[PRCo] Overbrook Line Dedication

[Edward H. Lybarger]

I am pleased to report that the Overbrook Line has been officially
dedicated.  Ceremonies began about 10:30 (a half-hour late) and consisted of
the usual speeches about how well politicians work together to speed
projects like this to benefit the people.  Paul Skoutelas was a wonderful
emcee...he's a great speaker and is skilled at getting the best out of
co-workers, whether they be Port Authority employees or politicians or
vendors or bureaucrats.

The FTA administrator brought along a check for $5+ million for the North
Shore Connector project...a surprise to Paul.  She also spoke in glowing
terms about the present administration in Washington, and about how
committed they were to transit.  The Pennsylvania Secretary of
Transportation brought nothing but words.  In fairness, he didn't exactly
take credit for the project, either, which was especially nice since he was
a key player in suppressing it for about a decade while he worked at Port
Authority.  A few of the local politicians are not scholars of the English
language...I wish I had had a notebook to record some of the malapropisms.
And the Authority's Board Chairman pronounced the name of the city
"Picksburg."  They all spoke of how Pittsburgh was a growing, vibrant place,
including the Mayor, who is essentially being shown the door politically
over his mismanagement of city finances and the possible municipal
bankruptcy.

But all the BS aside, it was a very nice affair that reflected a genuine
sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.  Bill Millar acknowledged Harold
Geissenheimer (in the audience) as a great teacher, and spoke of others he
had worked with at the Authority during his days as Executive Director.  His
was also a very positive talk on the importance of transit and the high per
capita usage in Pittsburgh.

The speeches done, attendees were invited to board the two two-car trains to
ride the new line. For those interested in such things, the first train
consisted of cars 4303 and 4304 (I was on it and don't know the car numbers
in the second train...but they have only five CAF cars on the property!)
The infrastructure is impressive, the roadbed smooth and the cars basically
comfortable.  No 50-MPH ride ensued, however, as the train kept stopping at
unscheduled points along the line for unapparent reasons.  Also, workmen
were still out alongside, so full speed would not have been appropriate
today.

On arrival at Steel Plaza, some folks went back on the next train, while
others of us ventured across the street to the William Penn Hotel for the
"free" lunch spoken of with such reverence in yesterday's column.  We
learned that the banquet chicken was provided by the vendors, not the
Authority, but the taxpayers are still to be thanked because the cost most
assuredly was included in those low bids.  Lunch was quite good, and brief
remarks followed by several of the vendors.  Bill Millar first presented
Paul Skoutelas with a plaque from APTA in recognition of the event.  Others
spoke on how nice it was to have done business with Port Authority.

Revenue service begins tomorrow and there will be free rides all day Sunday
(38-minute headway) on the Library Line only (renumbered back to 47L).

Ed