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Post by Alexis Kasperavičius on May 14, 2012 18:56:45 GMT -8
Culver City will also be especially abused. That area is extremely short of parking and I'm sure people will regularly attempt to park there for free. But - maybe that's OK? Anyone? I would hardly call Culver City "extremely short" of parking. There are three public parking structures in downtown that offer two hours free parking. www.downtownculvercity.com/parking.htmlYou're correct, but I remember getting the run around at the kitchen supply place across the street. They're complete parking Nazis - same with the school supply place and furniture stores. The lots you linked to are in downtown - several blocks away. Anyway, we'll see. I just wonder what Metro's plan is. It looks like La Cienega is getting more full by the day with freeloaders. What happens next?
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Post by tonyw79sfv on May 14, 2012 20:07:27 GMT -8
Metrolink has this problem a lot. The resolution? No parking between 2 am to 5 am. I didn't realize that. I once asked Metrolink about parking overnight in Orange County and was told that it was allowed. Obviously it would be allowed at Amtrak stations, but I was told that it was allowed at all of them. Anyway it wouldn't work for LA Metro because quite a few people work an overnight shift and some of them do park their cars in Metro lots. Not to be off-topic, but regarding Orange County Metrolink parking, a common trend there, especially with riders on the IEOC line is to leave a secondary car in an Orange County station and commute to an Inland Empire station with the main car. Now with Metro-owned park & ride lots, I believe there is a 24 hour limitation. In the past, I utilized the North Hollywood park & ride for the Red Line, local buses (particularly the owl 156, now 656 owl bus), and even one way Metro trips where I carpooled with someone to retrieve my car. Go511 list lots used for carpool and vanpool, most of which are Metro and Metrolink lots. The listing is old, but I'm sure La Cienega would be listed soon.
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Post by LAofAnaheim on May 14, 2012 20:13:08 GMT -8
I didn't realize that. I once asked Metrolink about parking overnight in Orange County and was told that it was allowed. Obviously it would be allowed at Amtrak stations, but I was told that it was allowed at all of them. Anyway it wouldn't work for LA Metro because quite a few people work an overnight shift and some of them do park their cars in Metro lots. But to Gokhan's point, the park/ride lots are for Metro rail only, not Metro bus service. If the Metro rail is not functioning between 1:30 am - 4:30 am, why should anybody be parked there?
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Post by masonite on May 14, 2012 21:14:18 GMT -8
I didn't realize that. I once asked Metrolink about parking overnight in Orange County and was told that it was allowed. Obviously it would be allowed at Amtrak stations, but I was told that it was allowed at all of them. Anyway it wouldn't work for LA Metro because quite a few people work an overnight shift and some of them do park their cars in Metro lots. But to Gokhan's point, the park/ride lots are for Metro rail only, not Metro bus service. If the Metro rail is not functioning between 1:30 am - 4:30 am, why should anybody be parked there? I think the idea is that someone could go to work at midnight and then get off at 8:00 a.m. I know not many people are doing this, but that would be the argument.
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Post by gatewaygent on May 14, 2012 21:18:44 GMT -8
How about the following: have an arm attached to a machine that collects the paper ticket you purchased on the platform. When you deposit the paper ticket, the arm opens and let's you out. But if you lost the ticket or just parked there willy-nilly, then the exit price is $5. Those with a TAP card, can have a daily allowance of one free TAP exit per card so that people don't pass their TAP cards around to TAP out their friends, family for free. Of course, the system can be undermined by having someone purchase a $1.50 ticket to exit or asking someone for their old stub, but it then becomes the inconvenience of having to purchase another ticket or look stupid trying to get a person's ticket so they can exit free. Just an idea....
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Post by jamesinclair on May 14, 2012 21:32:54 GMT -8
I think having occasional monitoring would be good. Boot or tow anyone who parks and crosses the street. Or if you suspect anything illegal, approach and talk to them. All businesses monitor their parking lots and so should Metro. So if you want to grab a drink or snack before boarding your train you get booted? Yeah, that will encourage ridership :/ But to Gokhan's point, the park/ride lots are for Metro rail only, not Metro bus service. If the Metro rail is not functioning between 1:30 am - 4:30 am, why should anybody be parked there? And why ban overnight parking? If you work from 11pm-7:30am you can ride expo. Why arent you allowed to park? What if youre taking a night bus? Folks, if you offer free parking, people will use it. Thats how free works.
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Post by spokker on May 14, 2012 22:02:12 GMT -8
Metrolink has this problem a lot. The resolution? No parking between 2 am to 5 am. I didn't realize that. I once asked Metrolink about parking overnight in Orange County and was told that it was allowed. Obviously it would be allowed at Amtrak stations, but I was told that it was allowed at all of them. Most Metrolink stations are owned by cities and they have different rules. Fullerton Station's surface lot prohibits parking in the wee hours, but there is a structure that allows parking for 72 hours. Anaheim Station has no rules that I can find, but I know a guy who left his car there for a week. Parking is not in short supply there. Whatever the rules are at Orange Station, I have seen many cars there at 10PM on a Sunday night. Either they are being used by residents or people leave beater cars there to solve the last mile problem. There should be no restrictions on when you can park. A 24 hour limit may be worthwhile. But the best way to ration parking is to simply charge a fee.
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Post by Gokhan on May 14, 2012 22:12:02 GMT -8
Test trains parked just west of La Cienega are causing the ATP to brake the trains to 0 - 10 MPH all the way from La Brea to La Cienega. Leading to passenger frustration.
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Post by bzcat on May 15, 2012 8:43:22 GMT -8
Boot or tow anyone who parks and crosses the street. Can't do that because people could have a legitimate reason for crossing the street before boarding. Maybe they want a cup of coffee. They could maybe try and make some kind of free access that required using a TAP card, but I can't figure out a good way. This is extremely easy to do, Metro just lack imagination. In many cities around the world, transit card also works as parking card. If you tap out of parking garage within a certain amount of time of tapping out of a train station of bus, you get free parking (or free bike rentals even... ) The solution is plain and easy to implement... but only if you have competent transit system in charge. We can't even get the gates locked properly and have a fare system that doesn't make any sense (tap in but no tap out )
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Post by Gokhan on May 15, 2012 13:51:05 GMT -8
Bizarrely, the passengers today were divided equally between the two trains waiting at the La Cienega Station. I asked a Metro staff and got on the correct train, which departed from the wrong platform. All those poor people in the other train had to wait for an additional 12 minutes. Why not make a simple announcement and get them on the right train? Or keep the doors closed?
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Post by bluelineshawn on May 15, 2012 14:32:23 GMT -8
Its never really clear which train is next and then when metro does announce they often say that the "other" train is next which is completely unclear. Use the track numbers posted Metro!
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Post by thedessie on May 16, 2012 8:56:12 GMT -8
I've been complaining up a storm to Metro about this, as I personally have missed two trains last week because I got on the wrong train, along with having a couple coworkers ask me WTF was going on with the trains leaving them behind. I talked to one of the supervisor people at 7th and Metro on Thursday, and they said that they were trying to figure out how best to deal with the issue.
That said, it's better this week than it was last week - at least there are some announcements. I honestly don't understand why they don't have a couple of the ambassadors there until Culver City opens...or just close the doors on the train that won't leave first.
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Post by Gokhan on May 16, 2012 18:10:56 GMT -8
I helped one person this evening from sitting in the wrong train at La Cienega and saved him 12 minutes. Crossing gates at Hauser Blvd were malfunctioning again. Hauser gates often malfunction -- they have been having problems with them ever since the early testing phase.
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Post by transitfan on May 17, 2012 6:19:36 GMT -8
When the Long Beach loop on the Blue Line first opened in September 1990, the schedule was a bit generous (at least weekends after 7th St/Metro Center opened in February 1991 - 60 minutes end to end when only 54 was really needed), so there were usually 2 trains at the Transit Mall station. What generally happened is that one train would arrive, open the doors briefly to let any pax detrain, then would close up, but with the open door buttons activiated. Meanwhile, the train that was going to depart first would have the doors open, then would close up at the appointed time, at which time the remaining train would open up. Maybe something like this could be done w/ Expo. (I assume that the P2000s have the same capability with the doors as the Nippon-Sharyos).
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Post by davebowman on May 17, 2012 15:27:48 GMT -8
The Staples Center website has a Special Advisory regarding Sunday's Kings game, which will coincide with the finish of the Amgen Tour of California. There is very detailed information about street closures, available parking lots, and instructions on taking a free shuttle for people who park at the LA Coliseum, but no mention of the Expo Line.
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Post by Gokhan on May 17, 2012 17:41:20 GMT -8
Trains are now announcing the Culver City Station. I expect the prerevenue operation to start next week for the planned June 20 opening date.
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Post by bluelineshawn on May 17, 2012 17:51:14 GMT -8
Trains are now announcing the Culver City Station. You mean the automated announcements? They've announced both Culver City and Farmdale on the automated announcements since it opened.
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Post by Gokhan on May 17, 2012 18:51:58 GMT -8
Trains are now announcing the Culver City Station. You mean the automated announcements? They've announced both Culver City and Farmdale on the automated announcements since it opened. Farmdale, yes, Culver City not so sure recently, although yes when it first opened. Also, the train head sign on the Siemens said Culver City tonight instead of La Cienega. In any case, I expect prerevenue operation to start next week if not a little later. The main thing holding it is the construction workers doing the installation of the reflector flood lamps on the OCS poles.
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Post by Elson on May 17, 2012 22:34:24 GMT -8
You mean the automated announcements? They've announced both Culver City and Farmdale on the automated announcements since it opened. Farmdale, yes, Culver City not so sure recently, although yes when it first opened. Also, the train head sign on the Siemens said Culver City tonight instead of La Cienega. The Siemens trains have all said "Culver City" since opening day. The Nippon-Sharyo trains are the only ones that say "La Cienega." As for the recorded announcements, when they had the recording session with the voiceover guy, it probably wouldn't surprise me if he had already said the names of the Phase 2 stations. It's simply a computer program that fires off the sequences of his recordings.
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Post by Gokhan on May 18, 2012 11:48:42 GMT -8
Well, it would really surprise me if they already announced the Phase 2 stations. Yes, the announcements are automatic but unfortunately they only work properly in the Siemens trains. In the Nippon Sharyos, by the time we reach La Cienega, they still announce the Expo Park / USC Station. In any case, expect an official announcement of the opening of the Culver City Station soon, which is being planned for June 20. Preveneue operation (running all revenue trains to Culver City after unboarding all passengers) may start next week.
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dane
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by dane on May 18, 2012 13:17:11 GMT -8
The Staples Center website has a Special Advisory regarding Sunday's Kings game, which will coincide with the finish of the Amgen Tour of California. There is very detailed information about street closures, available parking lots, and instructions on taking a free shuttle for people who park at the LA Coliseum, but no mention of the Expo Line. I think the Amgen race street closures will make it awkward for Expo Line patrons to get there. They are already making preparations today for the temporary pedestrian brigdes to be installed over the streets Saturday night. The offsite parking is a great idea. Fewer vehicles to choke the surrounding streets.
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Post by carter on May 18, 2012 17:29:32 GMT -8
I'll be going to the Kings game Sunday, so I'll let everyone know how that's handled logistically and what the Expo patronage looked like.
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Post by Elson on May 18, 2012 17:44:07 GMT -8
I'll be going to the Kings game Sunday, so I'll let everyone know how that's handled logistically and what the Expo patronage looked like. It seems as though Kings fans are better than Lakers or Clippers fans at using transit. During Kings games I tend to see more fans in Kings gear on the Metro headed toward Staples Center than anyone wearing any of the local team colors during basketball games.
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Post by simonla on May 19, 2012 19:46:44 GMT -8
Took Expo today in the early afternoon, from La Cienega to DTLA--train got busy closer to DT as there were games and concerts. The Pico station was packed with people, especially MANY Clippers fans coming in way early to drink and party before the nighttime game--hopefully that area will start offering more amenities for the growing crowds utilizing that stop.
On the ride home at about 6:45, 7th/Metro was humming and packed with people. Metro staff were friendly and explained which trains were going to La Cienega and which to Long Beach. The signs on the train also changed quickly and accurately. The train was clean--it actually smelled clean! The signage is getting better, but the colors delineating Blue and Expo are so similar on the signs at 7th/Metro--it irks me that no one at Metro caught that.
The train was packed. But by the last USC stop, it had mostly cleared out. As it is now, Expo seems really to be an event train: it takes a lot of people to Downtown games, concerts, and USC events. I personally think that serves a big need. It'll be a commuter train--meaning taking more people to jobs and homes--once it pushes deeper into the Westside. BTW, the bikeway from La Cienega to Culver City looks about done, though much of it is locked up.
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Post by jamesinclair on May 19, 2012 20:20:23 GMT -8
T The train was packed. But by the last USC stop, it had mostly cleared out. As it is now, Expo seems really to be an event train: it takes a lot of people to Downtown games, concerts, and USC events. I personally think that serves a big need. It'll be a commuter train--meaning taking more people to jobs and homes--once it pushes deeper into the Westside. BTW, the bikeway from La Cienega to Culver City looks about done, though much of it is locked up. This is actually a good thing. Most transit systems suffer because theyre peak hour trains only. Some times it takes decades to build off-peak ridership. Commuters will come, its a great sign that casual riders are already riding. Of course, metro didnt quite take that into account...just look at the abysmal evening a weekend frequencies. What metro needs to do is run a 7th-western shuttle to double train frequency in the areas that see most ridership on evenings and weekends.
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Post by roadtrainer on May 19, 2012 20:37:29 GMT -8
Why a lousy turnout for the Expoline? Lousy press! The people on Channel 4 and Channel 11 give out lousy directions ! tthey don't know what their talking about , they call lightrail a subway, they call metrolink metroRail or vice versa. We need to educate the public, and to educate the press because Metro is not doing their job. Darrell, Gokham, Bart, How about doing the honors?
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Post by simonla on May 19, 2012 20:52:00 GMT -8
I wouldn't say weekend ridership--I don't know about during the week--is lousy. It's quite busy from USC (Vermont) to DTLA, and La Cienega has a steady stream of customers.
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Post by carter on May 20, 2012 19:02:09 GMT -8
I'm happy to report that trains were packed coming out of Staples after the Kings game. I guess since the home team lost, everyone decided to get the heck out at once instead of stick around for a celebratory beer at LA Live/Downtown.
Over half -- maybe even over 75% -- of those who got on at Pico Station after the game stayed on all the way to La Cienega station, which makes sense because the parking structure was full from about 10:30 am onwards.
Expo definitely looks like it will have great special event ridership! And when it's open to Santa Monica, good two-way commuter ridership, which is key for running efficient service.
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Post by Elson on May 20, 2012 20:19:34 GMT -8
It seems that for some reason Kings fans are better than Lakers or Clippers fans at using transit. I see way more riders in Kings gear on the rails prior to hockey games than Lakers or Clippers fans prior to basketball games. And I'm talking regular season here.
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Post by bluelineshawn on May 20, 2012 20:34:59 GMT -8
I'm happy to report that trains were packed coming out of Staples after the Kings game. I guess since the home team lost, everyone decided to get the heck out at once instead of stick around for a celebratory beer at LA Live/Downtown. Over half -- maybe even over 75% -- of those who got on at Pico Station after the game stayed on all the way to La Cienega station, which makes sense because the parking structure was full from about 10:30 am onwards. Expo definitely looks like it will have great special event ridership! And when it's open to Santa Monica, good two-way commuter ridership, which is key for running efficient service. Glad to hear it and I agree 100%! Expo's two-way ridership will be special and is why it will have many more riders per mile than the blue line, even though blue line trains are packed. It will also have considerably more destinations along the way than any other of our light rail lines. It will be the flagship in so many ways.
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