NOLA public transport June 3 edition (Part 3 of 5 Uptown — Connecting St. Charles to Canal/Mid-City — #32 Leonidas/#11 Magazine/#39 Tulane/#27 Louisiana #16 Claiborneplus affecting #91 Esplanade & Jet’s E3, and affecting service to City park & Cemeteries )

Ok, I think that there is a better way to both serve the far uptown area, and better connect Uptown to Mid-City.

First, what is the point of the #32 Leonidas bus?

Second, we NEED a St. Charles (end) <—> Canal Connector

Ok with the #32, it connects Magazine to city park/NOMA, enters a ton of neighborhoods along the way along with connecting to the following lines #11 Magazine, The St. Charles Street Car, #39 Tulane, #27 Louisiana, The Canal Street Car (both to City Park & The Cemeteries), #91 Esplanade, and JeT’s E3 Jefferson Hwy(?).

I call it the handicap line better served by a ‘lil easy’. I suppose I can’t really comment since I’ve never taken it. It may have great ridership numbers, but its image sure prevents it from being ridden by me.

The reason I write this….

I was heading up to the end of the Canal Street Car line from Broadway and Willow. I head up to Claiborne and Carrolton to catch the #39 Tulane bus, and tell him I want to catch the #27 Washington. The driver says I should transfer to the Leonidas (does not pickup at Claiborne/Carrolton), and then Transfer to The Canal Street Car. I think not. The #27 heads out a few minutes after the #39, it drops off 100 feet from the end of The Canal Street Car line, and it involves only one transfer.

Here is the reasoning the #32 tries to do too much, and thus its service “sucks” according to the system map published on the web page, its frequency is 70 minutes and only runs on weekdays.

I am sorry I am not waiting more than an hour to catch a bus. Especially when we have a highly tourist line the St. Charles line that should connect with another highly tourist line the Canal line. Each with a published frequency of 8-15 minutes. That is 4-8/hour. Sometimes they run in pairs (officially). I think I saw a press release once (Spring 2011) saying the St. Charles frequently has 12+ cars per hour, and before Katrina it was up to 20 or so per hour.  Canal St. is a bit more fixed(?) on its times?

Either way, if a bus were to run from the end of the St. Charles line to Canal street. it would pick up the slack from #32 plus #39 (runs every 20-30 minutes) , #27 (running every 20-70 minutes), and helps tourism that rides the two streetcar lines. –Or are you trying to hide the tourists from the locals???, and suggesting they only ride the streetcars (and Magazine)? (BAD BAD BAD RTA!!!)

With this St. Charles/Canal Connector, the distance is 1.7 miles 1.9 with turn arounds. We are talking 5-10 minutes with traffic but no stops. Two busses can easily make 4 trips an hour each with stops. i.e. every 15 minutes. Add Layovers, breaks, and a buffer, and we are talking every twenty minutes 3 trips each direction.

If you don’t think you can count on Claiborne not being too crowded? The risk is already taken with the #39, and can be reduced if you use smart lights as I have talked about for years, and suggested here over 6 months ago.

How do you do this? One, Since this overlaps the #32& #39, you can cut out half of each of those lines. On the 32 that would free up 2 busses (the two needed for the connector). Then, it allows the #32 to run twice as often, and even pick up slack from the last 10 blocks of the #39.

I don’t need the #32 to run everywhere. If I can wait 70 minutes for a bus, let it do the job of winding through and serving the neighborhoods. Let it take us to a main line If I get the opportunity to wait only 30 minutes, I can wait the other 10 for a main line bus.

Oh and the St. Charles/Canal Connector would also connect the #16 Claiborne to mid-city something you currently have to transfer to the #39 and transfer to #32 (if its running) or #27 to get to …. or ride the #16 back into the city.

 

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NOLA public transport June 3 edition (Part 2 of 5 Uptown with a bike to Chalmette and mention of Kenner loop)

This is a continuation of my story of how clueless the NOLA RTA phone operators are.

Back in May I called the ride line saying I wanted to know when the next two busses close to Tulane university with a bike rack would be coming that could take me to the Industrial canal as I wanted to go to bike to an appointment in Chalmette.

They said to go to St. Charles. I said “So I can bring my bike on the street car?” They said no, and seemed clueless.

First, They should have said Claiborne, Feret, or even Magazine, but that was a 10 minute ride from Campus.

Well it turns out that the St. Clause bus actually crosses into the lower 9th. I know they have NOLA RTA there, but figured it was easier to just get to the canal. I thought they mostly just have the ‘lil easy’ (NOTE: they don’t mention ‘lil easy’ on there routes and schedules page. So I don’t know if any of them are flex routes without clicking on them. If none are, I don’t really/readily see info elsewhere on there web page on the ‘lil easy’. Some routes use little busses, but some are ‘lil easy’ routes that I believe are flex routes. Then there is the paratransit that is full flex type routes for the handicap individuals, and require an application and permit to ride.  )

If I would have gotten a lift on a bus I would have found out that St. Claude goes there even with a clueless RTA operator, but I ended up riding from Tulane to Chalmette completely on my bike.

Later, I have seen that the RTA is actually the transit authority serving St. Bernard as well — 51-52 St Bernard. (Oh they run the Kenner loop #201 too. That is instead of Jefferson Transit which serves the rest of Jefferson Parish and connects Kenner to Orleans Parish…. since Kenner is on the far edge of the suburbs… go figure)

In conclusion it turns out the #88 St. Claude & #84 Galvez (not sure how its modified with the Claiborne bridge over the canal out of service) both connect the Lower 9th/Chalmette with the rest of Orleans Parish. Caveat Galvez does not go all the way to Chalmette, but then I had my bike. Since my appointment was along Judge Perez Dr. (What Claiborne Ave turns into when it makes it to Chalmette) not St. Claude

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NOLA Public transport (part 1 of 5 — RTA Call takers; non-staggered schedule; biking Across or through the crescent)

Ok, my car died in April, and I’ve been taking public transportation a bit more. Here is some things I’ve found out.

Biking further out in the wheel/circle is not much longer than inside. I mean riding down magazine or even St. Charles was not too bad. Magazine was during the day, and like the quarter, I pretty much keep pace with the cars. I could have passed them, but didn’t feel like the trouble. I’ve followed a few busses, caught them and rode them. (However I still like Earheart, but have added Lafitte and Fontainebleau — See this weeks bike post)

I did call the info line a few times, and they are totally clueless. One time I asked when the next bus was leaving, and they said x. I asked when the next one was, and they said “you know it is an hourly bus”. No, but now I do. Well it turns out its not. (NOTE: It could have been I don’t remember, it could have been a weekend*) I was starting to get upset over the next few weeks when they said that the Feret #15 bus and the Claiborne #16 bus both end up uptown at the same time. (I’m thinking they should stagger adjacent bus lines so if you miss one, you can walk to the next one. Sure I understand that having them all meet at the same time means that they can meet other busses for transfers, but that is another point entirely)

Well, I knew the Claiborne bus shifts at some point, and shifts from about twice an hour to once an hour with at one point during the change over having an abnormally long time between busses as they don’t just eliminate a bus, and rather than cut the time they essentially cancel two and add a new one. (at least that is my thought on what it feels like.) But then as soon as the shift happens, its about time that they go back to two busses for the evening.

*Well it turns out that the Feret bus is not twice an hour on the weekends.

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NOLA public transport June 3 edition (Part 5 of 5 — Lost Items)

One final thing: I lost my keys on the bus. I fretted and worried all day trying to figure out where I left them. I disrupted several people’s day trying to figure it out.

Do yourself a favor. Make us feel good. Heck, one time it might even mean your day is not disrupted either at work or as an individual.

LOOK AT THE KEYS. Mine had a dogtag with my name and phone number on them. Many have frequent buyer cards that have a customer identification on them.

Why did I have to wait a day and call to see if you had them turned in?

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Look for posts on other New Orleans issues. . .

Crime Cameras

French Market

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NOLA City Council meeting/transportation committee (November 23, 2010)

I just came out of the transportation committee today. I didn’t make a comment, but many of my issues seem to be addressed. Perhaps not my individual issues, and I think I may submit my ideas directly to the people who presented as well as those on the committee.

Some loose ends they talked about, but I had not gotten to:

  • I had not talked about additional rail out of NOLA. I agree that the Baton Rouge to NOLA rail line is a must have. I just feel that the Slidell route needs to be worked on ASAP so they can determine if the bridge and/or pilings from the existing bridge that remains of the twin span is usable. (heck as a dedicated bus/HOV lane)
  • I also think the Desire streetcar UBT<<->> Canal  via Loyola and continued service down St. Claude as well as the proposed Convention center extension is necessary.
  • I really like the idea of connecting the two Algiers Ferries by making the paved levy bike trail between the two a priority.

The cab companies made a forced presentation, and they have stated a few things I agree with, and added to the things that really discredit the Cab companies.

First, In the past, they have shown to be an impediment to Pedi-cabs, basic Quarter loops (that small hop on train like they have in city park), and closing the quarter.  I must state that I frequently have issues getting a cab in the quarter, and when I get one, they don’t want to take me a short distance. This is the target market of these alternative transport options. They have totally different markets & business models, and would essentially not change the ridership of the cabs. Heck let the cab dispatcher dispatch the pedi cabs.

Second, they have shown no encouragement for energy efficiency. Many times people meet at the airport, and other places, and want to talk more, or at least share a cab, but if they let it be known they just met, they are forced to take two cabs. How efficient is that? Especially when cabs often have to drive without any passengers.

Third, the cabs complained about the bikes with many valid points — dark riding, wrong way riding, etc. all listed in my other post — but they made a stupid point about the bikes taking the drive lane. ***As I stated, Lolly gagging in the drive lane is not good, but fully using the lane is desired. There other point was that the bike lanes do not give 36″ to pass. ***If I am not mistaken, as long as each is in there own lane, the 36″ rule does not apply. The biker should not be riding the left line, and the automotive traffic should not be riding the line either when they are approaching a bike.

Fourth, they talk about the multi-modal (if I am using the right term) discussion not including cabs. To which, I say show us your statistics, how can you help reduce traffic, how can you improve HOV usage, improve energy efficiency, and both accommodate and encourage biking?  I don’t see them pushing to say they are bike friendly. Many cabs are large enough to put a bike into… Tout that; what about bike racks on the cabs to bring bikers that have had too much to drink home?

Finally, one statistic that I think is important, is that “there is a 78% improvement in right way riding along St. Claude since the bike lanes were installed.” That is a 78% reduction is riders going the wrong direction, or against the flow of traffic. I know there was some enforcement back in September, and while that helped, there has been none since, and I do still see wrong way riders. If it was the enforcement that made the improvement, they did very little, and it shows what a little enforcement would do to help prevent crossing the double white line on the Claiborne flyover ramp as I have discussed in another post.

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Bike Respect – New Orleans is the worst

Ok, this is one of my biggest pet peeves. Bikers that want respect without giving it.  New Orleans is one of the worst on both sides of the issue, and unless the bikers do there part, how can they expect any improvement? While I don’t ride a lot, if you don’t earn us the respect you don’t make me want to ride any more you are giving me a bad name.

Let me start with the bikers issues as they are easy fixes; Bikers in New Orleans:

  • Don’t wear helmets
  • Aren’t safe at night as they
    • Wear dark clothing
    • Don’t have reflectors
    • Don’t have lights
  • Ride the wrong direction
  • Lolly gag in drive lanes
  • Run lights and stop signs
  • Ride cramped
  • Get upset when a car passes after waiting for an opportunity

As for cars, they:

  • Don’t leave 3 feet to pass
  • Honk
  • Follow closely
  • Open doors without looking
  • Don’t stop behind the lines at intersections
  • Cross bike lanes without looking
  • Don’t look both directions at intersections
  • Do rolling stops
  • ((Help me here–give me your suggestions))

Ok, now that we have some issues on the table.

Let me break them down….

Helmets: Helmets are your own issue, but don’t get upset if you die or are incapacitated because you are not wearing a helmet. While the car may or may not be at fault, you are responsible to doing your part for protecting yourself. No amount of money is worth the consequences, and that is if you get any. Insurance companies have statistics showing that the helmet reduces costs dramatically, and if they can show you were not wearing one, they won’t have to pay.

Being visible: No amount of money is worth the consequences if you get injured because a car could not see you. Think about it a light colored outfit or at least a reflective band/vest along with lights and reflectors on your bike can make all the difference, and may even save your life.

Ride the wrong direction: This is one of my biggest pet peeves. A bike is considered a vehicle for a reason. For instance, at intersections, you are not as big as a car, so if you are coming from the wrong direction, you may blend in; especially since you are hugging the parked cars and telephone poles. You are not as slow as a pedestrian so you are not close enough to the intersection to be readily seen.

Ride the wrong direction II: If you are riding 10 miles per hour, and a car is going 30 or even 40 rather than approaching at 20 or 30 miles an hour, you are approaching at 40 or 50 miles per hour – – – 50 miles per hour does not leave much reaction time to prevent an accident.

Ride the wrong direction III: You can’t see the traffic signs. I was t-boned because a bike didn’t see that there should have been a stop sign; plus he was peddling super hard to try to beat a train. I didn’t have one so I didn’t stop (I often slow dramatically at most intersections in neighborhoods weather I have a stop sign or not.) Guess what, he got a ticket. I left it up to him to call, but he was in so much pain that he decided he might want to be checked out. He didn’t get treated.

Lolly gag in drive lanes: I am sorry, but its kinda hard to earn respect if you are blocking traffic. Wanna play, be aware and get out of the road when there is a car. Kids do it; why can’t adults?

Run lights and stop signs: Ok cars and bikes do that in New Orleans, but if you are going to do it, be extra aware. There is a whole movement in several states or cities (more on that when I have time to add a link)  to specifically allow it, or at least not ticket for it; i.e. stop lights/signs are treated as yield signs. I believe any accident is generally said to be the bikes fault if they should have stopped.

Ride cramped: there is no reason for a biker to ride cramped. This leads back to two of the other issues Be Visible & Don’t Lolly-gag. If you are riding right up against the parked cars, you open yourself up to being door’ed, and encouraging the car behind you to pass. If they don’t have the required 3 feet of room to pass WHY ENCOURAGE the car to pass you unsafely. Fill the lane. Motor bikers have been beating this into each others heads for years. You become visible and don’t encourage people to pass at the wrong time.  Plus, you generally end up riding slower, and that just pisses off the car behind you. REMEMBER, You want respect.

Get upset: I am sorry, but don’t yell at a vehicle that has waited patiently for a spot to pass you. Just politely get over, and let them pass. They may gun it, but hey let them get out of here. Heck perhaps its the only way you’ll hear some of these uber-quiet cars. Remember they respected you now show them some respect.

I am not going to talk about what the cars do wrong since we generally accept that they are doing these things wrong.

Its the bikers that think its ok to do it the wrong way. Even when they know its the wrong way.

NOTE: I frequently get upset at other bikers when I am biking. They put me in danger when they are doing it wrong.

Perhaps we can get a critical mass of people doing it right and finally earn some respect on the roads. I can not condone the critical mass rides when the thing being brought to attention is all the wrong things bikers do. Critical mass should obey the traffic rules more than others. After all 50 people going the wrong way down a road is not a simple thing of getting over to let a car pass. << –Actually happened one time, and immediately after –>> I ended up leaving town for a month and heard that the city started enforcing one way bike traffic on one way streets, and stopping at lights and stop signs. Neither of which I want to be forced to do — if I am careful for the one block I do it.

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