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#41 stjoe

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 12:58 PM

"I'm pretty sure FSU controls the routes TalTran runs on campus......for example, they added the Heritage Grove Express and those two shuttles that go between FSU & FAMU to a bunch of student housing complexes. They also control the actual routes......some time ago, a change was made where the bus goes down South Woodward by the diner.

As far as smaller buses........FSU can't control that, since TalTran itself decides what kind of buses to buy, how many, how big/small. But like I said before, they need to diversify their fleet. Here's an idea......FSU buys the buses, TalTran runs them.

FSU is a large bureaucracy.........I don't know if I'd want them running their own bus service. They tend to screw everything else up. I work at FSU, and the politics that go on here make me vomit. The bus service need not be politicized. It just needs to bloody work!"

Yea, because there are no politics in the COT  :whistling:


FSU would do a much better job of running it's bus service than the COT.  You think FSU is inefficient and full of politics?  Nothing compared to the COT.


FSU does have influence on where routes are and the design of buses (there are now FSU buses).  FSU also wants smaller buses which makes sesnse.  Basically FSU is considering it's own service and I think it will happen eventually because the COT and FSU just don't work well together.  Which is fine....I would rather them work seperately and not fight than work together and fight like we currently have.

 

#42 Florida

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 02:16 PM

I wonder what it is that keeps them from working well together. I don't think its the city's bureaucratic force, because staffing here is fresh and cooperative at nearly every level in this city.

I'd agree that FSU should probably do its own thing, but I wonder how that would impact students who currently use their FSU cards to get around the city as well as the campus.

Would the school continue to pay for students to travel around Tallahassee? If not, would the school's bus system provide students with transportation to key destinations far from the campus.

I'd like to see FSU do its own thing, and I'd like to see the City Continue to provide services to FAMU and TCC and compare the services.

#43 csmurphy8885

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 08:10 PM

I thought i read that fsu was going to have smaller busses that would allow for more routes (anyone who has drivin on campus agrees, the bus goes where it can go.

#44 Florida

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 08:15 PM

I heard something similar. The slant I heard was that busses need to be smaller on campus to allow for easier manuverability around tight corners. As it is now.... the TalTran busses need atleast 800ft of space ahead to make turns.

Smaller busses would be cool. I'd like to see the school do a little something different with the design on the actual bus. The "FSU" busses they rolled out this  semester look so old school. We should demand something bold and exciting... like the buses they have at UGA:

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#45 csmurphy8885

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 08:28 PM

looks good... that is a daily bus for students, not the football team !?!?! LOL!

#46 Florida

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 08:50 PM

I'd guess and say these busses serve the whole city.... but I'd be wrong because I saw another design near the airport. There were millions of these busses... I'd say at least 20 of them... I'd hope they don't have that many players on the football team.

#47 jpl02

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 08:51 PM

That's a nice looking bus!! :D Looks to me like a 40ft New Flyer.

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Yea, because there are no politics in the COT

I never said there were no politics in COT. I just thought FSU was a bad idea for running the bus service. Like you said, it may not be a bad idea. I really don't know the insider politics in COT, so FSU is probably better.

COT and FSU disagree because FSU wants parking garages, and COT wants increased bus ridership. I can see where they disagree, but FSU ain't going nowhere, so they might as well join hands and sing kumbaya  :P Wishful thinking, I know.

#48 Florida

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 09:07 PM

You've hit it on the head. FSU is totally going about the wrong way of planning for growth. The school has a sizeable budget and I think it could do a better job at coordinating with local developers who build these sprawling apartment communities where students must communte 3 miles or more to school. That's ridiculous.

Everything should be in mid-rise buildings around the campus. All of the apartment communities away from campus should be reserved for families and such, or singles not in college. Just my thought. It makes no since for use to waist the resources as students driving to school, looking for parking, going in circles, when one can simply walk across the street. Look at Pensacola Street, Augustine Steet, Lake Bradford.... there is tons of room there for growth. I think the possibility for some sort of transit oriented development is possible for both campuses. Dedicated bus lanes or rails that serve the school(s).

It would be the coolest thing.

#49 jpl02

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 09:27 PM

Quote

You've hit it on the head. FSU is totally going about the wrong way of planning for growth. The school has a sizeable budget and I think it could do a better job at coordinating with local developers who build these sprawling apartment communities where students must communte 3 miles or more to school. That's ridiculous.

Everything should be in mid-rise buildings around the campus. All of the apartment communities away from campus should be reserved for families and such, or singles not in college. Just my thought. It makes no since for use to waist the resources as students driving to school, looking for parking, going in circles, when one can simply walk across the street. Look at Pensacola Street, Augustine Steet, Lake Bradford.... there is tons of room there for growth. I think the possibility for some sort of transit oriented development is possible for both campuses. Dedicated bus lanes or rails that serve the school(s).

It would be the coolest thing.

I totally agree! For the longest time, I have longed for a light light rail system to transport people around FSU - something along the lines of a trolley, which just uses a single rail and can be easily built on top of existing infastructure. Or perhaps an automated people mover on rails, like MetroMover down in Miami. No drivers, completely automated. It can run on main travel paths around campus, and have certain safety features as to not injure pedestrians on the paths.

Buses are nice......but at FSU, they have limited capacity. They have to compete with congested traffic and 1920ish streets built before the age of the bus. Rails are a better answer. TalTran should really diversify and look into "lite" light rail and more.

#50 Florida

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Posted 03 November 2005 - 09:34 PM

In light of what you've said... I think FSU, not TalTran should look at the possibility of adding rail to campus. So should FAMU. I'd like to see how much it cost Disney to do their rail system... Im just curious .

I do think Rail is the answer to the troubles on campus... especially seeing as how we've got an access road North of the campus and Jefferson Street south of campus with mostly local traffic. Easy to implement a system.

#51 Florida

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 06:35 PM

TalTran getting a New Name.... Tomorrow!!!!

The city has kept details very quiet on this, nothing is known of the new name other than it has something to do with Tallahassee, and there's even a new line of busses that will roll out with the debut.

City hopes to lure riders with wireless internet access points on buses, in addition to a few other nice perks. Introduction of the New TalTran will be done tomorrow night at the City Commission Meeting.

#52 jpl02

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 08:10 PM

Quote

TalTran getting a New Name.... Tomorrow!!!!

The city has kept details very quiet on this, nothing is known of the new name other than it has something to do with Tallahassee, and there's even a new line of busses that will roll out with the debut.

City hopes to lure riders with wireless internet access points on buses, in addition to a few other nice perks. Introduction of the New TalTran will be done tomorrow night at the City Commission Meeting.

Where did you hear that? It certainly is great news!   :yahoo:

#53 Florida

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 08:45 PM

I work at City Hall Jase!!! There's been a buzz about this for about a week now. News finally broke on TV today which means I can now talk about it. But I'm not to say what the new name or design is.

#54 Florida

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Posted 08 November 2005 - 10:50 PM

The New Tallahassee Transit System will have a New Name and the Following:

Vehicle Paint Schemes - As part of the transit system’s reinvention and new branding, all of the transit vehicles will be painted with the new logo and paint scheme. Most of the work will be done in-house, but some vehicle painting will be outsourced in order to implement the change in a timely manner. The total cost for in-house and outsourced services is estimated to be $216,000. Total funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

New and Rehabilitated Buses - To better serve the community, the renaissance is proposing new routes and services to include expanding certain existing routes and developing commuter services. To accomplish this the transit system will purchase four new expansion vehicles and rehabilitate four existing newer vehicles. It is estimated that a new bus will cost $325,000, including new fareboxes and security cameras. These buses will be used for new routes and expanded services. The rehabilitation of the other four buses will be $80,000 and include fareboxes, security cameras, upholstery, etc. Total funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

Marketing Campaign - As part of communicating and educating the public of the new direction, services, amenities, conveniences and renewed commitment to transit excellence, a progressive marketing campaign is an essential component of the success of this plan. The marketing campaign will implement media advertising, community events, different campaigns, new marketing venues, and information distribution throughout the next three years. This campaign will be necessary to ensure the community is aware of and takes advantage of the new service, innovations, amenities etc. Most of the new projects identified in the Tallahassee Transit Renaissance will not be as affective without strong marketing efforts. $50,000 a year will be used each year between FY 2006 and FY 2008. The total cost for the three-year marketing campaign is $150,000.

Large Format Vinyl Graphics Machine - The transit industry, as well as other industries requiring repeated vehicle painting, has begun to fully understand the value of using vinyl in place of paint. With a new vinyl printing/cutting machine, the transit system can implement vehicle painting more efficiently with a lower turn around period. In addition, the machine will be used for various advertising venues thereby creating a revenue source. This machine will be useful for various internal large format printing to reduce reproduction costs. The cost for a vinyl printing/cutting machine with supporting equipment is $50,000. Funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

Additional Fareboxes - Since the approval of a federal grant to implement a new farebox system, additional vehicles have been procured. Ten additional fareboxes will be necessary to ensure that all vehicles have the new farebox system and ensure sufficient backup systems for repair and maintenance. The total cost is $115,000.

Solar Technology - As part of the transit system’s effort to enhance the transit systems safety, security and customer comfort, solar lighting technology is proposed for select bus shelters and stops. The technology is very non-invasive and will provide a cost effective solution for necessary customer amenities. It is expected that such technology will also allow the basis to power real-time customer information. All new shelters purchased in the future will include such technology. The total cost to retrofit existing shelters and select bus stops will be $155,000 based on several quotes from solar lighting vendors. Funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

Bus Simulator - The transit system believes that a transit bus simulator will be invaluable in better screening, training and retraining coach operators. The use of a bus simulator will greatly reduce our driver training costs as well as enhance our risk management efforts by providing training within a controlled environment and allowing driver performance to be objectively evaluated and critiqued with minimal risk. Such simulator technology will even allow for the transit system to recreate high-risk incident areas and conditions that provides focused training in known conditions. In addition, to the immeasurable value of a simulator for just the transit system, it will provide a relatively significant revenue source from leasing the use to outside entities, such as the school systems and EMS services. The total cost for the technology is estimated to be $500,000, but the transit system will secure 50% form Florida Department of Transportation and only requires $250,000 from the City Commission to implement this project. Funding for this project would occur during FY 2007.

Bus Stop Shelters- The transit system is committed to providing the best amenities possible for its customers. As part of that effort, a bus shelter plan must be developed and new shelters need to be implemented. 39 new shelters have already been purchased, but there are still over 50 existing shelters that need replacement and over 100 bus stop locations that justify the need for a new shelter. The transit network has over 1,800 bus stop locations and the transit system will work with FDOT to establish http://www.urbanplan...s/underline.gif
Underlinefuture dedicated funding to continue shelter replacement and expansion and it will work with the city’s planning department to implement shelter development requirements with new developments. But, based on an analysis of existing conditions and proposed future expansion, there are immediate shelter needs of 35 new shelters. The cost of these shelters is estimated to be $534,000, which includes various amenities such as solar lighting, benches and schedule information.

Remote Transfer Facilities - As part of the transit systems effort to redesign the transit route network, as to reduce unnecessary transfers and increase direct route services, it must develop remote transfer facilities. Currently, the transit system expects to implement two such stops in the next three years. It has already begun discussions with FSU in locating a remote transfer stop on their campus. The cost to develop a remote transfer facility is estimated $50,000 each ($100,000 total). Funding for the first facility will be needed in FY 2007 and the second facility in FY 2008.

Wireless Technology - As part of its effort to enhance customer amenities, the transit system is proposing to implement wireless technology at select bus shelters, transfer locations and on select bus routes. The technology is relatively simple and cost efficient. Such amenities will attract un-tapped transit user markets and provide expanded services to existing customers. Wireless access points (Wi-Fi) will also serve to allow transit SmartBus technology to communicate with the transit technology network. If successful and demand continues, the transit system will continue to develop the infrastructure that allows for Wi-Fi expansion. The initial cost for the Wi-Fi technology implementation is $50,000. Total funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

Bus Stop Benches - In addition to expanding the transit network’s shelter inventory, the transit system is proposes to replace decaying bus stop benches and implement new benches at location that don’t meet the need for a full shelter. The transit network has over 1,800 bus stops and most require some sort of amenity. It is proposed that 200 benches be implemented. Combined with shelter implementation, local development support and community donations, the transit will continue to move towards providing necessary amenities relative to each bus stop. The total cost to implement 200 bus stop benches is $100,000. Total funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

Preliminary Engineering of C.K. Steele Plaza - One of the transit system’s major facilities is C.K. Steele Plaza. This facility is in need of major renovation and rehabilitation. The transit system has begun to work with BluePrint 2000 to use its engineering contractor, LPA Inc., to examine the existing structure and recommend/design its redevelopment. Funds have been identified for the preliminary engineering, as well as development, but such funds cannot be used for the type of preliminary engineering needed to examine the potential of this location and the type of structural renovation that could occur. The funds identified can only be used for an identified purpose. The transit system is proposing to use city funds to help initiate this process and redevelop the transfer facility into a more effective facility for transit use. The requested assistance for this project is $400,000. Total funding for this project would occur during FY 2006.

#55 psycuda

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 08:52 PM

Not only that, but Taltran is hiring

http://www.planetize...tem.php?id=4400

#56 Florida

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 10:13 PM

StarMetro takes over Tallahassee's Streets

StarMetro is the New name... beaing the image of the Tallahassee Star followed by a red trail along the side of the bus.

Busses should bear new look by the end of the month. Leaders are talking about installing televisions on busses, in addition  to the WIFI. One of the greatest new features about the system is the cellphone paging system that will allow tech savvy riders to know when their bus is near on their favorite route... neat technology I think. And the new bus signs are far better than I could have imagined... they will be solar, there was one on display at the meeting today and I'll post the image of it when I get home. But it is solar powered, lights up at night to display the route map and and even has a button a rider would press that would flash at night to alert the bus driver that a passenger is waiting at a given stop. Stops will also have info displays keeping real time information on next bus arrival.

The entire Tallahassee Transit scheme will be totally different with the switch to StarMetro including routes to Southwood, and the airport.

#57 Florida

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Posted 09 November 2005 - 10:35 PM

StarMetro: The New Direction of Mass Transit in Tallahassee

Posted Image

The City of Tallahassee announced the launch of StarMetro, a new, high-quality mass transportation service, at this afternoon's City Commission meeting. StarMetro is the new direction for Tallahassee mass transit. Starting with a new name, logo and bus design, the reinvented transit system will provide customers with expanded service, updated amenities and improved technology over the next two years.

"We are excited about the future of Tallahassee's mass transit system," said Ronald L. Garrison, executive director of StarMetro. "By achieving the highest level of transit excellence, we will best serve the transportation needs of our customers."

At the City Commission meeting, StarMetro leadership outlined the six points of the Renaissance Plan, which describes the transit reinvention in detail. StarMetro will focus on the following key areas: Communications, Technology, Service, Amenities, Revenue Opportunities and Excellence. Highlights of the proposed enhancements include:

Advanced Farebox system for customers to use "swipe cards"
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access on buses and transit shelters
Driver training simulator
On-board bus televisions
Three new routes including one limited service route to SouthWood
C.K. Steele Plaza redesign
Solar lighted transit shelters
The StarMetro branding initiatives will provide a fresh perspective of Tallahassee's mass transit system. In the upcoming months, the new StarMetro logo will be visible on transit vehicles, C.K. Steele Plaza, satellite transfer centers, bus stop signs and drivers' uniforms

#58 TD

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 10:55 AM

View PostTaureanJ, on Nov 9 2005, 11:35 PM, said:

StarMetro: The New Direction of Mass Transit in Tallahassee

Posted Image

The City of Tallahassee announced the launch of StarMetro, a new, high-quality mass transportation service, at this afternoon's City Commission meeting. StarMetro is the new direction for Tallahassee mass transit. Starting with a new name, logo and bus design, the reinvented transit system will provide customers with expanded service, updated amenities and improved technology over the next two years.

"We are excited about the future of Tallahassee's mass transit system," said Ronald L. Garrison, executive director of StarMetro. "By achieving the highest level of transit excellence, we will best serve the transportation needs of our customers."

At the City Commission meeting, StarMetro leadership outlined the six points of the Renaissance Plan, which describes the transit reinvention in detail. StarMetro will focus on the following key areas: Communications, Technology, Service, Amenities, Revenue Opportunities and Excellence. Highlights of the proposed enhancements include:

Advanced Farebox system for customers to use "swipe cards"
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access on buses and transit shelters
Driver training simulator
On-board bus televisions
Three new routes including one limited service route to SouthWood
C.K. Steele Plaza redesign
Solar lighted transit shelters
The StarMetro branding initiatives will provide a fresh perspective of Tallahassee's mass transit system. In the upcoming months, the new StarMetro logo will be visible on transit vehicles, C.K. Steele Plaza, satellite transfer centers, bus stop signs and drivers' uniforms



NICE!! i cant wait to see the new busses, and the new transfer stations at fsu, and around town! :yahoo:

#59 cityboy05

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 11:32 AM

This is very indeed exciting. That name StarMetro sound so "oyban" (urban) :lol:

#60 Florida

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Posted 10 November 2005 - 11:34 AM

lol @ oyban! It sure does... I have pictures of how the buses will look... I've been meaning to post those.




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