SunRail's startup

[blue streak 1]

Several  inks to post one at a time.  Give 5 minutes between

Winter Park merchants note business increase

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-winter-park-sunrail-business-bounce-20140704,0,4940351.story

Another car hit.  Left hand running due to some trains going to east track at temporary end of line at Sandlake.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-crash-video-orlando-20140708,0,624353.story

Another  -- Northern most station parking lot is getting very full and already plans to expand.  Appears that there are many persons from DeLand coming to this parking lot.  Still having fare collection problems.  Unable to update fare cards on internet and many tap card stations at each stop not working.i

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-new-parking-lot-20140723,0,4104758.story

 

 

[blue streak 1]

A review.  SunRail thru Fl DOT bought  ~ 57 miles of the CSX  "A"  line. The present service is  ~  31 miles.   The whole 57 miles are dispatched by a contractor for SunRail.  For a couple weeks the northbound Meteor  # 98 often is taking 1 - 2 hours more than schedule on Sunrail's tracks. Even on weekends when no SunRail service.  Contacts have not been able to determine why; anyone ?.   Note delays are even on rebuilt downtown areas where no MOW should be occurring ?

[BaltACD]

blue streak 1

Well there is another car hit last Friday.  The link below shows several videos one which shows many car drivers stopping on tracks.  enjoy idiots.  Note link is still very slow.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/?track=orl-sub-nav-local-sunrail

Had Orlando as a part of my territory a couple of decades ago - Every week or so a train would run over a body laying across the tracks, that didn't move on the approach and warnings of the train.  Always figured we were being used as a body drop that would destroy or at least mangle most of the evidence of a gangland hit.

[blue streak 1]

Well there is another car hit last Friday.  The link below shows several videos one which shows many car drivers stopping on tracks.  enjoy idiots.  Note link is still very slow.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/?track=orl-sub-nav-local-sunrail

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Phoebe Vet

We are long past the time when we should have started gradually eliminating grade level crossings. People are not smart enough to be allowed to cross the tracks.

Phoebe   --   Sun Rail probably has more grade crossings per mile in downtown Orlando than any other heavy rail location in the country.  This accident was one of those crossings.

 

[Phoebe Vet]

We are long past the time when we should have started gradually eliminating grade level crossings. People are not smart enough to be allowed to cross the tracks.

[blue streak 1]

SunRail hits SUV in downtown Orlando.  Apparently delays northbound Meteor  ~  4  hours.  This accident happened just south of Orlando Amtrak station.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-crash-orlando-20140627,0,4424409.story

 

 

[DwightBranch]

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krtraveler

Sanford being outdrawn by DeBarry is surprising, but an even bigger shock is the fact that the Orlando Amtrak station ranks dead last.

 

My contacts say the same thing.   Even more troubling is Florida hospital is 2nd last.  Amtrak & Florida hospital are the 2 stations that adjoin the 2 major hospitals in Orlando.  It may be that these two stops have not implemented their pick up system to include these two SunRail stops to pick up employees and patients ?

We always avoided the main Orlando station for Amtrak the seven years I lived there, mostly becasue of congestion downtown. I had a friend who would go from Orlando to Miami on Amtrak on weekends and I would drop her off in Winter Park even though it was about the same distance (from the UCF area) as the downtown station, and even though it meant a longer ride through town on the train and a long stop at the main station. That may be what is going on now.

[blue streak 1]

krtraveler

Sanford being outdrawn by DeBarry is surprising, but an even bigger shock is the fact that the Orlando Amtrak station ranks dead last.

 

My contacts say the same thing.   Even more troubling is Florida hospital is 2nd last.  Amtrak & Florida hospital are the 2 stations that adjoin the 2 major hospitals in Orlando.  It may be that these two stops have not implemented their pick up system to include these two SunRail stops to pick up employees and patients ?

[krtraveler]

Sanford being outdrawn by DeBarry is surprising, but an even bigger shock is the fact that the Orlando Amtrak station ranks dead last. My guess is that it brought up the rear because residents still think of the Sligh Boulevard location as "the tourist station" and continue to stay away from it. If the FDOT and the winner of this year's gubernatorial race eventually implement a statewide intercity system, Church Street, Sand Lake Road, or LYNX Central could be used as "the local Orlando station."

[blue streak 1]

Ridership is running about 4100 / day.  Very interesting various station numbers.  A surprise is the northern most station DeBarry is carrying many more passengers than the Sanford station.  Sanford station has about 4 times the parking that DeBarry has.  

The Winter Park station has the most boarding as it has a lot of persons traveling both north and south for business in and out.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-gfx-sunrail-early-performance-20140614,0,4645045.graphic

 

[Phoebe Vet]

CATS had a lot of trouble with the fare machines during the first couple of months.  They responded by only issuing warnings to people with no ticket and putting them off at the next stop.

[blue streak 1]

A new driver stalled a stick shift auto in front of a north bound train with predictable results.  This occurred on the only single track section just south of Maitland station. No reported damage to loco. This is close to where pickup trailer was hit last week. Train was 3 cars which is puzzling when free rides were 2 car trains. Several friends in Orlando predict that these accidents will become a frequent occurrence.  Just too many auto grade crossings.   Still having many problems with fare system. 

Link but remember it is slow and loaded with 30 second ad. 

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-crash-video-20140522,0,5076294.storyew

 

A better link

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

This is not so much a new fare system as a new service.  The learning curve is going to be pretty steep at this point since all facets of this operation are new, not just the fares.

[blue streak 1]

blue streak 1

SunRail averaged 11,200+ during free ride time.  Now the real ridership test begins Monday.

 

Monday's paid ridership 4100 close to the projected 4300.   however a source tells me that  the ticket machines are not working well and he thinks that many rode free ? Did not see any fare checking.  Does it seem that it is a problem whenever any agency institutes a new fare system ?  Guess each agency has vendor that invents the wheel all over ?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-day-one-riders-20140520,0,5804077.story

 

 

[blue streak 1]

SunRail averaged 11,200+ during free ride time.  Now the real ridership test begins Monday.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-starts-charging-20140518,0,5051042.story

 

 

[blue streak 1]

.Had several business locations to visit yesterday.  On one leg detoured by a SunRail station.  Got stopped at crossing for train.  Bicycle rider came up to gate and walked around gate with bike and mounted up.  Next thing he knew was a blue light special behind him.  Gets off with the universal gesture  " what is the problem officer ? " 

Watched the futile argument as ticket written out.  Fines are steep here.  Maybe the work will get out ? 

BTW there were at least 3 different police cars at that location so he had to see at least one. 

Media report today that 2 - 4 gates a day are striking autos,    Pulling too far up ?

I think that SunRail probably has more grade crossings per mile than any other system that has  observed ?

[BaltACD]

blue streak 1

For those interested Orlando newspaper has several articles.  Warning this web site is one of the slowest encountered in a long time. So surfing thru the articles takes time.  This link is directly to article but going to home page then digging thru local news takes time.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-lessons-learned-20140507,0,5575326.story

 

 

Found out the slowness of the site when I attempted to view the 'video' of the 1st days operation.

[blue streak 1]

For those interested Orlando newspaper has several articles.  Warning this web site is one of the slowest encountered in a long time. So surfing thru the articles takes time.  This link is directly to article but going to home page then digging thru local news takes time.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-lessons-learned-20140507,0,5575326.story

 

 

[blue streak 1]

Few more corrections.

1. Snow plow pilot appears to have only scrapes after accident. Loco # 103

2.  Trailer not demolished only spun around as train slowing and then in emergency approaching station.

other items

11.  Late train complainers do not realizes that motorists snagging grade crossing are causing delays

12.  SunRail has "another train coming" warning signs at many pedestrian crossings.  Carl will appreciate.

 

[blue streak 1]

Well first reports are always incorrect.  Just saw aerial view.  Train was approaching Longwood station and a dual tire truck puling a trailer did not clear the road just south of the station.  Only trailer completely demolished truck appeared OK.  Guess it was good train slowing for station ? 

Understand penalties for these incidents are stiff ?

[blue streak 1]

Not even an hour after posting trip report Sun Rail hit a landscaping truck.  No details but reported no injuries.  Well probably one piece of equipment needing some repair work ? 

EDIT:  Was northbound train so loco hit truck.  Near Longwood station.  If crossing described saw a police car there watching us pass. Passengers transferred to next train.  Single tracking around accident.  Sure helps to have at least one CP between each station. sometimes more.

[blue streak 1]

Rode Sun Rail yesterday on scheduled 4:15 trip but first:

A few corrections of misreporting that this poster made.  There probably are other items since there was too much to take in at one time. 

1.  Station platforms are 4 cars in length except for Amtrak stations at Downtown Orlando and Winter Park.

2.  Each car capacity is 150 seated and 300 total (  which is suspect ).  So 2 car train set crush capacity might be 1200 ?

3.  Despite previous press releases Sun Rail is not fully double tracked. There is approximately a 3 mile section north of Winter Park to just south of Altamonte Springs that is single track.  There appears to be enough ROW for double track although ROW is somewhat narrower.  This single track will cause south bound delays as Altamonte is scheduled for north and south trains to meet if northbound is late. Or north bound delayed at Winter Park.

The only other single track is the 1000 feet over the St. Johns river drawbridge. 

4.  Signal system seemed to be operated as normal CTC not modified ABS

5.  All low level pedestrian crossing signals have been installed except DeBary. 

Now for the trips

11.  Rail appeared to be either 136 or 141 # rail.  Crossties all wood.

12.  About 1/2 of passengers at Sand Lake ( present southern most station )  appeared to be one time visitors but the waiting parked cars indicated a large amount commuters waiting to return ?

13.  Departed 17 late due to late arrival of train and passenger confusion about how to board.  Just as we left next train arrived from north. Our Train still had a few seats 

14.  Lost another 5 minutes due to conductor having to flag couple of reported crossing malfunctions. 

15.  Next two stops train filled up with what appeared to be health workers and business persons and by next stop train was announced to outside persons to take next train. Were at least 100 - 150 left behind at each station most dressed as business persons.  We were 35 late by that time so next train was 5 late behind us and saw his headlights all the way to the north end.

16.  At Winter Park had to stop at south end of platform as station now has ADA platforms only at south end..  Note: All ADA platforms are at south end of stations at the control cab which faces south.  If there was another ADA about half way then the following train could have come in and picked up the passengers who were confused as to why we had no room. More delay!

17.  Heard comment passed around "aren't you glad we are not driving I-4 seen out the window.

18.  At several grade crossings saw different cars that pulled across tracks with rear ends not clearing.  Just missed one about 3". Good thing he was on outside of track curve and not inside ! ! Expect collisions will happen soon somewhere  ! !

19.  Lots of persons getting off at each stop and finally seating for all at Sanford.  Parking lot appeared to have been full at one point.  How big parking ? Unknown. 

20.  Arrived at DeBary 43 late with other train just behind that used the west track which is the only thru track at this time. 

21.  That parking lot had cars on the grass.  Heard today that Sun Rail got some remote parking locations at DeBary and Sanford.  Local transit agencies are busing passengers to and from same.

22.  Left DeBary 40 late with other train just behind us.  By Maitland SRO and again waiting passengers were told to take next train. 

23.  Our train started left hand running once clear the single track all the way to Sand Lake with following train taking right hand track to pick up passengers. 

24.  Still many waiting passengers did not listen or read announcements as to what was happening,  Mob waiting at Winter Park.

25. Both trains ran neck and neck to Sand lake arriving 30 seconds after us..

26.  Train SRO until past Amtrak station.

 

Odds and ends, 

31.  Today was reported a couple extra trains during mid day slack.  IMO this might become a permanent schedule.

32.  One train will have 3 cars today.  IMO  may need more as was surprised at number of apparent workers taking train. 

33.  A big item  ==  Many stations did not have space allocated for easily lengthened platform.  They may have same problem that Charlotte's blue line is experiencing. Once Deland and Kissimmee are added ridership will probably expand dramatically.

34.  Parking at Sanford and DeBary will be a problem even with remote parking.  Sand Lake parking - NO.

35.  Better crowd control needed especially at this first riding.

36.  Sun Rail is using almost all its employees at the various stations.  Met a couple car cleaners.

37.  When running left main at 2 locations the left side signals were obscured until only 100 feet which would not have happened during normal right hand  running.   One signal by parked tall freight cars on a siding and one by a tree(s).  Wonder who to tell ?

38.  Conductor was one busy person.

39.  Crossing signal malfunctions are a real problem with 4 having to be flagged north bound and one south.  This kept conductor especially busy north bound when she had to come from Cab Car ADA door to front of loco to flag crossing and then back. 

40.  Some old pole lines have not been removed.

41.  All other stops with parking had lots very full.

42.  Keeping internal destination signs and announcements working needs revising as conductor was unable to get to controls to chanrge due to SRO ?

43.  Many station stops are just north of a street.  That causes gates to remain down until they time out ( 2 - 3 minutes ).  Other agencies have a tone system where engineer can cause gates to cancel and then lower when ready to move.  This should not be addressed until regular service dwell time shows the need for some kind of canceling system ?

44.  May need more signal maintainers for crossing problems and qualify them for flagging ?

45.  All in all expect the way this crush load was handled  that these problems will be fixed.

 46.  Say the 2 or 3 car DMUs bi-levels parked at maintenance facility.

47.  May need more equipment sooner rather than later ?

[blue streak 1]

A few corrections --------

Thursday was 10,800 boarding's but how measured  ?  ?

Anticipated number Thursday and Friday was expected to be 4200 so ~~ 2-1/2 times higher than anticipated..

Due to other obligations will ride Tuesday if no other changes ? ? 

 

 

[blue streak 1]

few odds and ends

first a few corrections.  It actually takes 5 train sets to operate schedule.  There were 7 locos and 20 coaches ordered.  So probable maximum train size would be 3 -4 cars.  Shuttle buses to / from rail stations are a combined fare so exactly how it will work is still unknown.

 

Now

1. Boardings were  ~~  10,500 +  10,800 Thursday may 1st  &  ~~  10,400 +  Friday May 2nd. 

2.  Regular # of trains are 32 but unknown # of extra unknown so if  ~~  40 trains that gives ~~ average of 260  boardings  per run. 

3.  Seating capacity of cars unknown but if 120 / car then definitely some trains overcrowded. 

4.  Another reason for some late trains was a motorist crashed a crossing gate causing trains to be flagged thru for several hours until gate repaired. 

5.  Already calls for weekend service but the need for extra crews due to HOS is not understood.

6.  Will investigate some items when riding Monday. 

7.  All stations reported as 100% complete will see.

[blue streak 1]

First day time lapse video DeBary station is at north end of line.  So at present push south pull north.

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/videogallery/80074876/Take-a-ride-on-SunRail-in-this-inaugural-day-2-minute-time-lapse-video

 

 

[blue streak 1]

Orlando newspaper video of day 2, Notice lady conductor says take next train.  end of video reminds me of the LIRR Dashing Dan  ?

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/sunrail/os-sunrail-day-2-20140502,0,2169572.story

 

 

[blue streak 1]

CSSHEGEWISCH

It will be much more useful to see what the ridership figures show when SunRail begins collecting fares.  Free rides don't indicate a realistic ridership. 

 

absolutely agree: 

Did not have time to criticize reports but here are a few items and corrections now.

 

1.  It actually takes 5 train sets to cover the present schedule.

2.  Supposed to be 7 locos and 20 coaches ordered ( 10 - cabs & 10 regular coaches ? ) Do not understand why trains were not 3 & 4 car lengths except see #3 ? 

3.  Other threads mentioned that various pieces of equipment en route the past few weeks.  It may be that all equipment has not completed acceptance causing the 2 car train sets ?

4.  The boarding delays may be longer ?  Also unconfirmed report that the single track draw over Saint Johns river causing problems.  The temporary northern terminal at Debarry does not seem to have a location to park a spare train set ? See original post ---

     

As well the amount of misinformation in the Orlando area is amazing  --  examples:

11.  Initial phase has cost $ 5 B  Actually construction costs are listed as $357.2 .  Do not remember what CSX was paid or if construction costs include land acquisition for stations and maintenance facility?

12.  CSX still owned track not Sun Rail.

     12a.  CSX getting all the benefit of the rail upgrade

13.  Amtrak will be booted off.

14.  Fares much higher than the one way $2.00 intra county fares.

15.  CSX & Amtrak not paying track fees

16.  A biggie  --  There will be no development around stations. People do not believe that has happened in other cities.  Stations will remain down trodden.

17.  There will be no changes to bus routes to stations.

18.  The 2 medical centers stops will not institute shuttle vans to their respective stations ?  People did not believe that both already provide vans and golf carts to their outlying parking facilities and for intra hospital goings and comings.  Downtown medical facility is 3 blocks long by 2-1/2 wide to almost the rail station.

19.  Mica did not support Sun Rail.  Do not believe that he supported the $100M+  earmark for construction.  Was shouted down on that one,  told them to check.

20.  This initial opening was to be from Tampa - Daytona Beach.  No replay to that this is only a 4 county operation and charter.  Note:  Daytona is in one of the original counties  ( Volusia )  No reply as well thatl I-4 was not built at one time.

21. There were other mis informations  which are not remembered. 

 

22.  Just found another that this poster did not know.  There will be free amount transfers from shuttle buses to / from rail stations for intra county travel.  Each county runs its own bus system so the inter county transfer prices get complicated.  Not sure if all county bus systems use the tap cards that Sun Rail is using ?

 

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

It will be much more useful to see what the ridership figures show when SunRail begins collecting fares.  Free rides don't indicate a realistic ridership.