[PRCo] Re: BORIS

[Harold Geissenheimer]

Reply to Fred and Boris and to all on the list.

Fred represented all of us to meeti Boris and take him
to Lancaster.  I was able to ride the Septa train from
Center City and add my greetings.

We need to make Boris some kind of a member of PTM so
that he can receive our news letter

Now for the latest news from Septa.

Driving down from Morristown I used Bridge Street
from I-95  When crossing the unused tracks of PCC rt 56.
I found one track was now covered with asphalt.  The other will
also be covered, at least along Torresdale..  Wire was still up
in places.

At the Frankford Transportation Center, I found the trolley
bus wire back in place including some new electric switches
and overhead special work.  No trolley buses were stored there
and the 3 ETB routes were being operated by low floor Neoplans.

ETB wire is also inplace down to the Margaret-Orthodox
station.. It would appear that it was ready to be used.   Septa
has not made any statement about plans to return these
ETB routes

At Frankford, most of the yard, loading islands and storage
areas are complete.  The former Blue Line terminal bldg has
been stripped and is now being rebuilt.  The new station
platforms  and track structure has been moved over the bus
yard lead.  The former elevated structure over the
street has been removed.  It all looks very nice and is
in full use.  Ten years ago, I did the preliminary plan for this
relocation for LS Transit (now Systra)

The new elevated structure is now complete from north of
Spring Garden to Frankford.  Most of the station stairway
towers are complete.  Only a few still underway.  These
replace the stair buildings built in the l920's.

In Center city  I parked at the site of the former Public
Service/Trailways bus terminal at 13th & Filbert.  Many
memories of bus trips from NY to Washington stoping there.
Quaker City and Martz buses stopped nearby at a terminal on
Arch street

At Market East on the Center City tunnel,  I boarded a two car
married pair of rebuilt SEPTA EMU's.  Very nice, upholstered
seats and working AC..  Trains run every 30 minutes and are
thru routed from Warminster on weekdays (and  alternating with
 West Trentom on weekends.   Adult fare is $5.50.  Seniors
pay only $1 with state free ride card,  Train makes 3 stops in
Center City, then University City and Eastwick, then 4 at
the Airport.  New Southwest Airlines service uses Terminal
E, the last stop..Rider ship was very good about a half seated load on
both trips.  This included workers and travelers.  Weekly pass is $18.75
amd monthly is $75.

At the Market East timetable rack I aquired both regional
rail and trolley timetables.  And guess what...they had a supply
of new PCC route 15 Girard (called a surface trolley line)
timetables dated June 13.  This was the date they had planned to
open the new service.  Problems about street parking has
delayed this.  I drove half the route up to Broad Street
and all seems to be ready.  There are new safety islands
at all stops where autos can pass on the right.  The cars have an
onboard wheelchair lift at the center door similar to Kenosha,

Also in this rack were NJT Riverline DMU schedules dated June 14
for their 15 minite rush hour service. as well as Norristown, Media
and Sharon Hill lrv schedules.

The airport has been completely rebuilt.  International arrivals are
at terminal A (first stop)  Very nice area to meet and greet.

Boris had an ontime British Air flight,  Each of you should try to spend
some time with him.  He is very knowledgeable and personable.
I hope to catch up with him in Baltimore or at Branford.
Fred amd Russ will do most of the tour guiding.  Thanks to
you both.

Harold Geissenheimer


Fred Schneider wrote:

>BORIS IS HERE ... VERY MUCH WORN OUT AFTER 23 HOURS WITHOUT SLEEP, A
>TRAIN RIDE FROM OSTRAVA TO PRAGUE, A PLANE TO LONDON HEATHROW, A PLANE
>TO PHILADELPHIA AND A GRUELING DRIVE THROUGH AFTERNOON TRAFFIC TO
>LANCASTER.   WE WILL LEAVE FOR PTM SOMETIME TOMORROW, AFTER HIS BODY
>CLOCK TELLS HIM IT IS TIME TO ARISE AND MOVE.
>
>HE HAS ALREADY MET HAROLD GEISSENHEIMER AT THE ARRIVALS SECTION OF PHL.
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