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Re: Ex-San Jose LRVs at Sac depot--and Diridon's trolley
Author: mook
Date: 05-26-2012 - 10:17
The down side to light rail is that it's rail -- and the more stops you add the slower it runs with no way for one train to pass another on most systems. The up side is 1) it's not on the freeway, so its travel time is relatively more predictable, if slower; and 2) if run properly it can handle many more people than a bus line with fewer drivers. It's also often seen as a political necessity/plum (depending on which side of the pork barrel you're on) for those with little experience or knowledge in transportation.
A light rail system that uses rail's advantages (off road, less r/w need, easier dispatching, higher capacity) and somehow minimizes its disadavantages (lack of flexibility, high capital requirements) can be a Good Thing. Just don't expect high speed; it's a big local bus and performs like one from a trip time standpoint. A surprising (because of the political angle) number of systems work that way, and provide a useful service. VTA may not be one of them.
FWIW, if I drive to work my commute in the morning (assuming minimal stupidity of other drivers) is about 25 minutes (about 45 in the afternoon). Parking is about $30/day downtown plus operating cost for the car. When we had express buses, it was about 3 miles to the bus stop and 1/2 hour on the bus in the morning (45 min or so in the afternoon). Free parking at the bus stop, and fare about double the normal transit fare. The buses were very clean and the riders mostly regulars. The City made money on the commute bus - enough to keep the rest of their bus system afloat. Light rail makes 26 stops in 23 miles (and if they ever get money there will be more), and takes about an hour each way. Usually pretty reliable but when something goes wrong it often goes very wrong. Typical Big City Bus crowd - think of it as a strange show with only a small cover charge (your fare) and you might avoid insanity. Free parking at the station for now (some stations have a nominal parking fee), and normal transit fare. You trade time and comfort for money ... how much is your commute time worth?
A light rail system that uses rail's advantages (off road, less r/w need, easier dispatching, higher capacity) and somehow minimizes its disadavantages (lack of flexibility, high capital requirements) can be a Good Thing. Just don't expect high speed; it's a big local bus and performs like one from a trip time standpoint. A surprising (because of the political angle) number of systems work that way, and provide a useful service. VTA may not be one of them.
FWIW, if I drive to work my commute in the morning (assuming minimal stupidity of other drivers) is about 25 minutes (about 45 in the afternoon). Parking is about $30/day downtown plus operating cost for the car. When we had express buses, it was about 3 miles to the bus stop and 1/2 hour on the bus in the morning (45 min or so in the afternoon). Free parking at the bus stop, and fare about double the normal transit fare. The buses were very clean and the riders mostly regulars. The City made money on the commute bus - enough to keep the rest of their bus system afloat. Light rail makes 26 stops in 23 miles (and if they ever get money there will be more), and takes about an hour each way. Usually pretty reliable but when something goes wrong it often goes very wrong. Typical Big City Bus crowd - think of it as a strange show with only a small cover charge (your fare) and you might avoid insanity. Free parking at the station for now (some stations have a nominal parking fee), and normal transit fare. You trade time and comfort for money ... how much is your commute time worth?
