636 replies to this topic

[burt]

I'm not sure how up-to-date this Southeast High Speed Rail plan is -- in fact, I may have posted it elsewhere in this thread.

I'm posting it because the new Shockoe Bottom Plan (see today's entry in Richmond Development topic) doesn't appear to be doing much in support of train traffic (perhaps as many as 32 daily trains) when and (BIG) if the SEHSR dream is ever realized.

WARNING:  It is a long PDF file.

http://www.sehsr.org...van1_psh_01.pdf

[burt]

A personal comment on Amtrak service:

On my recent round-trip New York/Richmond/New York, trains in both directions were on time -- in fact, the return trip to Penn Station arrived 10 minutes early.

There were a couple of scheduling changes -- one pleasing and the other iritating:  Apparently a few minutes have been trimmed between the run from Staples Mill to Main Street.  It now takes 23 minutes.  I believe until recently, it was scheduled as about 27 minutes.

The iritating one was a lay-over of almost an hour in Washington on the northbound 8:00AM train #84 from Staples Mill.  The lay-over is built into the schedule.  If it were shortened to less than half an hour, the run between Richmond and Penn Station would be less than 6 hours total.

Southbound just prior to Christmas the train was packed to the gills between Penn Station and Union Station in DC and almost full to Richmond and points east.  Lots got off at Staples Mill and a goodly number disembarked at Main Street. A few passengers even boarded there. Arrival of that train (#95) is scheduled at 5:12PM at MSS and I was inside the station at exactly that time where maybe 25 people were waiting for the 6:05PM northbound train.

[DalWill]

Any more information on the Bus Rapid Transit system? It could very beneficial for the entire region. And the need for streetcars is a must in this city.

[burt]

DalWill, on 08 January 2012 - 02:53 PM, said:

Any more information on the Bus Rapid Transit system? It could very beneficial for the entire region. And the need for streetcars is a must in this city.

Welcome, DalWill.

There has been no news about BRT recently, as far as I know.

Nor has there been further discussion on a downtown bus transfer terminal since the Mayor nixed Main Street Station as a site and announced it would be in a new structure on Grace between 6th and 7th across from Richmond CenterStage.

It doesn't look like fixed rail trolleys will return to Richmond, either.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

burt, on 08 January 2012 - 05:01 PM, said:

Welcome, DalWill.

There has been no news about BRT recently, as far as I know.

Nor has there been further discussion on a downtown bus transfer terminal since the Mayor nixed Main Street Station as a site and announced it would be in a new structure on Grace between 6th and 7th across from Richmond CenterStage.

It doesn't look like fixed rail trolleys will return to Richmond, either.

Not only that, but if you go to the Broad Street Rapid Transit Study website (http://study.ridegrtc.com/), and read at the top, it will say "we anticipate the next round of public meetings to be held in early spring of 2012."

That is sickening.... NEXT ROUND OF PUBLIC MEETINGS? If GRTC & the city were a little more intelligent, they'd probably realize that now the people want ACTION & RESULTS, not more meetings, studies, or environmental assesments.....

Anyway, it is supposed to a meeting on the "Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)". But I'm sure that the 1.2 million people of Greater Richmond could probably care less as long as they actually see it running in at least 5 years.... I mean THINK about it! We have to prepare for the Road World Championships in 2015! That's in 3 YEARS! And we all know that even a fast-acting transit system can't build a rapid transit line in 3 years, let alone Richmond, who can't even get the analysis done in 3 years.... the first meeting was held in February of 2010..... so next month it will be 2 years since the 1st public meeting.... without a good transit system, Richmond could fall into a literal chaos with the 400,000 athletes, families, and media roaming and running (or biking) around.... RVA needs to get itself straight and figure out what it wants before its too late, if it isn't already.....

But, on the note of trolleys, according to an old article on BizSense, a man formerly associated with the Segway of Richmond has bought 3-4 "trolley cars" and brought them over to RVA.... but it won't take a detective to figure out that they are just regular ol' buses painted with the words "Richmond Trolley" in big letters on the sides..... but then again, if somehow, they can replace the wheels with those rail-line things, and build rails into the streets, Richmond can have a nice trolley system again, and if everything gets done in 3 years, we can debut it for the 2015 biking champs.


......but we can only dream about that, especially with the pace we're at right now.....

Edit: oh yeah, and welcome to the club, DalWill Please excuse our city's sheer slowness in getting things done

Edited by RVA-Is-The-Best, 08 January 2012 - 06:06 PM.

[Icetera]

I hate to say it as I love trolleys but trolleys at this point a trolley-system would be a waste of money without any benefit beyond a tourist attraction.  Wheeled-buses do everything a trolley can do with more flexibility and less cost (plus they are already implemented).  I do believe we need at least the BRT running prior to 2015 (with hope for later Light-rail as proposed) but will not hold my breath.

[DalWill]

Trust me, I widely confused and ashamed as the next person. It's easier to tell this city (city council and some citizens) "CATCH A BRICK". Instead, I would like to find a way to bring all these issues to the forefront in the city council public meeting with class and intellect. Currently, I'm doing research from our geographically boundaries, history, failed development plans and much more, so I can summarize it into a essay of some kind. Or it's best if I could just present this information to any of the public figures who works in City Hall so they can possibly handle it ways where I possibly couldn't (though it may take a while because it's a struggle doing this and attending college ). I'm not doing a regular study or analysis, but I will gather facts to expose the current situation where dealing with.

I've been interested in Richmond's complicated situation as I grew older. Even though there's TONS more that I can learn about this city, I'm doing baby steps right now.

Here's the thing that bothers me about this region...

1.) Many say that city council is what holds our city from progressing at a faster rate. While I think we should be faster, it's better than nothing at all. At least we   know that we are growing.
2.) What kills me it that most of the blame goes to the governments of Henrico, Richmond,and Chesterfield, but forget that OUR OWN CITIZENS hold us back as well because they want to maintain the way of living that Richmond resides in currently ("they" as in whoever considered the stereotype of "old money"), and there is a A LOT in this region that need to be both ADDRESSED and CHANGED.
3.) Many fear economic change because it will destroy the historic fabric of the city. There's a way we can grow visually and conceptually without sacrificing our historical background (if it's pride residing in racial divide to preserve the middle class just to group the poor, the flight to counties and considering ourselves still as the "Capital of the Confederacy", that we can do way with because that's part of our problem).
3.) Lack of social concerns considering poverty, segregated divide between certain areas, lack of transportation alternatives, corrupted school system in the ENTIRE region, lack of ethnic and minority input, lack of progress in underdeveloped areas that needs the most attention than other areas *East End, Highland Park, Southside, Manchester, Church Hill, Jackson Ward AND GILPIN COURT comes to mind* ignorance of leadership in all areas of the region and last but not least...Independent City-County Structure.
4.)Yet. Why is it that many of our economic situations comes to do this independent city-county structure? Actually, has this even been addressed in public meetings? It's one of the many reason why we can't get many of our projects (including transportation) completed is because the lack of regional cooperation. This needs to be addressed NOW.

There's more that I can say, but I getting off topic about what this thread is about. This my two-cent rant, I apologize. THANKS for welcoming me. For over a year (in a half, I believe), I've read this board as was inspired. It made me have a reason for my input on what this city should bring because our standards are LOW. Anyway, I still feel we need a trolley system and other form of rapid transit system since we have minimal evidence of becoming a "global city" and if Mayor Jones wants us to become a "tier one" city. If we are going to broadcast our city in 2015, then we need to do some tier one thinking then. No "IF's, AND's or BUT'S".

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

DalWill, on 09 January 2012 - 04:12 PM, said:

Trust me, I widely confused and ashamed as the next person. It's easier to tell this city (city council and some citizens) "CATCH A BRICK". Instead, I would like to find a way to bring all these issues to the forefront in the city council public meeting with class and intellect. Currently, I'm doing research from our geographically boundaries, history, failed development plans and much more, so I can summarize it into a essay of some kind. Or it's best if I could just present this information to any of the public figures who works in City Hall so they can possibly handle it ways where I possibly couldn't (though it may take a while because it's a struggle doing this and attending college ). I'm not doing a regular study or analysis, but I will gather facts to expose the current situation where dealing with.

I've been interested in Richmond's complicated situation as I grew older. Even though there's TONS more that I can learn about this city, I'm doing baby steps right now.

Here's the thing that bothers me about this region...

1.) Many say that city council is what holds our city from progressing at a faster rate. While I think we should be faster, it's better than nothing at all. At least we   know that we are growing.
2.) What kills me it that most of the blame goes to the governments of Henrico, Richmond,and Chesterfield, but forget that OUR OWN CITIZENS hold us back as well because they want to maintain the way of living that Richmond resides in currently ("they" as in whoever considered the stereotype of "old money"), and there is a A LOT in this region that need to be both ADDRESSED and CHANGED.
3.) Many fear economic change because it will destroy the historic fabric of the city. There's a way we can grow visually and conceptually without sacrificing our historical background (if it's pride residing in racial divide to preserve the middle class just to group the poor, the flight to counties and considering ourselves still as the "Capital of the Confederacy", that we can do way with because that's part of our problem).
3.) Lack of social concerns considering poverty, segregated divide between certain areas, lack of transportation alternatives, corrupted school system in the ENTIRE region, lack of ethnic and minority input, lack of progress in underdeveloped areas that needs the most attention than other areas *East End, Highland Park, Southside, Manchester, Church Hill, Jackson Ward AND GILPIN COURT comes to mind* ignorance of leadership in all areas of the region and last but not least...Independent City-County Structure.
4.)Yet. Why is it that many of our economic situations comes to do this independent city-county structure? Actually, has this even been addressed in public meetings? It's one of the many reason why we can't get many of our projects (including transportation) completed is because the lack of regional cooperation. This needs to be addressed NOW.

There's more that I can say, but I getting off topic about what this thread is about. This my two-cent rant, I apologize. THANKS for welcoming me. For over a year (in a half, I believe), I've read this board as was inspired. It made me have a reason for my input on what this city should bring because our standards are LOW. Anyway, I still feel we need a trolley system and other form of rapid transit system since we have minimal evidence of becoming a "global city" and if Mayor Jones wants us to become a "tier one" city. If we are going to broadcast our city in 2015, then we need to do some tier one thinking then. No "IF's, AND's or BUT'S".

Agreed with everything you said except the minimal evidence of global city.

As of now, we are a "Gamma -" world city. Along with Austin, Milwaukee, and Orlando, we make up the only U.S. cities of the gamma minus level, the smallest level of a global city, but it is important that we are even on that exclusive list. We are on the bottom most level, but now, we can build on it. We are right there with cities like Durban, Wellington, Colombo and Marseille. This is the most recent list from GaWC, the "global cities" list coordinator. If you look at the Gamma- level and search a little, you'll find Richmond's name in between Tegucigalpa and Islamabad. But what may shock you is that some of the more deserving cities didn't make the cut, but rather onto the High sufficiency or Low sufficiency levels. There you'll find Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Memphis, San Antonio, and even New Orleans. Still don't believe we are "world class"? Wikipedia has us right there, too. Remember, Gamma- is the bottom most level on this list. But if we can quickly get a move on and build at least a BRT line, and makeover some of the horrid streetscapes that seem neglected or run-down, by the time the 2015 biking races come, we'll be hopefully at "Gamma+" or even "Beta-"....

Here's that official list: http://www.lboro.ac....world2010t.html
And here's Wikipedia's helping hand in proving it: http://en.wikipedia....iki/Global_city

Now remember, anyone can edit Wikipedia, and it can contain wrong information, but really, if it's anywhere else that no one can edit, especially like the GaWC website, then who's to say we aren't world class? Just remember, we may seem sluggish now, but we will do SOMETHING that will greatly benefit RVA, and in time for the 2015 champs!

[DalWill]

" but it is important that we are even on that exclusive list . We are on the bottom most level, but now, we can build on it ". Exactly, we just need to believe in that potential ourselves and don't let others tell us different (whether it be external or internal influences). Others believe that too. Check this out:

http://www.blogger.c...814585601639361
http://www.city-data...d-you-like.html
http://www.city-data...ase-city-4.html

I still say we need to stick with Main Street Station as the multi-modal transportation center for GRTC. But that's just me.
http://www.ridegrtc...._2015/index.asp

Edited by DalWill, 09 January 2012 - 05:35 PM.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

DalWill, on 09 January 2012 - 05:22 PM, said:

" but it is important that we are even on that exclusive list . We are on the bottom most level, but now, we can build on it ". Exactly, we just need to believe in that potential ourselves and don't let others tell us different (whether it be external or internal influences). Others believe that too. Check this out:

http://www.blogger.c...814585601639361
http://www.city-data...d-you-like.html
http://www.city-data...ase-city-4.html

I still say we need to stick with Main Street Station as the multi-modal transportation center for GRTC. But that's just me.
http://www.ridegrtc...._2015/index.asp

Sadly, the plan will probably be scrapped for the new Shockoe Revitalization Study, which plans on turning that glass and steel shed into a major hub for tourism and visitors center, to be illuminated at night as you pass by it on 95. But that plan is actually a pretty good one, but the main problem is retail with that. Ifwe can rope in Macy's or something, it would be ten times better than a bus transfer center..... but still at this point, and especially for high speed rail or light rail in the future, a transfer center seems like an excellent idea. Here's that new Shockoe study from the city:

http://www.ventureri...on Strategy.pdf

I remember visiting that site you posted from ridegrtc.com almost 2 years ago.... the plans for "2015 & Beyond" seem really exciting, especially the "Vision Rail" part. But we're going to need to see a lot more REGIONAL COOPERATION if we want that to happen. REGIONAL COOPERATION is probably the only thing holding Richmond back from moving forward. (and some of the ancient citizens who still want us to preserve our crumbling, blighted buildings).....

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

DalWill, on 09 January 2012 - 05:22 PM, said:

" but it is important that we are even on that exclusive list . We are on the bottom most level, but now, we can build on it ". Exactly, we just need to believe in that potential ourselves and don't let others tell us different (whether it be external or internal influences). Others believe that too. Check this out:

http://www.blogger.c...814585601639361
http://www.city-data...d-you-like.html
http://www.city-data...ase-city-4.html

I still say we need to stick with Main Street Station as the multi-modal transportation center for GRTC. But that's just me.
http://www.ridegrtc...._2015/index.asp

Also, speaking of that "My Richmond" blog, I never knew THAT many people believed in RVA and loved it so much! Richmond residents sure have more representation spirit than I thought I think I'll post my thoughts on that "My Richmond" site I'm pretty sure there's more than 500 individual posts for that site. It warms my heart to see that

Edit: okay....so there are only 202 posts on there (203 when I post there).... I guess I got a little carried away.... hehe..... ....

Edited by RVA-Is-The-Best, 09 January 2012 - 06:02 PM.

[burt]

The train to and from Norfolk is expected to begin running earlier than originally thought.  Service may begin by December 31st of 2012.

Since a few minutes have been shaved from the Staples Mill/Main Street Station run it's disappointing that some of the state funds to improve N/S and CSX tracks will not be spent for upgrades south of Main Street Station so that it could be a downtown stop for the new service.

From Peter Bacque in today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ear-ar-1620780/

[burt]

burt, on 18 January 2012 - 01:45 PM, said:

The train to and from Norfolk is expected to begin running earlier than originally thought.  Service may begin by December 31st of 2012.

Since a few minutes have been shaved from the Staples Mill/Main Street Station run it's disappointing that some of the state funds to improve N/S and CSX tracks will not be spent for upgrades south of Main Street Station so that it could be a downtown stop for the new service.

From Peter Bacque in today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ear-ar-1620780/

Here is a rendering of the Amtrak station now under construction at Harbor Park in Norfolk:

http://www.norfolk.g...ail/default.asp

[burt]

Peter Bacque has updated yesterday's story about the Norfolk Amtrak Service with information on expected ticket prices and estimated travel time -- about 4 and 1/2 hours betwwen Norfolk and Washington.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ear-ar-1620780/

[burt]

Recent reports are that some trains on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor in Virginia have moved into the profit column.  The  round-trip Lynchburg/Charlottesville/DC trains are among them as are the Newport News/DC round-trips (via Main Street Station in downtown Richmond.)  It is expected that the Norfolk/DC train (via Staples Mill Station in Richmond) which starts in December of 2012 will also prove to be a profitable run for Amtrak.

Meanwhile, the February 1st, 2012 report on Southeast High Speed Rail between Main Street Station in Richmond and downtown Raleigh has been released.

Warning:  It is a long PDF document, but worth the effort and time required to access it.

Scroll down about half way to see maps in Section AA beginning with Exhibit 3.

http://www.sehsr.org...port_020712.pdf

[wrldcoupe4]

Good news! Now we just need the $$$ to build it!

[calwinston]

VDOT sprucing up the city gateways before the Road World Cycling Championship comes to Richmond in 2015

http://www2.timesdis...ate-ar-1826530/

http://www.virginiad...ond_gateway.asp