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| Future is now for Tracy transit |
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| Written by Jon Mendelson | |
| Friday, 29 August 2008 | |
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Second Thoughts: When it comes to building a workable public transportation network, the present is the perfect time to start planning. Tracy — or, as it’s known on the city Web site, "The place to live your future" — is finally getting serious about the future of public transit. At least, that’s the hope, given the topic of a public open house Wednesday at the downtown community center. Charts and maps highlighted regional transportation programs and statistics, and residents were invited to leave gripes and suggestions about them via Post-it notes. I, unfortunately, wasn’t able to make it. So consider this my yellow sticky: Around here, moving people without cars has largely been an afterthought. Tracy, like so many other bedroom communities, was not designed with public transportation in mind. Just as individual parcels of farmland were developed without much concern for how they’d integrate into the city, public transportation was only considered after car-commuting habits were well-established. That’s why making regional transit workable in the Bay Area and Central Valley sometimes feels like wedging a size-10 foot into a size-7 shoe. It’s this failure of the past that brings us to the present — and future. On Wednesday, planners asked the public, "What do you want your public transit system to look like in 10, 20, 50 years?" What should have been asked is, "How can we build communities to incorporate public transit?" Because that’s the key — development that considers public transit from the beginning, even if the need won’t be there for a decade. Or three. Without that kind of long-range planning, the future will look a lot like the gridlocked present. And that’s a scene I don’t want to see. Tracy has a golden opportunity to steer a better course. With the multimodal station taking shape downtown and residential development on hold until 2012 thanks to Measure A, we can sketch out a working transportation system for the future, even if — especially if — we’re hell-bent on sprawling to the southwest. We don’t even have to start from scratch; the foundation is there. Tracer’s bus service, when paired with a bicycle and an ability to read a map and watch, can already get you most places in town. The San Joaquin Regional Transit District can bus you from City Hall in Tracy to downtown Stockton — and local bus routes hop off from both places. SJRTD also has a commuter service between Tracy and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. And the Altamont Commuter Express goes from Tracy through Livermore to San Jose and back every weekday. Sure, that foundation has a few cracks: ACE needs a more seamless connection with Bay Area Rapid Transit, too much of Tracy goes underserved by buses, and it would be nice if Tracer "paratransit" could get its dependents to church on Sunday. You probably have your own favorite complaint. And you probably always will, if the we’re content to play catch-up after the fact. But if we’re serious about building public transit, not just talking about it, we’ll plan our towns and neighborhoods for the long-range future. And there’s no better time to start than the present. • Jon Mendelson is an award-winning columnist for the Tracy Press. Visit his blog for a daily dose of Second Thoughts, or contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Trackback(0)
Comments
(69)
 written by Tracy RealNews , August 30, 2008
Now about BART. Last year the fine folks at BART were talking about extending service to Livermore. I think it was Sam, who around that time wrote an article about a Livermore Multimodal Transit Station that would be shared by both ACE and BART. However, it seemed that BART decided to build a station at the Pleasanton Mall, instead.
http://eastbay.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/01/29/focus3.html written by Tracy RealNews , August 30, 2008 Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Area_Rapid_Transit eBART An alternative plan for extension into the communities of Antioch, eBART calls for diesel multiple unit train service to be implemented from the existing Pittsburg/Bay Point station with a cross-platform transfer east along the Highway 4 corridor to the town of Byron, with the future possibility of service to Tracy in the San Joaquin Valley. New stations would be located in Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, and Byron. Another option would be a Caltrain-like service on the existing Union Pacific right-of-way from North Concord to Brentwood and beyond to Tracy and Stockton, though such a project would be subject to problems associated with using non-dedicated rights of way. Service was expected to start in 2010 but the project has been delayed.[82][83] written by Tracy RealNews , August 30, 2008 Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Area_Rapid_Transit 'tBART': I-580/Tri-Valley Corridor This extension of either conventional BART or diesel multiple unit BART service would go from Dublin/Pleasanton station east to Livermore and over the Altamont Pass into Tracy and the Central Valley along I-580. It could possibly also go north through Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, and Alamo to the existing Walnut Creek station via the I-680 corridor. Currently, a petition to extend BART to Livermore is being circulated by Linda Jeffery Sailors, the former mayor of Dublin, California.[84] The extension of conventional BART rail to Tracy is considered unlikely, as San Joaquin County, in which Tracy is located, is not part of the nine district counties and does not pay into the regional BART tax. The extension of third-rail BART, which would require exclusive and grade-separated rights-of-way over such a long distance, would be substantially more expensive. With conventional rail, existing trackage can be used, and incremental upgrades (such as grade separations at selected intersections, overhead electrification, signaling improvements, utilities relocation, etc.) are possible as funding dollars become available, but choosing BART would require a full build-out of the system initially, along with comprehensive funding. An existing diesel commuter rail line, the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) currently operates on much of this route. A free shuttle transfers passengers between the ACE Pleasanton station and the BART Dublin/Pleasanton station, linking the two systems. written by Tracy RealNews , August 30, 2008
Jon Mendelson,
One more thing. Arnold Scharzenegger just signed a 9.9 Billion dollar potential deal for California Transit. Would you ask Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy) if it will go through Tracy, CA? Hope we will be gettting a part of that puzzle, and do not get bypassed by the Tracy Dems??? I'm afraid we are getting it from both ends by the Dems, here??? 9.9 Billion dollars is a lot to support for some other county. Pacheco Pass? Tesla (at Garamendi Ranch)??? We, in Tracy, need to what's going on. We need to know if Dems like Garamendi will benefit Tracy, CA!?! http://camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=3429&ptid=9&theme=print http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/268087.html Please advise before we get railroaded! Thanks!  written by fortheunderdog , August 31, 2008
Livermore has been paying county taxes for BART for over 20 yrs now. Livermore has been promised a BART station but so far it's still a promise.
A BART bus schedule in addition to getting scheduling for AC Transit will be a good thing for Tracy. They, and all other county buses, could make use of the future transit station since passenger train service may not be in the cards. Union Pacific is thinking of reopening its Mococo freight line and that will hinder scheduling for passenger trains in favor of freight trains. Unless UP decides to add more track to accomodate passenger trains (and I highly doubt that will happen) don't expect to see passenger train service at the transit station. TRN rhetorical informational comments are his attempt to make it look like Tracy will be a transit hub. Although they are good ideas I don't envision that ever happening. Tracy needs to bring in retail, restaurants, and businesses that will bring outside people into Tracy. Look around at surrounding cities like Lathrop, Manteca etc. Lately they've been leaving Tracy in the dust. Tracy's planning woes can be blamed on its current government. The sooner we vote them out the better. written by Tracy RealNews , August 31, 2008
I will not provide voting advice. However, I will tell you that some of the sentiments expressed in the above post are questionable, at best. Even overly optimistic.
A BART schedule would not happen for many, many years. Who knows if we will even be here? BART currently has dumped the Livermore extension plan, in favor of a Pleasanton Mall station. This will delay any plans to Livermore even further, and even to Tracy, CA until after this decade, maybe even into the next. This kind of wishful thinking is not realistic given that BART has not even finished their extension in the adjacent county. Let alone San Joaquin. Other counties have to do their work first. Measure K, is nowhere near paying for that. And Governor Arnold's plan will only pay for fixing (and replacing) existing ACE train tracks. This will make ACE much faster. With the majority of the Tracy workforce commuting outside the city this will be a welcome relief. And is much more realistic goal that will benefit Tracy residents in the near future. By the way there is also SJRTD service to Dublin/Pleasanton BART. Regarding the Mococo Line. Union Pacific said that they never closed the Mococo Line. Everybody already knows that. This information was provided in an article. The article described Union Pacific saying they wante to run forty trains through Tracy. But did not say where they will get the additional trains. In fact the ACE train already uses Union Pacific tracks and Union Pacific already has a deal with ACE trains, so that the ACE passenger trains are given priority over frieght trains. The ACE Train would benefit from the downtown Transit Station because the fixed routes that go in, around, and out of town are all available in the downtown. ... written by Tracy RealNews , August 31, 2008
restaurants will not bring people to Tracy!
If you need proof of that go downtown. We need the Chrisman College Campus. We already have a "peaceful" downtown. Put the Courthouse at Chrisman too. The Tracy Mall was a great idea! Lathrop and Manteca don't have a Measure K. Ironically the blogger doesn't mention Mountain House. Garamendi's TRAQc record speaks for itself. Vote for whomever you want. In a few more years the term limits will kick in and you will have a better choice than Garamendi! Thanks! written by Tracy RealNews , September 01, 2008 Correction: Lathrop and Manteca don't have a Measure A. written by Tracy RealNews , September 01, 2008
Yes it validates the real problems in Tracy.
Garamendi's slow growth and her lawsuits against the city through TRAQC.  written by Dave Hardesty , September 01, 2008
Another item Jon failed to mention is that SJRTD has regular commuter service from Tracy to San Jose and Sunnyvale as well as the Lab in Livermore.
And sorry to correct you Skippy but Lathrop and Manteca both lay in San Joaquin County. As such their additional sales taxes pays into Measure K, as does everyone else who pays sales taxes in San Joaquin County. Measure K is a county wide initiative. Dave Hardesty written by Tracy RealNews , September 01, 2008
Yes, I caught it. I meant to write Measure A, and already corrected it, above.
I mentioned Measure A in response to another blogger who was complaining about Tracy and compared it to surrounding communities that don't have Garamendi's Measure A.
Just doesn't seem like the blogger has established cause and effect by using Lathrop and Manteca which don't have Garamendi's slow growth stranglehold, on Tracy? At least it didn't seem like a very clear point. Like he was comparing apples to oranges. written by Dave Hardesty , September 02, 2008
TRN
"Look around at surrounding cities like Lathrop, Manteca etc. Lately they've been leaving Tracy in the dust." From ftud. I don't really know about all of that claim. I have driven all over Lathrop and Manteca. I'd much rather live in Tracy thank you. Tracy has a lot more to offer than a "field of dreams" ball park that has problems because of alcohol sales. Perhaps it's also worth mentioning the Manteca waterslides, a commercial venture, couldn't muster enough business from the locals in Manteca to make it worth their efforts to keep it open. Perhaps if people feel that places like Manteca and Lathrop actually have more to offer them, then they should move there. Say, does anyone know how the housing market is doing in Manteca and Lathrop? I am also wondering how many “corporate” “living wage” earning jobs have been created in either of these two communities? Hey, they seem to be fair questions in as much as Tracy is being compared against these two communities.  Dave Hardesty Dave Hardesty written by Tracy RealNews , September 02, 2008
Dave,
Thanks for pointing it out the questions regarding fortheunderdog's comments! I didn't comment because I haven't drove through Manteca in a while. But the last time I was there, in Manteca, it looked like a lot of "dust". I heard Lathrop wasn't doing so well either. Thanks for the input and correcting the other commentator's "dusty" comments! Cheers!  written by Tom Benigno , September 02, 2008
Who Cares : Look for high cost transit, in the next 5 years. The city wants to keep us in debt for years to come. Ask Zane Johnson for an accounting.
t. b written by fortheunderdog , September 02, 2008
TRN,
When I mentioned getting BART bus service to our passenger train empty transit station I was talking about just that...bus service. "A BART bus schedule in addition to getting scheduling for AC Transit will be a good thing for Tracy." If BART buses were to schedule stops at our vacant transit station they could ferry passengers to the Dublin BART station for travel to San Francisco. You have to read ALL of the words in the comments or you may miss something. But you missed this: "Lathrop and Manteca don't have a Measure K." Hardesty corrected you and I knew of this. It seems your ramblings may be flawed somewhat....skippy. Here's another of your flawed statements. "Regarding the Mococo Line. Union Pacific said that they never closed the Mococo Line. Everybody already knows that. This information was provided in an article. The article described Union Pacific saying they wante to run forty trains through Tracy." You post your 2nd and 3rd sentence in every comment you write. To clarify, the Mococo line lay dormant for YEARS and was used to park box cars. Union Pacific is now in talks to RESTART Mococo which could run "up to 40 trains" with "each train up to 2 miles long". Since the number of freight trains traversing the tracks it will make Tracy's transit station literally useless for passenger train service. That's why I mentioned having BART and AC Transit buses for scheduled stops at our soon to be completed bus terminal at Central Av a 6th St. written by fortheunderdog , September 02, 2008
Hardesty,
You pasted a quote from me so let me respond. You said "I don't really know about all of that claim." So if you aren't sure about the claim, how can you make any statement at all about it? If you've driven east and west on Hwy 120 you'll see ALL the retail, some under construction like Pro Bass Shops, that will bring in shoppers from other cities and Tracy! Then, drive on I-5 and see what's being built in Lathrop. Those will also bring in shoppers from other cities and Tracy! You mentioned the waterslides also and that was designed to attract people from all around, not just Manteca. Unfortunately, as I heard, it was the cost of liability insurance that got in the way of it continuing and not because of low attendance. "Perhaps if people feel that places like Manteca and Lathrop actually have more to offer them, then they should move there." Sarcasm usually occurs when the writer cannot think of anything to justify their comments. Again, just drive east and west on Hwy 120 and see for yourself, Hardesty, how the housing is going in Manteca. It's going quite well. I don't believe that Manteca or Lathrop has that many "corporate" companies within their boundries but employment should rise because of the amount of retail they're bringing in, unlike Tracy. And hey Hardy, how much "corporate" business does Tracy have with its boundaries? That seems like a fair question since you've been making comparison. written by fortheunderdog , September 02, 2008
"written by Tracy RealNews , September 02, 2008
Dave, Thanks for pointing it out the questions regarding fortheunderdog's comments! I didn't comment because I haven't drove through Manteca in a while. But the last time I was there, in Manteca, it looked like a lot of "dust". I heard Lathrop wasn't doing so well either. Thanks for the input and correcting the other commentator's "dusty" comments!" TRN, Dave's commenting on my comments are much more in keeping to the subject that was being written about. Unlike your responses that go off on another tangent. TRN, you "haven't driven through Manteca", not "haven't drove through Manteca". Please open your dictionary for proper word usage. I can just imagine how "dusty" your dictionary must be sitting in the back of your covered wagon that you used the last time you took a trip to Manteca. Since you usually submit falsehoods, I cannot believe that you have heard anything about Lathrop lately. I think that sentence submitted by you is just a way for you to appear you're thinking. I think my "dusty" comments must have settled on your brain. A quick shaking off may do the trick but I doubt it. written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
fortheunderdog,
I didn't think it was a great idea either. Your using Manteca and Lathrop to prove your point, about how bad Garamendi says we have it in Tracy. You don't have feel bad that your point wasn't a good one. But remind me again. Why is it I believe other bloggers over you? How ironic that some TRAQC members live in Manteca? The TRAQC folks must like the "dust bowl" better than Tracy? Instead of breaking your dictionary, brushing up on the proper "word usage" just provide a better examples. Other than Garamendi's TRAQC members (who are now hiding in other cities), who thinks Manteca and Lathrop are better than Tracy? ??? written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
Please stop lying to the readers TRN. It's not polite and it makes your writings worthless. Kind of like your boss.
written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
Arnold Schwarznegger,
Don't listen to fortheunderdog. "Lying" is too strong of a statement. He fabricated that. I can see that my comments bother him. He thinks I am "not polite". But the things he says about me are completely untrue. Anyway, here is what others are saying about Union Pacific's decision to railroad? I found it in the references that fortheunderdog provided.
You should know that here in Tracy, CA other's are looking for a SouthSide SuperHero. Someone who will make the most of our SouthSide! Someone who will tell Union Pacific the what for. Here in Tracy we are looking for a governor who will let the big railroad companies know that they can no longer railroad entire cities and counties! Thanks Arnold! Hope you get a chance to visit Tracy Triangle (the gateway city) soon! Loved the movie Kindergarten Cop! "I'm baaaaaack!" That was a great line. Loved it! Hope you make another one - some day! If you need them. I have ideas! P.S. The Bowtie is the area south of our downtown Tracy, CA. From your helicopter the RR crossings look like a Bowtie. The Southside is just south of the Bowtie. Thanks! written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Oh, one more thing. Pleae put the governator's boot up UP's figurative caboose! Thanks! written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
I present websites to TRN and he still says I'm lying. I'd go so far to say TRN hasn't even read ONE website because he knows that the information he's going to read is the information I've already posted for him. Yep, he's a follower alright but that was a given as he has to contact his boss before he can put anyting down in print on these blogs.
"written by Tracy RealNews , September 02, 2008 Please use facts, websites, and references." TRN asks, I provide. written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
You know, another writer comments about "corporations" being in Tracy. Well, sooner or later, we're going to have FORTY corporations in Tracy and they're going to be located on the tracks passing the empty transit station. The name of that corporation? UNION PACIFIC!!!
written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
fortheunderdog,
You are still fabricating things - about me. written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008 Yes, I already read those websites. But if you can, simply show us an article that proves your point. I already told you Mococo line will not start up with forty trains. It will take several years. Read, for yourself, the articles that you cut and pasted. Cheers! written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008 fortheunderdog, It's been over half a day. That's not like you. Time is wasting...................... What lies will you tell about me next? written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
TRN,
I have already proven my point. I've posted those websites for you to read, which you say you did, and for other bloggers interested in the truth. The articles do say that up to 40 trains will use the Mococo line and that they will be up to 2 miles long. I don't know where it is you're getting your information, probably from Ives. You know, if you check in on the "News Archives" there is going to be a arts and whine festival. I thought you and boss could sign up and get a booth. written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
"Union Pacific officials estimate anywhere from five to 40 trains could run daily, depending on business, up to two miles long — will use the tracks each day, Union Pacific spokeswoman Zoe Richmond said"
"TRACY — It's been a longtime goal of many to bring trains to downtown Tracy. It's a campaign issue for some seeking a seat on the City Council, and the city is building a $12 million multimodal station with designs on moving the Altamont Commuter Express from Linne Road to the Bowtie area. But recently a kink in the line has been found. The Union Pacific Railway has quietly been developing plans to resurrect the mostly dormant Mococo line, which runs from Martinez to Tracy, with an estimated average of 10 to 15 freight trains a day, to their final destination in Roseville." "During slow economic periods, as few as three trains a day would use the line. But in better times, UP officials estimate running as many as 40." "In Tracy, the 2-mile long trains would render the multimodal station virtually useless for passenger trains before it is even completed, clog traffic on major thoroughfares already overburdened with cars" "He said it would be "terrible'' if there were a dozen trains running through Tracy every day", said Ives." "Ives said. "it's their line. The Bowtie and the tracks belong to them. We haven't heard (what UP is going to do), and they're not obligated to tell us." "It's unfortunate to the people who live around the (Mococo) line, but it's a business decision that had to be made", said Zoe Richmond. "The reality is that within the next few years, mile-long freight trains will probably rumble down Union Pacific's Mococo line through Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood — and there is no way to derail the plans. As painful as that might be for some residents, it's the right outcome. The alternative would be worse."-Daniel Borenstein. " written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
"written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
fortheunderdog, It's been over half a day. That's not like you." Unlike you TRN, I have things to do during the day and don't always get right back responding to your comments. If my day consisted of writing falsehoods and traversing back-and-forth to the mayors office for advice on what to write in these blogs I'd probably have more time too. BTW....pasted above are a few quotes from those websites so others can see and make up their own minds as to who's telling the truth and who's trying to pull-the-wool over their eyes. And as in another blog where one of your cohorts complains about the Press writing bad print about city government I have this to say. Maybe it's time you looked around you and saw that there are many others who are not satisfied with the way our city is run. You basically "feud" over these problems with only a handful of people when there are many others who do not wish to argue with you. I, on the other hand, am used to dealing with people who think it's their way or the highway and I love to make argument proving the other person wrong. So far, it's working. written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
TRN,
Did you read this one? It's what I've been telling you that you chose not to believe. It's one of the quotes from above. You can't deny it now. Neither you, or Ives, or any of your partners in lies. "In Tracy, the 2-mile long trains would render the multimodal station virtually useless for passenger trains before it is even completed,clog traffic on major thoroughfares already overburdened with cars" written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
fortheunderdog,
I'm not disputing that Union Pacific said that up to forty trains will run through there. I already read those articles and comments from other bloggers. We've already established that Union Pacific is doing some "saber rattling". By only scratching the surface on this story, you have ignored some interesting questions. And we have read numbers ranging anywhere from zero (3) to forty (40) trains per day. You alleged fabrications about me that were outright lies. Now, if you read the articles - which number is it? And there are other variables, which you have ignored, for too long. UP said it won't happen for several years. In the reference websites you provided I found a quote where it was estimated that UP was using this as a tactic, to get more money. If UP can use this treat, as a claim to tell the govt they lost money, they would have one-heck-of-a bargaining chip. You refuse to see those variables! It seems here that you have become a type of a "prophet of doom and gloom". Fine, then simply tell us - how many trains will UP run on the Mococo Line? Pick a number: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Think about the answer and get back to us, when it comes to you. I suggest that you try meditation and yoga. It might work better for you than what you've been trying! Cheers! written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008
TRN,
Union Pacific is in business to make money. Maybe it's you who can't see that. They have every right to use Mococo as a "bargaining chip" as you say. I have no problem with their tactics. Every large company didn't get that way because they backed down whenever someone said "jump". I see that you wasted your time typing in all those numbers. Like I said, you've got more time on your hands than me. BTW, was it Ives who told you to write the numbers 1-40? Just asking. You're a man above all others TRN. All that you are you owe to your parents. Why don't you send them a penny and square the account? Cheers! written by fortheunderdog , September 03, 2008 TRN, One more thing. I'll get right back to you on that number you're waiting for. Just sit next to your computer and wait. written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
fortheunderdog,
There was no request for me to type in those numbers and those things you said about me are untrue. Hope that answers your question. written by Dave Hardesty , September 03, 2008
ftud and TRN
Such hostility. Is it really necessary to get personal in all of this? I have not had an opportunity to go over the web sites posted but will get around to it when I have more time. However I would like to point out there is a fast difference between the words "may" and "will." A similar condition also exists with the words "could" and "might." Of course, if they want to be genuine, they will try to paint the worst possible picture and hope for a much better outcome. An old engineering trick I frequently employ where I work. Expect the worst and be thankful it wasn't as bad as all of that. But you know what? If it does turn out to be the worst case at least people are prepared to deal with it. Granted, freight at the Multi-modal station will no doubt have a negative impact. But let me ask, how much of a negative impact is being felt by ACE as all the freight trains regularly run down that line right by the station? That aspect doesn't seem to be much of a problem and I don't think that aspect would be big problem for the multi-modal transit station. Yes, more freight traffic through town is going to impact automobile traffic. But if ACE could be diverted through the bow-tie, which it can with the addition of a little over a mile of track, it can be done. written by Dave Hardesty , September 03, 2008
Now, the automobile problems; First, go back to your comments regarding the number of trains. As I recall it had something to do with good economic times. The better the economy the more trains will roll through. This makes sense to me, unless you are a complete fool you are moving this stuff around too sell it, right?
And the more you sell the more money you make and the more you have to spend on capitol improvements and the like. Correct? Now considering there are four intersections where automobile traffic will or may be impacted. 11th Street, Tracy Blvd, Central and Mac Arthur, which we have already seen plans to reroute it in that area. Or perhaps you didn't attend one of Celeste's meetings and didn’t see them? I admit, I was a little disappointed that information didn’t get more exposure. Now the railroads over the years have really been hammered with safety issues. It's damn near regulated them to death. Pause here. While the railroads are corporations they are not the same as any other business. Go to American history and discover how that all worked. written by Dave Hardesty , September 03, 2008
Play.
Now understanding that blocking main arteries in a city for lengthy periods of time, and hopefully they are making a lot of runs with an improving economy, wouldn't it make a lot of sense for them to eliminate these safety related issues by doing something proactive about those crossings? I point out that crossings are the railroad’s business, not the City. I will also point out that the railroads would have the liability burden should the worst happen, not the City. It seems that virtually every other city with a lot of rail traffic can get these things improved, either by an underpass for the cars to go under the tracks, or an overpass for them to go over. Expensive? Yes. But the railroads pay for that, not the citizens of Tracy. Is Tracy exempt from something like this happening? I don't think so. Also, it would seem to be a prudent safety measure for the railroads to attempt to schedule trains through this area around and away from peak automobile traffic hours. It doesn’t make them very much money when a car or pickup has to be scraped off the front of their engines while an extensive accident investigation takes place. Heck, ACE kills an errant cow on the UP line and trains are backed up for half a day. See the point here? And if the economy doesn't improve and they don't run all those trains, because they have to be carrying something to sell or what's the issue? It becomes a non issue and they stop using the line again, just like they have done in the past. These things don't run down the tracks for free you know. written by Dave Hardesty , September 03, 2008
Now, concerning your comment to me about Manteca; I don't judge a community by driving at freeway speeds down a highway. I judge it by driving through the community, all over that community and actually look at the things they have that we don’t and vice versa.
Honestly, between Manteca and Tracy, I would choose to live in Tracy hands down. I can't say that about every town but I can say it about those two cities. And if you think that Manteca somehow has it better than Tracy then let me ask, why did you move here when housing in Manteca is cheaper? The homes over there are just as new and just as nice, but cheaper. Since, as you seem to indicate, the houses are just as nice but are cheaper in Manteca, why did all of these people settle in Tracy? There has to be a reason and I don’t think its distance from the Bay Area. Manteca is what, an extra ten minutes down the road unless you are totally snarled in traffic. TRN is correct about one thing. Manteca doesn’t have TRAQC or Measure A to contend with. Perhaps that’s why you think they are better than Tracy. And, once again, thank you for being civil about this. It makes it easier to converse with you. Dave Hardesty written by Dave Hardesty , September 03, 2008
ftud
Another item here. Sorry about that. AC Transit does not operate in San Joaquin County. The transit district for this area is SJRTD. If we want Bart buses from the transit station, that will need to be negoatiated through them. I would also like to point out though that SJRTD does offer Bart service from Tracy and back again several times a day. If they have more of a demand by increased riders then they will add more buses. But first they have to have the demand because I doubt you would want them to go in the hole on the venture. Dave Hardesty written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008
Dave!
Thanks for putting this into perspective. I'm glad to hear that. I think it is good news! Hopefully, I won't have to send that letter to Arnold Schwarzenneger, after all. May save me a postage stamp. It seems that virtually every other city with a lot of rail traffic can get these things improved, either by an underpass for the cars to go under the tracks, or an overpass for them to go over. Expensive? Yes. But the railroads pay for that, not the citizens of Tracy. It is good to know that Union Pacific will have to pick up their share of the tab. That will also reduce the number of trains they allow through our City. I suspected as much. Thanks! written by Dave Hardesty , September 04, 2008
ftud
Ok, I went to the sites you posted. Next time please make sure they are not simply reprints from other papers and that would be very helpful. It’s sort of boring to read the same thing over and over again. But there were a couple of articles that were interesting so thank you. The maximum speed of the Mococo line, which will need serious upgrades to place back into heavy operations, is 40 mph. It takes a train two miles long traveling at 40 mph to clear a traffic crossing 3 minute and 2 seconds. Spaced over a 24 hour period of time that is one train every 48 minutes. Now, other than subway and light rail traffic, what line in the US has one two mile long train passing a single intersection every 48 minutes? Personally I don’t think it will ever happen. Do I like noise and delays? Not really. But I wouldn’t loose a lot of sleep worrying about this very much and I live very lose to that line on the south side of the tracks. They once moved down there and it didn’t bother me much, so I doubt if they started up again it would bother me very much and I live on the south side of those tracks. Actually I think this is a bluff card played by the railroads. Given how many communities such a venture will impact, and understanding how politics works, I don’t see how the railroads can pull it off without a lot of expense and problems. I can see about a third of that rail traffic being feasible. And if there are enough problems from enough communities the state or fed will require the railroad to mitigate the problem areas. Ok, now, what do ya think? Dave Hardesty written by fortheunderdog , September 04, 2008
TRN,
"written by Tracy RealNews , September 03, 2008 fortheunderdog, There was no request for me to type in those numbers and those things you said about me are untrue. Hope that answers your question." Nope, it didn't answer my question. written by fortheunderdog , September 04, 2008
Hi Dave,
Regarding your first comment directed to myself and TRN. It is hostile and personal but if it pleases you I will try to control myself when I post. You are correct when you said ACE also uses Union Pacific freight tracks but it is on a completely different route, so I'm told, that does not take it by the transit station. Every article I've read said that because of the possibly large number of trains that may utilize the Mococo line that our transit station "virtually useless" for passenger trains. Now if Union Pacific were to, like you also said, lay down track to create an entirely different route passenger train service might be possible for the transit station. The question you have to ask "Is Union Pacific agreeable to this?" and "Who's going to pay for it?". I see your point in trying to re-route ACE but that will most likely cause scheduling problems if/when Mococo restarts. I don't see Union Pacific making any concessions for ACE over freight trains. After all, that is their bread and butter. Now concerning auto traffic. One of the articles said it would take $35 million per intersection to construct an overpass or underpass. Talking to Union Pacific to foot some of the bill would be nice but why would Union Pacific want to donate any of their money when in fact none of their trains would use the overpasses/underpasses? That would mean the city would either have to raise taxes to pay for construction or see if they qualify for a grant.(if anything of this sort exists) to be cont'd: written by fortheunderdog , September 04, 2008
cont'd:
I am of the understanding that a train cannot block an intersection for more than 10 mins. Correct me if I'm wrong. If this is true, then Union Pacific will have to gauge the length of their trains to pass through intersections in under 10 mins for whatever their speed limit through town would be. I've been told that train traffic is not governed by time of day. They have schedules like everything else. A relative of mine works for BNSF and is currently working nights. They move cars around at every hour lining them up for pick up or to move them off track. written by fortheunderdog , September 04, 2008
cont'd: re: Manteca
My comment re: Manteca and Lathrop was spotlighting their new/current retail growth, nothing more. Since I live in Tracy, that should tell you how I feel about living in either of the other two cities. I did not say in any of my posts that Manteca or Lathrop is better than Tracy. I wrote of their retail growth which is visible along Hwy 120 and I-5. written by fortheunderdog , September 04, 2008
cont'd: AC Transit
I know AC Transit does not operate in San Joaquin County. I merely stated that if AC Transit and BART could arrange to schedule bus traffic at the transit station it would offer Tracy residents transportation to visit family, friends, shop, etc. Same goes for SJRTD, which I believe, already has scheduled stops at BART in Dublin. Your calculation on a 2 mile train clearing an intersection at 40 mph is close....it's 2.99 mins to clear. If you're taking into account crossing gates rising and lowering you can probably add another 20 secs. I would not like the noise or delays any more than the next person. I have never said that I would. I have only posted information on Union Pacific Mococo. Even 1/3 of the freight traffic, as you have said, will pose a problem for cities. Both in noise and traffic. And what do I think? I still think that if Mococo restarts, and Union Pacific does not lay new track, our transit station will not see passenger train service because of heavy freight scheduling if the economy begins to recover. It would be nice but I do not foresee ACE utilizing the transit station at any time. I would like to see other counties bus lines come into Tracy offering Tracy citizens alternative routes of travel.  written by Observer , September 04, 2008
I have an idea, put the Court House right on the Mococo UP rail like Garamendi wanted since it sounds like she does not want to be flexible with her plans to accomodate changes happening, at Bowtie and move the Transit Station next to beautiful wetlands at Holly Site?
Will that be possible? Or too late? -amy written by Observer , September 04, 2008
Sorry! Not "right on the Mococo Up rail"... right next to the Mococo UP rail is the correction!
 Thanks. -amy written by Observer , September 04, 2008
But that will not offer Green Village Living in Downtown Tracy?
-amy Still favoring Green Village Living which is popping up all over USA due to these economical times. Thanks. written by Tracy RealNews , September 05, 2008
Jerry McNerney,
Perhaps when they put the Downtown Multimodal Transit Station in they can paint the busses and passenger trains green? People are using CalTrains in record numbers. I was in the SFO/Peninsula area this week. The passenger trains are quite busy these days. I'm sure that Union Pacific knows this information about the demand for their tracks and wants to take advantadge of the situation, by getting the most bang for their buck? I'm not saying that Union Pacific are "greedy b*****ds", or anything like that. But I wouldn't deny it - if you told me it was true. At any rate, I hope there are some checks and balances in place to prevent Union Pacific from Railroading the cities, like Brentwood, Tracy, Antioch, Pittsburgh, etc. I wonder if we should be writing letters to Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger. Call your congressman! Jerry McNerney - I hope you will be reading this? Perhaps you can go to the higher ups and tell them the what for.. ? Shake up Union Pacific's caboose. Thanks! written by Observer , September 05, 2008
I still have this "hope" that the UP will reconsider using other rail for freight and allow passenger rail to be laid for Tracy transit... just a hope, just hope that Tracy and Tracyites will not be at their "mercy".
Sure wondered how many foreign interests own the rail in USA. I bet they have a great influence in decision making? Sure wish there would a by-pass rail around every city... just wishful thinking. City could have planned better with rail in mind? That goes for all of the cities in USA? -amy written by Observer , September 05, 2008
Always plan as if worst case scenario may happen, chemical spills, are there people ready to deal with it in the event it may happen in Tracy? Emergency crew? Hospital?
If UP goes ahead with their plans, the city better prepare itself well! -amy written by Tracy RealNews , September 05, 2008
I think there was a rail that went north of the city. And there is one south too. The one north of the city would be the best alternative - if they were to go that route.
I hope Jerry McNerney, Arnold Schwarzenneger and others are reading this! They will be asking for our votes soon! written by Observer , September 05, 2008
I want to point something out, I have seen and been to lot of courthouse demonstrations all over the USA and they usually leave huge mess after the demonstrations, hope the city will have the funds to clean up the mess of the demonstrators after they leave?
Cars lined up for the people, buses parked, traffic snarl happens... that will happen if the Court House is at Bow Tie killing the chance for Green Living in Downtown Tracy. Hope Garamendi is more flexible than that in the location of her prize pet project. I really hope for the Bow Tie Transit to happen, the passenger train, bullet, and so on, sure liked it here! Just my hope for Tracy and hoping that most of the Tracyites wants it, too, a peaceful, family friendly, babies to senior citizens place to be....the reconnecting of community ties. So many wonderful opportunity for green living! -amy written by Observer , September 05, 2008
Demonstrations I have been to are medically related, not politically related, just to make sure other commentors understand...
-amy written by Tracy RealNews , September 05, 2008
Observer:
Yes, San Francisco has these demonstrations. Have seen them on many occasions. And believe me - they are politically motivated. The City has to pay for Police, Security, and other expenses. Looking forward to having a peaceful downtown instead of a courthouse. Thanks! Tom: Why do you keep saying "who cares?" written by Tom Benigno , September 06, 2008
Who Cares.
Observer, because no one cares. Can't you read through the blogs, it is like a highway to no where. t. b written by Observer , September 06, 2008
T.B. I believe your answer belongs to TRN?
I think TRN is saying that your salutory of "who cares" is like an answer to someone else's comment? Not sure. If it were me, I'd change it to "I Care?"... but then it is your post. Not telling you what to do. Might make your run for future supervisory position look better? Good luck. -amy written by Tom Benigno , September 06, 2008
Amy:
It's just an eye catcher. I would not have been involved in politics if I didn't care. Between my running for offices and doing 545 TV shows over a ten year period. Visiting over 120 cities and going to their Council meetings in California, IRP meetings, Cog meetings, Board of Supervisors meetings, and Republican Conventions. I paid my dues. Again "WHO CARES". t. b t. b This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment.
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Good to see you got the word out for Tracy Transit.
For future information. ACE allows you to transfer to WHEELS to get to BART. Also there are three daily trips on SJRTD from Tracy to BART. There is another ACE bus that will get you from bART to Tracy.
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