tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post5391605549572406220..comments2023-10-30T09:03:07.163-07:00Comments on California High Speed Rail Blog: First Peninsula HSR Scoping MeetingRobert Cruickshankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-39740703070893367072009-02-08T10:24:00.000-08:002009-02-08T10:24:00.000-08:00What are the advantages/disadvantages of opting fo...What are the advantages/disadvantages of opting for a station in Redwood City vs. Palo Alto and which city is likely to get the station and where will it go?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-3494754553278365972009-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:002009-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00I attended the meeting at S.F. State last Tuesday,...I attended the meeting at S.F. State last Tuesday, here's a bit of summary of what was presented:<BR/><BR/>Kopp estimates total system cost at 33 billion. Of this, 2-3 is expected to come from local transit agencies, for example, OCTA, the Orange County Transportation Authority, has contributed 7 million for engineering work on LA-Anaheim.<BR/><BR/>For the rest, they're also looking for 12-16 billion of Fed money and 6.5-7 billion of private money. They say they have 5 companies interested in investing. I asked if there were plans to issue stock to the public as was suggested on this blog, they responded there was no plan at the time. Based on the OCTA example, if CAHSR does have a cash flow problem, the best way to keep things moving may be to urge local agencies to step in - similar to how local agencies have pledged funds to keep bridge construction going in the Bay Area through the state budget delay. <BR/><BR/>For the SJ-SF segment, some stations may be off the main line to allow for express service bypassing them. Some construction may require temporary easements. <BR/><BR/>One thing worth mentioning is that the HSR planning is done with needs for the year 2035 in mind... a bit shortsighted seeing how that's only 15 years after the start of service. <BR/><BR/>Everyone in the crowd was supportive - nothing like the NIMBYism on the peninsula meetings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-44180684968737637692009-01-28T13:37:00.000-08:002009-01-28T13:37:00.000-08:00Single track = significantly reduced operating fle...Single track = significantly reduced operating flexibility. I cannot imagine a proposal including that will get any traction.Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-87485845974491977802009-01-28T00:24:00.000-08:002009-01-28T00:24:00.000-08:00This was interesting - on running hsr on the out...This was interesting - on running hsr on the outside and calrain on the inside for better operations flexibility and the ability to run caltrain on some short sections on one track rather than two - reducing row to only 3 tracks in tight spots.... atherton....<BR/>One other interesting fact is that in certain locations along the peninsula, Caltrain service could theoretically run in both directions on a single track without trains ever conflicting with each other. (Hello Atherton! Take note!) This naturally depends on the density and scheduling of Caltrain traffic, but it opens up the possibility of having only three tracks in certain locations, as dictated by the operational service pattern (Hello Atherton! Service pattern, not your back yards!) Switching to a three-track configuration from a four-track configuration is much simpler if you go from fast-slow-slow-fast (4) to fast-bidirectional-fast (3)... a simple turnout, and presto. On the other hand, trying to neck down from slow-fast-fast-slow (4) to any combination of 3 tracks invariably requires expensive flyovers to avoid frequent fouling of HSR traffic by local trainsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-85686555149790951462009-01-26T20:39:00.000-08:002009-01-26T20:39:00.000-08:00"Martin Engel may never admit this, but Menlo Park..."Martin Engel may never admit this, but Menlo Park and Atherton should: unless they plan to pay for it themselves there is no chance whatsoever that an HSR tunnel will be built through their communities. None. And maybe that's the point here - Engel is merely trying to whip up public controversy in hopes of derailing the project (his term, not ours)."<BR/><BR/>Let me add, this is what has been going on in South Los Angeles regarding the Expo Line. There is a major personality in transit advocacy who wants the Expo line trenched. Well, there is no money for trenches. If the rail line must be trenched, then there won't be a rail line at all. <BR/><BR/>This is what I think Martin is trying to do. If a court rules that the HSR must be put underground on the peninsula, then there will be no HSR at all simply because it is cost-prohibitive.<BR/><BR/>Maybe we should build a portal at SF and a portal at SJ and trains can just teleport to their destinations, bypassing the mid-peninsula entirely! Not against portal technology, but for doing it right!Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-91230562708503140092009-01-26T20:32:00.000-08:002009-01-26T20:32:00.000-08:00It would seem to me that the biggest obstacle for ...It would seem to me that the biggest obstacle for high speed rail is money, not NIMBYs.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-79318102341471662752009-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:002009-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:00Newsom wants the HSR to go all the way to the Tran...<A HREF="http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Newsom-In-France----Look-at-His-New-Passion.html" REL="nofollow">Newsom</A> wants the HSR to go all the way to the Transbay terminal. Whether it does or not, you've got the powers that be in SF and SJ, not to mention Caltrain, that want this rail line built through the peninsula. I don't see how a couple towns can really block this project.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-39842776767761736322009-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:002009-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:00@ Jim - Haha, whoops! I had a feeling when I read...@ Jim - <BR/><BR/>Haha, whoops! I had a feeling when I read it that you were being sarcastic, nobody would honestly say they were spoiled if they really were. I just wanted to get it off my chest. It'll be a good deterrent for whiny Menlo/Atherton on the blog I guess. Sorry for the confusion!Alex M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04082494097195214427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-20021491020518635782009-01-26T17:05:00.000-08:002009-01-26T17:05:00.000-08:00@anno..NO its not it a small group of loud NIBBYS ...@anno..NO its not it a small group of loud NIBBYS screaming about how horrible It will be..AS if living next to Railroad tracks today is heaven.SO all those yes votes that knew what HSR was going thru are saying no??? Dont think so.I know everyone I know in San Mateo milbray ect ect that voted for it have not changed there minds!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-37077155087579107902009-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:002009-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:00yes well, its slowly morphing from one 'denier' (M...yes well, its slowly morphing from one 'denier' (Martin), to one neighborhood, to one small town, (woops that two small towns, Menlo Park, Atherton, and plus those darn naysayers in Palo Alto - woops that's three, oh and San Carlos, and...<BR/><BR/>You're giving a whole new meaning to the term 'denier'. Hmmmm Who's in denial?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-21938007461897644222009-01-26T14:05:00.000-08:002009-01-26T14:05:00.000-08:00I believe Jim was inserting sarcastic humor. And ...I believe Jim was inserting sarcastic humor. And I got a laugh out of it!<BR/><BR/>That said, there are some portions of the interstate highway system, including local highways, that were designed by landscape architects... withthe objective of designing somethign nice for the user... exploiting nice views and vista opportunities. <BR/><BR/>The alignment has already been selected for the CHSRA system; however, it sure woudl be 'nice' to exploit what opportunities that may exist. And, I don't think we'll have that opportunity in a trench, let alone a tunnel. <BR/><BR/>Someone tell me, are there nice views from the Caltrain corridor, other than the backyard of nearby NIMBY's?<BR/><BR/>To this end, I prefer airial structureswhere appropriate.Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-45203301739982068402009-01-26T13:58:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:58:00.000-08:00LOL sorry Alex, you have to read my other posts,...LOL sorry Alex, you have to read my other posts, Im with you, I was being tongue in cheek with those last two comments to make a pointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-68103812785668850842009-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00"First of all our lives and homes and more importa..."First of all our lives and homes and more important than those of people who live in places such as Fresno or the east bay."<BR/><BR/>Say waaaaaaaaaaah????!!! Are you trying to say that houses to people in the east bay and Fresno are expendable or something? We value our houses just as much as you guys do.<BR/><BR/>"Also, we are very used to getting our way because of our special ness."<BR/><BR/>This is exactly why people don't like you or value your opinions, you're like the spoiled child who screams whenever they don't get what they want, you're supposed to ignore them until they wise up to the fact that they aren't the centers of the universe.<BR/><BR/>We can all understand your frustration to living next to tracks but that was your choice to live next them. They've been there a lot longer than you have. In addition, with the improvements to the Caltrain ROW, removal of at-grade crossings will mean less, or even none, horns. Also, the improvements to the tracks and trains will mean less screeching. As far as I can see, most of the ROW is lined with trees which will obstruct the view of the catenaries so that shouldn't be too much of an issue.<BR/><BR/>You are neglecting the facts that HSR will bring improvements to train service through your towns and could even make life easier, you just need to slow down and look at the facts instead of blindly fighting.Alex M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04082494097195214427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-79319505781494256222009-01-26T13:45:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:45:00.000-08:00The notion that I don't like hearing is that the l...The notion that I don't like hearing is that the line should be underground or in a trench.<BR/><BR/>The other thing that HSR has moved beyond the up or down vote stage, in which most people vote as a concept rather than as an actual project. Most of them aren't interested enough to be involved in the planning stages either.<BR/><BR/>However, winning an election is not a license to ignore other people. Those who are involved have legitimate concerns, but don't have full knowledge of rail. For instance, transferring to the Baby Bullet doesn't make sense since both are compatible and that Baby Bullet, and Caltrain as a whole, needs improvement. Education is needed just to address some of the concerns and have a constructive dialogue.Andy Chowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14972872641383327394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-81567844981674675292009-01-26T13:22:00.001-08:002009-01-26T13:22:00.001-08:00What you hsr folks don't understand is that those ...What you hsr folks don't understand is that those of us who live in Atherton and Menlo Park are a special breed of Californian. First of all our lives and homes and more important than those of people who live in places such as Fresno or the east bay. Also, we are very used to getting our way because of our special ness. Our concern isn't so much for the future of the state per the will of the people and leading the nation into the 21st century as california usually does, but its more about having to look at ugly catenaries when we are trying to bar b q by our pool. Surely you can understand that. Imagine if a train went by when you were trying to bar b q by your pool. You wouldn't like ti either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-40534193843915737552009-01-26T13:22:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:22:00.000-08:00And the ironic thing is... HSR through those bergs...And the ironic thing is... HSR through those bergs has a good opportunity to remove Caltrain at-grade crossings... thus reducing train horn noise and imrpving circulation.<BR/><BR/>Even if Caltrain remains at grade, there is a good chance that over time demand to use it will decrease b/c HSR would be available... And, Caltrain service levels will decrease. Or maybe shuttered as it is replaced with HSR services.Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-62646029669049918742009-01-26T13:16:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:16:00.000-08:00As long as freeways and trains run through east pa...As long as freeways and trains run through east palo alto that's fine but we can't allow them near us. And people who live near the 101 can deal with some additional noise and unsightlyness because their homes are worth less and there's more apartments and working class and lower class people there so they are used to it. I can't see running a big noisy train through the good neighborhoods. It just doesn't make sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-58859752850178479572009-01-26T13:15:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:15:00.000-08:00ONE SMALL little rich NIBMY town is not going to d...ONE SMALL little rich NIBMY town is not going to dictate to the 6.5<BR/>million people that voted for 1A.<BR/>Even in Menlo Park it passed by 65 percent...if you dont like living next to a 120 years old railroad move...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-42976152228053165412009-01-26T13:01:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:01:00.000-08:00The only ones who have their panties in a bunch ar...The only ones who have their panties in a bunch are the uppity folks from your neighborhood and we all know who lives there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-70893102666990086772009-01-26T12:53:00.000-08:002009-01-26T12:53:00.000-08:00Elevated, following the median. Just like the Disn...Elevated, following the median. Just like the Disneyland Monorail.. It would be beloved in the right location.<BR/><BR/>Will you have to fight every town along the way? Yes! In fact people are BARELY, JUST BARELY waking up to the real plans for HSR. The fights with towns, tax payers and laywers up and down the Peninsula alone will be staggering. <BR/><BR/>Its actually amusing because up to now all you guys have been dismissing the 'deniers' by name.. like 'Martin' is against this. Its amazing to me that you really have no idea of the kind of politics you'll be dealing with. You'll probably be suprised when you find the tables turned on you and the HSR Supporters become the fanatic fringe, and the 'deniers' in fact will be the mainstream bulk of these communities... Who have fought HARD and LONG to protect their homes, property values, schools, for many years against the likes of BIG CALIFORNIA POLITICS, long before you guys showed up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-11442223930440571402009-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:002009-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:00Where would one put it it on the 101? theres no ...Where would one put it it on the 101? theres no room in the middle. and the sides are crammed with on and off ramps. you'd have to elevate the whole thing at enormous cost. It's just not going to happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-43199323428966591662009-01-26T11:39:00.000-08:002009-01-26T11:39:00.000-08:00"Misses the point - to HELP UPGRADE CALTRAIN (?!) ..."Misses the point - to HELP UPGRADE CALTRAIN (?!) service capacity as well as connect HSR from San José to San Francisco."<BR/><BR/>Really? That's the POINT of HSR?<BR/><BR/>Clem, I wonder if you'd actually like to weigh in on what appears to be a blatently false comment here, that the Peninsula stretch of 101 (from about Millbrae to SJ) -too curvy? Really? <BR/><BR/>From google maps, it actually looks much straighter in most parts than the Caltrain ROW.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-50223685199509571072009-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:002009-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00Watching the gears of this project grind for the n...Watching the gears of this project grind for the next few years is gonna give me a stroke. Is this thing going to have to fight every single city and town and neighbor for 800 miles. Any word on the central valley folks, any resistance there? I think the people in fresno and bakersfield are probably thrilled to have a fast way out of town.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-25657461166290353462009-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:002009-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:00^^ Correction, both occured on the same date... th...^^ Correction, both occured on the same date... the H.R.1 release and Obama's addressBrandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-30533681590372070942009-01-25T16:31:00.000-08:002009-01-25T16:31:00.000-08:00Raf-My sense of reality is in check; however, than...Raf-<BR/>My sense of reality is in check; however, thanks for the recommendation. I certainly hope no one here is niave enough to take Obama's Janaury 23rd address and make conclusive assumptions.... as if it were law.<BR/><BR/>With that said, neither should we do the same with <A HREF="http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/111_hr1_text.pdf" REL="nofollow"><STRONG>H.R.1</STRONG></A> released on Janaury 18th. ...as we are reminded several times a day by media coverage that not everyone is satisfied with the amounts being discussed or how it is proposed to be used. Rhetorically speaking... "Will discussions lead to substantive changes in <A HREF="http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/111_hr1_text.pdf" REL="nofollow"><STRONG>H.R.1</STRONG></A>?" We'll see.<BR/><BR/>Nevertheless, both are examples for reasons to have more optimism about HSR and mass transit.Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.com