[PRCo] Re: ROUTES 38 and 39

[Harold Geissenheimer]

John

Some background.  When PRC started to reduce service, the number
of trips operated became important to the PaPUC.  PRC eliminated
layover as much as possible to squeeze in more trips.  They also put
cars back to the barn on the schedule to be counted.

The 49 on a 55 minute headway weekdays as well when PAT took over ruined
simple clock headway and required a timetable.  No more passengers were
really carried but it was more complicated to use.  And it missed key departure
times.  An hourly headway in the afternoon at 05 minutes after the hour
leaving downtown works well.  (305, 405, 505, 605PM)PM  A 55 minute
headway could miss the 505 quitting time (305, 4, 455, 550PM).

In my opinion, 305, 405, 505 and 605PM is better.  That decision was made
by qualified transit people such as myself and Harold Norris.  It was not the
product of  government.  For the first 12 years at PAT we made proper
operating decisions that worked.  So did CTA.  I never had any conflict
with John Mauro about good transit procedures.

Remember, the extra trip on 49 really benefitted no one.  No more passengers
were actually carried.

About interlining.  PAT did this to the maximun.

An interesting example on Sundays was Homewood Garage to 74A to
58 Greenfield bus to 56 bus (Second Ave) to Mckeesport and return to Homewood.
Four hours round trip.  Lunch at Homewood and another round trip.
Little or no deadhead time.  A public authority can do an efficient job.

Also clock headways are an accepted norm when you have transfer
riding and transit centers.

Clock headways have their place and are not a negative thing.  All bus
routes in Kenosha are on a 30 minute headway to meet at the transfer
center.  Sure there is unequal cycle time but every one can transfer
and has an easy to undertand schedule.

PAT is still trying better ways.  The thru route from the North Side
to the East End is a very good alternative.  I could never sell it to
the ex-Pgh Rys personnel.  They were very fixed in their ways.
As a private bus operator, they were easy to compete with!

Harold Geissenheimer



John Swindler wrote:

> >Jim Holland commented:
> >Subject: [PRCo] Re: ROUTES 38 and 39
> >Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001 22:18:29 -0800
> >
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