Many of my blog readers probably remember Tanya Bullock, who challenged Barbara Henley for the Princess Anne District seat on the Virginia Beach City Council last year. She's been chosen to fill a Second Congressional District seat on the Republican State Central Committee.
That will give her a postgraduate level political education, and keep her on the top shelf for anything to come.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
TDCHR February 24, 2011
The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the governing board of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), held this afternoon what President Phillip Shucet pledged would be "as light rail-less meeting as we can."
A tentative new contract with the union that represents bus operators and mechanics was reached on February 8, and ratified by the union on February 20. While President Shucet has the legal authority to accept and execute the contract without TDCHR approval, he brought it to them before doing so. The new contract runs through June 30, 2014. Among its elements:
1. Scope - train operators and Suffolk bus operators will be brought into the union.
2. Pay - a 1% raise with ratification, 2% 11/1/11 and 11/1/12, and 3% 11/1/13.
3. Pension - the multiplier will increase one-tenth of one percent on 1/1/13 and 1/1/14. That will largely be offset cost-wise by a merging of the Peninsula and Southside pension funds. The separate funds are a remaining legacy of TRT and Pentran, but the merging will still require some rule differences.
4. Health care - essentially the same plan. However, the union will no longer have a veto over changes in providers, but will have representatives on any committee looking at such changes.
At the end of the meeting, the TDCHR unanimously endorsed the contract.
An overview of the efficiencies study was given. A potential $3.5-4.5 million in savings has been identified. In doing so, Staff recommends that the $1.50 farebox fare be maintained until 2014. On the one hand, the top 60% of routes need only 37% of the subsidy payments. On the other hand, the bottom 25% of routes have only a 10% farebox recovery. Staff will bring proposed service changes to the March 24 TDCHR meeting (in Norfolk) that will advocate service reductions or eliminations among the worst-performing routes so that the funds can be used to increase service on the top routes. At the core of the proposals will be a greater offering of 15 minute headways at rush hour. Not only additional hours on the routes offering it now (Routes 1, 15, and 20), but offering it on other routes. The rationale is to provide a core of high-service routes that would entice others to use the bus to commute. In answering Commissioners questions, Staff pointed out the movement of funds couldn't cross city lines. Approval of any such changes is slated for the April TDCHR meeting (in Hampton), with implementation in late 2011.
HRT is $1.428 million under Budget for FY 2011.
Ridership in January was up 4.05% from January, 2010.
The TDCHR ratified a By-Laws change to establish an in-house Counsel and an internal auditor.
Two other areas came up in discussion. First, the idea of HRT having an operating reserve. However, Shucet pointed out such would require a chance in the cost allocation agreement between the seven cities. Second, with all these policy changes, the TDCHR needs to hold a Retreat.
Luis Ramos was recognized for his service as TDCHR Secretary from 2004-2011. He was given a mounted certificate, and the HRT President's Coin.
A tentative new contract with the union that represents bus operators and mechanics was reached on February 8, and ratified by the union on February 20. While President Shucet has the legal authority to accept and execute the contract without TDCHR approval, he brought it to them before doing so. The new contract runs through June 30, 2014. Among its elements:
1. Scope - train operators and Suffolk bus operators will be brought into the union.
2. Pay - a 1% raise with ratification, 2% 11/1/11 and 11/1/12, and 3% 11/1/13.
3. Pension - the multiplier will increase one-tenth of one percent on 1/1/13 and 1/1/14. That will largely be offset cost-wise by a merging of the Peninsula and Southside pension funds. The separate funds are a remaining legacy of TRT and Pentran, but the merging will still require some rule differences.
4. Health care - essentially the same plan. However, the union will no longer have a veto over changes in providers, but will have representatives on any committee looking at such changes.
At the end of the meeting, the TDCHR unanimously endorsed the contract.
An overview of the efficiencies study was given. A potential $3.5-4.5 million in savings has been identified. In doing so, Staff recommends that the $1.50 farebox fare be maintained until 2014. On the one hand, the top 60% of routes need only 37% of the subsidy payments. On the other hand, the bottom 25% of routes have only a 10% farebox recovery. Staff will bring proposed service changes to the March 24 TDCHR meeting (in Norfolk) that will advocate service reductions or eliminations among the worst-performing routes so that the funds can be used to increase service on the top routes. At the core of the proposals will be a greater offering of 15 minute headways at rush hour. Not only additional hours on the routes offering it now (Routes 1, 15, and 20), but offering it on other routes. The rationale is to provide a core of high-service routes that would entice others to use the bus to commute. In answering Commissioners questions, Staff pointed out the movement of funds couldn't cross city lines. Approval of any such changes is slated for the April TDCHR meeting (in Hampton), with implementation in late 2011.
HRT is $1.428 million under Budget for FY 2011.
Ridership in January was up 4.05% from January, 2010.
The TDCHR ratified a By-Laws change to establish an in-house Counsel and an internal auditor.
Two other areas came up in discussion. First, the idea of HRT having an operating reserve. However, Shucet pointed out such would require a chance in the cost allocation agreement between the seven cities. Second, with all these policy changes, the TDCHR needs to hold a Retreat.
Luis Ramos was recognized for his service as TDCHR Secretary from 2004-2011. He was given a mounted certificate, and the HRT President's Coin.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Random Thoughts February 22, 2011
1. What, if any, challenges do the Democrats mount for General Assembly seats in Virginia Beach this year?
2. If the new tourism tax rebate mechanism becomes law and is used for financing Dome site redevelopment, does The Virginian-Pravda Editorial Board oppose the project on those grounds?
3. Will the Virginia Destroyers actually play this season? If so, how long before the team realizes Sportsplex was a poor choice for home field?
4. How will this year's redistricting of the General Assembly, with additional seats going to Northern Virginia, change the transportation debate in the 2012 session?
5. Who else remembers Will Sessoms' original light rail position in his 2008 Mayoral campaign? He wanted to build it in two phases: Phase I from Newtown Road to Town Center, Phase II from Town Center to the Oceanfront. That was eclipsed by Bob Tata's bill, which bound the process together as a whole.
Should the Alternatives Analysis/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (AA/SDEIS) come back a mixed bag, do we find ourselves dusting off that position?
6. If the Virginia Beach City Council rejects electoral reform (as expected) during this year's City redistricting process, how does that impact the 2012 Council elections?
7. Who imagined that the Arab nations domino game going on would ever happen? Starting in Tunisia?
8. Does it later strike in Saudi Arabia? If so, what's the outcome?
9. How much kicking and screaming from bus riders will there be over the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) efficiencies report, due to be released at Thursday's TDCHR meeting? Will they remain quiet until it's too late?
10. Will HRT raise fares later in 2011 as a means of improving service further?
11. Will the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) grasp that light rail is their Moby Dick before it's too late?
12. With Tide launch delayed, what does Virginia Beach do with the saved mass transit funds from the postponement of service improvements on Routes 25 and 27?
13. What will it take to kick start Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in the Norfolk Southern Corridor? A Virginia Beach FFGA signing? Further down the line than that?
2. If the new tourism tax rebate mechanism becomes law and is used for financing Dome site redevelopment, does The Virginian-Pravda Editorial Board oppose the project on those grounds?
3. Will the Virginia Destroyers actually play this season? If so, how long before the team realizes Sportsplex was a poor choice for home field?
4. How will this year's redistricting of the General Assembly, with additional seats going to Northern Virginia, change the transportation debate in the 2012 session?
5. Who else remembers Will Sessoms' original light rail position in his 2008 Mayoral campaign? He wanted to build it in two phases: Phase I from Newtown Road to Town Center, Phase II from Town Center to the Oceanfront. That was eclipsed by Bob Tata's bill, which bound the process together as a whole.
Should the Alternatives Analysis/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (AA/SDEIS) come back a mixed bag, do we find ourselves dusting off that position?
6. If the Virginia Beach City Council rejects electoral reform (as expected) during this year's City redistricting process, how does that impact the 2012 Council elections?
7. Who imagined that the Arab nations domino game going on would ever happen? Starting in Tunisia?
8. Does it later strike in Saudi Arabia? If so, what's the outcome?
9. How much kicking and screaming from bus riders will there be over the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) efficiencies report, due to be released at Thursday's TDCHR meeting? Will they remain quiet until it's too late?
10. Will HRT raise fares later in 2011 as a means of improving service further?
11. Will the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) grasp that light rail is their Moby Dick before it's too late?
12. With Tide launch delayed, what does Virginia Beach do with the saved mass transit funds from the postponement of service improvements on Routes 25 and 27?
13. What will it take to kick start Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in the Norfolk Southern Corridor? A Virginia Beach FFGA signing? Further down the line than that?
Monday, February 21, 2011
You Don't Care...But Should
Of the few that voted, 75% are optimistic about things in Egypt after Mubarak's ouster, 25% unsure, and 0% pessimistic.
It was a low vote count, but you should care. The government that sits in Cairo controls the Suez Canal, and through it comes the lion's share of Arabian oil coming to the west. Disruption of shipping through the Suez Canal would force tankers around the southern tip of Africa, driving up gasoline prices at the pump.
The new question: do insurance companies care about your health?
It was a low vote count, but you should care. The government that sits in Cairo controls the Suez Canal, and through it comes the lion's share of Arabian oil coming to the west. Disruption of shipping through the Suez Canal would force tankers around the southern tip of Africa, driving up gasoline prices at the pump.
The new question: do insurance companies care about your health?
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Draft 2034 Long Range Plan (LRP)
Under Federal law, every four years the TPO is required to turn out a transportation plan for the region with a twenty year scope. At today's TPO Retreat, the draft projects list was released.
PROJECT STUDIES
1. Route 460
2. I-64 Peninsula Corridor
3. Patriots' Crossing
4. Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
5. High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail
6. Virginia Beach Transit Extension
PROJECTS FOR CONSTRUCTION
1. Midtown Tunnel/MLK Freeway/Downtown Tunnel, in Portsmouth/Norfolk
2. Dominion Boulevard, in Chesapeake
3. Route 17 (Hampton Highway to Dare Road), in York County
4. Lynnhaven Parkway (Centerville Turnpike to Indian River Road), in Virginia Beach
5. Patriots' Crossing (Craney Island Connector), in Portsmouth
6. Route 58 (Suffolk Bypass to Manning Bridge Road), in Suffolk
7. I-64 (Jefferson Avenue to Fort Eustis Boulevard), in Newport News
8. Lesner Bridge, in Virginia Beach
9. Military Highway (Lowery Road to Robin Hood Road), in Norfolk
10. Route 17 (Dare Road to Denbigh Boulevard), in York County
11. Holland Road (Dam Neck Road to Nimmo Parkway), in Virginia Beach
12. Witchduck Road (I-264 to Virginia Beach Boulevard), in Virginia Beach
13. Laskin Road (Republic Road to Oriole Drive), in Virginia Beach
14. Washington Avenue Bridge Replacement, in Newport News
15. Indian River Road (Lynnhaven Parkway to Elbow Road), in Virginia Beach
16. Laskin Road (Oriole Drive to 30th/31st Street), in Virginia Beach
17. Elbow Road/Dam Neck Road (Indian River Road to Princess Anne Road), in Virginia Beach
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION (Funding Has Not Be Identified For)
1. I-64/I-264 Interchange Phasing, in Norfolk/Virginia Beach
2. I-64 (Fort Eustis Boulevard to Route 199, Exit 242), in Newport News/James City County
3. I-64 Southside Phasing (High Rise Bridge), in Chesapeake
4. I-64 Interchange at Fort Eustis Boulevard, in Newport News
COMMITTED PROJECTS
These are fully-funded projects in the queue
1. Gilmerton Bridge, in Chesapeake
2. Portsmouth Boulevard (Joliff Road to Chesapeake city line), in Chesapeake
3. Commander Shepard Boulevard (Big Bethel Road to Magruder Boulevard), in Hampton
4. Saunders Road (Big Bethel Road to Newport News city line), in Hampton
5. Bridge Street Bridge, in Hampton
6. Conventional Passenger Rail Service to Norfolk
7. Huntington Avenue Bridge Replacement (over Northrup Grumman Railroad Spur), in Newport News
8. Fort Eustis Boulevard Bridge Replacements (over CSX Railroad), in Newport News
9. Middle Ground Boulevard (Jefferson Avenue to Warwick Boulevard), in Newport News
10. Fort Eustis Boulevard (Jefferson Avenue to Route 17), in Newport News
11. Hampton Boulevard railroad grade separation, in Norfolk
12. I-64/Norview Avenue interchange, in Norfolk
13. I-564 Intermodal Connector, in Norfolk
14. Wesleyan Drive (Northampton Boulevard to Baker Road), in Norfolk/Virginia Beach
15. Wythe Creek Road (Alphus Street to Hampton city line), in Poquoson
16. Turnpike Road (Portsmouth Boulevard to Constitution Avenue), in Portsmouth
17. Nansemond Parkway (Helen Street to NS Railroad), in Suffolk
18. Birdneck Road (General Booth Boulevard to Southern Boulevard), in Virginia Beach
19. Constitution Drive (Columbus Street to Bonney Road), in Virginia Beach
20. Princess Anne Road & Nimmo Parkway, in Virginia Beach
21. I-264 at London Bridge, in Virginia Beach
22. Witchduck Road (Princess Anne Road to I-264), in Virginia Beach
23. Kempsville Road/Princess Anne Road intersection, in Virginia Beach
24. Nimmo Parkway (Holland Road to General Booth Boulevard), in Virginia Beach
PROJECT STUDIES
1. Route 460
2. I-64 Peninsula Corridor
3. Patriots' Crossing
4. Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
5. High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail
6. Virginia Beach Transit Extension
PROJECTS FOR CONSTRUCTION
1. Midtown Tunnel/MLK Freeway/Downtown Tunnel, in Portsmouth/Norfolk
2. Dominion Boulevard, in Chesapeake
3. Route 17 (Hampton Highway to Dare Road), in York County
4. Lynnhaven Parkway (Centerville Turnpike to Indian River Road), in Virginia Beach
5. Patriots' Crossing (Craney Island Connector), in Portsmouth
6. Route 58 (Suffolk Bypass to Manning Bridge Road), in Suffolk
7. I-64 (Jefferson Avenue to Fort Eustis Boulevard), in Newport News
8. Lesner Bridge, in Virginia Beach
9. Military Highway (Lowery Road to Robin Hood Road), in Norfolk
10. Route 17 (Dare Road to Denbigh Boulevard), in York County
11. Holland Road (Dam Neck Road to Nimmo Parkway), in Virginia Beach
12. Witchduck Road (I-264 to Virginia Beach Boulevard), in Virginia Beach
13. Laskin Road (Republic Road to Oriole Drive), in Virginia Beach
14. Washington Avenue Bridge Replacement, in Newport News
15. Indian River Road (Lynnhaven Parkway to Elbow Road), in Virginia Beach
16. Laskin Road (Oriole Drive to 30th/31st Street), in Virginia Beach
17. Elbow Road/Dam Neck Road (Indian River Road to Princess Anne Road), in Virginia Beach
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION (Funding Has Not Be Identified For)
1. I-64/I-264 Interchange Phasing, in Norfolk/Virginia Beach
2. I-64 (Fort Eustis Boulevard to Route 199, Exit 242), in Newport News/James City County
3. I-64 Southside Phasing (High Rise Bridge), in Chesapeake
4. I-64 Interchange at Fort Eustis Boulevard, in Newport News
COMMITTED PROJECTS
These are fully-funded projects in the queue
1. Gilmerton Bridge, in Chesapeake
2. Portsmouth Boulevard (Joliff Road to Chesapeake city line), in Chesapeake
3. Commander Shepard Boulevard (Big Bethel Road to Magruder Boulevard), in Hampton
4. Saunders Road (Big Bethel Road to Newport News city line), in Hampton
5. Bridge Street Bridge, in Hampton
6. Conventional Passenger Rail Service to Norfolk
7. Huntington Avenue Bridge Replacement (over Northrup Grumman Railroad Spur), in Newport News
8. Fort Eustis Boulevard Bridge Replacements (over CSX Railroad), in Newport News
9. Middle Ground Boulevard (Jefferson Avenue to Warwick Boulevard), in Newport News
10. Fort Eustis Boulevard (Jefferson Avenue to Route 17), in Newport News
11. Hampton Boulevard railroad grade separation, in Norfolk
12. I-64/Norview Avenue interchange, in Norfolk
13. I-564 Intermodal Connector, in Norfolk
14. Wesleyan Drive (Northampton Boulevard to Baker Road), in Norfolk/Virginia Beach
15. Wythe Creek Road (Alphus Street to Hampton city line), in Poquoson
16. Turnpike Road (Portsmouth Boulevard to Constitution Avenue), in Portsmouth
17. Nansemond Parkway (Helen Street to NS Railroad), in Suffolk
18. Birdneck Road (General Booth Boulevard to Southern Boulevard), in Virginia Beach
19. Constitution Drive (Columbus Street to Bonney Road), in Virginia Beach
20. Princess Anne Road & Nimmo Parkway, in Virginia Beach
21. I-264 at London Bridge, in Virginia Beach
22. Witchduck Road (Princess Anne Road to I-264), in Virginia Beach
23. Kempsville Road/Princess Anne Road intersection, in Virginia Beach
24. Nimmo Parkway (Holland Road to General Booth Boulevard), in Virginia Beach
Another VNS Red Herring?
On Sunday Virginia News Source ran a story alleging that Mayor Sessoms was holding secret meetings with members of the Virginia Beach City Council at an Outer Banks home.
I had the opportunity to talk with a couple Councilmen separately today, and neither had been to such a meeting nor had any knowledge of such.
I had the opportunity to talk with a couple Councilmen separately today, and neither had been to such a meeting nor had any knowledge of such.
TPO Retreat February 17, 2011
The Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) held it's annual Retreat today.
Most important was that the draft list from the project prioritization list was carried forward by consensus for the 2034 Long Range Plan (LRP). Some concern was raised that it didn't put additional lanes across the harbor. However, it was pointed out that the Patriots' Crossing coupled with excess capacity at the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel would provide additional ability. For the wingnuts (from both sides) who have attacked Governor Bob McDonnell's transportation initiative, let me point out 13 of the 17 Projects for Construction were only on the list due to anticipated funds from the GARVEE bond float. The TPO will act on the draft 2034 LRP list at it's March 17 meeting. A final list is required to be sent to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) by June, in order that VDOT can do the air conformity work on the list.
An analysis from Old Dominion University's Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center on harbor crossings was presented. 29 different accident scenarios were modeled, and in 90% of them the Patriots' Crossing provided more traffic relief than an expanded Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). The only scenarios where an expanded HRBT scored higher was when the accident was on or in the periphery of the HRBT. Members of the Hampton Roads Caucus of the General Assembly had requested such a look. With only so many people crossing the harbor daily, they wanted to know which alternative provided better relief elsewhere in the region.
A Presentation on Value Pricing was made by Angela Jacobs. Ms. Jacobs is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from the Federal Highway Administration. Value Pricing, also known as Congestion Pricing, puts variable levels of tolls on a road depending on time of the day. The idea is to make it cheaper to travel off-peak, while forcing drivers to pay a premium to drive a congested road at rush hour.
High Speed Rail was briefly covered. First, there will be a conference call on March 1 between TPO Staff, Staff from Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Federal Railway Administration. The idea is to try to get everyone on the same page about High Speed Rail to Norfolk. Second, DRPT Director Thelma Drake will be at the March TPO meeting to discuss the issue with the TPO Board. Third, we're looking to apply for NEPA money for a Norfolk High Speed Rail alignment in May, 2012.
The Board looked towards budgeting for FY 2012.
Finally, Facilitator Jim Oliver opened a discussion on the TPO's Executive Committee. Oliver noted that two years ago it would have been unimaginable that the region could have come together on a projects list and High Speed Rail. He suggested working through the full Board, as it has helped form consensus. However, some looked towards a future when the TPO and HRPDC will have different Executive Directors and totally separated Staffs. At that time, the Executive Committee will be necessary to cover personnel matters.
Most important was that the draft list from the project prioritization list was carried forward by consensus for the 2034 Long Range Plan (LRP). Some concern was raised that it didn't put additional lanes across the harbor. However, it was pointed out that the Patriots' Crossing coupled with excess capacity at the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel would provide additional ability. For the wingnuts (from both sides) who have attacked Governor Bob McDonnell's transportation initiative, let me point out 13 of the 17 Projects for Construction were only on the list due to anticipated funds from the GARVEE bond float. The TPO will act on the draft 2034 LRP list at it's March 17 meeting. A final list is required to be sent to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) by June, in order that VDOT can do the air conformity work on the list.
An analysis from Old Dominion University's Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center on harbor crossings was presented. 29 different accident scenarios were modeled, and in 90% of them the Patriots' Crossing provided more traffic relief than an expanded Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). The only scenarios where an expanded HRBT scored higher was when the accident was on or in the periphery of the HRBT. Members of the Hampton Roads Caucus of the General Assembly had requested such a look. With only so many people crossing the harbor daily, they wanted to know which alternative provided better relief elsewhere in the region.
A Presentation on Value Pricing was made by Angela Jacobs. Ms. Jacobs is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from the Federal Highway Administration. Value Pricing, also known as Congestion Pricing, puts variable levels of tolls on a road depending on time of the day. The idea is to make it cheaper to travel off-peak, while forcing drivers to pay a premium to drive a congested road at rush hour.
High Speed Rail was briefly covered. First, there will be a conference call on March 1 between TPO Staff, Staff from Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Federal Railway Administration. The idea is to try to get everyone on the same page about High Speed Rail to Norfolk. Second, DRPT Director Thelma Drake will be at the March TPO meeting to discuss the issue with the TPO Board. Third, we're looking to apply for NEPA money for a Norfolk High Speed Rail alignment in May, 2012.
The Board looked towards budgeting for FY 2012.
Finally, Facilitator Jim Oliver opened a discussion on the TPO's Executive Committee. Oliver noted that two years ago it would have been unimaginable that the region could have come together on a projects list and High Speed Rail. He suggested working through the full Board, as it has helped form consensus. However, some looked towards a future when the TPO and HRPDC will have different Executive Directors and totally separated Staffs. At that time, the Executive Committee will be necessary to cover personnel matters.
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