I saw a Fox story which focused on the portion of the report which noted METREAUX does not have the resources to build, operate, and properly maintain the planned five extensions to the existing boondoggle tram without significant FTA funding.

Too bad the Austin Liberals trumped up the indictment of Tom DeLay, and where the local PRAVDA championed "CHANGE," so that there now are no Texas Congress Members with the ability to bring home the urban rail "pork" for Houston.

Queen Sheila, instead of securing more funding for transportation projects, is barking at METREAUX for not doling out more minority contracts to her constituants.

When the dust settles, I hope reason prevails with our elected officials, and they direct our precious tax resources to rubber-tired mobility improvements.

don,

   I 2nd your question to Mr. Royko.  In other words, I also want to ask---well---what you said.

All the while, I still want to know why he keeps saying stuff similar to this, "When the dust settles, I hope reason prevails with our elected officials, and they direct our precious tax resources to rubber-tired mobility improvements."

The key words are "rubber-tired mobility improvements."  I assume he means buses since that's the only type of "rubber-tired" vehicle capable of carrying riders such as myself.

Even though METRO may be wanting to deal with the hybrid DD buses, I still say they should worry about the "A" bus for local routes since the DDs will be only used for P&R service.

There are probably routes where articulated buses make sense anyway, but given the choice I would prefer higher frequency over bigger buses. Some concept of schedule adherence would be nice, too.

On a slightly related note, why is it that European design is so far ahead of ours? The heaps of rattling metal we call New Flyers don't even compare to the MAN and Mercedes-Benz buses I rode in Spain this summer. At least METRO went with Siemens for the LRVs and got some *** sexy (German-engineered) trains. They're holding up incredibly well, too.

PWang,

I said nothing about "Pork."  There are many dedicated funding requests for despeately needed projects, most notable, roads and bridges which are vital for commerce.

PWang,

I did use the term pork, although I was clearly making the point that none of the present Congressmembers have the ABILITY to bring home the rail pork.

I was in no way advocating either party waste taxpayer resources on boondoggle urban rail.

JamesL,

      Do you think we should have a Van Hool transit bus?  YES, Van Hool does make transit buses---mind you.  Just look at AC Transit---even though the relationship between those buses and the people who operate/ride them are less than perfect.

When you say higher frequency, do you mean in terms of less time to wait in between buses?  If so, that's what I would like to see as well more buses on the streets.

Ah!  I see by your comment on the frequency thing.  That should be something METRO would need to look at ASAP---although that can't happen unless METRO gets as many buses/coaches as they possibly can.

Even though Van Hool does have a bi-level bus (just look at Megabus has running around in the Midwest and Northeast US), the Van Hool TD925 bus is not what METRO wants---yet (unless Van Hool can make a hybrid version of it).

Contrary to what critics say, I kind of like the Van Hool bus because of the style of it.  One benefit that I can say on here is that the Van Hool transit buses are TRUE LOW FLOOR---meaning---no steps like on the New Flyers (except if there's a seat no top of the wheel well.  Go here (http://www.abc-companies.com/transit_motorcoach_sales.asp) to view the buses I think should navigate Houston's streets.

It would be a wonderful thing if Van Hool can make these buses other than just plain disel---meaning---hybrid, CNG, etc.

They want the Alexander-Dennis Enviro 500H hybrid double decker bus.  Go here (http://www.alexander-dennis.com/news/product_stories/news_story15.htm).  That's similar to what METRO may want for their P&R service only.  What's also good about this situation is that soon, those hybrid DD buses could be built right here in the good ol' US of A---meaning---nobody won't have to wait longer for the buses to be built and delivered from overseas.

DominicMazoch said:  "I don't care who makes the bus, except that it has: 1. Working A/C! 2. Can go foreward! 3. Has brakes! 4. Does not have those horrible seats! 5. Perfer one that bends, so we can have extra seats on Westheimer!"

(puts on Nomex suit)

As far as having a more variety bus fleet, I do!  METRO needs to explore other bus builders and see if their models can survive the mean streets of Houston.

1.  You're half right on the A/C thing.  The buses should also have great heating on cold days.

2.  Huh?  Which buses don't go forward?  The ones tht may all of a sudden---break down?

3.  They all should have brakes---unless there are those that have bad brakes and are not propery looked at.

4.  I personally don't care what seats are on the buses!  Just as long as there's a seat with my name on it and I won't have to stand during the duration of my ride (which is somewhat long---mind you), I'm fine.

5.  There are other areas that need the bus that bends in the middle---not just Westheimer.

"Too bad we can't get those 80' bi-A Curitiba type BRT buses."

I 2nd that!  As far as the model that those folks have in Curitiba, YUCK!  I rather go for the Van Hool AGG300 bi-A bus.  Those models can be used for the rail shuttle when the trains are not running (for example).