“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” -Martin Luther King, Jr

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

What's going on with the Max?

Just another day on line 51-Vista. I sat in my favorite spot in the bus-the first seat next to the main door. 
"11th and Alder," the bus driver called out. I smiled. This was one of the few operators I've ridden with that actually calls out the stops. In general, no one really needs stops called out.
Buildings passed by the windows as the little 30 footer bus chugged along 11th up to Morrison. Chains on the bus made the ride very loud, rattly and vibrate a fair bit. 
A strange sight came into view-a red line max and a not in service max both on the break away tracks at the Yamhill/Morrison and 11th layover area. This was unusual. Sure, it is a designated place for trains to stop for any reason, but it is rare for trains to be stopped in there, let alone two, one with the red line to the airport sign still displayed.
As the bus turned onto Morrison two white shirt cars (supervisor cars) came into view. One had a reflective vest on and held some sort of pole and appeared to be looking at the max tracks. (The others, i assume were keeping warm in the little break room or their nice warm cars). 
Were the tracks damaged or iced over? I know there's something going on with the red line, but what? 
What's going on with the Max?



Worst appears over for icy conditions in Portland area

Koin Local 6

Update on Talks Between TriMet and Its Union: They Can’t Even Agree to Meet

Willamette Week

The 2010 National Geographic Photo Contest

National Geographic

Twitter tirades test limits of freedom of speech: What's a tweet, between friends? The law says sometimes it's a threat.

"is like chat in a pub."
"There is sarcasm in the pub," he said. "There is sarcasm on Twitter, which is understood by everyone on Twitter — but not by that judge."

JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press

I Swear This Is True

TriMet Diaries

Man found frozen in Waterfront Park fountain

Jim Redden, Portland Tribune

TriMet Service Alerts

As of 6:55pm
MAX 
Red Line trains are not serving stops west of the Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX station. Riders heading east into downtown or west to Beaverton should take a Blue Line train.
~~~~~~~~~

Thanksgiving Day Service

TriMet buses and MAX Light Rail are running on Sunday schedules on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25. WES will not run on Thanksgiving Day. (Buses without Sunday service will not run). More.

Winter Weather Update: Buses will not be chained for Wednesday commute

"Most buses in service have had chains removed and are operating on regular schedules. Several dozen buses in the field still have chains, but will have them removed as they connect with chain removal crews. TriMet continues to monitor weather conditions but does not anticipate the need for chaining overnight or tomorrow. Except for the MAX Red Line not continuing west past Galleria (non-weather related), MAX is running regular schedules."
-TriMet


Huh...I wonder whats up with the Red Line..

TriMet Service Alerts

As of 3:35
Line 18-Hillside
*Buses are chained. Expect delays.
Line 51-Vista
*No service on Ravensview. Buses stay on Vista both directions
*Buses are chained. Expect delays.
Line 63-Washington Park
*Buses are chained. Expect delays.

Winter Weather Update: Only 3 buses chained; Max on regular schedule

All but 3 bus lines will soon be operating without chains. The 3 lines operating with chains are in the West Hills: Lines 18, 51 and 63. Buses with chains are in the process of being removed as they connect with maintenance crews out in the field. It may take a few hours to remove all of the chains. Buses with Insta-Chain remain in service.
-TriMet

TriMet's Red Line takes holiday travelers to PDX

TriMet

TriMet Service Alerts

1:50pm
Line 51 and 58 still have their previous service alert in effect. Look at past posts to see what it is.
76-Beaverton/Tualitin
*Service to Meridian Park Hospital provided by transfer to a chained shuttle bus at Tualatin Park & Ride. Other buses are dropping chains.






TriMet Service Alerts as of 11/23/10, 1:05pm

51-Vista
*No service on Ravensview. Buses run on Vista both ways. (When the line resumes service around 2:30pm)
58-Canyon Rd.
*Buses are on regular route, not snow route, but have chains
76-Beaverton/Tualitin
*Line 76: Chained shuttle bus is now running from Tualatin park and ride. Transfer passengers at Tualatin and shortline there. Drop chains at Beaverton Transit Center.

The Eye of the Storm on the 4-Fessenden

TriMet Diaries

Portland to Lake O Transit DEIS Hits the Streets

Portland Transport

Transit Tax Benefit to Expire?

Portland Transport

TriMet Email Updates

Winter Weather Update: Tuesday morning, most buses on chains
TriMet is dropping chains on about a dozen bus lines this morning; early morning crews scouting higher elevations determined chains were not needed on some routes serving Mt. Tabor, Mt. Scott, OHSU, Council Crest and N/NW Portland.
The remainder of the fleet–about 65 bus lines–are still chained. Buses with chains are restricted to a maximum 25 mph, so buses will not be on schedule but will arrive at regular intervals. The 65 buses with Insta-Chains are also in service. Insta-Chains are similar to those installed on school buses where the bus operator can deploy the chains in the field as needed.
Two bus lines continue to operate on snow route: Lines 96 and 58 because these bus lines cannot travel on the freeway with chains at restricted speeds.
Unrelated to weather, TriMet’s Westside train yard experienced a loss of power at 4:30 a.m. MAX trains deploying for morning service are delayed. Crews are working to fix the problem at the substation and get trains moving again.

TriMet Service Alert as of 11/23/10, 8:25am

Service Alerts
9:10AM UPDATE!! All Max Lines are currently running as usual on schedule
12:25PM UPDATE!!
Line 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest and line 78-Beaverton/Lake Oswego are running regularly
51-Vista
*No service on Ravensview. Buses stay on Vista both directions. (aka, 51 is on its snow route)
58-Canyon Rd
*Buses are on regular route, not snow route, but are chained.
96-Tualitin/I-5
*No chains needed. Bus is NOT on snow route. 
All bus and rail service is operating as usual. All buses have chains-expect delays.