by Adron

Transit Sleuth TV : Episode 1 “Transit Meet n’ How to Carry Wine & Gelato”

The first episode of Transit Sleuth TV we dive into the world of transit and some of the uber nerds that keep tabs on the transit operators themselves, along with the tech of the trade. Tonight I go on a transit meet where a number of the notorious transit crew meet for an evening of eats, drinks and discussion.

If you liked this video subscribe to my Transit Sleuth Channel or subscribe to this blog, I’ll have more coming on a mostly regular schedule all posted right here.

Direct link: http://vimeo.com/adronhall/transitsleuthtv-episode1

by Adron

Streetcar is Out, Meet Logistical Changes…!

So I was just informed by Lane @PDXTransitlane that the CL Line is being served by a bus bridge while they add the switch to the OMSI stop location. So here’s the last minute switcheroo… we’re going to meet at McMenamins Market Street Pub. It’s on the streetcar line (NS and CL line technically). It’s located at 1526 SW 10th. Everything else is the same as mentioned previously.

by Adron

Transit… Meet

Sometimes it’s a transit beer, this time it’s a transit meet. Transit riders, rabble rousers and hobbyists, come one and all to the upcoming transit meet. Here’s the plan logistics.

We meet at 6:30pm on this coming Monday (tweet or DM me on twitter @transitsleuth to RSVP so we get a count for who is coming) at the OMSI Streetcar Stop (map) for a ride of the loop as is, with a stop at a destination that is to be determined. We’ll see how well we can make a decision on where to stop. So come with at least a buck or two for the streetcar fare! If you don’t have a buck, be sure to bring the new iPhone App and we’ll see how well it works!  …or breaks.  😦

Either way, here’s some topics that we’ll dive into:

  • Transit Sleuth TV will likely be filming, so bring your game face and tell us what you’d like to see on Transit Sleuth TV.
  • Where’s that new light rail, I mean bus rapid, I mean… where’s that new service going to go?
  • We’re going to take a look at Al’s favorite topic, labor costs and how driverless buses are the future! Super exciting!

by Adron

Trip Cancelled, But Only Momentarily!

Ok, some things came up and I had to cancel the trip at the last second. One of the beauties of Amtrak is that I’m not down for the cash (or points) for the trip!  Whew, made that 24 hour deadline. It sure beats the hell out of dealing with those airlines (except Virgin!)

So over the next couple of weeks I’ll be blogging the logistics and plans instead of the trip itself. Hopefully with more insight I’ll be able to even hit up more cool stuff and publish it here on the ole’ blog! So stay tuned, I’ll have maps, logistics and updates coming soon.

by Adron

Onward to Los Angeles, Santa Ana & Newport Beach

I’m heading down to check out some biking, beaches and a rail trip. Feel free to join me at any point of the trip. I’m aiming to record it, blog it and generally provide a thorough write up of the whole adventure. To start it off, here’s the logistics plans.

Portland Union Station at Night

Portland Union Station at Night

On September 4th I’ll be departing, with bicycle packed and recording gear on hand from Portland Union Station. I’ll be boarding the Coast Starlight south bound to Los Angeles. From Los Angeles I’ll make a transfer to the Pacific Surfliner down to Santa Ana.

Once I arrive in Santa Ana I’l detrain and unpack my bike. Somehow I’ll carry the storing container and other material and roll on from Santa Ana Station down to Newport Beach via the Santa Ana River Trail.

From Santa Ana Rail Station to Newport Beach via the Santa Ana River Trail.

From Santa Ana Rail Station to Newport Beach via the Santa Ana River Trail.

Coast Starlight arriving in Portland.

Coast Starlight arriving in Portland.

Once I arrive I intend to take a few bike trips here and there, which I’ll record some and write about others. I’m working to line up meeting some riders, coders & transit crew while I’m down. So if you’re anywhere in the Los Angeles metro area between the 6th and 10th of September, let me know and we’ll have some grub with a beer, coffee or other beverage of our choice. If you’re up for riding and interested in showing me trails, routes or other crazy cycling bits, definitely ping me about that too, I’m curious where the routes & runs are for the LA, OC and metro area local riders are. If you’re up for a tour about, hit me at @transitsleuth on twitter.

Surlac

Surlac

Upon the return trip I’ll bike back out to the station, whip out the tools and re-pack the bike at the Santa Ana Station and then board an early morning Pacific Surfliner back into Los Angeles. From there back aboard to the north bound Coast Starlight, feet up and kicked back, and the following day I’ll arrive back in Portland, Oregon rested and relaxed.