That EmX Bus is Empty
BY MIKE WEBER AND SCOTT REYNOLDS
Recently, Kevin Prociw of LCCRG created a short music video titled "That Emx Bus is Empty" which illustrated just how poorly utilized LTD's $43 million Gateway/River Bend line is. Tonight, this video was highlighted on KEZI 9 news, and Andy Vobora, LTD's Director of Service Planning, Accessibility and Marketing stated that "the video was shot during a time when numbers are typically low for a college town" and "having only been in service for about five or six months, it's probably a little too early to make a judgment about how successful the ridership is."
Let's rewind to a little less than two weeks ago, when LTD Communications Coordinator Lisa Van Winkle said on KEZI on July 28 that "Even though we had to reduce the total number of hours, because we're still attracting a higher ridership, our efficiency is actually better" and that Gateway EmX expansion has increased ridership for the EmX by 40%.
Too soon to be judged, or increased ridership by 40%? Are we confused, or is LTD confused?
Giving LTD the benefit of the doubt here, let's give Vobora's theory about college town numbers being low. The route to Gateway/River Bend does not run through any areas that have a large UO student population, and primarily serve the hospital, a few large employers north of Beltline Road (Symantec, Royal Caribbean), a few neighborhoods and the Gateway shopping district. LTD has claimed the majority of their riders are going to and from work. College/school is second, again according to LTD.
Given that the footage was filmed between 7 a.m. and noon on a Friday, this covers a time in the morning during which commuters are typically going to work. However, all there was to be found during the morning "rush hour" were mostly empty buses everywhere along the route. Considering the areas served by this route, student utilization of this route should not be a major factor, and even if it was, how effective a utilization of $43 million in capital improvements plus operating costs is this route?
But who knows anymore, as LTD can't stick to one story? VanWinkle thinks that rider numbers will go down in the fall, isn't that when the college students come back? But Vobora says this is typical for a college town right now to have empty buses. OOPS, just who is in charge there at LTD?
As has been well publicized, LTD is looking to spend $80-100 million to build a new EmX route out West 11th Avenue that would terminate near where the Wal-Mart store is. Yes, folks, a bus to Wal-Mart! As of now, it is very clear that LTD did not predict the future very well when it built the Gateway EmX line, and now it wants to apply for tens of millions of dollars of FEDERAL funds for another EmX line with, again, an unproven need. We received an e-mail on March 7, 2011 from Vobora in response to a question asked about how utilized buses currently are along West 11th. The response was that about 900 boardings per day occur along West 11th between Garfield and Commerce streets. When one considers that the proposed EmX line would have 80 runs in each direction, for a total of over 160 trips, that works out to fewer than 6 boardings per trip based on current ridership! Spending $80-100 million to run even more nearly empty buses seems like an absolutely asinine proposal!
LTD is looking more like a three ringed circus then a transit service. EmX buses empty for half the day, running red lights and an LTD bus going the wrong way down a one way street. LTD was politely telling a Facebook community page to remove their page even though it was 100% within the guidelines for a Facebook community page, and create a Facebook group? Lost funding for the student bus pass program? What is going on at LTD? Things have only become worse since former GM Mark Pangborn retired. It looks like he got out just in the nick of time.
But there is a silver lining. LTD just received a FEDERAL grant to replace the 20 year old bus signs that are still readable. That is on the remaining routes left., not the EmX lines. See, the important stuff is getting done.
Mike and Scott -
ReplyDeleteMs. Van Winkle's comments are consistent with the ridership experience for the full EmX line. Ridership for the entire EmX line has increased (9,500 average weekday boardings) and at roughly 2,000 average weekday boardings the Gateway segment is performing well. The interview with KEZI included similar information, however they chose to extract a piece of a statement that certainly didn't convey the satisfaction LTD has with this ridership figure.
Ms. Van Winkle's statement, regarding ridership dropping this fall, has nothing to do with EmX, but was in relation to the loss of State funding for the student transit pass program and the potential that ridership from this particular riding group may drop. This is yet to be seen.
The fact is we live in a town that is significantly influenced by the rhythm of school sessions. The UO, LCC, and k-12 influence on our streets, businesses, and yes transit district are plain to see. Let's watch and see how ridership develops along the Gateway segment this fall and into the future. Businesses and residential complexes have begun advertising the fact they are along the EmX line and with this recognition more people will begin to see how advantageous it is to have convenient access to EmX service.
The federal investment of infrastructure dollars has immediate payoffs, such as short-term job creation, but is intended to pay off over decades. What will Gateway look like in the years ahead. Will there be a VA Hospital cited near RiverBend? Will there be housing and other mixed uses nearby? Plans include significant increases in both jobs and housing and if the past informs us about the future, then there most certainly will be growth and public transit will be positioned well to serve that growth.
The same is true for West Eugene. Population and jobs along 6th/7th/11th are significant today and will intensify in the years ahead. We can plan and prepare for this now or pay more later as we react to growth. The cost to build our way out of congestion is likely out of the question in terms of cost, dollars and impact on businesses and residences, which is why a transportation solution that improves the operating environment for both cars and buses is a good investment By the way, there are 1200 business and resident addresses fronting the corridor and thousands more within easy walking distance. While many folks may want to go to WalMart, there are plenty who find other destinations quite attractive. Going to work at one of the businesses,traveling to and from home, commuting to school, heading to a doctor's office, or even to simply access the nearby natural areas. As EmX becomes a system the benefits only increase.
Buses won’t be full all the times, but neither are roads. Especially when school is out of session. Andy Vobora - LTD
Hi, Dear LTD blog admin here.
ReplyDeleteThis post I am about to re-post was placed here with much vulgarity. Please keep your comments clean. Here is the edited version:
Anonymous said...
if you have $80-$100 million to spend on the new EmX route, you can find a way to keep the free bus program for students. this is crap. nobody in this town wants this EmX route except Kitty Piercy, And she dont even ride the bus!
So Mr. Vabora. Who is lying then? KEZI, Mrs. VanWinkle, yourself, or the authors of this article? The statements in question seem quite clear and concise. Hard to misunderstand them. Very well documented and attributed.
ReplyDeleteYour diatribe seems just be in frustration over getting caught making up facts to suite the day.
You have added insult to your self inflicted injury Mr. Vabora by trying to throw yet more useless catch phrases,and words at us while yet saying absolutely nothing at all. Stop blaming this community for paying attention to the words that LTD is saying.
So again Mr. Vabora, who lied.
It seems to me as if the anti-EMX crowd is pretty much composed of Tea Party members. I sure do feel sorry for the small businessmen who might have a week or so of inconvenience in front of their shops if the EMX were ever built.
ReplyDeleteBut I feel far more sorry for their part time, minimum wage employees whom the business owners think should be required to drive their cars too and from work.
And I know that the small business owners certainly wouldn't want any extra traffic that could be generated by EMX service to their front door.
All in all, it seems to me as if many small business owners are being played for fools by the ultra-conservative corporate interests that want to rub the Eugene City Council's noses in the dirt.
And whatever you do, don't ever take any federal money that's already been allocated for this public works project. Why, if government money was spent from Uncle Sam, it might mean more construction dollars, more employment, and more business for the small business owners in this community, along with more profits.
But we can't let an infusion of federal funds happen here. Why, that would be socialism!
Thanks for putting it so well, old new lefty! It is so hard to understand why a group would want to go up against public transportation, of all things. A really useful great public service that helps everyone! And by the way, the old bus stop signs might be readable to you, but to those of us with vision impairments, the improvements will make a huge difference! - Member of LTD's Accessible Services Committee
ReplyDeleteThese people belong to the Tea Party? I had no idea. Thank you LTD for making it clear you agree with baseless personal attacks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for making it clear you will lower yourselves to any level to brow beat those who are willing to stand for common sense and accountability. Great try at making these people seem like they don't want public transportation. No wonder they say you are not listening LTD.
Tea Party members what a hoot are they aliens from outer space as well? That's the worst you can come up with? Tea Party? Next time show some dignity instead of spewing made up playground rumors without proof.
Who is in charge there at LTD? You can't keep your stories straight, you say anyone who wants to hold you accountable is against public transportation. Your public relation department must be pulling their hair out after seeing these "LTD employee" posts and recent news pieces where LTD contradicts themselves. Not to mention that local citizens have been catching wrong way buses, running red light buses, buses wedged up next to hydrants. I know for a fact if I represented my workplace this poorly in a public forum I would be needing a new job. Guess it goes to show just what is happening at LTD. LTD is breaking from the inside out under the pressure. LTD, you are your own worst enemy. Stop trying to blame everyone.
"ultra-conservative corporate interests that want to rub the Eugene City Council's noses in the dirt."
ReplyDeleteSOMEONE IS SMOKING THE GOOD STUFF.
Dear LTD Employees,
ReplyDeleteObviously YOU want this, it's your bread and butter, but are these magical funds coming from your pockets personally? Are you funding this yourselves or is it the American People? There is such a big backlash over this little situation BECAUSE so many of the people who live here think this is more ridiculous than the whole Randy Pape fiasco!
As an ex-bus rider I can tell you at no point did I enjoy riding your filth-ridden buses, nor did I enjoy the damage caused to my shin on one such bus due to the wet weather and unsafe floors ON the bus (which I still deal with five years later). I now drive myself because I'd much rather pay for gas, insurance and the all important convenience of getting somewhere on-time.
Waiting for the bus sucks, other people on the bus tend to suck, the whole experience is only something that one puts up with because they HAVE to, but only if they can afford it! People ride because they HAVE to and even then there aren't that many all the time.
As an ex-student rider, I can tell you the only times the bus had decent numbers was first thing in the morning when everyone was going to class and upon return in the early evening. This was on the express by campus whereas the regular bus would only be boarded in the case of definite need (such as the express being full and the student was desperate).
The experience was only made worse when I was forced to take the bus to work because it was ridiculously far to walk. In the mornings and evenings it would be relatively busy on the #11 going to Springfield Station from Thurston and on the #12 going toward Royal Caribbean (in the morning), but the experience was a nightmare. Between waiting for buses that weren't on time or left well before their schedule and dealing with the people that actually ride the bus, I was miserable. Daily. Why would anyone put themselves through that on purpose?
And to the last poster, please explain how it benefits everyone to have drivers that don't even follow the law, e.g. stop lights and one way signs? I've seen more than my fair share and frankly, have been on more than one bus that rolled right on through the light. And if there are so many businesses that are for it, where are their signs showing support? Or do you just count the ones that keep their mouths shut as votes in your favor?
It was not LTD making the comment about the Tea Party, that was someone called "old new lefty." And it was not LTD commenting on that comment, that was me, an unpaid community volunteer that serves on a committee to help advise LTD on their services to people with disabilities. You should try to read better. I'm legally blind, and I get it! LOL!
ReplyDeleteDear LTD volunteer.
ReplyDeleteYou need to read it again. "Thank you LTD(referring to you) for making it clear you agree with baseless personal attacks" You agreed with the attack, you own the attack. Own up to your words. Own up to their meaning.
You also need to read what you wrote again. Now you are an "unpaid community volunteer that serves on a committee to help advise LTD on their services to people with disabilities." Where as before you were saying this "Member of LTD's Accessible Services Committee".
Either way you are here representing LTD with your post. If you are not trying to represent LTD then why use them as a crutch for your posts? Can't what you have to say stand alone as yours? Simply pathetic.
oh, no. I am not representing LTD. I have been a rider for 28 years and I have a disability which means I have particular needs when I am out and about. I am not using anything as a crutch. Just trying to let folks know why I know a bit about the new bus stop signs as my committee (LTD's Accessible Service Committee, a volunteer community group) reviewed them. That's all. No need to be so hateful.
ReplyDeleteI do not like this Andy man, I do not like this numbers scam. These empty buses I will not overlook, or how LTD misleads and cooks their books. I do not like when Lane Transit fumbles, about their Gateway EmX ridership numbers. I do not like Van Winkle's tries, her EmX number just don't jive. I do not like LTDs spending spree, I'm smart, I know that nothing's free. I do not like their smug replies, when I complain that their numbers lie. I do not like your dog and pony show. I do not like it, no, no, no!!!
ReplyDeleteAttacking Andy Vobora personally tells me exactly who you are. I have known Andy for many years, attend church with him. I know his integrity is spotless, his character is above reproach. You will never meet anyone more honest, upright, and truly Christian. He volunteers to help children even with his long hours and busy life. He is always there to help a church member in need. He is one of the best people you would ever meet.I can only pray for you that you manage to let the anger go and embrace love. The anger will eat you up from the inside out and make you sicker and sicker.
ReplyDeleteTo anonymous 8-11-11 8:48am
ReplyDeleteOne can hardly characterize directly quoting Mr. Vabora's public statements as an "attack". That is absurd. I see no one personally attacking Mr. Vabora. This is not about anger, nor is it about love. It is about holding a governmental organization (LTD) accountable to this community. It is that simple.
But thanks for "casting the first stone". Although it seemed to be more of a "cow pie" than a stone.
What a spectacle this EMX issue is making in the news lately. I can not believe all of this hoopla is over a proposal.
ReplyDeleteImaging the public outcry when LTD starts taking property by right of eminent domain. Imagine the public outcry when the actual construction starts.
I believe the nightmare has only just begun for all involved.
Andy Vobora wrote "at roughly 2,000 average weekday boardings the Gateway segment is performing well."
ReplyDelete2,000 average weekday boardings divided by 160 trips = less than 13 boardings per trip! This could very easily be accomodated by a standard bus with 2-3 times that amount to spare. No evidence exists to even suggest that ridership growth will double or triple in 20 years. That argument does not hold weight, and does not justify the $43 million cost, and it certainly does not create a satisfactory precedent to build it out West 11th.
Andy Vobora wrote "however they chose to extract a piece of a statement that certainly didn't convey the satisfaction LTD has with this ridership figure."
Just because LTD is satisfied with a figure also does not justify wasteful spending. How can an agency's "satisfaction" be used in justifying a decision to ram-rod another project that the majority of the community does not want?
Andy Vobora wrote "The federal investment of infrastructure dollars has immediate payoffs"
Yes it does, Andy. LTD, in its own small way, has perpetuated our nation's debt crisis and is continuing to work to do so to the tune of another $80-100 million. The nation's credit rating was downgraded by Standard and Poor's, and the stock market has been in free fall the last few days. On this point, Andy, you are correct. LTD's waste of federal dollars has immediate payoffs, just not the payoffs America needs right now.
In closing, Andy, much of your argument for further wasteful spending on EmX comes from wild speculation on future growth, and what people may or may not choose to do. My arguments here are based solely on facts. 2,000 riders divided by 160 trips works out to less than 13 boardings per run. Regular buses indeed can accomplish what the Gateway EmX can accomplish. Drivers have been caught recently flouting local traffic laws and compromising public safety. Our nation is in debt, partly due to your agency's wasteful spending. Please, listen to common sense and reason here.
Scott - Not sure how you come up with 160 trips when the timetable has 94, but your point about productivity is noted. Even at 94 trips the productivity doesn't rise to the level of our overall service, which ranks LTD as one of the most productive systems in the nation. But let's remember that EmX is both a present day and future investment. You may feel it was a poor investment, but it created years worth of private sector jobs and our community now has infrastructure that will allow it to serve customers effectively and efficiently for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteI have note Scott that your continued references to drivers "flouting local traffic laws" couldn't be further from the truth and being disrespectful to a group of professional drivers, who drive nearly 4 million miles in difficult conditions each year, is simply misplaced. Andy
Actually, Andy, the timetable for weekday service has 87 daily trips leaving Springfield station, and 89 trips leaving Gateway station, making for 176 total daily trips. I was just estimating 80 one-way trips each direction, so thank you for encouraging me to double check that. It further bolsters the fact that the buses are grossly underutilized as 2000 divided by 176 works out to fewer than 12 boardings per trip.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have referenced drivers "flouting local traffic laws".
Here is evidence of one running a red light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpuZzZrZqPo&feature=player_embedded
Here is evidence of one getting wedged next to a fire hydrant: http://kezi.com/news/local/218242
And here is evidence of a bus going the wrong way on a one-way street: http://www.myeugene.org/2011/07/18/eugene-resident-captures-photo-of-ltd-bus-going-wrong-way-down-street/
Sorry, Mr. Vobora, but film doesn't lie. Have a great weekend!
Dear Andy,
ReplyDeleteYou look like you could use some help here. So I found you some quotes. Enjoy.
Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute. ~Josh Billings
Never miss a good chance to shut up. ~Will Rogers
If you keep your mouth shut you will never put your foot in it. ~Austin O'Malley
Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech. ~Martin Farquhar Tupper
The easiest way to save face is to keep the lower half shut. ~Author Unknown
Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage. ~Pubilius Syrus
An inability to stay quiet is one of the conspicuous failings of mankind. ~Walter Bagehot
It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it. ~Maurice Switzer
Don't speak unless you can improve on the silence. ~Spanish Proverb
OMG you anti LTD people are idiots! Get your facts straight. I ride EmX each day from Springfield to International Way. The bus stops at Gateway, but that is NOT a separate trip. Do you really think you know the service better than the LTD service manager?
ReplyDeleteHey, if you are really concerned about the federal budget, why not get after the REAL money? Subsidies to oil companies, big corporations paying $0 in taxes (like GE with their $14 billion in profits last year). The ENTIRE transportation budget is a TINY slice of the pie and the ONLY place where we can rebuild the economy.
You guys are really barking up the wrong tree. One day you will look back and realize how much energy you wasted on the wrong issue. Sad.
How does a round trip to a destination and back not constitute two trips? Unless a person has absolutely nothing to do, no one rides the entire loop. For LTD to call the entire loop one trip is simply an attempt to inflate, or cook, the numbers up in their favor.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the federal budget is concerned, I acknowledge there are many other forms of waste that go on regarding the federal budget, many of which are much more substantial than what LTD is looking to perpetuate. However, LTD happens to be one of the larger local wastrels of federal government funding, and one of the more visible. They are looking to abuse the tax payer not only for a bus line that has NO PROVEN NEED, but to abuse business owners and resort to eminent domain (Do not try to deny this, as I have a copy of the public notice in the RG in which LTD is announcing they are seeking an attorney with knowledge of eminent domain) to take away property of those who contribute significantly to LTD's operating revenue.
About your first comment, it is not polite to call people names. We also are not anti-LTD. LTD, in general, provides outstanding service to our community, and has a shining history of having done so. However, when LTD begins to prioritize projects simply because they can go to the all-you-can-eat buffet that is the federal trough and abuses tax payers for the purpose of building a system full of nearly empty members that a majority of the community does not want, they are choosing to p*** away the high level of respect and credibility they once had in our community.
If anyone is "cooking" the numbers, it is you. You just made up your own way of counting trips! Creative! In your world, my one trip from Springfield to International Way is actually two trips! Wow! People get on and off the bus at all the stations along the route. That is why it is called a trip. It is an industry standard. When I ride transit in D.C. or New York, or Cincinnati, trips are trips. One line on the schedule is a trip. If you want to just make up your own numbers, why not just call every station a new trip? Then you'd really have a good number!
ReplyDelete