[PRCo] Re: Rumors

[John Swindler]

>Ken commented:
>
>Not to get further off topic, but didn't some of the best informed and most 
>knowledgeable members of this list once predict that San Jose and Buffalo 
>would be the most likely candidates for abandonment of light rail service 
>during the modern era?  San Jose has already suspended their heritage 
>operations at least once, though it may have been reinstated. Buffalo has 
>lost quite a bit of its traffic base and economic changes in both locales 
>have kept these two systems from reaching their projected ridership.
>
>If San Jose does eliminate some weekend light rail service, it would be 
>reminiscent of the mid to late 1960s PAT era when some Pittburgh streetcar 
>routes saw weekend bustitution prior to totally replacement by motor coach. 
>(How's that for getting back on topic, Derrick?) :-)
>
>K.



Try these numbers from Federal Transit Administration Section 15 reporting 
for FY 2000:  Cost to put a light rail vehicle on the street for one hour 
(eliminates mileage variable; and uses hourly ratio becuase primary cost 
(driver's wages) is paid by hour, not by mile)

Kenosha             $68
Memphis              61
San Diego Trolley   $97
Salt Lake City       97
Denver              103
SEPTA               129

- Jacksonville, Fl. automated people mover:   $134

Sacramento         $177
Buffalo             196
SF Municipal Ry     195
St. Louis           193

San Jose           $233
Pittsburgh          222 (bus $81)
Boston              267

Los Angeles        $313


I'll let you draw your own conclusions of heritage operations vs. light rail 
(with the potential for a lot of hidden labor costs) and the competition in 
Jacksonville.

In San Jose case, VTA system gets $121.9 million per year from local taxes, 
$79.6 million from state, and only $34.1 million from fares.  Passengers pay 
less then 20% or the real fare - taxes pick up the rest.  I think Jim H. 
might be able to provide some details, but from this distance, I have the 
impression that California state finances are a disaster, with the deficit 
in the billions.  (Pennsylvania's deficit is measured in the hundred's of 
millions)

On the expense side, total salaries exceeds $173 million.  Perhaps VTA has 
poor load factors and is finally being forced to face reality.

WMATA has just issued an information page which notes that due to budget 
problems, fares are going up; parking lot charges are increasing; and there 
will be service reductions and reduced staffing.  New York City is talking 
of a 50 cent increase to $2 fare.

John



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