MORE ROUTE CHANGES IN BUCKS

Two hearings are planned next month to propose routing changes to four of the Frontier routes operating out of southern Bucks County. The changes affect the 127, 128, 129, and 130. Several poor performing route segments on the 127, 128, and 129 will be eliminated, while the 130 will be re-routed to serve a new office park in Bensalem Twp while also offering improved service within the Newtowns. While details are not yet available, this is what is known so far:

• It would appear that the 127 would no longer operate via Bristol Pike and Newbold Rd in Falls Twp, thus eliminating a very convoluted routing between the Levittown-Tullytown Rail Station (R7 Trenton) and the Morrisville/Trenton area.
  
• The segments to be eliminated along the 128 appear to be within downtown Bristol, along the Newportville Rd/Newport Rd corridor in the Croydon district of Bristol Twp, and a portion of the routing in Tullytown Borough.
  
• Duplicative routings in Middletown (Bucks) and Bristol Twp on the 129 would be discontinued, with new service proposed for traffic generators north and east of the Oxford Valley mall.
  
• The 130 would be re-routed to serve the Horizon Corporate Center in Bensalem Twp, and offer improved coverage of the Village of Newtown and Newtown Shopping Center.

The hearings will be held on Tuesday, April 13 (Sheraton Bucks County, 400 Oxford Valley Rd, Middletown (Bucks)) and Thursday, April 15 (Radisson Hotel, US 1/Old Lincoln Hwy in the Trevose district of Bensalem Twp). Both hearings begin at 7:00pm. More details on the proposed route changes will be posted when the become available.

NEW FLYER UPDATE

According to reliable sources, this will be the breakdown of the new 5700-series New Flyers, which should begin arriving at Wyoming by the end of the month, with number of buses and their likely numbers:

Midvale - 40 buses (5713-5752)
Frankford - 40 buses (5753-5792)
Southern - 15 buses (5793-5807)
Callowhill - 13 buses (5808-5820)
Red Arrow - 10 buses (5821-5830)

Later this summer, hybrids 5831H-5850H will be delivered to Southern. The arrival of the 5700s will mark the end of the non-wheelchair accessible Neoplans presently operating out of several city garages.

CHAMPIONS FINALLY ON THE ROAD

The first of 28 new Freightliner/Champion cutaway buses are now on the road. 2070 was reported to be in service out of Frontier Depot this morning (and how much do you want to bet it was working in Lower Bucks?). The first 18 Champions (2070-2087) appear to be heading to Frontier, with the remaining 10 going to contractors, most likely Keystone (314) and Germantown (310/311). This means that the 1997-98 Fords are about to be pulled out of service, and not a minute too soon. There's no word on whether or not a second order will be placed to replace the 1999 Fords (2056-2069) currently in use at Germantown and by Krapf's (204 and 207/WHIRL).

CONTRACT DETAILS ... SORT OF

The Inquirer reported some of the items that came out of the one-year contract in today's editions.

For starters, in lieu of a pay increase (which usually averages 3 to 4 percent), TWU workers would recieve a one-time, $1,000 bonus. Additionally, the status quo remains on health-care issues.

Some union members, though, seemed uncomfortable over the fact that this was a one-year deal instead of the traditional 3-year pact:

"It's like putting a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound," said Darryl Nutter, 43, a shop steward and engineer on the Market-Frankford Line. "Personally, I wouldn't accept [the deal]. I would like to have a three-year contract in our pocket." Inquirer

Meanwhile, the health-care issue remains at the forefront of the contract negotiations:

SEPTA now has a health-care contract with Independence Blue Cross that caps annual price increases at 15 percent. But once that deal expires in August 2005, SEPTA can expect a 30 percent increase in health-care premiums, sources at both SEPTA and Local 234 said.

In its talks with union workers, SEPTA had sought a 16-month labor deal that would last until the end of the Independence Blue Cross agreement.

But Local 234 was wary of any contract that would end in the summer, when ridership is lower and the threat of a strike less potent. So the labor deal was capped at one year. Inquirer

SEPTA once again warned of fare hikes and service cuts when it's FY 2005 budget is announced later this month.

So much for changes, huh?

OTHER ARTICLES RELATING TO THE CONTRACT SETTLEMENT:

Philadelphia Daily News

Delaware County Daily Times

THEY GOT WHAT THEY WANTED

Apparently, there is more pull in the People's Republic of Lower Merion than one suspected. A few weeks ago, the Main Line Times noted that township officials were compaining over the condition of the Wynnewood R-5 bridge over the Paoli Line. Well, according to this week's edition, the Main Line Times reports the following:

Not much more impressive is the achievement of an accord between SEPTA and Amtrak for repairs to the Wynnewood R-5 bridge. Obviously dangerous, the bridge has sat for years while the transit authorities took turns dodging responsibility for the infrastructure they both rely upon. The ongoing manueverings between the two parties weren't quite the Mideast "Peace Process," but they did seem to drag along almost as long and as futilely. SEPTA and Amtrak are two of a kind, though, agencies whose high-handedness is matched only by their inefficiency, two junior Mussolinis who can't make the trains run on time.

Sounds like they've described SEPTA perfectly...

"I HAVE PROTECTED MY MEMBERS."

Those words from TWU Local 234 President Jean Alexander marked the opening remarks at a press conference moments ago announcing an agreement between TWU and SEPTA. KYW NewsRadio 1060's David Madden reports that the tentative agreement, reached shortly before 10:00pm Sunday night after a lengthy negotiation period. The headline (Alexander's quote) makes it appear as though SEPTA workers may not be forced to pay a portion of their insurance premium, though nothing will be confirmed until the contract is ratified. This means that all SEPTA buses and trains will continue to run as scheduled tomorrow morning. Which means the strike plans are pretty much a moot point ... until next year.

RIVER LINE FINALLY IN SERVICE

After years of political hand-wringing and other political embarassments, NJ Transit's controversial River Line connecting Trenton and Camden began accepting passengers this morning. Despite harsh criticism from this web site over many of the decision regarding the planning and construction of the nearly $1 billion system - originally named the "Southern New Jersey Light Rail Transit System" - I took a ride on the River Line this morning. Let's just say that all the delays were worth the wait, as the ride was smooth along the entire corridor. That's not to say that the first official day of revenue service following yesterday's dog-and-pony show by New Jersey politicians, NJ Transit officials, and assorted hacks and hangers-on wasn't without a few snags.

A lot of passengers - mostly the curious and a lot of railfans - boarded at Trenton. The lines for the TVMs at Trenton station were so long just 2 minutes before the train departed that passengers were simply told to board without a ticket so they didn't have to wait 30 minutes for the next train.

The stop announcement system repeats the same announcements (ie. No eating, drinking, or smoking; you must have a validated ticket to ride; please check your personal belongings, etc.) constantly throughout the entire trip, which can be very annoying on any bus or rail line. Additionally, the visual stop display actually read, "Thank you for riding the New Jersey Transit." (We presume this is a lot different from various Ohio State alums referring to their alma mater as "THE Ohio State University," but annoying nonetheless.)

Arriving at Camden, it was observed that several of the TVM's were not accepting dollar bills; among the locations with this problem was the E-Centre stop at the end of the line and the northbound Aquarium stop (the southbound did accept bills). Also, from an initial look, none of the TVMs inside the Trenton Railroad Station appeared to be programmed to sell River Line tickets (in fairness, I didn't really get that good of a look).

There is also no signal prioritization along some of the street-running portions of the line, particularly between Walter Rand Transportation Center and the E-Centre in downtown Camden City, or at least none that I was aware of. That may be several years down the road, but we'll see.

And, last but by no means least, the train arrived at the E-Centre 6 minutes late.

Yet, in spite of these relatively minor complaints, there were quite a few positives from this trip.

For starters, the train really flew along the sections between Cass St/Trenton and Burlington Towne Center, and between Palmyra and 36 St/Camden. Even the street-running portion was fairly manageable, at least speed-wise. The tracks are adjacent to the curbs along S 4 St, Cooper St, and Delaware Av, and it appears the construction of the tracks will make for easier operations when compared to downtown Baltimore City.

Every station is built flush with the interior floor of the rail car, which would presumably make it a lot easier for wheelchair passengers to board the trains. The platforms themselves are a few inches above the rails.

The cars themselves are powered by a Mercedes-Benz engine in a format similar to SEPTA's diesel-electric hybrid buses. The engine - housed in the center portion of the car - provides the electricity which powers the rail cars. This makes for a much quieter ride than many people anticipated.

The interior of the articulated diesel multiple-unit LRVs featured high-back seats save for near the doors of the cars, which were fold-up seats in areas where passengers in wheelchairs would sit. There is a luggage rack, but only in the high-floor portion near the operator's cab.

For the most part, it's highly doubtful that NJT can count on two full rail-cars of passengers on most trips after the initial "novelty" period wears off over the next few weeks. However, NJT is making the best of what had turned into a political hot potato (remember that this system was initiated during the Whitman Administration, and even then there was controversy about the routing and a future Camden-Glassboro line).

To its credit, Burlington County has been touting the line for quite some time, even initiating the expansion of the county-owned BurLink system to connect with the River Line prior to the official launch of the system. Whether it actually helps the Riverfront towns remains to be seen. But, I guess that's why the run the system, now isn't it?

STRIKE UPDATE

As of 7:00pm, negotiations between TWU 234 and SEPTA are ongoing at the Wyndham Philadelphia (nee Wyndham Franklin Plaza) Hotel in Center City. According to reports from KYW NewsRadio 1060's David Madden, TWU President Jean Alexander indicated that progress is being made on the health care issue. However, Alexander cautioned that if insufficent progress is being made by the time 12:01am rolls around, the union will go out on strike. The message was made very clear by the union: "Settle or strike." This is a contrast to past negotiations when the union was willing to extend the negotiations past the deadline regardless of the status of negotiations.

One sign that could be taken either as a forthcoming settlement or a forthcoming strike was the arrival of Harry Lombardo, former TWU 234 President and current TWU International Vice President for the union's Transit, Utility, University and Service Division. Lombardo arrived at the Wyndham shortly after 2:00pm. That was right about the time KYW began airing soundbites from Alexander.

Shortly after Lombardo's arrival, the press got the same spiel from SEPTA's Minster of Mis-Information Richard Maloney, who didn't directly address whether or not significant progress was being made in negotiations.

Given how ambivalent the union has been on the health care benefits issue, it wouldn't be at all surprising if either SEPTA is backpedalling on its demands that the union contribute towards their health care costs or if the union is lying. Meanwhile, with less than 5 hours to go until the contract expires, an entire city waits on pins and needles.

GOOD NEWS ON TRACKLESS FRONT

SEPTA is soliciting requests for 50 new trackless trolleys with off-wire capabilities. This rumor had been circulating among some transit activists in Northeast Philadelphia for a while, but had not been confirmed until SEPTA posted it's solicitation request on-line today. This, coupled with the impending return of the AM General trackless trolleys to the Northeast routes (59, 66, and 75) seems to indicate a rare shift in attitude at 1234 Market. That said, it's very possible that either the FTA or the City of Philadelphia may have nudged SEPTA into it's new position.

STRIKE INFO PAGE POSTED

I have complied a list of service changes and tips in the event of a CTD work stoppage, including information SEPTA has, for whatever reason, chosen to to distribute.

Also, the Delaware County Daily Times ran a strike contigency article as it relates to Delaware County.

My time has been fairly limited this week, otherwise, I'd offer a lot more than what I have been offering. Let's just say I'm pretty ticked off at both sides right about now...

POSSIBLE STRIKE FALLOUT

SEPTA isn't the only one making contingency plans in the event of a work stoppage on Monday.

The Daily News reports that the School District of Philadelphia plans to keep its schools open, despite the fact that nearly 20,000 students - including most high school students - use CTD routes. It's going to be interesting to see how poor attendance will be during the first few days of a work stoppage (and, yes, to those contributors to the guestbook, message boards, and other parts of this site, I'm aware you're going to be impacted, and I feel your pain).

LOTS OF RIVER LINE STUFF

The Burlington County Times has been promoting the hell out of the Trenton-Camden River Line (aka Christie's Boondoggle). These are articles that were posted within the psat few days, leading up to Sunday's official start of revenue service:

• Chronology of major events in the history of the River Line
  
• Light rail: A relative of yesteryear's streetcar
  
• Line carries hopes, doubts
  
• Stations along the River Line
  
• River Line has predecessors across the nation
  
• Light rail lined with optimists and critics
  
• Shop owners are hoping new line boosts business
  
• River Line vs. other options: A comparison
  
• For users: The ride stuff
  
• It's a 'luxury sedan'

Sunday's Inquirer also had a detailed write-up on the start of River Line service.

STRIKE GUIDE POSTED

SEPTA is preparing for the worst on Monday, as it has posted it's "official" strike survival guide. By tomorrow, I will have additional information posted regarding tips that SEPTA doesn't (or won't) mention.

NEW 111 TRIP ADDED

In between labor talks and procurement controversies, SEPTA added a new weekday AM peak short-turn on the 111. The new trip, which took effect on Monday, will operate between Drexeline Shopping Center and 69 St Terminal, departing from Drexeline at 7:30am.

TWO RE-HASHINGS OF STRIKE VOTE

Today's Delaware County Daily Times and Philadelphia Daily News basically re-hashed much of the same information from Sunday's strike authorization vote that was reported in Monday's Inquirer. The only real difference from the Daily Times' account and the Inky's account were comments made by SEPTA's Deputy Minister of Mis-Information Jim Whitaker. Other than that, it's virtually the same.

WEST CHESTER PIKE MESS

A tractor-trailer attempting to back up into the parking lot of a motorcycle dealership caused some headaches on West Chester Pike bus routes earlier today.

The truck was attempting to back into the Honda parking lot on West Chester Pike near Montrose at around 1:40pm. A 104 bus from West Chester (3371/4254 block) was one of several vehicles that was stuck behind it. After about 15-20 minutes of waiting (and inaction by the Upper Darby Township police, which allowed a 124 deadheading back to the depot to back up, then waited about 15 minutes before allowing the 104 to back up), the 4254 block - and every West Chester Pike bus after it - reached the terminal via Township Line and Lynn Blvd. As a result, the 2:05pm to West Chester left 20 minutes late. Several other buses (including a 112 and a 123) were also late as a result.

MORE STRIKE VOTE DETAILS

Today's Inquirer confirms reports posted here yesterday that TWU Local 234 authorized a strike should negotiations break down this week. And for all that talk about civil negotiations last month? Forget it.

The debt-ridden transit agency's proposal is "the worst in the history" of Transport Workers Union Local 234, union president Jean Alexander told 1,800 union members yesterday. The standing-room-only crowd granted Alexander the authority to strike with a roar and a standing ovation in the ballroom of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 hall in South Philadelphia.

"The trend is that employees pay for health care," Alexander told the crowd. "But Local 234 does not follow the trend. We set trends." Inquirer

SEPTA is proposing a wage freeze for CFY 2005 and CFY 2006, with a 2 percent raise in CFY 2007 and CFY 2008. There was no mention of any lump-sum payouts as had been rumored yesterday. In addition, SEPTA is proposing that union members contribute 20 percent of health-care costs. Under SEPTA's plan, retirees would have three years of post-retirement prescription coverage as opposed to the present lifetime coverage presently offered. The union is obviously not thrilled with the proposal.

"If they stick to these demands, we will definitely be out," said SEPTA bus mechanic Tommy Gee, 58. "I do not want to go out, but I will."

Rare and prized benefits such as those are worth fighting for, said Anita Booker, 36.

"Most of us are here for the benefits," said Booker, a bus driver and mother of two elementary school-age boys. "In these jobs, you work 12 or 15 hours a day. I stay in it for the health care for me and my children." Inquirer

Despite the rhetoric from the union, SEPTA sent Minister of Mis-Information Richard Maloney out to assure riders that all is well.

"I am optimistic we can come to an agreement," Maloney said. "Both sides are aware of the challenge in front of us." Inquirer

Amazingly enough, at least one other person on the SEPTA payroll is optimistic about a possible settlement.

"Women raise kids. They are the backbone of the family. The don't let their egos get in the way," said (Midvale bus operator Bill) James, 51. "I am hoping that [SEPTA general manager] Faye Moore and Jean [Alexander] can work this out. Between these two women, maybe we can get a contract without all the bitter hostility of the past." Inquirer

I can't say much about Jean Alexander, but as for Fearless Leader? This is a general manager who is absolutely hated among the rank-and-file because of her background as an accountant with limited day-to-day operations experience. This is a GM who has this concept about being "off the clock" when the clock strikes 5:00pm and a major emergency develops. This is a GM who is slowly turning into a diva following her refusal to even address the Silverliner V controversy (remember the remarks in the Daily News?).

Yet, in spite of any new contract, SEPTA is still talking about fare hikes and service cuts. This looks to be a long year for SEPTA's riders.

SECOND GUESSING $CHUYLKILL VALLEY

The Inquirer did an in-depth report on the boondoggle-in-waiting known as Schuylkill Valley. The article highlights many of the political obstacles which caused the project to not only skyrocket in cost, but to be rejected by the FTA for New Starts funding. The article notes that Fearless Leader and the Rotating Resumes at 1234 Market are now punting questions on Schuylkill Valley over to PennDOT, Congressman James Gerlach (R-6), and Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D-Pa./Comcast SportsNet). That's the way to stick up for your project, now isn't it?

THEY'RE BACK!

I can now officially confirm that the trackless trolleys are returning to service within a matter of weeks. ETB #874 was seen today in the outside yard at Frankford Depot being cleaned up by a maintenance worker. The earliest reports indicate that trackless service will be restored on the 59, 66, and 75 sometime next month. Whether they stay in service is another story, however...

MARKET STREET MADNESS

Starting tomorrow, Market St west of 63 St will be reduced to one lane due to construction relating the Market St Elevated project. The 21 and Market-Frankford Owl will be impacted significantly. Whether or not construction will continue during a work stoppage remains to be seen.

BRACE YOURSELVES

It appears that the Transport Workers Union has decided to play hardball...

According to gossip around the depots, TWU 234 reportedly has voted to authorize a strike, should it be neccesary. This can be taken as one of two things: (1) It's just a formality, as the union may prepare to extend the negotations further, but probably not for a year as had been previously discussed; or (2) The breakdown of negotiations on Friday afternoon had more of an impact than anyone could've anticipated.

Another rumor - this one from a driver out of the Northeast - is that the new CBA - if and when it's ratified by both sides - could be a four-year pact. SEPTA had initially proposed a five-year contract, but the union initially objected before both sides compromised on four years.

Whatever the outcome, it looks as though everyone - including yours truly - will be dusting off all of the strike contingency plans from 1998 and 2001 (even though they weren't needed in '01) as a strike seems to be looming on the horizon.

PROGRESS ... OR MAYBE NOT

You know it's getting down to crunch time when there are less than 10 days left in the current collective bargaining agreement between TWU Local 234 and SEPTA. This is usually the time of the negotiating period when rumors start to fly and confusion rules the day.

According to an early posting in the guestbook, there was a report that the TWU rank-and-file would meet for a mass membership meeting tomorrow night at the Sheetworkers Union Hall at Delaware Av and Washington Av in South Philadelphia. [Note that I'm not 100 percent certain of the actual location, but I did recall seeing a couple of flyers floating around the system (I think one was at Pattison Station) noting a "mass membership meeting" at that particular union hall. Hopefully, one of my South Philly correspondents can confirm (1) the correct name of the hall and (2) the actual location since my memory can be hit-and-miss at times.]

The initial report indicated that a strike authorization vote could take place at that time. It had appeared that the union was willing to extend the contract for a full year in order to allow both Harrisburg and Washington to get their acts together, thus making strike rumors moot. But...

Another posting in the guestbook reported that union leadership walked out of the negotiations shortly after 2:00pm Friday following an offer by SEPTA of a 2 percent raise in CFY 2005 and CFY 2007, with a $500.00 payout in lieu of a raise in CFY 2006.

(For clarification purposes, FY 2005 = 16 March 2004-15 March 2005, FY 2006 = 16 March 2005-15 March 2006; and FY 2007 = 16 March 2006-15 March 2007; these periods will be referred to as "Contract Fiscal Years" or "CFY" to avoid confusion with "Fiscal Year" proper - July 1-June 30 - throughout negotiations.)

So much for that goodwill between Fearless Leader and TWU 234 President Jean Alexander. I have a gut feeling that once the union gets wind of this proposal, talk of any extension in negotiations may head downhill.

OVER THE TOP ALL WEEKEND ... AND OTHER SUB-SURF NOTES

The 10 will operate "over-the-top" via the diversion route to the 40 St El Station this weekend due to track work in the 36 St Tunnel. The 11, 13, 34, and 36 will continue to operate via the tunnel. (Corrected information)

On an unrelated note, has anyone been out on Woodland Av lately? There are several noticable potholes in the track-beds along Woodland near 59 and 60 Sts heading towards Darby. While SEPTA has in recent years work on the tracks along Chester, Baltimore, Elmwood, and Lancaster avenues, Woodland hasn't been rehabbed as of yet. One would anticipate that if the track crews from Elmwood are doing a major rehab project this year, it would focus on Woodland.

Well, if the Capital Budget is to be believed, then this summer's project will focus on the Woodland Av corridor between 42 and 47 Sts and between 52 and 58 Sts. That should make for some interesting travel patterns on the 11 and 36 if and when the projects begin.

Fortunately for Woodland Av riders, this is a capital project, so the funding should be in place. Given SEPTA's past practices, diversions and/or bus bridges will be in place starting with the June sign-ups.

NEXT STOP ... PARKESBURG?

Officials in Parkesburg are considering relocating the Amtrak station from its present location in hopes of bringing R5 service back to the western fringes of Chester County. A new station is only part of a comprehensive revitalization plan repoted by the Daily Local News in Wednesday's editions. R5 service last operated to Parkesburg in 1997, when it was eliminated as part of a round of service cuts.

The one problem for SEPTA restoration of service to Parkesburg is the lack of a nearby cross-over; when service was discontinued, trains were forced to dead-head from Parkesburg to Lancaster to turn around before returning back to Frazer Yard in East Whiteland, which undoubtedly was a main reason for cutting service back to Downingtown. Service was restored to Thorndale just a few years ago. Chester County officials have been lobbying SEPTA and PennDOT (which manages Amtrak's Harrisburg to Philadelphia rail service) to install a cross-over east of Parkesburg station, which would allow SEPTA to turn trains at Parkesburg instead of Lancaster.

Last year, officials in Coatesville were also contemplating renovations to the train station in the city's east end, also as a possible precursor to improved Amtrak or restored SEPTA service.

SOME LIGHT SHED ON LOBBYING

Today's Inquirer reports that State GOP Chairman Alan Paul Novak was paid $10,000/month by United Transit Systems, LLC, according to documents released by the company.

Novak's firm was hired at the $10,000 monthly fee in 2002 to "actively" contact SEPTA board members to "introduce" the South Korean firm, the form states.

"This introduction has been educational in nature covering the company's history... . Initial contact with SEPTA board members began in December 2002 and will continue through 2003," the form states.

Along with Novak, the lobbyists actively working on United Transit's behalf for that fee were Craig L. Tucker, an employee of Novak's firm, and Albert Mezzaroba, a Philadelphia Democrat and president of the Convention Center, who is a fishing buddy of Pasquale "Pat" Deon, chairman of the SEPTA board of directors. Inquirer

The report also notes that Kawasaki, who successfully obtained an injunction against SEPTA regarding the Silverliner V contract last month, also had hired former SEPTA executive Robert G. Bickhart, but failed to file the proper disclosure forms with the FTA.

Kawasaki said it interpreted the requirements differently. It concluded it only had to file a brief statement certifying that it was neither using federal funds for lobbying nor lobbying federal officials. Kawasaki did file that statement with SEPTA.

A Kawasaki official yesterday contended that Bickhart, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R., Pa.), was a "representative" rather than a "lobbyist."

"Lobbying is if you're trying to influence," Kawasaki marketing manager Jitendra Tomar said.

"We never did that kind of thing... . You could say he [Bickhart] is our representative... to keep a watch on what these Koreans are doing... to see and give us information on that. I am very clear he is not a lobbyist."

Reached yesterday, Bickhart said he was not a lobbyist for Kawasaki.

"I was helping them discern their way around SEPTA and the region, and who might be important people to be in contact with," Bickhart said. He described his role as a "government affairs" consultant. Inquirer

It certainly sounds like splitting hairs to me. Whether or not this has an impact on the March 15 court hearing remains to be seen.

In addition, Sumitomo Corporation, another unsuccessful bidder, had hired former SEPTA Board member Robert Wooten to lobby the board. Wooten was reportedly paid $20,000 for his services.

Bombardier reportedly did not hire an outside lobbyist as part of the Silverliner V procurement.