to back mass transit questions. I thought I was going to get a question out of the RAC strategic planning meeting, but it was pretty dry. I had a phone conversation on the new poll question's issue with an elected official earlier this week, so I thought I'd ask.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
TPO November 18, 2009
Hampton Roads' Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) met on Wednesday for it's November meeting. There was one speaker under Public Comment: a bicyclist pushing bike paths. The consent agenda was unanimously passed.
Aubrey Layne, the recently-appointed member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), addressed the TPO. He expressed his thoughts on transportation and offered to work with the TPO where possible.
Mayor Joe Frank of Newport News has been Chairman of the TPO Committee, the body responsible for drawing up reforms of the TPO. All of it's work is done but for one point: fixing the public input process. Staff is sorting through a huge amount of citizen submissions on the subject. With that, Frank moved that the TPO Committee be dissolved, with Staff finishing work on public input. It passed unanimously.
The matter of setting up a citizens transportation advisory committee was covered. The committee is authorized to have a maximum membership of 30, and required to be geographically diverse. An initial group of 20 is scheduled to be voted on next month. Once any complaints about the composition of the committee are received, the final 10 members will be named to try to balance. Senator Yvonne Miller spoke up about the need for women and minorities to be represented.
The ongoing effort to prioritize the region's projects continues. The TPO voted to continue the work based on the interim criteria. What you didn't learn from Debbie Messina's utterly misleading story in today's paper was that the run of projects was only a test bed of less than 25% of the region's proposed projects, the criteria may be tweaked as the additional projects are loaded in, and the TPO was very specific that they were not endorsing the initial set of rankings.
Finally, the TPO voted to issue a RFP to hire a consultant on High Speed Rail. The naming of a High Speed Rail Task Force will now be delayed until the consultant is hired, allowing the consultant to input on the process.
Aubrey Layne, the recently-appointed member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), addressed the TPO. He expressed his thoughts on transportation and offered to work with the TPO where possible.
Mayor Joe Frank of Newport News has been Chairman of the TPO Committee, the body responsible for drawing up reforms of the TPO. All of it's work is done but for one point: fixing the public input process. Staff is sorting through a huge amount of citizen submissions on the subject. With that, Frank moved that the TPO Committee be dissolved, with Staff finishing work on public input. It passed unanimously.
The matter of setting up a citizens transportation advisory committee was covered. The committee is authorized to have a maximum membership of 30, and required to be geographically diverse. An initial group of 20 is scheduled to be voted on next month. Once any complaints about the composition of the committee are received, the final 10 members will be named to try to balance. Senator Yvonne Miller spoke up about the need for women and minorities to be represented.
The ongoing effort to prioritize the region's projects continues. The TPO voted to continue the work based on the interim criteria. What you didn't learn from Debbie Messina's utterly misleading story in today's paper was that the run of projects was only a test bed of less than 25% of the region's proposed projects, the criteria may be tweaked as the additional projects are loaded in, and the TPO was very specific that they were not endorsing the initial set of rankings.
Finally, the TPO voted to issue a RFP to hire a consultant on High Speed Rail. The naming of a High Speed Rail Task Force will now be delayed until the consultant is hired, allowing the consultant to input on the process.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TPO September 15, 2009
Earlier today the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) of Hampton Roads met, it's first meeting in two months. (They took August off.)
There was the Presentation of a report on Non-Driver Opportunities, which looked at the matching of work, shopping, and rental housing. Virginia Beach scored surprisingly high given what little mass transit it has. Of course, Norfolk and Portsmouth did very well.
The TPO discussed new categories and criteria for the prioritization of Transportation projects. The matter passed after an attempt by Newport News Mayor Joe Frank to inject geographical diversity failed. Both Newport News and Williamsburg voted "No" on the unamended measure, but Hampton voted "Yes".
Doug Smith of Portsmouth, Chairman of the TPO's Nominating Committee, was charged with coming up with candidates for the pending Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). TAC will be a group of citizens to advise the TPO.
Joel Rubin presented a five minute video prepared by his firm on the July 2 meltdown of our harbor crossings, featuring the flooding of the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. It will be sent to local government television stations for airing, and it is planned to be put on the TPO's website.
There has been formed a Virginia Association of MPOs. The TPO discussed being involved and what that would require.
The meeting ended with the issue of Higher Speed Rail (HSR) coming up. First, the TPO wants to underline with Federal officials the importance of Hampton Roads being included. Second, the TPO will hold a special session on the subject once the groundwork can be laid.
There was the Presentation of a report on Non-Driver Opportunities, which looked at the matching of work, shopping, and rental housing. Virginia Beach scored surprisingly high given what little mass transit it has. Of course, Norfolk and Portsmouth did very well.
The TPO discussed new categories and criteria for the prioritization of Transportation projects. The matter passed after an attempt by Newport News Mayor Joe Frank to inject geographical diversity failed. Both Newport News and Williamsburg voted "No" on the unamended measure, but Hampton voted "Yes".
Doug Smith of Portsmouth, Chairman of the TPO's Nominating Committee, was charged with coming up with candidates for the pending Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). TAC will be a group of citizens to advise the TPO.
Joel Rubin presented a five minute video prepared by his firm on the July 2 meltdown of our harbor crossings, featuring the flooding of the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. It will be sent to local government television stations for airing, and it is planned to be put on the TPO's website.
There has been formed a Virginia Association of MPOs. The TPO discussed being involved and what that would require.
The meeting ended with the issue of Higher Speed Rail (HSR) coming up. First, the TPO wants to underline with Federal officials the importance of Hampton Roads being included. Second, the TPO will hold a special session on the subject once the groundwork can be laid.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Say "No" To Non-Resident Library Fees
One of the accounting tricks in the proposed amendments to the FY 2010 Virginia Beach Budget is to impose an annual $45 fee for non-residents using our libraries. It's a case where what is good politics is bad public policy.
I live in Virginia Beach and have a Beach library card. I also have cards from Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each system has it's strengths:
Chesapeake - probably the best all-around: large book collections, plenty of good computers, nice buildings, and more operating hours than anyone else in the region. If they only had much better meeting rooms....
Newport News - the Pearl Bailey Library may be small, but has the feel of a community center.
Norfolk - my favorite computer room is in the new main library in the Seaboard Building. In addition, the Pretlow is a gem.
Portsmouth - patrons are friendly, plus a neat queueing system for the public computers.
Virginia Beach should not launch a regional fee war. First, as dependent as we are on visitors, we should be mindful of our image. Second, as Virginia Beach often gets portrayed as the bad guy in regional efforts, no need to feed into it.
Virginia law provides that the resident of any jurisdiction may get a reciprocal library card in any other locality in the Commonwealth. It's an easy argument that a non-residents fee violates the spirit - if not the letter - of the law.
Here's an idea for further regional cooperation: how about an agreement among localities not to impose non-resident library fees on residents from elsewhere in Hampton Roads?
I live in Virginia Beach and have a Beach library card. I also have cards from Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each system has it's strengths:
Chesapeake - probably the best all-around: large book collections, plenty of good computers, nice buildings, and more operating hours than anyone else in the region. If they only had much better meeting rooms....
Newport News - the Pearl Bailey Library may be small, but has the feel of a community center.
Norfolk - my favorite computer room is in the new main library in the Seaboard Building. In addition, the Pretlow is a gem.
Portsmouth - patrons are friendly, plus a neat queueing system for the public computers.
Virginia Beach should not launch a regional fee war. First, as dependent as we are on visitors, we should be mindful of our image. Second, as Virginia Beach often gets portrayed as the bad guy in regional efforts, no need to feed into it.
Virginia law provides that the resident of any jurisdiction may get a reciprocal library card in any other locality in the Commonwealth. It's an easy argument that a non-residents fee violates the spirit - if not the letter - of the law.
Here's an idea for further regional cooperation: how about an agreement among localities not to impose non-resident library fees on residents from elsewhere in Hampton Roads?
Friday, February 27, 2009
TDCHR February 26, 2009
On Thursday afternoon the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) held it's February meeting at Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) headquarters in Hampton.
There was good news from Washington. The House of Representatives has passed an omnibus spending bill that increases Federal mass transit spending by 6% (to $10.1 billion), while the bill contains a mark that frontloads Norfolk's light rail cash. If passed, Norfolk would this year get the final light rail money that it is scheduled to get over the next two years.
Two teams are in the running for the Virginia Beach light rail study contract. The contract will probably be awarded at the March TDCHR meeting, though maybe delayed to April.
Numbers from the draft FY 2010 TDCHR Budget were given to Commissioners. It proposes a Budget that would increase under 2%. A cut in state support will likely mean having to ask localities for more. However, the General Assembly is being asked to authorize a change in state law to allow state capital funds to be used for operations, which in turn would be supplanted by Federal stimulus money. In addition, a fare increase is on the table.
Speaking of Federal stimulus money, HRT will receive $24.1 million.
In the current fiscal year (FY 2009), HRT is $1.65 million under it's operating budget.
HRT Staff met with Newport News officials about a proposed Christopher Newport University to Huntington Pointe transit line. Newport News is now aware of what will need to be done to qualify for Federal funding.
Disappointment was expressed about the pending regional mass transit Vision Plan coming out of the MPO. If lackluster and if funds are available, HRT may consider doing it's own plan in-house.
There was good news from Washington. The House of Representatives has passed an omnibus spending bill that increases Federal mass transit spending by 6% (to $10.1 billion), while the bill contains a mark that frontloads Norfolk's light rail cash. If passed, Norfolk would this year get the final light rail money that it is scheduled to get over the next two years.
Two teams are in the running for the Virginia Beach light rail study contract. The contract will probably be awarded at the March TDCHR meeting, though maybe delayed to April.
Numbers from the draft FY 2010 TDCHR Budget were given to Commissioners. It proposes a Budget that would increase under 2%. A cut in state support will likely mean having to ask localities for more. However, the General Assembly is being asked to authorize a change in state law to allow state capital funds to be used for operations, which in turn would be supplanted by Federal stimulus money. In addition, a fare increase is on the table.
Speaking of Federal stimulus money, HRT will receive $24.1 million.
In the current fiscal year (FY 2009), HRT is $1.65 million under it's operating budget.
HRT Staff met with Newport News officials about a proposed Christopher Newport University to Huntington Pointe transit line. Newport News is now aware of what will need to be done to qualify for Federal funding.
Disappointment was expressed about the pending regional mass transit Vision Plan coming out of the MPO. If lackluster and if funds are available, HRT may consider doing it's own plan in-house.
Friday, December 12, 2008
HRT COA Meetings
The last two weeks Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has been holding public meetings to get input from bus riders on it's ongoing Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA). I attended 3 of the 4 meetings this week.
Virginia Beach (Monday)
After trouble getting into Princess Anne High School and the right room, this turned out to be the most cordial.
HRT is now looking at it's bus stops, looking to space them about a quarter of a mile apart to reduce frequent stopping. One gentleman spoke up against such a long walk.
Virginia Beach's MAX Route, Route 960, initially had equal ridership with the vaunted Route 961 (Southside - Peninsula link), but about 50 more frequencies. The frequencies were reduced in September to put the two roughly in line.
Routes 26 & 29 will look very different within a year. Route 33 is planned to be restructured to help on-time performance.
A Senior services representative was there who gave a couple numbers on the region:
1. 1 in 5 Seniors don't drive.
2. 1 in 7 persons is disabled.
That makes for a waiting mass transit market.
Travis Campbell of Virginia Beach's Planning Department, who also serves as the Beach's alternate HRT Commissioner, came and took notes.
Hampton (Wednesday)
A pleasant surprise: only token congestion on the HRBT riding Route 961 across.
In the meeting before the meeting, I was hit with two telling facts:
1. Newport News' economic development committee has been told how two major corporations looked at coming to Hampton Roads in 2008, only to jilt us over inadequate mass transit.
2. Williamsburg projects that it will need 50,000 additional workers within a decade. It's going to need mass transit from the seven cities to bring up many of them.
The feature of the meeting was representatives of the Virginia Defense League showing up, calling for training of bus drivers in dealing with passengers legally carrying arms. They spoke of an incident in Norfolk where a man reportedly was denied transport even though his gun was legal. One identified himself as being from Virginia Beach...and a John Moss voter. (I rolled my eyes: you can't even get away from the VBTAers in Hampton.)
Finally, WiFi service on the MAX will begin it's test phase in January.
Norfolk (Thursday)
Despite heavy rain, it had the highest attendance of the three. The crowd was lively: scheduled for 90 minutes, hearing all the comments actually took 135 minutes.
I had to laugh when the first topic up was toilets. I've tried making the case for toilets at Transfer Centers with HRT before; now they had an entire room of passengers demanding them. HRT Staff noted that the request had been heard in 4 of the 7 meetings.
About 20 minutes were spent on that mess known as the Cedar Grove Transfer Center.
Before I could say it, a Nauticus employee across the table asked for the Azalea Garden/Robinhood diversion to be eliminated from Route 15 to enhance on-time performance of the habitually late 15. That very same move had been the number one Norfolk issue on my previously-prepared Norfolk submission.
A few issues on making transfers were raised. Many were unhappy with Route 310 (Downtown Shuttle).
Mark Schnaufer of Virginia Beach's Planning Department was present.
Closing
While attendance wasn't as good as hoped, HRT got many quality comments which should help churn out a COA that will substantially improve bus service in Hampton Roads.
The COA recommendations are tentatively slated to be presented in a pair (one Southside, one Peninsula) of public meetings the second week of February.
Virginia Beach (Monday)
After trouble getting into Princess Anne High School and the right room, this turned out to be the most cordial.
HRT is now looking at it's bus stops, looking to space them about a quarter of a mile apart to reduce frequent stopping. One gentleman spoke up against such a long walk.
Virginia Beach's MAX Route, Route 960, initially had equal ridership with the vaunted Route 961 (Southside - Peninsula link), but about 50 more frequencies. The frequencies were reduced in September to put the two roughly in line.
Routes 26 & 29 will look very different within a year. Route 33 is planned to be restructured to help on-time performance.
A Senior services representative was there who gave a couple numbers on the region:
1. 1 in 5 Seniors don't drive.
2. 1 in 7 persons is disabled.
That makes for a waiting mass transit market.
Travis Campbell of Virginia Beach's Planning Department, who also serves as the Beach's alternate HRT Commissioner, came and took notes.
Hampton (Wednesday)
A pleasant surprise: only token congestion on the HRBT riding Route 961 across.
In the meeting before the meeting, I was hit with two telling facts:
1. Newport News' economic development committee has been told how two major corporations looked at coming to Hampton Roads in 2008, only to jilt us over inadequate mass transit.
2. Williamsburg projects that it will need 50,000 additional workers within a decade. It's going to need mass transit from the seven cities to bring up many of them.
The feature of the meeting was representatives of the Virginia Defense League showing up, calling for training of bus drivers in dealing with passengers legally carrying arms. They spoke of an incident in Norfolk where a man reportedly was denied transport even though his gun was legal. One identified himself as being from Virginia Beach...and a John Moss voter. (I rolled my eyes: you can't even get away from the VBTAers in Hampton.)
Finally, WiFi service on the MAX will begin it's test phase in January.
Norfolk (Thursday)
Despite heavy rain, it had the highest attendance of the three. The crowd was lively: scheduled for 90 minutes, hearing all the comments actually took 135 minutes.
I had to laugh when the first topic up was
About 20 minutes were spent on that mess known as the Cedar Grove Transfer Center.
Before I could say it, a Nauticus employee across the table asked for the Azalea Garden/Robinhood diversion to be eliminated from Route 15 to enhance on-time performance of the habitually late 15. That very same move had been the number one Norfolk issue on my previously-prepared Norfolk submission.
A few issues on making transfers were raised. Many were unhappy with Route 310 (Downtown Shuttle).
Mark Schnaufer of Virginia Beach's Planning Department was present.
Closing
While attendance wasn't as good as hoped, HRT got many quality comments which should help churn out a COA that will substantially improve bus service in Hampton Roads.
The COA recommendations are tentatively slated to be presented in a pair (one Southside, one Peninsula) of public meetings the second week of February.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bizarre Cheesewagon Spotting
Seen this afternoon on Weaver Drive in Virginia Beach at 1:15 P.M.: Newport News school bus #50.
What was a Newport News school bus doing in Virginia Beach? Going into a residential neighborhood on a Saturday of a holiday weekend? I'm sure Newport News taxpayers would love to know.
What was a Newport News school bus doing in Virginia Beach? Going into a residential neighborhood on a Saturday of a holiday weekend? I'm sure Newport News taxpayers would love to know.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Newport News' Library Internet Computers
Today found me over in Newport News. Having just received a Newport News library card last week, I wanted to use it for the first time. I went to the Pearl Bailey Branch Library, where I read a few periodicals and used a computer for the Internet.
Let me start by pointing out to anyone who doesn't know, under Virginia law a resident of one locality is entitled to a reciprocal library card in any other locality. I carry four: Chesapeake, Norfolk, (now) Newport News, and (of course) Virginia Beach.
Back to Pearl Bailey, computer signup was the worst in any of those four localities. There were signup sheets in two separate locations. (Which gets priority?) They call you when a unit is available, but you virtually have to be on top of the computer room to hear them.
If that wasn't bad enough, try logging on for the first time. Your PIN number is your password, but it's formatted differently online than on your library card application. I had to try three different variants before I could surf.
Once online, it was fun. Newport News has the second-best equipped computers of the four (Norfolk is best), and a generous use policy.
Since it's a library, let me close on the book collection. Being a small branch, not much for books and periodicals. However, a great children's collection.
Let me start by pointing out to anyone who doesn't know, under Virginia law a resident of one locality is entitled to a reciprocal library card in any other locality. I carry four: Chesapeake, Norfolk, (now) Newport News, and (of course) Virginia Beach.
Back to Pearl Bailey, computer signup was the worst in any of those four localities. There were signup sheets in two separate locations. (Which gets priority?) They call you when a unit is available, but you virtually have to be on top of the computer room to hear them.
If that wasn't bad enough, try logging on for the first time. Your PIN number is your password, but it's formatted differently online than on your library card application. I had to try three different variants before I could surf.
Once online, it was fun. Newport News has the second-best equipped computers of the four (Norfolk is best), and a generous use policy.
Since it's a library, let me close on the book collection. Being a small branch, not much for books and periodicals. However, a great children's collection.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Housing Subsidy Payments To Go Up In 2009
I think most everyone is familiar with the fact that Dominion Virginia Power was granted an 18% rate increase. The consequence I have yet to hear discussed is that that means housing subsidy payments through the Section 8 program will go up in 2009.
One of the basic tenets of Section 8: rent plus utilities shall not exceed 40% of total household income. Thus, in calculating the subsidy payment for a tenant, the electric bill is deducted from income in figuring how large the subsidy will be. Therefore, when the annual recertifications come up late this year, the electric hike will force larger per household subsidy payments.
Before a couple of my readers scream, I'm simply pointing out an effect of the electric rate increase given Federal housing rules. Our local governments should begin planning on how to deal with the matter.
One of the basic tenets of Section 8: rent plus utilities shall not exceed 40% of total household income. Thus, in calculating the subsidy payment for a tenant, the electric bill is deducted from income in figuring how large the subsidy will be. Therefore, when the annual recertifications come up late this year, the electric hike will force larger per household subsidy payments.
Before a couple of my readers scream, I'm simply pointing out an effect of the electric rate increase given Federal housing rules. Our local governments should begin planning on how to deal with the matter.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
HRT To PHF, But Not ORF
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will try to serve where it can and that the localities will pay for. A stark example of that is taking the bus to the airport. HRT goes nowhere near Norfolk International Airport (ORF), but it does go to Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF).
Being the type who likes to stick my head under the hood and look myself, on Tuesday I took HRT to PHF to check out the service. (That's why I was late with the previous post: I didn't have time Tuesday morning, in a hurry to get out the door.) From where I live in Virginia Beach, it was a five bus ride to PHF. (It would have been four buses had I travelled 90 minutes later, but I wanted to leave early.) It's HRT Route 111 that goes to PHF, an hourly service from Patrick Henry Mall, City Center at Oyster Point, and Thomas Nelson Community College.
The 111 was quite busy west of Patrick Henry Mall. Arriving at PHF, the only stop at the airport terminal is a shelter just before the building. A very good shelter with a wooden floor, but - oddly - no bench in the shelter. (The airport has benches just yards away in front of the terminal itself.) The 111 only services the airport one-way: on the Outbound leg, at about 40 minutes after the hour. Just beyond the airport, the 111 loops back the other way. I was able to make the loop without paying fare twice.
Why not ORF? I'm told that the taxi companies are keeping HRT out. The "compromise' discussed about a year ago was to reroute Route 8 to the intersection of Norview Avenue and Azalea Garden Road. That would be off the airport grounds, and a hopelessly long walk away with baggage to carry. In short, the proposed "compromise" was a sick joke.
Some other notes from Tuesday's trip:
1. More proof of my "Build It And They Will Come" Axiom for transit in the region: 4 of the 5 buses I rode in Newport News were full. This was late morning-early afternoon, the slowest part of the day for transit. (The only light loads were on the 111 beyond Patrick Henry Mall.)
Not coincidentally, Newport News is the 2nd largest local contributor to HRT's Budget. Like in Norfolk (tops), people ride a bus system that is there for them. (FYI, Hampton is 3rd, Virginia Beach 4th.)
2. Another day, another case for light rail through The Third Crossing: coming home, the 61 got delayed in traffic on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. With light rail, we would have been rolling through on the train.
3. ORF brings us back to the paratransit issue. Under Federal guidelines, paratransit provided by HRT's contractor (P&W Transportation) is required only to operate to destinations within a quarter-mile of HRT's bus routes. That means no Handi-Ride service to ORF.
There's a long solution for the handicapped: fly out of PHF. Matter of fact, I saw Handi-Ride at PHF.
4. Finally (but not least), kudos to the three people I dealt with at Patrick Henry Mall on the way home. I had never taken HRT there, while it had been quite some time for the couple I met. A Good Samaritan helped us make a convoluted bus transfer to head back southward.
Being the type who likes to stick my head under the hood and look myself, on Tuesday I took HRT to PHF to check out the service. (That's why I was late with the previous post: I didn't have time Tuesday morning, in a hurry to get out the door.) From where I live in Virginia Beach, it was a five bus ride to PHF. (It would have been four buses had I travelled 90 minutes later, but I wanted to leave early.) It's HRT Route 111 that goes to PHF, an hourly service from Patrick Henry Mall, City Center at Oyster Point, and Thomas Nelson Community College.
The 111 was quite busy west of Patrick Henry Mall. Arriving at PHF, the only stop at the airport terminal is a shelter just before the building. A very good shelter with a wooden floor, but - oddly - no bench in the shelter. (The airport has benches just yards away in front of the terminal itself.) The 111 only services the airport one-way: on the Outbound leg, at about 40 minutes after the hour. Just beyond the airport, the 111 loops back the other way. I was able to make the loop without paying fare twice.
Why not ORF? I'm told that the taxi companies are keeping HRT out. The "compromise' discussed about a year ago was to reroute Route 8 to the intersection of Norview Avenue and Azalea Garden Road. That would be off the airport grounds, and a hopelessly long walk away with baggage to carry. In short, the proposed "compromise" was a sick joke.
Some other notes from Tuesday's trip:
1. More proof of my "Build It And They Will Come" Axiom for transit in the region: 4 of the 5 buses I rode in Newport News were full. This was late morning-early afternoon, the slowest part of the day for transit. (The only light loads were on the 111 beyond Patrick Henry Mall.)
Not coincidentally, Newport News is the 2nd largest local contributor to HRT's Budget. Like in Norfolk (tops), people ride a bus system that is there for them. (FYI, Hampton is 3rd, Virginia Beach 4th.)
2. Another day, another case for light rail through The Third Crossing: coming home, the 61 got delayed in traffic on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. With light rail, we would have been rolling through on the train.
3. ORF brings us back to the paratransit issue. Under Federal guidelines, paratransit provided by HRT's contractor (P&W Transportation) is required only to operate to destinations within a quarter-mile of HRT's bus routes. That means no Handi-Ride service to ORF.
There's a long solution for the handicapped: fly out of PHF. Matter of fact, I saw Handi-Ride at PHF.
4. Finally (but not least), kudos to the three people I dealt with at Patrick Henry Mall on the way home. I had never taken HRT there, while it had been quite some time for the couple I met. A Good Samaritan helped us make a convoluted bus transfer to head back southward.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Newport News Light Rail
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has been working on the Peninsula Transit Project for quite awhile now. A Minimal Operating Segment (MOS) has been identified for a light rail line in Newport News.
While in HRT's Norfolk office yesterday, I managed to look at a map of the proposed alignment from Christopher Newport University to just beyond Mary Immaculate Hospital. (I saw an earlier draft at the October TDCHR meeting. ) Actually I was walking through the office when I saw it posted on the side of a cubicle. I stopped dead in my tracks.
The proposed alignment is slated to go to the Newport News City Council in April. If they approve, a Draft Enviromental Impact Study (DEIS) will begin.
Norfolk is building, Portsmouth has asked for accomodations through the second tube of the Midtown Tunnel, and Newport News is looking to jump onboard. Now if we could only get the Virginia Beach City Council to commission a Newtown Road - Dome site DEIS....
While in HRT's Norfolk office yesterday, I managed to look at a map of the proposed alignment from Christopher Newport University to just beyond Mary Immaculate Hospital. (I saw an earlier draft at the October TDCHR meeting. ) Actually I was walking through the office when I saw it posted on the side of a cubicle. I stopped dead in my tracks.
The proposed alignment is slated to go to the Newport News City Council in April. If they approve, a Draft Enviromental Impact Study (DEIS) will begin.
Norfolk is building, Portsmouth has asked for accomodations through the second tube of the Midtown Tunnel, and Newport News is looking to jump onboard. Now if we could only get the Virginia Beach City Council to commission a Newtown Road - Dome site DEIS....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)