urbanSTL

hiddeninput wrote: ↑

Feb 03, 2017

Maybe it isn't fair to project construction issues onto future operations, but the challenge I see for the trolley is figuring out what success looks like for them. For instance, will they be going back to taxpayers for additional funds in the future on top of the TDD that has been funneling money to them for a decade? Hard to even speculate about that since they've yet to share their pricing model with the community.

I get your point on giving them some leeway a this is their first rodeo. And I really tried to do so initially. But it's hard to trust people who have lied to me. Case in point: at a pre-construction open house I was told by a trolley rep that the DeBaliviere bridge would only be closed for "the summer". Then the first act of their construction project was to close the bridge for six months. Reaching out to them has typically only resulted in being told to subscribe to their weekly email construction updates, which have been intermittent and incomplete. For example, their construction emails promised a 10-day closing of Pershing at DeBaliviere at one point. The road was instead closed for nearly 30 days and no construction updates were sent out during the entirety of the closure.

It's entirely possible that my experience with them is unique. I certainly hope so. But I remain skeptical that a group that can't manage to successfully send out weekly emails will be able to run this trolley successfully. That being said, I really do hope I'm wrong.

You are right. The TDD authority could struggle a bit, initially. I certainly hope not. I could be very wrong, but I see a lot (or enough) people riding this - especially older locals and tourists - because of the nostalgia of the cars. Either way, transit authorities ALWAYS go back to lean on taxpayers - sooner or later. ALWAYS.

I think Joe's TDD may have to get creative with some of the funding sources. Ads, sponsorships (like the Cincinnati line), sponsorship of stations, naming-rights etc. It would be great if Answers.com could sponsor a car or a station since they are HQ'd in the Delmar Loop - for example.

Also, I fully get why you have reservations. And this is not an excuse - but communication with the public regarding transit projects has been a problem in other cities too - even St. Louis with Metro. Some residents are okay with just enough info monthly, while others want information daily. However, they have to find a good balance when disseminating info to the public. I agree. Sometimes it comes across as apathy or as a lack of transparency, but the government - regardless of branch levels - can be dysfunctional.

Until there are LAWS put in place that require transit authorities to offer regular communication through specific platforms and information, they aren't going to share a lot - if there's no hardcore mandates. The well-managed systems will communicate well, but I know why it seems as though Joe's hasn't. Lack of experience. At the end of the day, those paying into the TDD need to be asking questions and requesting reports regularly.

Further, in the future, call your local representatives or the local media. I bet that move would have gotten the answers you were looking for.

Sure are a lot of naysayers on these boards lately.

Geez, you would think you want things to fail.

Please leave this to STLtoday posters (and many other places online) and remember that these boards are for constructive and positive advancements and growth in the region. If you want to post hypothetical negative things about projects that are (trying) to make STL a better place to live for everyone, please do so somewhere else.

Pictures on Loop Trolley's facebook album

https://www.facebook.com/pg/looptrolley ... 0604350286

Very interesting to see so many Metro vehicles in those photos. Were they brought in to consult during the process? Curious since the Trolley isn't associated with Metro...