Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:23 GMT

WHOO-HOO! At least one of my questions was a part of the chat that Mr. Wilson actually answered.

Mary? Let me know if anybody there at METRO can answer the questions that I gave to you in your e-mail. Thanks much!

Frank J. Wilson said: "It's a thoughtful suggestion but not necessarily practical. Traffic signals are the normal and legal devices to control access through intersections. We've invested additional in-ground warning lights to reinforce these traffic signals, and they seem to be working well. People need to respect a red traffic light as a command to stop, not a suggestion."

The only other suggestion that I can add to that is increased police patrols at the intersection of where I work at. The law enforcement agencies that I can see who need to be there are:

1. HPD.

2. METRO PD.

3. HCC PD.

4. Harris County Constable's Precinct 7.

That's all from me.

~Cedric Collins~

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Michael Williams — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:09:39 GMT

I remember the radio ad's from the 80's I think, about the Daisy let your Cows in, 635-4000. That is when we only had one area code, which was 713, and before having to dial an area code everywhere. Geez, I am showing my age.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

DominicMazoch — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:41:47 GMT

Maybe we can have one our mascots trained so that when a driver runs a red light he gets a deposit on the windshield. Double if it is clean.

Actually, I was in Galveston this weekend. Was on the Galveston Historical Foundation Homes Tour. Was in backyard. Mascot got revenge. Got bird mature on my shirt!

Now Galveston would be a city PW would love. I saw a large number of people riding bicycles. All types, from "newsboy" types with big baloon tires to mountain units.

Island Transit does have bike racks on buses. Now I did not see any racks on the self proplede LRTS\'s, but I have seen anything about NOT bringing them on board. But they are high floored like the St. Charles St. Line in New Orleans, so that might be a problem.

And for ads: I loves the driver morphing into a werewolf. Wonder if waws Professor Lupin!

An ad without an area code? ANCIENT!

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

ERL — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:44:23 GMT

Would love to ride bus to work but found it does not go anywhere besides downtown.

Before taking years to define the Project Grid. How about just adding some bus line to travel alone HY6, BELWY 8, and 610 Now? So no more northwest to downtown to IAH airport? There are so many business around those loops, I believe there will be a lot customers.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Royko — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:38:43 GMT

Rich,

First, click on the link:

http://www.snopes.com/katrina/photos/buses.asp

+++++++++

It just seemed, the way the transit agency was being run, some Houstonians have come to suspect that the local bureaucrats were being advised by Ray Nagin.

Ergo - METREAUX!

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:22:31 GMT

Rich,

Royko calls it that because he has NOTHING better to do in his ______ life.(fill in the blank) Furthermore, the link he wants you to look at has NOTHING to do with either METRO or the City Of Houston for that matter so good luck figuring that out.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:15:16 GMT

Speak for yourself, CHICKEN!

You're the one with the low level of tolerance, buddy! Want to know why? Here's why=>You whine about METRO just about everyday of the week over what? Not a _____ thing. You think you're representing the people but you're not so quit while you're ahead because what you blab about is NOT gonna get you anywhere. You're a disgrace to yourself because you can't even figure out your precious money not only goes into METRO but to other services in this city.

I would strongly suggest you create your own blog and whine about all these services that Houston has to offer.

I can bet money that you would love to whine about other people but you're too busy worrying about METRO. If they feel like listening to ALL of what you say, then a whole new administration is in order.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:02:51 GMT

Steve Palmer,

Nice on this word "Roykeau." I hope you don't mind me using that word. I'm happy already just looking at it. Anyhoo, I am not afraid of what he recently said to me. It's not going to hurt me not one bit.

He claims he can try to represent the "poor, minority, elderly, and handicapped bus transit dependent riders" but I seriously beg to differ.

Enough said---until next time.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Bosco70 — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:11:26 GMT

My suggestion to Frank Wilson on how to validate those who carpool or not at Cypress P&R using only registered Q-cards. Add a contract of Full-Fare Cypress Carpool to the Q-card menu. Then cards with this contract would not be charged to enter the garage with at least a $7 balance (Round-trip Fare). Therefore, if I choose to carpool I will not be charged but if I ride the bus my normal fare would be deducted. Start with a group of 250 carpoolers then it can grow if needed. If a Q-card with this contract is not used for at least 3 or 6 months it would revert back to regular Full Fare contract. Therefore, the Cypress Car Pool group would only have current users. As this group should change as more frequent & early/late service is added to the 217 route. Joining the Cypress Car Pool group would be processed by calling the customer service line. This should be enough to discourage the parking scoundrels that Mr. Wilson speaks of.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:06:07 GMT

Another suggestion: I still say---I think---some sort of police presence at the station platforms so people can try to feel a little safer.

I'll be back laterz because I have a REAL job to perform here. See ya!

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:09:23 GMT

What was that, ROYKEAUX? I couldn't hear you because your yappin' was TOO LOUD! *ROTFLMAO*

Anyhoo, I say this again---you can say what you want but you don't scare me so for my sake---STOP TRYING!

If the doggone METRORail is so hateful to you at how it is now, why don't you become a terrorist and blow it up? It might make you happy---or---it make you stop whining about it.

Just a thought.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Steve Palmer — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:06:45 GMT

Royko said: I hope you did not think that I was championing a METREAUX bus in every driveway?

No, but that position would be only marginally less sensible than the one you seem to be championing: that public transportation should be used only by those who, for whatever reason, can't drive cars. Given the ever-increasing amount of traffic, scarcity of parking, and air pollution in our city, it isn't enough to have a "minimum" public transportation system for the carless--rather, we need a system that even car owners would willingly use INSTEAD of their cars, particularly for their daily commutes.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Rich — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:21:38 GMT

Sorry guys! Didn't mean to start a riot! Where's the love? :)

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

DominicMazoch — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:10:30 GMT

Rich:

Welcome to the club. Just wear some Nomex, so you don't hurt from the flaming!

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

FOP98 — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:48:41 GMT

~Cedric Collins~ said-

The only other suggestion that I can add to that is increased police patrols at the intersection of where I work at. The law enforcement agencies that I can see who need to be there are:

1. HPD.

2. METRO PD.

3. HCC PD.

4. Harris County Constable's Precinct 7.

*********************************************

I have Brothers in Blue and I passed along your concern for this intersection. The time that they are needed there is rush hour and it seems like they are needed everywhere at that time. I was assured that they will keep an eye on it. One that I know,did write a citation there already.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Steve Palmer — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:49:43 GMT

Royko said:

"Further, passenger cars are seemingly the logical mode for a society not under authoritarian control."

Yes, how I pity the poor citizens of the oppressive regimes of New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC. How they must chafe at being able to go wherever they like without the use of a car.

"Ever-increasing traffic is a factor in our economy. When the government throttles the use of cars, the economy deflates. Businesses fail, people suffer."

Can you give an example? I have no idea why that would be the case.

"The 'air polution' is mostly ozone. The ship channel refineries generate a huge volume of polutants, yet the politicians have sold us out, and will not enforce the federal or state laws.

The trees help create the precursor gas (CO2), and we keep planting more trees."

It's been a while since my third-grade science lessons, but I'm pretty sure trees _consume_ CO2, not produce it.

"Further, the electrical loss to transmit the current to the electrified tram is significant. The generators use coal, oil or natural gas, thus merely shifting the emissions."

What's wrong with shifting the emissions away from a large population center? Also, about 25% of electricity comes from nonpolluting sources (14% from nuclear energy, 11% from hydroelectric and other renewable sources).

"Last, I have no desire to live in a society where we are ordered to park our air-conditioned cars and ride CHICOM-built bicycles in the sub-tropical heat or torrential rains..."

You didn't read my post very carefully. What I wrote was, "...we need a system that even car owners would willingly use INSTEAD of their cars, particularly for their daily commutes." Note the use of the word "willingly."

"...while exposing ourselves to the gangs, many comprised of illegal aliens flocking to our Sanctuary City, or, unmonitored felons who roam Houston looking to prey on citizens."

You keep claiming to champion "poor" and "minority" riders, but it seems that in truth, you hate and fear them. I think what you're looking for is a transit system that will allow you to remain sealed in a plastic bubble, safely walled off from your fellow Houstonians. I'm not sure a car will do the trick; might I suggest some sort of giant hamster ball?

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:57:17 GMT

Rich said: "Sorry guys! Didn't mean to start a riot! Where's the love? :)"

It's OK; you didn't start a riot. This happens nearly all the time. When you read Mr. Roykeaux's comments about METRO (YES, it gets under my skin greatly), all I have to say is---get used to it. With him, there is NO love.

Roykeaux said: "I want a transit system that is the most efficient and cost effective rubber-tired transportation service available to those who must rely upon it."

Can't always get what you wished for, correct? For a person who doesn't even ride METRO, go figure!

If you think any TA in this country is the best above the rest, name it and explain why. ALL transit agencies will have some sort of flaw (or flaws) that its riders and non-riders will complain about.

"We must tell the government to stop wasting our precious tax resources, and not issue crushing bond debt which must be repaid by future generations."

Speak for yourself because you cannot keep your money for long. Sooner or later, it MUST be spent on anything to keep life going in this country. Think about it.

re: Here's the Transcript of Fourth Web Chat

Cedric Collins — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:50:02 GMT

Royko,

I say this again: "If you think any TA in this country is the best above the rest, name it and explain why. ALL transit agencies will have some sort of flaw (or flaws) that its riders and non-riders will complain about." That comment speaks for itself!

"Why should we try to compare other transit agencies with the Harris County entity?"

Not man enough to worry about other TAs in this country? What if someone wanted to move from Houston to---say---L.A. and wanted to use their buses/trains there?