Thursday, July 29, 2010

Joseph M. Calisi Media Advisory: My China Steam Finale Story Is Rebroadcast in August, 2010



A China Rail 'QJ' class 2-10-2 steam-hauled train exits Summit Tunnel in Jing Peng Pass, Inner Mongolia, China in November, 2003.


Set your VCRs/DVRs to view and record my story on Transit, Transit that garnered me a Telly Award (national news organization) finalist trophy in 2004, is being re-broadcast. The telling tale of the final days of mainline steam railroading in the world is being rebroadcast. For broadcast times/dates, cut and past this link below into your browser:
http://www.mta.info/nyct/trantran/showsch.htm

Be aware that in New Jersey, Comcast picks up WNYE's Channel 25 broadcast.

Share this notice with your friends and record the program so you can see it over and over or make copies for your friends!!!!

Visit my posts on the New Rochelle NY blog, 'Talk Of The Sound' at:
http://www.newrochelletalk.com/taxonomy/term/332

Enjoy!!!!


Sincerely,


Joseph M. Calisi
International Transportation Photojournalist
and Syndicator of News Stories and Images Since 1993

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

NYC Transit's Renovations At E 180 Street In The Bronx Continue

The elevated junction station of the IRT's Dyre Avenue (#5) and White Plains (#2) lines is still under renovation. While the exterior looks the same, the interior and platform areas are undergoing complete renovation.

The platforms are being renovated with new sheathing/coverings and platforms. The concrete roadbed, stairways and passageway will be new when it's all done.


The symbol of the previous owner of the station, the defunct New York Westchester & Boston Railroad, is still evident at the station entrance. The center track is ripped up and the sheds are undergoing complete renovation. A southbound IRT #2 White Plains/Lexington Avenue line is picking up passengers and headed for Manhattan and Brooklyn.



NYC Transit Debuts Subway Service Status Board In Grand Central

(Grand Central Terminal, July 28, 2010) - Today, a new feature was quietly unfurled for subway strap hangers. At the main subway turnstile/escalator entrance next to the Metro Card Vending Machines, a new video monitor was out in the open and in operation at Grand Central.

The screen shows every subway line in the system. It shows if there are delays on each line or is 'on time'. It represents the latest improvement in our mass transit system and gives riders an opportunity to plan their rides.




Metro-North's Fordham Station Improvements Coming

Metro-North (MNR) is getting a piece of the 3rd Avenue El, well at least a part of the ground it once stood on. The commuter railroad has purchased from Fordham University, a sliver of land in order to widen their northbound Fordham Station platform from 8 to 20 feet. The width extension is part of an overall upgrade with a new and wider canopy for waiting commuters.

This 515-foot station is MNR's busiest station because it is a 'reverse commute' transfer point for 6,000 passengers between the New Haven and Harlem lines.

Metro-North President Howard Permut said, "The current outbound platform is narrow and gets crowded during the AM rush."

The land became available after Fordham U. comleted its new dorm buildings on land where 3rd Avenue elevated once trolled. The parcel of land cost the MTA $392,040 and is part of the $14 million renovation.


A cut of Metro-North New Haven line M-2 'Cosmopolitan' cars picks up some 'reverse commuters' at the Fordham station where 6,000 daily head up into Connecticut and Westchester. Many that reside in New Rochelle, Pelham and Mount Vernon make this weekday reverse trek.


NYC Transit's Bx12 'Select Bus Service' collects many passengers heading east or west on Fordham Road.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Street Paving Happens In New Rochelle Without Affecting Traffic

The City of New Rochelle continues its street repaving program, giving a nice smooth ride to motorists. Pedestrians are also beneficiaries as they are worrying less and less about turning an ankle on broken pavement.

Here's a photo of the beginning of the grinding process on July 15, 2010 at about 10 pm between Pintard Avenue and Maple Street on Boston Post Road (Route 1).

Storm Damage in New Rochelle and Pelham, NY on July 25, 2010

Between 4:30 and 5pm today, a huge squall line created a rain storm condition with 60+ mph winds in New Rochelle and Pelham, NY. At times, the rain 'fell' across the horizon instead of down, creating an updraft with water going everywhere imaginable. I did not see any major flooding but storm sewers were back up a bit because too much water going through pipes not big enough to handle it.

Downed power lines and big tree branches in both cities were evident as auto and foot traffic were diverted for safety reasons by the repective police and fire departments. Some of the tree limbs were quickly moved by police but fire department intervention was required for the power lines hitting the ground.

New Rochelle photos on Elm Street (note the downed power line on the close-up):







Pelham NY photos on Boston Post Road at Pelhamdale Rd as Pelham PD blocks the road for their FD...






...and near the Hutchinson River Parkway:



For additional information on this storm, cut and paste this link below into your web browser:
http://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/brief-powerful-storm-rips-new-rochelle-1-missing-presumed-drowned-premium-point-send-us-your

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July 2010 New Rochelle, NY Transportation Center Update

By Joseph M. Calisi Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved

Since the roof was blown off the pedestrian overpass over the tracks on February 12, 2009, some upgrades have been recently installed at the New Rochelle, NY train station.

From October, 2009 up until now, the roof of the overpass has been completely rebuilt and new safety features installed. A safety light system (inside the overpass) and a safety pole so workers can attach harnesses (atop the roof’s exterior) are two of the most visible features to the public.

I had a quick chat with a safety-vested worker as I advanced to the Manhattan-bound platform. I was told that slated for future work are canopy replacements and new train arrival boards similar to those installed on other New Haven line stations – all pending budget allowances within the next year to 18 months. Also on the list are overpass floor adjustments.

The station proper and its sheds belong to the City of New Rochelle and are not included in the plan.

At that point I mentioned to him that during the deluge of rain about a month ago, I saw water falling between the old station and Metro-North’s, rendering the newspapers in the green newspaper vending machines useless because they were water-logged. He said he’d take it up with the engineers for when the new canopy installation occurs.



Repairs to the New Rochelle train station are almost complete on July 7, 2010.



On February 12, 2009 at about 11:45 am, a 60+ mph wind-shear loosened the roof over the track walkway, knocking out 3 tracks until mid-afternoon when it was deemed that the catenary wire was not harmed. Passengers were only allowed to exit and board trains from the 4 eastern-most cars of the train.



Heavy rain comes into the New Rochelle Metro-North train station on May 3, 2010. The newspaper kiosk was soaked and damaged the newspapers inside.

Monday, July 5, 2010

The Slogan "See Something, Say Something"

By Joseph M. Calisi Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved


New York, NY (July 1, 2010) – If you’re law enforcement you can get away with stealing something – well not really. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the last several years has used the slogan "If You See Something, Say Something" in the post 9/11 world. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced in a press conference that the MTA’s slogan that was first used in 2002, will appear nationwide in an Amtrak poster campaign. It is all part of a nationwide ‘Suspicious Activity Reporting’ (SAR) initiative as part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to bolster surface transportation security.

The Penn Station security campaign kick-off is all part of a national cooperative effort among law enforcement to boost security using the general public as its eyes and ears. Out of more than $44 million spent by DHS since 2006, $13 million has been used on this public safety and security awareness campaign. It appears to be a further relationship-building beyond the TSA/NYPD VIPR (Visual Intermodal Prevention and Response) teams for random mobile screening of passengers performed similarly in airports and other transportation venues around the country.

Napolitano made subsequent stops on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) at Newark Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station and Washington DC’s Union Station after immediately departing New York by Amtrak. The NEC is the nation’s busiest passenger rail line.

"These efforts mature over time and the threats evolve over time," Napolitano said. "And we think today's announcement is a big step forward in making the public even more aware than they are. All play a critical role in increasing awareness and improving preparedness.” She added that it was a very successful public campaign. With the MTA’s permission, the same trademarked slogan is being used in fifty other cities around the U.S.

Amtrak Police Chief John O’Connor said, “The Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative establishes a unified approach at all levels of government to gather, document, process, analyze and most importantly share information about terrorism-related suspicious activities. The Amtrak Police Department is pleased to become part of this network of law enforcement agencies and we look forward to working closely with federal, state and local authorities.” Amtrak officers will also use an upgraded TSA reporting system to pass along reports to the FBI and DHs for further analysis.

The DHS will work with Amtrak and the Department Of Justice (DOJ) to expand the SAR effort to regional and freight railways in addition to mass transit agencies.

It is unclear how this affects railfans – those that photograph railroads as a hobby. While the reporting system doesn’t focus on ethnicity or gender, hobbyists could be confused with terrorist activity. While the DOJ National SAR Initiative (NSI) program has a rigorous policy and civil liberties guidelines built into it, it is entirely possible that a hobbyist or journalist could wind up in front of an FBI agent to answer questions fore a harmless activity.

In addition to the announcement, Ms. Napolitano, swore in John Pistole as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) administrator in a public ceremony. Pistole, the former deputy FBI director, was confirmed by the Senate last week. He said "see something, say something" was a good way to engage the public in the security effort.

"Any efforts that they make throughout the country I think are helpful to us here in New York City," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. "Cause, as we've seen, threats develop, bombs are built, in places away from New York City." The recent Times Square bomb plot was uncovered after a street vendor saw a passenger-less SUV with its engine running that was smoking and had its blinkers on. He then the hero vendor notified the NYPD.

The NYPD graduated a new class of 103 police officers later that afternoon. They’ll be assigned to transit duties, thanks to an earlier federal grant.

MTA Chairman Jay Walder said, "…I know security is a team effort and we have the City and State to protect. ‘See Something, Say Something’ has been a key part of the plan to keep people safe. The Times Square bombing attempt underscores the slogan’s success and must be a vital part of keeping transit and The City safe. We want our customers to feel comfortable riding our trains and buses again. At the same time, we are making the public the eyes and ears of our transit system.”

MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz said the simplicity of the message seems to convey in a very succinct manner. "It's right to the point, it's engaged the public in serving as the eyes and ears of our system."

Amtrak travelers will see an increased use of unannounced bomb-sniffing dogs and officers performing ID checks with random bag during the holiday weekend and beyond.





Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (coral jacket) speaks with NYPD Commissioner Kelly (front right), MTA Chairman Walder (Rear right) before departing from NY Penn Station on an Amtrak train after the press conference for Newark Penn Station and points south on July 1, 2010.


Amtrak Police Sergeant Smith and his K-9 dog 'inspect' Jennifer Uppold's bags for dangerous materials as part of the security sweep.

TWU Local 100 And ‘Doctor’ Schumer Announce a national movement, “Keep America Moving”

By Joseph M. Calisi, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved

Pennsylvania Station, NYC, June 11, 2010 – In a press conference lead by TWU Local 100 President John Samuelson operating behind a national movement, “Keep America Moving”, Senator Charles Schumer announced the finalization of the “Public Transportation Preservation Act” that would provide a $2 billion emergency aid bill for transit systems across the US to reverse urban transit service cuts and layoffs. Samuelson stated that the bill was not just money for New York’s transit system, but to help transit systems nationwide.

Senator Schumer called himself ‘Doctor Schumer’ for the event as the legislation would diagnose and solve the nation’s transportation ills. Senators Dodd (D-NJ), Menendez (D-NJ), Durbin (D-IL) Schumer (D-NY), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Brown (D-OH), Reed (D-RI) and Gillibrand (D-NY), S. 3412, would reverse the effects of the chronic under funding of mass transit systems across the country by injecting $2 billion into mass transit operating funds. The New York tri-state - the country’s largest transportation area, would receive approximately $345 million if enacted.

Keep America Moving (www.keepamericamoving.org), a national coalition of labor leaders, members of transit unions, environmentalists, and faith-based groups that seek to restore transportations jobs and services from coast-to-coast that could be lost without the funds provided in this Federal bill.

Transport Workers Union Local 100 President John Samuelsen sent the message that others would later echo giving the corollary that mass transit was New York City’s lifeblood as its "veins and arteries."

Amalgamated Transit Union International vice president Larry Hanley said that cuts and losses were, “...a national crisis." He termed this legislation is important because normally Federal money is used for capital projects and not to help avoid layoffs. He also noted that the federal government has spent more on public transit in the last year than ever before, the money was not to fund operating costs. New York, Sacramento, Chicago and Atlanta were cities looking at service cuts and/or fare hikes to close each of their own budget gaps.

Within New York City, the money would offset the $143 million the New York State Governor took from the MTA this year and that the money should last a couple of years according to Senator Schumer. The Senator also recalled his youth taking the S2 bus to Junior High School and lamented the loss of student MetroCards as, “unacceptable.” He added that mass transit was, “…the lifeblood of our city. This beautiful, crowded, pulsing city could not be this way unless we had mass transit. "We can't rely on the state very much these days."


Behind Senator Schumer's right shoulder (smiling) is TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen; on Schumer’s left is NYC Councilman and Transportation Committee Chairman James Vacca.

Habitat For Humanity of Westchester in New Rochelle Sponsors Trolleybus Tour of New Rochelle

By Joseph M. Calisi Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved

New Rochelle, NY (July 3, 2010) – Habitat For Humanity of Westchester in New Rochelle sponsored its third trolley bus tour of New Rochelle. The ‘Fourth Of July’ tour showed the historic aspects of the city and is meant to spur tourism of ‘The Queen City Of The Sound’.

The tour began at its New Rochelle headquarters at 524 Main Street and passed through the southern and northern portions of town. Notable locations such as the recently controversial Naval Armory that was built in the 1930s as a Federal Relief Project and housed New Rochelle Naval Reserves, a volunteer group. The building has been targeted as part of the controversial Echo Bay redevelopment project by the City of New Rochelle. The building was ‘sold’ by New York State to the City for public use in 1997, for one dollar and has mostly lain dormant since then.

Landmarks such as the site of the first movie studio, former New York, Westchester and Boston Railroad station on North Avenue (which currently being reworked), Thomas Paine Cottage/museum and monument, Norman Rockwell studios, where George Washington slept (it seems like it was everywhere) and the statue of New Rochelle founder Jacob Leisler were highlighted and discussed.

The hour-long tour left the busload of 22 passengers clamoring for more. With its nine miles of Long Island Sound coastline as a beginning, The Queen City Of The Sound certainly does.






Jim Killoran, The Habitat For Humanity of Westchester (HFH) Executive Director, gives the thumbs-up for the HFH-sponsored trolley bus tour of New Rochelle showing the historic aspects of the city. The tour is meant to spur tourism and demonstrate its history, hoping to make it a future tourist destination.

July 5, 2010 Heat Issues Plague Amtrak Train In Larchmont, NY

By Joseph M. Calisi, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved

Today, an Amtrak train was stuck for 2 hours in Larchmont, NY when the power went out due to the effects of the stifling almost 100 degree heat.

Train was pulled by a rescue diesel locomotive. Pictured is a recent Amtrak train in the nearby New Rochelle, NY station.





An Amtrak train pulling into the New Rochelle Transportation Center on 7-2-2010.

Dangerous Driving Conditions In New Rochelle, NY

By Joseph M. Calisi Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved

The New Rochelle Transportation Center that is used by Metro-North, has a dangerous driving situation that needs to be addressed. When the entire center was rebuilt to include a parking garage and new entrance ramps, the western entrance was built with a view block when exiting the center and entering Division Street. Division Street is a one-way southbound street bridge. A second similar situation exists on the next block just over the railroad tracks.

When driving up this ramp and reaching the top at Division Street (located between Railroad Avenue and Station Plaza North) and at Railroad Avenue, the driver of a vehicle cannot see oncoming traffic on the right when stopping at the crosswalk. A driver must 'nose out' for the ability to see oncoming traffic - creating an accident situation for not one but two motorists.

The cause of this view block is the fence on the bridge over I-95. The fencing appears to be built according to code, but in this case, the fence needs to be modified. Below are photos I recently took of this dangerous place.

These intersections are dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians as visibility is limited.

There are no yield signs on Division Street warning of possible oncoming traffic nor is there a painted ‘candy stripe’ on the bridge to pull cars into a slow lane requiring a full stop. Cars on the ramp are not protected from bridge traffic.

These are all issues apparently not addressed during the design phase of the project back in the 1990s.

The object of this post is to warn drivers of these situations. Hopefully, the New Rochelle Department Of Transportation will read this and apply the candy striping and appropriate signage. As a long-range goal, Federal Department of Transportation fence guidelines should be modified to allow for an angular design to provide for greater visibility. The Federal DOT and FRA are the agencies responsible for the track overpass guidelines.





A progression of photos showing that drivers on both Division Street and the Transportation Center exit ramp. Drivers cannot see around the I-95 fencing there and the subsequent corner just over the railroad tracks.