tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66762247513194419002024-03-13T03:03:54.394-07:00Thesis: Pittsburgh Public TransportationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-6467245116432864362014-02-02T20:49:00.003-08:002014-02-03T21:58:48.823-08:0016 Thoughts for a Superior BRT Network in Pittsburgh<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: 15px;">Seeing that the current mayoral
administration is pretty keen on choosing Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, as the
mode for Pittsburgh’s transit future (at least for the foreseeable future
anyway), we should embrace this as a sign of progress instead of griping that
we won’t be extending our light rail (LRT). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, it’s a difficult pill to swallow. But let’s be honest
for a minute: Pittsburgh isn’t the richest city in the U.S. Until 2008, we were
losing population for the previous half a century! Perhaps one day we will be
able to afford a light rail system that may even replace the very BRT we design
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, let’s make the
best with what we can afford, at least until we can afford the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfortunately, for the most part today, bus
transit has a negative connotation while rail has a positive one. While that is
not really fair nor is it true that rail is that much better, the unfortunate
reality is that BRT pushers have a long way to go in order to convince the
public that buses can be as enticing as LRT. Even the FTA used the motto “think
rail, use buses” when referring to BRT systems. But I do believe that Pittsburgh
can overcome this BRT stigma and create a top-notch network. So, regardless of the
mode Pittsburgh chooses, here are a few thoughts to consider when moving
forward in order to create the best possible rapid transit system:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Transit
perception</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If people hate buses so much, then why even
call it BRT? The first word is Bus! Rather, we should be thinking about
Pittsburgh’s rapid transit network as a whole and include the current “T” lines
in our thinking. Therefore, I would call the whole system something like “PRT”
for Pittsburgh Rapid Transit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 2</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Clarity</span></b></span><br />
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</b>A good map can go a long way. Because most buses have many complex routes with
lots of stops, they can be quite confusing. It can be very hard to ride the bus
on a casual basis. Rapid transit systems shouldn’t have this problem because
they have far fewer stations and lines. Therefore, we are able to make clear
maps and diagrams. If we create a comprehensive, easily understood idea of the
transit network, we open the door to many more riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 3</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">User
interface</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Regardless of transit mode, there are many
other factors that go into creating an enjoyable transit experience. Among
these include comfort, cleanliness, efficiency, reliability, reach and cost. We
also need to think about the little things like ticketing, signage, real-time
trip-planning, station architecture and even vehicle design. Riding transit can
and should be a great experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 4</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Think
big</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: 15px;">The larger the network, the stronger the network. With
each new station, the more the reach grows and the more riders will ride. If
there is a comprehensive plan in place (like my LRT map), we will be able to
work towards a well-conceived plan instead of building piecemeal in a fractured
way. In doing so, we must think about how each of these lines will eventually
connect to other lines and form a comprehensive network.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 5</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Confidence
and permanence</span></b></span><br />
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</span>One area where BRT lags behind rail is that it doesn’t convey as much
permanence. With buses, there is always the fear that cutbacks will lead to
changed and lost routes. With rail, the physical infrastructure instills a
confidence in riders, homeowners and developers that the transit authority is
committed to building and maintaining these transit routes. With BRT, we must demonstrate
permanent investment in order to instill this same confidence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b> 6.</b></span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>Technology
rules</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: 15px;">Data drives the world. If we want to make
transit appealing, we should make it cutting edge. Smartphone apps, signal
priority, driverless vehicles, shared rights-of-way are all ways we can make our
transit systems efficient, fast, cheaper and convenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should aim to portray ourselves as
the most advanced transit system possible—even if we use buses!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 7</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Access
= Value</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: 15px;">Real estate around transit hubs often sees
great increases in value due to new connections with the world around them. We
call the growth that ensues T.O.D. or Transit Oriented Development. Thus, where
we put new transit stations has a huge effect on the areas around them. It is
important that we think about capturing this development as smart growth in the
form of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 8</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">T.O.D.
vs. D.O.T.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Just as transit effects development, the
same is true in reverse. Development Oriented Transit, as I like to call it,
focuses on putting transit where potential riders already are. This is the case
with the current BRT proposal for the Forbes/Fifth corridor. What we need to
ask is “how much should we use new transit to serve current populations versus
to create new development?” Finding the balance is essential in transportation
planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 9</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Center
and edge</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One way to balance the ideas of serving
current populations while spurring future growth to put new transit nodes on
the edge of current developments. On average, people are willing to walk
between ¼ mile and ½ mile (5-10 minutes) to get to a transit stop. If we have a
station within this walking radius of existing developments as well as blighted
areas, we will see both immediate ridership and potential economic revival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">0.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Riverfronts</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our rivers are the reason Pittsburgh was settled where it is. However, since
the departure of the many steel mills and factories that once lined the three
rivers, Pittsburgh has been severed from its most valuable asset. Many derelict
sites along the rivers offer great opportunity for redevelopment and should be
the focus of new T.O.D. as the city re-stitches its urban fabric back to its
lifeblood, the rivers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">1.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">“Choice
riders” and “Captive riders”</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The two categories for transit
riders, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choice riders</i> are those who
have many transportation options, including private automobiles, while <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">captive riders</i> don’t have this
luxury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unbelievably, 29.5% of
Pittsburgher households don’t own cars (11<sup>th</sup> most in the U.S.)!
While new transit development is often geared towards attracting choice riders,
we must also think about better serving those who are dependent on transit. Our
focus should be “the greatest good for the greatest number.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">2.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Pulling
and pushing</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are two ways to get more people to
choose to ride transit: Pulling them onto transit and pushing them out of cars.
I already mentioned the importance of a great transit experience, but we also
need to think about the flipside- cars. Automobiles are hard to compete with
because they offer point-to-point, private rides. But we can deincentivize<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6676224751319441900" name="_GoBack"></a> driving by making it more expensive and less convenient.
Parking and gas costs, traffic, car maintenance and even potholes are all
factors that may cause people to choose transit over automobiles. I’m not
suggesting that we intentionally make driving a car worse, but I am suggesting
that we shift some resources towards transit growth and away from automobile comforts.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">3.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Use
BRT for its advantages</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Besides being cheaper, buses do
offer some advantages over rail, most importantly, flexibility. Buses can go
anywhere. They can become local routes at the end of the feeder lines, serving
a greater population at certain transit nodes. Also, buses can easily transfer
from one line to another, making it easier to reduce the number of transfers
for its riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">4.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Put
it to a vote</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Transit funding is challenging because of
the steep price tag involved. But after the overwhelmingly positive response to
my thesis, I believe that Pittsburghers would be willing to support funding a
good portion of a comprehensive transit system. Many cities across the U.S.
have voted for increased taxes for expanding transit systems. If Pittsburgh can
do it for a new stadium, we can do it for a transit system that both serves
inhabitants and invests in our city’s future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">5.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Admitting
mistakes</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The hardest thing for planners, engineers,
politicians and cities is to admit when they are wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is the only way to move
forward. Obviously, after the exorbitant cost of the North Shore Connecter, we
aren’t going to be digging another tunnel under the rivers anytime soon. But in
addition to criticizing big blunders, we must also constantly be critiquing our
work and adapting our thinking to find the best solutions to our transit
challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">6.</span></b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Laying
the groundwork for the future</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Paramount when thinking about this
step in transit development is how our choices today will affect future
developments. Cities evolve over hundreds if not thousands of years and our
current challenges are only a tiny part of the city’s lifespan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1918, Pittsburgh had over 600 miles
of streetcar and rail before they were systematically removed in favor of
buses. Today’s urban planners regret much of this removal and can only dream of
the walkable, tight-knit communities that were once fostered around such
transit. We cannot afford to allow trends in public transit at the expense of
our city’s future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rather, we must think big picture
and ask ourselves some serious questions. What does choosing BRT mean? How will
the success or failure of this new transit project affect the subsequent
transit projects? Are these choices going to restore confidence in transit and
foster smart growth? And most importantly, what kind of city do we want to be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-58411794165333342382013-10-18T02:04:00.000-07:002013-10-29T21:21:14.559-07:00New Interest and LinksSo. It seems that 2 years later, my thesis is sparking some internet buzz and I thought that I would give you all an update. I successfully defended my thesis and graduated in 2012 with my Masters of Architecture and have just recently moved back home to the Burgh with my wife, Betsy, who is at Duquesne getting her PhD in Psychology. I am still figuring out what to do in back in Pittsburgh at the moment, though I have been interviewing at the different architecture firms around town. I hope to help the city in its urban renaissance in any way possible!<br />
<br />
Here are a bunch of links you may find interesting-<br />
<br />
Thesis book links:<br />
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/3781404-equilibriums-of-paradox">http://www.blurb.com/b/3781404-equilibriums-of-paradox</a><br />
<a href="http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-06042012-233810/unrestricted/Samson_BL_T_2012.pdf">http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-06042012-233810/unrestricted/Samson_BL_T_2012.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Mini movies I made about my thesis project while in school:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKL7oqXe5U">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKL7oqXe5U</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-gV7r4IVv4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-gV7r4IVv4</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvnQZCoHAhU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvnQZCoHAhU</a><br />
<br />
Transit map T-shirts and posters:<br />
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/burghsamson/gifts">http://www.zazzle.com/burghsamson</a><br />
<br />
Online Portfolio:<br />
<a href="http://cargocollective.com/burghsamson">http://cargocollective.com/burghsamson</a><br />
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I know there are a lot of hurdles that the city (and state) would have to go through to implement a project so large. It would most likely cost many billion dollars. But we can't stop dreaming! Keep up the interest and maybe we can make a difference in the future. As Pittsburgh grows, we will need a plan for transit. IT HAS TO HAPPEN EVENTUALLY. It is important to have an idea of what to work towards so that we dont have to compromise a vision when forced to build out of necessity. Here is a plan, a goal, something to work towards!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-88448957612335411472011-12-01T22:36:00.000-08:002013-10-20T23:07:03.820-07:00Here It Is! I couldn't keep it hidden any longer.So, I thought that I would wait till the end of the semester to get this map out there, both because it is still probably going to be tweaked and because I wanted to present the entire semester's work at once. Anyway, I can't wait any longer. I hope you like it. Maybe it will create some internet buzz. I will explain it all in a different post, hopefully soon. It uses the old rights-of-way from freight trains, reconnects the city to its waterfronts, has a feeder/local downtown loop, and follows all of the city's studies including the spine line, Easter Corridor Transit Study. I still have a long 5 months of work on the rest of the thesis though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQSyM5YhrK4yAyXUC7lqKnUr9MumPsjPZJBvw7Jj3skQWoyiCQksQIVhBOU7O8RoWiwxbpI7voHCzxdl3GHFtZFJvx23coP9k4kHjfoinvcGfkBqtIkdcUFcmfOOfZR9Vw8fF5DcPXVyS/s1600/18x24+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQSyM5YhrK4yAyXUC7lqKnUr9MumPsjPZJBvw7Jj3skQWoyiCQksQIVhBOU7O8RoWiwxbpI7voHCzxdl3GHFtZFJvx23coP9k4kHjfoinvcGfkBqtIkdcUFcmfOOfZR9Vw8fF5DcPXVyS/s640/18x24+Poster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Samson T Map</div>
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Here is the design in actual lines:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVzUG0Bc0DwZ1v6E8CcRi72vpE4UvmZCX9oSvb-bYsr6cXIfFDfLZk8frFOY2KcMFF9qAUfq8SKLLIwnItNNryu4OAHlzLNfWmSpAvHwDC8PRtDvC3LGbSXpEH2r0g4-ABJsZUGMHRCET/s1600/Stops+and+Lines+low+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVzUG0Bc0DwZ1v6E8CcRi72vpE4UvmZCX9oSvb-bYsr6cXIfFDfLZk8frFOY2KcMFF9qAUfq8SKLLIwnItNNryu4OAHlzLNfWmSpAvHwDC8PRtDvC3LGbSXpEH2r0g4-ABJsZUGMHRCET/s640/Stops+and+Lines+low+res.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lines Map</div>
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*note: T Map has been revised based on comments.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-1148919395318276532011-08-22T14:31:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:33:15.633-07:00New SemesterThe summer is over. Now, with all the students back from break, the real fun begins as studios are back in session. Thesis this semester will focus heavily on research, much like in the summer. This is the list of goals for the end of this semester:<br />
<br />
<ul><li> a full map of all the lines of a BRT/LRT system throughout the Pittsburgh Metro area. </li>
<li>identify the site of the hub station that I will be designing. </li>
<li>more focus with the thesis topic of "image of a city"- (thesis statement)</li>
<li>a detailed site model</li>
<li>a preliminary design</li>
<li>complete understanding of a wide range of research topics</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-16324790978107299922011-08-10T19:35:00.000-07:002011-08-10T19:35:21.173-07:00Summer Winding DownSummer sessions are nearly over and I am gearing up for the Fall semester. On the research page of the blog I have a couple of new posts including one that compares the above/below grade threshold to birth, a paper I wrote on Transit Oriented Development and analysis of the "Spine Line" corridor study of 1993.<br />
<br />
I'm now looking at the specific locations of where best to put the stations. The Spine Line study and ECTS have given me good direction to start. I have also uncovered some great concept maps from two designers, Craig Toocheck and Edward Shin. These maps are similar to the ultimate map I create for a new LRT or BRT system.<br />
<br />
I am also going to compare BRT and LRT systems in my final paper for Professor Buehler. From my research thus far, it appears that BRT is much cheaper and easier to implement while LRT has more appeal in that it is perceived as permanent and pushes its city to "modern" status. For the purposes of my thesis, which explores the ideas of "the image of a city"is affected by public transportation, LRT is perhaps better. Conversely, BRT systems are not common in the USA and Pittsburgh boasts one of the biggest networks with 3 existing lines. There is also the possibility for Pittsburgh to combine these two systems into one cohesive transit network.<br />
<br />
Either way, this coming semester will be exciting as I explore these topics and many more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-43339424714771635252011-06-23T13:10:00.000-07:002011-06-23T13:10:32.782-07:00Transportation Planning Class and NYCThese past several weeks I've been busy researching and writing two papers for my Transprotation Planning class that I am taking with Dr. Ralph Buehler. I will soon write a post that overlooks the impact of this research and how it will affect my thesis project.<br />
<br />
Much of what I am learning are the non-architectrual aspects of transit systems. This area has a range of topics from budgets and financing to social perceptions of transit. Many of these topics seem too concrete and disheartening to wishful dreamers like many young architects (myself included), but they are necessary in order to have a working and viable system.<br />
<br />
The first paper discusses the history of transit in the U.S. and looks at the modes of transit. It examines how cities affect transit and how transit affects cities. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Cities play a major role in the evolution of transit, and conversely, transit plays a major role in the evolution of cities. This cause-effect cycle is what has shaped America’s urban transit landscape as well as our cities.</span><br />
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The second paper, which I am currently writing, examines the riders of transit. It focuses on riders' views and attitudes towards transit systems and how we can learn from other countries (Germany) to get more riders using our transit.<br />
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<br />
Additionally, I will be going to NYC this weekend! I plan on riding much public transportation there (NYC and metro area accounts for up to 1/3 of all transit in the U.S.!) as well as exploring the new Highline park. The park is a great example of re appropriating urban elements for new uses and reshaping the image of a city. I hope to apply the lessons of the Highline to Pittsbugh.<br />
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-75075063304709552052011-05-31T15:32:00.000-07:002011-05-31T15:40:34.870-07:00Visiting the Steel CityI am back in my hometown of Pittsburgh this week and plan on completing several studies for my research.<br />
<br />
Firstly, I plan to create a colors/materials palette of the city. This will give my audience a better grasp of the city's beautiful rainbow of brick and painted steel. Clearly, the bones of the city are from its industrial boom, and much of the city is weathered to a profound and dark palette. The city's past, replete with steel mills and smokey skies, has left its permanent print on nearly every building built before the 1970's. In downtown, this deep palette mixes harmoniously with the skyscrapers built in the 1980's and 1990's as well as the convention center built this past decade. Bricks meet glass and steel meets steel, and the outcome is surprisingly well balanced. The backdrop of the mountains, covered with trees, adds a green presence rarely felt in the center of a metropolis.<br />
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Secondly, I plan to ride the "T" (Pittsburgh's light rail system). This will give me a good feel for the details and operation of the system. This includes development of the system, how frequently it is used, above/below grade situations, electrical mechanics, stations, signage etc. With this critical information, I will be able to better understand any efforts in adding to the system.<br />
<br />
Thirdly, I will spend a day wandering downtown to see where the best sites for new stations. I will need to gather further information by studying maps, street grids and traffic patterns, but this will give me a jumpstart understanding the role of the T on the pedestrian scale in downtown.<br />
<br />
Finally, I will try to document the city's steel history and its current presence in the city. From the slag heaps in Nine Mile Run to the Waterfront's smokestacks to the heavy machinery in Station Square which is now used as sculpture, the remnants of the city's industrial past penetrate Pittsburgh, both physically and psychologically.<br />
<br />
What a beautiful city.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWzgCzad5ycECsh2FkvKK3URntJGisFkifvaqXasb8Sz9hJ1hyphenhyphenR0aqNwiU7W_iLPWFNVmYuMVDF6snSBiyJzXCKf__35gRFKiFpVIlYHB6MDjBWTSE28ZXD9gPbhyojcnDf_xB5aeDajv/s1600/Pittsburgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWzgCzad5ycECsh2FkvKK3URntJGisFkifvaqXasb8Sz9hJ1hyphenhyphenR0aqNwiU7W_iLPWFNVmYuMVDF6snSBiyJzXCKf__35gRFKiFpVIlYHB6MDjBWTSE28ZXD9gPbhyojcnDf_xB5aeDajv/s640/Pittsburgh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View From Mt. Washington</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Pittsburgh.About.com</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676224751319441900.post-28243248113681074712011-05-24T14:32:00.000-07:002011-05-31T15:45:29.037-07:00Getting StartedThis blog will record my efforts over the coming year regarding my Master's thesis in Architecture. I am a student at Virginia Tech's WAAC Campus in Alexandria, VA earning my M.Arch 2. I plan to graduate in May 2012.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">THESIS TOPIC: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Public Transportation System for Pittsburgh, PA</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">DESCRIPTION:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pittsburgh is an important city in the United States' history. It once served as the headquarters for American steel production, producing the steel that was used to develop this nation. With the mills churning around the clock, the air was filled with soot, and Pittsburgh gained its gritty hue. Then, the steel trade moved out of town and Pittsburgh’s economy and population recessed. The city has recently made the jump from industrial powerhouse to post-industrial urban center and is looking to regain its status as a top-tier American city. Pittsburgh is replacing its soot-covered image with that of a contemporary green city. And one of the criteria for remaking the city’s image is public transportation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Currently, Pittsburgh’s public transportation consists of many incoherent systems that fail to support the population's current and future needs. The bus system is the major mode of public transit, but the city also offers a limited busway system, a light rail system that serves mostly the suburbs and of course the two inclines which climb Mount Washington. Though this list seems extensive, the outcome is a mess rather than a cohesive whole, and commute times are much longer than they should be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My thesis project will address the idea of a comprehensive public transportation system (most likely a light rail) for the region. I will lay out a basic master plan for the region and design the central hub station (and/or a typical station). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Architectural concepts that I would explore include:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Commuting, routine and travel</div><div class="MsoNormal">Living and Working</div><div class="MsoNormal">The image of a city, and architecture as rebirth</div><div class="MsoNormal">Regional Connectedness</div><div class="MsoNormal">Issues of public and private activities</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">It looks to be a very exciting year. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896772616642832448noreply@blogger.com0