Transcript of Today's Web Chat Hosted by John Sedlak

Today at noon, we conducted a lunchtime Web chat with John Sedlak, executive vice president at METRO and our No. 2 guy here. Frank J. Wilson, our president & CEO, was scheduled to host the chat. He had to fly to Washington today for an unexpected trip to meet with Congressional leaders on METRO's funding needs, as part of the proposed economic stimulus package.

We had 33 participants in a lively conversation that covered everything from our light-rail lines to Airport Direct service. Here's a transcript.

      Q: When can we expect the next groundbreaking?

      And, at what point might METRO admit that start-up won't be until 2013?

      The sooner they announce it, the more time we have for the disappointment

      to wear off.

      A: METRO has been working closely with the Federal Transit Administration

      to complete all of the required new starts processes for the North and

      Southeast lines.  We have also requested letters of no prejudice to allow

      us to undertake early action utility relocation in both the North and

      Southeast Corridors. We are hopeful of receiving positive results from the

      FTA that would allow us to begin construction activity in both corridors

      quickly.

       We have received positive response from the federal government

      regarding a letter of no prejudice for additional light-rail cars so we

      can formally begin the procurement process for additional vehicles.

      Q: Where else will METRO deploy future Quickline service at?

      A: Along with the Bellaire and Palm Center routes that will provide

      access to the Texas Medical Center, we have considerations for Quickline

      service on Westheimer, Gessner and Tidwell serving Acres Homes to the

      Northline Transit Center.

     Q: When will METRO be receiving more LRVs?

      Even before new lines open, we could use all 2-car trains at rush hour.

      A: See previous answer. We've begun the procurement process. We don't

      have a contract yet that would finalize a delivery date.

     Q: Is METRO considering any changes to Airport

      Direct? My two suggestions are: low the fare down to $5.00 (the number of

      passengers should triple) and extend the service to the Greenway

      Plaza/Galleria (or even Westchase) and Hobby Airport (obviously a

      different branch).

      A: Thanks for your comment regarding the Airport Direct service. We

      believe the fare of $15 is more than competitive with available

      alternatives, and by going to other destinations, it would reduce the

      ability to make this trip in the 30 minutes one-way that we can achieve

      today, leaving from the downtown terminal.

   Q: Will the public be able to see preliminary engineering for the light-rail lines that did not go through the federal process?

      A: We've been meeting with community stakeholders on our five lines and

      have reviewed preliminary engineering plans with all interested parties.

      Q: Mr. Sedlak, is Metro's current financial operating condition good or bad?

      A: METRO's financial operating condition is good. METRO's proud that over

      the last five years, our operating expenses have been brought in at or

      below budget, in the face of some rapidly rising costs, such as fuel. And

      we're pleased so far that sales tax revenues have remained strong.

     Q: Mr. Sedlak --if federal law prohibits light rail from crossing light rail in a grade level manner --how will Metro cross Main Street at Rusk on Main at Capitol Street downtown?

      A: Federal law does not prohibit an at-grade crossing of one light-rail

      track over another. We currently plan to cross the Main Street line

      at-grade with the Southeast line.

     Q: With all the commercial rail lines that exist and cross Harrisburg, how will METRO cross these lines? Are drawings available to show the Harrisburg line crossing the existing rail lines and how will this will managed?

      A: On the East End Corridor, there are two freight rail lines that must

      be crossed by the light-rail system. Both of these crossings will be

      elevated over the freight railroad.

      Preliminary engineering drawings have been prepared for the crossing near the east side of downtown and conceptual engineering drawings have been prepared for the crossing west of the Magnolia Transit Center. Information concerning these plans is available at our community storefront office on Harrisburg. That address is available on our Web site.

     Q: I have read in the LA Times that Transit  Authorities across the nation have had to cut bus service due to cuts in federal money. Is the same true for Houston?

      A: Regarding bus service cuts in Los Angeles, I am unaware of changes to

      its current system. METRO continues to monitor the performance of its

      bus routes so that we can provide cost-effective service to the greatest

      number of passengers in our region. Federal funding support that METRO

      receives is only applicable to capital project assistance. They are not

      available for support of daily operations.

      Q: How is the Airport Direct coming along?

      A: Daily ridership is steadily growing but it's not where it needs to be

      to sustain it for the long term. If you've tried the service, you know how

      good it is. Please encourage your friends and coworkers to use it.

     Q: What type of future buses will METRO want to look at in regards to future Quickline services?

      A: On all Quickline routes, METRO will be using our newest buses, these

      being low-floor, hybrid diesel-electric, 40-ft. coaches. The buses are

      equipped with enhanced interior treatments, and are electronically

      connected to transit stops along the Quickline route to provide next-time

      bus arrival to passengers. We've begun complete wraps of the vehicle to

      make it more distinctive. Let us know what you think on the next chat.

     Q: How much is Metro seeking from the federal

      stimulus package?

      A: Our highest priority projects are the North and Southeast light-rail

      lines, amounting to $410 million in our request.

      Q: Mr. Wilson stated last week on TV that

      Metro was in the real estate business. Do you feel like the 2003

      Referendum gave Metro the right to change their transit "mission"?

      A: Our mission remains the same. Our interest in acquisition of real

      estate is to improve use of and access to the transit system. Our recent

      new Park & Ride facility off the 290 freeway at Cypress has been a huge

      success and an example of how METRO can work with the private sector to

      provide a transit facility integrated with a residential and commercial

      development.

      Q: Back to the Airport Direct. If you think

      it's not a good idea to extend the service due to on-time performance

      concerns, please make sure there is easy way to transfer to all P&R and

      other express routes (no more than one block of walking, coordinated

      schedules, etc...). On the fare subject: I still insist it is overpriced

      (it is more expensive than riding a cab; 4 people taking a cab from

      downtown to Bush IAH will pay less than $60).

      A: The approximate fare on a taxi from downtown to IAH is $50. This is

      considerably more than the $15 one-way fare on METRO's Airport Direct.

      Please try it, you'll like it.

      Time's out. Thanks for your great comments and

      questions. It's my pleasure to join you, and please tune in at our next

      Web chat.