BART Fare Hikes
Jun 28, 2009 | 10:48 pm
#31
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I did hear back from my BART contact tonight. Train operators receive 11-12 weeks of classroom training, followed by two weeks of on the job training (I gather this means being shadowed by a veteran train operator once you're behind the controls). So, looks like about 3 months until you're out there operating a train on your own.
He also told me that some of the recently hired train controllers have air traffic control experience.
He also told me that some of the recently hired train controllers have air traffic control experience.
Jul 1, 2009 | 11:24 pm
#32
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If there's a fire on the train while in the trans-Bay tube, that automatic train control system is not going to be able to radio updates or help evacuate the train and lead passengers to safety. I remember when I worked for BART as a police dispatcher that I had to go through the training for that in the event I was on a train and asked to assist with an evacuation. Does SkyTrain have any 8 mile long tunnels that are under water?
You might recall we did have a firefighter killed trying to put out a fire in the trans-Bay tube.
You might recall we did have a firefighter killed trying to put out a fire in the trans-Bay tube.
There are no problems that can't be solved. If you want to have attendants just in the 8-mile long tunnel, and the Caldecott tunnel for good measure, there's nothing preventing you from doing that. If there's a will, there's a way.
Jul 2, 2009 | 1:20 am
#33
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Don't forget the North East Line of the Singapore MRT, the first fully automated heavy rail metro. It runs fast, has good aircon and is clean! ^
Jul 2, 2009 | 1:23 am
#34
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I wish that the BART board had the cajones to actually lock the union out. This being the bay area, the local media and "elected" politicians would jump on board with the unions that BART in the end would probably have to pay them twice as much as they demanded in the first place...
Jul 2, 2009 | 1:28 am
#35
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Then once you're sick and tired of it and you sell your car, you're stuck on the union/gov't ran transit system which has no competition and sucks bad, thereby supporting the union and providing a upper-class lifestyle for said union members.
Jul 2, 2009 | 1:34 am
#36
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I think BART has basically abandoned the notion of connecting from Millbrae to SFO, in other words, they've given up on those of us in the south bay who had used public transit to get to and from the airport.
It's unfortunate that Caltrain didn't care enough to participate in the discussion.
But it sure is wonderful to know the taxpayers paid to build the Millbrae station so it could be underutilized!
It's unfortunate that Caltrain didn't care enough to participate in the discussion.
But it sure is wonderful to know the taxpayers paid to build the Millbrae station so it could be underutilized!
It still sucks that it's a 20 minute wait for trains to the City and that you have to backtrack to get to Millbrae (intermodal station, ha!), or that it's hella slow, filthy and loud, but if they're funding it like described above, BART kinda deserves a pass...this ONE time.
Jul 2, 2009 | 1:21 pm
#37
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Jul 2, 2009 | 1:23 pm
#38
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Well, from what I remember, SamTrans (San Mateo County) was supposed to pay for the operation of the BART extension which is all the stations south of Daly City. Since the number of passengers was lower than they were hoping for, they have been gradually cutting service and frequency for stations on that route. So if this arrangement is still in effect, San Mateo County is responsible for the higher fares and surcharges on this part of the system, I figure.
Jul 2, 2009 | 11:42 pm
#39
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I did hear back from my BART contact tonight. Train operators receive 11-12 weeks of classroom training, followed by two weeks of on the job training (I gather this means being shadowed by a veteran train operator once you're behind the controls). So, looks like about 3 months until you're out there operating a train on your own.
He also told me that some of the recently hired train controllers have air traffic control experience.
He also told me that some of the recently hired train controllers have air traffic control experience.
Jul 6, 2009 | 11:11 am
#40
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SFO is apparently now running an employee shuttle to and from Millbrae station. Does anyone know where it departs from and whether non-employees can ride it?
Feb 15, 2010 | 2:11 am
#41
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The only pick-up/drop-off point at SFO is the INTL terminal, the curb directly outside the airport BART station doors. Look for the "employee shuttle" sign.
The pick-up/drop-off point at Millbrae Caltrain/BART station is the bus plaza on the east side of the station, south of the parking structure. After exiting the trains, go up to the 2nd level and take the elevator/escalator down. As a point of reference, you will be able to see In-n-Out from there.
It's a direct, non-stop bus which takes approx 7 mins one way, so you could expect the bus to circuit every 15 mins.
Last edited by boxo; Jul 7, 2010 at 2:49 pm Reason: fixed bad grammar
Feb 15, 2010 | 10:36 pm
#42
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I can confirm the public is welcome to ride the free employee shuttle. I've done half-dozen or so roundtrips. The driver will ask if you are an employee only because they are keeping tally of who's using the service.
The (only) pick-up/drop-off point at SFO INTL terminal is the curb directly outside the airport BART station doors. Look for the "employee shuttle" sign.
The pick-up/drop-off point at Millbrae Caltrain/BART station is the bus plaza on the east side of the station, south of the parking structure. After exiting the trains, go up to the 2nd level and take the elevator/escalator down. As a point of reference, you will be able to see In-n-Out from there.
It's a direct, non-stop bus which takes approx 7 mins one way, so you could expect the bus to circuit every 15 mins.
The (only) pick-up/drop-off point at SFO INTL terminal is the curb directly outside the airport BART station doors. Look for the "employee shuttle" sign.
The pick-up/drop-off point at Millbrae Caltrain/BART station is the bus plaza on the east side of the station, south of the parking structure. After exiting the trains, go up to the 2nd level and take the elevator/escalator down. As a point of reference, you will be able to see In-n-Out from there.
It's a direct, non-stop bus which takes approx 7 mins one way, so you could expect the bus to circuit every 15 mins.
Dec 7, 2010 | 8:01 pm
#43
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Ugh, I found out the hard way today, the employee shuttle to/from Millbrae station no longer runs.
It cost me $6.90 to go one stop to San Bruno, then only $4.10 from there to Oakland Coliseum.
So what are the next best ways of dodging that extra $4 surcharge?
It cost me $6.90 to go one stop to San Bruno, then only $4.10 from there to Oakland Coliseum.
So what are the next best ways of dodging that extra $4 surcharge?
Dec 8, 2010 | 10:00 am
#44
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You could do the KX bus from downtown San Francisco for $2. It's a 30-40 min trip depending on time of day.
http://www.samtrans.com/pdf/Schedule...X_08-15-10.pdf
http://www.samtrans.com/pdf/Schedule...X_08-15-10.pdf
Dec 8, 2010 | 7:57 pm
#45
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KX bus
You could do the KX bus from downtown San Francisco for $2. It's a 30-40 min trip depending on time of day.
http://www.samtrans.com/pdf/Schedule...X_08-15-10.pdf
http://www.samtrans.com/pdf/Schedule...X_08-15-10.pdf