The Catenary Wire

Uniting Arabs and Jews Through Mass Transit

2009-02-01T10:36:00.004-06:00

Few forms of public transportation are adept at knitting together an urban community as are streetcars, but what happens when a community doesn't want to be knit together? The Wall Street Journal looks at the troubled tram system being built in Jerusalem, and finds that Arabs and Jews finally agree on something: The tram being built in Jerusalem sucks.

It'll be interesting to see if residents opinion of the tram changes after it has opened, or if peace in the Middle East is a prerequisite for effective public transportation there.

Update: Looks like Jerusalem's system has components of a light rail system, so the WSJ's mixing of streetcar, tram and light rail may be justified.

Hibernation

2008-01-15T21:07:00.000-06:00

This blog isn't dead, it's just hibernating.

NYT on Chicago's Crumbling Transit Infrastructure

2007-03-25T23:57:00.000-05:00

The New York Times today had a short piece on how Chicago's transportation infrastructure is crumbling, and how there's little money available to fix it. It also pointed out the CTA Tattler, a transit blog Chicago riders may want to keep an eye on.

Hanging Around in Portland

2007-01-30T22:29:00.000-06:00

The Portland Aerial Tram officially opened to the public this past Saturday. The New York Times had coverage on Sunday, as did just about every Portland-area news outlet.

More on the tram can be found on Wikipedia. There are a few first-hand videos to be had on YouTube as well.

New SF Light Rail Line Finally Rolling

2007-01-16T00:44:00.000-06:00

San Francisco's new T-Third light rail line finally started rolling this past weekend, albeit on a weekend-only basis, bringing service to a number of neighborhoods previously underserved by transit. Wikipedia has a good page on the project, as well as the requisite obsessive-compulsive station listing.

I also have to include one more link, not because I agree with its tone, but because it's the first time I've heard the term "white rail." Ha.

New York Traffic: It's Not Just The Suburbanites

2007-01-13T12:36:00.000-06:00

The New York Times has a story today on where the city's traffic comes from, and it turns out on weekdays the city contributes slightly more cars to Manhattan streets than do those driving in from out of town. The Times reports that this is surprising to some, especially when considering the city's reliance on mass transit, but one excerpt in particular sheds light on why many New Yorkers are driving:

When plotted on a map, the data make a striking picture, showing that some of the densest concentrations of auto commuters are from the outer fringes of Queens and Brooklyn, where access to subways is limited.

"The concentration of auto commuters is in areas that don't have direct subway service," [transportation consultant Bruce Schaller] said. "So the travel time advantage of driving is greater than it is in the rest of the city."

USA Today on the Allure of Streetcars

2007-01-10T00:26:00.000-06:00

USA Today published a short article on Monday on cities bringing back streetcars. Systems featured included Tampa's TECO Line Streetcar System and Kenosha, Wisconsin's 1.7-mile loop.

MBTA Announces Plans to Improve Commuter Rail Fleet

2007-01-08T19:42:00.000-06:00

The MBTA has announced plans to purchase roughly 38 new diesel electric locomotives and 75 bi-level commuter rail cars to improve greater Boston's commuter rail service. It's not clear how much the fleet will grow as the result of the purchase, as the MBTA hasn't indicated how much of their aging fleet they plan to retire as the new equipment is brought on-line.

More details are available from The Boston Globe and the Associated Press.

Minnesotans Pondering Streetcars

2007-01-04T00:53:00.000-06:00

The Downtown Journal, Minneapolis' downtown-centric community newspaper, has a person-on-the-street piece on residents' thoughts on streetcars. Articles like this one have a tendency to turn into train wrecks, but, thankfully, the Journal story manages to stay more on the rails than off.

Streetcar Bickering in Arkansas

2007-01-04T00:36:00.000-06:00

Let's say you're a modest town with a modest bus system. Would 121,500 riders a year be enough to justify a streetcar line? The executive director of Central Arkansas Transit seems to think so.

Bradbury Promotes Monorails for LA's Future

2006-02-12T23:50:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a long time since I've posted anything here, but a bit of commentary by Ray Bradbury in the LA Times was just too interesting to pass up. Bradbury, looking at what he sees to be the pending permanent gridlock of Los Angeles and surrounding areas, finds a solution in a monorail. Or, really, a large number of them:

"The monorail is extraordinary in that it can be built elsewhere and then carried in and installed in mid-street with little confusion and no destruction of businesses. In a matter of a few months, a line could be built from Long Beach all the way along Western Avenue to the mountains with little disturbance to citizens and no threat to local businesses...

"They also have been virtually accident-free. The history of the monorail shows few collisions or fatalities.If we constructed monorails running north and south on Vermont, Western, Crenshaw and Broadway, and similar lines running east and west on Washington, Pico, Wilshire, Santa Monica and Sunset, we would have provided a proper cross section of transportation, allowing people to move anywhere in our city at any time."

Bradbury spends significant time recounting LA's decision to decline an offer by Alweg Monorail to build them a system for free, as long as Alweg got the contract to operate the system. The Monorail Society has a page looking at the city's decision, although considering their grossly misleading "Monorail vs. Other" page, it should probably be taken with a grain of salt. (Also, calling declining the monorail "LA's worst tansit decision" is debatable, especially considering the city had previously allowed one of the best streetcar networks in the world to be thrown to oblivion.)

I missed this blog. I'll try to post more moving forward.

Light Rail News, 29 December 2004

2004-12-29T01:35:00.000-06:00

Future unclear for light rail line (South Jersey CourierPost) - After reaching a peak in July, ridership on the River LINE has declined, raising questions anew about the nature and viability of South Jersey's new light rail line.

Monorail News, 25 December 2004

2004-12-25T01:14:00.000-06:00

Las Vegas Monorail reopens (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - "After a lengthy shutdown, train officials expect 30,000 riders today and Sunday."

Vegas tries to get troubled monorail back on track (Chicago Tribune) - "When it opened in mid-July, this city's sleek $650 million monorail was supposed to be the envy of the nation, a high-tech public transit system paid for without taxpayer money that would be so popular it could even turn a profit. Then bits and pieces of the trains started falling off during a major convention season, and the thing had to be shut down Sept. 8 for major repairs. By Thanksgiving, newspaper cartoonists and tourists were dubbing it 'monofail.'"

Monorail News, 10 September 2004

2004-09-10T01:19:00.000-05:00

Monorail extension on hold (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - The Las Vegas Monorail won't carry passengers anytime soon, and the rail line's downtown extension is on hold until officials succeed in fixing problems that have bedeviled the new rail line. The $650 million, four-mile system has been closed since Wednesday, when a metal part connected to a drive shaft fell from a train. That was the third time this year debris has fallen off one of the trains. One official suggested the testing of the system might require its closure for weeks.

Monorail News, 7 Sep 2004

2004-09-07T17:06:00.000-05:00

Monorail re-opening scheduled for today (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - The Las Vegas Monorail is expected to re-open this morning after officials took at least four of the trains for a test run Monday afternoon to ensure the system's safety.

Monorail News, 4 Sep 2004

2004-09-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

Monorail still as holiday crowd arrives (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - Although tourists such as Fogle seemed to shrug off the monorail loss, system officials concede the rail line is suffering a black eye with its extended shutdown into Labor Day weekend, one of the year's busiest getaway holidays. The monorail, closed since a wheel fell from a train Wednesday morning, is almost certain to stay shuttered today. When it might resume service is a day-to-day decision. Officials say they won't pile people back on board until they are sure the system is safe.

Light Rail News, 4 Sep 2004

2004-09-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hoboken, Weehawken light rail stations to open Tuesday (Jersey City Reporter) - After years of planning, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is about to wrap its way around Hoboken's west side and into Weehawken. The Hudson Bergen Light Rail system will then have 20 stations in operation running from 22nd street in Bayonne to Weehawken. The new segment from the Hoboken Terminal to Weehawken is approximately 2.6 miles long.

Monorail News, 2 Sep 2004

2004-09-02T22:13:00.000-05:00

Las Vegas monorail shuts down in midst of trade show hubbub (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - The Las Vegas Monorail took a pratfall on its biggest stage to date Wednesday when a tire fell from one of its trains, leading to a systemwide shutdown during one of the valley's largest annual conventions. Monorail officials were waiting until today to decide when to reopen the 4.4-mile system, after getting a second opinion on why a 20-inch, 60-pound rubber tire broke off a train around 8 a.m.

Vegas Monorail shut down after wheel falls off (CNN) - The $650 million Las Vegas Monorail was shut down Wednesday after a mechanical problem caused a wheel to come off one of the cars, a company spokesman said.

Light Rail News, 28 Aug 2004

2004-08-28T21:23:00.000-05:00

Engineers may redesign signals along light-rail line (Minneapolis StarTribune) - Adjustments included revamping the timing of the left- and right-turn arrows on Hwy. 55. Now officials have concluded that all possible changes have been made to the signal equipment, so they'll next turn their attention to shortening the preemption cycle.

Houston Light Rail Smackdown, Part 58

2004-08-26T23:25:00.000-05:00

58th light-rail accident sends woman to hospital (Houston Chronicle) - Witnesses said the woman drove through a red light at about 11 p.m. on eastbound Pierce Street at Main Street when the southbound light-rail train struck her Chevrolet Cavalier.

Light Rail News, 25 Aug 2004

2004-08-25T01:51:00.000-05:00

Name that light rail station (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - King County Councilman Dwight Pelz, who chairs the Sound Transit committee overseeing construction of the 14-mile light rail line, urged the agency to open up the process and ask communities along the line what names they'd like to see on the stations.

Editorial: Too many cooks spoil light rail recipe (The Virginian Pilot) - Virginia Beach and Norfolk, longtime rivals that they are, can’t seem to make regional cooperation work -- even when they try hard. A case in point is the current impasse over the purchase of Norfolk Southern’s freight line for use as light rail.

PUC judge to hear light-rail complaints (Pasadena Star-News) - A state Public Utilities Commission judge, who for two years has weighed legal arguments about Gold Line noise, will gain firsthand exposure to local complaints today.

Light Rail News, 24 Aug 2004

2004-08-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

Neighbors want Mueller in light rail plan (News 8 Austin) - The group of neighborhoods wants Capital Metro to include an extension of the proposed commuter rail line to the old airport land.

Monorail News, 23 Aug 2004

2004-08-23T01:46:00.000-05:00

Commentary: Vegas Monorail: Disaster Or Work In Progress? (KTVU-TV, San Francisco) - If you listen to the PR folks for the monorail it's all good. If you listen to the Las Vegas Review Journal, it's pretty bad. Who is right?

Light Rail News, 21 Aug 2004

2004-08-21T23:44:00.000-05:00

Minneapolis' new light-rail train shows what can be (Capital Times, Madison) - On Saturday, June 26, the quality of Andrew Brantingham's life took a sudden - and rather dramatic - turn for the better. On that day, the first segment of Minneapolis' long-awaited, much ballyhooed - and still controversial - Hiawatha high-speed light-rail line opened.

Mall visitors boost light-rail ridership (San Jose Mercury News) - Riders are returning to light rail, but it's where they're headed that might be the big surprise: the mall. According to new Valley Transportation Authority figures, ridership climbed to nearly 566,000 in July -- a 31 percent increase over a year ago.

Light rail maintenance facility contract awarded (Phoenix Business Journal) - Valley Metro Rail awarded a $57.6 million contract to construct its light rail maintenance and storage facility. A joint venture between Sundt Construction Inc. of Phoenix and California-based general contractor Stacy and Witbeck Inc. was the recipient of the contract.

Monorail News, 21 Aug 2004

2004-08-21T22:40:00.000-05:00

Monorail appeals to be heard Sept. 8 (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - The State Court of Appeals on Sept. 8 will hear two cases stemming from an attempt to halt Seattle's proposed new monorail.

Houston Light Rail Smackdown, Part 57

2004-08-20T23:23:00.000-05:00

Prisoner van struck by Metro light rail train (KHOU-TV Houston) - The latest Metro rail accident sent five people to the hospital. A Tarrant County Sheriff's prisoner van was struck by a Metro light rail train before noon Thursday. The van made an illegal turn at Main and Commerce and collided with a southbound train.

Monorail News, 19 Aug 2004

2004-08-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Knappster: 'Freebie' monorail starting to get expensive (Las Vegas Mercury) - In a brief Saturday editorial, the [Review-Journal] expressed reservations about the rhetorical cartwheels and other expressions of glee emanating from monorail headquarters in recent days over the latest ridership figures for the futuristic contraption, figures which unfortunately show the monorail is falling far below its own ridership projections, and far below what it needs to break even. As the R-J sees it, such numbers don't really justify the overt optimism being expressed by yarn-spinning monorail officials.

Light Rail News, 19 Aug 2004

2004-08-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

Light rail revenue, ridership exceed expectations (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal) - More than 462,400 passengers generated $360,000 in revenue during the first month the Hiawatha light-rail trains were in operation. Both figures were nearly double the expectations of the Metropolitan Council, which projected ridership of 231,400 and revenue of around $255,000.

Restaurants, strip club make way for light rail (The Charlotte Observer) - Talk about a diversified real estate portfolio. Guess who owns a strip club, a pool hall, a tombstone factory and a roller skating rink? The city of Charlotte. Those are some of the 59 businesses that Charlotte Area Transit System has bought to make room for its $398.7 million light-rail line.

Light Rail News, 5 Aug 2004

2004-08-05T21:16:00.000-05:00

Metro OKs funding for next light-rail project (Hillsboro Argus, Oregon) - Metro has approved a "local funding plan" for the Portland area's next light-rail project. It would run along the Interstate 205 freeway in Multnomah and Clackamas counties and through the transit mall in downtown Portland to Portland State University.

Light rail workers unveiling offbeat kiosks (East Valley Tribune, Arizona) - Light rail officials started one of their most visible information efforts Wednesday by unveiling offbeat kiosks to grab public attention. The kiosks come months before construction begins on the 20-mile Valley Metro Rail line. The only symbols of the $1.3 billion system so far are signs along the route in west Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix.

Monorail News, 2 Aug 2004

2004-08-02T23:48:00.000-05:00

Landlords emerge as foes to monorail (The Seattle Times) - With a possible vote to kill the monorail project looming in November, Seattle's major commercial-property owners have emerged as the most vocal and powerful critics of the $1.75 billion elevated transit system. It's a dramatic change from 2002, when landlords split over the successful monorail ballot measure, which narrowly was approved by city voters.

Monorail hub still homeless (The Seattle Times) - When Seattle voters approved a new monorail in 2002, a mid-downtown stop at Second Avenue and Madison Street was meant to be one of the busiest hubs on the line. Nearly two years later, the Seattle Monorail Project still hasn't yet acquired property for the station from the federal government.

Houston Light Rail Smackdown, Part 52

2004-08-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

Two hurt in light rail accident (KHOU-TV Houston) - The driver of a van and his passenger were taken to the hospital after pulling into the path of a Metro light rail train.

Monorail News, 1 Aug 2004

2004-08-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

Plans discussed for high tech monorail system in Michigan (WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids) - The plan calls for sleek, futuristic rail cars zipping people, vehicles and even cargo from Grand Rapids to Chicago in about a half hour. The hydrogen powered rail system, with the ability to reach speeds of 300 mile per hour, would built along existing freeways.

Puget Sound-Off: Should Seattle vote again on the monorail? (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - Do you think the initiative, pushed by opponents of the line, is a necessary vote on a troubled project, or just another example of Seattle's inability to stick with a transit project? The Seattle Post-Intelligencer posed that question to readers earlier this week.

Light Rail News, 1 Aug 2004

2004-08-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Some motorists OK with light rail (Minneapolis StarTribune) - A red light that lasted six minutes and other traffic signals that don't seem to respond when they should did little on Wednesday to chill the support some drivers have for light rail. Call it a Minnesotan's willingness to endure. It's a far cry from the first weeks after the Hiawatha light-rail opening, when drivers complained long and loud about traffic delays. A few continue to rail against what they say are unjustifiable holdups.

Light rail sparks development, pedestrian lifestyle (KHOU-TV Houston) - Metro had predicted that over time, rail wouldn't just move people efficiently, it would act like a big, long magic wand on wheels, transforming blighted areas with new development like apartments, town homes and offices.

Light-rail property budget on mark (Charlotte Observer) - Charlotte has bought most of the property it needs for its light-rail line and may come in below its $39 million budget.

Folsom light-rail extension may be delayed (Sacramento Bee) - A Sacramento Regional Transit light-rail extension to Folsom could be delayed two to three months, officials said. Regional Transit still anticipates opening the extension next spring, but delays in awarding construction contracts could push back the project's expected completion date, said Dave Conover, project director.

Light Rail News, 28 Jul 2004

2004-07-28T23:56:00.000-05:00

Light-rail critic says tie-up kept quiet (St. Paul Pioneer Press) - Minnesota Department of Transportation officials have known for years that Hiawatha light-rail trains could cause traffic tie-ups on nearby Hiawatha Avenue but kept that information from the public, a leading critic claimed Tuesday. Rep. Phil Krinkie, R-Shoreview, contends that some MnDOT officials tried to delay public knowledge of the potential for congestion to preserve the $715 million line's political prospects.

Funding NYC Transit (With Advertising)

2004-07-27T23:25:00.000-05:00

Now a Message From a Sponsor of the Subway? (The New York Times) - Facing what it says could be budget gaps of more than $1 billion in the coming years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the keeper of the region's mass transit system, is exploring selling naming rights to its subway stations, bus lines, bridges and tunnels.

Light Rail News, 27 Jul 2004

2004-07-27T23:23:00.000-05:00

Krinkie: State hid LRT traffic data (Minneapolis StarTribune) - State officials knew years ago that the Hiawatha light-rail line would tie up traffic on nearby streets in Minneapolis, but they hid the information to keep the $715 million project on track, a state legislator alleged Tuesday.

Hennepin County wants its name on light-rail cars (Minneapolis StarTribune) - After contributing millions of dollars toward the Hiawatha light-rail line -- and watching it open to widespread praise -- Hennepin County wants its name on the trains. The County Board has voted to ask the Metropolitan Council, which operates the rail line, to list Hennepin County prominently on the rail cars and on all marketing material.

Light Rail Is Kept Off Ballot Again (Los Angeles Times) - Rather than let voters have a say in the controversial CenterLine project, Orange County transportation leaders on Monday said they would try to build political support for the $1-billion light-rail system among local cities. For the second time in a month, the Orange County Transportation Authority's Board of Directors killed a proposal to place an advisory measure on the November ballot as a possible way to persuade Congress to help fund the project.

Monorail News, 26 Jul 2004

2004-07-26T23:57:00.000-05:00

Monorail a big hit in Vegas, but here? (Houston Chronicle) - Back then, Houston would have been the first city to construct monorail for public transportation. But now, as Metropolitan Transit Authority officials re-examine how to extend the Bayou City's new rail system, there is a shiny new monorail line in Nevada's desert playground that supporters insist will prove to be the mass-transit mode of the future.

Monorail News, 25 Jul 2004

2004-07-25T17:28:00.000-05:00

Las Vegas Monorail Rolls Above Strip Traffic (The New York Times) - It's been called a Disneyland for adults, and now Las Vegas has one more attraction to make that analogy fit: a monorail. Faced with perpetual traffic jams on the Strip, Las Vegas opened a monorail line on July 15 that can whisk passengers to any of seven stations that serve nine resorts and the city's convention center.

Monorail Debate: No-bid deal fuels skeptics (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - Perception about whether the monorail is a monument to community good will or a patronage operation might depend upon whom you trust. Skeptics say it's hard to know what's going on. They fret that no-bid contracting with minimal disclosure leaves the system -- and millions of dollars in cash flowing downstream -- woefully unaccountable.

Monorail recall effort certified (The Seattle Times) - Unless the Seattle Monorail Project is able to derail it, a ballot measure that could kill the proposed 14-mile elevated train project will go before Seattle voters in November. King County Elections yesterday certified that Initiative 83, sponsored by Monorail Recall, had gathered the required 17,229 signatures to put the measure on the ballot. County officials said they verified 17,250 signatures before certifying it for the ballot.

Light Rail News, 24 Jul 2004

2004-07-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

Charlotte receives light rail grant (News 14 Carolina) - Charlotte's planned light rail system has been awarded $11.5 million in the form of grants for the city's South Corridor Light Rail Transit Project.

Houston Light Rail Smackdown, Part 51

2004-07-23T23:57:00.000-05:00

No one injured in SUV collision with Metro train (Houston Chronicle) - No one was injured in a collision between a MetroRail train and a sport utility vehicle near Reliant Park on Thursday.

Monorail News, 23 Jul 2004

2004-07-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

Monorail bidder seeks extension (The Seattle Times) - One of two teams competing to build the Green Line urged the Seattle Monorail Project this week to delay the final-proposal deadline by two weeks. An official with Seattle Monorail Project said the request had been received, but the agency has no plans to delay the Aug. 16 deadline, which was postponed for two months in May at the request of both teams.

Preview of New Arizona Light Rail System

2004-07-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

Valley Metro has posted animations and still renditions of the light rail line being built to link Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

Monorail News, 22 Jul 2004

2004-07-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

Monorail-killing measure advances (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - Barring a successful legal challenge, Seattle voters will soon get to vote on an initiative that would effectively kill the West Seattle-to-Crown Hill monorail system they narrowly approved in 2002. Opponents of the line have gathered the 17,229 valid signatures needed to put the $1.6 billion line's fate on the November ballot, and the acting president of the City Council said that's where it's headed.

Light Rail News, 21 Jul 2004

2004-07-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

Metro stands by northside light rail (Houston Chronicle) - Metro's president reassured a group of northside community advocates Tuesday that the transit authority is proceeding with plans to break ground on schedule for a light rail extension into their neighborhoods. Frank Wilson, who assumed office two months ago, told about 30 North Corridor Coalition members that the Metropolitan Transit Authority's voter-approved expansion plan remains intact despite comments from several new board members suggesting that preferred alignments need to be re-examined.

Light rail readies for airport landings (Minneapolis StarTribune) - Next stop on the Hiawatha light-rail line: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. By the looks of things, when service gets there in December, the airport will be ready.

Cleaver promises to push for light rail (Kansas City Star) - If elected to Congress, Emanuel Cleaver said Tuesday, he will work to bring light rail to Kansas City. “Light rail is going to be one of the issues that I will spend a considerable amount of time pushing,” he told the editorial board of The Kansas City Star. Cleaver, a former Kansas City mayor, is running for the 5th District seat held by Rep. Karen McCarthy, who is retiring.

New Spokane Light Rail Options (KXLY-TV, Spokane) - The Spokane Transit Authority is coming out with some new, lower cost options for the light rail project in Spokane County.

Fare Inspectors Start Work On Light Rail Line (WBAL-TV, Baltimore) - The MTA has hired 10 inspectors to patrol trains to seek proof that passengers have paid the full fare. Those who ride without paying will now face a penalty.

Monorail News, 20 Jul 2004

2004-07-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

Monorail foes pick up more I-83 signatures (The Seattle Times) - The likelihood of another vote on the Seattle Monorail gained steam yesterday when sponsors of Initiative 83, a ballot proposition that could kill the proposed 14-mile elevated train project, turned in an additional 7,309 signatures. That gives sponsors a total of 37,542 signatures, more than double the 17,229 valid signatures needed to win a place on the November ballot.

Light Rail News, 18 Jul 2004

2004-07-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

Column: Twin underwater tunnels for light rail make sense (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) - The twin tunnels aren't $400 million tunnels. The entire project is $363 million. Boring the twin tunnels is estimated to cost from $55 million to $60 million, not including the tracks, power, signals and lights. The rest of the money will be used for those things and four stations, elevating the line across the North Shore and buying eight new light-rail vehicles.

Monorail News, 17 Jul 2004

2004-07-17T23:57:00.000-05:00

Monorail's first day smooth as 30,515 use new system (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - The Las Vegas Monorail drew 30,515 passengers on its first day of service Thursday, according to company officials, who declined to say whether the number met projections.

Monorail News, 16 Jul 2004

2004-07-16T22:58:00.000-05:00

Monorail opens on the Strip to rave reviews (Las Vegas Review-Journal) - After a private debut Wednesday, the world's first fully automated monorail mass transit system opened to the public Thursday morning. The 4.4-mile system runs between Sahara and Tropicana avenues on a route east of the Strip.

Monorail opens in Las Vegas after months of delays (CNN) - After months of delays, Las Vegas launched a $650 million monorail Thursday that shuttles gamblers to casinos on the Strip while easing traffic along the stretch of glittering resorts.

Light Rail News, 15 Jul 2004

2004-07-15T23:20:00.000-05:00

Steps taken to improve safety of METRO light rail (KTRK-TV, Houston) - On Thursday METRO held a meeting to discuss ridership and safety issues. Two specific ways they say they're stepping up safety for drivers and pedestrians: better signs and clearer pavement markings. Since the light rail started up in January, there have been 49 accidents. Now, METRO Chairman David Wolff says they're down to an average of one accident a week.

Light Rail News, 13 Nov 2003

2003-11-13T22:46:00.000-06:00

Could light rail drive out South Blvd. diversity? (Charlotte Observer) - Some say light rail could bring major changes to the burgeoning Latino district after the trains start barreling along the South Boulevard corridor in 2006. Dozens of Latino businesses operate along about four miles of South Boulevard between Clanton Road and Arrowood Road, and shops and restaurants open practically every month. But some development experts say the train stations could lead to pricey development, pricing Latino businesses off the street.

Light-rail funds included in bill's final form (Phoenix Business Journal) - The Valley's proposed light-rail system is poised to receive $18 million in federal funds via a spending measure that could soon be approved by Congress.

Light Rail News, 9 Nov 2003

2003-11-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

Dreams of expansion mark light-rail groundbreaking ceremony (The Seattle Times) - Even before a scooping machine dumped its honorary first load of dirt at the site of Sound Transit's future light-rail maintenance base, elected officials at a groundbreaking ceremony signaled they will soon promote additional train lines.

Light Rail News, 8 Nov 2003

2003-11-08T23:24:00.000-06:00

Groundbreaking today for light rail (The Seattle Times) - Today's groundbreaking "will be seen as a moment of celebration as we begin to bring rail — not just this one route," predicted Dwight Pelz, a Sound Transit board member whose Metropolitan King County Council district includes much of the corridor. However, today's milestone has also come at an enormous cost that will challenge anyone who asks the taxpayers to fund additional lines any time soon.

Light Rail News, 7 Nov 2003

2003-11-07T15:17:00.000-06:00

Opinion: Light rail--and commuters--move ahead (Seattle Post Intelligencer) - by Greg Nickels, Seattle Mayor. "The benefits from light rail, of course, will be felt throughout the city. The hub system we are building will transform how our city grows and how we think about mobility."

Editorial: A deeper hole for light rail (Seattle Post Intelligencer) - No court decision, no matter how favorable, may be able to bridge the breach of public trust if the agency insists on collecting a tax that voters thought they'd repealed.

Column: When light rail ran like Enron (Houston Chronicle) - The result was a highly successful real estate development and a prosperous light rail line -- eventually. But along the way, Carter indulged in another dimension of free enterprise. Let's call it his Early Enron Period.

Light Rail News, 6 Nov 2003

2003-11-06T20:05:00.000-06:00

Council wants study of O'ahu light-rail plan (Honolulu Advertiser) - Following a governor's task force recommendation for a $2.6 billion light-rail transit system for O'ahu, the City Council yesterday called for a study of the proposal that would connect West O'ahu to downtown Honolulu. Transportation Chairman Nestor Garcia said the study would help the council make an informed decision when it decides whether to support an above-ground line.

Central Ohio Transit Authority picks consultant for light rail study (Columbus Business First) - The COTA has chosen Woodside Consulting Group Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., to study the feasibility of building a light rail transit line to connect downtown Columbus and the Polaris area.

Light Rail News, 5 Nov 2003

2003-11-05T23:51:00.000-06:00

Houston voters pass light rail measure (News 8 Austin) - A new light rail system to debut in January narrowly passed into reality for the nation's fourth largest city. The ballot proposition authorizes up to $640 million in revenue bonds to expand a new light rail system.

Mixed Transit News, 5 Nov 2003

2003-11-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

New light-rail and bus proposal has $4.8 billion price tag (Rocky Mountain News) - The Regional Transportation District on Tuesday put a new $4.8 billion price tag on its ambitious rapid- transit expansion known as FasTracks, restoring pieces it had cut in August. The latest proposal would build all the rail and bus rapid-transit corridors proposed in the original plan but would pay for it by stretching the construction period from 10 years to 12 and by reducing initial service on some lines.

Light Rail News, 3 Nov 2003

2003-11-03T21:43:00.000-06:00

Federal funding won't cover light-rail line to airport (Sacramento Business Journal) - The proposal to build a light-rail line from downtown through Natomas to Sacramento International Airport has no realistic chance of securing federal funding, which is vital for such major projects, according to a new analysis by local transportation officials. That could mean years of delay in plans for rail service to the terminal by 2012.

Contractors rev up for light rail (Puget Sound Business Journal) - Construction executives as well as labor leaders and local manufacturers are looking forward to a boost as Sound Transit moves ahead with building Seattle's light-rail system. Last week's release of $500 million in federal funds finally sets them to work on the initial aspects of the long-delayed, $2.4 billion system.

Light Rail News, 2 Nov 2003

2003-11-02T14:32:00.000-06:00

Light rail leading in survey (Houston Chronicle) - Metro's transit referendum holds a solid lead heading into Tuesday's election, according to a Houston Chronicle/KHOU-TV poll. Despite a heavy advertising campaign that has been building opposition in recent weeks, the survey shows that 44 percent of respondents in the Metro service area support rail while 30 percent oppose it.

Light-rail proposed for Grand Canyon visitors (Arizona Daily Sun) - Grand Canyon Railway is officially proposing the creation of a $186 million high-speed light rail line aimed at easing traffic congestion along the South Rim -- a project it first discussed in January 2002.

Light Rail News, 31 Oct 2003

2003-10-31T21:19:00.000-06:00

Sims vows to forge ahead on light rail (Puget Sound Business Journal) - Sound Transit Chairman Ron Sims said Friday that the agency will break ground on the Link Light Rail system within two weeks despite the state Supreme Court's decision Thursday that the initiative lowering car-tax tabs to $30 is constitutional. Much of the local funding for the light-rail system comes from a 0.3 percent motor vehicle tax collected in King County. Though the initiative makes that collection illegal, the transportation agency sold bonds secured by that tax, and will continue to collect it until the bonds are paid off, Sims said.

Tucson, Houston, Kansas City to vote on light rail plans (Miami Herald) - Tucson isn't alone in asking voters next month to pave the way to a better transit system. Voters in Houston and Kansas City, Mo., will decide whether to approve funding for plans that include bolstering or building a light rail system.

Light Rail News, 29 Oct 2003

2003-10-29T23:45:00.000-06:00

Light-rail money long-term issue (Honolulu Advertiser) - The $2.64 billion light rail system proposed for O'ahu would be the biggest public works project ever undertaken in the state. Finding and keeping money for it are likely to be among the biggest challenges for local lawmakers in the next decade, officials said yesterday.

Light Rail News, 28 Oct 2003

2003-10-28T10:12:00.000-06:00

New rail plan offers options to METRO's light rail proposal (ABC 13 Houston) - Harris County has its own idea on how to relieve traffic. County Judge Robert Eckels released a preliminary study that claims to have a mobility solution for a lot less money in a lot less time. Monday he came out with a study that endorses larger commuter rail over an expanded form of light rail.

U.S. Senate OKs light-rail funding (Charlotte Business Journal) - The U.S. Senate has approved $950 million for transportation projects in North Carolina, including $18 million for construction of Charlotte's south corridor light-rail project. Expected to become operational in 2006, the 10-mile rail line will connect uptown and Interstate 485 north of Pineville.

Monorail News, 25 Oct 2003

2003-10-25T23:29:00.000-05:00

Is monorail light years ahead of a light rail? (News 8 Austin) - Traffic creates major headaches for Central Texans on a daily basis. Leaders know a solution to the problem is crucial, but the question is, "Do we need more roads or some sort of passenger rail system for commuters?" Austin residents Michael DeBrino and Thomas Denney were so sick of traffic they created the Austin Monorail Project.

Light Rail News, 25 Oct 2003

2003-10-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Victory day for fans of light rail (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - It's official. The deal is done. Construction on the 14-mile light rail line from Westlake Center to South 154th Street near Sea-Tac Airport starts in two weeks at the Metro Busway and South Royal Brougham Way.

Light Rail News, 24 Oct 2003

2003-10-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

Light rail work within sight (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - Construction on Seattle's long-sought light rail line likely will begin in a few weeks as the Sound Transit board moved quickly yesterday to deal with conditions laid down by an influential congressman for freeing up a critical $500 million federal grant agreement for the project.

Editorial: White House sides with light rail plan (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) - Could it be that we're really going to build a transit system here? Credit the Bush administration for sticking with light rail, although the impetus may have come from the political wing of the White House.

Congressman OKs Sound Transit funds if Eastside tax dollars are not used (King County Journal, Washington State) - The proposed light-rail line serving the Seattle area chugged forward Wednesday as a key lawmaker withdrew his opposition. U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., gave conditional approval to an agreement authorizing $500 million in federal funding for the rail line. If approved, the deal will bar Eastside tax dollars from being spent on the project.

Light Rail News, 22 Oct 2003

2003-10-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

City leaders would like new downtown light rail line (KATU 2 Portland) - Portland city leaders want to expand light rail in downtown and they spent Tuesday night listening to what the public thinks about the plan. The idea is to have the MAX run along the bus mall on 5th and 6th Avenues, connecting Union Station and Portland State University.

In key week for light rail, a meeting at White House (The Seattle Times) - U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn, an Eastside Republican and longtime critic of Sound Transit, traveled to the White House yesterday to speak with President Bush's top political adviser, Karl Rove. Dunn, R-Bellevue, brought along Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., an influential subcommittee chairman who is holding up a $500 million federal grant Sound Transit needs to begin construction of its light-rail system. Also attending the half-hour meeting was Rep. George Nethercutt, a Spokane Republican running for U.S. Senate. Sound Transit officials say the federal money is crucial to breaking ground on the Seattle-to-Tukwila route. Without it, they say, the project will die.

Light Rail News, 21 Oct 2003

2003-10-21T23:51:00.000-05:00

Meetings to provide information on light-rail construction (Phoenix Business Journal) - Starting tonight, Valley Metro Rail is holding a series of forums to unveil its plan to assist businesses during construction of the light-rail route.

Memphis light rail route expected to be announced by next summer (WMC-TV5 Memphis) - The final route of the planned $400 million light rail line from downtown to Memphis International Airport will be decided next summer, officials say.