Disqus - Latest Comments for usedbookman

Re: To address Chicago’s CTA operator shortage, we need to keep transit workers safer

usedbookman — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 17:45:30 -0000

Operator shortages are a nationwide problem. In the short term, we may need to prioritize services and temporarily suspend some routes if we are short drivers.

Re: At “Emerging From Crisis Wiser” panel, advocates called for less downtown-centric transit

usedbookman — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 17:39:39 -0000

It's called a traffic generator. The point of transit is to serve those.

Re: Here are the proposed walk/bike upgrades to Chicago Avenue in Evanston

usedbookman — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 19:46:48 -0000

I always preferred to use Hinman. Much less traffic and more scenic.

Re: Confirmed: Current CTA unreliability is caused by staffing shortages. How do we fix that?

usedbookman — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 20:42:46 -0000

As winter is approaching, the problems are likely to get worse.

Re: The case for municipal sidewalk snow clearance in Chicago

usedbookman — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 15:24:01 -0000

A Bob cat with a scoop could solve this.

Re: Dissenting opinions: Why do some bike shop owners oppose the Pratt bike bridge?

usedbookman — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 16:35:29 -0000

As one who has lived in both Lincolnwood and West Ridge and bicycled extensively in the area, this bridge is overdue and should have been built years ago.

Re: Weirdness: North DuSable Drive reconstruction could potentially include four tolled bus / car lanes

usedbookman — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:22:25 -0000

HOV lanes are used with success in Seattle without the problems you mention.

Re: Weirdness: North DuSable Drive reconstruction could potentially include four tolled bus / car lanes

usedbookman — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 03:17:37 -0000

HOT lanes don't solve anything. If the tolls are low, they fill up with cars. With higher tolls, there is a question of equity, as people are economically preluded from using them. HOV lanes are a better solution. The number of people in the vehicle to be eligible can be adjusted.

Re: Electric Chicago Avenue: CTA is piloting six e-buses on the #66 route

usedbookman — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 03:09:08 -0000

This assumes an unlimited supply of lithium.

Re: CTA electrification isn’t happening anytime soon, but more “clean-diesel” buses are coming

usedbookman — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 22:47:45 -0000

In the '20's electricity was generated using coal. Clean on the trolley route, but not where the power was gen9erated.

Re: Yes, In My Backyard by Valerie Schloredt — YES! Magazine

usedbookman — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 22:01:46 -0000

I love this idea, as a former resident of Pioneer Square. Biggest problem in some communities is zoning, not just nimbyism. Regulations govern minimum lot sizes, minimum building sizes, and in this case, accessory dwellings, all in the name of preserving property values. Even more exciting is the possibility of moving forward without yet another government program.

Re: More than a Mindful Consumer by Annie Leonard — YES! Magazine

usedbookman — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 01:57:57 -0000

In spite of houses being larger than previous decades, the rampant proliferation of storage locker facilities best illustrates the need to address the problem of too much stuff.

Re: Gregoire’s ferry plan quickly faces opposition - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 01:45:14 -0000

If we choose to live in a geographically challenged area, when most state residents don't, why should they have to pay for our choice? Why should they have to subsiudize our refusal to ride share or travel as walk ons?

Re: Gregoire wants to create a regional ferry district to take on the ailing system - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:52:26 -0000

Whose fault is it, if you or I choose, by our own free will, to live in a geographically challenged area? Certainly not the taxpayers at large. Actions have consequences.

Re: Gregoire wants to create a regional ferry district to take on the ailing system - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:56:49 -0000

The real answer is a cross sound bridge from Fragaria to Vashon to Seahurst, as proposed by Randy Boss of Gig Harbor. Ferries are just an anachrominsm whose time is past, just like Lake Washington.

Re: Gregoire wants to create a regional ferry district to take on the ailing system - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:27:52 -0000

A gigantic exercise in cost shifting. While were at it, why not shift snow removal costs in the Cascades to a local district as well?

Re: Static fares may lead to reduced Bainbridge Island ferry service - Bainbridge Island Review

usedbookman — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:19:37 -0000

The state is in one of the worst financial messes in memory. The unions refuse to make any concessions. Fuel will go nowhere but up. Fuel and labor are 80% of WSF costs. The choice comes dow to raising fares or cutting service.

Re: Ferry officials to visit Vashon, vet changes - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:50:12 -0000

Cars, by themselves, don't cover the costs of operations. Vashon, at present, only covers 65% of operating costs. Bainbridge covers 100%. The difference is they fill the upper deck with walk ons. 90% of the upper deck space goes unused on ferries by WSF's figures. That's space that's paid for, but not generating revenue. Cut drive ons and on time performance will be enhanced. When I get service delay bulletins, it's not caused by walk ons, but excessive numbers of cars.

Re: Ferry officials to visit Vashon, vet changes - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:24:52 -0000

Single occupancy vehicles driving aboard is the problem. Shift more riders to ride share and the problem goes away.j

Re: Beachcomber to offer full access to its website to paid subscribers only - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:11:11 -0000

Online is the wave of the future. Print editions are an anachronism, and a waste of resources. Online needs no newsprint. No ink. No expensive presses. No expensive labor to produce or deliver.

Re: Commission votes to increase ferry fares by 2.5 percent - Port Orchard Independent

usedbookman — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:17:55 -0000

WSF will be holding a community public meeting Monday, November 29, at 6:30, at Sedgwick Jr. High. There has also been a proposal to reduce service to reduce the WSF budget. On the triangle route, they are proposing substituting the Evergreen State for the larger Issaquah, thus reducing vehicle capacity.

Re: Guess who gets to test photo-tolling scheme? - Port Orchard Independent

usedbookman — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:25:24 -0000

I never hear anyone talk about the time value of money. Collect a cash toll, and it's available to use today. With photo tolling, when will the money be remitted and actually available?

Re: South Kitsap businesses setting legislative priorities - Port Orchard Independent

usedbookman — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:20:02 -0000

Want to help small businmess? Quit taxing us to death. Between lost business in Obama's double dip recession, and onerous taxes, it's not likely the business that employs me will last much longer. This is a local business that has operated since 1991. L&I has become punitive. B&O on gross profits doesn't help. Then there's substantial property tax increases on South Kitsap businesses. The list goes on. Raining prices for our service is not a solution, as even modest increases chase customers away.

Re: Vashon could lose some of its ferry service as state struggles to close budget gap - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:10:30 -0000

While some will always have to drive aboard, I find it impossible to believe we couldn't increase ride shares or walk ons. At our house, all ferry trips on and off the island are as walk ons. It's a choice many more of us could make, if we chose to. Let's not forget that gas prices are only going to go up from here. We're at a peak oil situation. Supplies are only going to begin diminishing. The current loss in value of t he dollar will only increase prices. If the recession ever ends, China, India, and others will be competing with us for ever dwindling supplies. Don't forget Obama's interest in Cap and Trade, and carbon taxes. That will double fuel costs overnight.

Re: Vashon could lose some of its ferry service as state struggles to close budget gap - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

usedbookman — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:50:41 -0000

The problem is the number of single occupancy vehicles driving aboard. Increase car pools, van pools, and wolk ons, and the problem goes away. To not make those service changes, would mean someone else's service has to go away. Who would you suggest?