tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70700210106948927122024-03-08T06:57:29.036-08:00TheTransitCameraCovering an assortment of city, transportation, and retail topics and observations.J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-82566513510795376002021-01-27T21:33:00.002-08:002021-01-27T21:33:25.322-08:00Transit Fanning in 2020, a Review.<p> 2020 brought on some unexpected changes and alternate plans for many, with my own plans for the year being no exception. While social-distancing, limited travel options, and cancelled vacation plans surfaced, I decided to make the best of the free time I had and managed to go out and explore in my local region. Here is a recap of the transit systems and operations I was fortunate enough to visit or document during what was a rather crazy and unpredictable year. <br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Metro Transit,</b> Twin Cities, MN. This is my home system, was easy enough to visit as I use and see it on an almost daily basis. For a notable photo to represent it this year I chose one of my first ones taken, which is of a retired 71xx series Gillig Hybrid unit. These were obtained in 2007 by the agency and marked their first major hybrid bus purchase. They were fairly unique as these buses were originally ordered and spec'd for operation by the RGRTA - Regional Transit Service of Rochester, NY. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49343867406/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metro Transit 7113 </a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49343867406/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49343867406_d80692627f_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49343867406_d80692627f_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Metropolitan Transportation Services</b>, Twin Cities, MN. MTS is a division of the Metropolitan Council which oversees contracted route operations among other things. Their bus services are essentially the same as Metro Transit, however the actual operations are contracted to various private operators. For a representative photo in 2020, here is bus 1445 on route 16 in downtown Saint Paul. The bus is being operated by contractor Metropolitan Transportation Network, a school bus contractor based in Fridley, MN. MTN ceased operating the transit routes for MTS a short time later with the buses and operation transferred to First Transit. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49528540367/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metropolitan Transportation Services 1445</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49528540367_89602517cf_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49528540367_89602517cf_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Janesville Transit System</b>, Janesville, WI. Now, onto what turned out to be the first road trip of the year. The first stop on this trip was in Janesville. here is JTS 451, a Gillig Low Floor 35' unit seen in a shopping plaza off of Milton Ave. JTS had previously operated an all New Flyer fleet of buses, which were getting quite old and maintenance intensive. The system was finally able to acquire some funding for new buses in 2019 with Gillig being chosen as the manufacturer. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49534855051/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Janesville Transit System 451</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49534855051_ca91c33c0c_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49534855051_ca91c33c0c_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>PACE</b>, Schaumburg, IL and greater Chicagoland. The next system covered on this road trip was PACE Bus. The fixed-route fleet of 35' and 40' buses at PACE has steadily evolved from once being largely Orion VI and NABI LFW units, to Eldorado Axxess units. Here bus 6409 is seen on layover by the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49534357868/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PACE 6409</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49534357868_3f2c7576c3_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49534357868_3f2c7576c3_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Chicago Transit Authority</b>, Chicago, IL. Venturing on to the destination of this road trip, the Chicago Auto Show, it's impossible to not encounter the CTA! Here is the first CTA vehicle encountered, car 3109 leading a Blue Line train on an inbound run at Rosemont CTA. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49541539836/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CTA 3109</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49541539836_1e9fc34577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49541539836_1e9fc34577_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Madison Metro Transit</b>, Madison, WI. While returning from Chicago to the Twin Cities, a quick stop in Madison was able to be made. Bus 1913 represents the shift from being a largely Gillig Low Floor fleet, to the agency's latest bus procurement of New Flyer Xcelsiors. 1913 also sports the new Metro Transit brand and livery, a change from the previous Madison Metro 'M' graphics. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49584765153/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madison Metro 1913</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584765153_8da89d6a9b_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584765153_8da89d6a9b_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Maple Grove Transit</b>, Maple Grove, MN. Back in the Twin Cities again, this lone photo of MGT bus 60126 on layover near Target Field ended up being my only time observing their operation in 2020. This was taken on March 10th, shortly before the Pandemic of 2020 suddenly changed life as we knew it here in Minnesota. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49650284111/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maple Grove Transit 60126</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49650284111_ffa382df7f_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49650284111_ffa382df7f_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>DELTA Airlines employee shuttle system</b>, MSP Airport. April 11th, the Pandemic and statewide stay at home orders now in full effect. DELTA bus 854, operated by First Transit, is seen here at MSP Terminal 1 on the DELTA parking shuttle. The service was suspended a few weeks after this, as using small vans to move any remaining flight crew was more economical. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49771518643/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DELTA 854</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49771518643_9a9f7cde0a_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49771518643_9a9f7cde0a_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Minnesota Valley Transit Authority</b>, Burnsville, MN and south suburbs. At the end of April, I drove over to the Cedar Grove Transit Station for a bit of socially-distanced transit photography as state restrictions on travel were relaxed a bit. Motorcoach 4840 was a rather odd sighting being on local route 444. With social-distancing suddenly being a factor and the traditional offering of assorted commuter express routes suddenly suspended with very little demand, these coaches were run on the route in lieu of the usual 40' buses. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49839896102/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MVTA 4840</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49839896102_c8196cd227_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49839896102_c8196cd227_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Mayo Clinic Campus Shuttle</b>, Rochester, MN. With travel restrictions relaxed as more was learned about the virus and contending with it's effects, it was time to get out of the day-to-day routine and go on a quick day trip. Rochester, MN was the destination this time. Here Groome Transportation bus 684 is seen on the Mayo Clinic shuttle. Groome took over the shuttle system operations at some point in 2018 after Laidlaw Transit and the First Transit had operated it for several years. An entirely new fleet of buses was brought in, these being the ARBOC Spirit of Equess model. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49943532738/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Groome Transportation 684</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49943532738_9b0e86f9d9_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49943532738_9b0e86f9d9_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Rochester Public Transit</b>, Rochester, MN. Obviously one cannot go transit fanning in Rochester, MN without encountering the RPT system! Here is bus 276, one of the system's newest buses at the time, seen on layover in the downtown area. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/49943535363/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rochester Public Transit 276</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49943535363_93068b750a_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49943535363_93068b750a_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>MATBUS</b>, Fargo, ND. On to road trip #2, a nice mid-July drive through North Dakota. First stop, Fargo. Here MATBUS 1222 is seen working route 20 at West Acres Mall. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50124363326/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MATBUS 1222</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50124363326_08af5d5024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50124363326_08af5d5024_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Bis-Man Transit</b>, Bismarck, ND. Road trip #2 stop 2, downtown Bismarck. Bus 1909 is a 2019 Alexander-Dennis Enviro 200 model. ADL has been making some progress marketing their 200 model in the North American market among smaller transit operators and agencies. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50139187961/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bis-Man Transit 1909</a><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50139187961_573feb40f9_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50139187961_573feb40f9_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></b></li><li><b>Minot City Transit, </b>Minot, ND. Road trip #2 stop 3, downtown Minot. The Minot city bus system is fairly simple with a series of routes laid out in loop pattern and operated on 60 minute frequency by 3 buses. The fixed-route fleet is comprised of Eldorado EZ-Rider units in both the II Max and BRT styles. Bus 1011 is seen here on the South 1 route departing the Civic Center downtown transfer point. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50145892688/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minot City Transit 1011</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50145892688_b8e91feab7_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50145892688_b8e91feab7_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b> Cities Area Transit</b>, Grand Forks, ND. Road trip #2, stop 4, downtown Grand Forks. CAT operates a fairly robust route network for a city the size of Grand Forks. Routes pulse every 30 minutes at the downtown transit center. One such pulse is seen here, with a representation of the CAT fleet shown. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50164159083/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cities Area Transit Buses</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50164159083_61f0b56f7a_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50164159083_61f0b56f7a_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>River Falls Public Transit</b>, River Falls, WI. In September it was time for another day trip, so with a destination of Eau Claire, WI I set out, making stops along the way in River Falls and Menomonie. First up, we see one of the River Falls Public Transit vans parked in downtown River Falls near a supermarket. This sort of general public dial-a-ride system is common throughout the US in more rural areas. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50354817316/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">River Falls Public Transit 307</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50354817316_2632343326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50354817316_2632343326_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Dunn County Transit</b>, Menomonie, WI. Bus 318 was the lone unit I managed to get a photo of while in downtown Menomonie. DCT operates 2-3 routes, however the Stout route bus 318 is seen on in this photo is the most frequent. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50369326813/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dunn County Transit 318</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50369326813_d68d9f7f39_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50369326813_d68d9f7f39_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Eau Claire Transit</b>, Eau Claire, WI. Bus 504 was one of the newest units observed during this visit. It is a 2020 Gillig Hybrid unit and is seen here arriving at the downtown transfer point on the popular 1-Margaret and Mall route. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50374052251/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eau Claire Transit 504</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50374052251_013804ccd8_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50374052251_013804ccd8_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Southwest Transit</b>, Eden Prairie, MN and southwest suburbs. Having last visited downtown Minneapolis in March, a return trip was made in October to see how things were progressing. This ended up being my lone photo of a Southwest Transit unit in service for the year. Motorcoach 238 is seen here on Marquette Avenue working the 698 route. Southwest and other operators have largely trimmed down their express services during this prolonged period of decreased ridership. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50510985042/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Southwest Transit 238</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50510985042_b652fa9904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50510985042_b652fa9904_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>University of MN PTS</b>, Minneapolis, MN. A stop over at the U campus was also made to see the PTS campus shuttles. A few new secondhand Gillig Low Floors had joined the fleet. Otherwise the Van Hool buses were still the backbone. Articulated bus 3826 is seen here on the 121 Connector by Coffman Union. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50510995837/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">University of MN PTS 3826</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50510995837_131723fb66_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50510995837_131723fb66_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>MIDAS Transit</b>, Fort Dodge, IA. The final road trip of 2020, with a destination of Omaha, Nebraska was taken during the last stretch of nice weather in mid-December. MIDAS is a service of the Mid-Iowa Development Association Council of Governments (COG) and is based in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The system provides demand-response public transit service in the counties of Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas and Wright. Bus 19-1 was observed during a stop in a shopping plaza in Webster City. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50710749186/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MIDAS Transit 19-1</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710749186_9fa99c3a24_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710749186_9fa99c3a24_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>SWITA</b>, Southwest Iowa area. SWITA or the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency is demand-response public transit service serving all residents in the Southwest Iowa counties of Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. This bus of unknown unit number was seen while stopping in central Missouri Valley, Iowa. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50710843777/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SWITA Bus</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710843777_71b8e41327_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710843777_71b8e41327_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Omaha Metro</b>, Omaha, NE. O-Metro has continued to refine and grow it's system since my last visit a few years previous. Of particular interest on this visit was the recently opened <i>ORBT</i> rapid bus line. This service replaced what was route 2 on Dodge St. It provides service on a 10-15 minute frequency with stops made only a designated <i>ORBT</i> stations along the line. Bus 1905 is one of several New Flyer Xcelsior XN60 units dedicated to running the service. They represent the first articulated buses to be added to the O-Metro fleet, and are also the first CNG transit buses, marking the fleet's eventual changeover from diesel to natural gas. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/50731646881/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Omaha Metro 1905</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50731646881_07f3e1c9f4_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50731646881_07f3e1c9f4_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li><b>Sioux City Transit</b>, Sioux City, IA. The final system visited to add to the 2020 list was Sioux City Transit. SCT operates a network of 10 routes on 60 minute frequency with a connecting pulse hourly at the downtown MLK Jr. Multimodal Transportation Center. Bus 1369 is seen as a representative view of the operation, departing the MLK Jr. transit center on route 1. As is or was the case with several transit operators at the end of 2020, a notice is seen taped on the front door alerting riders to board at the rear. The back side is also festooned in a colorful superhero prahic promoting the use of masks in an effort to control the spread of COVID. <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2kmWTXS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sioux City Transit 1369</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50776511908_432e3f3acd_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50776511908_432e3f3acd_n.jpg" /></a></div></li></ol><p>Overall with the opprtunity to visit and/or document 24 different transit systems or operations, 2020 was a decent year in that regard. Here's hoping that perhaps during 2021 we will see an eventual return towards some more normality. Meanwhile, be safe, take precautions for your health and to protect others, and stay positive. <br /></p>J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-89656340878815958612018-12-25T20:47:00.004-08:002018-12-25T20:47:47.524-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and happy holidays to all from TheTransitCamera.<br />
<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-57558785992098075162017-09-12T17:29:00.000-07:002017-09-12T17:30:46.562-07:00Walking along the Street: Marshall-LakeThis is the first of what I hope will eventually become a series of street tours around the Twin Cities area. The idea is to simply pick a stretch of a certain street, walk along the length of it, and take photos of whatever looks interesting.<br />
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This is a street tour from Cleveland Avenue and Marshall Ave in Saint Paul, MN, to Lake Street and the Minnehaha Center plaza in Minneapolis, MN. This was taken on August 17th, 2017.<br />
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Starting off at Cleveland and Marshall, we have a two story mixed-use building in the southeast corner of the intersection. The ground floor is home to <a href="http://choochoobobs.com/store/" target="_blank">Choo Choo Bob's Train Store</a>, a Martial Arts studio, and a few other businesses, with apartments located on the upper level. This building likely dates back to streetcar era days. <br />
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Heading west, some new curb cuts and bus stop pads are seen. This is part of a street improvement project along Marshall Ave to bring curb cuts up to current accessibility standards.<br />
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Continuing along, a Minnoco gas station and service center is spotted. This used to be a BP station judging by the logos. Minnoco stands for Minnesota Independent Oil Company for those who may be curious. <a href="http://minnoco.com/about" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Link)</span></a><br />
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Now after a couple of blocks we get to the bridge, this is the connection between Marshall Avenue in Saint Paul and Lake Street in Minneapolis. It is also the northernmost bridge on the Mississippi River to connect the cities. (The Franklin Avenue bridge is next, and has Minneapolis on both ends)<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36547841640/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Crossing the Border"><img alt="Crossing the Border" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4396/36547841640_417e0b93ec_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The Mississippi River viewed looking north towards downtown Minneapolis and the University of MN Minneapolis campuses.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36135672653/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Mississippi River"><img alt="Mississippi River" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/36135672653_643688df35_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Now in Minneapolis, one of the first changes seen are the custom Lake street branding banners on the bus stop shelters. These were installed as a corridor branding attempt around 10 years ago (give or take).<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36772704422/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Metro Transit Bus Stop"><img alt="Metro Transit Bus Stop" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4433/36772704422_b798d748b6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Lake Street also has a noticeably commercial vibe to it compared to the short stretch of Marshall just observed. In the next couple blocks a bustling SuperAmerica convenience store...<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36772701902/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="SuperAmerica (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="SuperAmerica (Minneapolis, MN)" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/36772701902_3ed3d2c51c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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... the American Rug Laundry Building...<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36547857670/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="American Rug Laundry"><img alt="American Rug Laundry" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4350/36547857670_b1d09f67a9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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... and the <a href="http://www.hi-lo-diner.com/#location-section" target="_blank">imported</a> Hi-Lo diner are seen.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36772698512/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Hi-Lo Diner"><img alt="Hi-Lo Diner" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/36772698512_35385a6be7_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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One of the more creative bike rack designs I've seen, this was outside a dentist office.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36547823160/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Tooth"><img alt="Tooth" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4406/36547823160_384f854e55_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Now an example of some recent development, this building was at one point some type of machinery dealer or factory from what I could tell. Now it is home to Longfellow Market, a local grocery store:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36756400426/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Longfellow Market"><img alt="Longfellow Market" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/36756400426_a20b13f793_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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A very industrial looking sign for the Don's Leather Cleaning service building. I'm not certain if this has always been Don's or if it was originally something different.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36756406296/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Dons Leather Cleaning"><img alt="Dons Leather Cleaning" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/36756406296_e85b0002f5_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Further along a strip of retail storefronts is seen at 36th and Lake. River Lake True Value Hardware is seen front and center. Neighborhood hardware stores are not an easy thing to find any more with the proliferation of the national big-box home improvement chains in the suburbs. I think the lettering over the white sign for the store states "Since 1947" but I can't quite tell as there are numbers missing.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36135699613/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="River Lake True Value Hardware"><img alt="River Lake True Value Hardware" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4365/36135699613_17b45964bd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Across the street a new Tim Hortons location has been opened this summer as part of the chain's expansion into the Twin Cities market. This replaced a former White Castle.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36109690094/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Tim Hortons (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="Tim Hortons (Minneapolis, MN)" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4383/36109690094_e2fa59c735_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Continuing along, a former movie and/or performance theater is now home to a church:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36547863180/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Victory Christian Center"><img alt="Victory Christian Center" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4343/36547863180_00ca9256df_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here we see a non-nondescript strip plaza with a laundomat and coffee. Not sure what this would have been before, perhaps a video rental store or some other obsolete retail use.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36135686993/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Strip Plaza"><img alt="Strip Plaza" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4407/36135686993_845102dcb4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Walgreens Pharmacy has just completed their move into a new location, right next door to their former store! This makes for a nice comparison however in the evolution of design and sidewalk access. First we see the old store with small windows, a tight sidewalk entry, and bland exterior.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36804197481/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="ex-Walgreens (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="ex-Walgreens (Minneapolis, MN)" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4340/36804197481_c9f6ec5f2e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Next is the new location with a more welcoming walkway and plaza, bigger windows, and more buffer space between the sidewalk and parking lot.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36109805504/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Walgreens (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="Walgreens (Minneapolis, MN)" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/36109805504_efcbe03a4a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Looking across the street now, there is the old East Lake branch library building, currently home to a merchandising business. A plaque noting the building history can be seen in this <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36804240581/" target="_blank">photo</a>.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36804231271/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Northern Sun Merchandising"><img alt="Northern Sun Merchandising" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4381/36804231271_7e0602d747_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Continuing on, the street has a more suburban look. This US Bank branch uses up a whole block with a building and parking lot. I have to wonder if they even use the whole building anymore.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36943924625/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="US Bank (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="US Bank (Minneapolis, MN)" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36943924625_cbce200960_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And finally we will end with a couple parting photos at the Minnehaha Plaza shopping center. A former Rainbow Foods is now home to a charter academy of some type, a 1990's look Wendy's sitting in a sea of asphalt, and Cub Foods appears to be getting a facelift.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36547868280/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="ex-Rainbow Foods (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="ex-Rainbow Foods (Minneapolis, MN)" height="180" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4421/36547868280_242b37ba21_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36943888115/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Wendys (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="Wendys (Minneapolis, MN)" height="180" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4382/36943888115_29143696f0_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/36135755083/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Cub Foods (Minneapolis, MN)"><img alt="Cub Foods (Minneapolis, MN)" height="180" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/36135755083_fae19b0c83_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <br />
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Long term I would expect that some of the plaza area here will be converted to new development with apartments.<br />
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That brings us to the end of this street tour!<br />
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<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-49222441932101395462015-12-03T15:44:00.001-08:002015-12-03T15:44:25.036-08:00One Transit Rider's Pet Peeves
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Having spent the last, oh, 11+ years using public transit to
get places I have had my fair share of experiences and interactions. While the
majority of these experiences have been positive, or at least neutral, I have
also picked up a few pet peeves over the years. So without further ado, here is
a listing of some annoyances that seem to occur regularly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Food:</b> Okay, I honestly don’t care if you want to snack on
something simple during your joyride through the hinterlands on one of our
awesome buses or hip looking trains while you’re headed to work, school,
chainsaw shopping, etc. But seriously, remember there are other people riding
with you! So please, keep it neat, quiet, and avoid the smelly stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a granola bar? Awesome. Can’t wait for
your destination to dive in that large deep dish supreme with extra anchovies
and garlic? Next time eat in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever
you do, please no sunflower seeds. If you need to satisfy your inner squirrel,
and tend to spit those shells, please do so somewhere besides my ride home. </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Phones:</b> Yeah that new smartphone you got really is cool. And
I’m very happy to hear that your toenail fungus treatment went well, and will keep in
mind that your ex is a complete jerk. Next time though, could you maybe
text that information instead, or perhaps wait until you get home or someplace
private to call? On a side note folks, there’s this thing called identity theft
going on, so it’s probably best to avoid shouting your social security number,
credit card account info, or similar tidbits into the phone while riding on
public transit. </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Music or other prerecorded entertainment:</b> Earbuds, headphones, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_of_Silence" target="_blank">cone of silence</a>, use one of
them please! </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Socializing:</b> If you want to talk (quietly) with your friends
while riding, that’s great. If you’re getting on the vehicle though and your
friends are on the platform or sidewalk, please don’t just stand with one foot
in the door while you try to catch up on the highlights of the past week. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Hey could you... :</b> NO! I will not hold up an entire train of
riders, including myself, for “just a minute” while you get off and buy the
ticket you SHOULD have bought BEFORE you boarded. We have places to go,
transfers to make, appointments, etc. The next train is in ten to fifteen minutes.
</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>You don’t matter:</b> Yeah, that’s the feeling I get while
sitting on the train for a half hour at a station, with absolutely no
explanation for the delay. I don’t need all the details. Just a simple heads up
that there is an event down the line causing a delay of at least 15 minutes.
This would be greatly appreciated. </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Language:</b> Yo, for real! NO ONE is thinking you’re cooler or
funny cause you cuss away like some rock star, or my friend’s Granny when
someone cuts her off in traffic. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While these things will not change overnight, I’m sure that
there are many transit users who would enjoy a better ride if these
behaviors went away... someday.</div>
J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-47419548603251609432014-09-16T21:20:00.001-07:002014-09-16T21:20:39.692-07:00New Sidewalks for Highland VillageHighland Village is the retail area that centers around the intersection of Ford Parkway and Cleveland Avenue in Saint Paul, MN. It is a fairly diverse area, with both new and older retail serving a variety of needs. Recently the area started to undergo a major reconstruction project involving the public sidewalks. As a frequent visitor of the area I thought it would be interesting to document the changes, so here are some photos:<br />
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First a couple of photos showing the original concrete and red brick sidewalks. This design was incorporated in the 1980s if I recall correctly:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14936104909/in/set-72157625315046483/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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Next are a couple of shots showing some of the completed and somewhat completed sidewalks so far:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/15077395790/in/set-72157625315046483/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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Finally, one section that will be interesting to watch, the future site of the northbound/eastbound <a href="http://www.metrotransit.org/snelling-brt" target="_blank">A-Line bus</a> station/stop on Ford Parkway at Finn Street. I recall some mention of roughing in station elements with the sidewalk rebuilding, however there has also been mention of station construction occurring next year when Ford Parkway is being repaved/rebuilt. How much is being done now vs. later at this spot is unknown to me. However it is nice to see that the A-Line station is being taken into account. I'd rather see a temporary asphalt or concrete pad in place for now, rather than have a complete new sidewalk and curb ripped out next summer. Of course the best thing would be to pre-build part of the platform ahead of time so as to minimize pedestrian interference. <br />
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Looking west at the station site:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/15241088666/in/set-72157625315046483/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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East view:<br />
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A mark on the Highland Bank plaza noting where the BRT section cutoff is:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/15261001131/in/set-72157625315046483/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-55048152621615319412014-09-03T22:06:00.000-07:002014-09-03T22:06:43.571-07:00How About a People Mover at the Mall of America?The Mall of America (MOA) is one of the largest indoor shopping malls in the United States, and it's <a href="http://press.mallofamerica.com/view/245" target="_blank">getting larger</a>. Currently the MOA boasts <a href="http://www.mallofamerica.com/about/moa/facts" target="_blank">4.87 million square feet</a> of building area, making it one sizable chunk of property. Access to the MOA is typically by auto, mass transit, or tour bus, although a few pedestrians and cyclists have been spotted on occasion. With more expansion comes more active groundspace, longer walking distances, and of course, parking spots. Additional transit access or coverage is not really included however, with the only future transit plans at MOA calling for an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8pkTowqshc" target="_blank">update to the current transit station</a> and garage area.<br />
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With that in mind, it seems like our big retail friend and tourist hotspot could use something beyond simple pavement and walkways to move visitors around. Walking around the MOA as it is can be tiring, with each floor clocking in at <a href="http://www.mallofamerica.com/about/moa/facts" target="_blank">0.57 miles in distance</a>. While this is fine if you're super hyped about scoring those awesome shoes or actually remembering to buy your girlfriend a nice present for her birthday, it can be kind of a drag if you are coming in to start an eight hour shift at work, or just stopping by to get a new tie. Add in the extra distance to future development, and suddenly scoring that parking space 150' feet closer to the door doesn't seem like a big difference.<br />
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Incorporating an automated people mover tram system could provide a beneficial transportation solution. My proposal is to connect the IKEA store, the new expansion area, and the MOA core with a new and improved MOA transit station at the existing 28th Avenue site. The mover would operate at frequencies of about 90 seconds to 120 seconds ideally. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14947648239" title="Mall of America APM Concept Drawing by J. Mc., on Flickr"><img alt="Mall of America APM Concept Drawing" height="354" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/14947648239_26499d8308.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Stations or stops on the line would be at IKEA, the North Plaza expansion area, the north entrance, the south entrance, and 28th Avenue MOA Transit Station. Benefits to mall visitors would be quick access between IKEA, the new expansion development, and the mall core.<br />
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While the existing MOA transit station would be removed under this plan, there would still be some improvement for transit riders. Currently the <a href="http://www.metrotransit.org/Route/901" target="_blank">Metro Transit Blue Line</a> takes about four minutes to travel from 28th Avenue to the MOA platform. Add another two to three minutes of walking up the stairs, across the inner access road, and into the mall, and it can be six to seven minutes minimum to actually get to your destination. However if riders could instead transfer to the mover and take a one to three minute ride to their destination that would make it easier. Time savings would be even better for those who want to go to the north end or IKEA. This could also improve transit operations as well, cutting about eight to ten minutes off a roundtrip on the Blue Line, and creating a better transit station with direct access for buses currently serving the MOA. (Many of which already circle the block by 28th St. currently)<br />
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Parking for the MOA could also benefit from this line. Instead of wasting valuable nearby space on the Mall grounds for more parking spaces, that area could instead be used for additional retail space. Parking could instead be added out by the 28th Avenue site, perhaps in the form of a combined MOA and park and ride ramp to get more use out of the spaces. (Park-Ride user in the daytime, mall shopper in the evening.)<br />
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While this plan is likely to never be more than a simple Google doodle, I hope that the most notorious and largest shopping mall in the United States will incorporate other modes of transportation, and consider walkability, as it continues on with an ever widening footprint. <br />
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<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-78150248248698485242014-07-28T20:35:00.000-07:002014-07-28T20:35:15.860-07:00Arbor Pointe of Inver Grove Heights, MNHaving observed the Arbor Pointe development over the years, and having read this <a href="http://www.twincities.com/ci_25823810/inver-grove-heights-arbor-pointe-shopping-areas-future" target="_blank">article</a> published in the Pioneer Press a few months ago, it seemed a photo stop was in order to document some of the closures in the area. The following photos were taken about a week ago:<br />
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Rainbow Foods, while not a part of the actual Arbor Pointe retail section, was one of the first major businesses to move into the area following housing development. Walmart was the other big business to proceed the development, however a photo was not obtained of that store.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14772377292/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
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This Rainbow was one of nine in the Twin Cities area that failed to attract any buyers following the decision by Roundy's to sell the chain.This store was originally built in the late 1990's, and seemed to do well in its early years. During the recession however they seemed to struggle to attract a steady amounts of customers. For example, when only one of the 15 checkout lines is open, and there's a bell sitting on the conveyor to summon a cashier, you can tell the store is not very busy. <br />
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The main sign for the Arbor Pointe Retail Center, seen on the corner of Concord Blvd. and Broderick Blvd.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14586232887/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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Walgreens closed their Arbor Pointe location after ten years in business.My guess is a lack of steady drive up business and strong competition from the Walmart across the street lead to its demise.<br />
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Two other Walgreens are still going in Inver Grove, and while both are over towards the north end of town, there may have been some over-saturation of the brand. <br />
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Advance Auto Parts is another victim, this store closed last year. A Discount Tire is located across Broderick Blvd, so that may have had some impact. Otherwise the lack of easy access into the Arbor Pointe development probably took customers elsewhere.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14586062139/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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A&W, this one had multiple strikes against its success. The restaurant was located in the interior of the development, limiting visibility from the major streets. Management was also a problem here in my opinion. Poor service and poor quality food are not going to keep customers coming back. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14772375912/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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The one business that does seem to do well here is banking. Wells Fargo built a branch here in the mid 2000's or so, and is still active today. Another bank also opened a branch here, however they closed the location after a few years. Associated Bank finally leased or bought the building recently though, and seems to be flourishing. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14772714835/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/14586073248/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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It is worth noting that Ruby Tuesday, and a few specialty shops still survive in the development. A new multistory senior living apartment complex was also recently added.<br />
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What is in store for Arbor Pointe in the future is unknown. If residential development in the area continues to sit without much activity, then there probably won't be much action. If demand does pick up once again, then there will probably be a bit of a retail renaissance. While I'm no development expert, in my opinion a few improvements can be made in the design and layout of the development. The mish-mash of individual lots for each store seems confusing and counterproductive. If I want to grab a new brake light bulb, and then pick up a bottle of asprin at a drugstore, I'm much more likely to go to a location where I can park my car and then walk to each store, instead of pulling into one lot, and then moving the car 500' feet to the other lot, and then driving across the street to grab a snack. <br />
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<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-43675797510961415042014-03-11T20:20:00.000-07:002014-03-11T20:20:03.417-07:002012 Minnesota Transit Systems Cost Per Ride ComparisonIt is time once again for my annual Minnesota Dept. of Transportation <a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports/reports-publications/transit-report.html" target="_blank">Transit Report</a> system cost comparison. As before the overall focus of this bit of information is on comparing fixed-route operations from the various agencies across the state. <a href="http://thetransitcamera.blogspot.com/2013/09/2011-minnesota-transit-systems-cost-per.html" target="_blank">A comparison of 2011 costs can be seen here</a>. This is only a small part of the information contained in the report. If you have an interest in learning more about these and other transit providers in Minnesota I recommend reading the report in its entirety. <br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 527px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 12117; mso-width-source: userset; width: 284pt;" width="284"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3840; mso-width-source: userset; width: 90pt;" width="90"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2858; mso-width-source: userset; width: 67pt;" width="67"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3669; mso-width-source: userset; width: 86pt;" width="86"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="19" style="height: 19.0pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl75" colspan="4" height="19" style="height: 19.0pt; width: 527pt;" width="527">2012
Cost Per Ride Comparison for Minnesota Fixed-Route Transit Providers</td>
</tr>
<tr height="30" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="30" style="height: 30.0pt;">Provider</td>
<td class="xl69" style="width: 90pt;" width="90">Operating Expenditures</td>
<td class="xl68">Ridership</td>
<td class="xl68">Cost/Ride</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$6,080,021 </td>
<td class="xl67">3,197,701</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">1.90</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">WINONA TRANSIT SERVICE*</td>
<td class="xl66">$597,320 </td>
<td class="xl67">255,132</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">2.34</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO TRANSIT: LRT</td>
<td class="xl66">$27,886,232 </td>
<td class="xl67">10,498,236</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">2.66</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">ST. CLOUD METRO BUS</td>
<td class="xl66">$6,295,883 </td>
<td class="xl67">2,230,106</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">2.82</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">GREATER MANKATO TRANSIT SYSTEM</td>
<td class="xl66">$1,556,183 </td>
<td class="xl67">449,930</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.46</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">ROCHESTER PUBLIC TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$6,083,428 </td>
<td class="xl67">1,739,071</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.50</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">MOORHEAD METROPOLITAN AREA
TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$1,533,055 </td>
<td class="xl67">436,285</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.51</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO TRANSIT: BUS</td>
<td class="xl66">$245,215,781 </td>
<td class="xl67">69,069,539</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.55</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">DULUTH TRANSIT AUTHORITY</td>
<td class="xl66">$12,390,741 </td>
<td class="xl67">3,155,423</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.93</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES</td>
<td class="xl66">$13,477,072 </td>
<td class="xl67">3,033,902</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">4.44</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">MAPLE GROVE TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$4,220,797 </td>
<td class="xl67">826,879</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">5.10</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">MINNESOTA VALLEY TRANSIT
AUTHORITY</td>
<td class="xl66">$17,936,636 </td>
<td class="xl67">2,575,363</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">6.96</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">PLYMOUTH METROLINK</td>
<td class="xl66">$3,589,498 </td>
<td class="xl67">496,964</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">7.22</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">EAST GRAND FORKS TRANSIT***</td>
<td class="xl66">$266,588 </td>
<td class="xl67">36,847</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">7.23</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">SOUTHWEST TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$7,799,059 </td>
<td class="xl67">998,960</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">7.81</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO VAN POOL**</td>
<td class="xl71">$1,416,216 </td>
<td class="xl72">179,013</td>
<td align="right" class="xl73">7.91</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">LAKER LINES</td>
<td class="xl66">$945,816 </td>
<td class="xl67">96,513</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">9.80</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">LA CRESCENT APPLE EXPRESS****</td>
<td class="xl66">$260,690 </td>
<td class="xl67">25,749</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">10.12</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">SHAKOPEE TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$1,276,055 </td>
<td class="xl67">125,557</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">10.16</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">RUSH LINE</td>
<td class="xl66">$385,081 </td>
<td class="xl67">37,015</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">10.40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">RAMSEY STAR EXPRESS*****</td>
<td class="xl66">$567,616 </td>
<td class="xl67">42,263</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">13.43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">TRANSIT LINK**</td>
<td class="xl71">$6,658,057 </td>
<td class="xl72">312,639</td>
<td align="right" class="xl73">21.30</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO TRANSIT: NORTHSTAR</td>
<td class="xl66">$16,419,740 </td>
<td class="xl67">700,276</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">23.45</td>
</tr>
<tr height="53" style="height: 53.0pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl76" colspan="4" height="53" style="height: 53.0pt; width: 527pt;" width="527"><span class="font6">Notes:</span><span class="font5"> *Winona operates service
under contract for WSU and St. Marys<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>**Not fixed-route service, included due to being part of overall Twin
Cities Metro area system structure<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>***EGFT service operated under contract by Cities Area Transit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>****Apple Express operated under contract
by La Crosse MTU ***** Ramsey service discontinued with opening of Ramsey
Northstar station</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="16" style="height: 16.0pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl77" colspan="4" height="16" style="height: 16.0pt; width: 527pt;" width="527">Source:
2013 Transit Report - A Guide to Minnesota’s Public Transit Systems (MnDot)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td colspan="3" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; mso-ignore: colspan;">http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports/reports-publications/report-2013.pdf</td>
<td class="xl74"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-31051928080131098862014-03-04T19:38:00.000-08:002014-03-04T19:38:07.207-08:00If this is the A Line, then why do the stations look like a C-?Metro Transit is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482034851908415&set=a.247716652006904.46315.100669296711641&type=1&stream_ref=10" target="_blank">currently seeking public input on station design for the A Line</a>. While encouraging public input is commendable, the proposed choices leave something to be desired. Unfortunately it seems the A Line station designs are stuck in the ‘sometimes the end result is not so great, but we tried’ attitude already seen throughout the system. “What causes this to happen?” well here’s my educated guess on what the design teams have to work with:<br /><br />For starters the rules, or at least what seem to be the rules based on my observations, regarding shelter design and placement:<br /> - When possible the shelter should be placed on the curb so as to be extra prone to snowplow damage, and to block the rear door of the transit vehicle.<br />- The shelter should be positioned with the opening towards whichever direction has the most wind and precipitation. <br />- There needs to be an adequate gap between the ground and the bottom of the shelter wall to ensure extra airflow through the shelter, and to allow snow and road slop to better infiltrate the floor of the shelter.<br />- When feasible there should also be a gap between the top of the walls and the roof of the shelter. For example, the bus shelters adjacent to the train platform at 46th Street Station. <br />- Benches in the shelter must be metal, to provide the customer with a complete outdoors experience, as though they are sitting on a block of ice. <br />- If heaters are installed in the shelter they must be placed as high from the ground as possible. Ideally a customer with above average height should just barely have their hat warmed when standing directly below the heating element. <br />- If extra money is available to spend on the shelter, it must be used for a feature that does nothing to further protect patrons from the elements, such as an exotic stone floor or copper roof trim.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6763064407/" title="Metro Transit Bus Stop by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Metro Transit Bus Stop" height="180" src="https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7174/6763064407_e786185f29_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/5867928557/" title="Metro Transit Passenger Shelter by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Metro Transit Passenger Shelter" height="159" src="https://v4s2.yimg.com/sm/5030/5867928557_81c90510e1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Examples of some of the not so nice bus shelters found at various stops. These are maintained by CBS Outdoor, with the CBS apparently standing for Crumby Billboard Shelter.)</i></span><br />
<br />From these rules one can understand why the shelter concepts are all basically the same. We can pick between four shelters that look as though they are designed by someone who has never had to wait at a stop for 20 minutes in a subzero wind chill, or a horizontal rainstorm, during a weather delay. <br /><br />Now how about those station identifiers, or pillars, or pylons, or whatever the tall box things are? Well these are certainly an improvement over the traditional bus stop sign, but again they are fairly uncreative. Sure, they can probably pick those up cheap on the BRT Lite aisle at Transit Depot, but we can do better than a box with a curve on the top. Heck, boring old Inver Grove Heights put a similar style of pillar along Cahill Avenue years ago to notify passerby that Cahill is ‘Main Street’. (Suburbs have to label that stuff.) <br /><br />We need to get creative with those station identifiers; we need something that screams, MINNESOTA! Ooh, how about a giant Paul Bunyan statue for each station? That would be unique. No, wait, if Paul hung around the stops on Snelling too much he might start wearing baggy pants dropped down to his crotch and a wifebeater shirt, and that look just wouldn’t suit him. Hmm, a giant green Adirondack chair? Nah, then Metro Transit would start getting angry calls from riders waiting by the original ones wondering where the bus was. Minnesotans like big things though, mcmansions, SUVs, Target stores, we have the biggest shopping mall, a giant spoon... Bingo! Put a huge bus stop sign at each stop, it can complement our oversized art, house a NexTrip screen, and meet ADA font size requirements. <br /><br />Better yet, we could just accept the design given and just bundle up for the weather. Really, what is more Minnesotan than a modest transit stop, with some hardy natives bundled head to toe, waiting for a ride to the hockey game?<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-77408716158759762812013-09-25T08:51:00.000-07:002013-09-25T08:51:22.147-07:002011 Minnesota Transit Systems Cost Per Ride ComparisonEvery year the <a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/" target="_blank">Minnesota Department of Transportation Transit division</a> publishes an <a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports/transitreports/12/index-2012.html" target="_blank">annual report</a> providing an overview of Minnesota public transit systems. This report includes a concise and simple look at each system operating in the state, including achievements or highlights, system information, ridership, and expenditures.<br />
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Towards the end of the report, operating statistics for each system are provided in a table format. While this is somewhat useful for comparing one specific system against another, or comparing Twin City area operators, it's not ranked specifically by cost per ride. To get a better idea of how Minnesota transit compares on a cost per ride basis, here are Twin Cities Metropolitan area systems compared with greater Minnesota urbanized area systems. A few smaller systems are included as well with an overall focus being on fixed-route service.<br />
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<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 527px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 12117; mso-width-source: userset; width: 284pt;" width="284"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3840; mso-width-source: userset; width: 90pt;" width="90"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2858; mso-width-source: userset; width: 67pt;" width="67"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3669; mso-width-source: userset; width: 86pt;" width="86"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="19" style="height: 19.0pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl76" colspan="4" height="19" style="height: 19.0pt; width: 527pt;" width="527">2011
Cost Per Ride Comparison for Minnesota Fixed-Route Transit Providers</td>
</tr>
<tr height="30" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="30" style="height: 30.0pt;">Provider</td>
<td class="xl69" style="width: 90pt;" width="90">Operating Expenditures</td>
<td class="xl68">Ridership</td>
<td class="xl68">Cost/Ride</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$5,375,406 </td>
<td class="xl67">3,533,871</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">1.52</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">WINONA TRANSIT SERVICE*</td>
<td class="xl66">$601,026 </td>
<td class="xl67">251,721</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">2.39</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO TRANSIT: LRT</td>
<td class="xl66">$25,755,340 </td>
<td class="xl67">10,400,864</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">2.48</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">ST. CLOUD METRO BUS</td>
<td class="xl66">$6,047,630 </td>
<td class="xl67">2,286,392</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">2.65</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">ROCHESTER PUBLIC TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$5,150,838 </td>
<td class="xl67">1,645,272</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.13</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">MOORHEAD METROPOLITAN AREA
TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$1,476,225 </td>
<td class="xl67">432,703</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.41</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO TRANSIT: BUS</td>
<td class="xl66">$240,340,513 </td>
<td class="xl67">69,023,716</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.48</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">DULUTH TRANSIT AUTHORITY</td>
<td class="xl66">$11,733,880 </td>
<td class="xl67">3,081,791</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">3.81</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">GREATER MANKATO TRANSIT SYSTEM</td>
<td class="xl66">$1,504,091 </td>
<td class="xl67">363,401</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">4.14</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES</td>
<td class="xl66">$12,921,070 </td>
<td class="xl67">2,928,301</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">4.41</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">MAPLE GROVE TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$4,129,402 </td>
<td class="xl67">801,442</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">5.15</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">MINNESOTA VALLEY TRANSIT
AUTHORITY</td>
<td class="xl66">$17,369,699 </td>
<td class="xl67">2,588,183</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">6.71</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">RAMSEY STAR EXPRESS</td>
<td class="xl66">$377,505 </td>
<td class="xl67">54,097</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">6.98</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">SOUTHWEST TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$7,401,936 </td>
<td class="xl67">1,030,018</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">7.19</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">PLYMOUTH METROLINK</td>
<td class="xl66">$3,871,010 </td>
<td class="xl67">515,522</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">7.51</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO VAN POOL**</td>
<td class="xl71">$1,481,345 </td>
<td class="xl72">189,825</td>
<td align="right" class="xl73">7.80</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">EAST GRAND FORKS TRANSIT***</td>
<td class="xl66">$252,736 </td>
<td class="xl67">28,789</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">8.78</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">LA CRESCENT APPLE EXPRESS****</td>
<td class="xl66">$262,064 </td>
<td class="xl67">25,996</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">10.08</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">SHAKOPEE TRANSIT</td>
<td class="xl66">$1,202,226 </td>
<td class="xl67">116,595</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">10.31</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">LAKER LINES</td>
<td class="xl66">$950,770 </td>
<td class="xl67">87,213</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">10.90</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">RUSH LINE</td>
<td class="xl66">$405,739 </td>
<td class="xl67">32,410</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">12.52</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">TRANSIT LINK**</td>
<td class="xl71">$6,774,245 </td>
<td class="xl72">329,857</td>
<td align="right" class="xl73">20.54</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">METRO TRANSIT: NORTHSTAR</td>
<td class="xl66">$15,636,739 </td>
<td class="xl67">703,427</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64">22.23</td>
</tr>
<tr height="37" style="height: 37.0pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl77" colspan="4" height="37" style="height: 37.0pt; width: 527pt;" width="527"><span class="font6">Notes:</span><span class="font5"> *Winona operates service
under contract for WSU and St. Marys<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>**Not fixed-route service, included due to being part of overall Twin
Cities Metro area system structure<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>***EGFT service operated under contract by Cities Area Transit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>****Apple Express operated under contract
by La Crosse MTU</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="16" style="height: 16.0pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl78" colspan="4" height="16" style="height: 16.0pt; width: 527pt;" width="527">Source:
2012 Transit Report - A Guide to Minnesota’s Public Transit Systems (MnDot)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl75" colspan="3" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; mso-ignore: colspan;"><a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports/transitreports/12/index-2012.html">http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports/transitreports/12/index-2012.html</a></td>
<td class="xl74"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-86564143495507260432013-05-25T12:46:00.000-07:002013-05-25T12:46:52.242-07:00The New Flyer Advanced Style Low Floor, MappedContinuing on with the bus model mapping project, here is a map of known operators who operate any LFA style units built by New Flyer Industries.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=209538903584347975445.0004dd8fb267d19a3d42d&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=37.996163,-98.4375&spn=33.053774,56.25&z=4&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=209538903584347975445.0004dd8fb267d19a3d42d&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=37.996163,-98.4375&spn=33.053774,56.25&z=4&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">New Flyer LFA Operators</a> in a larger map</small><br />
<br />
The LFA model was produced by New Flyer from 2005-2010 and is typically found operating for bus rapid transit (BRT) type applications. Lengths included 35', 40' and 60' with various powertrain types. Diesel-electric hybrid was the most common.<br />
<br />
Photos:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/3666754464/" title="Community Transit #na by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Community Transit #na" height="135" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3618/3666754464_b9062db244_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6680210345/" title="Greater Cleveland RTA 2920 by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Greater Cleveland RTA 2920" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6680210345_978c23189f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-23723180943187933172013-02-13T19:40:00.000-08:002013-02-13T19:40:05.798-08:00The New Flyer Xcelsior, Mapped!Here's a basic map of all known transit authorities operating or about to operate the <a href="http://www.newflyer.com/index/xcelsior" target="_blank">New Flyer Xcelsior</a> model in their fleet:<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=209538903584347975445.0004d5a5b7e3d3939107f&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=44.715514,-97.207031&spn=29.958868,56.25&z=4&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=209538903584347975445.0004d5a5b7e3d3939107f&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=44.715514,-97.207031&spn=29.958868,56.25&z=4&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">TAs With Xcelsior Model</a> in a larger map</small><br />
(Green markers are for operators with Xcelsior in service, yellow markers are for operators with Xcelsior on order. The exact model of Xcelsior is noted.) <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Please note</b>, this map may not include all agencies and the information may not be 100% accurate. </span><br />
<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-16404827208786284692012-12-28T23:01:00.003-08:002012-12-28T23:02:30.051-08:00Happy HolidaysMerry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays everyone! J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-68516147212607216652012-12-15T17:33:00.002-08:002012-12-28T23:02:01.285-08:00Saint Paul Union Depot (SPUD)The Saint Paul Union Depot was officially reopened to the public on Saturday December 8th, 2012 after months of careful restoration and reconstruction. A few years ago it was somewhat of a eyesore in the Lowertown district of downtown Saint Paul. Most recently, transport based activity from the depot site was in the form of semis hauling mail. <br />
<br />
Today SPUD is once again a proper multi-modal transportation hub. While it is not officially multi-modal as of this writing, it will begin serving Amtrak and Jefferson Lines passengers in 2013. In 2014 Metro Green service will serve a station in front of the depot. Regional rail lines are also expected to serve the depot in future years.<br />
<br />
In the meantime select Metro Transit and St. Paul bound Minnesota Valley Transit routes serve the depot, providing riders with an attractive location to wait for their ride.<br />
<br />
In 2011 I had the opportunity to photograph SPUD during the reconstruction period. Here are some comparative photos:<br />
<br />
Concourse interior on grand opening day:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/8275718640/" title="SPUD Concourse Interior by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="SPUD Concourse Interior" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8275718640_124ee59d77.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/8275719998/" title="SPUD Concourse Interior by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="SPUD Concourse Interior" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8275719998_6cc24045a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Concourse interior in 2011:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/5651826779/" title="Union Depot Concourse Interior by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Union Depot Concourse Interior" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5061/5651826779_e2f11aff96.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<br />
Exterior stairwell current and 2011:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/8275722146/" title="SPUD Stairwell by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="SPUD Stairwell" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8275722146_2a7fdf0636.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/5651837855/" title="Union Depot Platform Stairs by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Union Depot Platform Stairs" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5229/5651837855_861e493d62.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<br />
Main platform area, current and 2011 (Note: viewed from opposite directions):<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/8274664207/" title="SPUD Bus Loop by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="SPUD Bus Loop" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8274664207_eb0f7d283f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/5651835531/" title="Union Depot Platform Area by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Union Depot Platform Area" height="332" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1391/5651835531_40bd0769b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Gate cabinets:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/8275714874/" title="Jefferson Lines Info by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Jefferson Lines Info" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8275714874_941cc5bd85.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/5652396488/" title="Union Depot Gate Cabinet by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Union Depot Gate Cabinet" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5066/5652396488_2327f841be.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
While these few comparative photos can hardly cover the remarkable transformation, I hope folks can appreciate all the hard work and detail that went into restoring this historic building and site. J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-53763763392059537402012-05-28T18:15:00.000-07:002012-05-28T18:15:36.311-07:00Building of InterestLike most folks, I generally don't go around looking specifically for architecture and building styles when I'm out and about. Nonetheless there are still some things that will catch my eye. For me any building with a decent amount of color or shape will capture my interest.<br />
<br />
One building that recently caught my eye was the office building located at <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=1185+North+Concord+Street+South+saint+Paul+MN&hl=en&sll=44.908733,-93.050028&sspn=0.002058,0.003119&t=h&hnear=1185+Concord+St+N,+South+St+Paul,+Minnesota+55075&z=16" target="_blank">1185 North Concord</a> in South Saint Paul, MN. It's nothing spectacular, but the way it's built into an area surrounded by a steep hill or bluff, and a not so spacious gap between the road and this bluff, makes it sort of interesting. The colored tiles on each end however really make it stand out.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7276571110/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="1185 N. Concord Street by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="1185 N. Concord Street" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7276571110_e079ea8cd2_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1185 as viewed from across Concord Street looking south</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Currently the building appears to be partly empty. I'm guessing at one point however it may have been a thriving office building. Also of particular interest with this building was the custom bus shelter across the street for northbound riders.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7276578192/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Metro Transit Bus Stop by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Metro Transit Bus Stop" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7276578192_367673a31b_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bus shelter across the street is painted to mimic the color tiles on the ends of the building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bus shelters that are specifically built for a business or company tend to be rare in the Twin Cities outside of downtown Minneapolis. This particular shelter structure appears to have been around a while, and was likely added back in MTC days. It is still served by Metro Transit <a href="http://www.metrotransit.org/Schedules/WebSchedules.aspx?route=71" target="_blank">route 71</a>, although I doubt this stop generates as much ridership as it might have previously.<br />
<br />
What the future holds for this building is unknown. However it is an interesting sight. J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-62127029972264200592012-05-16T15:46:00.000-07:002012-05-16T15:46:40.967-07:00Minneapolis to Move Towards Single-Sort Recycling SystemDespite the move by waste haulers across the metro area to single-sort recycling, Minneapolis has stayed with their original curb-sort recycling method. All that will change however thanks to the Minneapolis City Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee vote Tuesday <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/cities/archive/2012/05/minneapolis-moves-to-single-sort-recycling.shtml" target="_blank">to transition towards the single-sort system</a>. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/4596926689/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="City of Minneapolis Recycling Box by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Minneapolis Recycling Box" height="150" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1220/4596926689_9303b4e750_q.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of the type of recycling container currently used by Minneapolis residents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the single-sort method, all recyclable materials such as paper, cans, bottles, and boxes are placed together in a single container. The material is collected and then sorted out at the recycling center or collection facility. Containers for recycling are typically larger than the 18 gallon bins Minneapolis currently uses. For example, Waste Management and Allied Waste both offer large carts, with recycling instructions on the lid, for collecting recycling.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6308043720/" title="Allied Waste Recycling Cart by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Allied Waste Recycling Cart" height="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6212/6308043720_7369ee6a36_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6653971049/" title="Waste Management Recycling Cart by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Waste Management Recycling Cart" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6653971049_a3259750cb_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
Currently, Minneapolis has some of the most extensive sorting requirements available for recycling curbside. There are <a href="http://www.minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/recycling/solid-waste_recycling-separating" target="_blank">nine categories</a>, and little tolerance for improperly sorted material. <a href="http://www.minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/recycling/solid-waste_recycling-bins" target="_blank">18 gallon bins with lids</a> are issued for biweekly recycling per residence. The bins tend to fill quickly, which also may contribute to the poor participation rate of 18%. <br />
<br />
WCCO TV recently covered the changes coming, and has a report along with this footage of the current system:<br />
<script src="http://CBSMIN.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=948801;hostDomain=video.minneapolis.cbslocal.com;playerWidth=425;playerHeight=375;isShowIcon=true;clipId=7263307;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=CBS.MINN%252Fworldnowplayer;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=fixed" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<br />
While it is ideal to try to produce less waste in the first place, it will be interesting to see if this new system leads to better participation and material recovery for Minneapolis, and Hennepin County.J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-28220988513691833272012-05-08T19:24:00.000-07:002013-09-11T17:38:16.460-07:00Greyhound Express: A ReviewLast week I had the opportunity to travel from Minneapolis to Chicago using the <a href="http://www.greyhound.com/Express/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Greyhound Express </a>service. I have previously traveled between the two cities in past years using Greyhound, but had not yet tried the new "luxury" Express version. Overall I was impressed. Here is a brief overview of the experience.<br />
<br />
Waiting for the bus:<br />
<ul>
<li>Minneapolis: Express customers wait in the same general waiting area as everyone else who is traveling out of the Hawthorne Bus Depot. While this isn't as select as having a separate waiting area, it certainly works. Additionally Hawthorne was fairly empty while waiting to board on a Sunday evening. </li>
<li>Chicago: Express customers are given a special seating area, at doors 1-6, only available to Express ticket holders. seating in the Express waiting area was not abundant, but still generally available as compared to the other gates. </li>
</ul>
Boarding the bus:<br />
<br />
The Express service does not follow the "every passenger for him/herself", first-come-first-serve, boarding method that regular Greyhound services use. Riders board in groups, 1-10, 11-20, etc. Each ticket comes with a boarding number. Therefore you do not need to line up at the gate until your boarding group is called. This is much nicer than lining up at the gate when getting to the station in hopes of being able to pick a decent seat. This also means you don't necessarily have to show up an entire hour before the bus departs, although it is still recommended. <br />
<br />
Once you get to board the bus, e-tickets purchased online will need an ID shown when handing it to the driver, so it is best to have that ready. After turning in your ticket you are free to board, and take any unoccupied seat you like. <br />
<br />
Riding the bus:<br />
<br />
Greyhound uses new or rebuilt coaches on its Express service, these feature electrical outlets, free wi-fi, and some extra legroom compared to their regular fleet. (After riding I think the first couple rows are still the same for legroom however.) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7149701031/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Greyhound Lines 86335 by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Greyhound Lines 86335" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/7149701031_1647435ff3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of a coach used for the Greyhound Express service, this is a MCI D4505 unit, and is equipped with power outlets and wi-fi service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Express service is just that, Express. There are usually only one or two stops depending on the distance traveled. From Minneapolis there was one meal stop and then one stop in Milwaukee to drop-off and pickup more passengers. It was the same on the reverse. This was much nicer than some bus trips where it felt almost like riding a city bus because the bus seemed to stop at every corner along the way. <br />
<br />
The bus was not very crowded at the times I was traveling. This may vary depending on the day and direction however. Clientele using the service were not exactly the upper-middle class, but they weren't homeless bums and druggies either. Overall it appeared to be decent hard working folks and college students who were riding.<br />
<br />
Time:<br />
<br />
For this trip, time spent traveling was not excessive considering the mode. It took about 8.5 hours traveling from Minneapolis to Chicago, and about the same on the return trip. While that is longer than a flight it is also a bit more enjoyable getting to see some of the country along the way. The 8.5 hours also included about 40 minutes of break time while en route. <br />
<br />
Price:<br />
<br />
This was the best part, $10 round trip between Minneapolis and Chicago. Even a very fuel efficient car can't meet that low price. Airfare? Ha! Now you won't get $10 fare if you want to ride tomorrow, you need to buy at least a month ahead of time for that sort of deal. Still if you want to go somewhere in say, six weeks, and you aren't dead set on driving or flying, Greyhound Express might be a nice option.J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-89011395172004971872012-04-27T18:51:00.001-07:002012-04-27T18:51:47.794-07:00A quick look around Winona, MNWinona, MN is situated on the Minnesota border along the Mississippi River. Population is 27,572 <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27/2771032.html" target="_blank">according</a> to the U.S. Census Bureau. Winona has an interesting position geographically, with the Mississippi on one side, Lake Winona on another, and some inlets and wetland filling the ends.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=44.048116,-91.640453&num=1&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=44.047869,-91.640396&spn=0.07403,0.171661&z=12&output=embed" width="500"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=44.048116,-91.640453&num=1&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=44.047869,-91.640396&spn=0.07403,0.171661&z=12&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<br />
<small> <span style="font-size: small;">Winona has a very nice looking downtown district, with some shops and quiet streets that give it a small town feel. </span></small><br />
<small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7118871083/" title="Winona National Bank by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Winona National Bank" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/7118871083_37d4c0bde9_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6972794744/" title="Winona County Government Center by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Winona County Government Center" height="135" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6972794744_a8e593c5da_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7118862765/" title="Central United Methodist Church by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Central United Methodist Church" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7118862765_e2d09fdd87_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6972788948/" title="Winona Street by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Winona Street" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6972788948_8dc3acb1f1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></small><br />
<small><br /></small><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On the outskirts of Winona, there are the usual small city retail outlets including Hy-Vee, ShopKo, Kmart (pictured below), Mills Fleet Farm, and a shopping center. A Walmart Supercenter is located to the southeast. </span><br />
<small><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6972777848/" title="Kmart (Winona, MN) by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Kmart (Winona, MN)" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6972777848_734fdc3bb6.jpg" width="500" /></a></small><br />
<small><br /></small><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Winona is home to Winona State University, and does have a bit of college town vibe with lots of students walking around, a fair amount of rental housing, and a lot of cars. One thing that was interesting however, was how calm traffic was around the campus and the city in general. When people were waiting to cross a street, drivers actually stopped to let them cross, instead of speeding up as they do in some places. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Winona also has a transit system, called <a href="http://www.dwebsite.com/dwcenterprise/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?websitename=school1000178&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=16&myButton=g5plugin&db=g16_b157" target="_blank">Winona Transit Service</a>, which operates four bus routes. While the system isn't very large, and only operates small buses, it covers the majority of the Winona area.</span><br />
<small><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7118946683/" title="Winona Transit Service Transfer Point Shelter by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Winona Transit Service Transfer Point Shelter" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7118946683_4d15c2f7c7_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7118967111/" title="Winona Transit Service 0930 by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Winona Transit Service 0930" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7118967111_7aa9516c21_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></small>J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-61179242526544054892012-04-24T22:06:00.000-07:002012-04-24T22:06:22.879-07:00Minnesota Transit System Costs Per Ride, a Comparison and ThoughtsEach year, the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation releases a report detailing accomplishments, costs, and ridership for all Minnesota public transit service providers. Looking at the <a href="http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports/transitreports/11/index.html" target="_blank">2011 Transit Report</a> I thought it would be interesting to break down the operating cost and ridership numbers a bit for the major systems. I should note that while the annual operating costs and the ridership numbers are likely a consistent type of data for each system, I am not certain whether the operating costs represent the entire operating cost or just the cost not covered by passenger fares. Nonetheless here are the 2010 numbers, taking operating costs divided by ridership:<br />
<br />
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<col style="mso-width-alt: 2986; mso-width-source: userset; width: 70pt;" width="70"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="16" style="height: 16.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="16" style="color: #666666; height: 16pt; width: 250pt;" width="250">Operator</td>
<td class="xl70" style="color: #666666; width: 33pt;" width="33">Year</td>
<td class="xl71" style="color: #666666; width: 83pt;" width="83">Operating Exp</td>
<td class="xl72" style="color: #666666; width: 63pt;" width="63">Ridership</td>
<td class="xl73" style="color: #666666; width: 70pt;" width="70">Cost per Ride</td>
</tr>
<tr height="16" style="height: 16.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="16" style="color: #666666; height: 16pt;">U of M Transit</td>
<td align="right" class="xl66" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="color: #666666;">$4,894,272</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="color: #666666;">4,044,192</td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="color: #666666;">$1.21</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">St. Cloud MTC</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$5,358,104</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">2,192,736</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$2.44</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Metro Transit - Light Rail Train</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$25,736,121</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">10,455,860</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$2.46</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Rochester Public Transit</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$4,933,635</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">1,520,526</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$3.24</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Duluth Transit System</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$10,787,556</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">3,023,352</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$3.57</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Metro Transit - Bus</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$236,841,961</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">66,040,533</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$3.59</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Moorhead MAT</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$1,340,216</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">358,646</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$3.74</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Mankato Transit System</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$1,418,057</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">354,445</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$4.00</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Metropolitan Transportation Services
- Contracted</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$12,513,375</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">2,915,286</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$4.29</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Maple Grove Transit</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$3,714,999</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">752,608</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$4.94</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Ramsey Star Express</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$373,781</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">55,487</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$6.74</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Minnesota Valley Transit</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$16,359,426</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">2,386,117</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$6.86</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Southwest Transit</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$7,483,460</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">1,002,382</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$7.47</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Plymouth Metrolink</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$3,649,014</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">464,142</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$7.86</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Shakopee Transit</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$1,112,474</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">116,599</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$9.54</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Prior Lake Laker Lines</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$707,647</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">50,392</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$14.04</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Metro Transit - Northstar</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$15,591,217</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">710,426</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$21.95</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="color: #666666; height: 15pt;">Metropolitan Transportation Services
- Transit Link</td>
<td align="right" style="color: #666666;">2010</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="color: #666666;">$7,419,325</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="color: #666666;">286,294</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63" style="color: #666666;">$25.92</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's somewhat interesting how Saint Cloud Metro Bus has one of the lowest costs per ride, as the Saint Cloud metropolitan area is not necessarily a dense urban place. Metro Bus also charges less fare than other systems, with <a href="http://stcloudmtc.com/fares.php" target="_blank">base fare at $1.00 currently</a> instead of the $1.25-$3.00 others charge. Additionally fare may have been lower in 2010. Also noteworthy, light-rail is cheaper than bus to operate on a per ride basis, when there is enough ridership demand. What many anti-light rail supporters fail to mention is that one train set of 2-3 120 person capacity cars can be operated by one operator, versus 3-5 articulated or coach buses for the same capacity, but with 3-5 operators. <br />
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University of Minnesota's campus shuttle service however, comes in first. Fare is free on the shuttles, with all operating expenses paid out of student tuition fees. While the shuttles are well suited to capture heavy ridership in a very dense area with lots of demand, I can't help but wonder, what if a regular system stopped charging fares? Would it actually be cheaper in some cases to have free rides and collect fixed fees from property, business, lodging, and rental taxes? Of course many would object to higher taxes, with the usual phrases of socialism scheme, subsidy, spending "hard" earned dollars, so it would be unlikely to succeed. Still there might be enough savings from not maintaining fare collection equipment, dealing with cash, enforcing fares, etc. that it could be worthwhile.J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-79114048915684362432012-04-23T13:59:00.000-07:002012-04-23T13:59:55.102-07:00SupercommutersA recent article in the Rockford Register Star (Rockford, IL) stated <a href="http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1783283198/13-700-of-us-commute-from-Rockford-to-Chicago-every-day" target="_blank">13,700 residents of the Rockford area commute to and from Chicago everyday</a>. Given that the population of Rockford is 152,871 <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/17/1765000.html" target="_blank">according to the 2010 census data</a> that is a pretty substantial number. This data was obtained by the Star from a February 2012 report by the New York University Wagner School of Public Service, titled <a href="http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7ie7uZVPJwgAKAtXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1dGJnZmg0BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA1NNRTEwNl8yNzE-/SIG=12re8tk73/EXP=1335241275/**http%3a//wagner.nyu.edu/rudincenter/publications/supercommuter_report.pdf" target="_blank">The Emergence of the “Super-Commuter”</a>. <br />
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The "Super-Commuter" is defined by the report as someone who works in a central county in one metropolitan area, but lives outside the boundaries of that metropolitan area. These commuters travel via car, bus, air, or train to reach their workplace as many as five days per week. <br />
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Looking at the Twin Cities region, it appears the seven county metro area is also attracting supercommuters. The <a href="http://www.metrotransit.org/Schedules/WebSchedules.aspx?route=888" target="_blank">Northstar commuter rail</a> service, and the <a href="http://catchthelink.com/" target="_blank">Northstar Link</a> service offer a public transit option from the Saint Cloud metro area. A <a href="http://www.stcroixcrossing.org/" target="_blank">proposed bridge</a> in the Oak Park Heights area would provide more roadway capacity between Twin Cities metro highways and Wisconsin. On the other side, Rochester, MN has some workforce pull from the Twin Cities, with <a href="http://www.rochestercitylines.com/commuter.php" target="_blank">Rochester City Lines offering daily service</a> between the two metropolitan regions. <br />
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As the workplace continues to evolve and change in the coming years, vehicles become more reliable, and transit systems offer more choices and flexibility, the amount of workers willing to commute great distances will probably continue to grow. Supercommuters have arrived.J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-83925372241267886142012-04-21T18:44:00.000-07:002012-04-21T19:15:28.241-07:00A Look at the Cedarvale Mall site in Eagan, MNThe Cedarvale Mall at one point was a downtown of sorts for the city of Eagan, MN. However the opening of the Mall of America, just up Highway 77 in Bloomington, and additional shopping oriented development in other parts of Eagan proved to be too much competition. The Cedarvale Mall closed around 2007, and was torn down in <a href="http://www.cedarvalemall.com/" target="_blank">2008</a>.<br />
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The site of the former mall sits adjacent to Highway 13, and close to Highway 77.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=44.814937,-93.214105&num=1&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=44.813445,-93.217793&spn=0.018267,0.025749&z=14&output=embed" width="400"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=44.814937,-93.214105&num=1&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=44.813445,-93.217793&spn=0.018267,0.025749&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
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The site is currently vacant, and features numerous NO TRESPASSING signs posted by the city. Barriers are situated at all entrances to keep cars and trucks from entering. Piles of dirt and rubble, decaying asphalt parking lots, and weeds also adorn the site.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7090947353/" title="Former Cedarvale Mall Site by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Former Cedarvale Mall Site " height="180" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/7090947353_54a43522a7_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7090946009/" title="Former Cedarvale Mall Site by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Former Cedarvale Mall Site " height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7090946009_3b4d228ae5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/6944874976/" title="Former Cedarvale Mall Site by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Former Cedarvale Mall Site " height="180" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5080/6944874976_0caf0e8def_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7090941817/" title="Former Cedarvale Mall Site by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Former Cedarvale Mall Site " height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7090941817_94be5f95c7_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <br />
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Some type of future development has been planned for the site since the mall building was torn down. In anticipation of this some roadwork is being completed on Cedarvale Blvd.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7090942995/" title="Former Cedarvale Mall Site by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Former Cedarvale Mall Site " height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/7090942995_d2d86ec028_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/7090940671/" title="Cedarvale Blvd. by TheTransitCamera, on Flickr"><img alt="Cedarvale Blvd." height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7090940671_eba601c15e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>
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The latest plans for the site are to build an <a href="http://eagan.patch.com/articles/eagan-eda-gives-preliminary-go-ahead-to-400-000-square-foot-outlet-complex" target="_blank">upscale outlet shopping center</a>. <a href="http://www.paragonoutlets.com/" target="_blank">Paragon Outlet Partners LLC.</a> plans to build a 400,000 square foot center, complete with 90-100 retail spaces. <br />
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<a href="http://o2.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/600x450/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/627747d16ff5e40bf2e335489ce04f5b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://o2.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/600x450/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/627747d16ff5e40bf2e335489ce04f5b" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070021010694892712.post-41812409958858954622012-04-12T13:03:00.000-07:002012-04-12T13:03:13.968-07:00Photos and VideosFor my collection of photos of transit systems as well as other topics of interest, please visit:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/collections/">www.flickr.com/photos/thetransitcamera/collections/</a><br />
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For my collection of videos feauturing transit vehicles please visit:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/thetransitcamera">http://www.youtube.com/thetransitcamera</a>J Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17689065803454404861noreply@blogger.com0