[Rescue Muni] Re: Digest rescuemuni.v001.n287

Robert Parks (rparks@linneaus.com)
Wed, 02 Sep 1998 23:36:44 -0700

>What could Muni have done differently to actually improve service? Good question.
ACTS: waited. Instead of being one of the first in the world, let
someone else be first...Like New York City Transit (which is probably
going to end up being the de facto standard). Would have been better to
extend the existing signal system into the MMT, and do a retro fit when
it is no longer new technology.
MMT: loop with side tracks...more expensive, but, if all else fails, you
don't need to operate switches to turn trains on a loop.
Bredas: Instead of piling bells and whistles on what is apparently a
decent car, should have kept it simple.
Boeings: Adding the ACTS equipment to the already trouble plagued cars
made a barely adequate car into a completely inadequate car.
General: Better oversight, management, design, planning and
communication would have made improved functioning of Metro a
possibility.

>Blame the Boeings
The Boeings are the weakest link in a none-too-sturdy chain.

>> 4) If Muni received more funding, what would you spend it on and would it improve service?
> emergency replacement of all Boeings with new Bredas.
this would be more helpful if they were more reliable.
>Buy up every F-line type car we can find anywhere in the world.
Sounds good to me.
>Plan for replacement of ACTS
see above re: NYCT program.
>Start replacing aging Diesel buses with modern Natural
Gas buses
Due to performance deficits of NG buses, Muni's Diesel replacement
program will consist of a majority of diesel buses, albeit clean(er)
fuel/burning. In terms of enviromental concerns, converting to
electricity is vastly preferable to burning hydrocarbons.

>Improving Muni:
to paraphrase NASA: `Simpler, Faster, Cheaper' Avoid complex equipment,
avoid new technology, focus on safe, reliable transportation, with
responsible management supervising employees (maint and operations) who
do their job as they are supposed to. Service can be improved also
through applications of SF's `Transit FIRST' policy, as well as
passenger education to reduce delays and interruptions caused by
passenger behavior. Example, running time on the 22 probably could be
reduced from 53 minutes to 45 minutes. POP, with proper enforcement
would also make signifigant improvements, with the side benefit of
adding security to Muni.

Robert Parks
(ugly day on the 22-Fillmore today)