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==> Notes before the News
Welcome to the August issue of OTB, issued 2nd August 2003
Events of note:
*** Monday 4th August - Ontario civic holiday ***
* OC (Ottawa): Sunday schedules plus extra service on route 8 and 95
* STO (Gatineau): special schedules
- Generally expect Saturday or Sunday frequencies with extra service.
Don't expect express bus services involving Ottawa work points.
This is a regular work day in Quebec.
*** Monday 1st September - Labour Day holiday ***
* OC (Ottawa): Sunday schedules
* STO (Gatineau): likely Sunday schedules
*** Next schedule changes ***
* OC: 31 August 2003
* STO: 1 September 2003
OC information --- http://www.octranspo.com
STO information --- http://www.sto.ca
==> In this issue (in order) ...
* O-Train faster schedule announced
* Just bus us, don't bust us
* July bus crashes
* Tunney's Pasture update
* Sightings and Mysteries
* OTRA meeting planned next month
* Letter: Buses and speed
* Oops (correction for last month)
* September OC service changes
* Video screen update
* Post-secondary students look at pass discount
* Bayshore station Safety Audit
* It's election year
* Contact us
Thanks again:
-------------
To those whose contributions, encouragement and feedback help make this
issue of OTB possible.
==> O-Train faster schedule announced
New O-Train schedules indicate 15 minute service frequencies as of
September. Once the schedule is confirmed, this would be a benefit of
the track replacement work undertaken in June and July.
These are part of the 31st August timetable updates posted at
http://www.octranspo.com. Note
these may be subject to some final changes.
Additional O-Train closures occurred in July, after most track work
was
done in June:
- weekend closure: 12-13 July
- evening closure: Wednesday 16 July
- evening closure: Sunday 20 July
==> Just bus us, don't bust us
- by Beverley Markle
It's definitely time that OC Transpo professionally reevaluates and
modifies,
or replaces, the operational systems that open and close the exit doors
on
articulated buses. Who hasn't been the victim of, or seen, or been told
about
these doors viciously whacking an unsuspecting passenger or dangerously
catching and holding onto their clothing? The risks being great, why
is
there no automatic safety override device to stop these doors closing
on
flesh and bone?
I propose that OTRA readers/members, door victims (I'm one) and anyone
concerned with these unsafe doors form a working group to impress upon
OC Transpo and our City the urgent need to correct the systems' faults.
Please contact me (b.markle@rogers.com)
if you feel strongly about this,
can contribute organizationally, strategically or technically, provide
information, or want to help in any manner as our work progresses.
To start things rolling, here are my own observations on some inherent
deficiencies in door design and operation, in relation to an exiting
passenger:
1. Co-existence of 2 independent, conflicting, simultaneously operating
systems - ie. automatic opening by the passenger pitted against
unrestricted, manual opening and closing capabilities of the driver.
2. Immense speed of door-closing into a person's body.
3. Two misleading instructions to passengers. First, a printed notice
instructing the passenger that he alone is responsible for opening the
doors. Second, wide-open doors signaling an invitation of `safe passage'
to disembark, in contradiction of the driver independently and forcefully
closing them.
4. Projection of the doors' yellow steel vertical bars into the exact
spot
where a passenger must stand when stepping off the bus. Fast door closing
sends those attached bars hard into the passenger's body, first injuring
him
upon impact, then powerfully displacing and ricocheting him into the
aisle.
5. Long length of the doors' yellow steel bars inflicts simultaneous
multiple
injuries along 1/2 to 2/3 of an adult's body's length, more if you're
a child.
6. Absence of an electronic sensor beam or equivalent disabling device
to
prevent doors from closing onto a body or other physical matter.
[OTRA would also like to hear of additional reports and input on bus
door
safety. We've already heard other reports of bumped passengers. Another
issue is the various types of door mechanisms which passengers must
adjust
to, described in a January 2002 OTB article. Contact us at our normal
addresses at the end of this OTB issue.]
==> July bus crashes
OC Transpo experienced an extraordinary series of bus crashes in July:
13 July - a route 95 bus eastbound on Hwy 174 crashes into a car parked
on the bus lane. A child is killed, his father and mother injured (the
father very seriously so). The car was apparently stalled on the bus
lane. Bus drivers were reportedly given a radio warning, which may have
come too late for this case. There are also concerns raised that the
bus lanes were not sufficiently marked with signs and lane diamonds.
16 July - Orion 6 bus hits a car on Colonnade; the bus was apparently
not on regular route service. Reporting, or lack thereof, suggests this
was likely a relatively minor "fender bender".
19 July - Route 86 Elmvale crashes into Lees station, six people injured,
with estimated $100 000 damage. See photo on http://www.newintown.ca/ottawa
23 July - A boy is struck by a bus near the Uplands air base; accounts
suggest the boy may have ran in front of the bus, giving the driver
no time to react.
Investigations continue into many of these incidents, and the deadly
crash on the 13th July will likely involve legal proceedings. Finding
fault in these cases can be a tricky business. But what is clear is
that
no one can take transit safety for granted.
==> Tunney's Pasture update
The north side of the Tunney's Pasture station building, including
the
elevator, remains closed. No further work on the station was seen in
July.
There continues to be west stairwell access to the westbound transitway
platform.
Based on recent inquiries, OC Transpo indicated that reconstruction
will
not be completed until at least October. No firm completion date has
yet been determined.
==> Sightings and Mysteries
1. Mystery (courtesy Wallace J.McLean): "Last week was probably
my peak bus
week of the year, on account of the crappy weather. I rode about 30
buses.
One was air-conditioned. I don't see any around town either, all the
windows
seem to be open, at least on the OCTranspo fleet. The closed windows
of the
STO buses, or most of them, are a tell-tale sign that they, unlike OCTranspo,
actually give a flying fig about their riders. So where are OCTranspo's
air-conditioned buses?"
[OTB note: on occasion, one can get an air-conditioned bus. Usually
it will
be one of the newer articulated series buses, but some newer regular
length buses can also be air-conditioned. It's basically a matter of
1) drivers turning on the air-conditioning, and 2) passengers keeping
the
windows closed when A/C is running.]
2. Sighting (courtesy Jesse Forget): "... in regard at one of
the mysteries
by M.McLean regarding the Rideau Centre Transitway Stop and its eastbound
system map. There is indeed a system map upstairs at the eastbound station
platform while the emergency box is located downstairs on the tunnel
towards
the shopping centre and the westbound platform."
3. Sighting (courtesy Jesse Forget): "On 19th July, I've spotted
two
low-floor articulated buses with the fleet numbers 6303 & 6304 on
route 7
possibly a new series of those new buses are introduced."
4. Sighting: Other people have also reported the new 6300-series buses
on
the streets.
5. Sighting (courtesy Jesse Forget): "STO is continuing expending
its
low-bus fleet with I believe 12 new buses so far since May and with
more
possibly later this year or in 2004. Maybe a sign that significant service
will be added in needed areas. Although the down side while the STO
is
expecting only low-floor buses, they only have 36 or 37 seats, meaning
there could still be standing-room situations on peak but also off-peak
periods."
6. Sighting (courtesy Jesse Forget): "Speaking of the STO, some
of their
buses had a new painting (just the blue lines on the sides that have
been
removed with their logo as big as those on the newer buses (00's and
02's
and 03's). Some of the bus fleet numbers with the new appearance are:
9109, 9111, 9113, 9202, 9509, 9510, 9513 and 9518."
7. Sighting (courtesy Jesse Forget): "It regards about the speeding
of some
OC Transpo drivers on the OVP the Parkway (as mention in the Sightings
and
Mysteries. As a regular user of the 97 (or 95) in that area, I notice
that
most drivers are going at a reasonable speed of about 65 or 70 km/h,
but I
have experienced some quite fast rides and I remember that one past
ride in
the early morning, the driver was using both lanes of the Parkway from
the
Transitway to Lincoln Fields and moving at a remarkable rate of speed
(likely
over 100 or 110). But usually I believe that it's those who are running
well-behind schedules that seems to push the pedal a lot harder then
the
others. But they are just a few, which is not the case of other vehicle
drivers who could drive as fast as 130 or 140 km/h (but on average well
over
70 km/h. As for the cyclists I've notice, the last time I pass through
that
area that a new (or extended) bikepath on the north side of the parkway
near
the Transitway is almost (if not) completed, so maybe some cyclists
will the
extended path for a more safer ride."
8. Sighting: At Carling O-Train station, there is a recent sign above
the
platform indicating the nearby streets, and showing the pedestrian directions
to Dow's Lake. Signs and markers have been improving here since the
O-Train
line opened. A suitable next step in this process would be to add signs
directing passengers to the bus stops on Carling (e.g. routes 85, 99).
==> OTRA meeting planned next month
A meeting of the Ottawa Transit Riders Association is being planned
for
September. Watch next issue of OTB for details, or check the otra-discuss
mailing list for updates.
There will be many potential hot topics to discuss, from bus door safety
to future transit developments.
==> Getting value for transit expansion
A committee of Ottawa City Council will be looking at a recent report
which
recommends replacing the diesel O-Train route with an electric train
system.
The cost would be $300 million, but would not provide much extension
to the
current O-Train line.
Critics of the plan note that extensions to the existing O-Train technology
can be done for considerably less cost. Such extensions could go to
the
Airport and to Quebec.
While electrification of rail lines is a worthwhile goal, nothing is
being
said about electrifying or otherwise converting the existing diesel
bus fleet
which provides most transit service in Ottawa.
There are also questions of how much government money will be available
for transit projects in the near future. Limited funds will mean there
is
no room for high-cost projects.
==> Letter: Buses and speed
[Re: Sightings and Mysteries, July 2003 OTB]
I have to express some surprise and dismay at the Bulletin's phrase
"some
buses MAY have exceeded the speed limit..." here. Also, it is not
mentioned
that speeding buses endanger the transit riders, who have little protection
in a crash.
In responding for additional observations and feedback...A new one
for
me.. yesterday [8th July] the #97 I was on was speeding down the Ottawa
River Parkway at 85 km/h according to the buses speedometer on the dashboard.
What finally drove me to call OC Transpo customer service and complain
right
away was when this bus hit _90 km/h_ on Richmond Road, past Bayshore
to
Holly Acres Road. The speed felt wrong so I went and looked at the speedometer.
Perhaps it should be no surprise that the operator ended his shift
2 minutes
later at Bayshore Station, and got off, presumably ending his shift
seconds
earlier than normal -- at great risk to his passengers and everyone
in the
vicinity of that 60 foot bus. Ouch.
It's quite ironic that police presented a report to the Police Services
Board just a few weeks ago announcing increased resources to deal with
speeding and aggressive motorists:
http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/opsb/2003/06-23/item
3.htm
Perhaps the City should look at it's own 'professional' driver's behaviour
first!
Any comments from OC Transpo?
- Brett Delmage
[There were certainly comments all around the bus speed issue after
a front
page article on the subject appeared in the Ottawa Citizen on 26th July
2003
and a follow-up article 2nd August 2003 (since the above letter was
submitted). That article noted many bus speedometers showing speeds
above the
posted limits in many cases. OC Transpo's response was that bus speedometers
are sometimes broken or inaccurate. Also to be fair, many drivers do
keep
within reasonable and legal speeds.
But we do note that excess speed is a risky situation, especially when
combined with the sometimes twisty stretches of two-lane transitway
roads.
The controversy resulted in greater scrutiny of bus speeds. Whether
this
leads to longer term monitoring and adherence to speed limits remains
to be
seen. While OTB could have been more definite about the bus speed issue
(anyone with radar speed detectors OTRA could borrow?), the sighting
last
issue did put a spotlight on the subject weeks before the Citizen did.]
==> Oops (correction for last month)
There was one error in some of the released copies of July's OTB -
some
OC Transpo websites were erroneously listed as www.octranspo.ca. That
should have read http://www.octranspo.com.
==> September OC service changes
Rural changes were reported in June OTB (see http://www.octranspo.com
for
current details).
The year's major schedule and routing change occurs Sunday 31st August.
O-Train frequency will be improved to 15 minute service at most times
(30 minutes in certain off-peak times).
New express route 22 - from Innes to downtown, to serve emerging eastern
residential areas
New express/rural route 23 - replaces route 231, will be extended to
Sarsfield including new Park and Ride facility at the Community Centre.
New express/rural route 45 - replaces route 296 serving Manotick, and
replaces route 196 on peak period trips in Riverside South. Service
gone from Rideau Valley north of Maple; service between Long Island
and Barnsdale to be replaced by new route 71. One trip to Kars and
North Gower, but with slight rerouting.
Route 61 - extended to Pine Hill, removed from part of Steeplechase
Route 68 - will starts at Stikine/Richardson Side Road, some adjustments
along the way before proceeding on the existing route.
New express/rural route 71 - Barrhaven and Manotick, replacing part
of
route 77.
Route 77 - extended through Cresthaven and Crestway to serve emerging
residential areas. Stoneway and Queensbury service replaced by route
71.
Route 82 - slight extension to Parkdale to connect residents with
Tunney's Pasture station.
Route 116 - no longer on Bentley, Gifford and Bongard to speed up route.
Route 185 will serve Bentley.
Route 117 - weekday service at Carleton University resumes this fall
Route 119 - revised routing to include O-Train connection, Rideau Heights
business park. Some trips stop at JDS Uniphase.
Route 129 - extended to Rideau Centre during rush hour.
New route 145 - replaces route 196 (not to be confused with the old
route 145, which with old route 144 was replaced by 84 in fall 2002).
Route 170 - some rerouting, to replace portion of 173.
Route 173 - replacing part of 177 to make new two-way loop route. Route
170 will also serve a few streets once served by 173.
Route 176 - removed from certain streets, extended into Cresthaven,
other routing changes. Route 185 will serve some streets in its place.
Route 177 removed - replaced by 170 and 173.
Route 183 - reduced to only a few trips on Fridays and Sundays only,
with some rerouting.
Route 185 - route revisions; will replace parts of 116 and 176 service
Route 186 - route revisions; route 45 will replace some portions of
early morning service. No more Saturday service.
Route 193 - enters Trim Park & Ride via Dairy Drive, when roadwork
is
finished.
Route 196 removed - replaced by 45 and 145 in Riverside South.
No service south of Earl Armstrong to Manotick.
Route 197 - extended to Findlay Creek via Bank Street; other routing
changes.
Route 199 - reduced to only a few trips on Fridays and Sundays only,
and ends on Bank just south of Blais; other route adjustments.
Route 231 removed - replaced by 23.
Route 232 - extended to Russell Road, Bearbrook. New Park & Ride
at
Bearbrook Community Centre.
Route 283 - extended to Munster Hamlet; replaces route 783
Route 296 removed - replaced by 45 and 71
==> Video screen update
An update on those VideoLinks monitors at a few of the transitway stations.
As of July, there was a continuous cycle of 31 spots running.
Only 2 related to OC Transpo service, namely promotion of the "gold"
park and ride passes.
Only 4 were automotive-related (including the motorcycle shops and
a go-karting facility)
8 were related to restaurants and bars. One of these was located at
the
Corel Centre, which is unreachable by transit outside of peak hours
or
special events.
Other ads were for a substantial variety of other businesses, from
medical to clothing to party goods.
As for the events listings, the Ottawa Lynx game dates only went as
far
as 29th June. Another spot of special events ended at mid-July.
The monitor at the westbound platform of Tunney's Pasture station was
removed, although it was far away from the area of May's fire damage.
VideoLinks website contains some information, including technical
specifications for submitting an ad: http://www.videolinks.ca
==> Post-secondary students look at pass discount
Negotiations are in progress between the city and the University
of Ottawa to start a discount bus pass plan. If approved, students
would be able to receive cheaper bus passes in 2004, if students pay
a mandatory fee.
Students are expected to vote on the "U-Pass" proposal in
a referendum
in early 2004. If approved, the plan would take effect with the start
of
the 2004 school year that September.
There are reported discussions with Carleton University, and other
post-secondary facilities such as Algonquin College or La Cite collegiale.
==> Bayshore station Safety Audit
Women's Initiatives for Safer Environments (WISE, formerly WACAV) conducted
a safety audit of Bayshore bus station on 10th July. This is part of
a
second phase of transit station audits. Info: (613) 230.6700.
==> It's election year
This fall is municipal election time. The future of transit in Ottawa
will depend on who is elected to City Council. OttawaStart elections
page
has a list of city candidates:
http://www.ottawastart.com/election_ottawa.shtml
Watch this fall's issues of OTB for transit-related municipal election
news
and views.
==> Contact us
OTB welcomes letters and articles on transit topics - please e-mail
them
to: otra-info@flora.org - please
note that typical editorial and content
type rules may apply to letters or other contributions.
Note that issues of OTB are available in various ways, including:
OTRA website (includes back issues):
http://otra.sandelman.ottawa.on.ca/otb/index.html
OttawaStart Traffic page - see the Ottawa Transit Bulletin link:
http://www.ottawastart.com/traffic.shtml
Ottawa Transit Bulletin (OTB) is a monthly electronic publication produced
by the Ottawa Transit Riders Association (OTRA).
It is primarily available in e-mail format. Distribution of this bulletin
to those interested in Ottawa Transit is encouraged, but please 1) leave
its contents unaltered, and 2) don't "spam" with it.
Publication will normally be around the first day of each month (may
vary
slightly due to holidays, production and other circumstances). There
may be
special occasional bulletins beyond the base monthly frequency if news
and
special circumstances warrant.
OTRA is an independent transit users group dedicated to supporting
customers
of transit services, and improving the quality of transit service. Neither
OTRA nor OTB are directly associated with OC Transpo, or any other passenger
transportation carrier. Viewpoints and content of OTB articles may not
necessarily be those of OTRA.
There is also the otra-discuss e-mailing list - available for subscription.
Send an e-mail to majordomo@flora.org
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For more information on OTB and OTRA:
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