Orlando Transit

[nite owℓ]

On 4/19/2021 at 5:01 PM, nite owℓ said:

Maybe convert 1-2 mid-block parking spaces into scooter stall parking?

Two months ago, I placed a work order with the city to reinstall the missing flexible traffic delineators (the white posts in the pic). The city recently replaced them and even went a step further by creating a scooter stall (by utilizing the buffer zone/unused area next to a parking space). While I would have liked to see the stall located mid-block, this works too.

I also noticed another scooter stall on Rosalind closer to Central Blvd I believe.

 

Edited April 22, 2021 by nite owℓ

[codypet]

Rosalind and Central has every scooter company jostling for space there.  Its prime scooter parking there, even if the chargers hate setting up there.   I know I do.  55w was my favorite setup spot.

[spenser1058]

HALLELUJAH!

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange-county/os-ne-orlando-scooters-extension-20210628-6654xlw5czhbrg3v746tar65qm-story.html?outputType=amp

Orlando to reduce the number of scooter companies within the city. There is a just and fair God.

 

From The Sentinel 

 

Also thanks to Commissioner Patty who had the temerity to tell the truth about the disaster they’ve been and was the lone vote against an extension. As usual, Buddy talked out of both sides of his mouth. 

 

Edited June 28, 2021 by spenser1058

[codypet]

Bird and Wheels will be on the chopping block I'm sure of it.  Hope I never heard of (Is that Lynx new name?  I noticed they're not on that list).  Also I say Wheels because I feel like the recent partnership is Wheels basically planning on folding into Lime.

[popsiclebrandon]

That article is so poor. It just introduces someone named Wilder with no context about who that person is.

 

Patty has been pretty much completely absent in the district the last 5 years so her being the resident crank on the board has worn out its welcome. Present a solution if you don't like where they are being left.

 

Lime/Wheels, Bird (which is now a local franchise so not sure how that will work), and Spin seem most likely to stay. Scooters are awesome. Ordering my personal one soon.

[jrs2]

On 4/20/2021 at 11:34 AM, popsiclebrandon said:

I also have been toying with the idea of scooters/ other micro-mobility products as means of economic drivers. Like if someone takes a scooter to my bar and spends money the ride should be comped. Like they upload the receipt and then boom ride is free. Charge businesses monthly fee to be a part of it. Take it anywhere else fine, you pay. I'd pay good money to drive traffic to my place that way. Just haven't found a decent software in place already that could be workable for that so hey if someone here is good at that stuff run with it.

oh wow, you own a bar in the city?

[spenser1058]

President Biden’s infrastructure legislation will include Lynx expansion:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-val-demings-lynx-infrastructure-20211123-hpszitq3uzeq7kds3abghii5dy-story.html

From The Sentinel 
 

[CFL4Transit]

Hi to all the passionate urbanists in this board,

Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

[spenser1058]

24 minutes ago, CFL4Transit said:

Hi to all the passionate urbanists in this board,

Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

Welcome aboard! Heaven knows this crew loves their transit so I imagine they’ll have a lot to say. I’m excited you’re with us.

[gibby]

27 minutes ago, CFL4Transit said:

Hi to all the passionate urbanists in this board,

Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

Connecting downtown to the airport is #1 on my wish list.  Rail to the convention center would be #2.

[smileguy]

50 minutes ago, CFL4Transit said:

Hi to all the passionate urbanists in this board,

Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

These proposals that have been successful in other cities have had a solid plan, and have sold the PROJECTS and impact of those projects.  They give folks something tangible to rally behind.  The ones that have failed have been more amorphous and vague.  I fear this proposal may put us in the second group. 

[Jernigan]

7 hours ago, CFL4Transit said:Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

How long has this group been formed?  Any wins to date?

[CFL4Transit]

20 hours ago, Jernigan said:

How long has this group been formed?  Any wins to date?

We were formed in in 2019 in anticipation of the 2020 dedicated  transportation funding initiative, which obviously did not happen because of the pandemic, so our group went into hiatus right as we were getting started.

However, with dedicated funding back on the ballot likely this year, we were reactivated by adding passionate new transit advocates from partners at Orlando YIMBY and Orlando Bike Coalition. The three groups are working together to advocate for smart growth principles to ensure the dedicated funding is spent effectively on transit and bike infrastructure, and that areas are zoned for maximum density around transit  to generate ridership and ensure our transit investment is not wasted.

We sent out a press release about the new members that can you can read on our social media. Currently we are still  building membership and our platform so we have not yet accomplished any victories, but we will be a  constant presence in the community advocating for reliable and effective transit. Expect our members to extremely active at LYNX, SunRail, and Orange County Commission board meetings providing input and keeping  our elected officials accountable.  

[CFL4Transit]

On 1/10/2022 at 1:48 PM, smileguy said:

These proposals that have been successful in other cities have had a solid plan, and have sold the PROJECTS and impact of those projects.  They give folks something tangible to rally behind.  The ones that have failed have been more amorphous and vague.  I fear this proposal may put us in the second group. 

So there's actually a good plan called the Orange County Transit Plan that LYNX developed arising from their LYNX Forward initiative a few years back. It reimagines the entire bus system and doubles service, creating a series of frequent corridors and regional express buses complemented by local routes and SunRail. The plan has yet to be conveyed by policy makers who are likely not familiar with the technical details. While bus upgrades are not as flashy as expensive rail projects, they are the workhorse of our system. We need to build a high quality bus system before we can focus on building additional rail, which we also strongly support.  If you're interested in viewing the Orange County Transit Plan, you can view a copy here! https://drive.google.com/file/d/12cjGk909Li1LP0uYRhayNj891z_YpwiK/view?usp=sharing

However, we completely agree with you about needing to hear specific project proposals from Mayor Demings. We are working on developing our own vision for the transportation funding. This includes projects like BRT with bus lanes on every major corridors, a 24/7 owl bus network, electrifying Sunrail, running it frequently, and working with Brightline to extend it to Universal and Disney,  along with policy changes like integrated fares and better wayfinding. We hope to help shape the conversation and ensure a clear message and effective plan is present before the voters decide in November.

[jliv]

On 1/10/2022 at 12:47 PM, CFL4Transit said:

Hi to all the passionate urbanists in this board,

Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

Any thing you put before voters needs sex appeal.   For example: an appeal to expand/reimagine SunRail as a light rail-like service (ala Denver's FasTracks) with electrification and smaller, sleeker vehicles operating at 15-minute headways along upgraded rail during peak hours might resonate better than more buses, especially with airport links.  Metro Orlando is blessed with a state-owned railroad asset running right through its heart and it needs to "sweat the asset" more.   However, bus service also needs to be repositioned and rebranded, given that they engender more frustration than inspiration with people by tying up traffic on the routes they operate.    A slick BRT system of articulated buses through Central Florida, linking activity centers through separated lanes and quick-loading ticketless bus "stations" should be included in any plans.   

I would gladly take mass transit around Orlando if the buses or trains got me where I want to go quickly when I need it, with a comfortable ride along the way.   The coming of Brightline opens so many opportunities.

Edited January 11, 2022 by jliv

[Jernigan]

6 hours ago, CFL4Transit said:

We were formed in in 2019 in anticipation of the 2020 dedicated  transportation funding initiative, which obviously did not happen because of the pandemic, so our group went into hiatus right as we were getting started.

However, with dedicated funding back on the ballot likely this year, we were reactivated by adding passionate new transit advocates from partners at Orlando YIMBY and Orlando Bike Coalition. The three groups are working together to advocate for smart growth principles to ensure the dedicated funding is spent effectively on transit and bike infrastructure, and that areas are zoned for maximum density around transit  to generate ridership and ensure our transit investment is not wasted.

We sent out a press release about the new members that can you can read on our social media. Currently we are still  building membership and our platform so we have not yet accomplished any victories, but we will be a  constant presence in the community advocating for reliable and effective transit. Expect our members to extremely active at LYNX, SunRail, and Orange County Commission board meetings providing input and keeping  our elected officials accountable.  

Nice, good luck.  Being a constant, educated presence at those meetings alone will be a gamechanger.   Public participation is almost non existent so its hard to be surprised when elected officials on the boards spend more time focused on other things where people turn out.   Those that do show up often waste everyones time with suggestions like 24/7 service as if there is a magic wand.  Go, listen for correctable issues, ask for follow up and results until they are given.

Another thing is it might not be a terrible idea to meet with Brevard County’s advocacy group. https://transitone.org  

 

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

6 hours ago, CFL4Transit said:

So there's actually a good plan called the Orange County Transit Plan that LYNX developed arising from their LYNX Forward initiative a few years back. It reimagines the entire bus system and doubles service, creating a series of frequent corridors and regional express buses complemented by local routes and SunRail. The plan has yet to be conveyed by policy makers who are likely not familiar with the technical details. While bus upgrades are not as flashy as expensive rail projects, they are the workhorse of our system. We need to build a high quality bus system before we can focus on building additional rail, which we also strongly support.  If you're interested in viewing the Orange County Transit Plan, you can view a copy here! https://drive.google.com/file/d/12cjGk909Li1LP0uYRhayNj891z_YpwiK/view?usp=sharing

However, we completely agree with you about needing to hear specific project proposals from Mayor Demings. We are working on developing our own vision for the transportation funding. This includes projects like BRT with bus lanes on every major corridors, a 24/7 owl bus network, electrifying Sunrail, running it frequently, and working with Brightline to extend it to Universal and Disney,  along with policy changes like integrated fares and better wayfinding. We hope to help shape the conversation and ensure a clear message and effective plan is present before the voters decide in November.

Amazing how some maps in that link still include the orange blossom xpress line. 

[CFL4Transit]

3 hours ago, IAmFloridaBorn said:

Amazing how some maps in that link still include the orange blossom Express line. 

The Orange Blossom Express line is still under consideration in Orange County only since Lake County does not want it.  I think it would be a good line to serve the busy 441 corridor if it could be delivered at reasonable cost and operated frequently, which is unlikely with typical high USA transit construction costs and infrequent commuter rail operating models, but  nevertheless it's a good line in theory, especially with all  the new development in the Packing District and Rosemont.

Edited January 12, 2022 by CFL4Transit

[IAmFloridaBorn]

8 hours ago, CFL4Transit said:

The Orange Blossom Express line is still under consideration in Orange County only since Lake County does not want it.  I think it would be a good line to serve the busy 441 corridor if it could be delivered at reasonable cost and operated frequently, which is unlikely with typical high USA transit construction costs and infrequent commuter rail operating models, but  nevertheless it's a good line in theory, especially with all  the new development in the Packing District and Rosemont.

Interesting. Lake County is so unprogressive . Only thing I hated about living out there. But Orange county should just worry about itself at this point. I hate that we are  boxed in with slower non forward thinking counties but it is what it is. 

 

Packing district and even the Rose district proposal for Rosemont would really make having a line make sense. Not to mention Lynx could then just make a bus/rail shortstop in Apopka as it likely becomes bigger and bigger in both size, importance in Orange County, and population and economic opportunity.  A 17-23 mile commuter line extension is a start. 

[prahaboheme]

5 minutes ago, IAmFloridaBorn said:

Interesting. Lake County is so unprogressive . Only thing I hated about living out there. But Orange county should just worry about itself at this point. I hate that we are  boxed in with slower non forward thinking counties but it is what it is. 

 

Packing district and even the Rose district proposal for Rosemont would really make having a line make sense. Not to mention Lynx could then just make a bus/rail shortstop in Apopka as it likely becomes bigger and bigger in both size, importance in Orange County, and population and economic opportunity.  A 17-23 mile commuter line extension is a start. 

A light rail extension along this route would make a lot of sense over a commuter rail.

[jliv]

4 hours ago, prahaboheme said:

A light rail extension along this route would make a lot of sense over a commuter rail.

I think the language needs to change.  "Light rail" means different things to different people, and I really don't think people care about the differences in tech, but service levels.  The Denver model is a solution; voters approved a very ambitious rail system and the actual costs turned out to be must higher than the projected tax revenue to expand their light rail system, so they shifted gears and moved to traditional "commuter rail" technology on existing railroad right-of-ways, with some of the lines running at a "light rail" frequency, like the A Line to the airport.   In the UK, cities like Liverpool and Birmingham are largely served by traditional rail lines, but with a service frequency better than light rail systems like the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte.  Birmingham does run a tram to Wolverhampton, but it runs on standard gauge railroad tracks.  You don't have to spend a ton on money like Portland has over the past 30 years to get the same quality of service, but I do think there is a "romance of rail" with many voters you have to consider, which just got a massive light rail project in Austin approved by voters.  It's silly not to consider forms of fixed guideway rail in the region where the world's largest monorail system operates!

Edited January 12, 2022 by jliv

[blt23]

On 1/10/2022 at 11:47 AM, CFL4Transit said:

Hi to all the passionate urbanists in this board,

Central Floridians for Public Transit (CFL4Transit) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for improved transit in Greater Orlando. We are accelerating our efforts in 2022 to anticipation of Mayor Demings' transportation funding initiative for Orange County being put on the ballot for the November election. We want to ensure the funding is spent effectively and efficiently if passed, and is dedicated primarily to improving our inadequate transit system, rather than expanding roads and infrastructure for cars.

If you would like to learn more about our organization or join the fight for reliable high quality transit in our community, you can reach us at [email protected], follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or sign up for our mailing list.

We would also love to facilitate a discussion about this board's preferred actions for spending any dedicated transit funding to improve transit in Orange County. Community engagement is part of our mission to create a plan that provides frequent, fast, and flexible transit for our region so we do not fall further behind the rest of the country and world for public transit.

Thanks to all for the lively and passionate conversations this board produces!

CFL4Transit

[email protected]

https://centralfloridiansforpublictransit.org/

The first thing is that SunRail should run every 30 minutes all day, 7 days a week. The infrastructure for it already exists and it's an easy way to increase ridership and drive TOD at the stations. If we want transit oriented development to happen, then the transit service needs to good enough to be worth orienting around.

I would also like to see a strong focus on doing the quick, cheap, and easy things that make buses nicer to use like shelters, wayfinding, and bike/ped access to stops. Of course service frequency needs to increase dramatically too, but I think we all know that.

I have reservations about rail because the high cost and long timelines make it a lower return investment, especially when hesitancy over service frequency is involved. I'm very skeptical that a SunRail line along Brightline's tracks will provide much mobility benefit to residents for reasons I detailed here, but I also understand that I stand relatively alone in that opinion.

On 1/11/2022 at 4:23 PM, CFL4Transit said:

So there's actually a good plan called the Orange County Transit Plan that LYNX developed arising from their LYNX Forward initiative a few years back. It reimagines the entire bus system and doubles service, creating a series of frequent corridors and regional express buses complemented by local routes and SunRail. The plan has yet to be conveyed by policy makers who are likely not familiar with the technical details. While bus upgrades are not as flashy as expensive rail projects, they are the workhorse of our system. We need to build a high quality bus system before we can focus on building additional rail, which we also strongly support.  If you're interested in viewing the Orange County Transit Plan, you can view a copy here! https://drive.google.com/file/d/12cjGk909Li1LP0uYRhayNj891z_YpwiK/view?usp=sharing

However, we completely agree with you about needing to hear specific project proposals from Mayor Demings. We are working on developing our own vision for the transportation funding. This includes projects like BRT with bus lanes on every major corridors, a 24/7 owl bus network, electrifying Sunrail, running it frequently, and working with Brightline to extend it to Universal and Disney,  along with policy changes like integrated fares and better wayfinding. We hope to help shape the conversation and ensure a clear message and effective plan is present before the voters decide in November.

The way I read things, that document IS Mayor Demings' plan, so any lobbying might need to use it as a starting point.

The planned express bus network seems good, and I like that most of its routes are designed to run every 30 minutes all day between key economic centers rather than being peak only commuter routes.

The idea of creating high frequency routes is also great, but the implementation seems flawed. Splitting the frequency between "local" and "limited" services each running every 20 minutes means that many stops won't actually get high frequency service, and it would get even worse on evenings and weekends when the local would switch to 30 minute headways so the services wouldn't even alternate nicely. My understanding of successful BRT-lite projects in other cities is that they're really about getting all the small details right: frequency, stop spacing, near vs. far side, bus bulbs vs pull-over spaces, level or near level boarding, interaction with bike lanes, transit signal priority, off board fare payment, bus design, shelter design, wayfinding and branding, etc. This report doesn't inspire confidence that Lynx understands what it takes to make these types of routes successful. The goal should be to get enough of the small details right that their collective improvement in comfort and travel times is enough that multiple service levels aren't needed along the same corridor.

I'm also curious about the large number of bus transfer centers proposed in the plan, because I really hope that they are focused at key locations and don't require long and slow diversions to places people don't want to go.  

Unlike the bus portions, the rail aspects of this plan mostly feel like a disaster. The only parts I like are the Sunrail infill station at Holden Ave, somewhat increased Sunrail service, and the lack of Sunrail on Brightline's tracks. It mentions that a light rail line could be built between OIA and OCCC, but rather than actually proposing to build it, the plan is just to set a few dollars aside in case a private partner comes along? And for Orange Blossom Express the plan is to start with high frequency buses to "develop the market", but not to a high enough level for federal funding, so Orange County alone will spend 800 million to set up a commuter rail service that only runs every 60 minutes off peak? This is pretty insane.

A better rail plan is needed, but we should also recognize that there are challenges in that. The current Sunrail line runs through multiple counties, and electrification doesn't make sense unless the whole line can be electrified. That means electrification should probably wait until the current trains are getting older and the other partners might be willing to participate. Another big thing is service levels:

14 hours ago, CFL4Transit said:

The Orange Blossom Express line is still under consideration in Orange County only since Lake County does not want it.  I think it would be a good line to serve the busy 441 corridor if it could be delivered at reasonable cost and operated frequently, which is unlikely with typical high USA transit construction costs and infrequent commuter rail operating models, but  nevertheless it's a good line in theory, especially with all  the new development in the Packing District and Rosemont.

The part of this I bolded is incredibly important because people can't ride theory to work. The benefit of a transit line is only as good as the service provided, so if a high quality, frequent service isn't going to be run then the infrastructure investment is being wasted. This is why I view all day 30 minute service on the existing Sunrail as so important - if frequent service won't be run on existing infrastructure, why should we ever believe that future infrastructure investments will be used effectively?

[Jernigan]

You guys sound like commuter rail is an experiment that Orlando pioneered.  30 minute all day service to Debary and Poinciana?  No thanks.  Why so eager to foster sprawl anyway?

[IAmFloridaBorn]

10 hours ago, prahaboheme said:

A light rail extension along this route would make a lot of sense over a commuter rail.

Indeed it would. But with our leaders, they'll cheap out however. Commuter rail is always cheaper in it's Simplist form. 

 

Thy could do something like the Sprinter in Oceanside California. Or build a light rail line overhead those tracks to Rosemont, shoot up forest city to Seminole Community College, then shoot off to Downtown Apopka and New Apopka.

[CFL4Transit]

14 hours ago, blt23 said:

The first thing is that SunRail should run every 30 minutes all day, 7 days a week. The infrastructure for it already exists and it's an easy way to increase ridership and drive TOD at the stations. If we want transit oriented development to happen, then the transit service needs to good enough to be worth orienting around.

I would also like to see a strong focus on doing the quick, cheap, and easy things that make buses nicer to use like shelters, wayfinding, and bike/ped access to stops. Of course service frequency needs to increase dramatically too, but I think we all know that.

I have reservations about rail because the high cost and long timelines make it a lower return investment, especially when hesitancy over service frequency is involved. I'm very skeptical that a SunRail line along Brightline's tracks will provide much mobility benefit to residents for reasons I detailed here, but I also understand that I stand relatively alone in that opinion.

The way I read things, that document IS Mayor Demings' plan, so any lobbying might need to use it as a starting point.

The planned express bus network seems good, and I like that most of its routes are designed to run every 30 minutes all day between key economic centers rather than being peak only commuter routes.

The idea of creating high frequency routes is also great, but the implementation seems flawed. Splitting the frequency between "local" and "limited" services each running every 20 minutes means that many stops won't actually get high frequency service, and it would get even worse on evenings and weekends when the local would switch to 30 minute headways so the services wouldn't even alternate nicely. My understanding of successful BRT-lite projects in other cities is that they're really about getting all the small details right: frequency, stop spacing, near vs. far side, bus bulbs vs pull-over spaces, level or near level boarding, interaction with bike lanes, transit signal priority, off board fare payment, bus design, shelter design, wayfinding and branding, etc. This report doesn't inspire confidence that Lynx understands what it takes to make these types of routes successful. The goal should be to get enough of the small details right that their collective improvement in comfort and travel times is enough that multiple service levels aren't needed along the same corridor.

I'm also curious about the large number of bus transfer centers proposed in the plan, because I really hope that they are focused at key locations and don't require long and slow diversions to places people don't want to go.  

Unlike the bus portions, the rail aspects of this plan mostly feel like a disaster. The only parts I like are the Sunrail infill station at Holden Ave, somewhat increased Sunrail service, and the lack of Sunrail on Brightline's tracks. It mentions that a light rail line could be built between OIA and OCCC, but rather than actually proposing to build it, the plan is just to set a few dollars aside in case a private partner comes along? And for Orange Blossom Express the plan is to start with high frequency buses to "develop the market", but not to a high enough level for federal funding, so Orange County alone will spend 800 million to set up a commuter rail service that only runs every 60 minutes off peak? This is pretty insane.

A better rail plan is needed, but we should also recognize that there are challenges in that. The current Sunrail line runs through multiple counties, and electrification doesn't make sense unless the whole line can be electrified. That means electrification should probably wait until the current trains are getting older and the other partners might be willing to participate. Another big thing is service levels:

The part of this I bolded is incredibly important because people can't ride theory to work. The benefit of a transit line is only as good as the service provided, so if a high quality, frequent service isn't going to be run then the infrastructure investment is being wasted. This is why I view all day 30 minute service on the existing Sunrail as so important - if frequent service won't be run on existing infrastructure, why should we ever believe that future infrastructure investments will be used effectively?

Thank you for the excellent analysis! Totally agree with your perspective and opinions. SunRail for sure should run at least every 30 minutes. I would prefer to upgrade the rolling stock to at least DMUs in the short term and run every 15 minutes during peak hours just for Orange County, but there's probably not demand for that as yet, but TOD around SunRail stations instead of surface parking lots should definitely be a top priority.

We are also heavily advocating for safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians as part of the transportation spending. Orlando is regularly named the most dangerous city for cyclist and pedestrians. People are not going to want to ride the bus if they have a choice even with good service if simply walking to the stop puts your life at danger, especially on dangerous arterials like Colonial and Semoran.

We've have good conversations with LYNX planners and they understand these issues need to be addressed holistically to improve transit ridership, but they do not have the authority or capital budget to make the infrastructure upgrades necessary  for safety improvements. Since the most dangerous roads are state owned, a lot of it is on FDOT to improve safety around transit stops, which is a serious obstacle to any Complete Streets or Vision Zero policy by local governments.

Also agree about not splitting service between Local and Limited. In LA they have moved away from this system by eliminating many of their MetroRapid bus routes in favor of reducing stops and increasing services on the local routes. However, the devil is in the details, if Local stops were every 1/4 mile and Limited stop every 1/2 mile then most stops would get  still get frequent service. But we are also advocating to consolidate services into one frequent line instead of the split service proposed here

Our biggest concern would be without implementing bus lanes and other improvements to speed up slow service, bus bunching could occur making  the frequent corridor service less useful. Another concern is whether transfers will be timed. It seems an overall philosophy is using the local network to transport commuters to regional hubs for fast direct service, either on Sunrail on the Regional Express Network.  However, 30 minutes is not frequent enough to convince people to get out of their cars if the transfer from the local network to SunRail or the Express buses is not timed and you have to wait an additional 15-20 minutes or longer.  We want a system that is good enough to convince people to switch to transit from driving, and we are not convinced this plan will do it either. BTW they have already implemented some of the new express network with the new Disney Express link 300 and the reimagining of route 38 as an express to Universal, both of which offer direct system every 30 minutes 7 days a week, without having to deal with parking! These Express routes and ones implemented in the future will also used the I-4 toll lanes, which is another point in their favor.

The  details you mention for successful service is what we want to focus on implementing to improve bus service for all. One big thing we want to see is fare systems that allow contactless payments so you can just tap your card instead of needing cash or putting up with their unwieldy app. Our tag line is we want service that is "Fast, Frequent, and Flexible". We are speaking with policy makers delivering a presentation that lays out the details on how to achieve these goals through things you mentioned like stop spacing, bus lanes, level boarding, and better wayfaring.

The best part about the proposed bus reimagining in our opinion is that it optimizes the network to make it more direct and less circuitous, and adds new service along streets like  Lake Underhill and Goldenrod that are growing fast but currently lack  service along the entire corridors. While the plan definitely has its share of flaws and is need of seriously refining,  it would be such a massive upgrade over the current system, which is completely unreliable and dysfunctional.  It has one route that operates every 15 minutes beside the downtown LYMMOs, and only 2 routes that operate every 20 minutes. Half of all routes come every hour.  Lack of dedicated funding has prevented LYNX from effectively serving the region for decades. They have 300 buses for a service area of 2.1 million people. This is not acceptable.

Current riders have to either put with 2-3 hour one way commutes or buy a car even if they cannot afford the financial burden of car ownership because spending money on a car you cannot afford is better than being fired for being late due to LYNX being unreliable.
I'm lucky because I work from home,  but I used to put up with 2 hour 30 min commutes 1 way to UCF from Metrowest just to attend class. This plan would cut many current riders commute times in half. Any plan that effectively doubles service will be a blessing to long suffering LYNX riders. I think overall the plan has more good than bad, and we hope to help refine and improve it, because the status quo is untenable.

Regarding community engagement, the transportation tax going to be officially announced on 1/25/2022 at the Orange County BCC meeting, so that would be the first time for you or anyone else on this board to provide input to elected officials  , either by showing up for a public comment, or emailing. I think your comments should be heard by officials, even if you just copied your comment from this board in an email! Thanks again for your  insightful comments, we forward to continued engagement with you and other board members on this matter.

Here's a promotional image our groups are pushing to promote prioritizing transit rather than widening roads for the transportation funding.