Posts tagged Wmata
-
How track circuits detect and protect trains
As I pointed out last week, trains can’t always stop within a line-of-sight distance. That’s why signaling systems were invented. When they fail, the consequences can be fatal. Most railroads use track circuits to determine which sections of track are occupied by trains. These devices are actually fairly simple in design, and have been in use since 1872. In… Keep reading…
-
On the calendar: Peds, bikes, transit budgets, and art
Big plans for DC streets; WMATA hearings; Local budget hearings; Go M.V. go!. Keep reading…
-
FTA finds WMATA, TOC safety failings; Senators frustrated
The Federal Transit Administration found serious communication failures at WMATA surrounding safety, and an inadequate safety oversight system in the Tri-State Oversight Committee (TOC). At a briefing yesterday, area Congressional representatives seemed extremely frustrated at their inability to fix this problem. According to a report released yesterday, the current… Keep reading…
-
Afternoon links: All in the family
Kids + buses = challenge; Dense housing is for families too; I’m on the radio, twice; New daytime parking deal in Adams Morgan; DC gets snow money, Alexandria ha’ sno money; Another tax break; MARC Area’s Really Crowded. Keep reading…
-
Richard Sarles will make safety top priority, ride Metro
NJ Transit’s outgoing head, Richard Sarles, will take over as interim WMATA General Manager on April 3. He and WMATA Board Chair Peter Benjamin answered some questions at a recent news conference. He has always ridden transit after growing up in a no-car household in North Jersey where he and his family used the bus to get everywhere. Along with his $25K/month compensation,… Keep reading…
-
WMATA Board approves public hearings
This morning, the WMATA Board approved public hearings encompassing the broadest possible range of options for their $190 million budget gap. In addition to the options staff had placed in the proposed docket, Board members asked to add all of the additional ideas proposed by the Riders’ Advisory Council, Greater Greater Washington, MetroRiders.Org and others. Staff… Keep reading…
-
WMATA releases more fare increase options
Heeding the request of the Riders’ Advisory Council, advocates and blogs, WMATA staff released a larger set of options, especially for fare increases. The Board is expected to approve a public hearing that will let riders choose between these options, service cuts, and using capital dollars. The Board meeting should start soon. You can listen by clicking on the large… Keep reading…
-
What do you want to do about labor costs?
Craig’s recent series on WMATA’s FY2011 budget examined the range of options available to the General Manager and the Board, from service cuts to fare increases to administrative savings and more. One element not discussed was reducing the pay and benefits to union members. Craig is in fact affiliated with the union, though his opinions here are his own. However,… Keep reading…
-
WMATA budget deep dive, part 9: An alternate proposal
In this series, I’ve analyzed WMATA’s proposed budget and searched for ways to close a $189.2 million gap without driving away passengers and entering a “death spiral” of fare increases and service reductions. In my day (and often night) job I represent ATU Local 689 in political and legislative affairs. That’s the union that represents most… Keep reading…
-
Breaking: NJ Transit chief to be interim WMATA GM
This just in: WMATA will appoint Richard Sarles, former head of New Jersey Transit, as interim General Manager, says a source connected to the Board. I’ll post more as it’s available. Update: The Post has the story as well. The Post story also says that the Board chose Sarles over Howard Roberts, a former head of New York City Transit. Sarles led the push for a new tunnel… Keep reading…