(12:01:56 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Any word on the double deckers?
A : We are still evaluating the use of double decker buses on specific Park and Ride routes. This evaluation will continue as we explore the possible use of double deckers.

(12:02:10 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : I got dibs on first ride on front seats on the upper deck! (Cedric gets the second?)
A : Cedric asked for the seat months ago

(12:03:05 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : The bicycle community wants to use mass transit for part of its travel. If the entire fleet of buses does not have racks, we cannot depend on them for a timely commute.
A : As we continue our fleet replacement plan, we will move to having our entire bus fleet bicycle-ready.

(12:03:34 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Also, will the new rail cars allow bicycles at all times of service.?
A : At present, bikes are allowed on trains during off-peak hours due to high passenger loads during peak hours.

(12:05:50 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Andy, with the changes in maintenance, will there be accountability on a technician level ?
A : We address mechanic accountability and completeness of repair every day and will continue that. We are also working with the first level supervision staff to review work

(12:07:13 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Why is it that when a bus is broken down or is in an accident downtown, that word is NOT relayed to people standing at the bus stops in downtown?
A : The timing involved with getting the word out to bus stops in most cases is longer than the actual event. That being said, we always attempt to improve our communications with both the operators and patrons.

(12:07:37 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Why does the rail not go to UH Central campus but goes  to the rinky dink downtown campus?

A: Hold on to your hat, and read up on METRO Solutions.

 (12:10:50 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : My next question has to do with fleet longevity. Recently, METRO  has been retiring buses before they hit the age of 12, or very shortly thereafter. Some of the GM New Look Rehabs (the original 33xx, 34xx, and 36xx buses) of the 80s lasted 20+ years with the last being retired by the influx of the Hungarian Ikarus models of the early 90s. The RTS lasted until 2001 after 20 years of unmatched quality of service and even the infamous Grumman rebuilds limped into their 18th year in 1997. Meanwhile, the New Flyer minis, a number of the Neoplan Transit Artics, and the older (1400 series) Neoplan Suburban Artics suffered or are suffering oddly early deaths. A number of Stewart and Stevenson buses from the early 90s were retired along with the RTS in 2001. A number of 10-11 year old Ikarus buses were also stored at this time. Is fleet longevity no longer a priority at Metro? Can we expect a replacement cycle of 12-13 years from now on?
A : Buses can be retired based on two criteria. One is age (12 years) and the other is miles. As buses get past that age, they become more costly to maintain. If I could buy a GMC bus I would, but the bus is no longer manufactured.

 (12:11:10 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Are the Neoplan 3700s finally retired?
A : All but five and the last five are due out the door by month's end.

 (12:12:25 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Do buses have GPS tracking?
A : All METRO buses are equipped with GPS tracking devices that allow for a buses location to be broadcast at TranStar.

(12:13:51 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : If I see people get on the rail without paying, do I have to pay to get on the rail?
A : Patrons are expected to tap or pay before getting on the train. MPD officers randomly check the platform for fare evasion and you can get ticketed.

(12:14:40 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Perhaps they were before your time at Metro, but the GMC RTS-04 series (1901-2188) was without a doubt the most durable, efficient, and dare I say beautiful bus to ever be rostered by the agency. Given your background in the industry, do any of the current fleet measure up to the raw strength and reliability of these venerable beasts? Personally, I think the 4000s could do it (though 4124 broke down on me yesterday) as they seem to be the most "solid" of the NFI D40LF fleet.
A : I ran GMC buses while at New York City Transi, as well Philadelphia Transit. The GMC RTS bus was the best bus ever built

(12:15:07 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : When and where do the buses fill up for gas?
A : Buses are fueled with diesel daily at the bus operating facility.

 (12:15:56 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Are customer services reps able to track buses?
A : Customer Service reps can if needed call TranStar to track a bus for emergency situations only.

 (12:18:45 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : What is the big issue with the artic concept? Does it cost more per mile than a regular bus? Odd we are getting rid of the concept after 25 years of service in the area. And the S-70's have TWO articulations per rail car!
A : Artic buses cost two to three times more per mile for maintenance than a standard 45-foot commuter style bus. As of 15 yrs ago, 45 foot- buses were not available, and the only options for a transit property were either 40- foot or 60- foot artics.

(12:19:57 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Is that a yes or a no, Andy? And what about the homeless getting on the rail?
A : Yes, you have to pay ,and MPD actively works to address fare evasion on our trains.

(12:20:35 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Are the METRO police real police?
A : Yes, they are a  certified transit police agency and one of  the few accredited ones in the country.  (See comment below for more explanation by Chief Tom Lambert).

(12:22:22 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Unlike many on the blog, I hope that you all do away with the failed Articulated bus concept. Three times these buses have been ordered and twice they have suffered early retirements. Many of the old 1400 series Crown Articulated buses never saw their 12th year of service and the 44/45xx series Neoplan artics are nearing the end. Bus 4559 had such a worn bellows you it could double as a sun roof. The only artics that held up well were the 1400 series Neoplan buses retired in 2006/07 (a little too soon in my opinion). Is Metro looking to replace the current fleet of Articulated buses with more articulated, 40ft. buses, or perhaps Double Decker coaches?
A : Presently for Park and Ride service, we are looking at 45-foot commuter style buses. For local service, we are purchasing 40-foot transit buses, and we are presently considering the possible use of double decker buses in the future.

(12:25:04 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Will the new rail be elevated? How fast can a light rail travel?
A : Plans and final designs for the new light rail alignments are still under development.

(12:26:42 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Why is METRO Houston's service so bad compared to other cities' mass transport systems?
A : Houston METRO's service performance levels are measured by industry standards, and our service levels and perfomance are equal to, if not better, than other major cities.

(12:27:25 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Who determines that needed repairs are properly performed on buses?
A : Needed repairs are promptly performed on buses and managed by local maintenance management

(12:27:55 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : METRO will not purchase articulated buses in the future?
A : As of now,  METRO will not purchase articulated buses in the future.

 (12:28:22 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Is there a website available that discusses future rail expansions? What sort of master plan is in effect for rail? Suburb service availability, etc?
A : Please go to our Web site and look for the METRO Solutions tab. http://www.ridemetro.og/

 (12:29:57 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Why do METRO buses do not have restrooms like normal coach buses?
A : Restrooms can be found on over the road charter buses that typically travel more than an hour or so while in use. Since the trip length on our Park and Rides is below an hour, the interior is maximized for seats, and no restroom in included.

 (12:30:58 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Who makes the buses for METRO?  
A : The new buses being procured are either manufactured by Motor Coach Industries or Orion Bus.

 (12:31:48 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Will bus routes terminate at the intermodal transit centers?
A : The Intermodal Transit Center is still under design but to answer your question,  yes, bus routes will terminate there.

 (12:33:24 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : During the preview of the double decker bus here, I noticed that its height was almost prohibitive on many if not almost all local streets. .Usage on a P & R would seem impossible due to height restrictions available on HOV lanes that have overpasses.. Is this the major restriction to their purchase?
A : Height restrictions due to low overpasses, trees and structures is a restriction to the use of double deckers, and is part of the evaluation presently occurring to consider their use in Houston.

(12:34:17 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Why does METRO keep raising its prices, how are people expected to continue to ride the bus?
A : METRO has not raised fares in 14 years, despite increasing and improving service levels.

 (12:35:17 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : How many bus hubs are located around Houston?
A : If you mean Bus Operating Facilities (BOF's), METRO has six BOF's in the Houston area.

 (12:36:21 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Why do Park and Ride drivers only drive a route for a certain time frame, and then a new driver takes over the route?
A : Operator job picks occur a number of times a year (service changes) based on seniority, causing you to see different operators.

(12:36:25 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : What size are the tires on a metro bus?
A : 22 inches

 (12:37:43 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : I noticed a lot of METRO buses (especially local routes) with broken or defective destination signs. Are there any plans in the future to try to repair or fix these signs?
A : Changes have been made recently to improve the state of repair of our destination signs. You should already start to see a marked improvement.

 (12:39:47 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Articulated buses are much easier to operate. However, maintenance is costly. Using this thought, is it better to have newer buses and is it more cost effective to replace at a shorter lifespan?
A : Our fleet plan replaces 1/12 of our fleet annually. This allows for a level purchase plan. Federal dollars used to purchase buses require their use for 12 yrs. Buses are designed for that life span.

(12:40:27 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Does METRO plan to expand service into the 1960 area?
A : We are reviewing a number of service areas that include 1960.

(12:41:28 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : When will construction commence on the proposed north, southeast, and uptown lines
A : We are close to getting FTA approvals. After that point we will be better able to define exact start dates on the various lines.

 (12:42:57 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : The talk lately about the new rail cars is they will hav esix doors and all-level seating. Will this affect the seating capacity of each train?
A : Six doors allow for better entry and egress into the train,especially in large crowds with a minimal effect on seating.

(12:44:23 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : As I recall, the operator's compartment was designed with comfort and ease of reach of all equipment. Can a configuration be produced that allows this same ease of operation on the Orions and future coaches?
A : The Orions have been designed with improved ergonomics over previous bus designs. The movement of the Press it screen was done to improve line of sight for the operator.

(12:45:12 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : What is the reasoning behind having more #25 Sharpstown buses than #25 Mission Bend buses?
A : Passenger loads and demands are consistently reviewed and routes modified based on those demands.

(12:45:46 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Do longer Park and Ride routes have the "hybrid buses" due to the distance they drive on a daily basis? i.e. the kingwood route
A : Newer commuter-style, MCI hybrids are used in Park and Ride service.

(12:46:18 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : What are the possible headways for the proposed rail lines?
A : Check the blog later and we will answer that. I am the rubber tire guy.

(12:46:47 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Does METRO plan to convert the HOV lanes into bi-directional toll lanes?
A : This, along with other ideas, are presently under consideration.

(12:48:50 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : What are the chances that we can see a marked increase in the number of buses on major routes instead of less buses doing more trips per day? Does this not increase the wear on units and contribute to their early demise?
A : Better bus fleet utilization allows for a transit property to better use its assets which are capital expenses. All Maintanance management plans are based on both a 12 yr bus life and the miles run by that bus.

(12:49:22 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : A recent blog post talked about the expansion of existing Park and Rides, Such as Townsen Park and Ride. Does anyone know when we can expect the new parking spaces (It's crowded!)
A :We will find the answer to that question and post it on the blog later.

(12:50:08 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : I ride the 33 bus quite often. The "Stop Requested" sign is almost always lit on the new buses running this route. Is Metro aware of this flaw with these new buses?
A : I am not aware of it but will look into it and provide the blog an answer. Thank you for pointing this out

(12:51:26 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Will you also look into or forward a message to the person/people in charge that the 2 - Bellaire Sunday schedule is nearly impossible to run. I and others have called in on this issue numerous times to no avail. How often do you all check into these issues?
A : Service Supervision evaluates this and other routes daily. That being said the 2 Bellaire is a very busy route on a very busy street. I will pass this concern on and see what we can do.

(12:53:36 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Is METRO still conforming to guidelines regarding emissions standards? I noticed that the emissions stickers are missing from buses per the "Shirley days."
A : All METRO buses meet the required EPA emission regulations. New equipment purchases exceed these requirements since they are utilize hybrid technologies as part of METRO's green initiatives.

 (12:55:17 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : Can you tell me more about the Orion VII buses? How much fuel are they saving, and how much less pollutants do they emit compared to the regular, non-hybrid buses?
A : Experience is showing us a 15 to 20 % fuel economy savings. Emissions reductions are 75% lower NOx, 90% lower Particulates (black smoke)

 (12:56:06 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : About how much water is used to wash the buses each day? Do you reuse the water to help the environment?
A : Not sure on how much is used daily but a large majority of it recycled and reused.

 (12:56:50 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : I really think it is time to review the 53 - Briar Forest Sunday schedule to modify the running time.
A : I will pass this on and welcome any suggestions.

(12:57:30 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : I noticed on the newer buses that you have an electronic sign that reads "Stop" and lights up every time the bus applies its brakes. Will this be added to all of the buses?
A : These signs will be added to buses over the next couple of years as part of a planned maintenance functions.

(12:59:38 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : . I've seen bus drivers talk on their cell phones while on duty. What is Metro's policy on that?
A : We do not allow them to have their cell phone on them while driving nor use it. If you see a Operator do this please take the bus number and time down and report it to customer service.

(1:00:08 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Q : I have been gone for a time.. When would it be possible to see and check out the Orion buses? Give it the ol' hands on experience?
A : Willie, you know how to reach me.

(1:02:29 PM) Andy Skabowski:

Goodbye, and thanks for chatting with us. As always, I love to talk about buses.